Pediatric Psychologists' Career Satisfaction: 2015 Society of Pediatric Psychology Workforce Survey Results.

Little is known about the career satisfaction of pediatric psychologists, who specialize in psychological research, teaching, and clinical service in the context of pediatric healthcare. As part of the larger Society of Pediatric Psychology Workforce Survey and in collaboration with the American Psychological Association Center for Workforce Studies, this study aimed to: (1) describe the career domains which pediatric psychologists perceive to be important and their satisfaction in each domain, and (2) compare satisfaction of pediatric psychologists across work settings, number of positions, appointment duration, professional roles, career stage, academic rank, and gender. Responses from 336 pediatric psychologists demonstrated high career satisfaction. Domains of career satisfaction that received mean scores indicating high importance include balance of work and personal lives, peer/collegial support, and flexibility and choice in the workplace, but on average respondents reported being only somewhat satisfied in these domains. Total satisfaction scores were significantly higher among pediatric psychologists in 9-10 month appointments, primarily research careers, and at higher academic ranks, but scores were similar across employment settings and genders. To enhance career satisfaction and retention, pediatric psychologists may seek additional mentorship or explore new employment roles, and administrators and managers may consider adopting workplace policies or making environmental changes that could address specific areas of need. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study suggests that overall, pediatric psychologists are highly satisfied with their employment. However, there may be some important aspects of their work that could be more satisfying. The findings have implications for identifying professional development strategies that can maintain or enhance satisfaction.

The association of adiponectin with computed tomography phenotypes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disorder associated with systemic manifestations that contribute to its morbidity and mortality. Recent work suggests that biomarker signatures in the blood may be useful in evaluating COPD phenotypes and may provide insight into the pathophysiology of systemic manifestations. Adiponectin, primarily produced by fat cells, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of emphysema. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of adiponectin with clinical and radiologic COPD phenotypes. METHODS: Adiponectin levels were determined in 633 individuals, including 432 individuals with COPD from a cohort of former or current smokers enrolled in the COPDGene study. Univariate and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the association of adiponectin with clinical and physiologic data together with quantitative high-resolution computed tomography parameters. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis confirmed that higher plasma adiponectin levels were independently associated with emphysema, decreasing body mass index, female sex, older age, and lower percentage change in prebronchodilator/post-bronchodilator FEV1. CONCLUSIONS: The association between plasma adiponectin and computed tomography-assessed emphysema suggests a contribution of adiponectin to the development of emphysema and highlights a role for metabolic derangements in the pathophysiology of emphysema.

Comparing micellar, hemolytic, and antibacterial properties of di- and tricarboxyl dendritic amphiphiles.

Homologous dicarboxyl dendritic amphiphiles-RCONHC(CH(3))(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(2), 4(n); and ROCONHC(CH(3))(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(2), 5(n), where R=n-C(n)H(2)(n)(+1) and n=13-22 carbon atoms-were synthesized. Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) in aqueous triethanolamine solutions and at pH 7.4 were measured along with hemolytic activity (effective concentrations, EC(10)) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). LogCMC showed a linear dependence on chain length (n); the longest chain in each series had the lowest CMC-in triethanolamine: 4(21), 180µM and 5(22), 74µM and at pH 7.4: 4(21), 78µM and 5(22), 33µM. These two series, 4(n) and 5(n), and three series of homologous tricarboxyl dendritic amphiphiles-RCONHC(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(3), 1(n); ROCONHC(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(3), 2(n); RNHCONHC(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(3), 3(n), where R=n-C(n)H(2)(n)(+1) and n=13-22 carbon atoms-were tested for growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC 6358 and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain ATCC 43330 by microdilution in 0.1-strength brain heart infusion broth (BHIB). Amphiphiles 4(19), 4(21), 5(18), and 5(20) showed the strongest antibacterial activity (2.2-3.4µg/mL) against S. aureus (vancomycin, MIC=0.25µg/mL). These four plus 1(21), 2(20), 2(22), and 3(20) exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity (1.7-6.8µg/mL) against MRSA (vancomycin, MIC=0.25µg/mL). The MICs of these amphiphiles against six clinical MRSA were similar to those against the ATCC strain. In PBS, EC(10)s of the most active homologues ranged from 7 to 18µg/mL and 18 to 220µg/mL for di- and tricarboxyl dendritic amphiphiles, respectively. To assess the potential safety of using dendritic amphiphiles as drugs, measurements of micellar and hemolytic properties were conducted in the same medium (full-strength BHIB) that was used for antibacterial activity. The CMCs (9-36µg/mL, ∼18-72µM) of ten amphiphiles were measured by microdilution (log2 progression) with dye-covered beads. The EC(10)s were similar to those in PBS. The MICs of most amphiphiles (14-72µg/mL) and vancomycin (1.1-2.2µg/mL) against both S. aureus and MRSA increased significantly compared to the MICs measured in 0.1-strength BHIB. The one exception, 5(18), had an MIC against S. aureus of 1.1µg/mL compared to vancomycin (2.2µg/mL). With CMC (9-18µg/mL) and EC(10) (16µg/mL) values higher than the MIC, 5(18) was discovered as a lead for further development.

Comparing anti-HIV, antibacterial, antifungal, micellar, and cytotoxic properties of tricarboxylato dendritic amphiphiles.

Three series of homologous dendritic amphiphiles--RCONHC(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(3), 1(n); ROCONHC(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(3), 2(n); RNHCONHC(CH(2)CH(2)COOH)(3), 3(n), where R = n-C(n)H(2n+1) and n = 13-22 carbon atoms--were assayed for their potential to serve as antimicrobial components in a topical vaginal formulation. Comparing epithelial cytotoxicities to the ability of these homologues to inhibit HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Candida albicans provided a measure of their prophylactic/therapeutic potential. Measurements of the ability to inhibit Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacterium in the vagina, and critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), an indicator of the potential detergency of these amphiphiles, provided additional assessments of safety. Several amphiphiles from each homologous series had modest anti-HIV activity (EC(50) = 110-130 microM). Amphiphile 2(18) had the best anti-Neisseria activity (MIC =65 microM), while 1(19) and 1(21) had MICs against C. albicans of 16 and 7.7 microM, respectively. Two measures of safety showed promise as all compounds had relatively low cytotoxic activity (EC(50) = 210-940 microM) against epithelial cells and low activity against L. plantarum, 1(n), 2(n), and 3(n) had MICs490, 1300, and 940 microM, respectively. CMCs measured in aqueous triethanolamine and in aqueous potassium hydroxide showed linear dependences on chain length. As expected, the longest chain in each series had the lowest CMC-in triethanolamine: 1(21), 1500 microM; 2(22), 320 microM; 3(22), 340 microM, and in potassium hydroxide: 1(21), 130 microM; 3(22), 40 microM. The CMC in triethanolamine adjusted to pH 7.4 was 400 microM for 1(21) and 3900 microM for 3(16). The promising antifungal activity, low activity against L. plantarum, relatively high CMCs, and modest epithelial cytotoxicity in addition to their anti-Neisseria properties warrant further design studies with dendritic amphiphiles to improve their safety indices to produce suitable candidates for antimicrobial vaginal products.

Synthesis, critical micelle concentrations, and antimycobacterial properties of homologous, dendritic amphiphiles. Probing intrinsic activity and the "cutoff" effect.

Newkome-type, 1-->3 C-branched dendrons make an excellent headgroup for amphiphiles with ultralong, saturated, linear alkyl chains. Synthesis of a homologous series of five such amphiphiles from 14 to 22 carbons-RNHCONHC(CH2CH2CO2H)3, R = n-CnH2n+1, n = 14, 16, 18, 20, 22-proceeds readily. These amphiphiles are soluble in aqueous solutions of triethanolamine. Surface-tension measurements on this homologous series reveal an unusually gradual decrease in log critical micelle concentration (CMC) as the chain length increases. In fact, the tetradecyl homologue does not appear to form micelles. Further, measurements of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) by broth microdilution against Mycobacterium smegmatis as a function of the initial cell density provide a direct measure of the intrinsic activity (MIC0) of each homologue. The hexadecyl homologue is the most active at inhibiting growth with an MIC0 equal to 3.5 x 10-5 M, which is 100-fold below the CMC.

Synchrotron SAX and WAX diffraction study of a hydrated very long-chain, dendritic amphiphile + DPPC mixture.

The tri-headed anionic dendritic amphiphile, 4-(2-carboxyethyl)-4-[(icosyloxycarbonyl)amino]heptanedioic acid (3CCb20), forms mixed aggregates with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in excess water at 3CCb20:DPPC = 0.91:1 molar ratio. On heating, these mixed aggregates transform into fluid bilayers stacked in the liquid crystalline lamellar L(alpha) phase at about 40 degrees C. This phase transition and the microstructure of 3CCb20 + DPPC aggregates were studied with small- and wide-angle synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The ability of 3CCb20 to solubilize solidlike lipid bilayers could contribute to the antimicrobial activities of 3CCb20, including its anti-HIV activity.

Homologous, long-chain alkyl dendrons form homologous thin films on silver oxide surfaces.

As suggested by X-ray crystal structures, homologous, long-chain alkyl dendrons with three carboxyl groups form thin films on silver oxide surfaces, which give reflection-absorption infrared spectra that show a linear increase in intensities of methylene C-H stretching absorptions.

Comorbidities of COPD have a major impact on clinical outcomes, particularly in African Americans.

BACKGROUND: COPD patients have a great burden of comorbidity. However, it is not well established whether this is due to shared risk factors such as smoking, if they impact patients exercise capacity and quality of life, or whether there are racial disparities in their impact on COPD. METHODS: We analyzed data from 10,192 current and ex-smokers with (cases) and without COPD (controls) from the COPDGene® cohort to establish risk for COPD comorbidities adjusted for pertinent covariates. In adjusted models, we examined comorbidities prevalence and impact in African-Americans (AA) and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). RESULTS: Comorbidities are more common in COPD compared to those with normal spirometry (controls), and the risk persists after adjustments for covariates including pack-years smoked. After adjustment for confounders, eight conditions were independently associated with worse exercise capacity, quality of life and dyspnea. There were racial disparities in the impact of comorbidities on exercise capacity, dyspnea and quality of life, presence of osteoarthritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease having a greater negative impact on all three outcomes in AAs than NHWs (p<0.05 for all interaction terms). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with COPD have a higher risk for comorbidities than controls, an important finding shown for the first time comprehensively after accounting for confounders. Individual comorbidities are associated with worse exercise capacity, quality of life, and dyspnea, in African-Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites.

Prediction of acute respiratory disease in current and former smokers with and without COPD.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for acute episodes of respiratory disease in current and former smokers who do not have COPD are unknown. METHODS: Eight thousand two hundred forty-six non-Hispanic white and black current and former smokers in the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) cohort had longitudinal follow-up (LFU) every 6 months to determine acute respiratory episodes requiring antibiotics or systemic corticosteroids, an ED visit, or hospitalization. Negative binomial regression was used to determine the factors associated with acute respiratory episodes. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for time to first episode and an acute episode of respiratory disease risk score. RESULTS: At enrollment, 4,442 subjects did not have COPD, 658 had mild COPD, and 3,146 had moderate or worse COPD. Nine thousand three hundred three acute episodes of respiratory disease and 2,707 hospitalizations were reported in LFU (3,044 acute episodes of respiratory disease and 827 hospitalizations in those without COPD). Major predictors included acute episodes of respiratory disease in year prior to enrollment (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.15-1.24 per exacerbation), airflow obstruction (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91-0.96 per 10% change in % predicted FEV1), and poor health-related quality of life (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.06-1.08 for each 4-unit increase in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score). Risks were similar for those with and without COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Although acute episode of respiratory disease rates are higher in subjects with COPD, risk factors are similar, and at a population level, there are more episodes in smokers without COPD.

Development of antimicrobial coatings by atmospheric pressure plasma using a guanidine-based precursor.

Antimicrobial coatings deposited onto ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films were investigated using an atmospheric pressure - plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (AP-PECVD) process. Varying concentrations of a guanidine-based liquid precursor, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine, were used, and different deposition conditions were studied. Attenuated total reflectance - Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study the chemical structure and elemental composition of the coatings. Conformity, morphology, and coating thickness were assessed through SEM and AFM. Optimal AP-PECVD parameters were chosen and applied to deposit guanidine coatings onto woven fabrics. The coatings exhibited high antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) based on a modified-AATCC 100 test standard, where 2-5 log reductions were achieved.

Antibacterial activities of dendritic amphiphiles against nontuberculous mycobacteria.

The anti-mycobacterial activities of nine series of dicarboxyl and tricarboxyl dendritic amphiphiles with one alkyl, two alkyl, and cholestanyl tails against Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium smegmatis have been measured. The dendritic amphiphiles overcame the limited aqueous solubility of natural long-chain fatty acids, alcohols, and amines to enable profiling the susceptibilities of the different mycobacterial species to the physicochemical properties of these amphiphiles. Several dendritic amphiphiles showed strong anti-mycobacterial activity with high critical micelle concentrations and low hemolytic activities thereby offering platforms for the development of antibiotics of higher activity against nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Antimicrobial activity of long-chain, water-soluble, dendritic tricarboxylato amphiphiles.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the antimicrobial activities of three series of homologous, dendritic tricarboxylato (three-headed) amphiphiles against a battery of bacteria and fungi. METHODS: Three series of homologous dendritic amphiphiles were synthesized containing C13 to C22 fatty chains. Susceptibility of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus plantarum, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Mycobacterium smegmatis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus niger to the amphiphiles was measured by broth microdilution and reported as the MIC. RESULTS: Several amphiphiles from each homologous series, designed and constructed to overcome the low solubility of saturated long-chain fatty acids, had antimicrobial activity against MRSA (MIC = 36 mg/L), C. albicans (MIC = 4.4 mg/L), S. cerevisiae (MIC = 1.1 mg/L) and M. smegmatis (MIC = 8.9 mg/L). These amphiphiles had considerably better antimicrobial activities than the corresponding saturated fatty acids. Alkyl chain length influenced the values of MIC; longer chains (C18-C22) were generally more antimicrobial, but there was no uniform pattern among the microorganisms tested. CONCLUSIONS: As the antimicrobial activity of the amphiphiles increased with increasing chain length, it is anticipated that maximum activity was not reached with these series. Thus, the identification of the optimal chain length would provide a target compound for development of low-cost, topical microbicides and anti-infectives. Further, these series of dendritic amphiphiles with the very long chains can be used as new water-soluble probes for elucidation of membrane structure and for identification of novel targets for antimicrobial design.