A BETTER NEIGHBORHOOD FOR HOUSING VOUCHER HOUSEHOLDS: OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Since the 1970s, the emphasis of federal housing policy has shifted from place-based subsidies to tenant-based subsidies that are provided directly to low-income households for the purpose of renting in the private market. Although many hoped that the Housing Choice Voucher, a tenant-based housing assistance program, would be a new tool in the fight against concentrated poverty and its associated problems, housing voucher recipients still face obstacles when trying to secure housing in high-opportunity neighborhoods over the long-term. The growing body of evidence linking neighborhood conditions to household outcomes points to the need for a better understanding of how housing vouchers improve access to opportunities. While previous studies have explored neighborhood outcomes of housing voucher recipients, it still remains unclear what factors play a significant role in their residential location choices. My dissertation examines the constraints that housing voucher households face in neighborhood choices. Drawing upon data from the Moving to Opportunity experiment, it specifically analyzes trends in affordable housing inequality, estimates the effect of vehicle access on locational attainment, and explores social networks as a determinant of mobility behavior. The results of these analyses show that obstacles such as affordable housing inequality across the metropolitan area, strong social networks in the initial, poor neighborhood, and a lack of access to vehicles negatively affect the likelihood of moving to neighborhoods in which opportunities are expanded for low-income households. My findings shed light on the dynamics of residential mobility and neighborhood improvements for low-income households. The expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher program, supported by localized payment standard, connection to automobile subsidies, and extensive housing search services that provide information about the opportunities available in across all geographic units, may have a significant impact on poverty de-concentration and access to opportunity over time. These findings are also expected to bridge the gap between research and policy with regard to how housing voucher program could be improved in the context of the federal government’s charge to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH)

Analysis of the distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida isolated from human blood culture

BackgroundCandidaemia is a growing concern worldwide, and its species distribution has shifted toward non-albicans Candida in recent decades, especially in patients with malignancy. The population continues to age worldwide, especially in developing countries and among groups with high socioeconomic status.AimsThis study aimed to analyse the Candida species and associated antifungal susceptibility in one region of Korea.MethodsFrom December 2014 to June 2018, 126 specimens of Candida species from blood cultures were analysed using various methods. We used VITEK 2 to perform the blood culture and the R statistical program for analysis. In addition, an antifungal susceptibility test was performed.ResultsC. albicans was detected in 51 (40.5 per cent), C. glabrata and C. tropicalis in 24 (19.0 per cent), and C. parapsilosis in 16 (12.7 per cent) specimens. The mean age of patients with C. albicans was 63.8 years and that of patients with non-albicans Candida was 65.6 years. We performed an antifungal susceptibility test using six agents, and eight (6.3 per cent) specimens exhibited antifungal resistance. The data showed that C. albicans was the most commonly detected species. Moreover, a large proportion of the elderly subjects were infected with C. albicans, and the rate of antifungal agent resistance was as high as 6.3 per cent.ConclusionOur study indicates that C. albicans was the most commonly detected species and the infection rate was high among elderly patients. Therefore, clinics should remain vigilant, and preparedness levels must be increased in regions with a high percentage of elderly people

Business model transformation of REITs in the senior housing sector

This study examines the transformative impact of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act (RIDEA) of 2007 on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and their partnerships with operating entities in the U.S. senior housing industry. We explore how REITs, functioning as both asset owners and managers, adapt their business strategies in response to the evolving business landscape. Employing a case study approach rooted in Zott and Amit’s (2010) conceptualization of business models, the study identifies and analyzes notable shifts in market participants’ recognition of value-enhancing approaches, encompassing not only traditional rental income but also the operational performance of property managers. The findings reveal an expanded risk and profit-sharing mechanism propelled by the newly implemented business framework based on RIDEA, fostering enhanced alignment of interests between REITs and operators compared to the traditional business framework. While this effect under the new model holds the potential for significant enhancements in operational efficiency for asset managers, it concurrently introduces complexities arising from heightened financial and market risks, as well as challenges related to workforce management. Our findings offer valuable insights to industry experts, including REITs, operators, investors, and policymakers, enriching their comprehension of the evolving business models within the senior housing sector

Coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration for the treatment of duodenal varix

Duodenal variceal bleeding is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. Endoscopic therapy is usually the initial treatment option for bleeding duodenal varices, but it is not always feasible or successful. We present a technique of coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration in a patient with duodenal varices originating from the inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein and draining into the right ovarian vein

Effects of heavy metals on the viability of A549 cells

Heavy metals, such as Cd and Pb, are present in the particulate matter (PM) suspended in ambient air. Once internalized, they often accumulate in the human body and cannot be metabolized for long periods. Most previous studies on Cd and Pb metabolism used high concentrations of these heavy metals. In this study, we analysed the effects of low concentrations of Cd or Pb (similar to their concentrations in the PM) on the viability of lung epithelial cells and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, IL-6 and IL-8. A549 cells were cultured in the presence of Cd and Pb at 1 µg/L and 1 mg/L for 0, 4, 12, and 24 h and analysed using WST-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays and ELISA. Our results revealed that Cd and Pb induced comparable cytotoxicity and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-8, in a time-dependent manner, even at low concentrations. Altogether, our results suggest that heavy metals present in PM can cause chronic long-term effects on human lungs

Weather and its effects on RSV A and B infections in infants and children in Korea

BackgroundThe epidemic patterns of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and the factors determining its seasonality are not well studied in the local society of South Korea.AimsThis study aims to investigate the prevalence of RSV infection in hospitalized children and its relationship with climate change in Cheonan, Korea.Methods This retrospective study included 2,484 children (aged 0–14 years) who were hospitalized for respiratory tract infections documented RSV test at a tertiary hospital in Cheonan between December 2006 and February 2014. Daily temperature and humidity data during the period were obtained from the Korea Meteorological Administration.Results In total, 752 (30 per cent) showed tested positive for RSV infection, and the prevalence was noted to be higher during November and December. RSV A and RSV B were less likely to be detected simultaneously (0.4 per cent). RSV A was more likely to be detected during lower temperatures, lower wind speeds, and shorter daylight hours, and RSV B during lower daily precipitation and higher humidity. RSV infection was predominantly prevalent between November and April. The infection rate of RSV peaked every other year in Korea. Air temperature was associated with the epidemics of RSV infection.ConclusionFurther understanding of the effect of climate on RSV infection will help in timely prevention using immunoprophylaxis or future vaccines

Non-sexually related acute genital ulcers in a pubertal girl

Acute genital ulcers (AGU), also known as acute vulvar ulcers or Lipschütz ulcers, is an uncommon, non-sexually transmitted condition characterized by the sudden onset of painful necrotic ulcerations of the vulva or lower vagina. Their aetiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. They may be preceded by influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, headache or respiratory symptoms. We presented a case of pubertal girl with multiple painful ulcers on the vulva who visited our hospital. Other causes of vulvar ulcers were excluded by history taking, laboratory tests, and skin biopsy. We presented a case report of pubertal girl with non-sexually related AGU

Glutamate Receptors GluR1 and GluR4 in the Hamster Superior Colliculus: Distribution and Co-localization with Calcium-Binding Proteins and GABA

We investigated the distributions of AMPA glutamate receptor subtypes GluR1 and GluR4 in the hamster superior colliculus (SC) with antibody immunocytochemistry and the effect of enucleation on these distributions. We compared these labelings to those of GluR2/3 in our previous report (Park et al., 2004, Neurosci Res., 49:139–155) and calcium-binding proteins calbindin D28K, calretinin, parvalbumin, and GABA. Anti-GluR1-immunoreactive (IR) cells were scattered throughout the SC. By contrast, anti-GluR4-IR cells formed distinct clusters within the lower lateral stratum griseum intermediale (SGI) and lateral stratum album intermediale (SAI). The GluR1- and GluR4-IR neurons varied in size and morphology. The average diameter of the GluR1-IR cells was 13.00 µm, while the GluR4-IR cells was 20.00 µm. The large majority of IR neurons were round or oval cells, but they also included stellate, vertical fusiform and horizontal cells. Monocular enucleation appeared to have no effect on the GluR1 and GluR4 immunoreactivity. Some GluR1-IR cells expressed calbindin D28K (9.50%), calretinin (6.59%), parvalbumin (2.53%), and GABA (20.54%). By contrast, no GluR4-IR cells expressed calcium-binding proteins or GABA. Although the function of the AMPA receptor subunits in SC is not yet clear, the distinct segregation of the GluR subunits, its differential colocalization with calcium-binding proteins and GABA, and differential responses to enucleation suggest the functional diversity of the receptor subunits in visuo-motor integration in the SC