Persons Living with HIV as a Vulnerable Group: An Argument to Ensure Treatment, Care, and Support.

Generally, human rights documents are to be applied universally. However, certain groups are identified for special treatment due to vulnerabilities faced; these are often referred to as vulnerable groups or populations. While human rights literature and public health literature make a case for particular sensitivity regarding vulnerable populations living with HIV, there is perhaps a case to be made for people living with HIV to be recognised as a vulnerable group in and of itself.

From mainstream employment to mainstream retirement: A randomised controlled trial of a transition to retirement intervention for adults with intellectual disability.

Background: We evaluated a transition to retirement intervention that adapted strategies used to support employment of people with intellectual disability in mainstream workplaces. The intervention facilitated their independent participation in mainstream community groups and volunteering.

Methods: We randomised 29 older Australians who currently/previously worked in mainstream employment into an intervention group or wait-list control group.

A Direct Comparison of Thyroid Hormone Receptor Protein Levels in Mice Provides Unexpected Insights into Thyroid Hormone Action.

Thyroid hormone (TH) action is mediated by three major thyroid hormone receptor (THR) isoforms α1, β1, and β2 (THRA1, THRB1, and THRB2). These THRs and a fourth major but non-TH binding isoform, THRA2, are encoded by two genes and . Reliable antibodies against all THR isoforms are not available, and THR isoform protein levels in mammalian tissues are often inferred from messenger RNA (mRNA) levels.

Australians with intellectual disability share their experiences of retirement from mainstream employment.

Background: As part of a larger study exploring the transition to retirement for people with intellectual disability from a working life in mainstream employment, this paper reports on retirement from the perspective of those who have already retired.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five Australian retirees with intellectual disability. Data were analysed using grounded theory methodology.

Naturally Occurring Amino Acids in Helix 10 of the Thyroid Hormone Receptor Mediate Isoform-Specific TH Gene Regulation.

Thyroid hormone (TH) action is mediated by the products of two genes, TH receptor (THR)α (THRA) and THRβ (THRB) that encode several closely related receptor isoforms with differing tissue distributions. The vast majority of THR isoform-specific effects are thought to be due to tissue-specific differences in THR isoform expression levels. We investigated the alternative hypothesis that intrinsic functional differences among THR isoforms mediate these tissue-specific effects.

Different Mutations in a P-type ATPase Transporter in Leishmania Parasites are Associated with Cross-resistance to Two Leading Drugs by Distinct Mechanisms.

Leishmania infantum is an etiological agent of the life-threatening visceral form of leishmaniasis. Liposomal amphotericin B (AmB) followed by a short administration of miltefosine (MF) is a drug combination effective for treating visceral leishmaniasis in endemic regions of India. Resistance to MF can be due to point mutations in the miltefosine transporter (MT).

From Social Exclusion to Supported Inclusion: Adults with Intellectual Disability Discuss Their Lived Experiences of a Structured Social Group.

Background: People with intellectual disability often have few friends and experience social exclusion. Recognising this gap, supported social groups with the aim of inclusion and interdependence were created by a supported employment provider.

Methods: Interviews were undertaken with 10 adults with intellectual disability exploring their lived experiences of a supported social group.

Separation of basic proteins from Leishmania using a combination of Free flow electrophoresis (FFE) and 2D electrophoresis (2-DE) under basic conditions.

Basic proteins, an important class of proteins in intracellular organisms such as Leishmania, are usually underrepresented on 2D gels. This chapter describes a method combining basic proteins fractionation using Free flow electrophoresis in isoelectric focusing mode (IEF-FFE) followed by protein separation using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in basic conditions. The combination of these two techniques represents a great improvement for the visualization of Leishmania proteins with basic pI using 2D gels.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania infantum.

Amphotericin B (AmB) in its liposomal form is now considered as either first- or second-line treatment against Leishmania infections in different part of the world. Few cases of AmB resistance have been reported and resistance mechanisms toward AmB are still poorly understood. This paper reports a large-scale comparative proteomic study in the context of AmB resistance.

Proteomic and genomic analyses of antimony resistant Leishmania infantum mutant.

Background: Antimonials remain the primary antileishmanial drugs in most developing countries. However, drug resistance to these compounds is increasing and our understanding of resistance mechanisms is partial.

Methods/principal Findings: In the present study, quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labelling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and genome next generation sequencing were used in order to better characterize in vitro generated Leishmania infantum antimony resistant mutant (Sb2000.

Genomic analysis and reconstruction of cefotaxime resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Objectives: To identify non-penicillin-binding protein (PBP) mutations contributing to resistance to the third-generation cephalosporin cefotaxime in Streptococcus pneumoniae at the genome-wide scale.

Methods: The genomes of two in vitro S. pneumoniae cefotaxime-resistant isolates and of two transformants serially transformed with the genomic DNA of cefotaxime-resistant mutants were determined by next-generation sequencing.

Analysis of membrane-enriched and high molecular weight proteins in Leishmania infantum promastigotes and axenic amastigotes.

Membrane and high molecular weight (HMW) proteins tend to be underrepresented in proteome analyses. Here, we optimized a protocol designed for the extraction and purification of membranes from the protozoan parasite Leishmania using a combination of serial centrifugation and free-flow zone electrophoresis (ZE-FFE). We also enriched for Leishmania HMW proteins from total extracts using the Gelfree 8100 fractionation system.

Analysis of stage-specific expression of basic proteins in Leishmania infantum.

Prior analyses of the proteome of the protozoan parasite Leishmania have underrepresented basic proteins. Here, we applied protein fractionation by isoelectric point (pI) using free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) to study stage-specific expression of basic proteins in this pathogen. Overall, we resolved 2469 protein spots in both the flagellated promastigote and the nonmotile amastigote forms in the basic range by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE).

Thomson Thick X-Ray Absorption in a Broad Absorption Line Quasar, PG 0946+301.

We present a deep ASCA observation of a broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO) PG 0946+301. The source was clearly detected in one of the gas imaging spectrometers, but not in any other detector. If BALQSOs have intrinsic X-ray spectra similar to normal radio-quiet quasars, our observations imply that there is Thomson thick X-ray absorption (NH greater, similar1024 cm-2) toward PG 0946+301.

Radial partition immunoassay.

In radial partition immunoassay, radial chromatography is used for performing an immunoassay. We describe the application of this technology to the measurement of digoxin in serum by enzyme immunoassay, with the entire testing procedure carried out on glass-fiber filter paper. A sample is applied to a small central area of the filter paper, where it reacts with the antibody to digoxin immobilized there.