Culturally Responsive Practices: Insights from a High-Quality Math Afterschool Program Serving Underprivileged Latinx Youth.

High-quality afterschool programs (ASPs) are opportunities to diversify the ways that Latinx youth from economically underprivileged communities experience STEM learning. Utilizing qualitative methods, based on the experiences and perspectives of low-income Latinx middle school participants of a math enrichment ASP in Southern California, we identified four culturally responsive practices: (1) the promotion of an inclusive, safe, and respectful program climate, (2) engaging in personal conversations, (3) facilitating opportunities for mutual and math learning across diverse cultures and perspectives, and (4) the promotion of math and a range of social-emotional skills across contexts. These practices helped youth feel more connected to the program, their peers, and program staff (college mentors); provided a platform for youth voice and contribution to the processes of teaching and learning; facilitated opportunities for skill development and practice across the different contexts of youth's lives; interrelated with Latinx cultural values; and helped to promote youth's engagement and math learning. Importantly, youth's relationships with their mentors was a significant aspect of their experiences and perceptions of these practices. We argue that culturally responsive practices are necessary to achieve high-quality programs and provide specific implications for how ASPs can implement them in the design and implementation of their programs.

Fluorinated aminoanthranilamides: non-native amino acids for bringing proteomic approaches to charge-transfer systems.

The ability to control charge transfer at molecular and nanometer scales represents the ultimate level of electronic mastery, and its impacts cannot be overstated. As electrostatic analogues of magnets, electrets possess ordered electric dipoles that present key paradigms for directing transduction of electrons and holes. Herein we describe the design and development of fluorinated aminoanthranilamides, derivatives of non-native aromatic beta-amino acids, as building blocks for hole-transfer molecular electrets. A highly regio-selective nucleophilic aromatic substitution of difluorinated nitrobenzoic acid provides the underpinnings for an array of unprecedented anthranilamide structures. Spin density distribution and electrochemical analyses reveal that fluorine induces about 200 mV positive shifts in reduction potentials without compromising the stability of the oxidized residues, making them invaluable building blocks for hole-transfer systems. These findings open unexplored routes to novel amino-acid structures, setting a foundation for bringing principles of proteomics to designs of charge-transfer systems.

Multimerization of adenovirus serotype 3 fiber knob domains is required for efficient binding of virus to desmoglein 2 and subsequent opening of epithelial junctions.

Recently, we identified desmoglein 2 (DSG2) as the main receptor for a group of species B adenoviruses (Ads), including Ad3, a serotype that is widely distributed in the human population (H. Wang et al., Nat. Med. 17:96-104, 2011). In this study, we have attempted to delineate structural details of the Ad3 interaction with DSG2. For CAR- and CD46-interacting Ad serotypes, attachment to cells can be completely blocked by an excess of recombinant fiber knob protein, while soluble Ad3 fiber knob only inefficiently blocks Ad3 infection. We found that the DSG2-interacting domain(s) within Ad3 is formed by several fiber knob domains that have to be in the spatial constellation that is present in viral particles. Based on this finding, we generated a small recombinant, self-dimerizing protein containing the Ad3 fiber knob (Ad3-K/S/Kn). Ad3-K/S/Kn bound to DSG2 with high affinity and blocked Ad3 infection. We demonstrated by confocal immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy analyses that Ad3-K/S/Kn, through its binding to DSG2, triggered the transient opening of intercellular junctions in epithelial cells. The pretreatment of epithelial cells with Ad3-K/S/Kn resulted in increased access to receptors that are localized in or masked by epithelial junctions, e.g., CAR or Her2/neu. Ad3-K/S/Kn treatment released CAR from tight junctions and thus increased the transduction of epithelial cells by a serotype Ad5-based vector. Furthermore, the pretreatment of Her2/neu-positive breast cancer cells with Ad3-K/S/Kn increased the killing of cancer cells by the Her2/neu-targeting monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin). This study widens our understanding of how Ads achieve high avidity to their receptors and the infection of epithelial tissue. The small recombinant protein Ad3-K/S/Kn has practical implications for the therapy of epithelial cancer and gene/drug delivery to normal epithelial tissues.

Biogenesis of bacterial membrane vesicles.

Membrane vesicle (MV) release remains undefined, despite its conservation among replicating Gram-negative bacteria both in vitro and in vivo. Proteins identified in Salmonella MVs, derived from the envelope, control MV production via specific defined domains that promote outer membrane protein-peptidoglycan (OM-PG) and OM protein-inner membrane protein (OM-PG-IM) interactions within the envelope structure. Modulation of OM-PG and OM-PG-IM interactions along the cell body and at division septa, respectively, maintains membrane integrity while co-ordinating localized release of MVs with distinct size distribution and protein content. These data support a model of MV biogenesis, wherein bacterial growth and division invoke temporary, localized reductions in the density of OM-PG and OM-PG-IM associations within the envelope structure, thus releasing OM as MVs.

Probability of Rhipicephalus microplus introduction into farms by cattle movement using a Bayesian Belief Network.

Attempts to eliminate Rhipicephalus microplus from Uruguay have been unsuccessful, and, currently, the country is divided into two areas: a tick-free area and a tick-infested area. In the tick-infested area, different farms face different situations. Some farms are in regions where, due to environmental conditions or a lack of infrastructure, it is difficult to eliminate R. microplus, and the only option is to control it. In contrast, other farms can attempt complete removal. Before deciding whether a farmer should attempt to eliminate R. microplus, the probability of reintroduction must be evaluated. The objective of this study was to develop a probabilistic model based on a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) to assess the likelihood of a farm becoming infested with R. microplus via the introduction of tick-infested cattle. Only the tick-infested area was considered in the development of this model. Nine variables related to environmental conditions and biosecurity measures, with a focus on cattle movement, were considered. Three different sources of data were used to populate the BBN model: data from the literature; a representative national survey from 2016; and a survey developed to identify biosecurity practices on farms. Model sensitivity and specificity were assessed, and an overall accuracy of 92% was obtained. The model was applied to 33 farms located in the tick-infested area. For one farm, the probability of introduction of R. microplus was 1%; for three farms, the probability was between 21% and 34%; for seven farms, it was between 66% and 76%; and for 22 farms, the probability was greater than 83%. This model was useful for estimating the probability of the introduction of R. microplus into farms, making it possible to assess the impact that the evaluated biosecurity measures have on the probability of introduction and, thus, guiding more objective decision making about the control or elimination of R. microplus from farms.

Exposição aos agrotóxicos, condições de saúde autorreferidas e Vigilância Popular em Saúde de municípios mato-grossenses / Exposure to pesticides, health conditions, and popular surveillance of municipalities of Mato Grosso

RESUMO O estudo analisou o perfil sociodemográfico e condições de saúde da população residente em municípios mato-grossenses entre 2016 e 2017. Trata-se de estudo qualiquantitativo de base populacional, autorreferido. Entrevistaram-se moradores adultos, com base em questionário com 172 questões, referentes às informações familiares e individuais. Aplicaram-se 1.379 questionários válidos, totalizando 4.778 indivíduos. A maioria referiu morar em áreas urbanas em distâncias inferiores a 1 km das áreas de lavoura (98%), baixa escolaridade (43%), renda menor que 3 salários mínimos (68%) e utilizar agrotóxicos de uso doméstico (71,8%). As morbidades mais citadas foram: problemas respiratórios, intoxicações agudas, transtornos psicológicos, doenças renais e cânceres. Identificou-se a subnotificação de intoxicações por agrotóxicos de 1 para 20 casos em Campos de Júlio; 1 para 77 casos em Campo Novo do Parecis e 100% de subnotificação em Sapezal. Encontraram-se associações entre as variáveis sociodemográficas e de exposição aos agrotóxicos e as morbidades referidas, considerando o p-valor=0,05 e nível de significância de 95%. O uso crescente de agrotóxicos associado a cenários políticos e econômicos favoráveis ao agronegócio demonstraram a importância da Vigilância Popular em Saúde, pois ela é uma estratégia do Sistema Único de Saúde que permite evidenciar os impactos negativos causados na saúde humana e ambiental.

ABSTRACT The study analyzed the socio-demographic profile and health conditions of the population living in Mato Grosso municipalities between 2016 and 2017. It is a quali-quantitative, self-referred, populationbased study. Adult residents were interviewed on the basis of a structured questionnaire with 172 questions concerning family and individual information. A total of 1,379 valid questionnaires were applied, totaling 4,778 individuals. Most reported living in urban areas at distances of less than 1 km from farming areas (98%), low schooling (43%), average income below 3 minimum wages (68%), and using agrochemicals for domestic use (71.8%). The most commonly cited morbidities were: respiratory problems, acute intoxications, psychological disorders, kidney diseases, and cancers. Underreporting of pesticide poisoning was identified, from 1 to 20 cases in Campos de Júlio; 1 to 77 cases in Campo Novo do Parecis, and 100% underreporting in Sapezal. Associations were found between sociodemographic variables and exposure to agrochemicals and the mentioned morbidities, considering the p-value=0.005 and 95% significance level. The increasing use of agrochemicals associated with political and economic scenarios favorable to agribusiness interests demonstrated the need to develop strategies for Popular Health Surveillance, highlighting the negative impacts of this production model on human and environmental health.

Spatial distribution of pesticide use in Brazil: a strategy for Health Surveillance. / Distribuição espacial do uso de agrotóxicos no Brasil: uma ferramenta para a Vigilância em Saúde.

The intensive use of pesticides in Brazilian agriculture is a public health issue due to contamination of the environment, food and human health poisoning. The study aimed to show the spatial distribution of the planted area of agricultural crops, the use of pesticides and related health problems, as a Health Surveillance strategy. We obtained data from the planted area of 21 predominant crops, indicators of the consumption of pesticides per hectare for each crop and health problems. The amount of pesticides used in the Brazilian municipalities was spatially distributed and correlated with the incidence of pesticides poisoning: acute, sub-acute and chronic. There was a predominance of soybean, corn and sugar cane crops, which together accounted for 76% of the area planted in Brazil in 2015. Some 899 million liters of pesticides were sprayed in these crops, and Mato Grosso, Paraná and Rio Grande Sul used the largest quantities, respectively. The health problems showed positive and significant correlations with pesticide use. The methodological strategy facilitated the identification of priority municipalities for Health Surveillance and the development of intersectoral actions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of pesticides on health and the environment.

Resumo O uso de agrotóxicos na agricultura brasileira é um problema de saúde pública, dadas as contaminações no ambiente, em alimentos e as intoxicações na saúde humana. Objetivou-se apresentar a distribuição espacial da área plantada de lavouras, consumo de agrotóxicos e agravos à saúde relacionados, como estratégia de Vigilância em Saúde. Obteve-se dados de área plantada de 21 culturas predominantes, indicadores de consumo de agrotóxicos por hectare para cada cultura e agravos à saúde. Espacializou-se o consumo de agrotóxicos nos municípios brasileiros e correlacionou-se às incidências de intoxicações por agrotóxicos: aguda, subaguda e crônica. Constatou-se predomínio dos cultivos de soja, milho e cana, que juntos corresponderam a 76% da área plantada no Brasil em 2015. Pulverizou-se 899 milhões de litros de agrotóxicos nessas lavouras, com Mato Grosso, Paraná e Rio Grande Sul tendo utilizado as maiores quantidades. Os agravos à saúde apresentaram correlações positivas e significativas com o uso de agrotóxicos. A estratégia metodológica possibilitou identificar municípios prioritários para a Vigilância em Saúde e o desenvolvimento de ações intersetoriais de prevenção e mitigação dos impactos dos agrotóxicos na saúde e ambiente.

Accumulation and loss of extracellular matrix during shear stress-mediated intimal growth and regression in baboon vascular grafts.

The composition of extracellular matrix during growth and regression of the neointima was analyzed during healing in a baboon aorto-iliac polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Graft neointimal thickening can be modulated by altering blood flow by construction of downstream arteriovenous fistulas. Normal flow with normal shear stress induces neointimal thickening, whereas high flow with high shear stress upstream of a fistula induces regression of established neointima. The neointima formed under normal shear stress is enriched in hyaluronan and proteoglycans, particularly versican. On the other hand, the neointima near the graft material is enriched in collagen and biglycan. Neointimal regression in response to high shear stress is associated with a loss of proteoglycans as detected by histochemical staining. Immunostaining with an antibody against an ADAMTS cleavage neoepitope of versican increases after switching to high flow, although immunostaining for versican core protein is not appreciably changed by high flow. The present data demonstrate that the graft neointima is enriched with proteoglycans, particularly versican and hyaluronan, as well as collagen, and there is a differential distribution of each. Neointimal atrophy occurs with an apparent loss of proteoglycans and evidence of versican degradation.

Microgrooved fibrillar collagen membranes as scaffolds for cell support and alignment.

For several years, microgrooved substrates have been evaluated as a means to orient cells in engineered tissues. Recently, we fabricated thin (0.1-5.3 microm) planar and tubular collagen membranes (CMs) from air-dried hydrogels of native, fibrillar type I collagen (Vernon et al., Biomaterials 2004;26:1109-17). The CMs were strong, stable, and permeable and, hence, of potential use as scaffolds for tissue engineering. In the present study, planar CMs supported a robust attachment, spreading, and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs). Collagen hydrogels were air-dried onto microgrooved templates and subsequently removed in the form of grooved CMs with the potential to align cells. The grooved CMs were highly effective at inducing HDFs and HUASMCs to elongate and align, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and by assays of f-actin and nuclear orientation. Alignment of cells was maintained at high cell densities. CMs with grooves of substantially different widths and depths were similarly effective in causing cell alignment; however, cells aligned poorly on CMs that had grooves less than 1 microm in depth. Grooved CMs with the capability to align cells might be of considerable use in the fabrication of tissue substitutes.

Native fibrillar collagen membranes of micron-scale and submicron thicknesses for cell support and perfusion.

Fibrillar type I collagen is nontoxic, biocompatible, and possesses considerable strength and stability. In a study of scaffolds for use in laminated tissue substitutes, we examined the properties of membranes made from air-dried hydrogels of collagen fibrils that were polymerized from native, monomeric collagen. Planar collagen membranes (CMs) of 0.1-5.3 microm dry thickness were made by variation of the collagen concentration and/or the volume of the hydrogel. The planar CMs, which were comprised of a dense feltwork of long collagen fibrils 70-100 nm in diameter, showed considerable resistance to rupture and retained their membranous character after 6 weeks in tissue culture medium at 37 degrees C. CMs that were relatively thick when dry exhibited a greater proportional increase in rehydrated thickness and a greater diffusivity (when rehydrated) to 4.3 kDa dextran than did CMs that were relatively thin when dry. Hollow, tubular CMs of several configurations were prepared by embedment of solid, removable forms into collagen hydrogels prior to drying. By use of special fixtures, a planar CM that incorporated multiple, parallel tubes was fabricated. In summary, hydrogels of fibrillar collagen can be transformed into membranous structures suitable for tissue engineering applications.

Overexpression of decorin by rat arterial smooth muscle cells enhances contraction of type I collagen in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Overexpression of decorin reduces neointimal thickening in balloon-injured carotid arteries of rats by decreasing the volume of neointimal extracellular matrix (ECM). We examined the hypothesis that decorin regulates ECM volume by stimulating cell-mediated contraction of collagen-rich ECMs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rat arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) transduced with bovine decorin cDNA by retroviral transfection (LDSN) exhibited enhanced contraction of collagen gels in vitro when compared with vector-only transduced (LXSN) cells. Addition of recombinant decorin to LXSN or LDSN cells did not stimulate contraction of collagen gels. Enhanced contraction of collagen by LDSN cells was unaffected by the metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001. LDSN cells exhibited increased expression of type I collagen mRNA when compared with that of LXSN cells. Correspondingly, collagen gel contraction by LDSN cells was reduced by inhibition of collagen synthesis by 3,4-l-dehydroproline (L-DHP). Antibodies to alpha1beta1-integrin, but not to alpha2beta1-integrin, blocked collagen contraction by both LXSN and LDSN cells. However, LXSN and LDSN cells expressed similar levels of alpha1- and beta1-integrin mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Decorin synthesized de novo by ASMCs increases type I collagen synthesis and enhances contraction of collagen gels. Regulated synthesis of decorin may be a useful therapeutic approach to reduce ECM volume in vascular disease.

Distribuição espacial do uso de agrotóxicos no Brasil: uma ferramenta para a Vigilância em Saúde / Spatial distribution of pesticide use in Brazil: a strategy for Health Surveillance

Resumo O uso de agrotóxicos na agricultura brasileira é um problema de saúde pública, dadas as contaminações no ambiente, em alimentos e as intoxicações na saúde humana. Objetivou-se apresentar a distribuição espacial da área plantada de lavouras, consumo de agrotóxicos e agravos à saúde relacionados, como estratégia de Vigilância em Saúde. Obteve-se dados de área plantada de 21 culturas predominantes, indicadores de consumo de agrotóxicos por hectare para cada cultura e agravos à saúde. Espacializou-se o consumo de agrotóxicos nos municípios brasileiros e correlacionou-se às incidências de intoxicações por agrotóxicos: aguda, subaguda e crônica. Constatou-se predomínio dos cultivos de soja, milho e cana, que juntos corresponderam a 76% da área plantada no Brasil em 2015. Pulverizou-se 899 milhões de litros de agrotóxicos nessas lavouras, com Mato Grosso, Paraná e Rio Grande Sul tendo utilizado as maiores quantidades. Os agravos à saúde apresentaram correlações positivas e significativas com o uso de agrotóxicos. A estratégia metodológica possibilitou identificar municípios prioritários para a Vigilância em Saúde e o desenvolvimento de ações intersetoriais de prevenção e mitigação dos impactos dos agrotóxicos na saúde e ambiente.

Abstract The intensive use of pesticides in Brazilian agriculture is a public health issue due to contamination of the environment, food and human health poisoning. The study aimed to show the spatial distribution of the planted area of agricultural crops, the use of pesticides and related health problems, as a Health Surveillance strategy. We obtained data from the planted area of 21 predominant crops, indicators of the consumption of pesticides per hectare for each crop and health problems. The amount of pesticides used in the Brazilian municipalities was spatially distributed and correlated with the incidence of pesticides poisoning: acute, sub-acute and chronic. There was a predominance of soybean, corn and sugar cane crops, which together accounted for 76% of the area planted in Brazil in 2015. Some 899 million liters of pesticides were sprayed in these crops, and Mato Grosso, Paraná and Rio Grande Sul used the largest quantities, respectively. The health problems showed positive and significant correlations with pesticide use. The methodological strategy facilitated the identification of priority municipalities for Health Surveillance and the development of intersectoral actions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of pesticides on health and the environment.