CARE program: NCI and FDA interagency collaborations to support oncology small business entrepreneurs.

The National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research Development Center (NCI SBIR) supports the commercialization of novel cancer-related technologies by providing resources to 300-400 small businesses each year. Whereas Federal funding is crucial for the translation of technologies to the clinic, the majority of these technologies will need to undergo regulatory review to reach clinical testing. Many small businesses find navigating their regulatory pathway challenging, largely due to lack of regulatory expertise on small startup teams with limited revenue. In collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NCI SBIR launched a new regulatory assistance program called Connecting Awardees with Regulatory Experts (CARE). The goal of the CARE program is to connect NCI-funded small businesses with the FDA to receive feedback on their regulatory questions during early-stage product development. The program has a multipronged support approach and also educates companies about the FDA process and existing resources. To date, 141 companies have participated in the interagency program. Follow-up surveys indicate that the program guided the companies in planning the next regulatory steps for their technology development (89%) and provided critical information that changed their future NCI small business grant project aims (81%). Overall, companies reported they would recommend the program to other companies (90%). This paper will discuss the CARE program outcomes as well as other NCI and FDA collaborations that support early-stage small businesses, including the joint development of funding opportunities and online resources that focus on the oncology startup community.

[Provision of information about and changes in help-seeking intentions for balancing medical treatment and job content among employees of small- and medium-sized companies: Focusing on cooperative work climate].

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the association between a cooperative work climate and a positive attitude toward seeking help from others and the change in help-seeking intentions for balancing medical treatment and job (BTJ) before and after providing information about the support system to employees of small- and medium-sized companies. METHODS: In October 2021, we conducted an online survey among 3,200 full-time employees aged 20-64 years who worked in small- and medium-sized companies, had no experience of work restriction due to illness, and did not know the contents of the support system for BTJ in Japan. First, as a condition of "before information provision," respondents were asked to imagine a situation in which they suffered from cancer or stroke and their doctor indicated that it would be difficult for them to work regularly and, subsequently, were asked about their help-seeking intentions for BTJ under such circumstances. Next, as a condition of "after information provision," they were shown a leaflet on the support system for BTJ in Japan and asked about their help-seeking intentions for BTJ again. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted with help-seeking intentions for BTJ as the dependent variable. RESULTS: In total, 2,531 respondents (79.7%) indicated that they would seek help for BTJ both before and after receiving information. In logistic regression analyses, help-seeking intentions for BTJ were more frequently reported when there was a strong cooperative climate and a precedent for support in the workplace. Among participants who indicated that they would not seek help for BTJ before receiving information, those who worked in a company with 50-299 employees and experienced a cooperative climate and/or a precedent of support in the workplace demonstrated significantly more changes in their responses that they would seek help for BTJ after receiving information. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 80% of employees in small- and medium-sized companies indicated that they would seek help for BTJ both before and after receiving information. In employees who had a cooperative climate and had a precedent of support regarding BTJ in their workplace, there was a significant change in the response that they would seek help for BTJ after receiving information. These findings suggest that workplace environmental factors such as a cooperative work climate and supported cases regarding BTJ may increase the usefulness of information provision on BTJ and help-seeking intentions for BTJ among employees working for small businesses.

As startups no contexto da organização capitalista financeira e as subjetividades empreendedoras / Startups in the context of financial capitalist organization and entrepreneurial subjectivities / Startups en el contexto de la organización capitalista financiera y subjetividades emprendedoras

As startups são empresas que apresentam modelos de negócios marcados pela inovação, rapidez, flexibilidade e alta capacidade de adaptação aos mercados. Atuando em diferentes setores socioeconômicos, elas prometem criar e transformar produtos e serviços. A emergência e disseminação dessas empresas ocorrem em um momento histórico de mudanças iniciadas a partir de 1970 e marcadas pelas crises geradas com o esgotamento do paradigma da sociedade urbano industrial. No Brasil, o número desse modelo de negócio apresentou uma expansão expressiva, alcançando a marca de 13.374 nos últimos cinco anos. Atento a esse cenário, o objetivo desta pesquisa consistiu em compreender como sujeitos, grupos e instituições atribuem sentidos à experiência de trabalho nas chamadas startups. Na parte teórica, as condições sociais e econômicas que possibilitaram a emergência e disseminação das startups são analisadas em uma perspectiva crítica. A parte empírica, por sua vez, apresenta depoimentos de empreendedores relatando o contexto geral de atuação nas startups. Ao final deste artigo, conclui-se que há uma instrumentalização capitalística de componentes subjetivos específicos selecionados e colocados em circulação para fortalecer o modo de produção capitalista financeirizado.(AU)

Startups are companies that have business models characterized by innovation, speed, flexibility, and a high capacity to adapt to markets. Operating in different socioeconomic sectors, they promise to create and transform products and services. The emergence and dissemination of these companies occur at a historical moment of changes that began from 1970 and are marked by the crises generated by the exhaustion of the paradigm of industrial urban society. In Brazil, the number of businesses in this model showed a significant expansion, reaching 13,374 companies in the last five years. Attentive to this scenario, the objective of this research was to understand how subjects, groups, and institutions attribute meanings to the work experience in so-called startups. In the theoretical part, the social and economic conditions that enabled the emergence and dissemination of startups are analyzed in a critical perspective. The empirical part presents entrepreneurs reporting the general context of action in startups. At the end of this article, it is concluded that there is a capitalistic instrumentalization of specific subjective components that are selected and put into circulation to strengthen the financed capitalist production.(AU)

Las startups son empresas que tienen modelos de negocio marcados por la innovación, la velocidad, la flexibilidad y una alta capacidad de adaptación a los mercados. Desde diferentes sectores socioeconómicos, las startups prometen crear y transformar productos y servicios. La aparición y difusión de estas empresas se produce en un momento histórico de cambios que comenzó a partir de 1970 y que está marcado por crisis generadas por el agotamiento del paradigma de la sociedad urbana industrial. En Brasil, estas empresas se expandieron significativamente alcanzando la marca de 13.374 empresas en los últimos cinco años. En este escenario, el objetivo de esta investigación fue entender cómo los sujetos, grupos e instituciones atribuyen significados a la experiencia laboral en las startups. En la parte teórica, se analizan las condiciones sociales y económicas que permitieron el surgimiento y la difusión de las startups en una perspectiva crítica. La parte empírica presenta testimonios de emprendedores que informan sobre el trabajo en startups. La investigación concluye que hay una instrumentalización capitalista de componentes subjetivos específicos que se seleccionan y ponen en circulación para fortalecer el modo de producción capitalista financiero.(AU)

Políticas desenvolvimentistas e mulheres quebradeiras de coco babaçu: capturas contemporâneas / Developmentalist policies and babassu coconut-breaking women: contemporary catches / Políticas desarrollistas y las mujeres que rompen coco babaçu: capturas contemporáneas

Este estudo propõe analisar as relações e os processos de subjetivação de mulheres quebradeiras de coco babaçu decorrentes das intervenções de políticas desenvolvimentistas em seus territórios de vida e reverberações no Movimento Interestadual de Quebradeiras de Coco Babaçu (MIQCB). Sob a perspectiva ético-estético-política da Cartografia, acompanhamos as narrativas das histórias de vida de 24 mulheres, suas atividades cotidianas e eventos do MIQCB, também analisamos os documentos das políticas. Entendemos que, ao passo que tais políticas de desenvolvimento rural contribuem para a melhoria das condições de vida, em termos materiais e simbólicos, elas também produzem ressonâncias relacionadas ao modo de subjetivação do tipo "empresário de si", que agenciam seus modos de viver, de produzir e de se relacionar consigo e com os outros na lógica capitalista neoliberal. A resistência às capturas neoliberais também estão presentes ao ampliarem as mobilizações coletivas do próprio movimento, articulando com outros na produção de um "comum".(AU)

This study proposes to analyze the relations and the processes of subjectivation of babassu coconut-breaker women arising from developmental policy interventions in their territories of life and reverberations in the Babassu Coconut-breaker Interstate Movement (MIQCB). From the ethical-aesthetic-political perspective of Cartography, we followed the narratives of the life stories of 24 women, their daily activities and promoted events by MIQCB, we also analyzed the policy documents. We understand that while these policies of rural development contribute to improve the living conditions, in material and symbolic terms, they also produce resonances related to the "self-entrepreneur" mode of subjectivation, which has been handling their ways of living, producing, and relating to themselves and others in the neoliberal capitalist logic. Resistance to neoliberal captures is also present as they expand the collective mobilizations of the movement itself, articulating with others, in the production of a "common."(AU)

Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los procesos de subjetivación de las mujeres que rompen coco babaçu que surgen de las intervenciones de las políticas de desarrollo en sus territorios de vida y las reverberaciones en el Movimiento Interestadual de las Mujeres que Rompen Coco Babaçu (MIQCB). Desde la perspectiva ético-estético-política de la Cartografía, seguimos las narraciones de las historias de vida de 24 mujeres, sus actividades diarias y eventos del MIQCB, y también analizamos los documentos de las políticas. Si bien estas políticas han contribuido a mejorar las condiciones de vida de las mujeres, en términos materiales y simbólicos, también han producido resonancias del modo de subjetivación "autoempresarial", que ha agenciado sus formas de vivir, producir y relacionarse consigo mismas y con los demás en la lógica capitalista neoliberal. La resistencia a las capturas neoliberales también está presente cuando amplían las movilizaciones colectivas del propio movimiento, articulándose con otros en la producción de un "común".(AU)

Difusão da Lei Geral da Micro e Pequena Empresa em municípios paulistas / Difusión de la Ley General de las Micro y Pequeñas Empresas en los municipios de São Paulo / Diffusion of the Micro and Small Business Law in municipalities of São Paulo

Resumo Este artigo tem como objeto de análise a implantação da Lei Complementar nº 123, de 2006 (LC nº 123/2006), que instituiu o Estatuto Nacional da Microempresa e da Empresa de Pequeno Porte (MPE), por municípios paulistas. Utilizou-se o referencial teórico de difusão de políticas públicas tendo como objetivo estudar seu processo de adoção, observando os diferentes contextos e momentos de coerção previstos na legislação federal. Com base nas discussões teóricas relacionadas com o mecanismo de difusão chamado de coerção, respondeu-se a seguinte pergunta: qual é a influência do mecanismo de coerção vertical na difusão da Lei Geral da MPE nos municípios paulistas? A técnica "análise de sobrevivência" foi aplicada para identificar fatores explicativos da difusão da política, considerando variáveis de desenho institucional, políticas e partidárias, efeito vizinhança, necessidade da política, organizações/atores sociais e fatores estruturais. Os resultados demonstram que, conforme varia o desenho institucional de coerção, mudam os fatores explicativos da difusão dessa política na ponta, de modo que os aspectos locais, incluindo atores sociais, fatores regionais e questões estruturais, importam para a difusão, variando conforme o contexto coercitivo.

Resumen Este artículo analiza la implementación de la Ley General de las Micro y Pequeñas Empresas por parte de los municipios de São Paulo. Se utilizó la teoría de la difusión de políticas, con el objetivo de estudiar el proceso de adopción de esta política pública, observando los diferentes contextos y momentos de coerción previstos en la legislación federal. A partir de las discusiones teóricas relacionadas con el mecanismo de difusión denominado coerción, se respondió a la siguiente pregunta: ¿cuál es la influencia del mecanismo de coacción vertical en la difusión de la mencionada ley en los municipios de São Paulo? Se aplicó la técnica de análisis de supervivencia para identificar factores explicativos de la difusión de políticas, considerando variables institucionales, políticas y partidarias, efecto barrio, necesidad de políticas, organizaciones/actores sociales y factores estructurales. Los resultados muestran que a medida que varía el diseño institucional de coerción, los factores explicativos de la difusión de esta política al final cambian, de modo que los aspectos locales, incluidos los actores sociales, los factores regionales y los problemas estructurales importan para la difusión, variando de acuerdo con el contexto coercitivo.

Abstract This article analyzes the implementation of the General Law for Micro and Small Business by municipalities in São Paulo. The theory of policy diffusion was used to study the process of adopting this public policy in the different contexts of coercion. The article presents theoretical discussions on the diffusion mechanism "coercion" and answers the question: what is the influence of the vertical coercion mechanism in the diffusion of the General Law in the municipalities of São Paulo? The survival analysis technique was applied to identify explanatory factors of policy diffusion, considering institutional, political, and party design variables, neighborhood effect, internal needs, organizations/social actors, and structural factors. The results show that as the institutional rules of coercion vary, the explanatory factors of the diffusion change so that local aspects, including social actors, regional factors, and structural issues, matter for the diffusion, varying according to the coercive context.

Seguridad ocupacional contra Bacillus anthracis en la industria de curtiembre peruana / Occupational safety against Bacillus anthracis in the Peruvian tannery industry

El carbunco es una zoonosis que afecta a animales herbívoros, causada por el microorganismo Bacillus anthracis; que se encuentra en su forma vegetativa en el organismo infectado, y una vez en contacto con el aire forma esporas que infectan al huésped, liberando toxinas que inducen edema, septicemia y necrosis tisular. En humanos, la transmisión se produce por cortes, pinchazos o contacto directo de piel lesionada con esporas o tejidos de animales infectados. En Perú, para la década de 1980, se reportaron 400 casos anuales en áreas rurales agrícolas, adquiridos por manipulación del ganado vacuno, muerto por ántrax. Es por ello, que la piel y el cuero procedente de animales infectados representa un riesgo de infección para los trabajadores de industrias curtiembres. Se realizó un estudio transversal para evaluar el riesgo biológico ocupacional y las medidas de bioseguridad relacionadas con el Bacillus anthracis en pequeñas, medianas y grandes empresas curtiembres peruanas. Se aplicó un instrumento a los trabajadores para cuantificar las variables, componentes de riesgo biológico y conocer las medidas higiénicas adoptadas. Posteriormente se calculó e interpretó el nivel de riesgo biológico. Se encontró que el nivel de riesgo supera el límite de exposición biológica para el Bacillus anthracis en todas las empresas evaluadas y los trabajadores de las pequeñas empresas tienen poco conocimiento acerca del riesgo biológico al que están expuestos, siendo necesaria la capacitación de los trabajadores acerca del Bacillus anthracis y adopción de medidas de bioseguridad en empresas curtiembres, que garanticen la salud de los trabajadores(AU)

Anthrax is a zoonosis that affects herbivorous animals, caused by the microorganism Bacillus anthracis; which is found in its vegetative form in the infected organism, and once in contact with the air it forms spores that infect the host, releasing toxins that induce edema, septicemia and tissue necrosis. In humans, transmission occurs through cuts, punctures, or direct contact of broken skin with spores or tissues of infected animals. In Peru, for the 1980s, 400 annual cases were reported in rural agricultural areas, acquired by handling cattle, which died of anthrax. For this reason, the skin and leather from infected animals represent a risk of infection for workers in tanneries. A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the occupational biological risk and biosafety measures related to Bacillus anthracis in small, medium and large Peruvian tanneries. An instrument was applied to the workers to quantify the variables, components of biological risk and to know the hygienic measures adopted. Subsequently, the level of biological risk was calculated and interpreted. It was found that the level of risk exceeds the biological exposure limit for Bacillus anthracis in all the companies evaluated and the workers of the small companies have little knowledge about the biological risk to which they are exposed, being necessary the training of the workers about the Bacillus anthracis and adoption of biosafety measures in tanneries, which guarantee the health of workers(AU)

Investor initiatives program: Public-private partnerships to expedite commercialization for NCI-funded small business entrepreneurs.

The National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research Development Center (NCI SBIR) provides federal research and development funding and commercialization resources to more than 400 small businesses each year developing novel technologies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Although federal funding is vital for life science startups at the early stage of development, it is often insufficient to translate the technology from discovery to commercial product. Early-stage startups must connect to follow-on capital and resources to bring NCI-funded technologies to patients. Most startups face challenges in securing additional funding due to lack of access to investors and strategic partners and the ability to effectively pitch their technology. In 2015, the NCI SBIR started the Investor Initiatives program to connect funded small businesses with targeted investors and strategic partners to address the aforementioned obstacles. This program leverages an extensive network of investors and partners to conduct business-focused reviews and provide pitch coaching. The program incentivizes earlier collaborations between NCI-funded companies and private investors through various channels. The program has supported 117 companies from years 2016-2019 to attend 27 investor showcase events. Follow-up surveys show that the program and the assistance offered by NCI SBIR have contributed to a total of 32 completed deals as of April 29, 2020. This paper will discuss the Investor Initiatives program and its outcomes from 2016 to 2019 and demonstrate the effectiveness of a federal program that leverages public-private partnerships to assist portfolio companies with raising follow-on funding to accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice.

Overcoming Overuse Part 4: Small Business Survival.

SUMMARY: The challenge of overuse raises important questions for those in the business of musculoskeletal health care. What is the right number of physical therapy visits for a given condition? Can a practice provide "less" but still be profitable? In this, the editorial on overcoming overuse of musculoskeletal health care, we consider the economic drivers of overuse in the private sector. We propose actions that could support small business leaders to overcome overuse and build profitable, high-quality services. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(1):1-4. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0101.

Da virose biológica à virose econômica: uma vacina para microempresas no Brasil / De la virosis biológica a la virosis económica: una vacuna para microempresas en Brasil / From biological viruses to economic viruses: a vaccine for microenterprises in Brazil

Resumo Diante da ameaça de desestruturação do tecido produtivo como consequência do isolamento social imposto no Brasil, e tendo em vista que as micro e pequenas empresas são aquelas mais duramente atingidas, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo formular uma proposta de auxílio emergencial governamental para este segmento econômico. Para tanto, apresenta uma breve análise das medidas já adotadas pelo Governo Federal, propõe uma medida capaz de preencher suas lacunas e, por fim, estima os custos da medida proposta para o Tesouro Nacional.

Resumen Ante la amenaza de desestructuración del tejido productivo como consecuencia del aislamiento social impuesto en Brasil y considerando que las micro y pequeñas empresas son las más afectadas, el presente trabajo tiene como objetivo formular una propuesta de asistencia gubernamental de emergencia a este segmento económico. Para ello, presenta un breve análisis de las medidas ya adoptadas por el Gobierno Federal, propone una medida capaz de llenar sus lagunas y, finalmente, estima los costos de la medida propuesta para el Tesoro Nacional.

Abstract Facing the threat of disruption to the productive sector as a result of social distancing measures imposed in Brazil, and considering that micro and small enterprises are those hardest struck, this study aims to formulate a government emergency aid proposal for this segment. It presents a brief analysis of the federal government's current actions and proposes a measure capable of filling the gaps observed. Finally, the study offers an estimation of costs for the National Treasury if adopting the proposed measure.

Socorro governamental às pequenas unidades produtivas frente à atual pandemia / Nota Técnica n. 63 (Diset): Socorro governamental às pequenas unidades produtivas frente à atual pandemia / Português

Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar as principais ações do governo federal brasileiro, no sentido de socorrer os segmentos mais vulneráveis do aparato produtivo nacional. Como será possível observar ao longo do texto, entendemos que as medidas apresentadas até o momento não se conectam em uma perspectiva sistêmica, mas, sim, compõem uma miríade cujo entendimento está escapando à grande parte dos micro e pequenos empresários e dos trabalhadores autônomos, alvos principais das ações aqui destacadas.

Nota informativa n° 2/2020 - GST/DVAST/SVS/SES: nota informativa recomendações para trabalhadores e empregadores do setor de entrega de produtos delivery ­ prevenção ao Covid-19 / Informative note No. 2/2020 - GST / DVAST / SVS / SES: Informative note recommendations for workers and employers in the delivery of products sector - prevention to Covid-19

Orienta quanto a higiene das mãos e disponibilização a funcionários e entregadores o acesso fácil a pias providas com água corrente, sabonete líquido, toalhas de papel descartáveis, lixeiras com tampa de acionamento por pedal, além de frascos com álcool gel 70%.

As for hand hygiene and providing employees and delivery personnel with easy access to sinks provided with running water, liquid soap, disposable paper towels, trash cans with a pedal-operated lid, in addition to bottles with 70% alcohol gel.

En cuanto a la higiene de manos y al personal y repartidor de fácil acceso a lavabos provistos de agua corriente, jabón líquido, toallas de papel desechables, basureros con tapa a pedal, además de botellas con gel de alcohol al 70%.

Development of Novel Radiosensitizers through the National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research Program.

While radiosensitizing chemotherapy has improved survival for several types of cancer, current chemoradiation regimens remain ineffective for many patients and have substantial toxicities. Given the strong need for the development of novel radiosensitizers to further improve patient outcomes, the Radiation Research Program (RRP) and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) through the NCI SBIR Development Center's contracts pathway. We sought to determine the research outcomes for the NCI SBIR Development Center's funded proposals for the development of radiosensitizers. We identified SBIR-funded contracts and grants for the development of radiosensitizers from 2009 to 2018 using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reporter database. Research outcomes of the NCI SBIR Development Center-funded proposals were determined using a comprehensive internet search. We searched PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, company websites and google.com for research articles, abstracts and posters, clinical trials, press releases and other news, related to progress in the development of funded radiosensitizers. To protect the intellectual property of the investigators and small businesses, all information obtained and reported is publicly available. The SBIR Program has funded four contracts and 11 grants for the development of novel radiosensitizers. Two companies have received phase IIb bridge awards. Overall, 50% of companies (6/12) have successfully advanced their investigational drugs into prospective clinical trials in cancer patients, and all but one company are investigating their drug in combination with radiation therapy as described in the NCI SBIR Development Center proposal. To date, only one company has initiated a randomized trial of standard of care with or without their radiosensitizer. In conclusion, the NCI SBIR Development Center has funded the development of novel radiosensitizers leading to clinical trials of novel drugs in combination with radiation therapy. Continued follow-up is needed to determine if any of these novel radiosensitizers produce improved tumor control and/or overall survival.

Toxic compounds in a cutlery microenterprise: A case study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to characterize solid particulate aerosol derived from a cutlery microenterprise and to investigate substances associated with activities performed within the work environment. OBJECTIVE: Suspended particulate matter (SPM) was collected at different locations in the cutlery workshop and near machines used by workers, using passive sampling devices fitted with polytetrafluoroethylene filters, onto which total particulate material was deposited. The substances present in the SPM were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: Identification of the substances was performed using the National Institute of Standards (NIST) library and automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system. (AMDIS) software, considering at least 70% probability. The concentration of total dust, obtained using a gravimetric method, was approximately 1 mg.m-3. CONCLUSION: The toxic substances found in the SPM included halogenated hydrocarbons (containing chlorine, fluorine, and iodine) and aromatic hydrocarbons. The toxic substances included naphthalene, which is classified as carcinogenic.

Point-of-sale marketing of little cigars and cigarillos on and near California Tribal lands.

INTRODUCTION: American Indians have the highest cigarette smoking prevalence of any racial/ethnic group in the USA. Tobacco marketing at point-of-sale is associated with smoking, possibly due to easy access to cheap tobacco products. The sale of novel tobacco products like little cigars/cigarillos (LCCs) has increased in recent years which may further increase combustible tobacco use among American Indians. METHODS: Between October 2015 and February 2017, trained community health workers collected LCC product and price information by conducting audits of tobacco retailers on Tribal lands (n=53) and retailers within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands (n=43) in California. Χ2 analyses were performed to examine associations among the availability and advertising of LCCs, including indoor price promotions and store location. RESULTS: Overall, 85.4% of stores sold LCCs, 76.0% sold flavoured LCCs and 51.0% sold LCCs for less than $1. Indoor price promotions were displayed at 45 (46.9%) stores. Stores within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands sold significantly more LCC (p<0.01) and flavoured LCCs (p=0.01) than stores on Tribal lands. Stores within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands also displayed significantly more LCCs priced at less than $1 (p<0.01) than stores on Tribal lands. CONCLUSIONS: LCCs are widely available in stores on and near California Tribal lands. Stores located a short distance away from Tribal lands were more likely to sell LCCs, including flavoured versions, more likely to sell LCCs priced below $1, and more likely to advertise little LCC price promotions than stores on Tribal lands. Policy-makers and Tribal leaders should consider regulations that would limit access to LCCs at point of sale to help prevent youth initiation and reduce smoking-related morbidity and mortality among American Indians.

Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases 2017. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, in collaboration with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the Alpha-1 Foundation, the American Thoracic Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the European Respiratory Society, the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy, and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, convened a workshop titled "Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases" from July 24 through 27, 2017, at the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont. The conference objectives were to review and discuss current understanding of the following topics: 1) stem and progenitor cell biology and the role that they play in endogenous repair or as cell therapies after lung injury, 2) the emerging role of extracellular vesicles as potential therapies, 3) ex vivo bioengineering of lung and airway tissue, and 4) progress in induced pluripotent stem cell protocols for deriving lung cell types and applications in disease modeling. All of these topics are research areas in which significant and exciting progress has been made over the past few years. In addition, issues surrounding the ethics and regulation of cell therapies worldwide were discussed, with a special emphasis on combating the growing problem of unproven cell interventions being administered to patients with lung diseases. Finally, future research directions were discussed, and opportunities for both basic and translational research were identified.

Cost-effectiveness of sunflower oil fortification with vitamin A in Tanzania by scale.

In 2011, Tanzania mandated the fortification of edible oil with vitamin A to help address its vitamin A deficiency (VAD) public health problem. By 2015, only 16% of edible oil met the standards for adequate fortification. There is no evidence on the cost-effectiveness of the fortification of edible oil by small- and medium-scale (SMS) producers in preventing VAD. The MASAVA project initiated the production of sunflower oil fortified with vitamin A by SMS producers in the Manyara and Shinyanga regions of Tanzania. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control-group research trial and an economic evaluation were conducted. The household survey included mother and child pairs from a sample of 568 households before the intervention and 18 months later. From the social perspective, the incremental cost of fortification of sunflower oil could be as low as $0.13, $0.06, and $0.02 per litre for small-, medium-, and large-scale producers, respectively, compared with unfortified sunflower oil. The SMS intervention increased access to fortified oil for some vulnerable groups but did not have a significant effect on the prevention of VAD due to insufficient coverage. Fortification of vegetable oil by large-scale producers was associated with a significant reduction of VAD in children from Shinyanga. The estimated cost per disability-adjusted life year averted for fortified sunflower oil was $281 for large-scale and could be as low as $626 for medium-scale and $1,507 for small-scale producers under ideal conditions. According to the World Health Organization thresholds, this intervention is very cost-effective for large- and medium-scale producers and cost-effective for small-scale producers.

Advancing Targeted Radionuclide Therapy Through the National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research Pathway.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are congressionally mandated set-aside programs that provide research funding to for-profit small businesses for the development of innovative technologies and treatments that serve the public good. These two programs have an annual budget of $159 million (in 2017) and serve as the NCI's main engine of innovation for developing and commercializing cancer technologies. In collaboration with the NCI's Radiation Research Program, the NCI SBIR Development Center published in 2015-2017 three separate requests for proposals from small businesses for the development of systemic targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) technologies to treat cancer. TRT combines a cytotoxic radioactive isotope with a molecularly targeted agent to produce an anticancer therapy capable of treating local or systemic disease. This article summarizes the NCI SBIR funding solicitations for the development of TRTs and the research proposals funded through them.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Lifestyle Characteristics by Business Type among Japanese Workers in Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises.

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations of business type with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and lifestyle characteristics among workers in small- and medium-sized enterprises. In total, data from 167,736 workers (114,746 men and 52,990 women) who participated in health checkups in 2013 were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. The odds ratios (ORs) of having MetS, defined based on the criteria of the joint interim statement, were significantly higher in employees of transportation businesses (reference OR =1) than in other business types among men (OR: 0.67-0.85) and similar result was observed among women (OR: 0.70-0.88). The prevalence of a smoking habit was significantly higher in transportation workers than in employees of other businesses for both men and women. Furthermore, male transportation workers were more likely to skip breakfast, engage in <1 h/day of walking, walk at a slower speed, and eat dinner just before going to bed. Female transportation workers were more likely to have gained 10 kg since the age of 20 years. In conclusion, the prevalence of MetS was higher in transportation workers than in workers from other businesses; the associated risk factors may also vary by sex. To effectively promote public health, the labor environment, such as the business type, should be considered.

Decreasing the Toxicity of Radiation Therapy: Radioprotectors and Radiomitigators Being Developed by the National Cancer Institute Through Small Business Innovation Research Contracts.

PURPOSE: The use of radioprotectors and radiomitigators could improve the therapeutic index of radiation therapy. With the intention of accelerating translation of radiation-effect modulators (radioprotectors and mitigators), the Radiation Research Program and SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) Development Center within the National Cancer Institute issued 4 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from 2010 to 2013. Twelve SBIR contract awards in total were made in response to the 4 RFPs from September 2011 through September 2014. Here, we provide an update on the status of SBIR contract projects for the development of radiation-effect modulators. METHODS AND MATERIALS: To assess the status of research and development efforts under the 4 RFPs on radiation-effect modulators, we searched PubMed for research articles, google.com for published abstracts, clinicaltrials.gov for ongoing or completed clinical trials, and company websites for press releases and other news. All information obtained and reported here is publicly available and thus protects the intellectual property of the investigators and companies. RESULTS: Of the 12 SBIR projects funded, 5 (42%) transitioned successfully from phase 1 to phase 2 SBIR funding, and among the Fast-Track contracts, this rate was 100% (3 of 3). The Internet search identified 3 abstracts and 6 publications related to the aims of the SBIR contracts. One-third of the companies (4 of 12) have successfully launched a total of 8 clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of their investigational agents. Two drugs are in clinical trials for their indication as a radioprotector, and 2 drugs are under evaluation for their anticancer properties (an immunomodulator and a small molecule inhibitor). CONCLUSIONS: The National Cancer Institute's SBIR has provided pivotal funding to small businesses for the development of radioprotectors and radiomitigators, which resulted in multiple early-phase clinical trials. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the full impact of these novel therapeutics that enter clinical practice.