An assessment of officer attitudes toward the training and use of a pre-booking diversionary program.

The opioid epidemic in the United States has led police departments and other professionals to examine the current approach to drug enforcement. Different law enforcement diversionary programs, centered on public health approaches, have emerged. One such program, the "pre-booking" diversionary program, has been the subject of limited research.

Mental Illness and Prisoners: Concerns for Communities and Healthcare Providers.

The United States prison system is the largest in the world. Mental illness is disproportionately represented within this system where half of all incarcerated individuals have a mental illness, compared to 11% of the population. Four of 10 inmates released from prison recidivate and are re-incarcerated within three years.

Multihospital infection prevention collaborative: informatics challenges and strategies to prevent MRSA.

We formed a collaborative to spread effective MRSA prevention strategies. We conducted a two-phase, multisite, quasi-experimental study of seven hospital systems (11 hospitals) in IN, MT, ME and Ontario, Canada over six years. Patients with prior MRSA were identified at admission using regional health information exchange data.

Development of Vermont assessment of sex offender risk-2 (VASOR-2) reoffense risk scale.

The present study aimed to revise the Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk (VASOR) Reoffense Risk Scale, a commonly used sex offender risk assessment tool. The revised tool was named the VASOR-2. Among models tested to revise the scale, a logistic regression model showed the best balance between simplicity of use, goodness of fit, and internal validity (as tested with K-10 cross-validation), and maximized predictive accuracy.

Reducing health care-associated infections (HAIs): lessons learned from a national collaborative of regional HAI programs.

Background: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a leading cause of death in United States health care settings, with an overall estimated annual incidence of 1.7 million. As antimicrobial resistance has increased, so too have efforts to reduce HAI rates.

A national collaborative for reducing health care‒associated infections: current initiatives, challenges, and opportunities.

There has been increasing interest and an upsurge in efforts to prevent hospital-associated infections (HAIs), a leading cause of death in the United States. This study was conducted to assess current strategies and efforts of HAI reduction initiatives in hospitals. HAI reduction initiatives and factors influencing institutional participation in these initiatives were categorized.

Mutational analysis of the C-terminal FATC domain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tra1.

Tra1 is a component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA and NuA4 complexes and a member of the PIKK family, which contain a C-terminal phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-like (PI3K) domain followed by a 35-residue FATC domain. Single residue changes of L3733A and F3744A, within the FATC domain, resulted in transcriptional changes and phenotypes that were similar but not identical to those caused by mutations in the PI3K domain or deletions of other SAGA or NuA4 components. The distinct nature of the FATC mutations was also apparent from the additive effect of tra1-L3733A with SAGA, NuA4, and tra1 PI3K domain mutations.

First Report of Black Leg of Hydroponic Basil in the United States Caused by Plectosporium tabacinum.

During August 2007 and again in January 2008, compact sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese') plants grown hydroponically in Indiana displayed dark, irregular, stem lesions extending 2 to 3 cm above the interface of the nutrient solution. These necrotic stem lesions (black leg), observed on 20 to 30% of the basil plants caused very weak, brittle stems so that they could not be marketed fresh. Although no wilting was noted, reduced plant height was observed.

Optimized antidepressant therapy and pain self-management in primary care patients with depression and musculoskeletal pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Context: Pain and depression are the most common physical and psychological symptoms in primary care, respectively. Moreover, they co-occur 30% to 50% of the time and have adverse effects on quality of life, disability, and health care costs.

Objective: To determine if a combined pharmacological and behavioral intervention improves both depression and pain in primary care patients with musculoskeletal pain and comorbid depression.

A conserved central region of yeast Ada2 regulates the histone acetyltransferase activity of Gcn5 and interacts with phospholipids.

The SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5 acetyltransferase) complex of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains more than 20 components that acetylate and deubiquitylate nucleosomal histones. Its acetyltransferase, Gcn5, preferentially acetylates histones H3 and H2B and is regulated through interactions with Ada2 and Ngg1/Ada3. Sequence alignments of Ada2 homologs indicate a conserved approximately 120-amino-acid-residue central region.

Rusted Root of Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Is Caused by a Species of Rhexocercosporidium.

ABSTRACT Rusted root (also known as rusty root) of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) was first described over 70 years ago, but the causal agent has not been clearly established. The disease is characterized by slightly raised reddish-brown to black root lesions of varying size. The lesions, regardless of size, remain superficial; however, peridermal tissue is ruptured and sloughed off, giving the root a scabbed appearance.

Systematic genetic array analysis links the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA/SLIK and NuA4 component Tra1 to multiple cellular processes.

Background: Tra1 is an essential 437-kDa component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA/SLIK and NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complexes. It is a member of a group of key signaling molecules that share a carboxyl-terminal domain related to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase but unlike many family members, it lacks kinase activity. To identify genetic interactions for TRA1 and provide insight into its function we have performed a systematic genetic array analysis (SGA) on tra1SRR3413, an allele that is defective in transcriptional regulation.

Stepped Care for Affective Disorders and Musculoskeletal Pain (SCAMP) study: design and practical implications of an intervention for comorbid pain and depression.

Objective: Depression and pain are common comorbid conditions that have reciprocal adverse effects on disability and treatment outcomes. The objective of this article is to describe a study that tests the effectiveness of a stepped-care approach using a combined medication-behavioral intervention.

Method: Stepped Care for Affective Disorders and Musculoskeletal Pain (SCAMP) is an NIMH-sponsored randomized clinical trial nested within a prospective cohort study.

Outcomes in a community sex offender treatment program: a comparison between polygraphed and matched non-polygraphed offenders.

This study compared a group of 104 adult male sex offenders who received community cognitive-behavioral treatment, correctional supervision, and periodic polygraph compliance exams with a matched group of 104 sex offenders who received the same type of treatment and supervision services but no polygraph exams. Polygraph exams focused on whether participants were following their conditions of community supervision and treatment and had avoided committing new sexual offenses. The two groups were exact pair-wise matched on three variables: (1) Static-99 risk score (Hanson & Thornton 2000, Law and Human Behavior, 24, 119-136), (2) status as a completer of prison sex offender treatment, and (3) date placed in the community.

C-terminal processing of yeast Spt7 occurs in the absence of functional SAGA complex.

Background: Spt7 is an integral component of the multi-subunit SAGA complex that is required for the expression of approximately 10% of yeast genes. Two forms of Spt7 have been identified, the second of which is truncated at its C-terminus and found in the SAGA-like (SLIK) complex.

Results: We have found that C-terminal processing of Spt7 to its SLIK form (Spt7SLIK) and to a distinct third form (Spt7Form3) occurs in the absence of the SAGA complex components Gcn5, Spt8, Ada1 and Spt20, the latter two of which are required for the integrity of the complex.

Structure/function analysis of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase domain of yeast tra1.

Tra1 is an essential component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA and NuA4 complexes. Using targeted mutagenesis, we identified residues within its C-terminal phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) domain that are required for function. The phenotypes of tra1-P3408A, S3463A, and SRR3413-3415AAA included temperature sensitivity and reduced growth in media containing 6% ethanol or calcofluor white or depleted of phosphate.

Pharmacist intervention to improve medication adherence in heart failure: a randomized trial.

Background: Patients with heart failure who take several prescription medications sometimes have poor adherence to their treatment regimens. Few interventions designed to improve adherence to therapy have been rigorously tested.

Objective: To determine whether a pharmacist intervention improves medication adherence and health outcomes compared with usual care for low-income patients with heart failure.

The role of histone ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation in gene expression as determined by the analysis of an HTB1(K123R) Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone H2B is ubiquitylated at lysine 123 in a process requiring the E2-ubiquitin conjugase, Rad6. We have analyzed gene expression in a strain containing a variant of histone H2B with lysine 123 converted to arginine to address the mechanisms by which ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation of histone H2B affect gene expression. The SAGA complex component, Ubp8, is one of two proteases that remove the ubiquitin moiety at lysine 123.

Simultaneous determination of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, and guaifenesin in human plasma using semi-automated liquid/liquid extraction and gradient liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

A method for the simultaneous determination of dextromethorphan (DEX), dextrorphan (DET), and guaifenesin (GG) in human plasma was developed, validated, and applied to determine plasma concentrations of these compounds in samples from six clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies. Semi-automated liquid handling systems were used to perform the majority of the sample manipulation including liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) of the analytes from human plasma. Stable-isotope-labeled analogues were utilized as internal standards (ISTDs) for each analyte to facilitate accurate and precise quantification.

On-line solid phase extraction using the Prospekt-2 coupled with a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometer for the determination of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan and guaifenesin in human plasma.

An on-line liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) procedure, using the Prospekt- 2 system, was developed and used for the determination of the levels of the active ingredients of cough/cold medications in human plasma matrix. The experimental configuration allows direct plasma injection by performing on- line solid phase extraction (SPE) on small cartridge columns prior to elution of the analyte(s) onto the analytical column and subsequent MS/MS detection. The quantitative analysis of three analytes with differing polarities, dextromethorphan (DEX), dextrorphan (DET) and guaifenesin (GG) in human plasma presented a significant challenge.

Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects in gingival crevicular fluid from re-dosing during brushing.

The IntelliClean System from Sonicare and Crest combines a rechargeable sonic power toothbrush and a novel liquid toothpaste into one integrated system, providing the opportunity to re-dose with toothpaste during the brushing cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate cleaning effects from in-mouth re-dosing with toothpaste during the brushing cycle vs conventional bolus dosing. This was a randomized, examiner-blind, six-period, crossover clinical study.

Methodology of an ongoing, randomized, controlled trial to improve drug use for elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Medications can improve the functioning and health-related quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and reduce morbidity, mortality, and costs of treatment. However, patients may not adhere to therapy. Patients with complex medication regimens and low health literacy are at risk for nonadherence.

Semi-automated liquid--liquid back-extraction in a 96-well format to decrease sample preparation time for the determination of dextromethorphan and dextrorphan in human plasma.

A semi-automated, 96-well based liquid-liquid back-extraction (LLE) procedure was developed and used for sample preparation of dextromethorphan (DEX), an active ingredient in many over-the-counter cough formulations, and dextrorphan (DOR), an active metabolite of DEX, in human plasma. The plasma extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The analytes were isolated from human plasma using an initial ether extraction, followed by a back extraction from the ether into a small volume of acidified water.

Increasing bioanalytical throughput using pcSFC-MS/MS: 10 minutes per 96-well plate.

The utility of packed-column supercritical, subcritical, and enhanced fluidity liquid chromatographies (pcSFC) for high-throughput applications has increased during the past few years. In contrast to traditional reversed-phase liquid chromatography, the addition of a volatile component to the mobile phase, such as CO2, produces a lower mobile-phase viscosity. This allows the use of higher flow rates which can translate into faster analysis times.

Rapid bioanalytical determination of dextromethorphan in canine plasma by dilute-and-shoot preparation combined with one minute per sample LC-MS/MS analysis to optimize formulations for drug delivery.

The determination of dextromethorphan in canine plasma is used to demonstrate the high throughput bioanalytical approach of automated dilute-and-shoot (DAS) sample preparation followed by a 1 min isocratic liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Dilute-and-shoot preparation is commonly used for the determination of drugs in several biological matrices such as urine and saliva, but is not typically used with plasma samples because the amount of protein present in plasma can lead to a variety of problems including column failure. As a result, plasma sample preparation usually removes protein by precipitation, extraction or filtration; however, the dilute-and-shoot approach solubilizes proteins throughout the chromatographic portion of the assay.