Publications by authors named "A Ratcliff"

Many central nervous system (CNS) disorders lack approved treatment options. Previous research demonstrated that peptide CAQK can bind to chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in the extracellular matrix of the CNS. In vivo studies have investigated CAQK conjugated to nanoparticles containing therapeutic agents with varying methodologies/outcomes.

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Patient perspectives are essential to understand healthcare disparities such as low rates of advance care planning (ACP) among adults with limited income. We completed twenty semi-structured interviews using purposive and snowball sampling. Initial and final themes emerged from inductive inclusion of recurring codes and deductive application of the cumulative disadvantage theory.

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Background: Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented the Veteran-centered Whole Health System initiative across VA sites with approaches to implementation varying by site.

Purpose: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we aimed to synthesize systemic barriers and facilitators to Veteran use with the initiative. Relevance to healthcare quality, systematic comparison of implementation procedures across a national healthcare system provides a comprehensive portrait of strengths and opportunities for improvement.

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Background: Impaired vagal function in older individuals, quantified by the 'gold standard' delayed heart rate recovery after maximal exercise (HRR), is an independent predictor of cardiorespiratory capacity and mortality (particularly when HRR ≤12 beats min). Heart rate also often declines after orthostatic challenge (HRR), but the mechanism remains unclear. We tested whether HRR reflects similar vagal autonomic characteristics as HRR.

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Objectives: Low-income, older adults are less likely than those with high income to participate in advance care planning (ACP); however, the pandemic may have influenced their views. The aim of this report was to explore the perceptions of COVID-19 related to everyday life and ACP.

Methods: We embedded ACP behavior inequities within the Social Ecological Model to highlight the importance of considering social inequities within an environmental context.

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