Duquesne University

About: Duquesne University is a education organization based out in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 3615 authors who have published 7169 publications receiving 180066 citations. The organization is also known as: Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit.

Biotransformation of 3-nitro-4-hydroxybenzene arsonic acid (roxarsone) and release of inorganic arsenic by Clostridium species.

Abstract: The extensive use of 3-nitro-4-hydroxybenzene arsonic acid (roxarsone) in the production of broiler chickens can lead to increased soil arsenic concentration and arsenic contaminated dust. While roxarsone is the dominant arsenic species in fresh litter, inorganic As (V) predominates in composted litter. Microbial activity has been implicated as the cause, but neither the specific processes nor the organisms have been identified. Here we demonstrate the rapid biotransformation of roxarsone under anaerobic conditions by Clostridium species in chicken litter enrichments and a pure culture of a fresh water arsenate respiring species (Clostridium sp. strain OhILAs). The main products were 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzene arsonic acid and inorganic arsenic. Growth experiments and genomic analysis indicate strain OhILAs may use roxarsone as a terminal electron acceptor for anaerobic respiration. Electronic structure analysis suggests that the reducing equivalents should go to the nitro group, while liberation of inorganic arsenic from the intact benzene ring by cleaving the C-As bond is unlikely. Clostridium and Lactobacillus species are common in the chicken cecum and litter. Thus, the organic-rich manure and anaerobic conditions typically associated with composting provide the conditions necessary for the native microbial populations to transform the roxarsone in the litter releasing the more toxic inorganic arsenic.

Signals and regulators that govern Streptomyces development

Abstract: Streptomyces coelicolor is the genetically best characterized species of a populous genus belonging to the gram-positive Actinobacteria. Streptomycetes are filamentous soil organisms, well known for the production of a plethora of biologically active secondary metabolic compounds. The Streptomyces developmental life cycle is uniquely complex and involves coordinated multicellular development with both physiological and morphological differentiation of several cell types, culminating in the production of secondary metabolites and dispersal of mature spores. This review presents a current appreciation of the signaling mechanisms used to orchestrate the decision to undergo morphological differentiation, and the regulators and regulatory networks that direct the intriguing development of multigenomic hyphae first to form specialized aerial hyphae and then to convert them into chains of dormant spores. This current view of S. coelicolor development is destined for rapid evolution as data from -omics studies shed light on gene regulatory networks, new genetic screens identify hitherto unknown players, and the resolution of our insights into the underlying cell biological processes steadily improve. (Less)

A survey of self-reported outcome instruments for the foot and ankle.

Abstract: The information acquired from self-reported outcome instruments is useful only if there is evidence to support the interpretation of obtained scores. To properly interpret scores, there should be evidence for content validity, construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Evidence regarding score interpretation must also contain a description of the applicable test conditions, including information about the characteristics of subjects, timing of data collection, and construct of change. The objective of this review was to identify self-reported outcome instruments that have evidence to support their usefulness for assessingthe effect of treatment directed at individuals with foot and ankle-related pathologic conditions in an orthopaedic physical therapy setting. In addition, we provide specific information that will allow clinicians and researchers to select an appropriate instrument and properly interpret the obtained scores. Fourteen self-reported outcome instruments that met the objective of this review were identified. Five instruments, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, Foot Function index, Foot Health Status Questionnaire, Lower Extremity Function Scale, and Sports Ankle Rating System quality of life measure, satisfied all 4 categories of evidence (content validity, construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness) outlined herein.

A randomized trial of exercise programs among older individuals living in two long-term care facilities: the FallsFREE program.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To use two different exercise programs over a 2-year period to reduce falls and their sequelae among residents of two long-term care facilities. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: The study took place at two long-term care facilities with services ranging from independent living to skilled nursing. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and ten participants whose average age was 84 and who were capable of ambulating with or without assistive devices and could follow simple directions. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to one of two exercise groups (resistance/endurance plus basic enhanced programming or tai chi plus basic enhanced programming) or to a control group (basic enhanced programming only). Exercise classes were held three times per week throughout the study. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were evaluated for cognitive and physical functioning at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months. Falls were determined from incident reports filed by the nursing staffs at the facilities. RESULTS: Time to first fall, time to death, number of days hospitalized, and incidence of falls did not differ among the treatment and control groups (P> .05). Among all participants, those who fell had significantly lower baseline Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination and instrumental activities of daily living scores and experienced significantly greater declines in these measures over the 2-year program. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in falls among the two exercise groups and the control group. Lack of treatment differences and low adherence rates suggest that residents of long-term care facilities may require individualized exercise interventions that can be adapted to their changing needs.

The Surgical Scheduling Problem: Current Research and Future Opportunities

Abstract: This paper reviews the general problem of surgical scheduling. We organize the literature based on the time frame or planning horizon of the schedule into six categories: capacity planning, process reengineering/redesign, the surgical services portfolio, procedure duration estimation, schedule construction, and schedule execution, monitoring, and control. We survey past work and suggest topics for potential future research in each of those areas.