Recyclable thermosets based on modified epoxy-amine network polymers.

The development of high performance, recyclable thermoset materials for applications in plastics, composites, coatings and adhesives requires a synthetic approach where recyclability is designed into the molecular structure of the material. This paper describes a single stage process for the creation of materials from simple, low-cost molecular building blocks, where the polymerisation of liquid epoxy resins and aliphatic amines in the presence of an -butyl diboronic ester, delivers epoxy-amine-dioxazaborocane materials with tunable physical properties including glass transition temperature (). Mechanical (thermal) recycling and reprocessing of the epoxy-amine-dioxazaborocane thermoset is demonstrated, with retention of Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength.

States' Performance in Reducing Uninsurance Among Black, Hispanic, and Low-Income Americans Following Implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

To assess state-level variation in changes in uninsurance among Black, Hispanic, and low-income Americans after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2012 to 2016, excluding 2014. For Black, Hispanic, and low-income (<$35,000/year) adults 18-64 years of age, we estimated multivariable regression adjusted pre- (2012-2013) to post-ACA (2015-2016) percentage point changes in uninsurance for each U.

Additivity of nebivolol/valsartan single-pill combinations versus other single-pill combinations for hypertension.

The single-pill combination (SPC) comprising nebivolol (5 mg), a vasodilatory β -selective antagonist/β -agonist, and valsartan (80 mg), a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor, is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved β-blocker/renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor SPC for hypertension. Additive effects of four nebivolol/valsartan SPC doses (5 mg/80 mg, 5/160 mg, 10/160 mg, 10/320 mg nebivolol/valsartan) were compared with five Food and Drug Administration-approved non-β-blocker/renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor SPCs (aliskiren/hydrochlorothiazide, aliskiren/amlodipine, valsartan/amlodipine, aliskiren/valsartan, and telmisartan/amlodipine). Additivity is the ratio of placebo-adjusted SPC blood pressure (BP) reduction to the placebo-adjusted monotherapy component BP reduction sums.

A workforce in crisis: a case study to expand allied ophthalmic personnel.

Objective: To examine how the development of allied ophthalmic personnel training programs affects human resource capacity.

Design: Using a qualitative case study method conducted at a single Ontario institution, this article describes 6 years of establishing a 2-tiered allied ophthalmic personnel training program.

Participants: The Kingston Ophthalmic Training Centre participated in the study with 8 leadership and program graduate interviews.

Impaired mitochondrial function is abrogated by dexrazoxane in doxorubicin-treated childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors.

Background: Impaired cardiac function in doxorubicin-treated childhood cancer survivors is partly mediated by the disruption of mitochondrial energy production. Doxorubicin intercalates into mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and disrupts genes encoding for polypeptides that make adenosine triphosphate.

Methods: This cross-sectional study examined mtDNA copy numbers per cell and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in 64 childhood survivors of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who had been treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute childhood ALL protocols and had received doxorubicin alone (42%) or doxorubicin with the cardioprotectant dexrazoxane (58%).

Pressure injury prevention success in a regional hospital.

Background: This paper describes quality improvement strategies implemented following the identification of a significantly high prevalence rate and severity of pressure injuries in a regional health care facility in a large health district in Queensland, Australia.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to inform health professionals of processes employed to reduce the incidence and financial burden of pressure injuries following the detection of rates that were significantly above the State average.

Method: An audit of pressure injury prevalence data was conducted on a single day throughout a regional hospital.

Short communication: The relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance in HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Mitochondrial abnormalities may lead to metabolic complications in HIV-infected children who have been receiving long-term antiretroviral treatment. We conducted a matched, case-control study comparing 21 HIV-infected children with insulin resistance (cases) to 21 HIV-infected children without insulin resistance (controls) to assess differences in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies/cell and oxidative phosphorylation NADH dehydrogenase (C1) and cytochrome c oxidase (C4) enzyme activities in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. MtDNA copies/cell tended to be lower in cases, and fasting serum glucose levels were inversely and significantly correlated with C1 enzyme activity, more so in cases.

Role of membrane oxidation in controlling the activity of human group IIa secretory phospholipase A(2) toward apoptotic lymphoma cells.

The membranes of healthy lymphocytes normally resist hydrolysis by secretory phospholipase A(2). However, they become susceptible during the process of apoptosis. Previous experiments have demonstrated the importance of certain physical changes to the membrane during cell death such as a reduction in membrane lipid order and exposure of phosphatidylserine on the membrane surface.

Investigation into the role of phosphatidylserine in modifying the susceptibility of human lymphocytes to secretory phospholipase A(2) using cells deficient in the expression of scramblase.

Normal human lymphocytes resisted the hydrolytic action of secretory phospholipase A(2) but became susceptible to the enzyme following treatment with a calcium ionophore, ionomycin. To test the hypothesis that this susceptibility requires exposure of the anionic lipid phosphatidylserine on the external face of the cell membrane, experiments were repeated with a human Burkitt's lymphoma cell line (Raji cells). In contrast to normal lymphocytes or S49 mouse lymphoma cells, most of the Raji cells (83%) did not translocate phosphatidylserine to the cell surface upon treatment with ionomycin.

Survey on allied health personnel in Canadian ophthalmology: the scalpel for change.

Objective: To determine the recruiting and training needs for ophthalmic medical personnel (OMP), assess the value of their certification, and compare the ophthalmic practice productivity and performance of non-certified and certified OMP, as rated by both ophthalmologists and OMP.

Design: Comparative analysis.

Participants: One hundred and sixteen Canadian ophthalmologists and 98 OMP.

Multi-contrast human neonatal brain atlas: application to normal neonate development analysis.

MRI is a sensitive method for detecting subtle anatomic abnormalities in the neonatal brain. To optimize the usefulness for neonatal and pediatric care, systematic research, based on quantitative image analysis and functional correlation, is required. Normalization-based image analysis is one of the most effective methods for image quantification and statistical comparison.

Phase contrast imaging in neonates.

Magnetic resonance phase images can yield superior gray and white matter contrast compared to conventional magnitude images. However, the underlying contrast mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Previous studies have been limited to high field acquisitions in adult volunteers and patients.

Phylogeographic history of white spruce during the last glacial maximum: uncovering cryptic refugia.

Although a recent study of white spruce using chloroplast DNA uncovered the presence of a glacial refuge in Alaska, chloroplast failed to provide information on the number or specific localities of refugia. Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of nuclear microsatellites to refine insights into postglacial histories. The greater relative rate of mutation may allow finer scale resolution of historic dynamics, including the number, location, and sizes of refugia.

The relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for nurses: a systematic review.

Aim: To describe the findings of a systematic review examining the relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for registered nurses (RNs).

Background: Workplace empowerment research reveals a link between empowerment and positive work behaviours and attitudes. Research demonstrating the essential relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment will provide direction for future interventions aimed at the development of a strong and effective health care sector.

Biobehavioral measures in a critical-care healing environment.

Critical-care settings have an opportunity to create healing environments (HEs). For the last decade, achieving this goal has been the task of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Today, several models used in these settings embrace synergistic care, healing therapies for patients, and the development of organizational models to improve the HEs for nurses themselves.

A comparative study of the impact of certified and noncertified ophthalmic medical personnel on practice quality and productivity.

Purpose: To compare ophthalmic practice productivity and performance attributes, as rated by employing ophthalmologists, of noncertified and three levels of certified ophthalmic medical personnel.

Methods: Three hundred eighty-five American and Canadian ophthalmologists in a clinic-based, stratified, random sample were surveyed regarding productivity performance and attributes of the ophthalmic medical personnel they employ. Instrument scales assessed 14 desirable professional attributes and 10 practice productivity measures.

Strategies to better engage, educate, and empower patient compliance and safe lens wear: compliance: what we know, what we do not know, and what we need to know.

Purpose: To assess the extent of noncompliant behavior of contact lens wearers and to develop strategies of engaging and educating patients to increase compliance with safe contact lens practices.

Methods: The literature regarding noncompliance with medical regimens, contact lens wear, and cleaning was reviewed. One hundred eleven contact lens wearers from a college campus, a dental clinic, and ophthalmology clinics were surveyed in a pilot study regarding their contact lens knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Fundamental training for individuals involved in the care and use of laboratory animals: a review and update of the 1991 NRC Core Training Module.

Public trust demands that individuals who do research, testing, or teaching with animals use humane, ethical, and scientifically sound methods. Furthermore, the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy require research institutions to provide basic training and to ensure that anyone who cares for and/or works with laboratory animals has the appropriate training or experience relevant to their job responsibilities. Institutions accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International must also provide training programs and ensure the qualifications of personnel.