HIV/AIDS: An Ohio Community Assessment

Author Institution: Department of Medical Technology and Department of Social Work, Bowling Green State UniversityTo identify unmet education and prevention needs in a medium-sized Midwestern metropolitan community seven target populations were surveyed to determine AIDS/HIV knowledge levels, risk behaviors, and sources of information/services. Target groups included community youth, school youth, HIV-positive persons, women, gay/bisexual individuals, racial/ethnic groups, persons incarcerated and/or on probation with the criminal justice system, and substance users. Persons in the different target groups were surveyed using a standardized, self-administered survey instrument containing questions on demographics; HIV-related risk behavior; knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HIV; and questions tailored for the various target groups. Responses were voluntary and anonymous. Data were analyzed based on frequency distribution and correlation. Findings suggested that knowledge about HIV and AIDS was relatively high among all groups; while the knowledge levels appeared to be high, respondents reported continued high risk behavior. Abstinence and condom use to reduce risk of HIV exposure were recognized as effective; yet neither abstinence nor condom use was reported as common practice by the respondents, even the HIV-positive respondents. Since it appears that education is failing to effect change, a new approach to bring HIV/AIDS risk reduction to a more personal level must be examined and implemented

Linking Research to Educational Policy and Practice: What Kind of Relationships in How (de)Centralized a Context?

There have been debates on two issues related to the process of improving educational quality. The first concerns the alternative models for the relationship between researchers and policymakers/practitioners in efforts in efforts to link research and policy/practice. The second involves arguments about merits of centralized, linear versus decentralized, iterative strategies for reforming education. In this chapter, we summarize the issues raised in these debates and then explore them using illustrations drawn from documentation research of a USAID-funded project, Improving Educational Quality (IEQ), which operated in Ghana, Guatemala and Mali during the years from 1992 to 1996

Ralph M. Steinman: Research and Career

General information about Dr. Ralph Steinman and his Nobel Prize winning research.https://digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu/steinman-nobel/1000/thumbnail.jp

Anatomy of germinal centers in mouse spleen, with special reference to \u27follicular dendritic cells\u27

Lymphocyte proliferation in germinal centers (GC\u27s) is thought to be triggered by antigen retained extracellularly on the surface of special \u27dendritic\u27 cells. The anatomy and function of these cells have not been studied directly or in detail. We therefore examined mouse spleen GC\u27s developing in response to sheep erythrocyte stimulation. We found that distinctive \u27follicular dendritic cells\u27 (FDC\u27s) were present in both the GC and adjacent mantle region of secondary follicles. The large, irregularly shaped nucleus, containing little heterochromatin, allowed for the light microscope (LM) identification of FDC\u27s. By EM, the cell was stellate in shape sending out long, thin sheets of cytoplasm which could fold and coil into complex arrays. The processes were coated extracellularly by an amorphous electron-dense material of varying thickness, as well as particulates including variable numbers of virions. The FDC cytoplasm lacked organelles of active secretory and endocytic cells, such as well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and lysosomes. These anatomical features readily distinguished FDC\u27s from other cell types, even those that were extended in shape. To pursue these descriptive findings, we injected three electron-dense tracers i.v. and sacrificed the mice 1 h-10 days thereafter. Colloidal carbon, colloidal thorium dioxide (cThO2), and soluble horseradish perixidase (HRP) were actively sequestered into the vacuolar system of macrophages but were interiorized only in trace amounts by FDC\u27s. Therefore, FDC\u27s are not macrophages by cytologic and functional criteria. FDC\u27s did display a unique property. Both colloidal carbon and thorium dioxide, which are nonimmunogens, could be visualized extracellularly on the cell surface for several days. The meaning of this is unclear, but the association of colloid with FDC\u27s appeared to slow the movement of particulates through the extracellular space into the GC proper. FDC\u27s were not readily identified in splenic white pulp lacking GC\u27s. They must develop de novo then, possibly from novel dendritic cells that we have identified in vitro

Identification of a novel cell type in peripheral lymphoid organs of mice. IV. Identification and distribution in mouse spleen

White pulp nodules of mouse spleen contain a minor population of cells with morphologic features that are identical to those of dendritic cells, a cell type recently described in vitro. They have characteristic large, irregularly shaped nuclei with distinctive chromatin patterns and small nucleoli. The cytoplasm is extended in processes that contain relatively few organelles. These presumptive dendritic cells can be distinguished from other cell types that are known to exist in spleen including those that have irregular or branching cell shapes. In particular, dendritic cells do not contain the large number of lysosomes seen in phagocytes, and do not actively interiorize i.v. administered colloidal thorium dioxide particles. They also lack the well developed secretory apparatus (rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi zone) and microfilament bundles that are noted in connective tissue cells. These morphologic observations, combined with previous in vitro work, substantiate the existence of a novel class of cells in mouse lymphoid organs

Distribution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)- anti-HRP immune complexes in mouse spleen with special reference to follicular dendritic cells

The distribution of immune complexes has been studied in mouse spleen stimulated to contain many germinal centers (GC′s). Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-anti-HRP complexes were used as an appropriately precise and sensitive model. We were primarily interested in the relative abilities of three cell types to interact with complexes: lymphocytes, macrophages, and follicular dendritic cells (FDC′s). The latter are distinctive, nonendocytic, stellate cells located primarily at the transition of mantle and GC zones of 2° lymphoid follicles (Chen, L. L., J. C. Adams, and R. M. Steinman, 1978, J. Cell Biol. 77: 148). Binding of immune complexes to lymphocytes could not be visualized in situ. Macrophages avidly interiorized complexes into lysosomes, but did not retain them extracellularly. In contrast, FDC′s could retain HRP-anti-HRP extracellularly under appropriate conditions, but did not endocytose them. Cytochemical reactivity accumulated progressively on FDC′s 1-6 h after administration of complexes i.v., remained stable in amount and location for 1 day, and then was progressively lost over a 1- to 5-day period. Several variables in the association of complexes with macrophages and FDC′s were pursued. Only 1 /xg of complexed HRP had to be administered to visualize binding to both cell types. Macrophages interiorized complexes formed in a wide range of HRP/anti-HRP ratios, while FDC′s associated with complexes formed in HRP excess only. Quantitative studies with [125I]HRP-anti-HRP demonstrated that 20 of the splenic load of HRP associated with FDC′s. Complexes formed with an F(ab′)2 anti-HRP were distributed primarily in macrophages. When the levels of the third component of serum complement were depleted by prior treatment with cobra venom factor, uptake of complexes by macrophages was reduced some 50 whereas association with FDC′s was abolished. The fact that antigen excess complexes are retained extracellularly strengthens the idea that they are immunogenic. Finally, the association of complexes with FDC′s seems to retard the entry of antigen into the GC proper

Better decision making practices and processes.

Objectives Existing decision-making practices and processes for sharing linked data for research are not keeping pace with the data tsunami and technological advances. The objectives of this project were to review existing approaches to decision making and to make recommendations for better decision-making practices and processes. Approach We used a hypothetical research application to compare decision-making practices and processes for sharing linked health data for research in three jurisdictions, Western Australia, Manitoba and Scotland. to We considered the decision makers; the relevant law, policy, and guidelines; and the ethical review process to assess practice and process against metrics of good decision making - efficiency, transparency, accountability and community participation. An analysis of the similarities and differences identified common problems and challenges with existing decision-making processes. Recommendations on how to address these common problems were proposed. Results There were significant similarities in the decision-making processes in the three jurisdictions. These included: • formal application processes; • a statutory basis for decision making; • criteria for waiving consent including low risk, impracticality, necessity, and • protection of privacy and confidentiality; and • at least some community participation in decision making and research. The main areas where decision making could be improved were: • Efficiency — the number of decision makers and duplication of the issues considered by different decision makers. • Separation of decision making on governance criteria and ethics criteria • Transparency and accountability • Community involvement Conclusion This project has identified several areas where decision-making about sharing linked data for research could be improved. Six internationally relevant recommendations for better decision-making were developed covering a range of issues from identifiability to community involvement

Positive and Negative Experiences With Supportive Services and Programming: Gaps and Recommendations From Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Services for youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) are designed with limited input from the youth themselves. This study explored the experiences and recommendations for services aimed at mitigating the negative effects of homelessness among youth. A total of 45 interviews were conducted with YEH (ages 15 to 24, M = 21.5 years) who experienced at least one night of homelessness. Transcripts were coded by using a modified constructivist grounded theory approach. YEH reported myriad challenges to navigating disjointed programming and misguided policies. Recommendations from YEH for policy and programmatic change include peacekeeping and diffusion training for program staff, trauma-informed approaches, and conflict resolution among agency staff; and integrate creative outlets and transitional services into existing programs. Programming supporting YEH must extend beyond meeting only basic needs to creating opportunities for safety, autonomy, and growth. Programs targeting youth homelessness need input from YEH in their design and implementation