Fundamental Characterization of the Micellar Self-Assembly of Sophorolipid Esters.

Surfactants are ubiquitous constituents of commercial and biological systems that function based on complex structure-dependent interactions. Sophorolipid (SL) n-alkyl esters (SL-esters) comprise a group of modified naturally derived glycolipids from Candida bombicola. Herein, micellar self-assembly behavior as a function of SL-ester chain length was studied. Surface tensions as low as 31.2 mN/m and critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) as low as 1.1 µM were attained for diacetylated SL-decyl ester (dASL-DE) and SL-octyl ester, respectively. For deacetylated SL-esters, CMC values reach a lower limit at SL-ester chains above n-butyl (SL-BE, 1-3 µM). This behavior of SL-esters with increasing hydrophobic tail length is unlike other known surfactants. Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and T1 relaxation NMR experiments indicate this behavior is due to a change in intramolecular interactions, which impedes the self-assembly of SL-esters with chain lengths above SL-BE. This hypothesis is supported by micellar thermodynamics where a disruption in trends occurs at n-alkyl ester chain lengths above those of SL-BE and SL-hexyl ester (SL-HE). Diacetylated (dA) SL-esters exhibit an even more unusual trend in that CMC increases from 1.75 to 815 µM for SL-ester chain lengths of dASL-BE and dASL-DE, respectively. Foaming studies, performed to reveal the macroscopic implications of SL-ester micellar behavior, show that the observed instability in foams formed using SL-esters are due to coalescence, which highlights the importance of understanding intermicellar interactions. This work reveals that SL-esters are an important new family of green high-performing surfactants with unique structure-property relationships that can be tuned to optimize micellar characteristics.

Using Geospatial Analysis to Inform Development of a Place-Based Integrated Care Initiative: The Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Disadvantaged families experience many barriers to accessing health and social care. The Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods (HHAN) Integrated Care Initiative was developed to address these barriers, and ensure families have their complex needs met and are kept safe and connected to society. DESCRIPTION: A spatial epidemiology approach was taken, as part of the HHAN feasibility phase, to identify the geographical distribution of the "most vulnerable" families in Sydney Local Health District (SLHD). A literature review was conducted to identify indicators of family stress and disadvantage, and cluster and hotspot analyses were undertaken. Hotspots of family stress and disadvantage were mapped for SLHD and used to identify areas for HHAN place-based delivery, and for collaborative co-design. DISCUSSION: The HHAN initiative called for consideration of context and the undertaking of collaborative design with communities. The spatial analysis provided a more accurate picture of family stress and disadvantage than previously available and provided a tool that could be used during consultation and planning activities. CONCLUSION: When planning place-based integrated care initiatives, spatial analysis of small geographic scales can allow identification of areas of concentrated or complex disadvantage that may be masked when analysis is performed on larger areas, allowing for targeted, place-based delivery of programs to those most in need.

Health and social concerns about living in three communities affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A qualitative study in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a public health issue globally. In Australia high concentrations of PFAS have been found in environments close to sites where Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) were historically used for firefighting activities. This has resulted in significant community concern about the potential long-term health effects of these chemicals. OBJECTIVE: We describe residents' perceptions and experiences of PFAS in three regional Australian towns where exposure has occurred. METHODS: We conducted focus groups to generate free-flowing open discussion on PFAS in three affected communities, including some with significant numbers of First Nations Peoples. We recruited participants using a range of media outlets and postal services. Focus group transcripts were analysed thematically to identify major shared concerns using Atlas Ti. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty residents attended fifteen focus groups that were conducted in the three communities. They included 69 First Nations People living in three communities near the town of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Study participants were concerned about potential physical health effects of exposure to PFAS, such as cancer clusters, unexplained deaths, potential exacerbation of existing health conditions, and the future health of their children. They expressed feelings of stress and anxiety about living with uncertainty related to the possible health and the socio-economic impacts of PFAS contamination in their communities. CONCLUSION: While research has concentrated on the physical health effects of PFAS, more attention needs to be given to the immediate psychosocial impacts of living in an affected community.

Exploring Older Adults' Strengths, Problems, and Wellbeing Using De-identified Electronic Health Record Data.

As new data sources including individuals' strengths emerge in electronic health records, such data provide whole-person oriented information to generate integrated knowledge for person-centered practice. The purpose of this study is to describe older adults' strengths and problems within a wellbeing context documented by the Omaha System. The Wellbeing Model is employed as a conceptual framework for wellbeing and is operationalized by the Omaha System Problem Classification Scheme. This study has a retrospective, descriptive design using de-identified EHR data of wellbeing assessments including problems, strengths, and signs/symptoms for a convenience sample of 440 assisted-living residents in a Midwest metropolitan area. Descriptive statistics and data visualization were used to summarize and display strength and signs/symptom attributes within wellbeing contexts. The study reveals cutting-edge knowledge regarding older adults' strengths and wellbeing, and creates a platform for further research use of a strength-based ontology in clinical practice and electronic system of documentation.

Zonal organization of the vestibulocerebellum in pigeons (Columba livia): III. Projections of the translation zones of the ventral uvula and nodulus.

Previous electrophysiological studies in pigeons have shown that the complex spike activity of Purkinje cells in the medial vestibulocerebellum (nodulus and ventral uvula) is modulated by patterns of optic flow that result from self-translation along a particular axis in three-dimensional space. There are four response types based on the axis of preferred translational optic flow. By using a three axis system, where +X, +Y, and +Z represent rightward, upward, and forward self-motion, respectively, the four cell types are t(+Y), t(-Y), t(-X-Z), and t(-X+Z), with the assumption of recording from the left side of the head. These response types are organized into parasagittal zones. In this study, we injected the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into physiologically identified zones. The t(-X-Z) zone projected dorsally within the vestibulocerebellar process (pcv) on the border with the medial cerebellar nucleus (CbM), and labeling was found in the CbM itself. The t(-X+Z) zone also projected to the pcv and CbM, but to areas ventral to the projection sites of the t(-X-Z) zone. The t(-Y) zone also projected to the pcv, but more ventrally on the border with the superior vestibular nucleus (VeS). Some labeling was also found in the dorsal VeS and the dorsolateral margin of the caudal descending vestibular nucleus, and a small amount of labeling was found laterally in the caudal margin of the medial vestibular nucleus. The data set was insufficient to draw conclusions about the projection of the t(+Y) zone. These results are contrasted with the projections of the flocculus, compared with the primary vestibular projection, and implications for collimotor function are discussed.

Feeding difficulty in newborns following congenital heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Following neonatal congenital heart surgery, one of the factors impacting patient recovery is feeding difficulty. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart defects within the first 15 days of life were reviewed. Endpoints for feeding difficulty included: (1) a prolonged time to reach goal feeds; (2) a prolonged transition to oral feeds requiring tube feeds at discharge; and (3) additional procedures to facilitate feeding. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were examined to identify risk factors for feeding difficulty. RESULTS: A total of 83 records were reviewed and showed the following feeding difficulties: 9 patients (10.8%) had a prolonged time to reach goal feeds, 37 (44.6%) had a prolonged time to transition to oral feeds, and 8 (9.6%) required subsequent procedures to facilitate feeding. Significant risk factors for all endpoints included an increased risk adjusted congenital heart surgery (RACHS) score and prolonged intubation. Significant risk factors for individual endpoints included return to the intensive care unit with an open chest for endpoint 1, and a single functional ventricle and the presence of a shunt for endpoint 3. The remaining factors (gestational age, weight at the time of surgery, being intubated at the time of surgery, underlying disease, utilization and time of cardiopulmonary bypass, utilization of trans-esophageal echocardiography, and surgical proximity to the aortic arch) had no significant effect on postoperative feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Feeding difficulties are not uncommon following surgery for the correction of congenital heart defects, especially in the neonate. The most important risk factors appear to be an increased RACHS score and prolonged postoperative intubation. Hopefully, by defining the risk factors, proactive management strategies can be developed to minimize these problems following neonatal congenital heart surgery.