First evidence of epicatechin vanillate in grape seed and red wine.

PubMed

Ma, Wen; Waffo-Téguo, Pierre; Jourdes, Michäel; Li, Hua; Teissedre, Pierre-Louis

2018-09-01

Flavan-3-ols are units incorporating condensed tannin, which are widely present in grape and wine. They play a considerable role in wine sensory perception such as astringency, bitterness and mouth-feel. In grape and wine, the flavan-3-ols reported to date are (epi)catechin, (epi)gallocatechin, (epi)gallocatechin gallate and (epi)catechin glycoside. This study now shows the presence of a new flavan-3-ol epicatechin vanillate in grape seed and red wine. A putative unknown flavan-3-ol derived from grape seed was targeted by LC-HRMS/MS. Fractionation and purification by centrifugal partition chromatography and Prep HPLC allowed us to obtain the pure new flavan-3-ol. NMR and HRMS data revealed this compound to be epicatechin-3-O-vanillate. Quantification analysis results showed that epicatechin vanillate present in grape seed and red wine in the μg/g dry seed and the μg/L concentration range, respectively. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selective extraction of derivates of p-hydroxy-benzoic acid from plant material by using a molecularly imprinted polymer.

PubMed

Karasová, Gabriela; Lehotay, Jozef; Sádecká, Jana; Skacáni, Ivan; Lachová, Miroslava

2005-12-01

Selective SPE of derivates of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) from plant extract of Melissa officinalis is presented using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) made with protocatechuic acid (PA) as template molecule. MIP was prepared with acrylamide as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinking monomer and ACN as porogen. MIP was evaluated towards six phenolic acids: PA, gallic acid, pHBA, vanillic acid (VA), gentisic acid (GeA) and syringic acid (SyrA), and then steps of molecularly imprinted SPE (MISPE) procedure were optimized. The best specific binding capacity of MIP was obtained for PA in ACN (34.7 microg/g of MIP). Other tested acids were also bound on MIP if they were dissolved in this solvent. ACN was chosen as solvent for sample application. M. officinalis was extracted into methanol/water (4:1, v/v), the extract was then evaporated to dryness and dissolved in ACN before application on MIP. Water and ACN were used as washing solvents and elution of benzoic acids was performed by means of a mixture methanol/acetic acid (9:1, v/v). pHBA, GA, PA and VA were extracted with recoveries of 56.3-82.1% using this MISPE method. GeA was not determined in plant extract.

Biomass-burning derived aromatic acids in NIST standard reference material 1649b and the environmental implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Shaopeng; Xu, Baiqing; Dong, Xueling; Zheng, Xiaoyan; Wan, Xin; Kang, Shichang; Song, Qiuyin; Kawamura, Kimitaka; Cong, Zhiyuan

2018-07-01

Biomass burning is a serious problem in the environment and climate system. However, the source identification of biomass-burning aerosols was somewhat impeded, partly due to the difficulty in quantification of relevant molecular markers. In this study, we present reference values for five aromatic acids (including p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, dehydroabietic, syringic and p-coumaric acids) in the NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1649b. The concentration of levoglucosan was also revisited. Notable positive matrix effect was found for vanillic, dehydroabietic, syringic and coumaric acid. Using the standard addition method, the average value of p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, syringic, dehydroabietic and p-coumaric acids in SRM 1649b were found to be 26.9, 9.53, 1.13, 7.60 and 1.66 μg g-1, respectively. The analytical method developed in this study was also applied to the PM10 samples from Beijing and PM2.5 samples from South Asia (Godavari, Nepal). The ratios of vanillic to p-hydroxybenzoic acid and syringic to vanillic acid further suggested that their biomass-burning types are mainly related to hard wood and herbaceous species (i.e., agricultural residues).

Aromatic acids in an Arctic ice core from Svalbard: a proxy record of biomass burning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grieman, Mackenzie M.; Aydin, Murat; Isaksson, Elisabeth; Schwikowski, Margit; Saltzman, Eric S.

2018-05-01

This study presents vanillic acid and para-hydroxybenzoic acid levels in an Arctic ice core from Lomonosovfonna, Svalbard covering the past 800 years. These aromatic acids are likely derived from lignin combustion in wildfires and long-range aerosol transport. Vanillic and para-hydroxybenzoic acid are present throughout the ice core, confirming that these compounds are preserved on millennial timescales. Vanillic and para-hydroxybenzoic acid concentrations in the Lomonosovfonna ice core ranged from below the limits of detection to 0.2 and 0.07 ppb, respectively (1 ppb = 1000 ng L-1). Vanillic acid levels are high (maximum of 0.1 ppb) from 1200 to 1400 CE, then gradually decline into the twentieth century. The largest peak in the vanillic acid in the record occurs from 2000 to 2008 CE. In the para-hydrobenzoic acid record, there are three centennial-scale peaks around 1300, 1550, and 1650 CE superimposed on a long-term decline in the baseline levels throughout the record. Ten-day air mass back trajectories for a decade of fire seasons (March-November, 2006-2015) indicate that Siberia and Europe are the principle modern source regions for wildfire emissions reaching the Lomonosovfonna site. The Lomonosovfonna data are similar to those from the Eurasian Arctic Akademii Nauk ice core during the early part of the record (1220-1400 CE), but the two ice cores diverge markedly after 1400 CE. This coincides with a shift in North Atlantic climate marked by a change of the North Atlantic Oscillation from a positive to a more negative state.

Carbon Source-Dependent Inducible Metabolism of Veratryl Alcohol and Ferulic Acid in Pseudomonas putida CSV86

PubMed Central

Mohan, Karishma

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas putida CSV86 degrades lignin-derived metabolic intermediates, viz., veratryl alcohol, ferulic acid, vanillin, and vanillic acid, as the sole sources of carbon and energy. Strain CSV86 also degraded lignin sulfonate. Cell respiration, enzyme activity, biotransformation, and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses suggest that veratryl alcohol and ferulic acid are metabolized to vanillic acid by two distinct carbon source-dependent inducible pathways. Vanillic acid was further metabolized to protocatechuic acid and entered the central carbon pathway via the β-ketoadipate route after ortho ring cleavage. Genes encoding putative enzymes involved in the degradation were found to be present at fer, ver, and van loci. The transcriptional analysis suggests a carbon source-dependent cotranscription of these loci, substantiating the metabolic studies. Biochemical and quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR studies revealed the presence of two distinct O-demethylases, viz., VerAB and VanAB, involved in the oxidative demethylation of veratric acid and vanillic acid, respectively. This report describes the various steps involved in metabolizing lignin-derived aromatic compounds at the biochemical level and identifies the genes involved in degrading veratric acid and the arrangement of phenylpropanoid metabolic genes as three distinct inducible transcription units/operons. This study provides insight into the bacterial degradation of lignin-derived aromatics and the potential of P. putida CSV86 as a suitable candidate for producing valuable products. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas putida CSV86 metabolizes lignin and its metabolic intermediates as a carbon source. Strain CSV86 displays a unique property of preferential utilization of aromatics, including for phenylpropanoids over glucose. This report unravels veratryl alcohol metabolism and genes encoding veratric acid O-demethylase, hitherto unknown in pseudomonads, thereby providing new insight into the

Eurasian methoxy aromatic acid ice core record of biomass burning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grieman, M. M.; Aydin, M.; Fritzsche, D.; McConnell, J. R.; Opel, T.; Sigl, M.; Saltzman, E. S.

2017-12-01

On a global basis, wildfires affect the carbon cycle, atmospheric chemistry, climate, and ecosystem dynamics. Well-dated regional proxy records can provide insight into the relationship between biomass burning and climate on millennial and centennial timescales. There is little historical information about long-term regional biomass burning variability in Siberia, the largest forested area in the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, vanillic acid and para-hydroxybenzoic acid were analyzed in the Eurasian Arctic Akademii Nauk ice core in samples covering the past 2600 years. These aromatic acids are generated during burning from the pyrolysis of lignin and transported as atmospheric aerosol. This is the first millennial-scale ice core record of these aromatic acids. Ice core meltwater samples were analyzed for vanillic acid and para-hydroxybenzoic acid using ion chromatography and electrospray tandem mass spectrometric detection. The levels of vanillic acid and para-hydroxybenzoic acid ranged from <0.05 to about 1 ppb. Three periods of strongly elevated levels were found during the preindustrial late Holocene: 650-300 BCE, 340-660 CE, and 1460-1660 CE. The most recent of these periods coincides with increased pulsing of ice-rafted debris in the North Atlantic (or Bond event) and a weakened Asian monsoon suggesting a link between Siberian burning and global patterns of climate change on centennial timescales.

Phenolic acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, antioxidant activity, minerals and their correlations in non-pigmented, red, and black rice.

PubMed

Shao, Yafang; Hu, Zhanqiang; Yu, Yonghong; Mou, Renxiang; Zhu, Zhiwei; Beta, Trust

2018-01-15

Soluble-free, soluble-conjugated, insoluble-bound phenolics and antioxidant activity, flavonoid (TFC), proanthocyanidins (TPAC), anthocyanins and minerals of fifteen whole rice grains with different colors were investigated. Soluble-free protocatechuic and vanillic acids were only quantified in black rice, which had the most quantities. Non-pigmented rice had no detectable conjugated protocatechuic and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids both of which were found in black and red rice, respectively. The main bound phenolic acids were ferulic and p-coumaric, as well as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic in red rice and protocatechuic and vanillic acids in black rice. Soluble-conjugated phenolics, TFC, and anthocyanins were negatively correlated with L ∗ , b ∗ , C and H° values. TPAC was positively correlated with a ∗ (P<0.01). Protocatechuic, vanillic, syringic and ferulic acids were associated with TPC and antioxidant activity in the soluble-conjugated fraction while protocatechuic and ferulic acid were correlated with those in the insoluble-bound fraction. Principal component analysis divided samples into non-pigmented, red and black rice groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phenolic Acid Composition, Antiatherogenic and Anticancer Potential of Honeys Derived from Various Regions in Greece

PubMed Central

Spilioti, Eliana; Jaakkola, Mari; Tolonen, Tiina; Lipponen, Maija; Virtanen, Vesa; Chinou, Ioanna; Kassi, Eva; Karabournioti, Sofia; Moutsatsou, Paraskevi

2014-01-01

The phenolic acid profile of honey depends greatly on its botanical and geographical origin. In this study, we carried out a quantitative analysis of phenolic acids in the ethyl acetate extract of 12 honeys collected from various regions in Greece. Our findings indicate that protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid are the major phenolic acids of the honeys examined. Conifer tree honey (from pine and fir) contained significantly higher concentrations of protocatechuic and caffeic acid (mean: 6640 and 397 µg/kg honey respectively) than thyme and citrus honey (mean of protocatechuic and caffeic acid: 437.6 and 116 µg/kg honey respectively). p-Hydroxybenzoic acid was the dominant compound in thyme honeys (mean: 1252.5 µg/kg honey). We further examined the antioxidant potential (ORAC assay) of the extracts, their ability to influence viability of prostate cancer (PC-3) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells as well as their lowering effect on TNF- α-induced adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells (HAEC). ORAC values of Greek honeys ranged from 415 to 2129 µmol Trolox equivalent/kg honey and correlated significantly with their content in protocatechuic acid (p<0.001), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p<0.01), vanillic acid (p<0.05), caffeic acid (p<0.01), p-coumaric acid (p<0.001) and their total phenolic content (p<0.001). Honey extracts reduced significantly the viability of PC-3 and MCF-7 cells as well as the expression of adhesion molecules in HAEC. Importantly, vanillic acid content correlated significantly with anticancer activity in PC-3 and MCF-7 cells (p<0.01, p<0.05 respectively). Protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid and total phenolic content correlated significantly with the inhibition of VCAM-1 expression (p<0.05, p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively). In conclusion, Greek honeys are rich in phenolic acids, in particular protocatechuic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid and exhibit significant antioxidant, anticancer and

THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF HYDROXYBENZOIC ACIDS IN HIGHER PLANTS

DTIC Science & Technology

some species. Ortho hydroxybenzoic acids were shown to arise from phenylalanine and cinnamic acid ....Radioactive para-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and syringic acids were shown to be synthesized in a variety of plants from the corresponding...hydroxycinnamic acids labelled in the beta-position. Decarboxylation of the hydroxybenzoic acids indicated that nearly all the activity was contained in the

PHENOLIC ACIDS AND LIGNINS IN THE LYCOPODIALES,

DTIC Science & Technology

ethanolysis or alkaline oxidation of their extracted wood-meals. p-Hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids were identified in phenolic acid ...Twenty-one species and varieties of Lycopodium have been examined for phenolic acids and for phenolic aldehydes, ketones and acids obtained on...found to yield syringic acid in the ethanol-soluble fraction and on degradation of lignin whereas species included in the genera Huperzia and Lepidotis

Biotransformation of Ferulic acid to 4-Vinylguaiacol by Enterobacter soli and E. aerogenes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We investigated the conversion of ferulic acid to 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VG), vanillin, vanillyl alcohol and vanillic acid by five Enterobacter strains. These high-value chemicals are usually synthesized using chemical methods but biological synthesis adds value. Ferulic acid, a relatively inexpensive...

Application of a Sex Pheromone, Pheromone Analogs, and Verticillium lecanii for Management of Heterodera glycines

PubMed Central

Meyer, S. L. F.; Huettel, R. N.

1996-01-01

A mutant strain of the fungus Verticillium lecanii and selected bioregulators of Heterodera glycines were evaluated for their potential to reduce population densities of the nematode on soybean under greenhouse conditions. The bioregulators tested were the H. glycines sex pheromone vanillic acid and the pheromone analogs syringic acid, isovanillic acid, ferulic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzonitrile, and methyl vanillate. A V. lecanii-vanillic acid combination and a V. lecanii-syringic acid combination were also applied as treatments. Syringic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzonitrile, V. lecanii, V. lecanii-vanillic acid, and V. lecanii-syringic acid significantly reduced nematode population densities in the greenhouse tests. Results with vanillic acid, isovanillic acid, and ferulic acid treatments were variable. Methyl vanillate did not significantly reduce cyst nematode population densities in the greenhouse tests. PMID:19277343

Influence of rye flour enzymatic biotransformation on the antioxidant capacity and transepithelial transport of phenolic acids.

PubMed

de Lima, Fabíola Aliaga; Martins, Isabela Mateus; Faria, Ana; Calhau, Conceição; Azevedo, Joana; Fernandes, Iva; Mateus, Nuno; Macedo, Gabriela Alves

2018-03-01

Phenolic acids have been reported to play a role on the antioxidant activity and other important biological activities. However, as most polyphenolics in food products are either bound to cellular matrices or present as free polymeric forms, the way they are absorbed has not been totally clear until now. Hydrolytic enzymes may act to increase functionalities in polyphenolic-rich foods, enhancing the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and minerals from whole grains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of tannin acyl hydrolase (tannase) on the total phenols, phenolic acid profile, antioxidant capacity and in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolic acids found in whole rye flour (RF). Besides increasing total phenols and the antioxidant capacity, tannase treatment increased the amounts of ferulic, sinapic and vanillic acids identified in RF, evidencing a new type of feruloyl esterase catalytic action of tannase. Vanillic and sinapic acids in tannase-treated whole rye flour (RFT) were higher than RF after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, and higher amounts of transported vanillic acid through the Caco-2 monolayer were detected in RFT. However, the bioaccessibility and the transport efficiency of RF phenolic acids were higher than RFT. Underutilized crops like rye and rye-derived products may be an important source of phenolic acids. The tannase biotransformation, even influencing the total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of RF, did not increase the bioaccessibility of phenolic acids under the experimental conditions of this study.

Comparison of outcomes for veterans receiving dialysis care from VA and non-VA providers.

PubMed

Wang, Virginia; Maciejewski, Matthew L; Patel, Uptal D; Stechuchak, Karen M; Hynes, Denise M; Weinberger, Morris

2013-01-18

Demand for dialysis treatment exceeds its supply within the Veterans Health Administration (VA), requiring VA to outsource dialysis care by purchasing private sector dialysis for veterans on a fee-for-service basis. It is unclear whether outcomes are similar for veterans receiving dialysis from VA versus non-VA providers. We assessed the extent of chronic dialysis treatment utilization and differences in all-cause hospitalizations and mortality between veterans receiving dialysis from VA versus VA-outsourced providers. We constructed a retrospective cohort of veterans in 2 VA regions who received chronic dialysis treatment financed by VA between January 2007 and December 2008. From VA administrative data, we identified veterans who received outpatient dialysis in (1) VA, (2) VA-outsourced settings, or (3) both ("dual") settings. In adjusted analyses, we used two-part and logistic regression to examine associations between dialysis setting and all-cause hospitalization and mortality one-year from veterans' baseline dialysis date. Of 1,388 veterans, 27% received dialysis exclusively in VA, 47% in VA-outsourced settings, and 25% in dual settings. Overall, half (48%) were hospitalized and 12% died. In adjusted analysis, veterans in VA-outsourced settings incurred fewer hospitalizations and shorter hospital stays than users of VA due to favorable selection. Dual-system dialysis patients had lower one-year mortality than veterans receiving VA dialysis. VA expenditures for "buying" outsourced dialysis are high and increasing relative to "making" dialysis treatment within its own system. Outcomes comparisons inform future make-or-buy decisions and suggest the need for VA to consider veterans' access to care, long-term VA savings, and optimal patient outcomes in its placement decisions for dialysis services.

Comparison of outcomes for veterans receiving dialysis care from VA and non-VA providers

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Demand for dialysis treatment exceeds its supply within the Veterans Health Administration (VA), requiring VA to outsource dialysis care by purchasing private sector dialysis for veterans on a fee-for-service basis. It is unclear whether outcomes are similar for veterans receiving dialysis from VA versus non-VA providers. We assessed the extent of chronic dialysis treatment utilization and differences in all-cause hospitalizations and mortality between veterans receiving dialysis from VA versus VA-outsourced providers. Methods We constructed a retrospective cohort of veterans in 2 VA regions who received chronic dialysis treatment financed by VA between January 2007 and December 2008. From VA administrative data, we identified veterans who received outpatient dialysis in (1) VA, (2) VA-outsourced settings, or (3) both (“dual”) settings. In adjusted analyses, we used two-part and logistic regression to examine associations between dialysis setting and all-cause hospitalization and mortality one-year from veterans’ baseline dialysis date. Results Of 1,388 veterans, 27% received dialysis exclusively in VA, 47% in VA-outsourced settings, and 25% in dual settings. Overall, half (48%) were hospitalized and 12% died. In adjusted analysis, veterans in VA-outsourced settings incurred fewer hospitalizations and shorter hospital stays than users of VA due to favorable selection. Dual-system dialysis patients had lower one-year mortality than veterans receiving VA dialysis. Conclusions VA expenditures for “buying” outsourced dialysis are high and increasing relative to “making” dialysis treatment within its own system. Outcomes comparisons inform future make-or-buy decisions and suggest the need for VA to consider veterans’ access to care, long-term VA savings, and optimal patient outcomes in its placement decisions for dialysis services. PMID:23327632

Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds and Expression Profiles of Phenolic Acid Biosynthesis-Related Genes in Developing Grains of White, Purple, and Red Wheat.

PubMed

Ma, Dongyun; Li, Yaoguang; Zhang, Jian; Wang, Chenyang; Qin, Haixia; Ding, Huina; Xie, Yingxin; Guo, Tiancai

2016-01-01

Polyphenols in whole grain wheat have potential health benefits, but little is known about the expression patterns of phenolic acid biosynthesis genes and the accumulation of phenolic acid compounds in different-colored wheat grains. We found that purple wheat varieties had the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Among phenolic acid compounds, bound ferulic acid, vanillic, and caffeic acid levels were significantly higher in purple wheat than in white and red wheat, while total soluble phenolic acid, soluble ferulic acid, and vanillic acid levels were significantly higher in purple and red wheat than in white wheat. Ferulic acid and syringic acid levels peaked at 14 days after anthesis (DAA), whereas p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid levels peaked at 7 DAA, and vanillic acid levels gradually increased during grain filling and peaked near ripeness (35 DAA). Nine phenolic acid biosynthesis pathway genes (TaPAL1, TaPAL2, TaC3H1, TaC3H2, TaC4H, Ta4CL1, Ta4CL2, TaCOMT1, and TaCOMT2) exhibited three distinct expression patterns during grain filling, which may be related to the different phenolic acids levels. White wheat had higher phenolic acid contents and relatively high gene expression at the early stage, while purple wheat had the highest phenolic acid contents and gene expression levels at later stages. These results suggest that the expression of phenolic acid biosynthesis genes may be closely related to phenolic acids accumulation.

Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds and Expression Profiles of Phenolic Acid Biosynthesis-Related Genes in Developing Grains of White, Purple, and Red Wheat

PubMed Central

Ma, Dongyun; Li, Yaoguang; Zhang, Jian; Wang, Chenyang; Qin, Haixia; Ding, Huina; Xie, Yingxin; Guo, Tiancai

2016-01-01

Polyphenols in whole grain wheat have potential health benefits, but little is known about the expression patterns of phenolic acid biosynthesis genes and the accumulation of phenolic acid compounds in different-colored wheat grains. We found that purple wheat varieties had the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Among phenolic acid compounds, bound ferulic acid, vanillic, and caffeic acid levels were significantly higher in purple wheat than in white and red wheat, while total soluble phenolic acid, soluble ferulic acid, and vanillic acid levels were significantly higher in purple and red wheat than in white wheat. Ferulic acid and syringic acid levels peaked at 14 days after anthesis (DAA), whereas p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid levels peaked at 7 DAA, and vanillic acid levels gradually increased during grain filling and peaked near ripeness (35 DAA). Nine phenolic acid biosynthesis pathway genes (TaPAL1, TaPAL2, TaC3H1, TaC3H2, TaC4H, Ta4CL1, Ta4CL2, TaCOMT1, and TaCOMT2) exhibited three distinct expression patterns during grain filling, which may be related to the different phenolic acids levels. White wheat had higher phenolic acid contents and relatively high gene expression at the early stage, while purple wheat had the highest phenolic acid contents and gene expression levels at later stages. These results suggest that the expression of phenolic acid biosynthesis genes may be closely related to phenolic acids accumulation. PMID:27148345

Plant growth inhibitors isolated from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) straw.

PubMed

Sampietro, Diego Alejandro; Vattuone, Marta Amelia; Isla, María Ines

2006-07-01

Several compounds related with plant defense and pharmacological activities have been isolated from sugarcane. Straw phytotoxins and their possible mechanisms of growth inhibition are largely unknown. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the phytotoxic constituents leachated from a sugarcane straw led to the isolation of trans-ferulic (trans-FA), cis-ferulic (cis-FA), vanillic (VA) and syringic (SA) acids. The straw leachates and their identified constituents significantly inhibited root growth of lettuce and four weeds. VA was more phytotoxic to root elongation than FA and SA. The identified phenolic compounds significantly increased leakage of root cell constituents, inhibited dehydrogenase activity and reduced chlorophyll content in lettuce. VA and FA inhibited mitotic index while SA increased cell division. Additive (VA-FA and FA-SA) and synergistic (VA-SA) interactions on root growth were observed at the response level of EC(25). Although the isolated compounds differed in their relative phytotoxic activities, the observed physiological responses suggest that they have a common mode of action. HPLC analysis indicated that sugarcane straw can potentially release 1.43 (ratio 2:1, trans:cis), 1.14 and 0.14mmolkg(-1) (straw dry weight) of FA, VA and SA, respectively. As phenolic acids are often found spatially concentrated in the top soil layers under plant straws, further studies are needed to establish the impact of these compounds in natural settings.

Phenolic acids in the flowers of Althaea rosea var. nigra.

PubMed

Dudek, Marlena; Matławska, Irena; Szkudlarek, Maurycy

2006-01-01

Distribution of phenolic acids in the flowers of Althaea rosea var. nigra has been studied by 2D-TLC and HPLC methods. The phenolic acids occurring in these fractions have been identified as ferulic, vanillic, syringic, p-coumaric, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-hydroxyphenylacetic and caffeic acids. By means of the HPLC methods the contents of major phenolic acids were estimated. From among the phenolic acids analyzed the syringic, p-hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids are dominant. Total content of phenolic acids was determined by the Arnov's method.

VA Caregiver Support

MedlinePlus

... Performance VA Plans, Budget, & Performance VA Center for Innovation (VACI) Agency Financial Report ... Management Services Veterans Service Organizations Office of Accountability & Whistleblower ...

Determination of Phenolic Acids in Sugarcane Vinasse by HPLC with Pulse Amperometry

PubMed Central

Freitas, P. V.; Beluomini, M. A.; da Silva, J. L.; Stradiotto, N. R.

2018-01-01

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation with pulsed amperometric detection of phenolic acids at a glassy carbon electrode is described. Chromatographic separation was carried out in isocratic conditions using 0.20 mol·L−1 acetic acid (pH 5.0)/water (80 : 20, v/v) as mobile phase under constant working potential mode of 0.80 V. Chromatographic peaks presented high resolution and separation. Calibration curves exhibited excellent correlation coefficients, above 0.995. Linear ranges of the analytes, in mg L−1, were of 0.018–18 (gallic acid), 0.146–19 (vanillic acid), 0.13–17 (caffeic acid), 0.016–16 (ferulic acid), and 0.008–17 (p-coumaric acid), respectively. Limits of detection ranged from 1.6 to 97 μg·L−1 and precision varied in 1.73–3.78% interval. Concentrations of 19 ± 0.51 mg·L−1 and 7.8 ± 2.5 mg·L−1 were found for vanillic and caffeic acids, respectively, in a sugarcane vinasse sample. Gallic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids were not detected. Recovery results demonstrated that the proposed method is accurate, and it can be used to detect and quantify phenolic acids in sugarcane vinasse without any influence of interferents. PMID:29600112

Comparing Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Programs Between VA and Non-VA Nursing Homes

PubMed Central

Mody, Lona; Greene, M. Todd; Saint, Sanjay; Meddings, Jennifer; Trautner, Barbara W.; Wald, Heidi L.; Crnich, Christopher; Banaszak-Holl, Jane; McNamara, Sara E.; King, Beth J.; Hogikyan, Robert; Edson, Barbara; Krein, Sarah L.

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE The impact of healthcare system integration on infection prevention programs is unknown. Using catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention as an example, we hypothesize that U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes have a more robust infection prevention infrastructure due to integration and centralization compared with non-VA nursing homes. SETTING VA and non-VA nursing homes participating in the “AHRQ Safety Program for Long-term Care” collaborative. METHODS Nursing homes provided baseline information about their infection prevention programs to assess strengths and gaps related to CAUTI prevention. RESULTS A total of 353 (71%; 47 VA, 306 non-VA) of 494 nursing homes from 41 states responded. VA nursing homes reported more hours/week devoted to infection prevention-related activities (31 vs. 12 hours, P<.001), and were more likely to have committees that reviewed healthcare-associated infections. Compared with non-VA facilities, a higher percentage of VA nursing homes reported tracking CAUTI rates (94% vs. 66%, P<.001), sharing CAUTI data with leadership (94% vs. 70%, P=.014) and nursing personnel (85% vs. 56%, P=.003). However, fewer VA nursing homes reported having policies for appropriate catheter use (64% vs. 81%, P=.004) and catheter insertion (83% vs. 94%, P=.004). CONCLUSIONS Among nursing homes participating in an AHRQ-funded collaborative, VA and non-VA nursing homes differed in their approach to CAUTI prevention. Best practices from both settings should be applied universally to create an optimal infection prevention program within emerging integrated healthcare systems. PMID:27917728

Contribution of acidic components to the total acid number (TAN) of bio-oil

DOE PAGES

Park, Lydia K-E.; Liu, Jiaojun; Yiacoumi, Sotira; ...

2017-03-28

Bio-oil or pyrolysis oil — a product of thermochemical decomposition of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions — holds great potential to be a substitute for nonrenewable fossil fuels. But, its high acidity, which is primarily due to the degradation of hemicelluloses, limits its applications. For the evaluation of bio-oil production and treatment, it is essential to accurately measure the acidity of bio-oil. The total acid number (TAN), which is defined as the amount of potassium hydroxide needed to titrate one gram of a sample and has been established as an ASTM method to measure the acidity of petroleum products, has beenmore » employed to investigate the acidity of bio-oil. The TAN values of different concentrations of bio-oil components such as standard solutions of acetic acid, propionic acid, vanillic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, and phenol were analyzed according to the ASTM D664 standard method. Our method showed the same linear relationship between the TAN values and the molar concentrations of acetic, propionic, and hydroxybenzoic acids. A different linear relationship was found for vanillic acid, due to the presence of multiple functional groups that can contribute to the TAN value. Furthermore, the influence of the titration solvent on the TAN values has been determined by comparing the TAN values and titration curves obtained from the standard method with results from the TAN analysis in aqueous environment and with equilibrium modeling results. Aqueous bio-oil samples with a known amount of acetic acid added were also analyzed. The additional acetic acid in bio-oil samples caused a proportional increase in the TAN values. These results of this research indicate that the TAN value of a sample with acids acting as monoprotic acids in the titration solvent can be converted to the molar concentration of total acids. For a sample containing acids that act as diprotic and polyprotic acids, however, its TAN value

Contribution of acidic components to the total acid number (TAN) of bio-oil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Lydia K-E.; Liu, Jiaojun; Yiacoumi, Sotira

Bio-oil or pyrolysis oil — a product of thermochemical decomposition of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions — holds great potential to be a substitute for nonrenewable fossil fuels. But, its high acidity, which is primarily due to the degradation of hemicelluloses, limits its applications. For the evaluation of bio-oil production and treatment, it is essential to accurately measure the acidity of bio-oil. The total acid number (TAN), which is defined as the amount of potassium hydroxide needed to titrate one gram of a sample and has been established as an ASTM method to measure the acidity of petroleum products, has beenmore » employed to investigate the acidity of bio-oil. The TAN values of different concentrations of bio-oil components such as standard solutions of acetic acid, propionic acid, vanillic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, and phenol were analyzed according to the ASTM D664 standard method. Our method showed the same linear relationship between the TAN values and the molar concentrations of acetic, propionic, and hydroxybenzoic acids. A different linear relationship was found for vanillic acid, due to the presence of multiple functional groups that can contribute to the TAN value. Furthermore, the influence of the titration solvent on the TAN values has been determined by comparing the TAN values and titration curves obtained from the standard method with results from the TAN analysis in aqueous environment and with equilibrium modeling results. Aqueous bio-oil samples with a known amount of acetic acid added were also analyzed. The additional acetic acid in bio-oil samples caused a proportional increase in the TAN values. These results of this research indicate that the TAN value of a sample with acids acting as monoprotic acids in the titration solvent can be converted to the molar concentration of total acids. For a sample containing acids that act as diprotic and polyprotic acids, however, its TAN value

Surface reactions of iron - enriched smectites: adsorption and transformation of hydroxy fatty acids and phenolic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polubesova, Tamara; Olshansky, Yaniv; Eldad, Shay; Chefetz, Benny

2014-05-01

Iron-enriched smectites play an important role in adsorption and transformation of soil organic components. Soil organo-clay complexes, and in particular humin contain hydroxy fatty acids, which are derived from plant biopolymer cutin. Phenolic acids belong to another major group of organic acids detected in soil. They participate in various soil processes, and are of concern due to their allelopathic activity. We studied the reactivity of iron-enriched smectites (Fe(III)-montmorillonite and nontronite) toward both groups of acids. We used fatty acids- 9(10),16-dihydroxypalmitic acid (diHPA), isolated from curtin, and 9,10,16-trihydroxypalmitic acid (triHPA); the following phenolic acids were used: ferulic, p-coumaric, syringic, and vanillic. Adsorption of both groups of acids was measured. The FTIR spectra of fatty acid-mineral complexes indicated inner-sphere complexation of fatty acids with iron-enriched smectites (versus outer-sphere complexation with Ca(II)-montmorillonite). The LC-MS results demonstrated enhanced esterification of fatty acids on the iron-enriched smectite surfaces (as compared to Ca(II)-montmorillonite). This study suggests that fatty acids can be esterified on the iron-enriched smectite surfaces, which results in the formation of stable organo-mineral complexes. These complexes may serve as a model for the study of natural soil organo-clay complexes and humin. The reaction of phenolic acids with Fe(III)-montmorillonite demonstrated their oxidative transformation by the mineral surfaces, which was affected by molecular structure of acids. The following order of their transformation was obtained: ferulic >syringic >p-coumaric >vanillic. The LC-MS analysis demonstrated the presence of dimers, trimers, and tetramers of ferulic acid on the surface of Fe(III)-montmorillonite. Oxidation and transformation of ferulic acid were more intense on the surface of Fe(III)-montmorillonite as compared to Fe(III) in solution due to stronger complexation on

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Oxidation of phenolic acids by soil iron and manganese oxides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lehmann, R.G.; Cheng, H.H.; Harsh, J.B.

Phenolic acids are intermediary metabolites of many aromatic chemicals and may be involved in humus formation, allelopathy, and nutrient availability. Depending on their structures, six phenolic acids were shown to react at different rates with oxidized forms of Fe and Mn in a Palouse soil (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Pachic Ultic Haploxeroll). Increasing methoxy substitution on the aromatic ring of phenolic acids increased the reaction rate. Reaction rate was also increased for longer carboxyl-containing side chains. After 4 h reaction, little of the applied (10 mg kg/sup -1/ soil) p-hydroxybenzoic or p-coumaric acids had reacted, while 0 to 5, 70, 90,more » and 100% of the vanillic, ferulic, syringic, and sinapic acids, respectively, had reacted. After 72 h under conditions limiting microbial growth, none of the p-hydroxybenzoic, 30% of the p-coumaric, and 50% of the vanillic acids had reacted. The reaction was shown to be predominantly chemical, and not biological, since phenolic acid extractabilities were similar for Palouse soil and for Palouse soil pretreated with LiOBr to remove organic matter. When the Palouse soil was pretreated with a sodium dithionite-citrate solution to remove Fe and Mn oxides, none of the phenolic acids reacted after 1 h. The reaction of sinapic acid with Palouse soil was shown to produce Fe(II) and soluble Mn as reaction products. The reaction of phenolic acids with soil was thus shown to be an oxidation of the phenolic acids, coupled with a reduction of soil Fe and Mn oxides.« less

Isolation and Characterization of Thermophilic Bacilli Degrading Cinnamic, 4-Coumaric, and Ferulic Acids

PubMed Central

Peng, Xue; Misawa, Norihiko; Harayama, Shigeaki

2003-01-01

Thirty-four thermophilic Bacillus sp. strains were isolated from decayed wood bark and a hot spring water sample based on their ability to degrade vanillic acid under thermophilic conditions. It was found that these bacteria were able to degrade a wide range of aromatic acids such as cinnamic, 4-coumaric, 3-phenylpropionic, 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)propionic, ferulic, benzoic, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids. The metabolic pathways for the degradation of these aromatic acids at 60°C were examined by using one of the isolates, strain B1. Benzoic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids were detected as breakdown products from cinnamic and 4-coumaric acids, respectively. The β-oxidative mechanism was proposed to be responsible for these conversions. The degradation of benzoic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids was determined to proceed through catechol and gentisic acid, respectively, for their ring fission. It is likely that a non-β-oxidative mechanism is the case in the ferulic acid catabolism, which involved 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-β-hydroxypropionic acid, vanillin, and vanillic acid as the intermediates. Other strains examined, which are V0, D1, E1, G2, ZI3, and H4, were found to have the same pathways as those of strain B1, except that strains V0, D1, and H4 had the ability to transform 3-hydroxybenzoic acid to gentisic acid, which strain B1 could not do. PMID:12620824

Influence of phenolic compounds on the growth and arginine deiminase system in a wine lactic acid bacterium

PubMed Central

Alberto, María R.; de Nadra, María C. Manca; Arena, Mario E.

2012-01-01

The influence of seven phenolic compounds, normally present in wine, on the growth and arginine deiminase system (ADI) of Lactobacillus hilgardii X1B, a wine lactic acid bacterium, was established. This system provides energy for bacterial growth and produces citrulline that reacts with ethanol forming the carcinogen ethyl carbamate (EC), found in some wines. The influence of phenolic compounds on bacterial growth was compound dependent. Growth and final pH values increased in presence of arginine. Arginine consumption decreased in presence of protocatechuic and gallic acids (31 and 17%, respectively) and increased in presence of quercetin, rutin, catechin and the caffeic and vanillic phenolic acids (between 10 and 13%, respectively). ADI enzyme activities varied in presence of phenolic compounds. Rutin, quercetin and caffeic and vanillic acids stimulated the enzyme arginine deiminase about 37–40%. Amounts of 200 mg/L gallic and protocatechuic acids inhibited the arginine deiminase enzyme between 53 and 100%, respectively. Ornithine transcarbamylase activity was not modified at all concentrations of phenolic compounds. As gallic and protocatechuic acids inhibited the arginine deiminase enzyme that produces citrulline, precursor of EC, these results are important considering the formation of toxic compounds. PMID:24031815

VA Health Care: Further Action Needed to Address Weaknesses in Management and Oversight of Non-VA Medical Care

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-18

medical centers. VA also provides care to veterans in VA-operated community-based outpatient clinics, community living centers ( nursing homes...facility or nursing home up to the point that the veteran can be safely returned to the VA facility following the emergency care treatment at the non-VA... nursing home care, compensation and pension exams, and most pharmacy expenses paid for through the Non-VA Medical Care Program. (See fig. 1.) 8VA

Effects of butter naturally enriched with conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid on blood lipids and LDL particle size in growing pigs.

PubMed

Haug, Anna; Sjøgren, Per; Hølland, Nina; Müller, Hanne; Kjos, Nils P; Taugbøl, Ole; Fjerdingby, Nina; Biong, Anne S; Selmer-Olsen, Eirik; Harstad, Odd M

2008-08-29

Cow milk is a natural source of the cis 9, trans 11 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-CLA) and trans vaccenic acid (VA). These fatty acids may be considered as functional foods, and the concentration in milk can be increased by e.g. sunflower oil supplementation to the dairy cow feed. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of regular butter with a special butter naturally enriched in c9,t11-CLA and VA on plasma lipids in female growing pigs. The experimental period lasted for three weeks and the two diets provided daily either 5.0 g c9,t11-CLA plus 15.1 g VA or 1.3 g c9,t11-CLA plus 3.6 g VA. The serum concentrations of c9,t11-CLA, VA and alpha-linolenic acid were increased and myristic (14:0) and palmitic acid (16:0) were reduced in the pigs fed the CLA+VA-rich butter-diet compared to regular butter, but no differences in plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, LDL particle size distribution or total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol were observed among the two dietary treatment groups. Growing pigs fed diets containing butter naturally enriched in about 20 g c9,t11-CLA plus VA daily for three weeks, had increased serum concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid and decreased myristic and palmitic acid compared to pigs fed regular butter, implying a potential benefit of the CLA+VA butter on serum fatty acid composition. Butter enriched in CLA+VA does not appear to have significant effect on the plasma lipoprotein profile in pigs.

Myosin Va binding to neurofilaments is essential for correct myosin Va distribution and transport and neurofilament density

PubMed Central

Rao, Mala V.; Engle, Linda J.; Mohan, Panaiyur S.; Yuan, Aidong; Qiu, Dike; Cataldo, Anne; Hassinger, Linda; Jacobsen, Stephen; Lee, Virginia M-Y.; Andreadis, Athena; Julien, Jean-Pierre; Bridgman, Paul C.; Nixon, Ralph A.

2002-01-01

The identification of molecular motors that modulate the neuronal cytoskeleton has been elusive. Here, we show that a molecular motor protein, myosin Va, is present in high proportions in the cytoskeleton of mouse CNS and peripheral nerves. Immunoelectron microscopy, coimmunoprecipitation, and blot overlay analyses demonstrate that myosin Va in axons associates with neurofilaments, and that the NF-L subunit is its major ligand. A physiological association is indicated by observations that the level of myosin Va is reduced in axons of NF-L–null mice lacking neurofilaments and increased in mice overexpressing NF-L, but unchanged in NF-H–null mice. In vivo pulse-labeled myosin Va advances along axons at slow transport rates overlapping with those of neurofilament proteins and actin, both of which coimmunoprecipitate with myosin Va. Eliminating neurofilaments from mice selectively accelerates myosin Va translocation and redistributes myosin Va to the actin-rich subaxolemma and membranous organelles. Finally, peripheral axons of dilute-lethal mice, lacking functional myosin Va, display selectively increased neurofilament number and levels of neurofilament proteins without altering axon caliber. These results identify myosin Va as a neurofilament-associated protein, and show that this association is essential to establish the normal distribution, axonal transport, and content of myosin Va, and the proper numbers of neurofilaments in axons. PMID:12403814

Animals on VA property. Final rule.

PubMed

2015-08-17

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its regulation concerning the presence of animals on VA property. This final rule expands the current VA regulation to authorize the presence of service animals consistent with applicable Federal law when these animals accompany individuals with disabilities seeking admittance to property owned or operated by VA.

Biotransformation of ferulic acid to 4-vinylguaiacol by Enterobacter soli and E. aerogenes.

PubMed

Hunter, William J; Manter, Daniel K; van der Lelie, Daniel

2012-12-01

We investigated the conversion of ferulic acid to 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VG), vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, and vanillic acid by five Enterobacter strains. These high-value chemicals are usually synthesized by chemical methods but biological synthesis adds market value. Ferulic acid, a relatively inexpensive component of agricultural crops, is plentiful in corn hulls, cereal bran, and sugar-beet pulp. Two Enterobacter strains, E. soli, and E. aerogenes, accumulated 550-600 ppm amounts of 4-VG when grown in media containing 1,000 ppm ferulic acid; no accumulations were observed with the other strains. Decreasing the amount of ferulic acid present in the media increased the conversion efficiency. When ferulic acid was supplied in 500, 250, or 125 ppm amounts E. aerogenes converted ~72 % of the ferulic acid present to 4-VG while E. soli converted ~100 % of the ferulic acid to 4-VG when supplied with 250 or 125 ppm amounts of ferulic acid. Also, lowering the pH improved the conversion efficiency. At pH 5.0 E. aerogenes converted ~84 % and E. soli converted ~100 % of 1,000 ppm ferulic acid to 4-VG. Only small, 1-5 ppm, accumulations of vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, and vanillic acid were observed. E. soli has a putative phenolic acid decarboxylase (PAD) that is 168 amino acids long and is similar to PADs in other enterobacteriales; this protein is likely involved in the bioconversion of ferulic acid to 4-VG. E. soli or E. aerogenes might be useful as a means of biotransforming ferulic acid to 4-VG.

VA Vascular Injury Study (VAVIS): VA-DoD extremity injury outcomes collaboration.

PubMed

Shireman, Paula K; Rasmussen, Todd E; Jaramillo, Carlos A; Pugh, Mary Jo

2015-02-03

Limb injuries comprise 50-60% of U.S. Service member's casualties of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Combat-related vascular injuries are present in 12% of this cohort, a rate 5 times higher than in prior wars. Improvements in medical and surgical trauma care, including initial in-theatre limb salvage approaches (IILS) have resulted in improved survival and fewer amputations, however, the long-term outcomes such as morbidity, functional decline, and risk for late amputation of salvaged limbs using current process of care have not been studied. The long-term care of these injured warfighters poses a significant challenge to the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA Vascular Injury Study (VAVIS): VA-DoD Extremity Injury Outcomes Collaborative, funded by the VA, Health Services Research and Development Service, is a longitudinal cohort study of Veterans with vascular extremity injuries. Enrollment will begin April, 2015 and continue for 3 years. Individuals with a validated extremity vascular injury in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry will be contacted and will complete a set of validated demographic, social, behavioral, and functional status measures during interview and online/ mailed survey. Primary outcome measures will: 1) Compare injury, demographic and geospatial characteristics of patients with IILS and identify late vascular surgery related limb complications and health care utilization in Veterans receiving VA vs. non-VA care, 2) Characterize the preventive services received by individuals with vascular repair and related outcomes, and 3) Describe patient-reported functional outcomes in Veterans with traumatic vascular limb injuries. This study will provide key information about the current process of care for Active Duty Service members and Veterans with polytrauma/vascular injuries at risk for persistent morbidity and late amputation. The results of this study will be the first step for clinicians in VA and

75 FR 61252 - Proposed Information Collection (Create Payment Request for the VA Funding Fee Payment System (VA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-04

... Payment Request for the VA Funding Fee Payment System (VA FFPS); A Computer Generated Funding Fee Receipt... Payment Request for the VA Funding Fee Payment System (VA FFPS); A Computer Generated Funding Fee Receipt... information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.Regulations.gov or to Nancy J...

75 FR 61859 - Proposed Information Collection (Create Payment Request for the VA Funding Fee Payment System (VA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-06

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How to Plant Apple Trees to Reduce Replant Disease in Apple Orchard: A Study on the Phenolic Acid of the Replanted Apple Orchard

PubMed Central

Yin, Chengmiao; Xiang, Li; Wang, Gongshuai; Wang, Yanfang; Shen, Xiang; Chen, Xuesen; Mao, Zhiquan

2016-01-01

Apple replant disease (ARD) is an important problem in the production of apple. The phenolic acid is one of the causes of ARD. How phenolic acid affects the ARD was not well known. In this study, we analyzed the type, concentration and annual dynamic variation of phenolic acid in soil from three replanted apple orchards using an accelerated solvent extraction system with high performance liquid chromatography (ASE-HPLC). We found that the type and concentration of phenolic acid were significantly differed among different seasons, different sampling positions and different soil layers. Major types of phenolic acid in three replanted apple orchards were phlorizin, benzoic acid and vanillic aldehyde. The concentration of phenolic acid was highest in the soil of the previous tree holes and it was increased from the spring to autumn. Moreover, phenolic acid was primarily distributed in 30–60 cm soil layer in the autumn, while it was most abundant in 0–30 cm soil layer in the spring. Our results suggest that phlorizin, benzoic acid and vanillic aldehyde may be the key phenolic acid that brought about ARD in the replanted apple orchard. PMID:27907081

Effects of butter naturally enriched with conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid on blood lipids and LDL particle size in growing pigs

PubMed Central

Haug, Anna; Sjøgren, Per; Hølland, Nina; Müller, Hanne; Kjos, Nils P; Taugbøl, Ole; Fjerdingby, Nina; Biong, Anne S; Selmer-Olsen, Eirik; Harstad, Odd M

2008-01-01

Background Cow milk is a natural source of the cis 9, trans 11 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-CLA) and trans vaccenic acid (VA). These fatty acids may be considered as functional foods, and the concentration in milk can be increased by e.g. sunflower oil supplementation to the dairy cow feed. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of regular butter with a special butter naturally enriched in c9,t11-CLA and VA on plasma lipids in female growing pigs. The experimental period lasted for three weeks and the two diets provided daily either 5.0 g c9,t11-CLA plus 15.1 g VA or 1.3 g c9,t11-CLA plus 3.6 g VA. Results The serum concentrations of c9,t11-CLA, VA and alpha-linolenic acid were increased and myristic (14:0) and palmitic acid (16:0) were reduced in the pigs fed the CLA+VA-rich butter-diet compared to regular butter, but no differences in plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, LDL particle size distribution or total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol were observed among the two dietary treatment groups. Conclusion Growing pigs fed diets containing butter naturally enriched in about 20 g c9,t11-CLA plus VA daily for three weeks, had increased serum concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid and decreased myristic and palmitic acid compared to pigs fed regular butter, implying a potential benefit of the CLA+VA butter on serum fatty acid composition. Butter enriched in CLA+VA does not appear to have significant effect on the plasma lipoprotein profile in pigs. PMID:18759970

Determination of VA health care costs.

PubMed

Barnett, Paul G

2003-09-01

In the absence of billing data, alternative methods are used to estimate the cost of hospital stays, outpatient visits, and treatment innovations in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The choice of method represents a trade-off between accuracy and research cost. The direct measurement method gathers information on staff activities, supplies, equipment, space, and workload. Since it is expensive, direct measurement should be reserved for finding short-run costs, evaluating provider efficiency, or determining the cost of treatments that are innovative or unique to VA. The pseudo-bill method combines utilization data with a non-VA reimbursement schedule. The cost regression method estimates the cost of VA hospital stays by applying the relationship between cost and characteristics of non-VA hospitalizations. The Health Economics Resource Center uses pseudo-bill and cost regression methods to create an encounter-level database of VA costs. Researchers are also beginning to use the VA activity-based cost allocation system.

Aerosol Vacuum-Assisted Plasma Ionization (Aero-VaPI) Coupled to Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blair, Sandra L.; Ng, Nga L.; Zambrzycki, Stephen C.; Li, Anyin; Fernández, Facundo M.

2018-02-01

In this communication, we report on the real-time analysis of organic aerosol particles by Vacuum-assisted Plasma Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (Aero-VaPI-MS) using a home-built VaPI ion source coupled to a Synapt G2-S HDMS ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) system. Standards of organic molecules of interest in prebiotic chemistry were used to generate aerosols. Monocaprin and decanoic acid aerosol particles were successfully detected in both the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. A complex aerosol mixture of different sizes of polymers of L-malic acid was also examined through ion mobility (IM) separations, resulting in the detection of polymers of up to eight monomeric units. This noncommercial plasma ion source is proposed as a low cost alternative to other plasma ionization platforms used for aerosol analysis, and a higher-performance alternative to more traditional aerosol mass spectrometers. VaPI provides robust online ionization of organics in aerosols without extensive ion activation, with the coupling to IM-MS providing higher peak capacity and excellent mass accuracy. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

48 CFR 853.215-70 - VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. 853.215-70 Section 853.215-70 Federal... 853.215-70 VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA, will be used for...

48 CFR 853.215-70 - VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. 853.215-70 Section 853.215-70 Federal... 853.215-70 VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA, will be used for...

48 CFR 853.215-70 - VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. 853.215-70 Section 853.215-70 Federal... 853.215-70 VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA, will be used for...

48 CFR 853.215-70 - VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. 853.215-70 Section 853.215-70 Federal... 853.215-70 VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA, will be used for...

48 CFR 853.215-70 - VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. 853.215-70 Section 853.215-70 Federal... 853.215-70 VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA. VA Form 10-1170, Application for Furnishing Nursing Home Care to Beneficiaries of VA, will be used for...

Short communication: Eicosatrienoic acid and docosatrienoic acid do not promote vaccenic acid accumulation in mixed ruminal cultures.

PubMed

AbuGhazaleh, A A; Holmes, L D; Jacobson, B N; Kalscheur, K F

2006-11-01

Previous research found that docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) was a component of fish oil that promotes trans-C18:1 accumulation in ruminal cultures when incubated with linoleic acid. The objective of this study was to determine if eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n-3) and docosatrienoic acid (C22:3n-3), n-3 fatty acids in fish oil, promote accumulation of trans-C18:1, vaccenic acid (VA) in particular, using cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms. Treatments consisted of control, control plus 5 mg of C20:3n-3 (ETA), control plus 5 mg of C22:3n-3 (DTA), control plus 15 mg of linoleic acid (LA), control plus 5 mg of C20:3n-3 and 15 mg of linoleic acid (ETALA), and control plus 5 mg of C22:3n-3 and 15 mg of linoleic acid (DTALA). Treatments were incubated in triplicate in 125-mL flasks, and 5 mL of culture contents was taken at 0 and 24 h for fatty acid analysis by gas-liquid chromatography. After 24 h of incubation, the concentrations of trans-C18:1 (0.87, 0.88, and 0.99 mg/culture), and VA (0.52, 0.56, and 0.62 mg/culture) were similar for the control, ETA, and DTA cultures, respectively. The concentrations of trans-C18:1 (5.51, 5.41, and 5.36 mg/culture), and VA (4.78, 4.62, and 4.59 mg/culture) were also similar between LA, ETALA, and DTALA cultures, respectively. These data suggest that C20:3n-3 and C22:3n-3 are not the active components in fish oil that promote VA accumulation when incubated with linoleic acid.

Do Older Rural and Urban Veterans Experience Different Rates of Unplanned Readmission to VA and Non-VA Hospitals?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weeks, William B.; Lee, Richard E.; Wallace, Amy E.; West, Alan N.; Bagian, James P.

2009-01-01

Context: Unplanned readmission within 30 days of discharge is an indicator of hospital quality. Purpose: We wanted to determine whether older rural veterans who were enrolled in the VA had different rates of unplanned readmission to VA or non-VA hospitals than their urban counterparts. Methods: We used the combined VA/Medicare dataset to examine…

Accessing VA Healthcare During Large-Scale Natural Disasters.

PubMed

Der-Martirosian, Claudia; Pinnock, Laura; Dobalian, Aram

2017-01-01

Natural disasters can lead to the closure of medical facilities including the Veterans Affairs (VA), thus impacting access to healthcare for U.S. military veteran VA users. We examined the characteristics of VA patients who reported having difficulty accessing care if their usual source of VA care was closed because of natural disasters. A total of 2,264 veteran VA users living in the U.S. northeast region participated in a 2015 cross-sectional representative survey. The study used VA administrative data in a complex stratified survey design with a multimode approach. A total of 36% of veteran VA users reported having difficulty accessing care elsewhere, negatively impacting the functionally impaired and lower income VA patients.

Hollow porous ionic liquids composite polymers based solid phase extraction coupled online with high performance liquid chromatography for selective analysis of hydrophilic hydroxybenzoic acids from complex samples.

PubMed

Dai, Xingping; Wang, Dongsheng; Li, Hui; Chen, Yanyi; Gong, Zhicheng; Xiang, Haiyan; Shi, Shuyun; Chen, Xiaoqing

2017-02-10

Polar and hydrophilic properties of hydroxybenzoic acids usually made them coelute with interferences in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Then selective analysis of them was necessary. Herein, hollow porous ionic liquids composite polymers (PILs) based solid phase extraction (SPE) was firstly fabricated and coupled online with HPLC for selective analysis of hydroxybenzoic acids from complex matrices. Hollow porous PILs were firstly synthesized using Mobil Composition of Matter No. 48 (MCM-48) spheres as sacrificial support, 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (VMIM + Cl - ) as monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linker. Various parameters affecting synthesis, adsorption and desorption behaviors were investigated and optimized. Steady-state adsorption studies showed the resulting hollow porous PILs exhibited high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption kinetics, and excellent specific adsorption. Subsequently, the application of online SPE system was studied by selective analysis of protocatechuic acid (PCA), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), and vanillic acid (VA) from Pollen Typha angustifolia. The obtained limit of detection (LOD) varied from 0.002 to 0.01μg/mL, the linear range (0.05-5.0μg/mL) was wide with correlation coefficient (R) from 0.9982 to 0.9994, and the average recoveries at three spiking levels ranged from 82.7 to 102.4%, with column-to-column relative standard deviation (RSD) below 8.1%. The proposed online method showed good accuracy, precision, specificity and convenience, which opened up a universal and efficient route for selective analysis of hydroxybenzoic acids from complex samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Impact of a Change in the Price of VA Health Care on Utilization of VA and Medicare Services.

PubMed

Nelson, Richard E; Hicken, Bret; Vanneman, Megan; Liu, Chuan-Fen; Rupper, Randall

2018-05-15

The passage of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 has expanded the non-Veteran Affairs (VA) care options for eligible US Veterans. In order for these new arrangements to provide the best care possible for Veterans, it is important to understand the relationship between VA and non-VA care options. The purpose of this study was to use another recent VA policy change, one that increased the reimbursement rate that eligible Veterans receive for travel for health care to VA, to understand the use of VA and Medicare services among Medicare-enrolled Veterans. We used a difference-in-difference technique to compare inpatient and outpatient utilization and cost in VA and Medicare between Veterans who were eligible for travel reimbursement and those who were not eligible following 2 increases in the travel reimbursement rate. We used generalized estimating equation models and 2-part models when cost outcomes were rare. Our cohort consisted of 110,007 Medicare-enrolled Veterans, including 25,076 under 65 and 84,931 over 65 years old. Following the travel reimbursement rate increases, the number of VA outpatient encounters increased for Veterans in our cohort regardless of age group or whether living in an urban or rural area. The number of non-VA outpatient encounters decreased significantly for Veterans in both age groups living in rural areas following these policy changes. Our estimates suggest that VA outpatient care may be a substitute for Medicare outpatient care for Medicare-enrolled Veterans living in rural areas. These results are important because they indicate how Veteran health care utilization might be affected by future policy changes designed to increase access to VA services. They also indicate the ripple effects that may occur in other health systems due to changes in the VA system.

Dynamics in the concentrations of health-promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and different phenolic acids during postharvest ripening of mango fruit.

PubMed

Vithana, Mekhala Dk; Singh, Zora; Johnson, Stuart K

2018-03-01

Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is renowned for its pleasant taste and as a rich source of health beneficial compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in concentrations of health-promoting compounds, namely ascorbic acid, carotenoids, antioxidants, lupeol, mangiferin, total phenols and individual phenolic acids, as well as ethylene production and respiration rates during climacteric ripening in 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mango fruit. The climacteric ethylene and respiration peaks were noted on the third day of the fruit ripening period. The concentrations of total carotenoids in the pulp, total antioxidants in both pulp and peel, and total phenols of the peel, lupeol and mangiferin were significantly elevated, whereas the concentration of ascorbic acid declined during post-climacteric ripening. Gallic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids were identified as the major phenolic acids in both pulp and peel of 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mangoes. The concentrations of phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, vanillic, ferulic and caffeic acids) also increased during the post-climacteric phase. The concentrations of all phenolic compounds were several-fold higher in the peel than pulp. Mangoes at post-climacteric ripening phase offer the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds. Peel, at this stage of fruit ripening, could be exploited as a good source for extraction of these compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A 1H NMR Investigation of the Interaction between Phenolic Acids Found in Mango (Manguifera indica cv Ataulfo) and Papaya (Carica papaya cv Maradol) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Free Radicals

PubMed Central

López-Martínez, Luis M.; Santacruz-Ortega, Hisila; Navarro, Rosa-Elena; Sotelo-Mundo, Rogerio R.; González-Aguilar, Gustavo A.

2015-01-01

The benefits of phenolic acids on human health are very often ascribed to their potential to counteract free radicals to provide antioxidant protection. This potential has been attributed to their acidic chemical structure, which possesses hydroxyl groups in different positions. Phenolic acids can interact between themselves and exhibit an additive, antagonistic or synergistic effect. In this paper, we used 1H NMR to analyze the interactions and mechanisms that are present in major phenolic acids found in mango (gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids) and papaya (caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids), and the DPPH radical was used to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant mixtures. The interactions were found to occur via hydrogen bonds between the -OH and -COOH groups. Moreover, the phenolic acids exhibit two types of mechanisms for the neutralization of the DPPH radical. According to the results, these two mechanisms are Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) and Single Electron Transfer (SET). The ability of the phenolic acid to neutralize the DPPH radical decreases in the following order in mango: gallic > chlorogenic > protocatechuic > vanillic. Moreover, within the acids found in papaya, the order was as follows: caffeic > p-coumaric > ferulic. PMID:26559189

A ¹H NMR Investigation of the Interaction between Phenolic Acids Found in Mango (Manguifera indica cv Ataulfo) and Papaya (Carica papaya cv Maradol) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Free Radicals.

PubMed

López-Martínez, Luis M; Santacruz-Ortega, Hisila; Navarro, Rosa-Elena; Sotelo-Mundo, Rogerio R; González-Aguilar, Gustavo A

2015-01-01

The benefits of phenolic acids on human health are very often ascribed to their potential to counteract free radicals to provide antioxidant protection. This potential has been attributed to their acidic chemical structure, which possesses hydroxyl groups in different positions. Phenolic acids can interact between themselves and exhibit an additive, antagonistic or synergistic effect. In this paper, we used 1H NMR to analyze the interactions and mechanisms that are present in major phenolic acids found in mango (gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids) and papaya (caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids), and the DPPH radical was used to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant mixtures. The interactions were found to occur via hydrogen bonds between the -OH and -COOH groups. Moreover, the phenolic acids exhibit two types of mechanisms for the neutralization of the DPPH radical. According to the results, these two mechanisms are Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) and Single Electron Transfer (SET). The ability of the phenolic acid to neutralize the DPPH radical decreases in the following order in mango: gallic > chlorogenic > protocatechuic > vanillic. Moreover, within the acids found in papaya, the order was as follows: caffeic > p-coumaric > ferulic.

Expression of Vitis amurensis VaERF20 in Arabidopsis thaliana Improves Resistance to Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000.

PubMed

Wang, Mengnan; Zhu, Yanxun; Han, Rui; Yin, Wuchen; Guo, Chunlei; Li, Zhi; Wang, Xiping

2018-03-01

Ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factors play important roles in regulating immune responses in plants. In our study, we characterized a member of the ERF transcription factor family, VaERF20 , from the Chinese wild Vitis genotype, V. amurensis Rupr "Shuangyou". Phylogenetic analysis indicated that VaERF20 belongs to group IXc of the ERF family, in which many members are known to contribute to fighting pathogen infection. Consistent with this, expression of VaERF20 was induced by treatment with the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea ) in "Shuangyou" and V. vinifera "Red Globe". Arabidopsis thaliana plants over-expressing VaERF20 displayed enhanced resistance to B. cinerea and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato ( Pst ) DC3000. Patterns of pathogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were entirely distinct in B. cinerea and Pst DC3000 inoculated plants. Examples of both salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) responsive defense genes were up-regulated after B. cinerea and Pst DC3000 inoculation of the VaERF20 -overexpressing transgenic A. thaliana plants. Evidence of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), callose accumulation and stomatal defense, together with increased expression of PTI genes, was also greater in the transgenic lines. These data indicate that VaERF20 participates in various signal transduction pathways and acts as an inducer of immune responses.

Expression of Vitis amurensis VaERF20 in Arabidopsis thaliana Improves Resistance to Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000

PubMed Central

Wang, Mengnan; Zhu, Yanxun; Han, Rui; Yin, Wuchen; Guo, Chunlei; Li, Zhi; Wang, Xiping

2018-01-01

Ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factors play important roles in regulating immune responses in plants. In our study, we characterized a member of the ERF transcription factor family, VaERF20, from the Chinese wild Vitis genotype, V. amurensis Rupr “Shuangyou”. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that VaERF20 belongs to group IXc of the ERF family, in which many members are known to contribute to fighting pathogen infection. Consistent with this, expression of VaERF20 was induced by treatment with the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) in “Shuangyou” and V. vinifera “Red Globe”. Arabidopsis thaliana plants over-expressing VaERF20 displayed enhanced resistance to B. cinerea and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000. Patterns of pathogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were entirely distinct in B. cinerea and PstDC3000 inoculated plants. Examples of both salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) responsive defense genes were up-regulated after B. cinerea and PstDC3000 inoculation of the VaERF20-overexpressing transgenic A. thaliana plants. Evidence of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), callose accumulation and stomatal defense, together with increased expression of PTI genes, was also greater in the transgenic lines. These data indicate that VaERF20 participates in various signal transduction pathways and acts as an inducer of immune responses. PMID:29494485

Hospital Distance and Readmissions Among VA-Medicare Dual-Enrolled Veterans.

PubMed

Wong, Edwin S; Rinne, Seppo T; Hebert, Paul L; Cook, Meredith A; Liu, Chuan-Fen

2016-09-01

Geographic access to inpatient care at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System is challenging for many veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) given relatively few VA hospitals nationwide. Veterans with lengthy travel distances may obtain non-VA care, particularly those dually enrolled in Medicare. Our primary objective was to assess whether distance from VA patients' residence to the nearest VA and non-VA hospitals was associated with 30-day all-cause readmission and the system where patients were readmitted (VA or Medicare). Using VA and Medicare administrative data, we identified 21,273 patients hospitalized for COPD between October 2008 and September 2011 and dually enrolled in VA and fee-for-service Medicare. Outcome variables were dichotomous measures denoting readmission for any cause within 30 days following discharge and whether the readmission occurred in a non-VA hospital through Medicare. Distance to the nearest hospital was defined as the number of miles between patients' residence ZIP code and the ZIP code of the nearest VA and non-VA hospital accepting Medicare, respectively. Probit models with sample selection were applied to examine the relationship between hospital distance and outcome measures. Respective distances to the nearest VA and non-VA hospital were not associated with 30-day all-cause readmission. Greater distance to the nearest VA hospital was associated with a greater conditional probability of choosing non-VA hospitals for readmission. COPD patients with poor geographic access to VA hospitals did not forgo subsequent inpatient care following their index hospitalization, but they were more likely to seek non-VA substitutes. © 2016 National Rural Health Association.

Proposed comprehensive ototoxicity monitoring program for VA healthcare (COMP-VA)

PubMed Central

Konrad-Martin, Dawn; Reavis, Kelly M.; McMillan, Garnett; Helt, Wendy J.; Dille, Marilyn

2015-01-01

Prevention and rehabilitation of hearing loss and tinnitus, the two most commonly awarded service-connected disabilities, are high priority initiatives in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). At least 4,000 Veterans, most with significant hearing loss, will receive cisplatin this year, with more than half sustaining permanent hearing shift and nearly 40% developing new tinnitus. With improved survivability following cancer treatment, Veterans treated with cisplatin are approached with the dual goals of effective treatment and preserved quality of life. This article describes COMP-VA, a comprehensive ototoxicity monitoring program developed for VA patients receiving cisplatin. The program includes an individualized pretreatment prediction model that identifies the likelihood of hearing shift given cisplatin dose and patient factors. It supports both manual and automated hearing testing with a newly developed portable audiometer capable of performing the recommended procedures on the chemotherapy unit during treatment. It also includes objective methods for identifying outer hair cell changes and predicting audiogram changes using distortion-product otoacoustic emissions. We describe this program of evidence-based ototoxicity monitoring protocols using a case example to give the reader an understanding of how this program would be applied, along with a plan for future work to accomplish the final stages of program development. PMID:24805896

Inhibition of crystallization caused by Proteus mirabilis during the development of infectious urolithiasis by various phenolic substances.

PubMed

Torzewska, Agnieszka; Rozalski, Antoni

2014-01-01

Infectious urolithiasis is a consequence of persistent urinary tract infections caused by urease producing bacteria e.g. Proteus mirabilis. These stones are composed of struvite and carbonate apatite. Their rapid growth and high recurrence indicate that so far appropriate methods of treatment have not been found. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of phenolic compounds was investigated in vitro against formation of struvite/apatite crystals. The impact of these substances with different chemical structures on crystallization caused by clinical isolates of P. mirabilis was tested spectrophotometrically using a microdilution method. Among the 11 tested compounds resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, peralgonidin, vanillic and coffee acids at the concentrations 250-1000 μg/ml inhibited P. mirabilis urease activity and crystallization. However, only vanillic acid had such an effect on all tested strains of P. mirabilis. Therefore, using an in vitro model, bacterial growth, crystallization, urease activity and pH were examined for 24h in synthetic urine with vanillic acid. Effect of vanillic acid was compared with that of other known struvite/apatite crystallization inhibitors (acetohydroxamic acid, pyrophosphate) and it was shown that vanillic acid strongly inhibited bacterial growth and the formation of crystals. It can be assumed that this compound, after further studies, can be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of infectious urolithiasis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

77 FR 70893 - Authorization for Non-VA Medical Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-28

... professions, Health records, Homeless, Mental health programs, Nursing homes, Reporting and recordkeeping... restrictive modes of healthcare delivery. Although VA has made great strides to expand the delivery of... expand VA's authority to provide non-VA medical services under the non- VA care authority. As amended...

77 FR 70967 - Authorization for Non-VA Medical Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-28

... expand the delivery of healthcare to veterans, VA is, like the rest of the healthcare industry...(a)(2)(B) to expand VA's authority to provide non-VA medical services under the non- VA care... furnished hospital care, nursing home care, domiciliary care, or medical services and who requires medical...

77 FR 67063 - VA Directive 0005 on Scientific Integrity

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-08

... policies that: Foster a culture of transparency, integrity, and ethical behavior in the development and... provided to the VA's Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Office of Government Ethics, and Congress. VA...: VA has amended Directive 0005, ] 5.b., to state that ``VA policy provides an ethical and accountable...

The WHO 2016 verbal autopsy instrument: An international standard suitable for automated analysis by InterVA, InSilicoVA, and Tariff 2.0

PubMed Central

Chandramohan, Daniel; Clark, Samuel J.; Jakob, Robert; Leitao, Jordana; Rao, Chalapati; Riley, Ian; Setel, Philip W.

2018-01-01

Background Verbal autopsy (VA) is a practical method for determining probable causes of death at the population level in places where systems for medical certification of cause of death are weak. VA methods suitable for use in routine settings, such as civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, have developed rapidly in the last decade. These developments have been part of a growing global momentum to strengthen CRVS systems in low-income countries. With this momentum have come pressure for continued research and development of VA methods and the need for a single standard VA instrument on which multiple automated diagnostic methods can be developed. Methods and findings In 2016, partners harmonized a WHO VA standard instrument that fully incorporates the indicators necessary to run currently available automated diagnostic algorithms. The WHO 2016 VA instrument, together with validated approaches to analyzing VA data, offers countries solutions to improving information about patterns of cause-specific mortality. This VA instrument offers the opportunity to harmonize the automated diagnostic algorithms in the future. Conclusions Despite all improvements in design and technology, VA is only recommended where medical certification of cause of death is not possible. The method can nevertheless provide sufficient information to guide public health priorities in communities in which physician certification of deaths is largely unavailable. The WHO 2016 VA instrument, together with validated approaches to analyzing VA data, offers countries solutions to improving information about patterns of cause-specific mortality. PMID:29320495

78 FR 76064 - Authorization for Non-VA Medical Services; Withdrawal

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-16

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 17 RIN 2900-AO47 Authorization for Non-VA Medical... November 28, 2012, that would have amended its regulations regarding payment by VA for medical services under VA's statutory authority to provide non-VA medical care. VA sought to remove an outdated...

Aristolic Acid Derivatives from the Bark of Antidesma ghaesembilla.

PubMed

Schäfer, Sibylle; Schwaiger, Stefan; Stuppner, Hermann

2017-08-01

Antidesma ghaesembilla is an important medicinal and food plant in many Asian countries. Ten substances could be isolated from the dichloromethane and methanol extract: sitostenone ( 3 ), daucosterol ( 4 ), chavibetol ( 5 ), asperphenamate ( 6 ), protocatechuic acid ( 7 ), vanillic acid-4- O - β -D-glucoside ( 8 ), 1- O - β -D-glucopyranosyl-3- O -methyl-phloroglucinol ( 9 ), and aristolic acid II-8- O - β -D-glucoside ( 10 ), and two new aristolic acid derivatives, 10-amino-5,7-dimethoxy-aristolic acid II (= 6-amino-9,11-dimethoxyphenanthro[3,4- d ]-1,3-dioxole-5-carboxylic acid; 1 ) and 5,7-dimethoxy-aristolochic acid II (= 9,11-dimethoxy-6-nitrophenantro[3,4- d ]-1,3-dioxole-5-carboxylic acid; 2 ). Exposure to humans of some of these compounds is associated with a severe disease today known as aristolochic acid nephropathy. Therefore, the traditional usage of this plant has to be reconsidered carefully. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Interactions of low molecular weight aromatic acids and amino acids with goethite, kaolinite and bentonite with or without organic matter coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jiajia; Jansen, Boris; Cerli, Chiara; Kalbitz, Karsten

2015-04-01

Interaction of organic matter molecules with the soil's solid phase is a key factor influencing the stabilization of carbon in soils and thus forms a crucial aspect of the global carbon cycle. While subject of much research attention so far, we still have much to learn about such interactions at the molecular level; in particular in the light of competition between different classes of organic molecules and in the presence of previously adsorbed soil organic matter. We studied the interaction of a group of low molecular weight (LMW) aromatic acids (salicylic, syringic, vanillic and ferulic acid) and amino acids (lysine, glutamic, leucine and phenylalanine) on goethite, kaolinite and bentonite with and without previously adsorbed dissolved organic matter (DOM). For this we used batch experiments at pH = 6.0 where some of the organic compounds were positively charged (i.e. lysine) or negatively charged (i.e. glutamic and salicylic acid) while the minerals also displayed positively (i.e. goethite) or negatively charged surfaces (i.e. bentonite). We found much higher sorption of salicylic acid and lysine than other compounds. On the bare minerals we found a great variety of sorption strength, with salicylic acid strongly adsorbed, while syringic, vanillic and ferulic acid showed little or no adsorption. For the amino acids, protonated lysine showed a stronger affinity to negatively charged kaolinite and bentonite than other amino acids. While deprotonated glutamic acid showed the strongest adsorption on goethite. Leucine and phenylalanine showed hardly any adsorption on any of the minerals. When present concurrently, amino acids decreased the sorption of salicylic acid on the three types of mineral, while the presence of LMW aromatic acids increased the sorption of lysine on kaolinite and bentonite and the sorption of glutamic acid on goethite. The presence of previously adsorbed DOM reduced the sorption of salicylic acid and lysine. The results confirm that

Estimating the costs of VA ambulatory care.

PubMed

Phibbs, Ciaran S; Bhandari, Aman; Yu, Wei; Barnett, Paul G

2003-09-01

This article reports how we matched Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes with Medicare payment rates and aggregate Veterans Affairs (VA) budget data to estimate the costs of every VA ambulatory encounter. Converting CPT codes to encounter-level costs was more complex than a simple match of Medicare reimbursements to CPT codes. About 40 percent of the CPT codes used in VA, representing about 20 percent of procedures, did not have a Medicare payment rate and required other cost estimates. Reconciling aggregated estimated costs to the VA budget allocations for outpatient care produced final VA cost estimates that were lower than projected Medicare reimbursements. The methods used to estimate costs for encounters could be replicated for other settings. They are potentially useful for any system that does not generate billing data, when CPT codes are simpler to collect than billing data, or when there is a need to standardize cost estimates across data sources.

VaST: A variability search toolkit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolovsky, K. V.; Lebedev, A. A.

2018-01-01

Variability Search Toolkit (VaST) is a software package designed to find variable objects in a series of sky images. It can be run from a script or interactively using its graphical interface. VaST relies on source list matching as opposed to image subtraction. SExtractor is used to generate source lists and perform aperture or PSF-fitting photometry (with PSFEx). Variability indices that characterize scatter and smoothness of a lightcurve are computed for all objects. Candidate variables are identified as objects having high variability index values compared to other objects of similar brightness. The two distinguishing features of VaST are its ability to perform accurate aperture photometry of images obtained with non-linear detectors and handle complex image distortions. The software has been successfully applied to images obtained with telescopes ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 m in diameter equipped with a variety of detectors including CCD, CMOS, MIC and photographic plates. About 1800 variable stars have been discovered with VaST. It is used as a transient detection engine in the New Milky Way (NMW) nova patrol. The code is written in C and can be easily compiled on the majority of UNIX-like systems. VaST is free software available at http://scan.sai.msu.ru/vast/.

38 CFR 77.17 - Recovery of funds by VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Recovery of funds by VA....17 Recovery of funds by VA. (a) Recovery of funds. VA may recover from the grantee any funds that are... additional adaptive sports grant payments. When VA makes a final decision that action will be taken to...

78 FR 62441 - VA Dental Insurance Program-Federalism

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-22

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 17 RIN 2900-AO85 VA Dental Insurance Program... Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking direct final action to amend its regulations related to the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), a pilot program to offer premium-based dental insurance to enrolled veterans and...

78 FR 63143 - VA Dental Insurance Program-Federalism

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-23

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 17 RIN 2900-AO86 VA Dental Insurance Program... Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations related to the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), a pilot program to offer premium-based dental insurance to enrolled veterans and certain survivors and dependents...

Visionary leadership and the future of VA health system.

PubMed

Bezold, C; Mayer, E; Dighe, A

1997-01-01

As the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) makes the change over to Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISNs) the need for new and better leadership is warranted if VA wants to not only survive, but thrive in the emerging twenty-first century healthcare system. VA can prepare for the future and meet the challenges facing them by adopting a system of visionary leadership. The use of scenarios and vision techniques are explained as they relate to VA's efforts to move toward their new system of VISNs. The four scenarios provide snapshots of possible futures for the U.S. healthcare system as well as the possible future role and mission of VA--from VA disappearing to its becoming a premier virtual organization.

Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Suspension Cultures of Vanilla planifolia Andr. 1

PubMed Central

Funk, Christoph; Brodelius, Peter E.

1992-01-01

Kinetin is used as an elicitor to induce vanillic acid formation in cell suspension cultures of Vanilla planifolia. Maximal induction is observed at a kinetin concentration of 20 micrograms per gram of fresh weight of cells. Vanillic acid synthesis is observed a few hours after elicitation. The effects of kinetin on the activity of some enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway, i.e. phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 4-hydroxycinnamate:coenzyme A ligase and uridine 5′-diphosphate-glucose:trans-cinnamic acid glucosyltransferase, are reported and compared to the effects of chitosan. The former two enzymes are induced by chitosan with a maximum activity of approximately 25 to 40 hours after elicitation. All three enzymes are induced by kinetin with maximum activities for phenylalanine ammonia lyase and 4-hydroxycinnamate:coenzyme A ligase at approximately 50 hours after induction, whereas maximum glucosyltransferase activity is seen already after 24 hours. Furthermore, both elicitors induced the formation of lignin-like material, whereas only kinetin induced vanillic acid biosynthesis. Finally, kinetin but not chitosan induces catechol-4-O-methyltransferase activity, catalyzing the formation of 4-methoxycinnamic acids, which were shown to be intermediates of hydroxybenzoic acid biosynthesis within cells of V. planifolia. It is suggested that this methyltransferase is directly involved in the biosynthesis of vanillic acid. PMID:16668858

48 CFR 819.7109 - VA review of application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS VA Mentor-Protégé Program 819.7109 VA review of application. (a) VA OSDBU will review the information to establish the mentor and protégé eligibility and to ensure... charge to apply for the Mentor-Protégé Program. (b) After OSDBU completes its review and provides written...

Phenylpropanoid metabolism in suspension cultures of Vanilla planifolia Andr

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Funk, C.; Brodelius, P.E.

Feeding of cinnamic acid and ferulic acid to non-treated and chitosan-treated cell suspension cultures of Vanilla planifolia resulted in the formation of trace amounts of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (5.2 micrograms per gram fresh weight of cells) and vanillic acid (6.4 micrograms per gram fresh weight of cells), respectively. Addition of a 4-hydroxycinnamate: CoA-ligase inhibitor, 3,4-(methylenedioxy)-cinnamic acid (MDCA), resulted in a reduced biosynthesis of ligneous material with a simultaneous significant increased vanillic acid formation (around 75 micrograms per gram fresh weight of cells). A K{sub i} of 100 micromolar for 4-hydroxycinnamate: CoA-ligase in a crude preparation was estimated for this inhibitor. Itmore » is suggested that the conversion of cinnamic acids into benzoic acids does not involve cinnamoyl CoA esters as intermediates. Feeding of {sup 14}C-cinnamic acid and {sup 14}C-ferulic acid to cells treated with MDCA indicate that cinnamic acid, but not ferulic acid, is a precursor of vanillic acid in these cultivated cells of V. planifolia.« less

Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Suspension Cultures of Vanilla planifolia Andr. 1

PubMed Central

Funk, Christoph; Brodelius, Peter E.

1990-01-01

Feeding of cinnamic acid and ferulic acid to non-treated and chitosan-treated cell suspension cultures of Vanilla planifolia resulted in the formation of trace amounts of p-hydroxy benzoic acid (5.2 micrograms per gram fresh weight of cells) and vanillic acid (6.4 micrograms per gram fresh weight of cells), respectively. Addition of a 4-hydroxycinnamate: CoA-ligase inhibitor, 3,4-(methylenedioxy)-cinnamic acid (MDCA), resulted in a reduced biosynthesis of ligneous material with a simultaneous significant increased vanillic acid formation (around 75 micrograms per gram fresh weight of cells). A K1 of 100 micromolar for 4-hydroxycinnamate: CoA-ligase in a crude preparation was estimated for this inhibitor. It is suggested that the conversion of cinnamic acids into benzoic acids does not involve cinnamoyl CoA esters as intermediates. Feeding of 14C-cinnamic acid and 14C-ferulic acid to cells treated with MDCA indicate that cinnamic acid, but not ferulic acid, is a precursor of vanillic acid in these cultivated cells of V. planifolia. PMID:16667725

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zeng, Xiaofei; Collins, Maya; Borole, Abhijeet P.

Phenolic compounds in hydrolysate/pyrolysate and wastewater streams produced during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production present a significant challenge in downstream processes. Bioelectrochemical systems are increasingly recognized as an alternative technology to handle biomass-derived streams and to promote water reuse in biofuel production. Thus, a thorough understanding of the fate of phenolic compounds in bioanodes is urgently needed. The present study investigated the biotransformation of three structurally similar phenolic compounds (syringic acid, SA; vanillic acid, VA; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, HBA), and their individual contribution to exoelectrogenesis in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) bioanode. Fermentation of SA resulted in themore » highest exoelectrogenic activity among the three compounds tested, with 50% of the electron equivalents converted to current, compared to 12 and 9% for VA and HBA, respectively. The biotransformation of SA, VA and HBA was initiated by demethylation and decarboxylation reactions common to all three compounds, resulting in their corresponding hydroxylated analogs. SA was transformed to pyrogallol (1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene), whose aromatic ring was then cleaved via a phloroglucinol pathway, resulting in acetate production, which was then used in exoelectrogenesis. In contrast, more than 80% of VA and HBA was converted to catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and phenol (hydroxybenzene) as their respective dead-end products. The persistence of catechol and phenol is explained by the fact that the phloroglucinol pathway does not apply to di- or mono-hydroxylated benzenes. Previously reported, alternative ring-cleaving pathways were either absent in the bioanode microbial community or unfavorable due to high energy-demand reactions. With the exception of acetate oxidation, all biotransformation steps in the bioanode occurred via fermentation, independently of exoelectrogenesis. Therefore, the observed

The Extent of Fermentative Transformation of Phenolic Compounds in the Bioanode Controls Exoelectrogenic Activity in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell

DOE PAGES

Zeng, Xiaofei; Collins, Maya; Borole, Abhijeet P.; ...

2016-11-27

Phenolic compounds in hydrolysate/pyrolysate and wastewater streams produced during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production present a significant challenge in downstream processes. Bioelectrochemical systems are increasingly recognized as an alternative technology to handle biomass-derived streams and to promote water reuse in biofuel production. Thus, a thorough understanding of the fate of phenolic compounds in bioanodes is urgently needed. The present study investigated the biotransformation of three structurally similar phenolic compounds (syringic acid, SA; vanillic acid, VA; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, HBA), and their individual contribution to exoelectrogenesis in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) bioanode. Fermentation of SA resulted in themore » highest exoelectrogenic activity among the three compounds tested, with 50% of the electron equivalents converted to current, compared to 12 and 9% for VA and HBA, respectively. The biotransformation of SA, VA and HBA was initiated by demethylation and decarboxylation reactions common to all three compounds, resulting in their corresponding hydroxylated analogs. SA was transformed to pyrogallol (1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene), whose aromatic ring was then cleaved via a phloroglucinol pathway, resulting in acetate production, which was then used in exoelectrogenesis. In contrast, more than 80% of VA and HBA was converted to catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and phenol (hydroxybenzene) as their respective dead-end products. The persistence of catechol and phenol is explained by the fact that the phloroglucinol pathway does not apply to di- or mono-hydroxylated benzenes. Previously reported, alternative ring-cleaving pathways were either absent in the bioanode microbial community or unfavorable due to high energy-demand reactions. With the exception of acetate oxidation, all biotransformation steps in the bioanode occurred via fermentation, independently of exoelectrogenesis. Therefore, the observed

38 CFR 1.203 - Information to be reported to VA Police.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... reported to VA Police. 1.203 Section 1.203 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS... be reported to VA Police. Information about actual or possible violations of criminal laws related to... occurs on VA premises, will be reported by VA management officials to the VA police component with...

Expression of the Grape VaSTS19 Gene in Arabidopsis Improves Resistance to Powdery Mildew and Botrytis cinerea but Increases Susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringe pv Tomato DC3000

PubMed Central

Wang, Yaqiong; Wang, Dejun; Wang, Fan; Huang, Li; Tian, Xiaomin; van Nocker, Steve; Gao, Hua; Wang, Xiping

2017-01-01

Stilbene synthase (STS) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of resveratrol compounds and plays an important role in disease resistance. The molecular pathways linking STS with pathogen responses and their regulation are not known. We isolated an STS gene, VaSTS19, from a Chinese wild grape, Vitis amurensis Rupr. cv. “Tonghua-3”, and transferred this gene to Arabidopsis. We then generated VaSTS19-expressing Arabidopsis lines and evaluated the functions of VaSTS19 in various pathogen stresses, including powdery mildew, B. cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (PstDC3000). VaSTS19 enhanced resistance to powdery mildew and B. cinerea, but increased susceptibility to PstDC3000. Aniline blue staining revealed that VaSTS19 transgenic lines accumulated more callose compared to nontransgenic control plants, and showed smaller stomatal apertures when exposed to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (flagellin fragment (flg22) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS)). Analysis of the expression of several disease-related genes suggested that VaSTS19 expression enhanced defense responses though salicylic acid (SA) and/or jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways. These findings provide a deeper insight into the function of STS genes in defense against pathogens, and a better understanding of the regulatory cross talk between SA and JA pathways. PMID:28926983

Expression of the Grape VaSTS19 Gene in Arabidopsis Improves Resistance to Powdery Mildew and Botrytis cinerea but Increases Susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringe pv Tomato DC3000.

PubMed

Wang, Yaqiong; Wang, Dejun; Wang, Fan; Huang, Li; Tian, Xiaomin; van Nocker, Steve; Gao, Hua; Wang, Xiping

2017-09-17

Stilbene synthase (STS) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of resveratrol compounds and plays an important role in disease resistance. The molecular pathways linking STS with pathogen responses and their regulation are not known. We isolated an STS gene, VaSTS19 , from a Chinese wild grape, Vitis amurensis Rupr. cv. "Tonghua-3", and transferred this gene to Arabidopsis . We then generated VaSTS19 -expressing Arabidopsis lines and evaluated the functions of VaSTS19 in various pathogen stresses, including powdery mildew, B. cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 ( Pst DC3000). VaSTS19 enhanced resistance to powdery mildew and B. cinerea , but increased susceptibility to Pst DC3000. Aniline blue staining revealed that VaSTS19 transgenic lines accumulated more callose compared to nontransgenic control plants, and showed smaller stomatal apertures when exposed to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (flagellin fragment (flg22) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS)). Analysis of the expression of several disease-related genes suggested that VaSTS19 expression enhanced defense responses though salicylic acid (SA) and/or jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways. These findings provide a deeper insight into the function of STS genes in defense against pathogens, and a better understanding of the regulatory cross talk between SA and JA pathways.

Poststroke Rehabilitation and Restorative Care Utilization: A Comparison Between VA Community Living Centers and VA-contracted Community Nursing Homes.

PubMed

Jia, Huanguang; Pei, Qinglin; Sullivan, Charles T; Cowper Ripley, Diane C; Wu, Samuel S; Bates, Barbara E; Vogel, W Bruce; Bidelspach, Douglas E; Wang, Xinping; Hoffman, Nannette

2016-03-01

Effective poststroke rehabilitation care can speed patient recovery and minimize patient functional disabilities. Veterans affairs (VA) community living centers (CLCs) and VA-contracted community nursing homes (CNHs) are the 2 major sources of institutional long-term care for Veterans with stroke receiving care under VA auspices. This study compares rehabilitation therapy and restorative nursing care among Veterans residing in VA CLCs versus those Veterans in VA-contracted CNHs. Retrospective observational. All Veterans diagnosed with stroke, newly admitted to the CLCs or CNHs during the study period who completed at least 2 Minimum Data Set assessments postadmission. The outcomes were numbers of days for rehabilitation therapy and restorative nursing care received by the Veterans during their stays in CLCs or CNHs as documented in the Minimum Data Set databases. For rehabilitation therapy, the CLC Veterans had lower user rates (75.2% vs. 76.4%, P=0.078) and fewer observed therapy days (4.9 vs. 6.4, P<0.001) than CNH Veterans. However, the CLC Veterans had higher adjusted odds for therapy (odds ratio=1.16, P=0.033), although they had fewer average therapy days (coefficient=-1.53±0.11, P<0.001). For restorative nursing care, CLC Veterans had higher user rates (33.5% vs. 30.6%, P<0.001), more observed average care days (9.4 vs. 5.9, P<0.001), higher adjusted odds (odds ratio=2.28, P<0.001), and more adjusted days for restorative nursing care (coefficient=5.48±0.37, P<0.001). Compared with their counterparts at VA-contracted CNHs, Veterans at VA CLCs had fewer average rehabilitation therapy days (both unadjusted and adjusted), but they were significantly more likely to receive restorative nursing care both before and after risk adjustment.

Veterans' experiences initiating VA-based mental health care.

PubMed

Bovin, Michelle J; Miller, Christopher J; Koenig, Christopher J; Lipschitz, Jessica M; Zamora, Kara A; Wright, Patricia B; Pyne, Jeffrey M; Burgess, James F

2018-05-21

Military veterans who could benefit from mental health services often do not access them. Research has revealed a range of barriers associated with initiating United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care, including those specific to accessing mental health care (e.g., fear of stigmatization). More work is needed to streamline access to VA mental health-care services for veterans. In the current study, we interviewed 80 veterans from 9 clinics across the United States about initiation of VA mental health care to identify barriers to access. Results suggested that five predominant factors influenced veterans' decisions to initiate care: (a) awareness of VA mental health services; (b) fear of negative consequences of seeking care; (c) personal beliefs about mental health treatment; (d) input from family and friends; and (e) motivation for treatment. Veterans also spoke about the pathways they used to access this care. The four most commonly reported pathways included (a) physical health-care appointments; (b) the service connection disability system; (c) non-VA care; and (d) being mandated to care. Taken together, these data lend themselves to a model that describes both modifiers of, and pathways to, VA mental health care. The model suggests that interventions aimed at the identified pathways, in concert with efforts designed to reduce barriers, may increase initiation of VA mental health-care services by veterans. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Aromatic acids in a Eurasian Arctic ice core: a 2600-year proxy record of biomass burning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grieman, Mackenzie M.; Aydin, Murat; Fritzsche, Diedrich; McConnell, Joseph R.; Opel, Thomas; Sigl, Michael; Saltzman, Eric S.

2017-04-01

Wildfires and their emissions have significant impacts on ecosystems, climate, atmospheric chemistry, and carbon cycling. Well-dated proxy records are needed to study the long-term climatic controls on biomass burning and the associated climate feedbacks. There is a particular lack of information about long-term biomass burning variations in Siberia, the largest forested area in the Northern Hemisphere. In this study we report analyses of aromatic acids (vanillic and para-hydroxybenzoic acids) over the past 2600 years in the Eurasian Arctic Akademii Nauk ice core. These compounds are aerosol-borne, semi-volatile organic compounds derived from lignin combustion. The analyses were made using ion chromatography with electrospray mass spectrometric detection. The levels of these aromatic acids ranged from below the detection limit (0.01 to 0.05 ppb; 1 ppb = 1000 ng L-1) to about 1 ppb, with roughly 30 % of the samples above the detection limit. In the preindustrial late Holocene, highly elevated aromatic acid levels are observed during three distinct periods (650-300 BCE, 340-660 CE, and 1460-1660 CE). The timing of the two most recent periods coincides with the episodic pulsing of ice-rafted debris in the North Atlantic known as Bond events and a weakened Asian monsoon, suggesting a link between fires and large-scale climate variability on millennial timescales. Aromatic acid levels also are elevated during the onset of the industrial period from 1780 to 1860 CE, but with a different ratio of vanillic and para-hydroxybenzoic acid than is observed during the preindustrial period. This study provides the first millennial-scale record of aromatic acids. This study clearly demonstrates that coherent aromatic acid signals are recorded in polar ice cores that can be used as proxies for past trends in biomass burning.

Anaerobic degradation of veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether and guaiacoxyacetic acid by mixed rumen bacteria.

PubMed Central

Chen, W; Supanwong, K; Ohmiya, K; Shimizu, S; Kawakami, H

1985-01-01

Veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether (0.2 g/liter), a lignin model compound, was found to be degraded by mixed rumen bacteria in a yeast extract medium under strictly anaerobic conditions to the extent of 19% within 24 h. Guaiacoxyacetic acid, 2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)ethanol, vanillic acid, and vanillin were detected as degradation products of veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether by thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Guaiacoxyacetic acid (0.25 g/liter), when added into the medium as a substrate, was entirely degraded within 36 h, resulting in the formation of phenoxyacetic acid, guaiacol, and phenol. These results suggest that the beta-arylether bond, an important intermonomer linkage in lignin, can be cleaved completely by these rumen anaerobes. PMID:3841472

78 FR 32126 - VA Dental Insurance Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-29

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 17 RIN 2900-AN99 VA Dental Insurance Program AGENCY... its regulations to establish rules and procedures for the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), a pilot program that offers premium-based dental insurance to enrolled veterans and certain survivors and...

77 FR 12517 - VA Dental Insurance Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-01

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 17 RIN 2900-AN99 VA Dental Insurance Program AGENCY... dental insurance to enrolled veterans and certain survivors and dependents of veterans. VA would contract with a private insurer through the Federal contracting process to offer dental insurance, and the...

Release of VA Records Relating to HIV. Final rule.

PubMed

2017-03-23

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its medical regulations governing the release of VA medical records. Specifically, VA is eliminating the restriction on sharing a negative test result for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with veterans' outside providers. HIV testing is a common practice today in healthcare and the stigma of testing that may have been seen in the 1980s when HIV was first discovered is no longer prevalent. Continuing to protect negative HIV tests causes delays and an unnecessary burden on veterans when VA tries to share electronic medical information with the veterans' outside providers through electronic health information exchanges. For this same reason, VA will also eliminate restrictions on negative test results of sickle cell anemia. This final rule eliminates the current barriers to electronic medical information exchange.

[Chemical constituents of Changium smyrnioides].

PubMed

Ren, Dong-chun; Qian, Shi-hui; Yang, Nian-yun; Xie, Ning; Duan, Jin-ao

2008-01-01

To study chemical constituents of Changium smyrnioides Wolff. The chemical components were isolated and purified by silica gel column and recrystallization. The chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physico-chemical properties and spectral data. Ten compounds were isolated and identified as lignoceric acid (1), beta-sitosterol (2), stigmasterol (3), 5-hydroxy-8-methoxypsoralen (4), glycerylmonopalmitate (5), L-pyroglutamic acid (6), succinic acid (7), vanillic acid-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8 ), vanillic acid (9), daucosterol (10). Compounds 1, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 are obtained from the plant for the first time.

2. Perspective Map of Buena Vista (In Buena Vista, VA, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. Perspective Map of Buena Vista (In Buena Vista, VA, NY:South Publishing Co., 1891 n.p.) (copy on file at Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA) - North River Canal System, West side of Buena Vista, Buena Vista, Roanoke City, VA

Degradation of a model pollutant ferulic acid by the endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari.

PubMed

Xie, Xing-Guang; Dai, Chuan-Chao

2015-03-01

Biodegradation of ferulic acid, by an endophytic fungus called Phomopsis liquidambari was investigated in this study. This strain can use ferulic acid as the sole carbon for growth. Both in mineral salt medium and in soil, more than 97% of added ferulic acid was degraded within 48 h. The metabolites were identified and quantified using GC-MS and HPLC-MS. Ferulic acid was first decarboxylated to 4-vinyl guaiacol and then oxidized to vanillin and vanillic acid, followed by demethylation to protocatechuic acid, which was further degraded through the β-ketoadipate pathway. During degradation, ferulic acid decarboxylase, laccase and protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase activities and their gene transcription levels were significantly affected by the variation of substrate and product concentrations. Moreover, ferulic acid degradation was determined to some extent by P. liquidambari laccase. This study is the first report of an endophytic fungus that has a great potential for practical application in ferulic acid-contaminated environments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Building capacity in VA to provide emergency gynecology services for women.

PubMed

Cordasco, Kristina M; Huynh, Alexis K; Zephyrin, Laurie; Hamilton, Alison B; Lau-Herzberg, Amy E; Kessler, Chad S; Yano, Elizabeth M

2015-04-01

Visits to Veterans Administration (VA) emergency departments (EDs) are increasingly being made by women. A 2011 national inventory of VA emergency services for women revealed that many EDs have gaps in their resources and processes for gynecologic emergency care. To guide VA in addressing these gaps, we sought to understand factors acting as facilitators and/or barriers to improving VA ED capacity for, and quality of, emergency gynecology care. Semistructured interviews with VA emergency and women's health key informants. ED directors/providers (n=14), ED nurse managers (n=13), and Women Veteran Program Managers (n=13) in 13 VA facilities. Leadership, staff, space, demand, funding, policies, and community were noted as important factors influencing VA EDs building capacity and improving emergency gynecologic care for women Veterans. These factors are intertwined and cross multiple organizational levels so that each ED's capacity is a reflection not only of its own factors, but also those of its local medical center and non-VA community context as well as VA regional and national trends and policies. Policies and quality improvement initiatives aimed at building VA's emergency gynecologic services for women need to be multifactorial and aimed at multiple organizational levels. Policies need to be flexible to account for wide variations across EDs and their medical center and community contexts. Approaches that build and encourage local leadership engagement, such as evidence-based quality improvement methodology, are likely to be most effective.

The NO vA simulation chain

DOE PAGES

Aurisano, A.; Backhouse, C.; Hatcher, R.; ...

2015-12-23

The NO vA experiment is a two-detector, long-baseline neutrino experiment operating in the recently upgraded NuMI muon neutrino beam. Simulating neutrino interactions and backgrounds requires many steps including: the simulation of the neutrino beam flux using FLUKA and the FLUGG interface, cosmic ray generation using CRY, neutrino interaction modeling using GENIE, and a simulation of the energy deposited in the detector using GEANT4. To shorten generation time, the modeling of detector-specific aspects, such as photon transport, detector and electronics noise, and readout electronics, employs custom, parameterized simulation applications. We will describe the NO vA simulation chain, and present details onmore » the techniques used in modeling photon transport near the ends of cells, and in developing a novel data-driven noise simulation. Due to the high intensity of the NuMI beam, the Near Detector samples a high rate of muons originating in the surrounding rock. In addition, due to its location on the surface at Ash River, MN, the Far Detector collects a large rate ((˜) 140 kHz) of cosmic muons. Furthermore, we will discuss the methods used in NO vA for overlaying rock muons and cosmic ray muons with simulated neutrino interactions and show how realistically the final simulation reproduces the preliminary NO vA data.« less

REACH VA: Moving from Translation to System Implementation.

PubMed

Nichols, Linda O; Martindale-Adams, Jennifer; Burns, Robert; Zuber, Jeffrey; Graney, Marshall J

2016-02-01

Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs (REACH VA) has been implemented in the VA system as a national program for caregivers. We describe the trajectory of REACH VA from national randomized clinical trial through translation to national implementation. The implementation is examined through the six stages of the Fixsen and Blasé implementation process model: exploration and adoption, program installation, initial implementation, full operation, innovation, and sustainability. Different drivers that move the implementation process forward are important at each stage, including staff selection, staff training, consultation and coaching, staff evaluation, administrative support, program evaluation/fidelity, and systems interventions. Caregivers in the REACH VA 4 session intervention currently implemented in the VA had similar outcomes to longer REACH interventions, including Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregivers Health (REACH II). Caregivers experienced significant decreases in burden, depression, anxiety, number of troubling patient behaviors reported, caregiving frustrations, stress symptoms (feeling overwhelmed, feeling like crying, being frustrated as a result of caregiving, being lonely), and general stress. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) for these significant variables were between small and medium ranging from .24 to .46. The implementation of REACH VA provides a road map for implementation of other behavioral interventions in health care delivery settings. Lessons learned include the importance of implementing a proven, needed intervention, support from both leadership and clinical staff, willingness to respond to staff and organization needs and modify the intervention while preserving its integrity, and fitting the intervention into ongoing routines and practices. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America 2014.

78 FR 48609 - Safety Zone; James River; Newport News, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-09

...-AA00 Safety Zone; James River; Newport News, VA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Temporary final rule...-0670 to read as follows: Sec. 165.T05-0670 Safety Zone, James River, Newport News, VA. (a) Definitions...'11'' N longitude 076[deg]38'40'' W, located near Fort Eustis in Newport News, VA. (c) Regulations. (1...

OH-radical induced degradation of hydroxybenzoic- and hydroxycinnamic acids and formation of aromatic products—A gamma radiolysis study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krimmel, Birgit; Swoboda, Friederike; Solar, Sonja; Reznicek, Gottfried

2010-12-01

The OH-radical induced degradation of hydroxybenzoic acids (HBA), hydroxycinnamic acids (HCiA) and methoxylated derivatives, as well as of chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid was studied by gamma radiolysis in aerated aqueous solutions. Primary aromatic products resulting from an OH-radical attachment to the ring (hydroxylation), to the position occupied by the methoxyl group (replacement -OCH 3 by -OH) as well as to the propenoic acid side chain of the cinnamic acids (benzaldehyde formations) were analysed by HPLC-UV and LC-ESI-MS. A comparison of the extent of these processes is given for 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, isovanillic acid, syringic acid, cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid. For all cinnamic acids and derivatives benzaldehydes were significant oxidation products. With the release of caffeic acid from chlorogenic acid the cleavage of a phenolic glycoside could be demonstrated. Reaction mechanisms are discussed.

Expression and characterization of novel laccase gene from Pandoraea sp. ISTKB and its application.

PubMed

Kumar, Madan; Mishra, Arti; Singh, Shashi Shekhar; Srivastava, Shaili; Thakur, Indu Shekhar

2018-04-14

In the present study, a non-blue laccase gene from previously reported lignin degrading bacterium, Pandoraea sp. ISTKB, was isolated, cloned and expressed in E. coli. Bioinformatics analysis of sequence discovered twin-arginine translocation signal sequence, copper binding motifs and presence of more random coil compare to helices and sheets in structure. The enzyme was found to be active on wide pH range and the pH optima was observed at pH 4 and 8 on substrate 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol respectively. This is a thermophilic enzyme with maximum activity around 50-70 °C. The enzyme was further characterized by spectroscopy, reaction kinetics and effect of metal ions and inhibitors were studied. Compared to laccase alone; the treatment of dyes with laccase plus mediator resulted in enhanced decolorization of crystal violet, methylene blue, azure B, carmine and Congo red but the effect of mediator was not observed on trypan blue. Laccase treatment triggered polymerization on vanillic acid (VA) and kraft lignin (KL). Laccase plus mediator treatment reversed the polymerization and resulted in transformation or degradation of VA and KL. This thermophilic and alkalophilic non-blue laccase from Pandoraea sp. ISTKB is promising with prospective biotechnological application. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

33 CFR 80.510 - Chesapeake Bay Entrance, VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Chesapeake Bay Entrance, VA. 80.510 Section 80.510 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Fifth District § 80.510 Chesapeake Bay Entrance, VA. A...

38 CFR 74.27 - How will VA store information?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS REGULATIONS Records Management § 74.27 How will VA store information? VA... examination visits will be scanned onto portable media and fully secured in the Center for Veterans Enterprise...

Novel wine yeast with mutations in YAP1 that produce less acetic acid during fermentation.

PubMed

Cordente, Antonio G; Cordero-Bueso, Gustavo; Pretorius, Isak S; Curtin, Christopher D

2013-02-01

Acetic acid, a byproduct formed during yeast alcoholic fermentation, is the main component of volatile acidity (VA). When present in high concentrations in wine, acetic acid imparts an undesirable 'vinegary' character that results in a significant reduction in quality and sales. Previously, it has been shown that saké yeast strains resistant to the antifungal cerulenin produce significantly lower levels of VA. In this study, we used a classical mutagenesis method to isolate a series of cerulenin-resistant strains, derived from a commercial diploid wine yeast. Four of the selected strains showed a consistent low-VA production phenotype after small-scale fermentation of different white and red grape musts. Specific mutations in YAP1, a gene encoding a transcription factor required for oxidative stress tolerance, were found in three of the four low-VA strains. When integrated into the genome of a haploid wine strain, the mutated YAP1 alleles partially reproduced the low-VA production phenotype of the diploid cerulenin-resistant strains, suggesting that YAP1 might play a role in (regulating) acetic acid production during fermentation. This study offers prospects for the development of low-VA wine yeast starter strains that could assist winemakers in their effort to consistently produce wine to definable quality specifications. © 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Medical Student Psychiatry Examination Performance at VA and Non-VA Clerkship Sites

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tucker, Phebe; von Schlageter, Margo Shultes; Park, EunMi; Rosenberg, Emily; Benjamin, Ashley B.; Nawar, Ola

2009-01-01

Objective: The authors examined the effects of medical student assignment to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center inpatient and outpatient psychiatry clerkship sites versus other university and community sites on the performance outcome measure of National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) subject examination scores. Methods:…

Veratric acid ameliorates hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed an atherogenic diet.

PubMed

Raja, Boobalan; Saravanakumar, Murugesan; Sathya, Gopal

2012-07-01

An investigation was made to reveal the protective effects of veratric acid (VA), a phenolic acid against atherogenic diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Male albino Wistar rats were fed with atherogenic diet (4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, and 0.5% 2-thiouracil) daily for 30 days and treated with VA (40 mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 30 days. Rats fed with atherogenic diet showed significant (P < 0.05) elevation in the level of plasma lipids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid peroxides) and significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the activities of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (vitamin C, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione) antioxidants in erythrocytes, plasma, and tissues (liver, kidney, and aorta). Oral administration of VA (40 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days to atherogenic diet fed rats markedly attenuates systolic, diastolic blood pressure and lipid peroxidation products. Further, VA treatment significantly improved enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants levels and showed beneficial effects on lipid profile in atherogenic diet rats. All the above alterations were supported by histopathological observations. These results indicate that oral administration of VA ameliorates atherogenic diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats by its free radical scavenging; improving the antioxidants and lipid lowering properties.

FACILITIES FOR EDUCATION IN VA HOSPITALS. FINAL REPORT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GREEN, ALAN C.; AND OTHERS

THIS STUDY WAS AUTHORIZED BY THE VA DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING AND DETERMINING THE FACILITIES NEEDED TO PROPERLY HOUSE AND SUPPORT EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN EXISTING AND FUTURE VA HOSPITALS AND TO PRODUCE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDANCE IN THE DESIGN OF THE FACILITIES. CURRENT PRACTICES AND SIGNIFICANT TRENDS IN MEDICAL…

Potential for food-drug interactions by dietary phenolic acids on human organic anion transporters 1 (SLC22A6), 3 (SLC22A8), and 4 (SLC22A11).

PubMed

Wang, Li; Sweet, Douglas H

2012-10-15

Phenolic acids exert beneficial health effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities and show systemic exposure after consumption of common fruits, vegetables, and beverages. However, knowledge regarding which components convey therapeutic benefits and the mechanism(s) by which they cross cell membranes is extremely limited. Therefore, we determined the inhibitory effects of nine food-derived phenolic acids, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, gentisic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, sinapinic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid, on human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1), hOAT3, and hOAT4. In the present study, inhibition of OAT-mediated transport of prototypical substrates (1 μM) by phenolic acids (100 μM) was examined in stably expressing cell lines. All compounds significantly inhibited hOAT3 transport, while just ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic, sinapinic, and vanillic acid significantly blocked hOAT1 activity. Only sinapinic acid inhibited hOAT4 (~35%). For compounds exhibiting inhibition > ~60%, known clinical plasma concentration levels and plasma protein binding in humans were examined to select compounds to evaluate further with dose-response curves (IC(50) values) and drug-drug interaction (DDI) index determinations. IC(50) values ranged from 1.24 to 18.08 μM for hOAT1 and from 7.35 to 87.36 μM for hOAT3. Maximum DDI indices for gallic and gentisic acid (≫0.1) indicated a very strong potential for DDIs on hOAT1 and/or hOAT3. This study indicates that gallic acid from foods or supplements, or gentisic acid from salicylate-based drug metabolism, may significantly alter the pharmacokinetics (efficacy and toxicity) of concomitant therapeutics that are hOAT1 and/or hOAT3 substrates. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

48 CFR 852.219-71 - VA mentor-protégé program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false VA mentor-protégÃ....219-71 VA mentor-protégé program. As prescribed in 819.7115(a), insert the following clause: VA Mentor-Protégé Program (DEC 2009) (a) Large businesses are encouraged to participate in the VA Mentor-Protégé...

Empirical analysis on future-cash arbitrage risk with portfolio VaR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Rongda; Li, Cong; Wang, Weijin; Wang, Ze

2014-03-01

This paper constructs the positive arbitrage position by alternating the spot index with Chinese Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) portfolio and estimating the arbitrage-free interval of futures with the latest trade data. Then, an improved Delta-normal method was used, which replaces the simple linear correlation coefficient with tail dependence correlation coefficient, to measure VaR (Value-at-risk) of the arbitrage position. Analysis of VaR implies that the risk of future-cash arbitrage is less than that of investing completely in either futures or spot market. Then according to the compositional VaR and the marginal VaR, we should increase the futures position and decrease the spot position appropriately to minimize the VaR, which can minimize risk subject to certain revenues.

Haemophilia utilization group study - Part Va (HUGS Va): design, methods and baseline data.

PubMed

Zhou, Z-Y; Wu, J; Baker, J; Curtis, R; Forsberg, A; Huszti, H; Koerper, M; Lou, M; Miller, R; Parish, K; Riske, B; Shapiro, A; Ullman, M; Johnson, K

2011-09-01

To describe the study design, procedures and baseline characteristics of the Haemophilia Utilization Group Study - Part Va (HUGS Va), a US multi-center observational study evaluating the cost of care and burden of illness in persons with factor VIII deficiency. Patients with factor VIII level ≤ 30%, age 2-64 years, receiving treatment at one of six federally supported haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) were enrolled in the study. Participants completed an initial interview including questions on socio-demographical characteristics, health insurance status, co-morbidities, access to care, haemophilia treatment regimen, factor utilization, self-reported joint pain and motion limitation and health-related quality of life. A periodic follow-up survey collected data regarding time lost from usual activities, disability days, health care utilization and outcomes of care. HTC clinicians documented participants' baseline clinical characteristics and pharmacy dispensing records for 2 years. Between July 2005 and July 2007, 329 participants were enrolled. Average age was 9.7 years for children and 33.5 years for adults; two-thirds had severe haemophilia. The distributions of age, marital status, education level and barriers to haemophilia care were relatively consistent across haemophilic severity categories. Differences were found in participants' employment status, insurance status and income. Overall, children with haemophilia had quality of life scores comparable to healthy counterparts. Adults had significantly lower physical functioning than the general US population. As one of the largest economic studies of haemophilia care, HUGS Va will provide detailed information regarding the burden of illness and health care utilization in the US haemophilia A population. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Use of VA and Medicare Services By Dually Eligible Veterans with Psychiatric Problems

PubMed Central

Carey, Kathleen; Montez-Rath, Maria E; Rosen, Amy K; Christiansen, Cindy L; Loveland, Susan; Ettner, Susan L

2008-01-01

Objective To examine how service accessibility measured by geographic distance affects service sector choices for veterans who are dually eligible for veterans affairs (VA) and Medicare services and who are diagnosed with mental health and/or substance abuse (MH/SA) disorders. Data Sources Primary VA data sources were the Patient Treatment (acute care), Extended Care (long-term care), and Outpatient Clinic files. VA cost data were obtained from (1) inpatient and outpatient cost files developed by the VA Health Economics and Resource Center and (2) outpatient VA Decision Support System files. Medicare data sources were the denominator, Medicare Provider Analysis Review (MEDPAR), Provider-of-Service, Outpatient Standard Analytic and Physician/Supplier Standard Analytic files. Additional sources included the Area Resource File and Census Bureau data. Study Design We identified dually eligible veterans who had either an inpatient or outpatient MH/SA diagnosis in the VA system during fiscal year (FY)'99. We then estimated one- and two-part regression models to explain the effects of geographic distance on both VA and Medicare total and MH/SA costs. Principal Findings Results provide evidence for substitution between the VA and Medicare, demonstrating that poorer geographic access to VA inpatient and outpatient clinics decreased VA expenditures but increased Medicare expenditures, while poorer access to Medicare-certified general and psychiatric hospitals decreased Medicare expenditures but increased VA expenditures. Conclusions As geographic distance to VA medical facility increases, Medicare plays an increasingly important role in providing mental health services to veterans. PMID:18355256

Greening America's Capitals - Richmond, VA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report from the Greening America's Capitals project in Richmond, VA, to help the city develop design options to protect pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers; improve stormwater management; and spur revitalization.

VA Telemedicine: An Analysis of Cost and Time Savings.

PubMed

Russo, Jack E; McCool, Ryan R; Davies, Louise

2016-03-01

The Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system provides beneficiary travel reimbursement ("travel pay") to qualifying patients for traveling to appointments. Travel pay is a large expense for the VA and hence the U.S. Government, projected to cost nearly $1 billion in 2015. Telemedicine in the VA system has the potential to save money by reducing patient travel and thus the amount of travel pay disbursed. In this study, we quantify this savings and also report trends in VA telemedicine volumes over time. All telemedicine visits based at the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed (5,695 visits). Travel distance and time saved as a result of telemedicine were calculated. Clinical volume in the mental health department, which has had the longest participation in telemedicine, was analyzed. Telemedicine resulted in an average travel savings of 145 miles and 142 min per visit. This led to an average travel payment savings of $18,555 per year. Telemedicine volume grew significantly over the study period such that by the final year the travel pay savings had increased to $63,804, or about 3.5% of the total travel pay disbursement for that year. The number of mental health telemedicine visits rose over the study period but remained small relative to the number of face-to-face visits. A higher proportion of telemedicine visits involved new patients. Telemedicine at the VA saves travel distance and time, although the reduction in travel payments remains modest at current telemedicine volumes.

Cocrystals of a 1,2,4-thiadiazole-based potent neuroprotector with gallic acid: solubility, thermodynamic stability relationships and formation pathways.

PubMed

Surov, Artem O; Churakov, Andrei V; Proshin, Alexey N; Dai, Xia-Lin; Lu, Tongbu; Perlovich, German L

2018-05-30

Three distinct solid forms, namely anhydrous cocrystals with 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 drug/acid ratios ([TDZ : GA] (2 : 1), [TDZ : GA] (1 : 1)), and a hydrated one having 1 : 1 : 1 drug/acid/water stoichiometry ([TDZ : GA : H2O] (1 : 1 : 1)), have been formed by cocrystallization of the biologically active 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivative (TDZ) with gallic acid (GA). The thermodynamic stability relationships between the cocrystals were rationalized in terms of Gibbs energies of the formation reactions and further verified by performing a set of competitive and exchange mechanochemical reactions. Interestingly, competitive grinding in the presence of the structurally related vanillic acid led to the formation of a new polymorphic form of the [TDZ : Vanillic acid] (1 : 1) cocrystal, which was promoted by gallic acid. The mechanochemical method was also applied to elucidate the alternative pathways of the [TDZ : GA : H2O] (1 : 1 : 1) cocrystal formation. Direct cocrystallization of TDZ with GA monohydrate was found to proceed much faster than the reaction of TDZ and anhydrous GA in the presence of an acetonitrile/water mixture, which may indicate the presence of a transitional stage. According to dissolution studies, the [TDZ : GA : H2O] (1 : 1 : 1) cocrystal was ca. 6.6 times more soluble than the parent 1,2,4-thiadiazole at pH 2.0 and 25.0 °C. The apparent two-step dehydration behavior of the [TDZ : GA : H2O] (1 : 1 : 1) cocrystal monohydrate was clarified by analyzing the intermolecular interactions of water molecules with the crystalline environment derived from solid state DFT calculations.

77 FR 58773 - Drawbridge Operation Regulations; James River, Newport News, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-24

... Operation Regulations; James River, Newport News, VA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of temporary... schedule that governs the US 17/258 Bridge across the James River, mile 5.0, at Newport News, VA. The... 17/258 Bridge over the James River, mile 5.0, at Newport News, VA opens on signal as required by 33...

Community Veterans' Decision to Use VA Services: A Multimethod Veteran Health Partnership Study.

PubMed

Franco, Zeno E; Logan, Clinton; Flower, Mark; Curry, Bob; Ruffalo, Leslie; Brazauskas, Ruta; Whittle, Jeff

2016-01-01

Ensuring veterans' access to healthcare is a national priority. Prior studies of veterans' use of Veterans Health Administration (VA) healthcare have had limited success in evaluating barriers to access for certain vulnerable veteran subpopulations. Our coalition of researchers and veteran community members sought to understand factors affecting use of VA, particularly for those less likely to participate in traditional survey studies. We recruited 858 veterans to complete a collaboratively designed survey at community events or via social media. We compared our results regarding VA use with the 2010 National Survey of Veterans (NSV) using chi-square tests, multiple logistic regression to identify predictors of VA use, and content analysis for open-ended descriptions of barriers to VA use. Veterans in our study were more likely than NSV respondents to report using VA healthcare ever (76% vs. 28%; p<0.0001). Within this group, more veterans in our sample were current VA users (83% vs. 68%; p<0.0001). In multivariable analysis, VA use was predicted by self-reported physical problems (comparing "a lot" vs. "none" for each variable, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 8.35), thinking problems (OR, 1.14), need for smoking cessation (OR, 1.54), need for pain management (OR, 1.65), and need for other mental health services (OR, 3.04). We identified 15 themes summarizing veterans' perceived barriers to VA use. Persistent actual and perceived barriers prevent some veterans from using VA services. The VA can better understand and address these issues through community-academic partnerships with veterans' organizations.

38 CFR 74.27 - How will VA store information?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... information? 74.27 Section 74.27 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED) VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS REGULATIONS Records Management § 74.27 How will VA store information? VA intends to store records provided to complete the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages registration fully...

38 CFR 74.27 - How will VA store information?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... information? 74.27 Section 74.27 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED) VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS REGULATIONS Records Management § 74.27 How will VA store information? VA intends to store records provided to complete the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages registration fully...

38 CFR 74.27 - How will VA store information?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... information? 74.27 Section 74.27 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED) VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS REGULATIONS Records Management § 74.27 How will VA store information? VA intends to store records provided to complete the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages registration fully...

38 CFR 74.27 - How will VA store information?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... information? 74.27 Section 74.27 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED) VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS REGULATIONS Records Management § 74.27 How will VA store information? VA intends to store records provided to complete the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages registration fully...

A VaR Algorithm for Warrants Portfolio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Jun; Ni, Liyun; Wang, Xiangrong; Chen, Weizhong

Based on Gamma Vega-Cornish Fish methodology, this paper propose the algorithm for calculating VaR via adjusting the quantile under the given confidence level using the four moments (e.g. mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis) of the warrants portfolio return and estimating the variance of portfolio by EWMA methodology. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm considers the attenuation of the effect of history return on portfolio return of future days. Empirical study shows that, comparing with Gamma-Cornish Fish method and standard normal method, the VaR calculated by Gamma Vega-Cornish Fish can improve the effectiveness of forecasting the portfolio risk by virture of considering the Gamma risk and the Vega risk of the warrants. The significance test is conducted on the calculation results by employing two-tailed test developed by Kupiec. Test results show that the calculated VaRs of the warrants portfolio all pass the significance test under the significance level of 5%.

Effect of processing on phenolic acids composition and radical scavenging capacity of barley pasta.

PubMed

De Paula, Rosanna; Rabalski, Iwona; Messia, Maria Cristina; Abdel-Aal, El-Sayed M; Marconi, Emanuele

2017-12-01

Phenolic acids, total phenolics content and DPPH radical scavenging capacity in raw ingredients, fresh and dried spaghetti, and in uncooked and cooked spaghetti were evaluated and compared with semolina spaghetti as a reference. Ferulic acid was the major phenolic acid found in the free and bound phenolic extracts in all the investigated pasta samples. The addition of barley flour into pasta at incorporation levels of 30, 50 and 100% increased phenolic acids and total phenolics content. Pasta processing did not significantly affect the total phenolics content and free radical scavenging capacity, but a significant reduction in total phenolic acids measured by HPLC was found. Drying process differently affected individual phenolic compounds in the free and bound fractions, and thus, the total phenolic acids content. Free vanillic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids did not significantly change, while p-hydroxybenzoic and ferulic acids of the free extracts showed higher values compared to the corresponding fresh pasta. Cooking did not greatly affect total phenolic acids, more leading to conserving free and bound phenolic compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors related to attrition from VA healthcare use: findings from the National Survey of Women Veterans.

PubMed

Hamilton, Alison B; Frayne, Susan M; Cordasco, Kristina M; Washington, Donna L

2013-07-01

While prior research characterizes women Veterans' barriers to accessing and using Veterans Health Administration (VA) care, there has been little attention to women who access VA and use services, but then discontinue use. Recent data suggest that among women Veterans, there is a 30 % attrition rate within 3 years of initial VA use. To compare individual characteristics and perceptions about VA care between women Veteran VA attriters (those who discontinue use) and non-attriters (those who continue use), and to compare recent versus remote attriters. Cross-sectional, population-based 2008-2009 national telephone survey. Six hundred twenty-six attriters and 2,065 non-attriters who responded to the National Survey of Women Veterans. Population weighted demographic, military and health characteristics; perceptions about VA healthcare; length of time since last VA use; among attriters, reasons for no longer using VA care. Fifty-four percent of the weighted VA ever user population reported that they no longer use VA. Forty-five percent of attrition was within the past ten years. Attriters had better overall health (p = 0.007), higher income (p < 0.001), and were more likely to have health insurance (p < 0.001) compared with non-attriters. Attriters had less positive perceptions of VA than non-attriters, with attriters having lower ratings of VA quality and of gender-specific features of VA care (p < 0.001). Women Veterans who discontinued VA use since 2001 did not differ from those with more remote VA use on most measures of VA perceptions. Overall, among attriters, distance to VA sites of care and having alternate insurance coverage were the most common reasons for discontinuing VA use. We found high VA attrition despite recent advances in VA care for women Veterans. Women's attrition from VA could reduce the critical mass of women Veterans in VA and affect current system-wide efforts to provide high-quality care for women Veterans. An understanding of reasons for

Impact of the REACH II and REACH VA Dementia Caregiver Interventions on Healthcare Costs.

PubMed

Nichols, Linda O; Martindale-Adams, Jennifer; Zhu, Carolyn W; Kaplan, Erin K; Zuber, Jeffrey K; Waters, Teresa M

2017-05-01

Examine caregiver and care recipient healthcare costs associated with caregivers' participation in Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregivers Health (REACH II or REACH VA) behavioral interventions to improve coping skills and care recipient management. RCT (REACH II); propensity-score matched, retrospective cohort study (REACH VA). Five community sites (REACH II); 24 VA facilities (REACH VA). Care recipients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers who participated in REACH II study (analysis sample of 110 caregivers and 197 care recipients); care recipients whose caregivers participated in REACH VA and a propensity matched control group (analysis sample of 491). Previously collected data plus Medicare expenditures (REACH II) and VA costs plus Medicare expenditures (REACH VA). There was no increase in VA or Medicare expenditures for care recipients or their caregivers who participated in either REACH intervention. For VA care recipients, REACH was associated with significantly lower total VA costs of care (33.6%). VA caregiver cost data was not available. In previous research, both REACH II and REACH VA have been shown to provide benefit for dementia caregivers at a cost of less than $5/day; however, concerns about additional healthcare costs may have hindered REACH's widespread adoption. Neither REACH intervention was associated with additional healthcare costs for caregivers or patients; in fact, for VA patients, there were significantly lower healthcare costs. The VA costs savings may be related to the addition of a structured format for addressing the caregiver's role in managing complex ADRD care to an existing, integrated care system. These findings suggest that behavioral interventions are a viable mechanism to support burdened dementia caregivers without additional healthcare costs. © 2017, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2017, The American Geriatrics Society.

Comparing VA and private sector healthcare costs for end-stage renal disease.

PubMed

Hynes, Denise M; Stroupe, Kevin T; Fischer, Michael J; Reda, Domenic J; Manning, Willard; Browning, Margaret M; Huo, Zhiping; Saban, Karen; Kaufman, James S

2012-02-01

Healthcare for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is intensive, expensive, and provided in both the public and private sector. Using a societal perspective, we examined healthcare costs and health outcomes for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ESRD patients comparing those who received hemodialysis care at VA versus private sector facilities. Dialysis patients were recruited from 8 VA medical centers from 2001 through 2003 and followed for 12 months in a prospective cohort study. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, quality of life, healthcare use, and cost data were collected. Healthcare data included utilization (VA), claims (Medicare), and patient self-report. Costs included VA calculated costs, Medicare dialysis facility reports and reimbursement rates, and patient self-report. Multivariable regression was used to compare costs between patients receiving dialysis at VA versus private sector facilities. The cohort comprised 334 patients: 170 patients in the VA dialysis group and 164 patients in the private sector group. The VA dialysis group had more comorbidities at baseline, outpatient and emergency visits, prescriptions, and longer hospital stays; they also had more conservative anemia management and lower baseline urea reduction ratio (67% vs. 72%; P<0.001), although levels were consistent with guidelines (Kt/V≥1.2). In adjusted analysis, the VA dialysis group had $36,431 higher costs than those in the private sector dialysis group (P<0.001). Continued research addressing costs and effectiveness of care across public and private sector settings is critical in informing health policy options for patients with complex chronic illnesses such as ESRD.

Changes in antioxidant activity and phenolic acid composition of tarhana with steel-cut oats.

PubMed

Kilci, A; Gocmen, D

2014-02-15

Steel-cut oats (SCO) was used to replace wheat flour in the tarhana formulation (control) at the levels of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% (w/w). Control sample included no SCO. Substitution of wheat flour in tarhana formulation with SCO affected the mineral contents positively. SCO additions also increased phenolic acid contents of tarhana samples. The most abundant phenolic acids were ferulic and vanillic acids, followed by syringic acid in the samples with SCO. Tarhana samples with SCO also showed higher antioxidant activities than the control. Compared with the control, the total phenolic content increased when the level of SCO addition was increased. SCO addition did not have a deteriorative effect on sensory properties of tarhana samples and resulted in acceptable soup properties in terms of overall acceptability. SCO addition improved the nutritional and functional properties of tarhana by causing increases in antioxidant activity, phenolic content and phenolic acids. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

32 CFR 105.10 - SARC and SAPR VA procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... CIVILIAN SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM PROCEDURES § 105.10 SARC and SAPR VA procedures. (a) SARC procedures. The SARC shall: (1) Serve as the single point of contact to coordinate sexual assault response when a sexual assault is reported. All SARCs shall be authorized to perform VA duties in...

32 CFR 105.10 - SARC and SAPR VA procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... CIVILIAN SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM PROCEDURES § 105.10 SARC and SAPR VA procedures. (a) SARC procedures. The SARC shall: (1) Serve as the single point of contact to coordinate sexual assault response when a sexual assault is reported. All SARCs shall be authorized to perform VA duties in...

Job satisfaction and burnout among VA and community mental health workers.

PubMed

Salyers, Michelle P; Rollins, Angela L; Kelly, Yu-Fan; Lysaker, Paul H; Williams, Jane R

2013-03-01

Building on two independent studies, we compared burnout and job satisfaction of 66 VA staff and 86 community mental health center staff in the same city. VA staff reported significantly greater job satisfaction and accomplishment, less emotional exhaustion and lower likelihood of leaving their job. Sources of work satisfaction were similar (primarily working with clients, helping/witnessing change). VA staff reported fewer challenges with job-related aspects (e.g. flexibility, pay) but more challenges with administration. Community mental health administrators and policymakers may need to address job-related concerns (e.g. pay) whereas VA administrators may focus on reducing, and helping workers navigate, administrative policies.

48 CFR 852.219-9 - VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false VA Small business... Provisions and Clauses 852.219-9 VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements. As prescribed in subpart 819.709, insert the following clause: VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements...

48 CFR 852.219-9 - VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false VA Small business... Provisions and Clauses 852.219-9 VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements. As prescribed in subpart 819.709, insert the following clause: VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements...

48 CFR 852.219-9 - VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false VA Small business... Provisions and Clauses 852.219-9 VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements. As prescribed in subpart 819.709, insert the following clause: VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements...

48 CFR 852.219-9 - VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false VA Small business... Provisions and Clauses 852.219-9 VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements. As prescribed in subpart 819.709, insert the following clause: VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements...

48 CFR 852.219-9 - VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false VA Small business... Provisions and Clauses 852.219-9 VA Small business subcontracting plan minimum requirements. As prescribed in subpart 819.709, insert the following clause: VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements...

Vanillylacetone up-regulates anthocyanin accumulation and expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes by inducing endogenous abscisic acid in grapevine tissues.

PubMed

Enoki, Shinichi; Hattori, Tomoki; Ishiai, Shiho; Tanaka, Sayumi; Mikami, Masachika; Arita, Kayo; Nagasaka, Shu; Suzuki, Shunji

2017-12-01

We investigated the effect of vanillylacetone (VA) on anthocyanin accumulation with aim of improving grape berry coloration. Spraying Vitis vinifera cv. Muscat Bailey A berries with VA at veraison increased sugar/acid ratio, an indicator of maturation and total anthocyanin accumulation. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of VA on anthocyanin accumulation, in vitro VA treatment of a grapevine cell culture was carried out. Endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) content was higher in the VA-treated cell cultures than in control at 3h after treatment. Consistent with this, the relative expression levels of anthocyanin-synthesis-related genes, including DFR, LDOX, MybA1 and UFGT, in VA-treated cell cultures were much higher than those in control, and high total anthocyanin accumulation was noted in the VA-treated cell cultures as well. These results suggest that VA up-regulates the expression of genes leading to anthocyanin accumulation by inducing endogenous ABA. In addition, VA increased total anthocyanin content in a dose-dependent manner. Although VA treatment in combination with exogenous ABA did not exhibit any synergistic effect, treatment with VA alone showed an equivalent effect to that with exogenous ABA alone on total anthocyanin accumulation. These findings point to the possibility of using VA for improving grape berry coloration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

33 CFR 110.166 - York River, Va., naval anchorage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Anchorage Grounds § 110.166 York River, Va., naval anchorage. (a) The anchorage grounds. Between Yorktown and the Naval Mine Depot, beginning at latitude 37°15′34″, longitude 76... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false York River, Va., naval anchorage...

33 CFR 110.166 - York River, Va., naval anchorage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Anchorage Grounds § 110.166 York River, Va., naval anchorage. (a) The anchorage grounds. Between Yorktown and the Naval Mine Depot, beginning at latitude 37°15′34″, longitude 76... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false York River, Va., naval anchorage...

33 CFR 110.166 - York River, Va., naval anchorage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Anchorage Grounds § 110.166 York River, Va., naval anchorage. (a) The anchorage grounds. Between Yorktown and the Naval Mine Depot, beginning at latitude 37°15′34″, longitude 76... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false York River, Va., naval anchorage...

33 CFR 110.166 - York River, Va., naval anchorage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Anchorage Grounds § 110.166 York River, Va., naval anchorage. (a) The anchorage grounds. Between Yorktown and the Naval Mine Depot, beginning at latitude 37°15′34″, longitude 76... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false York River, Va., naval anchorage...

33 CFR 110.166 - York River, Va., naval anchorage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Anchorage Grounds § 110.166 York River, Va., naval anchorage. (a) The anchorage grounds. Between Yorktown and the Naval Mine Depot, beginning at latitude 37°15′34″, longitude 76... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false York River, Va., naval anchorage...

Identifying Homelessness among Veterans Using VA Administrative Data: Opportunities to Expand Detection Criteria.

PubMed

Peterson, Rachel; Gundlapalli, Adi V; Metraux, Stephen; Carter, Marjorie E; Palmer, Miland; Redd, Andrew; Samore, Matthew H; Fargo, Jamison D

2015-01-01

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have used administrative criteria to identify homelessness among U.S. Veterans. Our objective was to explore the use of these codes in VA health care facilities. We examined VA health records (2002-2012) of Veterans recently separated from the military and identified as homeless using VA conventional identification criteria (ICD-9-CM code V60.0, VA specific codes for homeless services), plus closely allied V60 codes indicating housing instability. Logistic regression analyses examined differences between Veterans who received these codes. Health care services and co-morbidities were analyzed in the 90 days post-identification of homelessness. VA conventional criteria identified 21,021 homeless Veterans from Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (rate 2.5%). Adding allied V60 codes increased that to 31,260 (rate 3.3%). While certain demographic differences were noted, Veterans identified as homeless using conventional or allied codes were similar with regards to utilization of homeless, mental health, and substance abuse services, as well as co-morbidities. Differences were noted in the pattern of usage of homelessness-related diagnostic codes in VA facilities nation-wide. Creating an official VA case definition for homelessness, which would include additional ICD-9-CM and other administrative codes for VA homeless services, would likely allow improved identification of homeless and at-risk Veterans. This also presents an opportunity for encouraging uniformity in applying these codes in VA facilities nationwide as well as in other large health care organizations.

Identifying Homelessness among Veterans Using VA Administrative Data: Opportunities to Expand Detection Criteria

PubMed Central

Peterson, Rachel; Gundlapalli, Adi V.; Metraux, Stephen; Carter, Marjorie E.; Palmer, Miland; Redd, Andrew; Samore, Matthew H.; Fargo, Jamison D.

2015-01-01

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have used administrative criteria to identify homelessness among U.S. Veterans. Our objective was to explore the use of these codes in VA health care facilities. We examined VA health records (2002-2012) of Veterans recently separated from the military and identified as homeless using VA conventional identification criteria (ICD-9-CM code V60.0, VA specific codes for homeless services), plus closely allied V60 codes indicating housing instability. Logistic regression analyses examined differences between Veterans who received these codes. Health care services and co-morbidities were analyzed in the 90 days post-identification of homelessness. VA conventional criteria identified 21,021 homeless Veterans from Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (rate 2.5%). Adding allied V60 codes increased that to 31,260 (rate 3.3%). While certain demographic differences were noted, Veterans identified as homeless using conventional or allied codes were similar with regards to utilization of homeless, mental health, and substance abuse services, as well as co-morbidities. Differences were noted in the pattern of usage of homelessness-related diagnostic codes in VA facilities nation-wide. Creating an official VA case definition for homelessness, which would include additional ICD-9-CM and other administrative codes for VA homeless services, would likely allow improved identification of homeless and at-risk Veterans. This also presents an opportunity for encouraging uniformity in applying these codes in VA facilities nationwide as well as in other large health care organizations. PMID:26172386

A Role for Myosin Va in Human Cytomegalovirus Nuclear Egress.

PubMed

Wilkie, Adrian R; Sharma, Mayuri; Pesola, Jean M; Ericsson, Maria; Fernandez, Rosio; Coen, Donald M

2018-03-15

Herpesviruses replicate and package their genomes into capsids in replication compartments within the nuclear interior. Capsids then move to the inner nuclear membrane for envelopment and release into the cytoplasm in a process called nuclear egress. We previously found that nuclear F-actin is induced upon infection with the betaherpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and is important for nuclear egress and capsid localization away from replication compartment-like inclusions toward the nuclear rim. Despite these and related findings, it has not been shown that any specific motor protein is involved in herpesvirus nuclear egress. In this study, we have investigated whether the host motor protein, myosin Va, could be fulfilling this role. Using immunofluorescence microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation, we observed associations between a nuclear population of myosin Va and the viral major capsid protein, with both concentrating at the periphery of replication compartments. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that nearly 40% of assembled nuclear capsids associate with myosin Va. We also found that myosin Va and major capsid protein colocalize with nuclear F-actin. Importantly, antagonism of myosin Va with RNA interference or a dominant negative mutant revealed that myosin Va is important for the efficient production of infectious virus, capsid accumulation in the cytoplasm, and capsid localization away from replication compartment-like inclusions toward the nuclear rim. Our results lead us to suggest a working model whereby human cytomegalovirus capsids associate with myosin Va for movement from replication compartments to the nuclear periphery during nuclear egress. IMPORTANCE Little is known regarding how newly assembled and packaged herpesvirus capsids move from the nuclear interior to the periphery during nuclear egress. While it has been proposed that an actomyosin-based mechanism facilitates intranuclear movement of alphaherpesvirus capsids, a functional role for

Identification/quantification of free and bound phenolic acids in peel and pulp of apples (Malus domestica) using high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).

PubMed

Lee, Jihyun; Chan, Bronte Lee Shan; Mitchell, Alyson E

2017-01-15

Free and bound phenolic acids were measured in the pulp and peel of four varieties of apples using high resolution mass spectrometry. Twenty-five phenolic acids were identified and included: 8 hydroxybenzoic acids, 11 hydroxycinnamic acids, 5 hydroxyphenylacetic acids, and 1 hydoxyphenylpropanoic acid. Several phenolics are tentatively identified for the first time in apples and include: methyl gallate, ethyl gallate, hydroxy phenyl acetic acid, three phenylacetic acid isomers, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, and homoveratric acid. With exception of chlorogenic and caffeic acid, most phenolic acids were quantified for the first time in apples. Significant varietal differences (p<0.05) were observed in both peel and pulp. The levels of total phenolic acids were higher in the pulp as compared to apple peel (dry weight) in all varieties. Coumaroylquinic, protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and t-ferulic acids were present in free forms. With exception of chlorogenic acid, all other phenolic acids were present only as bound forms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

(4015) 1979 VA: 'Missing Link' Discovered

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helin, Eleanor F.

1993-01-01

Apollo Asteroid (4015) 1979 VA was discovered in November of 1979 by Helin at Palomar with the 0.46m Schmidt Telescope. It's orbital elements immediately indicated a possible cometary origin. With an extremely eccentric orbit, it approaches the orbit of Jupiter (at the time, the largest 'Q', aphelion, of any known near-Earth asteroid). Physical observations acquired during the discovery apparition suggested that it was carbonaceous in nature. Research into prediscovery observations of Near-Earth Asteroids (Bowell et. al., 1992) has located Palomar Sky Survey photographic plates taken in 1949 observations of (4015) 1979 VA, not as an asteroid, but rather a small cometary image (IAU Circular Nos. 5585 and 5586, August 13, 1992)...

Indomethacin-Kollidon VA64 Extrudates: A Mechanistic Study of pH-Dependent Controlled Release.

PubMed

Tres, Francesco; Treacher, Kevin; Booth, Jonathan; Hughes, Leslie P; Wren, Stephen A C; Aylott, Jonathan W; Burley, Jonathan C

2016-03-07

Because of its weakly acidic nature (pKa of 4.5), indomethacin presents an aqueous solubility that significantly increases when changing from acidic to neutral/alkaline pH (1.5 μg/mL at pH 1.2 and 105.2 μg/mL at pH 7.4). We have therefore investigated the impact of the dissolution medium pH on the dissolution performance of indomethacin:Kollidon VA64 extrudates. The impact of the drug loading on the dissolution properties of these systems was also examined (5%, 15%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% drug loading). Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy along with in-line UV-vis spectrophotometry was employed to directly relate changes in dissolution behavior to physicochemical changes that occur to the extrudate during the test. The dissolution tests were performed in pH 2 HCl (to mimic the stomach conditions), and this was then switched during the experiment to pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (to simulate the poststomach conditions). The rotating disc dissolution rate test was also used to simultaneously measure the dissolution rate of both the drug and the polymer. We found that in pH 2 HCl buffer, for the 15% or higher drug-loaded extrudates, Kollidon VA64 preferentially dissolves from the exterior of the compact leaving an amorphous drug-rich hydrophobic shell, which, similarly to an enteric coating, inhibits the drug release. The in situ formation of an enteric coating has been previously hypothesized, and this has been the first time that is directly observed in a pH-variable dissolution test. The dissolution medium switch to pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, due to the large increase of the aqueous solubility of indomethacin at this pH, leads to rapid dissolution of the material forming the coating and therefore total drug release. In contrast, the 5% extrudate is fully hydrated and quickly dissolves at low pH pointing to a dissolution performance dependent on highly water-soluble Kollidon VA64.

30 CFR 57.22309 - Methane monitors (V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Methane monitors (V-A mines). 57.22309 Section... Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Equipment § 57.22309 Methane monitors (V-A mines). (a) Methane monitors shall be installed on continuous mining machines used in or beyond the last open crosscut...

30 CFR 57.22309 - Methane monitors (V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Methane monitors (V-A mines). 57.22309 Section... Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Equipment § 57.22309 Methane monitors (V-A mines). (a) Methane monitors shall be installed on continuous mining machines used in or beyond the last open crosscut...

Flexural Stiffness of Myosin Va Subdomains as Measured from Tethered Particle Motion

PubMed Central

Michalek, Arthur J.; Kennedy, Guy G.; Warshaw, David M.; Ali, M. Yusuf

2015-01-01

Myosin Va (MyoVa) is a processive molecular motor involved in intracellular cargo transport on the actin cytoskeleton. The motor's processivity and ability to navigate actin intersections are believed to be governed by the stiffness of various parts of the motor's structure. Specifically, changes in calcium may regulate motor processivity by altering the motor's lever arm stiffness and thus its interhead communication. In order to measure the flexural stiffness of MyoVa subdomains, we use tethered particle microscopy, which relates the Brownian motion of fluorescent quantum dots, which are attached to various single- and double-headed MyoVa constructs bound to actin in rigor, to the motor's flexural stiffness. Based on these measurements, the MyoVa lever arm and coiled-coil rod domain have comparable flexural stiffness (0.034 pN/nm). Upon addition of calcium, the lever arm stiffness is reduced 40% as a result of calmodulins potentially dissociating from the lever arm. In addition, the flexural stiffness of the full-length MyoVa construct is an order of magnitude less stiff than both a single lever arm and the coiled-coil rod. This suggests that the MyoVa lever arm-rod junction provides a flexible hinge that would allow the motor to maneuver cargo through the complex intracellular actin network. PMID:26770194

A study of facial wrinkles improvement effect of veratric acid from cauliflower mushroom through photo-protective mechanisms against UVB irradiation.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung-Eun; Park, Ji-Eun; Jung, Eunsun; Ryu, Jahyun; Kim, Youn Joon; Youm, Jong-Kyung; Kang, Seunghyun

2016-04-01

Solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a primary cause of premature skin aging that is closely associated with the degradation of collagens caused by up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or a decrease in collagen synthesis. The phenolic veratric acid (VA, 3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid) is one of the major benzoic acid derivatives from fruits, vegetables and medicinal mushrooms. VA has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and photo-protective effects. In this study, anti-photoaging effects were investigated through the photo-protective mechanisms of VA against UV irradiation in human dermal fibroblasts and the reconstructed human epidermal model. We used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and immunohistochemistry assays. Finally, we further investigated the clinical effects of VA on facial wrinkle improvements in humans. Our results demonstrate that VA attenuated the expression of MMPs, increased cell proliferation, type Ι procollagen, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and filaggrin against UV radiation; however, has no effect on improvement expressions of elastic fiber. In addition, treatment with cream containing VA improved facial wrinkles in a clinical trial. These findings indicate that VA improves wrinkle formation by modulating MMPs, collagens and epidermal layer integrity, suggesting its potential use in UV-induced premature skin aging.

Home health care and patterns of subsequent VA and medicare health care utilization for veterans.

PubMed

Van Houtven, Courtney Harold; Jeffreys, Amy S; Coffman, Cynthia J

2008-10-01

The Veterans Affairs or VA health care system is in the process of significantly expanding home health care (HHC) nationwide. We describe VA HHC use in 2003 for all VA HHC users from 2002; we examine whether VA utilization across a broad spectrum of services differed for a sample of VA HHC users and their propensity-score-matched controls. We also consider crossover between the VA and Medicare. This is a retrospective study using propensity score and stratified analysis to control for selection bias on observable characteristics. We examined the full cohort of 2002 VA HHC users (n = 24,169) and a 2:1 sample of age- and race-based nonusers (n = 53,356). Utilization measures included VA and Medicare outpatient, inpatient, nursing home, and hospice use, as well as VA home-based primary care, respite care, and adult day health care. VA HHC users had a higher absolute probability of outpatient use by around 3%, of inpatient use by 12%, and nursing home use by 6% than their propensity-score-matched controls. Veterans who used HHC services had a higher rate of VA service use in the subsequent year than controls did, even after we adjusted for differences in observed health status, eligibility advantages, and supplemental insurance status. High utilization for VA home health users spilled over into high Medicare utilization.

Home Health Care and Patterns of Subsequent VA and Medicare Health Care Utilization for Veterans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Houtven, Courtney Harold; Jeffreys, Amy S.; Coffman, Cynthia J.

2008-01-01

Purpose: The Veterans Affairs or VA health care system is in the process of significantly expanding home health care (HOC) nationwide. We describe VA HHC use in 2003 for all VA HHC users from 2002; we examine whether VA utilization across a broad spectrum of services differed for a sample of VA HHC users and their propensity-score-matched…

48 CFR 803.7000 - Display of the VA Hotline poster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... poster. 803.7000 Section 803.7000 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS... Improper Business Practices 803.7000 Display of the VA Hotline poster. (a) Under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section, a contractor must display prominently a VA Hotline poster...

48 CFR 803.7000 - Display of the VA Hotline poster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... poster. 803.7000 Section 803.7000 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS... Improper Business Practices 803.7000 Display of the VA Hotline poster. (a) Under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section, a contractor must display prominently a VA Hotline poster...

48 CFR 803.7000 - Display of the VA Hotline poster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... poster. 803.7000 Section 803.7000 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS... Improper Business Practices 803.7000 Display of the VA Hotline poster. (a) Under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section, a contractor must display prominently a VA Hotline poster...

48 CFR 803.7000 - Display of the VA Hotline poster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... poster. 803.7000 Section 803.7000 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS... Improper Business Practices 803.7000 Display of the VA Hotline poster. (a) Under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section, a contractor must display prominently a VA Hotline poster...

48 CFR 803.7000 - Display of the VA Hotline poster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... poster. 803.7000 Section 803.7000 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS... Improper Business Practices 803.7000 Display of the VA Hotline poster. (a) Under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section, a contractor must display prominently a VA Hotline poster...

77 FR 38181 - VA Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification Guidelines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-27

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 74 RIN 2900-AO49 VA Veteran-Owned Small Business... small businesses (VOSBs), including service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) in order...- AO49--VA Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification Guidelines.'' All comments received will be...

78 FR 56271 - FY 2014-2020 Draft VA Strategic Plan

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-12

... and access to benefits and services through integration within VA and with our partners; and... integration within VA and with our partners; and developing our workforce with the skills, tools, and... program to coordination and integration across programs and organizations, measuring performance by the...

38 CFR 26.7 - VA environmental decision making and documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... environmental decision making and documents. (a) Relevant environmental documents shall accompany other decision documents as they proceed through the decision-making process. (b) The major decision points for VA actions... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false VA environmental decision...

38 CFR 26.9 - Information on and public participation in VA environmental process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... participation in VA environmental process. 26.9 Section 26.9 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED) ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) ACTIONS § 26.9 Information on and public participation in VA environmental process. (a) During the...

Antioxidant capacity, phenolic acids and caffeine contents of some commercial coffees available on the Romanian market.

PubMed

Trandafir, Ion; Nour, Violeta; Ionica, Mira Elena

2013-03-01

In the present study a simple and highly sensitive RP-HPLC method has been established for simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid and caffeine in coffee samples. The method has been applied to eight different coffees available on the Romanian market which were previously analysed concerning the total polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity. Reduction of the DPPH radical was used to determine the antioxidant capacity of the coffee extracts while the total polyphenols content was determined by spectrophotometry (Folin Ciocalteu's method). The total polyphenols content ranged from 1.98 g GAE/100 g to 4.19 g GAE/100 g while the caffeine content ranged from 1.89 g/100 g to 3.05 g/100 g. A large variability was observed in chlorogenic acid content of the investigated coffee samples which ranged between 0.6 and 2.32 g/100 g.

Case-mix groups for VA hospital-based home care.

PubMed

Smith, M E; Baker, C R; Branch, L G; Walls, R C; Grimes, R M; Karklins, J M; Kashner, M; Burrage, R; Parks, A; Rogers, P

1992-01-01

The purpose of this study is to group hospital-based home care (HBHC) patients homogeneously by their characteristics with respect to cost of care to develop alternative case mix methods for management and reimbursement (allocation) purposes. Six Veterans Affairs (VA) HBHC programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 1986 that maximized patient, program, and regional variation were selected, all of which agreed to participate. All HBHC patients active in each program on October 1, 1987, in addition to all new admissions through September 30, 1988 (FY88), comprised the sample of 874 unique patients. Statistical methods include the use of classification and regression trees (CART software: Statistical Software; Lafayette, CA), analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression techniques. The resulting algorithm is a three-factor model that explains 20% of the cost variance (R2 = 20%, with a cross validation R2 of 12%). Similar classifications such as the RUG-II, which is utilized for VA nursing home and intermediate care, the VA outpatient resource allocation model, and the RUG-HHC, utilized in some states for reimbursing home health care in the private sector, explained less of the cost variance and, therefore, are less adequate for VA home care resource allocation.

Semi-nonparametric VaR forecasts for hedge funds during the recent crisis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Brio, Esther B.; Mora-Valencia, Andrés; Perote, Javier

2014-05-01

The need to provide accurate value-at-risk (VaR) forecasting measures has triggered an important literature in econophysics. Although these accurate VaR models and methodologies are particularly demanded for hedge fund managers, there exist few articles specifically devoted to implement new techniques in hedge fund returns VaR forecasting. This article advances in these issues by comparing the performance of risk measures based on parametric distributions (the normal, Student’s t and skewed-t), semi-nonparametric (SNP) methodologies based on Gram-Charlier (GC) series and the extreme value theory (EVT) approach. Our results show that normal-, Student’s t- and Skewed t- based methodologies fail to forecast hedge fund VaR, whilst SNP and EVT approaches accurately success on it. We extend these results to the multivariate framework by providing an explicit formula for the GC copula and its density that encompasses the Gaussian copula and accounts for non-linear dependences. We show that the VaR obtained by the meta GC accurately captures portfolio risk and outperforms regulatory VaR estimates obtained through the meta Gaussian and Student’s t distributions.

78 FR 71041 - VA Compensation and Pension Regulation Rewrite Project

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-27

...The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to reorganize and rewrite its compensation and pension regulations in a logical, claimant-focused, and user-friendly format. The intended effect of the proposed revisions is to assist claimants, beneficiaries, veterans' representatives, and VA personnel in locating and understanding these regulations.

38 CFR 17.66 - Notice of noncompliance with VA standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... AFFAIRS MEDICAL Community Residential Care § 17.66 Notice of noncompliance with VA standards. If the hearing official determines that an approved community residential care facility does not comply with the... standards must be met in order to avoid revocation of VA approval; (c) The community residential care...

78 FR 26250 - Payment for Home Health Services and Hospice Care to Non-VA Providers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-06

... Hospice Care to Non-VA Providers AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its regulations concerning the billing methodology for non-VA... billing methodology for non-VA providers of home health services and hospice care. The proposed rulemaking...

Molecularly imprinted polymer for caffeic acid by precipitation polymerization and its application to extraction of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid from Eucommia ulmodies leaves.

PubMed

Miura, Chitose; Matsunaga, Hisami; Haginaka, Jun

2016-08-05

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for caffeic acid (CA) were prepared using 4-vinylpyridine and methacrylamide (MAM) as functional monomers, divinylbenzene as a crosslinker and acetonitrile-toluene (3:1, v/v) as a porogen by precipitation polymerization. The use of MAM as the co-monomer resulted in the formation of microsphere MIPs and non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) with ca. 3- and 5-μm particle diameters, respectively. Binding experiments and Scatchard analyses revealed that the binding capacity and affinity of the MIP to CA are higher than those of the NIP. The retention and molecular-recognition properties of the prepared MIPs were evaluated using water-acetonitrile and sodium phosphate buffer-acetonitrile as mobile phases in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and reversed-phase chromatography, respectively. In HILIC mode, the MIP showed higher molecular-recognition ability for CA than in reversed-phase mode. In addition to shape recognition, hydrophilic interactions seem to work for the recognition of CA on the MIP in HILIC mode, while hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions seem to work for the recognition of CA in reversed-phase mode. The MIP had a specific molecular-recognition ability for CA in HILIC mode, while other structurally related compounds, such as chlorogenic acid （CGA), gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid, could not be recognized by the MIP. Furthermore, the MIP was successfully applied for extraction of CA and CGA in the leaves of Eucommia ulmodies in HILIC mode. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeling potential interactions of acid deposition and climate change at four watersheds in Shenandoah National Park, VA using the dynamic biogeochemical model PnET-BGC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robison, A.; Scanlon, T. M.; Cosby, B. J.; Webb, J. R.; Hayhoe, K.; Galloway, J. N.

2013-12-01

The ecological threat imposed by acid deposition on watersheds in the eastern U.S. has, to a certain extent, been alleviated by the passage of the Clean Air Act and subsequent amendments. At the same time, as climate change continues to emerge as a global issue affecting temperature regimes and hydrological cycling among many other variables, new concerns are developing for these watershed ecosystems. Considering that climate change and acid deposition do not influence watersheds independently, there is an opportunity and need to examine both the potential interactions and the impacts of these two biogeochemical drivers. Long-term monitoring of four streams in Shenandoah National Park, VA has provided a favorable setting for analyzing this interaction. Deposition of both sulfur and nitrogen has significantly decreased over the past 30 years in the region. Meanwhile, all four streams have warmed significantly over the past 20-33 years at an average rate of 0.07 oC yr-1, a trend that is closely tied to atmospheric warming rather than changes in hydrology. We applied a dynamic biogeochemical model (PnET-BGC) to these four watersheds to a) investigate how climate change will affect watershed response to reduced acid deposition; b) identify the key processes through which this interaction will be manifested; and c) examine how differences in watershed characteristics (e.g. bedrock and soil properties) affect the response to these two biogeochemical drivers. Included in model application are statistically downscaled climate projections of temperature maximums and minimums, precipitation, and solar radiation. Results will be used to assess the relative impact of these climate variables in regulating stream acid-base status. This study will also provide insight into the future ecological health of these ecosystems, primarily through examination of aquatic habitat suitability based on temperature and acidity.

Identification of VaD and AD prodromes: the Cache County Study.

PubMed

Hayden, K M; Warren, L H; Pieper, C F; Østbye, T; Tschanz, J T; Norton, M C; Breitner, J C S; Welsh-Bohmer, K A

2005-07-01

It is unclear whether vascular dementia (VaD) has a cognitive prodrome, akin to the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prodrome to Alzheimer's dementia (AD). To evaluate whether VaD has a cognitive prodrome, and if it can be differentiated from prodromal AD, we examined neuropsychological test performance of participants in a nested case-control study within a population-based cohort aged 65 or older. Participants (n = 485) were identified from the Cache County Study, a large population-based study of aging and dementia. After an average of 3 years of follow-up, a total of 62 incident dementia cases were identified (14 VaD, 48 AD). We identified a number of neuropsychological tests (executive and memory) that discriminated between diagnosed VaD and AD cases. Multivariate analyses sought to differentiate between these same groups 3 years before clinical diagnosis. The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word List Recognition Test correct recognition of foils (mean difference, 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 2.07; p < 0.01), Logical Memory I (mean difference, 7.16; 95% CI, 0.78 to 13.55, p < 0.05), Logical Memory II delayed recall (mean difference, 8.67; 95% CI, 1.59 to 15.74, p < 0.05), and percent savings (mean difference, 51.07; 95% CI, 32.58 to 69.56, p < 0.0001) differentiated VaD from AD cases after adjustment for age, sex, education, and dementia severity. Three years before dementia diagnosis, word list recognition ("no" responses mean difference, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.64 to 2.17; p < 0.001, and "yes" responses mean difference, -1.14; 95% CI, -2.14 to -0.13; p < 0.03) discriminated between prodromal VaD and AD. These results suggest that VaD has a prodromal syndrome, the cognitive features of which are distinguishable from the cognitive prodrome of AD.

Investigating the discrimination potential of linear and nonlinear spectral multivariate calibrations for analysis of phenolic compounds in their binary and ternary mixtures and calculation pKa values.

PubMed

Rasouli, Zolaikha; Ghavami, Raouf

2016-08-05

Vanillin (VA), vanillic acid (VAI) and syringaldehyde (SIA) are important food additives as flavor enhancers. The current study for the first time is devote to the application of partial least square (PLS-1), partial robust M-regression (PRM) and feed forward neural networks (FFNNs) as linear and nonlinear chemometric methods for the simultaneous detection of binary and ternary mixtures of VA, VAI and SIA using data extracted directly from UV-spectra with overlapped peaks of individual analytes. Under the optimum experimental conditions, for each compound a linear calibration was obtained in the concentration range of 0.61-20.99 [LOD=0.12], 0.67-23.19 [LOD=0.13] and 0.73-25.12 [LOD=0.15] μgmL(-1) for VA, VAI and SIA, respectively. Four calibration sets of standard samples were designed by combination of a full and fractional factorial designs with the use of the seven and three levels for each factor for binary and ternary mixtures, respectively. The results of this study reveal that both the methods of PLS-1 and PRM are similar in terms of predict ability each binary mixtures. The resolution of ternary mixture has been accomplished by FFNNs. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) was applied for the description of spectra from the acid-base titration systems each individual compound, i.e. the resolution of the complex overlapping spectra as well as to interpret the extracted spectral and concentration profiles of any pure chemical species identified. Evolving factor analysis (EFA) and singular value decomposition (SVD) were used to distinguish the number of chemical species. Subsequently, their corresponding dissociation constants were derived. Finally, FFNNs has been used to detection active compounds in real and spiked water samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigating the discrimination potential of linear and nonlinear spectral multivariate calibrations for analysis of phenolic compounds in their binary and ternary mixtures and calculation pKa values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasouli, Zolaikha; Ghavami, Raouf

2016-08-01

Vanillin (VA), vanillic acid (VAI) and syringaldehyde (SIA) are important food additives as flavor enhancers. The current study for the first time is devote to the application of partial least square (PLS-1), partial robust M-regression (PRM) and feed forward neural networks (FFNNs) as linear and nonlinear chemometric methods for the simultaneous detection of binary and ternary mixtures of VA, VAI and SIA using data extracted directly from UV-spectra with overlapped peaks of individual analytes. Under the optimum experimental conditions, for each compound a linear calibration was obtained in the concentration range of 0.61-20.99 [LOD = 0.12], 0.67-23.19 [LOD = 0.13] and 0.73-25.12 [LOD = 0.15] μg mL- 1 for VA, VAI and SIA, respectively. Four calibration sets of standard samples were designed by combination of a full and fractional factorial designs with the use of the seven and three levels for each factor for binary and ternary mixtures, respectively. The results of this study reveal that both the methods of PLS-1 and PRM are similar in terms of predict ability each binary mixtures. The resolution of ternary mixture has been accomplished by FFNNs. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) was applied for the description of spectra from the acid-base titration systems each individual compound, i.e. the resolution of the complex overlapping spectra as well as to interpret the extracted spectral and concentration profiles of any pure chemical species identified. Evolving factor analysis (EFA) and singular value decomposition (SVD) were used to distinguish the number of chemical species. Subsequently, their corresponding dissociation constants were derived. Finally, FFNNs has been used to detection active compounds in real and spiked water samples.

Evaluation of Microbial Contamination and Chemical Qualities of Cream-filled Pastries in Confectioneries of Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari Province (Southwestern Iran).

PubMed

Sharifzadeh, Ali; Hajsharifi-Shahreza, Mohammad; Ghasemi-Dehkordi, Payam

2016-12-01

High consumption of bakery products such as cream-filled pastries may cause serious health risks and food poisoning to humans. Therefore, investigation of the microbial and chemical qualities of bakery products containing cream is necessary. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the chemical qualities and microbial contaminations of cream-filled pastries collected from confectioneries located in six cities in Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari province (Southwestern Iran). Microbial tests and chemical characteristics (fat and acidity level) were done on 228 cream-filled pastries samples that were collected randomly from various confectioneries. After microbial tests, it was found that 33.33% of all samples were contaminated by microbial agents. The microbial tests showed that Shahrekord (10.09%) and Broujen (9.21%) cities had high levels of contamination and in Koohrang (1.31%) it was low compared with the other four cities. High contamination of coliforms (61.84%), staphylococci (48.68%), and yeast (27.63%) were observed in almost all samples. The chemical analysis showed maximum amounts of fat content and titratable acidity in cream-filled pastry samples obtained from Lordegan and Shahrekord cities, respectively. The findings of the present work demonstrated that the microbial contamination and chemical quality of cream-filled pastries produced in confectionaries of Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari province were not in acceptable ranges. These problems may be related to fecal contamination of cream samples or lack of hygiene by handlers and it is necessary to observe the standards of hygiene and to develop safe food handling techniques and aseptic pastry manufacturing systems in some confectioneries of Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari province.

Antioxidant Activities of Selected Berries and Their Free, Esterified, and Insoluble-Bound Phenolic Acid Contents

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

To explore the potential of berries as natural sources of bioactive compounds, the quantities of free, esterified, and insoluble-bound phenolic acids in a number of berries were determined. In addition, the antioxidant activities of the berries were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays, in addition to determination of their metal ion chelating activities. Furthermore, several phenolic compounds were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the 6 tested berries, black chokeberry and blackberry exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities, and the various berry samples were found to contain catechin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, epicatechin, vanillic acid, quercitrin, resveratrol, morin, naringenin, and apigenin. Moreover, the antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents of the fractions containing insoluble-bound phenolic acids were higher than those containing the free and esterified phenolic acids. The results imply that the insoluble-bound fractions of these berries are important natural sources of antioxidants for the preparation of functional food ingredients and preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress. PMID:29662846

Peracetic Acid Depolymerization of Biorefinery Lignin for Production of Selective Monomeric Phenolic Compounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, Ruoshui; Guo, Mond; Lin, Kuan-ting

Lignin is the largest source of renewable material with an aromatic skeleton. However, due to the recalcitrant and heterogeneous nature of the lignin polymer, it has been a challenge to effectively depolymerize lignin and produce high-value chemicals with high selectivity. In this study, a highly efficient lignin-to-monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC) conversion method based on peracetic acid (PAA) treatment was reported. PAA treatment of two biorefinery lignin samples, diluted acid pretreated corn stover lignin (DACSL) and steam exploded spruce lignin (SESPL), led to complete solubilization and production of selective hydroxylated monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC-H) and monomeric phenolic acid compounds (MPC-A) includingmore » 4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. The maximized MPC yields obtained were 18 and 22 % based on the initial weight of the lignin in SESPL and DACSL, respectively. However, we found that the addition of niobium pentoxide catalyst to PAA treatment of lignin can significantly improve the MPC yields up to 47 %. The key reaction steps and main mechanisms involved in this new lignin-to-MPC valorization pathway were investigated and elucidated.« less

76 FR 63357 - VA National Academic Affiliations Council; Notice of Establishment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-12

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA National Academic Affiliations Council; Notice of Establishment... Academic Affiliations Council. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has determined that establishing the... Secretary for Health on matters affecting partnerships between VA and its academic affiliates. The Council...

An overview of patient safety climate in the VA.

PubMed

Hartmann, Christine W; Rosen, Amy K; Meterko, Mark; Shokeen, Priti; Zhao, Shibei; Singer, Sara; Falwell, Alyson; Gaba, David M

2008-08-01

To assess variation in safety climate across VA hospitals nationally. Data were collected from employees at 30 VA hospitals over a 6-month period using the Patient Safety Climate in Healthcare Organizations survey. We sampled 100 percent of senior managers and physicians and a random 10 percent of other employees. At 10 randomly selected hospitals, we sampled an additional 100 percent of employees working in units with intrinsically higher hazards (high-hazard units [HHUs]). Data were collected using an anonymous survey design. We received 4,547 responses (49 percent response rate). The percent problematic response--lower percent reflecting higher levels of patient safety climate--ranged from 12.0-23.7 percent across hospitals (mean=17.5 percent). Differences in safety climate emerged by management level, clinician status, and workgroup. Supervisors and front-line staff reported lower levels of safety climate than senior managers; clinician responses reflected lower levels of safety climate than those of nonclinicians; and responses of employees in HHUs reflected lower levels of safety climate than those of workers in other areas. This is the first systematic study of patient safety climate in VA hospitals. Findings indicate an overall positive safety climate across the VA, but there is room for improvement.

VA Health Care: VA Spends Millions on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research and Incorporates Research Outcomes into Guidelines and Policy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Services

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

post - traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) and...Veterans Affairs (VA) Intramural Post - Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ) Research Funding and VA’s Medical and Prosthetic Research Appropriation...Table 6: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Research Centers and Programs That Conduct or Support Post - Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ) Research

Employment status, employment functioning, and barriers to employment among VA primary care patients.

PubMed

Zivin, Kara; Yosef, Matheos; Levine, Debra S; Abraham, Kristen M; Miller, Erin M; Henry, Jennifer; Nelson, C Beau; Pfeiffer, Paul N; Sripada, Rebecca K; Harrod, Molly; Valenstein, Marcia

2016-03-15

Prior research found lower employment rates among working-aged patients who use the VA than among non-Veterans or Veterans who do not use the VA, with the lowest reported employment rates among VA patients with mental disorders. This study assessed employment status, employment functioning, and barriers to employment among VA patients treated in primary care settings, and examined how depression and anxiety were associated with these outcomes. The sample included 287 VA patients treated in primary care in a large Midwestern VA Medical Center. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted examining associations between socio-demographic and clinical predictors of six employment domains, including: employment status, job search self-efficacy, work performance, concerns about job loss among employed Veterans, and employment barriers and likelihood of job seeking among not employed Veterans. 54% of respondents were employed, 36% were not employed, and 10% were economically inactive. In adjusted analyses, participants with depression or anxiety (43%) were less likely to be employed, had lower job search self-efficacy, had lower levels of work performance, and reported more employment barriers. Depression and anxiety were not associated with perceived likelihood of job loss among employed or likelihood of job seeking among not employed. Single VA primary care clinic; cross-sectional study. Employment rates are low among working-aged VA primary care patients, particularly those with mental health conditions. Offering primary care interventions to patients that address mental health issues, job search self-efficacy, and work performance may be important in improving health, work, and economic outcomes. Published by Elsevier B.V.

77 FR 12697 - VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-01

...We propose to revise and reorganize regulations which contain the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. This rulemaking would update our current regulations, implement and authorize new VA policies, and generally improve the clarity of part 61.

76 FR 24570 - Proposed Information Collection (Application for VA Education Benefits) Activity; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-02

... (Application for VA Education Benefits) Activity; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA... Under the Montgomery GI Bill, VA Form 22-1990E. c. Application for VA Education Benefits Under the...

Participation of Myosin Va and Pka Type I in the Regeneration of Neuromuscular Junctions

PubMed Central

Röder, Ira Verena; Strack, Siegfried; Reischl, Markus; Dahley, Oliver; Khan, Muzamil Majid; Kassel, Olivier; Zaccolo, Manuela; Rudolf, Rüdiger

2012-01-01

Background The unconventional motor protein, myosin Va, is crucial for the development of the mouse neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in the early postnatal phase. Furthermore, the cooperative action of protein kinase A (PKA) and myosin Va is essential to maintain the adult NMJ. We here assessed the involvement of myosin Va and PKA in NMJ recovery during muscle regeneration. Methodology/Principal Findings To address a putative role of myosin Va and PKA in the process of muscle regeneration, we used two experimental models the dystrophic mdx mouse and Notexin-induced muscle degeneration/regeneration. We found that in both systems myosin Va and PKA type I accumulate beneath the NMJs in a fiber maturation-dependent manner. Morphologically intact NMJs were found to express stable nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and to accumulate myosin Va and PKA type I in the subsynaptic region. Subsynaptic cAMP signaling was strongly altered in dystrophic muscle, particularly in fibers with severely subverted NMJ morphology. Conclusions/Significance Our data show a correlation between the subsynaptic accumulation of myosin Va and PKA type I on the one hand and NMJ regeneration status and morphology, AChR stability and specificity of subsynaptic cAMP handling on the other hand. This suggests an important role of myosin Va and PKA type I for the maturation of NMJs in regenerating muscle. PMID:22815846

78 FR 6849 - Agency Information Collection (Verification of VA Benefits) Activity Under OMB Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-31

... (Verification of VA Benefits) Activity Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of... ``OMB Control No. 2900-0406.'' SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Verification of VA Benefits, VA Form 26... eliminate unlimited versions of lender- designed forms. The form also informs the lender whether or not the...

Teacher factors contributing to dosage of the KiVa anti-bullying program.

PubMed

Swift, Lauren E; Hubbard, Julie A; Bookhout, Megan K; Grassetti, Stevie N; Smith, Marissa A; Morrow, Michael T

2017-12-01

The KiVa Anti-Bullying Program (KiVa) seeks to meet the growing need for anti-bullying programming through a school-based, teacher-led intervention for elementary school children. The goals of this study were to examine how intervention dosage impacts outcomes of KiVa and how teacher factors influence dosage. Participants included 74 teachers and 1409 4th- and 5th-grade students in nine elementary schools. Teachers and students completed data collection at the beginning and end of the school year, including measures of bullying and victimization, correlates of victimization (depression, anxiety, peer rejection, withdrawal, and school avoidance), intervention cognitions/emotions (anti-bullying attitudes, and empathy toward victims), bystander behaviors, and teacher factors thought to relate to dosage (self-efficacy for teaching, professional burnout, perceived principal support, expected effectiveness of KiVa, perceived feasibility of KiVa). The dosage of KiVa delivered to classrooms was measured throughout the school year. Results highlight dosage as an important predictor of change in bullying, victimization, correlates of victimization, bystander behavior, and intervention cognitions/emotions. Of the teacher factors, professional burnout uniquely predicted intervention dosage. A comprehensive structural equation model linking professional burnout to dosage and then to child-level outcomes demonstrated good fit. Implications for intervention design and implementation are discussed. Copyright © 2017 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CoVaCS: a consensus variant calling system.

PubMed

Chiara, Matteo; Gioiosa, Silvia; Chillemi, Giovanni; D'Antonio, Mattia; Flati, Tiziano; Picardi, Ernesto; Zambelli, Federico; Horner, David Stephen; Pesole, Graziano; Castrignanò, Tiziana

2018-02-05

The advent and ongoing development of next generation sequencing technologies (NGS) has led to a rapid increase in the rate of human genome re-sequencing data, paving the way for personalized genomics and precision medicine. The body of genome resequencing data is progressively increasing underlining the need for accurate and time-effective bioinformatics systems for genotyping - a crucial prerequisite for identification of candidate causal mutations in diagnostic screens. Here we present CoVaCS, a fully automated, highly accurate system with a web based graphical interface for genotyping and variant annotation. Extensive tests on a gold standard benchmark data-set -the NA12878 Illumina platinum genome- confirm that call-sets based on our consensus strategy are completely in line with those attained by similar command line based approaches, and far more accurate than call-sets from any individual tool. Importantly our system exhibits better sensitivity and higher specificity than equivalent commercial software. CoVaCS offers optimized pipelines integrating state of the art tools for variant calling and annotation for whole genome sequencing (WGS), whole-exome sequencing (WES) and target-gene sequencing (TGS) data. The system is currently hosted at Cineca, and offers the speed of a HPC computing facility, a crucial consideration when large numbers of samples must be analysed. Importantly, all the analyses are performed automatically allowing high reproducibility of the results. As such, we believe that CoVaCS can be a valuable tool for the analysis of human genome resequencing studies. CoVaCS is available at: https://bioinformatics.cineca.it/covacs .

Enhancing Cross-Cultural Collaboration between DoD and VA

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-27

James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center ( FHCC ). The NDAA 2010 authorized the DoD and VA to establish a five-year demonstration project...integrating the North Chicago VA Medical Center and the Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes.50 The FHCC is named in 15 honor of retired U.S. Naval officer...and Illinois resident, Captain James A. Lovell , who was an astronaut on Apollo 13. The joint facility serves the medical needs of active duty service

Protection capacity against low-density lipoprotein oxidation and antioxidant potential of some organic and non-organic wines.

PubMed

Kalkan Yildirim, Hatice; Delen Akçay, Yasemin; Güvenç, Ulgar; Yildirim Sözmen, Eser

2004-08-01

Current research suggests that phenolics from wine may play a positive role against oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. Considering the effects of different wine-making techniques on phenols and the wine consumption preference influencing the benefical effects of the product, organically and non-organically produced wines were obtained from the grapes of Vitis vinifera origin var: Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, Columbard and Semillon. Levels of total phenols [mg/l gallic acid equivalents (GAE)], antioxidant activity (%) and inhibition of LDL oxidation [%, inhibition of diene and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation] were determined. Some phenolic acids (gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid) were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with an electrochemical detection carried at +0.65 V (versus Ag/AgCl, 0.5 microA full scale). The highest concentrations of gallic, syringic and ferulic acids were found in organic Cabernet Sauvignon; 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid in organic Carignan and p-coumaric and vanillic acids in non-organic Merlot wine. High levels of antioxidant activity (AOA), inhibition of LDL oxidation and total phenol levels were found in non-organic Merlot (101.950% AOA; 88.570% LDL-diene; 41.000% LDL-MDA; 4700.000 mg/l GAE total phenol) and non-organic Cabernet Sauvignon (92.420% AOA; 91.430% LDL-diene; 67.000% LDL-MDA; 3500.000 mg/l GAE total phenol) grape varieties. Concentrations of some individual phenolic constituents (ferulic, p-coumaric, vanillic) are correlated with high antioxidant activity and inhibition of LDL oxidation. The best r value for all examined characteristics was determined for gallic acid, followed by 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic, syringic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids. Negative correlation of vanillic with MDA and p-hydroxybenzoic acid with LDL were

The Dual Regulatory Role of Amino Acids Leu480 and Gln481 of Prothrombin*

PubMed Central

Wiencek, Joesph R.; Hirbawi, Jamila; Yee, Vivien C.; Kalafatis, Michael

2016-01-01

Prothrombin (FII) is activated to α-thrombin (IIa) by prothrombinase. Prothrombinase is composed of a catalytic subunit, factor Xa (fXa), and a regulatory subunit, factor Va (fVa), assembled on a membrane surface in the presence of divalent metal ions. We constructed, expressed, and purified several mutated recombinant FII (rFII) molecules within the previously determined fVa-dependent binding site for fXa (amino acid region 473–487 of FII). rFII molecules bearing overlapping deletions within this significant region first established the minimal stretch of amino acids required for the fVa-dependent recognition exosite for fXa in prothrombinase within the amino acid sequence Ser478–Val479–Leu480–Gln481–Val482. Single, double, and triple point mutations within this stretch of rFII allowed for the identification of Leu480 and Gln481 as the two essential amino acids responsible for the enhanced activation of FII by prothrombinase. Unanticipated results demonstrated that although recombinant wild type α-thrombin and rIIaS478A were able to induce clotting and activate factor V and factor VIII with rates similar to the plasma-derived molecule, rIIaSLQ→AAA with mutations S478A/L480A/Q481A was deficient in clotting activity and unable to efficiently activate the pro-cofactors. This molecule was also impaired in protein C activation. Similar results were obtained with rIIaΔSLQ (where rIIaΔSLQ is recombinant human α-thrombin with amino acids Ser478/Leu480/Gln481 deleted). These data provide new evidence demonstrating that amino acid sequence Leu480–Gln481: 1) is crucial for proper recognition of the fVa-dependent site(s) for fXa within prothrombinase on FII, required for efficient initial cleavage of FII at Arg320; and 2) is compulsory for appropriate tethering of fV, fVIII, and protein C required for their timely activation by IIa. PMID:26601957

76 FR 44288 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; New Market, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-25

...-380; Airspace Docket No. 11-AEA-12] Establishment of Class E Airspace; New Market, VA AGENCY: Federal... proposes to establish Class E Airspace at New Market, VA, to accommodate the additional airspace needed for the Standard Instrument Approach Procedures developed for New Market Airport. This action would...

77 FR 30050 - VA National Academic Affiliations Council, Notice of meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-21

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA National Academic Affiliations Council, Notice of meeting The...) that the second meeting of the National Academic Affiliations Council will be held on June 5-6, 2012... the Secretary on matters affecting partnerships between VA and its academic affiliates. On June 5, the...

76 FR 40453 - Agency Information Collection (Application for VA Education Benefits) Activity Under OMB Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-08

... (Application for VA Education Benefits) Activity Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration... Education Benefits, VA Form 22-1990. b. Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits, VA Form 22-1990E. [[Page 40454

An Overview of Patient Safety Climate in the VA

PubMed Central

Hartmann, Christine W; Rosen, Amy K; Meterko, Mark; Shokeen, Priti; Zhao, Shibei; Singer, Sara; Falwell, Alyson; Gaba, David M

2008-01-01

Objective To assess variation in safety climate across VA hospitals nationally. Study Setting Data were collected from employees at 30 VA hospitals over a 6-month period using the Patient Safety Climate in Healthcare Organizations survey. Study Design We sampled 100 percent of senior managers and physicians and a random 10 percent of other employees. At 10 randomly selected hospitals, we sampled an additional 100 percent of employees working in units with intrinsically higher hazards (high-hazard units [HHUs]). Data Collection Data were collected using an anonymous survey design. Principal Findings We received 4,547 responses (49 percent response rate). The percent problematic response—lower percent reflecting higher levels of patient safety climate—ranged from 12.0–23.7 percent across hospitals (mean=17.5 percent). Differences in safety climate emerged by management level, clinician status, and workgroup. Supervisors and front-line staff reported lower levels of safety climate than senior managers; clinician responses reflected lower levels of safety climate than those of nonclinicians; and responses of employees in HHUs reflected lower levels of safety climate than those of workers in other areas. Conclusions This is the first systematic study of patient safety climate in VA hospitals. Findings indicate an overall positive safety climate across the VA, but there is room for improvement. PMID:18355257

Military and VA general dentistry training: a national resource.

PubMed

Atchison, Kathryn A; Bachand, William; Buchanan, C Richard; Lefever, Karen H; Lin, Sylvia; Engelhardt, Rita

2002-06-01

In 1999, HRSA contracted with the UCLA School of Dentistry to evaluate the postgraduate general dentistry (PDG) training programs. The purpose of this article is to compare the program characteristics of the PGD training programs sponsored by the Armed Services (military) and VA. Surveys mailed to sixty-six VA and forty-two military program directors in fall 2000 sought information regarding the infrastructure of the program, the program emphasis, resident preparation prior to entering the program, and a description of patients served and types of services provided. Of the eighty-one returned surveys (75 percent response rate), thirty were received from military program directors and fifty-one were received from VA program directors. AEGDs reported treating a higher proportion of children patients and GPRs more medically intensive, disadvantaged and HIV/AIDS patients. Over half of the directors reported increases in curriculum emphasis in implantology. The program directors reported a high level of inadequate preparation among incoming dental residents. Having a higher ratio of residents to total number of faculty predicted inadequate preparation (p=.022) although the model was weak. Although HRSA doesn't financially support federally sponsored programs, their goal of improved dental training to care for medically compromised individuals is facilitated through these programs, thus making military and VA general dentistry programs a national resource.

MyHealtheVet (VA's personal health record)

MedlinePlus

... Overview Site Map Help & User Guides FAQ Privacy & Security Terms and Conditions Policies Privacy Policy Web Policies FOIA Accessibility System Use Important Links VA Home White House USA.gov Inspector ...

What the VA can teach us about geriatric care.

PubMed

Ratner, Edward R; West, Melissa; Hartwig, Kristopher N; Meyer, Bruce C

2013-01-01

The innovation now being demanded by Medicare is creating new opportunities for health care organizations to redesign how they deliver care for elderly people. For many years, the VA Health System has experimented with ways to deliver care more effectively and efficiently. Hospital-based postacute and palliative care and home-based primary care are two examples of successful approaches that non-VA providers should be looking at as they move away from fee-for-service reimbursement and invent new care-delivery models.

76 FR 27381 - Proposed Information Collection (Notice of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension To Receive...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

... of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension To Receive Military Pay and Allowances) Activity; Comment... Pension to Receive Military Pay and Allowances, VA Form 21-8951 and VA Form 21-8951-2. OMB Control Number... to waive VA disability benefits in order to receive active or inactive duty training pay are required...

Cost-Effectiveness of Treatments for Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus Infection in non-VA and VA Populations

PubMed Central

Liu, Shan; Barnett, Paul G.; Holodniy, Mark; Lo, Jeanie; Joyce, Vilija R.; Gidwani, Risha; Asch, Steven M.; Owens, Douglas K.; Goldhaber-Fiebert, Jeremy D.

2018-01-01

Background Chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection affects millions of Americans. Healthcare systems face complex choices between multiple highly efficacious, costly treatments. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of HCV treatments for chronic, genotype 1 HCV monoinfected, treatment-naïve individuals in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and general U.S. healthcare systems. Methods We conducted a decision-analytic Markov model-based cost-effectiveness analysis, employing appropriate payer perspectives and time horizons, and discounting benefits and costs at 3% annually. Interventions included: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF-LDV); ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (3D); sofosbuvir/simeprevir (SOF-SMV); sofosbuvir/pegylated interferon/ribavirin (SOF-RBV-PEG); boceprevir/pegylated interferon/ribavirin (BOC-RBV-PEG); and pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-RBV). Outcomes were sustained virologic response (SVR), advanced liver disease, costs, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness. Results SOF-LDV and 3D achieve higher SVR rates compared to older regimens and reduce advanced liver disease (>20% relative to no treatment), increasing QALYs by over 2 years per person. For the non-VA population, at current prices ($5,040 per week for SOF-LDV and $4,796 per week for 3D), SOF-LDV’s lifetime cost ($293,370) is $18,000 lower than 3D’s because of its shorter treatment duration in subgroups. SOF-LDV costs $17,100 per QALY gained relative to no treatment. 3D costs $208,000 per QALY gained relative to SOF-LDV. Both dominate other treatments and are even more cost-effective for the VA, though VA aggregate treatment costs still exceed $4 billion at SOF-LDV prices of $3,308 per week. Drug prices strongly determine relative cost-effectiveness for SOF-LDV and 3D; With sufficient price reductions (approximately 20–30% depending on the health system), 3D could be cost-effective relative to SOF-LDV. Limitations include the lack of

VA/Q distribution during heavy exercise and recovery in humans: implications for pulmonary edema

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schaffartzik, W.; Poole, D. C.; Derion, T.; Tsukimoto, K.; Hogan, M. C.; Arcos, J. P.; Bebout, D. E.; Wagner, P. D.

1992-01-01

Ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) inequality has been shown to increase with exercise. Potential mechanisms for this increase include nonuniform pulmonary vasoconstriction, ventilatory time constant inequality, reduced large airway gas mixing, and development of interstitial pulmonary edema. We hypothesized that persistence of VA/Q mismatch after ventilation and cardiac output subside during recovery would be consistent with edema; however, rapid resolution would suggest mechanisms related to changes in ventilation and blood flow per se. Thirteen healthy males performed near-maximal cycle ergometry at an inspiratory PO2 of 91 Torr (because hypoxia accentuates VA/Q mismatch on exercise). Cardiorespiratory variables and inert gas elimination patterns were measured at rest, during exercise, and between 2 and 30 min of recovery. Two profiles of VA/Q distribution behavior emerged during heavy exercise: in group 1 an increase in VA/Q mismatch (log SDQ of 0.35 +/- 0.02 at rest and 0.44 +/- 0.02 at exercise; P less than 0.05, n = 7) and in group 2 no change in VA/Q mismatch (n = 6). There were no differences in anthropometric data, work rate, O2 uptake, or ventilation during heavy exercise between groups. Group 1 demonstrated significantly greater VA/Q inequality, lower vital capacity, and higher forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of forced vital capacity for the first 20 min during recovery than group 2. Cardiac index was higher in group 1 both during heavy exercise and 4 and 6 min postexercise. However, both ventilation and cardiac output returned toward baseline values more rapidly than did VA/Q relationships. Arterial pH was lower in group 1 during exercise and recovery. We conclude that greater VA/Q inequality in group 1 and its persistence during recovery are consistent with the hypothesis that edema occurs and contributes to the increase in VA/Q inequality during exercise. This is supported by observation of greater blood flows and acidosis and, presumably therefore

30 CFR 57.22315 - Self-contained breathing apparatus (V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Self-contained breathing apparatus (V-A mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Equipment § 57.22315 Self-contained breathing apparatus (V-A mines). Self-contained breathing apparatus of a duration to allow for escape from...

30 CFR 57.22315 - Self-contained breathing apparatus (V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Self-contained breathing apparatus (V-A mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Equipment § 57.22315 Self-contained breathing apparatus (V-A mines). Self-contained breathing apparatus of a duration to allow for escape from...

Effect of postharvest methyl jasmonate treatment on fatty acid composition and phenolic acid content in olive fruits during storage.

PubMed

Flores, Gema; Blanch, Gracia Patricia; Del Castillo, María Luisa Ruiz

2017-07-01

The nutritional effects of both table olives and olive oil are attributed not only to their fatty acids but also to antioxidant phenolics such as phenolic acids. Delays in oil processing usually result in undesirable oxidation and hydrolysis processes leading to formation of free fatty acids. These alterations create the need to process oil immediately after olive harvest. However, phenolic content decreases drastically during olive storage resulting in lower quality oil. In the present study we propose postharvest methyl jasmonate treatment as a mean to avoid changes in fatty acid composition and losses of phenolic acids during olive storage. Contents of fatty acids and phenolic acids were estimated in methyl jasmonate treated olives throughout 30-day storage, as compared with those of untreated olives. Significant decreases of saturated fatty acids were observed in treated samples whereas increases of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were respectively measured (i.e. from 50.8% to 64.5%, from 7.2% to 9.1% and from 1.5% to 9.3%). Also, phenolic acid contents increased significantly in treated olives. Particularly, increases of gallic acid from 1.35 to 6.29 mg kg -1 , chlorogenic acid from 9.18 to 16.21 mg kg -1 , vanillic acid from 9.61 to 16.99 mg kg -1 , caffeic acid from 5.12 to 12.55 mg kg -1 , p-coumaric acid from 0.96 to 5.31 mg kg -1 and ferulic acid from 4.05 to 10.43 mg kg -1 were obtained. Methyl jasmonate treatment is proposed as an alternative postharvest technique to traditional methods to guarantee olive oil quality when oil processing is delayed and olive fruits have to necessarily to be stored. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

75 FR 9277 - Proposed Information Collection (VA National Rehabilitation Special Events, Event Registration...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-01

... Clinic Application, VA Form 0928--53 hours. f. National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Application, VA... Games, National Veterans Golden Age Games, National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, National Veterans...

75 FR 25321 - Agency Information Collection (VA National Rehabilitation Special Events, Event Registration...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-07

... Clinic Application, VA Form 0928a series. f. National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Application, VA... Veterans Creative Arts Festival, National Veterans TEE Tournament, National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports...

HPLC determination of phenolic acids, flavonoids and juglone in walnut leaves.

PubMed

Nour, Violeta; Trandafir, Ion; Cosmulescu, Sina

2013-10-01

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with gradient elution and diode-array detection was developed to quantify free phenolic acids (gallic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, salycilic, elagic and trans-cinnamic), flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin and quercetin) and juglone in walnut leaves. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Hypersil Gold C18 column (5 µm particle size, 250 × 4.6 mm) and detection was conducted at three different wavelengths (254, 278 and 300 nm) according to the absorption maxima of the analyzed compounds. Validation procedures were conducted and the method was proven to be precise, accurate and sensitive. The developed method has been applied to analyze walnut leaves samples from nine different cultivars, with the same agricultural, geographical and climatic conditions. The experimental results revealed high concentrations of myricetin, catechin hydrate and rutin, and low concentrations of quercetin and epicatechin aglycones. Ellagic acid was established as the dominating phenolic acid of walnut leaves, followed by trans-cinnamic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids. Juglone content varied between 44.55 and 205.12 mg/100 g fresh weight. Significant differences were detected among cultivars for the concentration levels of phenolics.

The use of VA Disability Compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance among working-aged veterans.

PubMed

Wilmoth, Janet M; London, Andrew S; Heflin, Colleen M

2015-07-01

Although there is substantial disability among veterans, relatively little is known about working-aged veterans' uptake of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (DI). This study identifies levels of veteran participation in VA disability and/or DI benefit programs, examines transitions into and out of VA and DI programs among veterans, and estimates the size and composition of the veteran population receiving VA and/or DI benefits over time. Data from the 1992, 1993, 1996, 2001, 2004, and 2008 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) are used to describe VA and DI program participation among veterans under the age of 65. The majority of working-aged veterans do not receive VA or DI benefits and joint participation is low, but use of these programs has increased over time. A higher percentage of veterans receive VA compensation, which ranges from 4.9% in 1992 to 13.2% in 2008, than DI compensation, which ranges from 2.9% in 1992 to 6.7% in 2008. The rate of joint participation ranges from less than 1% in 1992 to 3.6% in 2008. Veterans experience few transitions between VA and DI programs during the 36-48 months they are observed. The number of veterans receiving benefits from VA and/or DI nearly doubled between 1992 and 2008. There have been substantial shifts in the composition of veterans using these programs, as cohorts who served prior to 1964 are replaced by those who served after 1964. The findings suggest potential gaps in veterans' access to disability programs that might be addressed through improved coordination of VA and DI benefits. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Malaria epidemiology in the Pakaanóva (Wari') Indians, Brazilian Amazon.

PubMed

Sá, D Ribeiro; Souza-Santos, R; Escobar, A L; Coimbra, C E A

2005-04-01

This paper reports the results of a longitudinal study of malaria incidence (1998-2002) among the Pakaanóva (Wari') Indians, Brazilian southwest Amazon region, based on data routinely gathered by Brazilian National Health Foundation outposts network in conjunction with the Indian health service. Malaria is present yearlong in the Pakaanóva. Statistically significant differences between seasons or months were not noticed. A total of 1933 cases of malaria were diagnosed in the Pakaanóva during this period. The P. vivax / P. falciparum ratio was 3.4. P. vivax accounted for 76.5% of the cases. Infections with P. malariae were not recorded. Incidence rates did not differ by sex. Most malaria cases were reported in children < 10 years old (45%). About one fourth of all cases were diagnosed on women 10-40 years old. An entomological survey carried out at two Pakaanóva villages yielded a total of 3.232 specimens of anophelines. Anopheles darlingi predominated (94.4%). Most specimens were captured outdoors and peak activity hours were noted at early evening and just before sunrise. It was observed that Pakaanóva cultural practices may facilitate outdoor exposure of individuals of both sexes and all age groups during peak hours of mosquito activities (e.g., coming to the river early in the morning for bathing or to draw water, fishing, engaging in hunting camps, etc). In a context in which anophelines are ubiquitous and predominantly exophilic, and humans of both sexes and all ages are prone to outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours, malaria is likely to remain endemic in the Pakaanóva, thus requiring the development of alternative control strategies that are culturally and ecologically sensitive.

46 CFR 7.45 - Cape Henlopen, DE to Cape Charles, VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Cape Henlopen, DE to Cape Charles, VA. 7.45 Section 7.45 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC BOUNDARY LINES Atlantic Coast § 7.45 Cape Henlopen, DE to Cape Charles, VA. (a) A line drawn from the easternmost...

Oral Vitamin A and Retinoic Acid Supplementation Stimulates Antibody Production and Splenic Stra6 Expression in Tetanus Toxoid–Immunized Mice12

PubMed Central

Tan, Libo; Wray, Amanda E.; Ross, A. Catharine

2012-01-01

Coadministration of retinoic acid (RA) and polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid (PIC) has been shown to cooperatively enhance the anti–tetanus toxoid (anti-TT) vaccine response in adult mice. Germinal center formation in the spleen is critical for a normal antibody response. Recent studies have identified Stimulated by Retinoic Acid-6 (Stra6) as the cell membrane receptor for retinol-binding protein (RBP) in many organs, including spleen. The objectives of the present studies were to test whether orally administered vitamin A (VA) itself, either alone or combined with RA, and/or treatment with PIC regulates Stra6 gene expression in mouse spleen and, concomitantly, antibody production. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were immunized with TT. In an initial kinetic study, oral VA (6 mg/kg) increased anti-TT IgM and IgG production as well as splenic Stra6 mRNA expression. In treatment studies that were analyzed 9 d postimmunization, retinoids including VA, RA, VA and RA combined, and PIC significantly increased plasma anti-TT IgM and IgG (P < 0.05) and splenic Stra6 mRNA (P < 0.05). Treatments that included PIC elevated plasma anti-TT IgM and IgG concentrations >20-fold (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry of STRA6 protein in mouse spleen confirmed its increase after immunization and retinoid treatment. In conclusion, retinoid treatments that included VA, RA, VA and RA combined, and the combination of retinoid and PIC stimulated the expression of Stra6 in spleen, which potentially could increase the local uptake of retinol. Concomitantly, these treatments increased the systemic antigen-specific antibody response. The ability of oral retinoids to stimulate systemic immunity has implications for public health and therapeutic use of VA. PMID:22739370

75 FR 41577 - VBA/VHA Musculoskeletal Forum: Improving VA's Disability Evaluation Criteria

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-16

... medical science information from presentations made by subject matter experts. VA plans to use this information to update the sections of VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) that pertain to diseases... FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brad Tuttle, VASRD Coordinator, Compensation and Pension Service...

75 FR 33216 - Payment or Reimbursement for Emergency Treatment Furnished by Non-VA Providers in Non-VA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-11

... treatment of eligible veterans at non-VA facilities and expand the circumstances under which payment for..., potentially eligible veterans would be appropriately afforded ample opportunity to qualify for this expanded...; 64.010, Veterans Nursing Home Care; and 64.011, Veterans Dental Care. Signing Authority The Secretary...

48 CFR 833.103 - Protests to VA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve protests at any stage in the protest process. If ADR is used, VA will not furnish any documentation in an ADR proceeding beyond what is...

78 FR 21817 - Amendment of Restricted Area R-6601; Fort A.P. Hill, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-12

...; Airspace Docket No. 12-AEA-7] RIN 2120-AA66 Amendment of Restricted Area R-6601; Fort A.P. Hill, VA AGENCY... limits and time of designation of restricted area R-6601, Fort A.P. Hill, VA. The U.S. Army requested... limits and increase the time of designation of restricted area R-6601, Fort A.P. Hill, VA, (77 FR 35308...

The VA Computerized Patient Record — A First Look

PubMed Central

Anderson, Curtis L.; Meldrum, Kevin C.

1994-01-01

In support of its in-house DHCP Physician Order Entry/Results Reporting application, the VA is developing the first edition of a Computerized Patient Record. The system will feature a physician-oriented interface with real time, expert system-based order checking, a controlled vocabulary, a longitudinal repository of patient data, HL7 messaging support, a clinical reminder and warning system, and full integration with existing VA applications including lab, pharmacy, A/D/T, radiology, dietetics, surgery, vitals, allergy tracking, discharge summary, problem list, progress notes, consults, and online physician order entry. PMID:7949886

76 FR 71920 - Payment for Home Health Services and Hospice Care by Non-VA Providers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-21

... concerning the billing methodology for non-VA providers of home health services and hospice care. The proposed rulemaking would include home health services and hospice care under the VA regulation governing payment for other non-VA health care providers. Because the newly applicable methodology cannot supersede...

Peracetic Acid Depolymerization of Biorefinery Lignin for Production of Selective Monomeric Phenolic Compounds.

PubMed

Ma, Ruoshui; Guo, Mond; Lin, Kuan-Ting; Hebert, Vincent R; Zhang, Jinwen; Wolcott, Michael P; Quintero, Melissa; Ramasamy, Karthikeyan K; Chen, Xiaowen; Zhang, Xiao

2016-07-25

Lignin is the largest source of renewable material with an aromatic skeleton. However, due to the recalcitrant and heterogeneous nature of the lignin polymer, it has been a challenge to effectively depolymerize lignin and produce high-value chemicals with high selectivity. In this study, a highly efficient lignin-to-monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC) conversion method based on peracetic acid (PAA) treatment was reported. PAA treatment of two biorefinery lignin samples, diluted acid pretreated corn stover lignin (DACSL) and steam exploded spruce lignin (SESPL), led to complete solubilization and production of selective hydroxylated monomeric phenolic compounds (MPC-H) and monomeric phenolic acid compounds (MPC-A) including 4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. The maximized MPC yields obtained were 18 and 22 % based on the initial weight of the lignin in SESPL and DACSL, respectively. However, we found that the addition of niobium pentoxide catalyst to PAA treatment of lignin can significantly improve the MPC yields up to 47 %. The key reaction steps and main mechanisms involved in this new lignin-to-MPC valorization pathway were investigated and elucidated. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of inspired CO2, hyperventilation, and time on VA/Q inequality in the dog

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsukimoto, K.; Arcos, J. P.; Schaffartzik, W.; Wagner, P. D.; West, J. B.

1992-01-01

In a recent study by Tsukimoto et al. (J. Appl. Physiol. 68: 2488-2493, 1990), CO2 inhalation appeared to reduce the size of the high ventilation-perfusion ratio (VA/Q) mode commonly observed in anesthetized mechanically air-ventilated dogs. In that study, large tidal volumes (VT) were used during CO2 inhalation to preserve normocapnia. To separate the influences of CO2 and high VT on the VA/Q distribution in the present study, we examined the effect of inspired CO2 on the high VA/Q mode using eight mechanically ventilated dogs (4 given CO2, 4 controls). The VA/Q distribution was measured first with normal VT and then with increased VT. In the CO2 group at high VT, data were collected before, during, and after CO2 inhalation. With normal VT, there was no difference in the size of the high VA/Q mode between groups [10.5 +/- 3.5% (SE) of ventilation in the CO2 group, 11.8 +/- 5.2% in the control group]. Unexpectedly, the size of the high VA/Q mode decreased similarly in both groups over time, independently of the inspired PCO2, at a rate similar to the fall in cardiac output over time. The reduction in the high VA/Q mode together with a simultaneous increase in alveolar dead space (estimated by the difference between inert gas dead space and Fowler dead space) suggests that poorly perfused high VA/Q areas became unperfused over time. A possible mechanism is that elevated alveolar pressure and decreased cardiac output eliminate blood flow from corner vessels in nondependent high VA/Q regions.

Is vaccenic acid (18:1t n-7) associated with an increased incidence of hip fracture? An explanation for the calcium paradox.

PubMed

Hamazaki, Kei; Suzuki, Nobuo; Kitamura, Kei-Ichiro; Hattori, Atsuhiko; Nagasawa, Tetsuro; Itomura, Miho; Hamazaki, Tomohito

2016-06-01

High calcium intake may increase hip fracture (HF) incidence. This phenomenon, known as the calcium paradox, might be explained by vaccenic acid (18:1t n-7, VA), the highly specific trans fatty acid (TFA) present in dairy products. First, we ecologically investigated the relationship between 18:1 TFA intake and HF incidence using data from 12 to 13 European countries collected before 2000; then we measured the effects of VA and elaidic acid (18:1t n-9, EA) on osteoblasts from goldfish scales (tissues very similar to mammalian bone), with alkaline phosphatase as a marker; and finally we measured the effect of VA on mRNA expression in the scales for the major bone proteins type I collagen and osteocalcin. HF incidence was significantly correlated with 18:1 TFA intake in men (r=0.57) and women (r=0.65). Incubation with 1μmol/L VA and EA for 48h significantly decreased alkaline phosphatase activity by 25% and 21%, respectively. Incubation of scales with 10μmol/L VA for 48h significantly decreased mRNA expression for type I collagen and osteocalcin (by about 50%). In conclusion, VA may be causatively related to HF and could explain the calcium paradox. It may be prudent to reduce 18:1 TFA intake, irrespective of trans positions, to prevent HF. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RadNet Air Data From Richmond, VA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page presents radiation air monitoring and air filter analysis data for Richmond, VA from EPA's RadNet system. RadNet is a nationwide network of monitoring stations that measure radiation in air, drinking water and precipitation.

RadNet Air Data From Harrisonburg, VA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page presents radiation air monitoring and air filter analysis data for Harrisonburg, VA from EPA's RadNet system. RadNet is a nationwide network of monitoring stations that measure radiation in air, drinking water and precipitation.

78 FR 66265 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, Norfolk, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-05

... Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, Norfolk, VA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice... Elizabeth River Eastern Branch, mile 1.1, at Norfolk, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate... maintenance. The Norfolk Southern 5 railroad Bridge, at mile 1.1, across the Elizabeth River (Eastern Branch...

78 FR 36715 - VA Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Verification Guidelines; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-19

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 74 RIN 2900-AO63 VA Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB... Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amended its Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Verification Guidelines... Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (00SB), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810...

46 CFR 7.55 - Cape Henry, VA to Cape Fear, NC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Cape Henry, VA to Cape Fear, NC. 7.55 Section 7.55 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE PUBLIC BOUNDARY LINES Atlantic Coast § 7.55 Cape Henry, VA to Cape Fear, NC. (a) A line drawn from Rudee Inlet Jetty Light “2” to...

Who pays when VA users are hospitalized in the private sector? Evidence from three data sources.

PubMed

West, Alan N; Weeks, William B

2007-10-01

Older veterans enrolled in VA healthcare receive much of their medical care in the private sector, through Medicare. Less is known about younger VA enrollees' use of the private sector, or its funding. We compare payers for younger and older enrollees' private sector use in 3 hospitalization datasets. From 1998 to 2000, using private sector discharge data for VA enrollees in New York State, we categorized hospitalizations according to payer (self/family, private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, other sources). We compared this payer distribution to population-weighted national Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data from 1996-2003 for veterans in VA healthcare. We also compared Medicare utilization in either dataset to hospitalizations for New York veterans from 1998-2000 in the VA-Medicare dataset. Analyses separated patients younger than age 65 from those age 65 or older. VA enrollees under age 65 obtain roughly half their hospitalizations in the private sector; older enrollees use the private sector at least twice as often as the VA. Datasets generally agree on payer distributions. Although older enrollees rely heavily on Medicare, they also use commercial insurance and self/family payments substantially. Half of younger enrollees' non-VA hospitalizations are paid by private insurance, but Medicare, Medicaid, and self/family each pay for one-quarter to one-third of admissions. VA enrollees use the private sector for most of their inpatient care, which is funded by multiple sources. Developing a national UB-92/VA dataset would be critical to understanding veterans' use of the private sector for specific diagnoses and procedures, particularly for the fast growing population of younger veterans.

VA's National PTSD Brain Bank: a National Resource for Research.

PubMed

Friedman, Matthew J; Huber, Bertrand R; Brady, Christopher B; Ursano, Robert J; Benedek, David M; Kowall, Neil W; McKee, Ann C

2017-08-25

The National PTSD Brain Bank (NPBB) is a brain tissue biorepository established to support research on the causes, progression, and treatment of PTSD. It is a six-part consortium led by VA's National Center for PTSD with participating sites at VA medical centers in Boston, MA; Durham, NC; Miami, FL; West Haven, CT; and White River Junction, VT along with the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. It is also well integrated with VA's Boston-based brain banks that focus on Alzheimer's disease, ALS, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and other neurological disorders. This article describes the organization and operations of NPBB with specific attention to: tissue acquisition, tissue processing, diagnostic assessment, maintenance of a confidential data biorepository, adherence to ethical standards, governance, accomplishments to date, and future challenges. Established in 2014, NPBB has already acquired and distributed brain tissue to support research on how PTSD affects brain structure and function.

VA Construction: Improved Processes Needed to Monitor Contract Modifications, Develop Schedules, and Estimate Costs

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

address challenges in managing projects to build medical facilities. In response to statutory requirements and additional congressional direction, VA...is outsourcing management of certain such projects to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). As of October 2016, VA had 23 ongoing projects...costing $100 million or more. VA and USACE have entered into interagency agreements for 12 of these 23 projects. The agreements entail USACE’s managing

Feasibility and acceptability of interventions to delay gun access in VA mental health settings.

PubMed

Walters, Heather; Kulkarni, Madhur; Forman, Jane; Roeder, Kathryn; Travis, Jamie; Valenstein, Marcia

2012-01-01

The majority of VA patient suicides are completed with firearms. Interventions that delay patients' gun access during high-risk periods may reduce suicide, but may not be acceptable to VA stakeholders or may be challenging to implement. Using qualitative methods, stakeholders' perceptions about gun safety and interventions to delay gun access during high-risk periods were explored. Ten focus groups and four individual interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including VA mental health patients, mental health clinicians, family members and VA facility leaders (N=60). Transcripts were consensus-coded by two independent coders, and structured summaries were developed and reviewed using a consensus process. All stakeholder groups indicated that VA health system providers had a role in increasing patient safety and emphasized the need for providers to address gun access with their at-risk patients. However, VA mental health patients and clinicians reported limited discussion regarding gun access in VA mental health settings during routine care. Most, although not all, patients and clinicians indicated that routine screening for gun access was acceptable, with several noting that it was more acceptable for mental health patients. Most participants suggested that family and friends be involved in reducing gun access, but expressed concerns about potential family member safety. Participants generally found distribution of trigger locks acceptable, but were skeptical about its effectiveness. Involving Veteran Service Organizations or other individuals in temporarily holding guns during high-risk periods was acceptable to many participants but only with numerous caveats. Patients, clinicians and family members consider the VA health system to have a legitimate role in addressing gun safety. Several measures to delay gun access during high-risk periods for suicide were seen as acceptable and feasible if implemented thoughtfully. Published by Elsevier Inc.

33 CFR 334.290 - Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, Va., naval restricted areas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., Va., naval restricted areas. 334.290 Section 334.290 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF....290 Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, Va., naval restricted areas. (a) The areas—(1) St. Helena Annex Area. Beginning at a point at St. Helena Annex of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, on the eastern shore of...

33 CFR 334.290 - Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, Va., naval restricted areas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., Va., naval restricted areas. 334.290 Section 334.290 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF....290 Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, Va., naval restricted areas. (a) The areas—(1) St. Helena Annex Area. Beginning at a point at St. Helena Annex of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, on the eastern shore of...

77 FR 3844 - Proposed Information Collection (Dependents' Application for VA Educational Benefits) Activity...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-25

... use of other forms of information technology. Title: Dependents' Application for VA Educational... (Dependents' Application for VA Educational Benefits) Activity; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits...' Educational Assistance and Fry Scholarship benefits. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the...

75 FR 24510 - Drug and Drug-Related Supply Promotion by Pharmaceutical Company Sales Representatives at VA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-05

... VA facilities and the business relationships between VA staff and sales representatives promoting..., and provide sales representatives with a consistent standard of permissible business practice at VA... include suspension of a sales representative's access privileges, or, in extreme cases, denying access to...

Myosin Va Bound to Phagosomes Binds to F-Actin and Delays Microtubule-dependent Motility

PubMed Central

Al-Haddad, Ahmed; Shonn, Marion A.; Redlich, Bärbel; Blocker, Ariel; Burkhardt, Janis K.; Yu, Hanry; Hammer, John A.; Weiss, Dieter G.; Steffen, Walter; Griffiths, Gareth; Kuznetsov, Sergei A.

2001-01-01

We established a light microscopy-based assay that reconstitutes the binding of phagosomes purified from mouse macrophages to preassembled F-actin in vitro. Both endogenous myosin Va from mouse macrophages and exogenous myosin Va from chicken brain stimulated the phagosome–F-actin interaction. Myosin Va association with phagosomes correlated with their ability to bind F-actin in an ATP-regulated manner and antibodies to myosin Va specifically blocked the ATP-sensitive phagosome binding to F-actin. The uptake and retrograde transport of phagosomes from the periphery to the center of cells in bone marrow macrophages was observed in both normal mice and mice homozygous for the dilute-lethal spontaneous mutation (myosin Va null). However, in dilute-lethal macrophages the accumulation of phagosomes in the perinuclear region occurred twofold faster than in normal macrophages. Motion analysis revealed saltatory phagosome movement with temporarily reversed direction in normal macrophages, whereas almost no reversals in direction were observed in dilute-lethal macrophages. These observations demonstrate that myosin Va mediates phagosome binding to F-actin, resulting in a delay in microtubule-dependent retrograde phagosome movement toward the cell center. We propose an “antagonistic/cooperative mechanism” to explain the saltatory phagosome movement toward the cell center in normal macrophages. PMID:11553713

In vivo effects of naproxen, salicylic acid, and valproic acid on the pharmacokinetics of trichloroethylene and metabolites in rats.

PubMed

Rouhou, Mouna Cheikh; Charest-Tardif, Ginette; Haddad, Sami

2015-01-01

It was recently demonstrated that some drugs modulate in vitro metabolism of trichloroethylene (TCE) in humans and rats. The objective was to assess in vivo interactions between TCE and three drugs: naproxen (NA), valproic acid (VA), and salicylic acid (SA). Animals were exposed to TCE by inhalation (50 ppm for 6 h) and administered a bolus dose of drug by gavage, equivalent to 10-fold greater than the recommended daily dose. Samples of blood, urine, and collected tissues were analyzed by headspace gas chromatography coupled to an electron capture detector for TCE and metabolites (trichloroethanol [TCOH] and trichloroacetate [TCA]) levels. Coexposure to NA and TCE significantly increased (up to 50%) total and free TCOH (TCOHtotal and TCOHfree, respectively) in blood. This modulation may be explained by an inhibition of glucuronidation. VA significantly elevated TCE levels in blood (up to 50%) with a marked effect on TCOHtotal excretion in urine but not in blood. In contrast, SA produced an increase in TCOHtotal levels in blood at 30, 60, and 90 min and urine after coexposure. Data confirm in vitro observations that NA, VA, and SA affect in vivo TCE kinetics. Future efforts need to be directed to evaluate whether populations chronically medicated with the considered drugs display greater health risks related to TCE exposure.

Overlapping buprenorphine, opioid, and benzodiazepine prescriptions among Veterans dually enrolled in VA and Medicare Part D

PubMed Central

Gellad, Walid F.; Zhao, Xinhua; Thorpe, Carolyn T.; Thorpe, Joshua M.; Sileanu, Florentina E.; Cashy, John P.; Mor, Maria; Hale, Jennifer A.; Radomski, Thomas; Hausmann, Leslie R. M.; Fine, Michael J.; Good, Chester B.

2016-01-01

Background Buprenorphine is a key tool in the management of opioid use disorder, but there are growing concerns about abuse, diversion and safety. These concerns are amplified for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), whose patients may receive care concurrently from multiple prescribers within and outside VA. To illustrate the extent of this challenge, we examined overlapping prescriptions for buprenorphine, opioids, and benzodiazepines among Veterans dually enrolled in VA and Medicare Part D. Methods We constructed a cohort of all Veterans dually enrolled in VA and Part D who filled an opioid prescription in 2012. We identified patients who received tablet or film buprenorphine products from either source. We calculated the proportion of buprenorphine recipients with any overlapping prescription (based on days supply) for a non-buprenorphine opioid or benzodiazepine, focusing on Veterans who received overlapping prescriptions from a different system than their buprenorphine prescription (Part D buprenorphine recipients receiving overlapping opioids or benzodiazepines from VA and vice versa). Results We identified 1,790 dually enrolled Veterans with buprenorphine prescriptions, including 760 (43%) from VA and 1,091 (61%) from Part D (61 Veterans with buprenorphine from both systems were included in each group). Among VA buprenorphine recipients, 199 (26%) received an overlapping opioid prescription and 11 (1%) received an overlapping benzodiazepine prescription from Part D. Among Part D buprenorphine recipients, 208 (19%) received an overlapping opioid prescription and 178 (16%) received an overlapping benzodiazepine prescription from VA. Among VA and Part D buprenorphine recipients with cross-system opioid overlap, 25% (49/199) and 35% (72/208), respectively, had >90 days of overlap. Conclusions Many buprenorphine recipients receive overlapping prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines from a different health care system than the one in which their

Characterization of Free, Conjugated, and Bound Phenolic Acids in Seven Commonly Consumed Vegetables.

PubMed

Gao, Yuan; Ma, Shuai; Wang, Meng; Feng, Xiao-Yuan

2017-11-01

Phenolic acids are thought to be beneficial for human health and responsible for vegetables' health-promoting properties. Free, conjugated, and bound phenolic acids of seven commonly consumed vegetables, including kidney bean, cow pea, snow pea, hyacinth bean, green soy bean, soybean sprouts and daylily, from the regions of Beijing, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou, were identified and quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Three vegetables, namely green soy bean, soybean sprouts, and daylily ( Hemerocallis fulva L.), from the Beijing region contained higher concentrations of total phenolic acids than those from the Hangzhou and Guangzhou regions. The results indicated that the phenolic acid content in the seven vegetables appeared to be species-dependent. The highest content of phenolic acids was found in daylily, followed by green soy bean, while the least amounts were identified in kidney bean and hyacinth bean. Typically, phenolic acids are predominantly found in conjugated forms. Principle component analysis (PCA) revealed some key compounds that differentiated the seven vegetables. Green soy bean, compared to the other six vegetables, was characterized by higher levels of syringic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and sinapic acid. Other compounds, particularly p -coumaric acid, neochlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, exhibited significantly higher concentrations in daylily. In addition, p -coumaric acid was the characteristic substance in cow pea. Results from this study can contribute to the development of vegetables with specific phytochemicals and health benefits.

38 CFR 74.26 - What types of business information will VA collect?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED) VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS REGULATIONS Records Management § 74.26 What types of business information will VA collect? VA will examine a variety of business records. See § 74.12, “What is... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What types of business...

Homeless Veterans: Management Improvements Could Help VA Better Identify Supportive Housing Projects

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

HOMELESS VETERANS Management Improvements Could Help VA Better Identify Supportive-Housing Projects Report to...VETERANS Management Improvements Could Help VA Better Identify Supportive-Housing Projects What GAO Found As of September 2016, for veterans who...disabled veterans. These supportive-housing EULs receive project -based HUD-VASH vouchers, which provide housing subsidies, on-site case management

The Impact of VA and Navy Hospital Collaboration on Medical School Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atre-Vaidya, Nutan; Ross, Arthur, III; Sandu, Ioana C.; Hassan, Tariq

2009-01-01

Objective: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest single provider of medical education in the United States and is often the preferred training site for medical students and residents. However, changing priorities of patients and the marketplace are forcing medical schools and the VA to consider new ways of practicing medicine…

Bacterial and protozoal communities and fatty acid profile in the rumen of sheep fed a diet containing added tannins.

PubMed

Vasta, Valentina; Yáñez-Ruiz, David R; Mele, Marcello; Serra, Andrea; Luciano, Giuseppe; Lanza, Massimiliano; Biondi, Luisa; Priolo, Alessandro

2010-04-01

This study evaluated the effects of tannins on ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) due to shifts in the ruminal microbial environment in sheep. Thirteen lambs (45 days of age) were assigned to two dietary treatments: seven lambs were fed a barley-based concentrate (control group) while the other six lambs received the same concentrate with supplemental quebracho tannins (9.57% of dry matter). At 122 days of age, the lambs were slaughtered, and the ruminal contents were subjected to fatty acid analysis and sampled to quantify populations of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, which converts C(18:2) c9-c12 (linoleic acid [LA]) to C(18:2) c9-t11 (rumenic acid [RA]) and then RA to C(18:1) t11 (vaccenic acid [VA]); we also sampled for Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, which converts VA to C(18:0) (stearic acid [SA]). Tannins increased (P < 0.005) VA in the rumen compared to the tannin-free diet. The concentration of SA was not affected by tannins. The SA/VA ratio was lower (P < 0.005) for the tannin-fed lambs than for the controls, suggesting that the last step of the BH process was inhibited by tannins. The B. proteoclasticus population was lower (-30.6%; P < 0.1), and B. fibrisolvens and protozoan populations were higher (+107% and +56.1%, respectively; P < 0.05) in the rumen of lambs fed the tannin-supplemented diet than in controls. These results suggest that quebracho tannins altered BH by changing ruminal microbial populations.

VA Health Care: Improved Monitoring Needed for Effective Oversight of Care for Women Veterans

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

November 2014. VHA officials also said that after reviewing information from sources such as veteran surveys and feedback from regional VA business...authorizations for care (of both men and women) from early calendar year 2016. In one case, almost a month and a half elapsed from the time of the...veteran’s initial pregnancy confirmation appointment at VA (when she was 6 weeks pregnant) to when the Choice authorization was sent by the VA facility to

Veratric acid removal from water by electrochemical oxidation on BDD anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jum'h, Inshad; Abdelhay, Arwa; Telfah, Ahmad; Al-Akhras, M.-Ali; Al-Kazwini, Akeel; Rosiwal, Stefan

2018-02-01

The efficiency of boron doped diamond (BDD) in the electrochemical treatment of synthetically contaminated water with veratric acid (VA), one kind of polyphenolic type compounds, is investigated in this work. A BDD electrode was practically fabricated using hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD). Later on, the BDD electrode was implemented as an anode in a batch electrolytic reactor. The effect of operating factors such as the initial concentration of VA, NaCl addition, and supporting electrolyte type (H2SO4, H3PO4 and Na2SO4) was studied. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements were conducted to study the VA electrolysis kinetics. The experimental data suggested that sodium sulfate was the best supporting electrolyte as the COD removal reached a percentage of 100% using 1 mmol/dm3 as VA concentration. The kinetics of the COD decay of the VA electrolysis were found to obey the pseudo-first order model. Remarkably, the electrolysis process is significantly speeded up once chloride is added to the reaction. The complete COD removal was achieved in 60 minutes of treatment.

76 FR 70831 - Proposed Information Collection (Survey of Veteran Enrollees (Quality and Efficiency of VA Health...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-15

... of Veteran Enrollees (Quality and Efficiency of VA Health Care)) Activity; Comment Request AGENCY... of Veteran Enrollees (Quality and Efficiency of VA Health Care), VA Form 10-21088. OMB Control Number... will be used to collect data that is necessary to promote quality and efficient delivery of health care...

76 FR 59765 - Virginia Disaster # VA-00036

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-27

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12843 and 12844] Virginia Disaster VA-00036 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of Virginia dated 09/21/2011. Incident: Hurricane Irene...

Metabolomics analysis of rice responses to salinity stress revealed elevation of serotonin, and gentisic acid levels in leaves of tolerant varieties.

PubMed

Gupta, Poulami; De, Bratati

2017-07-03

A GC-MS based analytical approach was undertaken to understand the metabolomic responses of seedlings of 2 salt sensitive (Sujala and MTU 7029) and 2 tolerant varieties (Bhutnath, and Nonabokra) of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) to NaCl induced stress. The 4 varieties responded differently to NaCl treatment with respect to the conserved primary metabolites (sugars, polyols, amino acids, organic acids and certain purine derivatives) of the leaf of rice seedlings. However, there were significant differences in salt induced production of chorismic acid derivatives. Serotonin level was increased in both the salt tolerant varieties in response to NaCl induced stress. In both the salt tolerant varieties, increased production of the signaling molecule gentisic acid in response to NaCl treatment was noticed. Salt tolerant varieties also produced increased level of ferulic acid and vanillic acid. In the salt sensitive varieties, cinnamic acid derivatives, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (in Sujala) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (in MTU 7029), were elevated in the leaves. So increased production of the 2 signaling molecules serotonin and gentisic acid may be considered as 2 important biomarker compounds produced in tolerant varieties contributing toward NaCl tolerance.

77 FR 3841 - Proposed Information Collection (Survey of Veteran Enrollees (Quality and Efficiency of VA Health...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-25

... of Veteran Enrollees (Quality and Efficiency of VA Health Care)) Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY... of Veteran Enrollees (Quality and Efficiency of VA Health Care), VA Form 10-21088. OMB Control Number... will be used to collect data that is necessary to promote quality and efficient delivery of health care...

78 FR 18425 - Proposed Information Collection VA Police Officer Pre-Employment Screening Checklist); Comment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the... approved collection. Abstract: VA personnel complete VA Form 0120 to document pre- employment history and...

VA health service utilization for homeless and low-income Veterans: a spotlight on the VA Supportive Housing (VASH) program in greater Los Angeles.

PubMed

Gabrielian, Sonya; Yuan, Anita H; Andersen, Ronald M; Rubenstein, Lisa V; Gelberg, Lillian

2014-05-01

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-VA Supportive Housing (VASH) program-the VA's Housing First effort-is central to efforts to end Veteran homelessness. Yet, little is known about health care utilization patterns associated with achieving HUD-VASH housing. We compare health service utilization at the VA Greater Los Angeles among: (1) formerly homeless Veterans housed through HUD-VASH (HUD-VASH Veterans); (2) currently homeless Veterans; (3) housed, low-income Veterans not in HUD-VASH; and (4) housed, not low-income Veterans. We performed a secondary database analysis of Veterans (n=62,459) who received VA Greater Los Angeles care between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011. We described medical/surgical and mental health utilization [inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department (ED)]. We controlled for demographics, need, and primary care use in regression analyses of utilization data by housing and income status. HUD-VASH Veterans had more inpatient, outpatient, and ED use than currently homeless Veterans. Adjusting for demographics and need, HUD-VASH Veterans and the low-income housed Veterans had similar likelihoods of medical/surgical inpatient and outpatient utilization, compared with the housed, not low-income group. Adjusting first for demographics and need (model 1), then also for primary care use (model 2), HUD-VASH Veterans had the greatest decrease in incident rates of specialty medical/surgical, mental health, and ED care from models 1 to 2, becoming similar to the currently homeless, compared with the housed, not low-income group. Our findings suggest that currently homeless Veterans underuse health care relative to housed Veterans. HUD-VASH may address this disparity by providing housing and linkages to primary care.

78 FR 11094 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; James River, Between Isle of Wight and Newport News, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-15

... Operation Regulation; James River, Between Isle of Wight and Newport News, VA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... River, mile 5.0, between Isle of Wight and Newport News, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate... Isle of Isle and Newport News, VA opens on signal. The James River Bridge has vertical clearances in...

75 FR 8005 - Safety Zone; Wicomico Community Fireworks, Great Wicomico River, Mila, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-23

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Wicomico Community Fireworks, Great Wicomico River, Mila, VA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... the Great Wicomico River in the vicinity of Mila, VA in support of the Wicomico Community Fireworks... protect mariners from the hazards associated with fireworks displays. DATES: Comments and related material...

Capillary electrophoresis method for the discrimination between natural and artificial vanilla flavor for controlling food frauds.

PubMed

Lahouidak, Samah; Salghi, Rachid; Zougagh, Mohammed; Ríos, Angel

2018-03-06

A capillary electrophoresis method was developed for the determination of coumarin (COUM), ethyl vanillin (EVA), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (PHB), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), vanillin (VAN), vanillic acid (VANA) and vanillic alcohol (VOH) in vanilla products. The measured concentrations are compared to values obtained by liquid chromatography (LC) method. Analytical results, method precision, and accuracy data are presented and limits of detection for the method ranged from 2 to 5 μg/mL. The results obtained are used in monitoring the composition of vanilla flavorings, as well as for confirmation of natural or non-natural origin of vanilla in samples using four selected food samples containing this flavor. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

VA Health Professional Scholarship and Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professional Scholarship Programs. Final rule.

PubMed

2013-08-20

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) regulations. VA is also establishing regulations for a new program, the Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professional Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP). These regulations comply with and implement sections 302 and 603 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (the 2010 Act). Section 302 of the 2010 Act established the VIOMPSP, which authorizes VA to provide financial assistance to certain students seeking a degree in visual impairment or orientation or mobility, in order to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for VA and the United States. Section 603 of the 2010 Act reauthorized and modified HPSP, a program that provides scholarships for education or training in certain health care occupations.

Second-order data obtained by beta-cyclodextrin complexes: a novel approach for multicomponent analysis with three-way multivariate calibration methods.

PubMed

Khani, Rouhollah; Ghasemi, Jahan B; Shemirani, Farzaneh

2014-10-01

This research reports the first application of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complexes as a new method for generation of three way data, combined with second-order calibration methods for quantification of a binary mixture of caffeic (CA) and vanillic (VA) acids, as model compounds in fruit juices samples. At first, the basic experimental parameters affecting the formation of inclusion complexes between target analytes and β-CD were investigated and optimized. Then under the optimum conditions, parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and bilinear least squares/residual bilinearization (BLLS/RBL) were applied for deconvolution of trilinear data to get spectral and concentration profiles of CA and VA as a function of β-CD concentrations. Due to severe concentration profile overlapping between CA and VA in β-CD concentration dimension, PARAFAC could not be successfully applied to the studied samples. So, BLLS/RBL performed better than PARAFAC. The resolution of the model compounds was possible due to differences in the spectral absorbance changes of the β-CD complexes signals of the investigated analytes, opening a new approach for second-order data generation. The proposed method was validated by comparison with a reference method based on high-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA), and no significant differences were found between the reference values and the ones obtained with the proposed method. Such a chemometrics-based protocol may be a very promising tool for more analytical applications in real samples monitoring, due to its advantages of simplicity, rapidity, accuracy, sufficient spectral resolution and concentration prediction even in the presence of unknown interferents. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

75 FR 29660 - Safety Zone; Wicomico Community Fireworks, Great Wicomico River, Mila, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-27

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Wicomico Community Fireworks, Great Wicomico River, Mila, VA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... the Great Wicomico River in the vicinity of Mila, VA in support of the Wicomico Community Fireworks... protect mariners from the hazards associated with fireworks displays. DATES: This rule is effective from 9...

VA and HRS Local Coordination of Florida's Home-Based Services to the Elderly.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradham, Douglas D.; Chico, Innette Mary

Florida's District 12 Veterans Administration (VA) wanted to deliver medical case-management services to veterans not receiving home-based services due to the geographic restrictions of the VA's Hospital-Based Home Care Program. The Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) desired to demonstrate the effectiveness of nurse…

Implementation of online suicide-specific training for VA providers.

PubMed

Marshall, Elizabeth; York, Janet; Magruder, Kathryn; Yeager, Derik; Knapp, Rebecca; De Santis, Mark L; Burriss, Louisa; Mauldin, Mary; Sulkowski, Stan; Pope, Charlene; Jobes, David A

2014-10-01

Due to the gap in suicide-specific intervention training for mental health students and professionals, e-learning is one solution to improving provider skills in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system. This study focused on the development and evaluation of an equivalent e-learning alternative to the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) in-person training approach at a Veteran Health Affairs medical center. The study used a multicenter, randomized, cluster, and three group design. the development of e-CAMS was an iterative process and included pilot testing. Eligible and consenting mental health providers, who completed a CAMS pre-survey, were randomized. Provider satisfaction was assessed using the standard VA evaluation of training consisting of 20 items. Two post training focus groups, divided by learning conditions, were conducted to assess practice adoption using a protocol focused on experiences with training and delivery of CAMS. A total of 215 providers in five sites were randomized to three conditions: 69 to e-learning, 70 to in-person, 76 to the control. The providers were primarily female, Caucasian, midlife providers. Based on frequency scores of satisfaction items, both learning groups rated the trainings positively. In focus groups representing divided by learning conditions, participants described positive reactions to CAMS training and similar individual and institutional barriers to full implementation of CAMS. This is the first evaluation study of a suicide-specific e-learning training within the VA. The e-CAMS appears equivalent to the in-person CAMS in terms of provider satisfaction with training and practice adoption, consistent with other comparisons of training deliveries across specialty areas. Additional evaluation of provider confidence and adoption and patient outcomes is in progress. The e-CAMS has the potential to provide ongoing training for VA and military mental health providers and serve as a tutorial for

Enhanced laccase production by Trametes versicolor using corn steep liquor as both nitrogen source and inducer.

PubMed

Wang, Feng; Hu, Jian-Hua; Guo, Chen; Liu, Chun-Zhao

2014-08-01

A highly efficient strategy for laccase production by Trametes versicolor was developed using corn steep liquor (CSL) as both a nitrogen source and a laccase inducer. At the optimal CSL concentration of 20 gL(-1), an extracellular laccase activity of 633.3 UL(-1) was produced after a culture period of only 5 days. This represented a 1.96-fold increase relative to control medium lacking CSL. The addition of crude phenolic extracts from CSL improved laccase production to 91.8% greater than the control. Sinapinic acid, present in CSL, caused a reduction in laccase production, vanillic acid and ferulic acid (also present in CSL) synergistically induced laccase production by more than 100% greater than the control medium. Vanillic acid and ferulic acid provided the main contribution to the enhancement of laccase production. This study provides a basis for understanding the induction mechanism of CSL for laccase production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

75 FR 20774 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Fort A.P. Hill, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-21

...-0739; Airspace Docket No. 09-AEA-14] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Fort A.P. Hill, VA AGENCY... December 7, 2009 that establishes Class E airspace at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC... Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404...

PVP VA64 as a novel release-modifier for sustained-release mini-matrices prepared via hot melt extrusion.

PubMed

Li, Yongcheng; Lu, Ming; Wu, Chuanbin

2017-11-10

The purpose of this study was to explore poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVP VA64) as a novel release-modifier to tailor the drug release from ethylcellulose (EC)-based mini-matrices prepared via hot melt extrusion (HME). Quetiapine fumarate (QF) was selected as model drug. QF/EC/PVP VA64 mini-matrices were extruded with 30% drug loading. The physical state of QF in extruded mini-matrices was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and confocal Raman microscopy. The release-controlled ability of PVP VA64 was investigated and compared with that of xanthan gum, crospovidone, and low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose. The influences of PVP VA64 content and processing temperature on QF release behavior and mechanism were also studied. The results indicated QF dispersed as the crystalline state in all mini-matrices. The release of QF from EC was very slow as only 4% QF was released in 24 h. PVP VA64 exhibited the best ability to enhance the drug release as compared with other three release-modifiers. The drug release increased to 50-100% in 24 h with the addition of 20-40% PVP VA64. Increasing processing temperature slightly slowed down the drug release by decreasing free volume and pore size. The release kinetics showed good fit with the Ritger-Peppas model. The values of release exponent (n) increased as PVP VA64 is added (0.14 for pure EC, 0.41 for 20% PVP VA64, and 0.61 for 40% PVP VA64), revealing that the addition of PVP VA64 enhanced the erosion mechanism. This work presented a new polymer blend system of EC with PVP VA64 for sustained-release prepared via HME.

Topiramate Protects Pericytes from Glucotoxicity: Role for Mitochondrial CA VA in Cerebromicrovascular Disease in Diabetes.

PubMed

Patrick, Ping; Price, Tulin O; Diogo, Ana L; Sheibani, Nader; Banks, William A; Shah, Gul N

Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus causes oxidative stress and pericyte depletion from the microvasculature of the brain thus leading to the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) disruption. The compromised BBB exposes the brain to circulating substances, resulting in neurotoxicity and neuronal cell death. The decline in pericyte numbers in diabetic mouse brain and pericyte apoptosis in high glucose cultures are caused by excess superoxide produced during enhanced respiration (mitochondrial oxidative metabolism of glucose). Superoxide is precursor to all Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which, in turn, cause oxidative stress. The rate of respiration and thus the ROS production is regulated by mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases (mCA) VA and VB, the two isoforms expressed in the mitochondria. Inhibition of both mCA: decreases the oxidative stress and restores the pericyte numbers in diabetic brain; and reduces high glucose-induced respiration, ROS, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in cultured brain pericytes. However, the individual role of the two isoforms has not been established. To investigate the contribution of mCA VA in ROS production and apoptosis, a mCA VA overexpressing brain pericyte cell line was engineered. These cells were exposed to high glucose and analyzed for the changes in ROS and apoptosis. Overexpression of mCA VA significantly increased pericyte ROS and apoptosis. Inhibition of mCA VA with topiramate prevented increases both in glucose-induced ROS and pericyte death. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that mCA VA regulates the rate of pericyte respiration. These findings identify mCA VA as a novel and specific therapeutic target to protect the cerebromicrovascular bed in diabetes.

Women's veteran identity and utilization of VA health services.

PubMed

Di Leone, Brooke A L; Wang, Joyce M; Kressin, Nancy; Vogt, Dawne

2016-02-01

Women have participated in the United States military since its founding. However, until the mid-20th century, there had been limited recognition of women as official members of the military, and women remain a statistical minority within military and veteran populations. It is therefore important to better understand women's veteran identity (which we define here as one's self-concept as derived from their veteran status) and associated implications for service use and experiences in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care setting. The present research examined the centrality of, and positive regard for, women's veteran identity among 407 female veterans deployed in support of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Data were collected via a mailed national survey. Positive regard for veteran identity, but not veteran identity centrality,was positively associated with participants' age and length of time spent in the military. Results also showed that the centrality of women's veteran identity was positively related to their choice to use VA for health care and their feelings of belonging within VA, and that veteran identity centrality and positive regard for veteran identity are differentially associated with participants' military experiences (e.g., combat exposure, deployment sexual harassment) and mental health symptomatology (e.g., depression). (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

78 FR 36642 - Proposed Information Collection (VA Loan Electronic Reporting Interface (VALERI) System) Activity...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-18

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0021] Proposed Information Collection (VA Loan Electronic Reporting Interface (VALERI) System) Activity: Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans... techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. Title: VA Loan Electronic Reporting Interface...

RadNet Air Data From Virginia Beach, VA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page presents radiation air monitoring and air filter analysis data for Virginia Beach, VA from EPA's RadNet system. RadNet is a nationwide network of monitoring stations that measure radiation in air, drinking water and precipitation.

48 CFR 853.236-70 - VA Form 10-6298, Architect-Engineer Fee Proposal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false VA Form 10-6298, Architect-Engineer Fee Proposal. 853.236-70 Section 853.236-70 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF...-Engineer Fee Proposal. VA Form 10-6298, Architect-Engineer Fee Proposal, shall be used as prescribed in 836...

48 CFR 853.236-70 - VA Form 10-6298, Architect-Engineer Fee Proposal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false VA Form 10-6298, Architect-Engineer Fee Proposal. 853.236-70 Section 853.236-70 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF...-Engineer Fee Proposal. VA Form 10-6298, Architect-Engineer Fee Proposal, shall be used as prescribed in 836...

48 CFR 819.602-3 - Resolving differences between VA and the Small Business Administration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... between VA and the Small Business Administration. 819.602-3 Section 819.602-3 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS Certificates... Small Business Administration. The Director, OSDBU, is the VA liaison with the SBA. Information copies...

78 FR 59099 - Agency Information Collection (VA Loan Electronic Reporting Interface (VALERI) System) Activity...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-25

... Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attn: VA Desk Officer; 725 17th St. NW....'' SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: VA Loan Electronic Reporting Interface (VALERI) System. OMB Control Number... information submitted through the VALERI system to perform supplemental servicing, determination on...

VA Health Care: Processes to Evaluate, Implement, and Monitor Organizational Structure Changes Needed

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

VA HEALTH CARE Processes to Evaluate , Implement, and Monitor Organizational Structure Changes Needed Report to...Accountability Office Highlights of GAO-16-803, a report to congressional requesters September 2016 VA HEALTH CARE Processes to Evaluate , Implement, and...recommended organizational structure changes are evaluated to determine appropriate actions and implemented. This is inconsistent with federal standards

Military and VA telemedicine systems for patients with traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Girard, Philip

2007-01-01

Telemedicine plays a critical role within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration by allowing the surveillance and care of patients who are isolated by geography, poverty, and disability. In military settings, telemedicine is being widely used to identify injury and illness and aid in the treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery of combat-wounded soldiers in theater. Rapid advances in both domains are transforming the way clinicians provide care, education, and support to patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. This article discusses the military and VA telemedicine capabilities that are supporting the care of service members and veterans with TBI. These capabilities include new technologies that enhance the identification of TBI, management of symptoms in theater, and application of proven technologies (interactive video, Internet, and World Wide Web) to improve overall care coordination throughout military and VA systems. The impact of distance learning, teleconsultation, telerehabilitation, and home telehealth programs is also described within this context.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: National Findings from VA Residential Treatment Programs

PubMed Central

Cook, Joan M.; Dinnen, Stephanie; O’Donnell, Casey; Bernardy, Nancy; Rosenheck, Robert; Desai, Rani

2013-01-01

A quality improvement effort was undertaken in Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) residential treatment programs for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) across the United States. Qualitative interviews were conducted with over 250 directors, providers, and staff during site visits of 38 programs. The aims of this report are to describe clinical issues and distinctive challenges in working with veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan and approaches to addressing their needs. Providers indicated that the most commonly reported problems were: acute PTSD symptomotology; other complex mental health symptom presentations; broad readjustment problems; and difficulty with time demands of and readiness for intensive treatment. Additional concerns included working with active duty personnel and mixing different eras in therapy. Programmatic solutions address structure (e.g., blended versus era-specific therapy), content (e.g., physical activity), and adaptations (e.g., inclusion of family; shortened length of stay). Clinical implications for VA managers and policy makers as well as non-VA health care systems and individual health care providers are noted. PMID:23458113

76 FR 44086 - Agency Information Collection (Notice of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension To Receive Military...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-22

... of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension To Receive Military Pay and Allowances) Activity Under OMB....'' SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Notice of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension to Receive Military Pay and... order to receive active or inactive duty training pay are required to complete VA Forms 21-8951 and 21...

MyRIP interaction with MyoVa on secretory granules is controlled by the cAMP-PKA pathway.

PubMed

Brozzi, Flora; Lajus, Sophie; Diraison, Frederique; Rajatileka, Shavanthi; Hayward, Katy; Regazzi, Romano; Molnár, Elek; Váradi, Anikó

2012-11-01

Myosin- and Rab-interacting protein (MyRIP), which belongs to the protein kinase A (PKA)-anchoring family, is implicated in hormone secretion. However, its mechanism of action is not fully elucidated. Here we investigate the role of MyRIP in myosin Va (MyoVa)-dependent secretory granule (SG) transport and secretion in pancreatic beta cells. These cells solely express the brain isoform of MyoVa (BR-MyoVa), which is a key motor protein in SG transport. In vitro pull-down, coimmunoprecipitation, and colocalization studies revealed that MyRIP does not interact with BR-MyoVa in glucose-stimulated pancreatic beta cells, suggesting that, contrary to previous notions, MyRIP does not link this motor protein to SGs. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is augmented by incretin hormones, which increase cAMP levels and leads to MyRIP phosphorylation, its interaction with BR-MyoVa, and phosphorylation of the BR-MyoVa receptor rabphilin-3A (Rph-3A). Rph-3A phosphorylation on Ser-234 was inhibited by small interfering RNA knockdown of MyRIP, which also reduced cAMP-mediated hormone secretion. Demonstrating the importance of this phosphorylation, nonphosphorylatable and phosphomimic Rph-3A mutants significantly altered hormone release when PKA was activated. These data suggest that MyRIP only forms a functional protein complex with BR-MyoVa on SGs when cAMP is elevated and under this condition facilitates phosphorylation of SG-associated proteins, which in turn can enhance secretion.

Intelligent walkers for the elderly: performance and safety testing of VA-PAMAID robotic walker.

PubMed

Rentschler, Andrew J; Cooper, Rory A; Blasch, Bruce; Boninger, Michael L

2003-01-01

A walker that could help navigate and avoid collisions with obstacles could help reduce health costs and increase the quality of care and independence of thousands of people. This study evaluated the safety and performance of the Veterans Affairs Personal Adaptive Mobility Aid (VA-PAMAID). We performed engineering tests on the VA-PAMAID to determine safety factors, including stability, energy consumption, fatigue life, and sensor and control malfunctions. The VA-PAMAID traveled 10.9 km on a full charge and avoided obstacles while traveling at a speed of up to 1.2 m/s. No failures occurred during static stability, climatic, or fatigue testing. Some problems were encountered during obstacle climbing and sensor and control testing. The VA-PAMAID has good range, has adequate reaction time, and is structurally sound. Clinical trials are planned to compare the device to other low-technical adaptive mobility devices.

Forecasting VaR and ES of stock index portfolio: A Vine copula method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bangzheng; Wei, Yu; Yu, Jiang; Lai, Xiaodong; Peng, Zhenfeng

2014-12-01

Risk measurement has both theoretical and practical significance in risk management. Using daily sample of 10 international stock indices, firstly this paper models the internal structures among different stock markets with C-Vine, D-Vine and R-Vine copula models. Secondly, the Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall (ES) of the international stock markets portfolio are forecasted using Monte Carlo method based on the estimated dependence of different Vine copulas. Finally, the accuracy of VaR and ES measurements obtained from different statistical models are evaluated by UC, IND, CC and Posterior analysis. The empirical results show that the VaR forecasts at the quantile levels of 0.9, 0.95, 0.975 and 0.99 with three kinds of Vine copula models are sufficiently accurate. Several traditional methods, such as historical simulation, mean-variance and DCC-GARCH models, fail to pass the CC backtesting. The Vine copula methods can accurately forecast the ES of the portfolio on the base of VaR measurement, and D-Vine copula model is superior to other Vine copulas.

75 FR 35511 - Virginia Disaster Number VA-00028

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-22

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12040 and 12041] Virginia Disaster Number VA-00028 AGENCY: Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 3. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the... declaration remains unchanged. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) Roger B...

Protective effects of dietary glycine and glutamic acid toward the toxic effects of oxidized mustard oil in rabbits.

PubMed

Zeb, Alam; Rahman, Saleem Ur

2017-01-25

The protective role of glycine and glutamic acid against the toxic effects of oxidized oil was studied for the first time. Mustard seed oil was thermally oxidized and characterized for quality characteristics and polyphenolic composition using reversed phase HPLC-DAD. Significant changes in the quality characteristics occurred with thermal oxidation. Fourteen polyphenolic compounds were identified and quantified in oils. Quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-feruloylsophoroside, catechin, quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3,7-diglucoside, sinapic acid and vanillic acid hexoside were the major compounds in the fresh and oxidized oil. Oxidized, un-oxidized mustard oils, glycine and glutamic acid were given to rabbits alone or in combination. The biochemical responses were studied in terms of haematological and biochemical parameters and histopathology. It has been observed that biochemical and haematological parameters were adversely affected by the oxidized oil, while supplementation of both amino acids was beneficial in normalizing these parameters. Both amino acids alone have no significant effects, however, oxidized oil affected the liver by enhancing fat accumulation, causing hepatitis, reactive Kupffer cells and necrosis. The co-administration of oxidized oils with glycine or glutamic acid revealed significant recovery of the liver structure and function. In conclusion, glycine or glutamic acid is beneficial and protective against food toxicity and can be considered as an ameliorative food supplement.

VA/DOD Federal Health Care Center: Costly Information Technology Delays Continue and Evaluation Plan Lacking

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

Lovell Federal Health Care Center ( FHCC ). Although DOD and VA have shared resources at some level since the 1980s,1 the FHCC is unique in that it is...establish a 5-year demonstration to integrate VA and DOD medical care into a first-of- its-kind FHCC in North Chicago, Illinois. Expectations for the... FHCC are outlined in the Executive Agreement signed by VA and DOD in April 2010. The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2010, as amended by the NDAA for

38 CFR 3.2130 - Will VA accept a signature by mark or thumbprint?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... signature by mark or thumbprint? 3.2130 Section 3.2130 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF... of This Title General § 3.2130 Will VA accept a signature by mark or thumbprint? VA will accept signatures by mark or thumbprint if: (a) They are witnessed by two people who sign their names and give their...

30 CFR 57.22240 - Actions at 2.0 percent methane (V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Actions at 2.0 percent methane (V-A mines). 57... MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22240 Actions at 2.0 percent methane (V-A mines). If methane reaches 2.0 percent in the mine atmosphere, all persons other than...

Making Bullying Prevention a Priority in Finnish Schools: The KiVa Antibullying Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salmivalli, Christina; Poskiparta, Elisa

2012-01-01

The KiVa antibullying program has been widely implemented in Finnish comprehensive schools since 2009. The program is predicated on the idea that a positive change in the behaviors of classmates can reduce the rewards gained by the perpetrators of bullying and consequently their motivation to bully in the first place. KiVa involves both universal…

30 CFR 57.22240 - Actions at 2.0 percent methane (V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Actions at 2.0 percent methane (V-A mines). 57... MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22240 Actions at 2.0 percent methane (V-A mines). If methane reaches 2.0 percent in the mine atmosphere, all persons other than...

Bacterial and Protozoal Communities and Fatty Acid Profile in the Rumen of Sheep Fed a Diet Containing Added Tannins ▿

PubMed Central

Vasta, Valentina; Yáñez-Ruiz, David R.; Mele, Marcello; Serra, Andrea; Luciano, Giuseppe; Lanza, Massimiliano; Biondi, Luisa; Priolo, Alessandro

2010-01-01

This study evaluated the effects of tannins on ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) due to shifts in the ruminal microbial environment in sheep. Thirteen lambs (45 days of age) were assigned to two dietary treatments: seven lambs were fed a barley-based concentrate (control group) while the other six lambs received the same concentrate with supplemental quebracho tannins (9.57% of dry matter). At 122 days of age, the lambs were slaughtered, and the ruminal contents were subjected to fatty acid analysis and sampled to quantify populations of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, which converts C18:2 c9-c12 (linoleic acid [LA]) to C18:2 c9-t11 (rumenic acid [RA]) and then RA to C18:1 t11 (vaccenic acid [VA]); we also sampled for Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, which converts VA to C18:0 (stearic acid [SA]). Tannins increased (P < 0.005) VA in the rumen compared to the tannin-free diet. The concentration of SA was not affected by tannins. The SA/VA ratio was lower (P < 0.005) for the tannin-fed lambs than for the controls, suggesting that the last step of the BH process was inhibited by tannins. The B. proteoclasticus population was lower (−30.6%; P < 0.1), and B. fibrisolvens and protozoan populations were higher (+107% and +56.1%, respectively; P < 0.05) in the rumen of lambs fed the tannin-supplemented diet than in controls. These results suggest that quebracho tannins altered BH by changing ruminal microbial populations. PMID:20173064

A proteomic analysis of ferulic acid metabolism in Amycolatopsis sp. ATCC 39116.

PubMed

Meyer, Florian; Netzer, Julius; Meinert, Christina; Voigt, Birgit; Riedel, Katharina; Steinbüchel, Alexander

2018-05-16

The pseudonocardiate Amycolatopsis sp. ATCC 39116 is used for the biotechnical production of natural vanillin from ferulic acid. Our laboratory has performed genetic modifications of this strain previously, but there are still many gaps in our knowledge regarding its vanillin tolerance and the general metabolism. We performed cultivations with this bacterium and compared the proteomes of stationary phase cells before ferulic acid feeding with those during ferulic acid feeding. Thereby, we identified 143 differently expressed proteins. Deletion mutants were constructed and characterized to analyze the function of nine corresponding genes. Using these mutants, we identified an active ferulic acid β-oxidation pathway and the enzymes which constitute this pathway. A combined deletion mutant in which the β-oxidation as well as non-β-oxidation pathways of ferulic acid degradation were deleted was unable to grow on ferulic acid as the sole source of carbon and energy. This mutant differs from the single deletion mutants and was unable to grow on ferulic acid. Furthermore, we showed that the non-β-oxidation pathway is involved in caffeic acid degradation; however, its deletion is complemented even in the double deletion mutant. This shows that both pathways can complement each other. The β-oxidation deletion mutant produced significantly reduced amounts of vanillic acid (0.12 instead of 0.35 g/l). Therefore, the resulting mutant could be used as an improved production strain. The quinone oxidoreductase deletion mutant (ΔytfG) degraded ferulic acid slower at first but produced comparable amounts of vanillin and significantly less vanillyl alcohol when compared to the parent strain.

Identification and Quantification of Avenanthramides and Free and Bound Phenolic Acids in Eight Cultivars of Husked Oat ( Avena sativa L) from Finland.

PubMed

Multari, Salvatore; Pihlava, Juha-Matti; Ollennu-Chuasam, Priscilla; Hietaniemi, Veli; Yang, Baoru; Suomela, Jukka-Pekka

2018-03-21

Finland is the second largest oat producer in Europe. Despite the existing knowledge of phenolics in oat, there is little information on the phenolic composition of oats from Finland. The aim of the study was to investigate the concentrations of free and bound phenolic acids, as well as avenanthramides in eight Finnish cultivars of husked oat ( Avena sativa L.). Seven phenolic acids and one phenolic aldehyde were identified, including, in decreasing order of abundance: p-coumaric, ferulic, cinnamic, syringic, vanillic, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic, and o-coumaric acids and syringaldehyde. Phenolic acids were mostly found as bound compounds. Significant varietal differences ( p < 0.05) were observed in the cumulative content of phenolic acids, with the lowest level found in cv. 'Viviana' (1202 ± 52.9 mg kg -1 ) and the highest in cv. 'Akseli' (1687 ± 80.2 mg kg -1 ). Avenanthramides (AVNs) 2a, 2p, and 2f were the most abundant. Total AVNs levels ranged from 26.7 ± 1.44 to 185 ± 12.5 mg kg -1 in cv. 'Avetron' and 'Viviana', respectively.

Using average cost methods to estimate encounter-level costs for medical-surgical stays in the VA.

PubMed

Wagner, Todd H; Chen, Shuo; Barnett, Paul G

2003-09-01

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) maintains discharge abstracts, but these do not include cost information. This article describes the methods the authors used to estimate the costs of VA medical-surgical hospitalizations in fiscal years 1998 to 2000. They estimated a cost regression with 1996 Medicare data restricted to veterans receiving VA care in an earlier year. The regression accounted for approximately 74 percent of the variance in cost-adjusted charges, and it proved to be robust to outliers and the year of input data. The beta coefficients from the cost regression were used to impute costs of VA medical-surgical hospital discharges. The estimated aggregate costs were reconciled with VA budget allocations. In addition to the direct medical costs, their cost estimates include indirect costs and physician services; both of these were allocated in proportion to direct costs. They discuss the method's limitations and application in other health care systems.

77 FR 7229 - Virginia Disaster Number VA-00037

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2012-02-10

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12909 and 12910] Virginia Disaster Number VA-00037 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 3. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of... remains unchanged. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008.) Jane M. D. Pease...

76 FR 62132 - Virginia Disaster Number VA-00038

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2011-10-06

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12805 and 12806] Virginia Disaster Number VA-00038 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 2. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of... Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) James E. Rivera, Associate Administrator for Disaster...

77 FR 12647 - Fund Availability Under VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

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2012-03-01

... Affairs (VA) is announcing the availability of funds for applications for assistance under the Per Diem..., application process, and amount of funding available. DATES: Applications must be received in accordance with... Providers Grant and Per Diem Program for eligible entities. VA will award only one application for funding...

VA Library Service--Today's look at Tomorrow's Library.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veterans Administration, Washington, DC.

The Conference Poceedings are divided into three broad topics: systems planning, audiovisuals in biomedical communication, and automation and networking. Speakers from within the Veterans Administration (VA), from the National Medical Audiovisual Center, and the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications, National Library of…

Improving green enrichment of virgin olive oil by oregano. Effects on antioxidants.

PubMed

Peñalvo, Gregorio Castañeda; Robledo, Virginia Rodríguez; Callado, Carolina Sánchez-Carnerero; Santander-Ortega, M J; Castro-Vázquez, L; Lozano, M Victoria; Arroyo-Jiménez, M M

2016-04-15

This work is about improvement of a maceration method in order to achieve a green process for the enrichment of virgin olive oil (VOO) with natural antioxidants, specifically from oregano leaves. This goal was accomplished after evaluating different mechanical methods, i.e. magnetic stirring, sonication, vertical stirring and sonication in combination with vertical stirring, for promoting the extraction of the antioxidants from oregano. The results obtained indicated that the best extraction procedure was vertical stirring at 1000 r.p.m. for 3 h. Therefore, these conditions were selected to enrich VOO with phenolic acids (mainly rosmarinic acid) and endogenous antioxidants (o-coumaric and vanillic acids), and further determine their stability at room temperature or under temperature stress (50°C) during 45 days. Quantitative analysis of rosmarinic, o-coumaric and vanillic acids was carried out by an off-line, solid phase extraction, capillary zone, electrophoresis method combined with diode-array detector (SPE-CE-DAD). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solution behavior of PVP-VA and HPMC-AS-based amorphous solid dispersions and their bioavailability implications.

PubMed

Qian, Feng; Wang, Jennifer; Hartley, Ruiling; Tao, Jing; Haddadin, Raja; Mathias, Neil; Hussain, Munir

2012-10-01

To identify the mechanism behind the unexpected bio-performance of two amorphous solid dispersions: BMS-A/PVP-VA and BMS-A/HPMC-AS. Solubility of crystalline BMS-A in PVP-VA and HPMC-AS was measured by DSC. Drug-polymer interaction parameters were obtained by Flory-Huggins model fitting. Drug dissolution kinetics of spray-dried dispersions were studied under sink and non-sink conditions. BMS-A supersaturation was studied in the presence of pre-dissolved PVP-VA and HPMC-AS. Potency and crystallinity of undissolved solid dispersions were determined by HPLC and DSC. Polymer dissolution kinetics were obtained by mass balance calculation. Bioavailability of solid dispersions was assessed in dogs. In solid state, both polymers are miscible with BMS-A, while PVP-VA solublizes the drug better. BMS-A dissolves similarly from both solid dispersions in vitro regardless of dissolution method, while the HPMC-AS dispersion performed much better in vivo. At the same concentration, HPMC-AS is more effective in prolonging BMS-A supersaturation; this effect was negated by the slow dissolution rate of HPMC-AS. Further study revealed that fast PVP-VA dissolution resulted in elevated drug loading in undissolved dispersions and facilitated drug recrystallization before complete release. In contrast, the hydrophobicity and slower HPMC-AS dissolution prevented BMS-A recrystallization within the HPMC-AS matrix for >24 h. The lower bioavailability of PVP-VA dispersion was attributed to BMS-A recrystallization within the undissolved dispersion, due to hydrophilicity and fast PVP-VA dissolution rate. Polymer selection for solid dispersion development has significant impact on in vivo performance besides physical stability.

The impact of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004 on VA physicians' salaries and retention.

PubMed

Weeks, William B; Wallace, Tanner A; Wallace, Amy E

2009-01-01

To determine whether the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act (the Act), which was designed to achieve VA physician salary parity with American Academy of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Associate Professors and enacted in 2006, had achieved its goal. Using VA human resources datasets and data from the AAMC, we calculated mean VA physician salaries, with 95 percent confidence intervals, for 15 different medical specialties. For each specialty, we compared VA salaries to the median, 25th, and 75th percentile of AAMC Associate Professors' incomes. The Act's passage resulted in a $20,000 annual increase in VA physicians' salaries. VA primary care physicians, medical subspecialists, and psychiatrists had salaries that were comparable to their AAMC counterparts prior to and after enactment of the Act. However, VA surgical specialists', anesthesiologists', and radiologists' salaries lagged their AAMC counterparts both before and after the Act's enactment. Income increases were negatively correlated with full-time workforce changes. VA does not appear to provide comparable salaries for physicians necessary for surgical care. In certain cases, VA should consider outsourcing surgical services.

Valproic acid treatment response in vitro is determined by TP53 status in medulloblastoma.

PubMed

Mascaro-Cordeiro, Bruna; Oliveira, Indhira Dias; Tesser-Gamba, Francine; Pavon, Lorena Favaro; Saba-Silva, Nasjla; Cavalheiro, Sergio; Dastoli, Patrícia; Toledo, Silvia Regina Caminada

2018-05-22

Histone deacetylate inhibitors (HDACi), as valproic acid (VA), have been reported to enhance efficacy and to prevent drug resistance in some tumors, including medulloblastoma (MB). In the present study, we investigated VA role, combined to cisplatin (CDDP) in cell viability and gene expression of MB cell lines. Dose-response curve determined IC 50 values for each treatment: (1) VA single, (2) CDDP single, and (3) VA and CDDP combined. Cytotoxicity and flow cytometry evaluated cell viability after exposure to treatments. Quantitative PCR evaluated gene expression levels of AKT, CTNNB1, GLI1, KDM6A, KDM6B, NOTCH2, PTCH1, and TERT, before and after treatment. Besides, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) for PTCH1, TERT, and TP53 genes. The most effective treatment to reduce viability was combined for D283MED and ONS-76; and CDDP single for DAOY cells (p < 0.0001). TERT, GLI1, and AKT genes were overexpressed after treatments with VA. D283MED and ONS-76 cells presented variants in TERT and PTCH1, respectively and DAOY cell line presented a TP53 mutation. MB tumors belonging to SHH molecular subgroup, with TP53 MUT , would be the ones that present high risk in relation to VA use during the treatment, while TP53 WT MBs can benefit from VA therapy, both SHH and groups 3 and 4. Our study shows a new perspective about VA action in medulloblastoma cells, raising the possibility that VA may act in different patterns. According to the genetic background of MB cell, VA can stimulate cell cycle arrest and apoptosis or induce resistance to treatment via signaling pathways activation.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the VA Health Care System: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Freeman, Michele; Toure, Joahd; Tippens, Kimberly M.; Weeks, Christine; Ibrahim, Said

2008-01-01

Objectives To better understand the causes of racial disparities in health care, we reviewed and synthesized existing evidence related to disparities in the “equal access” Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. Methods We systematically reviewed and synthesized evidence from studies comparing health care utilization and quality by race within the VA. Results Racial disparities in the VA exist across a wide range of clinical areas and service types. Disparities appear most prevalent for medication adherence and surgery and other invasive procedures, processes that are likely to be affected by the quantity and quality of patient–provider communication, shared decision making, and patient participation. Studies indicate a variety of likely root causes of disparities including: racial differences in patients’ medical knowledge and information sources, trust and skepticism, levels of participation in health care interactions and decisions, and social support and resources; clinician judgment/bias; the racial/cultural milieu of health care settings; and differences in the quality of care at facilities attended by different racial groups. Conclusions Existing evidence from the VA indicates several promising targets for interventions to reduce racial disparities in the quality of health care. PMID:18301951

Abscisic acid, xanthoxin and violaxanthin in the caps of gravistimulated maize roots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldman, L. J.; Arroyave, N. J.; Sun, P. S.

1985-01-01

The occurrence and distribution of abscisic acid (ABA), xanthoxin (Xa) and the carotenoid violaxanthin (Va) were investigated in root tips of maize (Zea mays L. cv. Merit). In roots grown in the dark, Va and ABA were present in relatively high amounts in the root cap and in low amounts in the adjacent terminal 1.5 mm of the root. Xanthoxin was present in equal concentrations in both regions. In roots exposed to light, the ABA distribution was reversed, with relatively low levels in the root cap and high levels in the adjacent 1.5-mm segment. Light also caused a decrease in Va in both regions of the root and an increase in Xa, especially in the cap. In the maize cultivar used for this work, light is necessary for gravitropic curving. This response occurs within the same time frame as the light-induced ABA redistribution as well as the changes in the levels of Va and Xa. These data are consistent with a role for ABA in root gravitropism and support the proposal that Xa may arise from the turnover of Va.

Evaluation of VA Women's Health Fellowships: developing leaders in academic women's health.

PubMed

Tilstra, Sarah A; Kraemer, Kevin L; Rubio, Doris M; McNeil, Melissa A

2013-07-01

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) instituted the VA Women's Health Fellowship (VAWHF) Program in 1994, to accommodate the health needs of increasing numbers of female veterans and to develop academic leaders in women's health. Despite the longevity of the program, it has never been formally evaluated. To describe the training environments of VAWHFs and career outcomes of female graduates. Cross-sectional web-based surveys of current program directors (2010-2011) and VAWHF graduates (1995-2011). Responses were received from six of seven program directors (86 %) and 42 of 74 graduates (57 %). The mean age of graduates was 41.2 years, and mean time since graduation was 8.5 years. Of the graduates, 97 % were female, 74 % trained in internal medicine, and 64 % obtained an advanced degree. Those with an advanced degree were more likely than those without an advanced degree to pursue an academic career (82 % vs. 60 %; P<0.01). Of the female graduates, 76 % practice clinical women's health and spend up to 66 % of their time devoted to women's health issues. Thirty percent have held a VA faculty position. Seventy-nine percent remain in academics, with 39 % in the tenure stream. Overall, 94 % had given national presentations, 88 % had received grant funding, 79 % had published in peer-reviewed journals, 64 % had developed or evaluated curricula, 51 % had received awards for teaching or research, and 49 % had held major leadership positions. At 11 or more years after graduation, 33 % of the female graduates in academics had been promoted to the rank of associate professor and 33 % to the rank of full professor. The VAWHF Program has been successful in training academic leaders in women's health. Finding ways to retain graduates in the VA system would ensure continued clinical, educational, and research success for the VA women veteran's healthcare program.

Collaboration in health services research: on developing relationships between VA researchers and those in other institutions.

PubMed Central

Greenlick, M R; Freeborn, D K

1986-01-01

This article explores the potential for collaboration between investigators in institutions outside of the VA and those engaged in research within the VA. The focus is on the potential for collaborative work in health services research; our perspective is that of researchers in a freestanding HMO research center affiliated with the Veterans Administration's Northwest Health Services Research and Development Field Program. The paper begins with a review of the reasons that make collaboration between VA researchers and other health services researchers so appropriate at this time. An example of collaboration is presented, drawing on the experience of the Northwest Field Program and the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research. Finally, some difficulties inherent in collaboration between VA and other health services researchers are discussed. PMID:3512485

Two Major Bile Acids in the Hornbills, (24R,25S)-3α,7α,24-Trihydroxy-5β-cholestan-27-oyl Taurine and Its 12α-Hydroxy Derivative.

PubMed

Satoh, Rika; Ogata, Hiroaki; Saito, Tetsuya; Zhou, Biao; Omura, Kaoru; Kurabuchi, Satoshi; Mitamura, Kuniko; Ikegawa, Shigeo; Hagey, Lee R; Hofmann, Alan F; Iida, Takashi

2016-06-01

Two major bile acids were isolated from the gallbladder bile of two hornbill species from the Bucerotidae family of the avian order Bucerotiformes Buceros bicornis (great hornbill) and Penelopides panini (Visayan tarictic hornbill). Their structures were determined to be 3α,7α,24-dihydroxy-5β-cholestan-27-oic acid and its 12α-hydroxy derivative, 3α,7α,12α,24-tetrahydroxy-5β-cholestan-27-oic acid (varanic acid, VA), both present in bile as their corresponding taurine amidates. The four diastereomers of varanic acid were synthesized and their assigned structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. VA and its 12-deoxy derivative were found to have a (24R,25S)-configuration. 13 additional hornbill species were also analyzed by HPLC and showed similar bile acid patterns to B. bicornis and P. panini. The previous stereochemical assignment for (24R,25S)-VA isolated from the bile of varanid lizards and the Gila monster should now be revised to the (24S,25S)-configuration.

Quality Of End-Of-Life Care Is Higher In The VA Compared To Care Paid For By Traditional Medicare.

PubMed

Gidwani-Marszowski, Risha; Needleman, Jack; Mor, Vincent; Faricy-Anderson, Katherine; Boothroyd, Derek B; Hsin, Gary; Wagner, Todd H; Lorenz, Karl A; Patel, Manali I; Joyce, Vilija R; Murrell, Samantha S; Ramchandran, Kavitha; Asch, Steven M

2018-01-01

Congressional and Veterans Affairs (VA) leaders have recommended the VA become more of a purchaser than a provider of health care. Fee-for-service Medicare provides an example of how purchased care differs from the VA's directly provided care. Using established indicators of overly intensive end-of-life care, we compared the quality of care provided through the two systems to veterans dying of cancer in fiscal years 2010-14. The Medicare-reliant veterans were significantly more likely to receive high-intensity care, in the form of chemotherapy, hospital stays, admission to the intensive care unit, more days spent in the hospital, and death in the hospital. However, they were significantly less likely than VA-reliant patients to have multiple emergency department visits. Higher-intensity end-of-life care may be driven by financial incentives present in fee-for-service Medicare but not in the VA's integrated system. To avoid putting VA-reliant veterans at risk of receiving lower-quality care, VA care-purchasing programs should develop coordination and quality monitoring programs to guard against overly intensive end-of-life care.

Geropsychology Training in a VA Nursing Home Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karel, Michele J.; Moye, Jennifer

2005-01-01

There is a growing need for professional psychology training in nursing home settings, and nursing homes provide a rich environment for teaching geropsychology competencies. We describe the nursing home training component of our Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Predoctoral Internship and Geropsychology Postdoctoral Fellowship programs. Our…

Access to mental health care among women Veterans: is VA meeting women's needs?

PubMed

Kimerling, Rachel; Pavao, Joanne; Greene, Liberty; Karpenko, Julie; Rodriguez, Allison; Saweikis, Meghan; Washington, Donna L

2015-04-01

Patient-centered access to mental health describes the fit between patient needs and resources of the system. To date, little data are available to guide implementation of services to women veterans, an underrepresented minority within Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) health care. The current study examines access to mental health care among women veterans, and identifies gender-related indicators of perceived access to mental health care. A population-based sample of 6287 women veterans using VA primary care services participated in a survey of past year perceived need for mental health care, mental health utilization, and gender-related mental health care experiences. Subjective rating of how well mental health care met their needs was used as an indicator of perceived access. Half of all women reported perceived mental health need; 84.3% of those women received care. Nearly all mental health users (90.9%) used VA services, although only about half (48.8%) reported that their mental health care met their needs completely or very well. Gender related experiences (availability of female providers, women-only treatment settings, women-only treatment groups, and gender-related comfort) were each associated with 2-fold increased odds of perceived access, and associations remained after adjusting for ease of getting care. Women VA users demonstrate very good objective access to mental health services. Desire for, and access to specialized mental health services for women varies across the population and are important aspects of shared decision making in referral and treatment planning for women using VA primary care.

76 FR 27970 - Safety Zone; Cape Charles Fireworks, Cape Charles Harbor, Cape Charles, VA.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-13

... Charles will sponsor a fireworks display on the shoreline of the navigable waters of Cape Charles City...[deg]01'30'' W (NAD 1983). This safety zone will be established in the vicinity of Cape Charles, VA...-AA00 Safety Zone; Cape Charles Fireworks, Cape Charles Harbor, Cape Charles, VA. AGENCY: Coast Guard...

76 FR 38302 - Safety Zone; Cape Charles Fireworks, Cape Charles Harbor, Cape Charles, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-30

... the Town of Cape Charles will sponsor a fireworks display on the shoreline of the navigable waters of...-AA00 Safety Zone; Cape Charles Fireworks, Cape Charles Harbor, Cape Charles, VA AGENCY: Coast Guard... navigable waters of Cape Charles City Harbor in Cape Charles, VA in support of the Fourth of July Fireworks...

76 FR 67557 - Proposed Information Collection (Survey of Veteran Enrollees' Health and Reliance Upon VA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-01

... of Veteran Enrollees' Health and Reliance Upon VA) Activity: Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Health... enrollees' health status and reliance on VA's health care services. DATES: Written comments and... of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. Title: Survey...

Valproic Acid Use During Radiation Therapy for Glioblastoma Associated With Improved Survival

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barker, Christopher A., E-mail: barkerc@mskcc.org; Bishop, Andrew J.; Chang, Maria

2013-07-01

Purpose: Valproic acid (VA) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor taken by patients with glioblastoma (GB) to manage seizures, and it can modulate the biologic effects of radiation therapy (RT). We investigated whether VA use during RT for GB was associated with overall survival (OS). Methods and Materials: Medical records of 544 adults with GB were retrospectively reviewed. Analyses were performed to determine the association of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RTOG RPA) class, seizure history, and concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) and AED use during RT with OS. Results: Seizures before the end of RTmore » were noted in 217 (40%) patients, and 403 (74%) were taking an AED during RT; 29 (7%) were taking VA. Median OS in patients taking VA was 16.9 months (vs 13.6 months taking another AED, P=.16). Among patients taking an AED during RT, OS was associated with VA (P=.047; hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-1.07), and RTOG RPA class (P<.0001; HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.37-1.61). Of the 5 most common AEDs, only VA was associated with OS. Median OS of patients receiving VA and TMZ during RT was 23.9 months (vs 15.2 months for patients taking another AED, P=.26). When the analysis was restricted to patients who received concurrent TMZ, VA use was marginally associated with OS (P=.057; HR, 0.54; 95% CI, −0.09 to 1.17), independently of RTOG RPA class and seizure history. Conclusions: VA use during RT for GB was associated with improved OS, independently of RTOG RPA, seizure history, and concurrent TMZ use. Further studies of treatment that combines HDAC inhibitors and RT are warranted.« less

Use of the Decision Support System for VA cost-effectiveness research.

PubMed

Barnett, P G; Rodgers, J H

1999-04-01

The Department of Veterans Affairs is adopting the Decision Support System (DSS), computer software and databases which include a cost-accounting system which determines the cost of health care products and patient encounters. A system for providing cost data for cost-effectiveness analysis should be provide valid, detailed, and comprehensive data that can be aggregated. The design of DSS is described and compared with those criteria. Utilization data from DSS was compared with other VA utilization data. Aggregate DSS cost data from 35 medical centers was compared with relative resource weights developed for the Medicare program. Data on hospital stays at 3 facilities found that 3.7% of the stays in DSS were not in the VA discharge database, whereas 7.6% of the stays in the discharge data were not in DSS. DSS reported between 68.8% and 97.1% of the outpatient encounters reported by six facilities in the ambulatory care data base. Relative weights for each Diagnosis Related Group based on DSS data from 35 VA facilities correlated with Medicare weights (correlation coefficient of .853). DSS will be useful for research if certain problems are overcome. It is difficult to distinguish long-term from acute hospital care. VA does not have a complete database of all inpatient procedures, so DSS has not assigned them a specific cost. The authority to access encounter-level DSS data needs to be centralized. Researchers can provide the feedback needed to improve DSS cost estimates. A comprehensive encounter-level extract would facilitate use of DSS for research.

Brand-Name Prescription Drug Use Among Diabetes Patients in the VA and Medicare Part D: A National Comparison

PubMed Central

Gellad, Walid F.; Donohue, Julie M.; Zhao, Xinhua; Mor, Maria K.; Thorpe, Carolyn T.; Smith, Jeremy; Good, Chester B.; Fine, Michael J.; Morden, Nancy E.

2013-01-01

Background Medicare Part D and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) use different approaches to manage prescription drug benefits, with implications for spending. Medicare relies on private plans with distinct formularies, whereas VA administers its own benefit using a national formulary. Objective To compare overall and regional rates of brand-name drug use among older adults with diabetes in Medicare and VA. Design Retrospective cohort Setting Medicare and VA Patients National sample in 2008 of 1,061,095 Part D beneficiaries and 510,485 Veterans age 65+ with diabetes. Measurements Percent of patients on oral hypoglycemics, statins, and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor-blockers who filled brand-name drugs and percent of patients on long-acting insulin who filled analogues. We compared sociodemographic and health-status adjusted hospital referral region (HRR) brand-name use to examine local practice patterns, and calculated changes in spending if each system’s brand-name use mirrored the other. Results Brand-name use in Medicare was 2–3 times that of VA: 35.3% vs. 12.7% for oral hypoglycemics, 50.7% vs. 18.2% for statins, 42.5% vs. 20.8% for angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor-blockers, and 75.1% vs. 27.0% for insulin analogues. Adjusted HRR brand-name statin use ranged (5th to 95th percentile) from 41.0%–58.3% in Medicare and 6.2%–38.2% in VA. For each drug group, the HRR at the 95th percentile in VA had lower brand-name use than the 5th percentile HRR in Medicare. Medicare spending in this population would have been $1.4 billion less if brand-name use matched the VA for these medications. Limitation This analysis cannot fully describe the factors underlying differences in brand-name use. Conclusions Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes use 2–3 times more brand-name drugs than a comparable group within VA, at substantial excess cost. Primary Funding Sources VA; NIH; RWJF PMID:23752663

Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetics of danshensu, protocatechuic aldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methyloxyphenyl lactic acid and protocatechuic acid in human plasma by LC-MS/MS after oral administration of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Zhou, Hongjie; Chu, Yang; Wang, Xiangyang; Luo, Ruizhi; Yang, Liu; Polachi, Navaneethakrishnan; Li, Xiao; Chen, Min; Huang, Luqi; Yan, Xueying; Guo, Zhixin; Sun, He

2017-10-25

Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP), a herbal patent medicine, is widely used in China for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A simple, sensitive and reliable method for simultaneous determination of danshensu (DSS), protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA), and their related metabolites, 4-hydroxy-3-methyloxyphenyl lactic acid (HMLA) and protocatechuic acid (PAA) in human plasma was developed and validated based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The analytes and internal standard (IS), vanillic acid (VAA), were extracted from plasma with ethyl acetate and separated on a C 18 column by using the mobile phase consisted of methanol-0.1% formic acid via gradient elution. The electrospray ionization (ESI) source was applied and operated under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The linear calibration curves were obtained at the concentration ranges of 0.46-1000ng/mL for DSS and PAA, and 1.38-1000ng/mL for PCA and HMLA, respectively. The inter- and intra-day precisions (RSD%) were less than 13.5%, and the accuracy (±RE%) was within 13.4%. The described method was successfully applied for the clinical pharmacokinetics of CDDP in Chinese healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Differential Radiosensitizing Effect of Valproic Acid in Differentiation Versus Self-Renewal Promoting Culture Conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Debeb, Bisrat G.; Xu Wei; Mok, Henry

2010-03-01

Purpose: It has been shown that valproic acid (VA) enhances the proliferation and self-renewal of normal hematopoietic stem cells and that breast cancer stem/progenitor cells can be resistant to radiation. From these data, we hypothesized that VA would fail to radiosensitize breast cancer stem/progenitor cells grown to three-dimensional (3D) mammospheres. Methods and Materials: We used the MCF7 breast cancer cell line grown under stem cell-promoting culture conditions (3D mammosphere) and standard nonstem cell monolayer culture conditions (two-dimensional) to examine the effect of pretreatment with VA on radiation sensitivity in clonogenic survival assays and on the expression of embryonic stem cellmore » transcription factors. Results: 3D-cultured MCF-7 cells expressed higher levels of Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. The 3D passage enriched self-renewal and increased radioresistance in the 3D mammosphere formation assays. VA radiosensitized adherent cells but radioprotected 3D cells in single-fraction clonogenic assays. Moreover, fractionated radiation sensitized VA-treated adherent MCF7 cells but did not have a significant effect on VA-treated single cells grown to mammospheres. Conclusion: We have concluded that VA might preferentially radiosensitize differentiated cells compared with those expressing stem cell surrogates and that stem cell-promoting culture is a useful tool for in vitro evaluation of novel cancer therapeutic agents and radiosensitizers.« less

Comparative Analysis of VaR Estimation of Double Long-Memory GARCH Models: Empirical Analysis of China's Stock Market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Guangxi; Guo, Jianping; Xu, Lin

GARCH models are widely used to model the volatility of financial assets and measure VaR. Based on the characteristics of long-memory and lepkurtosis and fat tail of stock market return series, we compared the ability of double long-memory GARCH models with skewed student-t-distribution to compute VaR, through the empirical analysis of Shanghai Composite Index (SHCI) and Shenzhen Component Index (SZCI). The results show that the ARFIMA-HYGARCH model performance better than others, and at less than or equal to 2.5 percent of the level of VaR, double long-memory GARCH models have stronger ability to evaluate in-sample VaRs in long position than in short position while there is a diametrically opposite conclusion for ability of out-of-sample VaR forecast.

12 CFR 217.205 - VaR-based measure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... requirements. The Board-regulated institution must update data sets at least monthly or more frequently as... year. Data used to determine the VaR-based measure must be relevant to the Board-regulated institution.... A Board-regulated institution using this option must update its data more frequently than monthly...

KiVa Anti-Bullying Program in Italy: Evidence of Effectiveness in a Randomized Control Trial.

PubMed

Nocentini, Annalaura; Menesini, Ersilia

2016-11-01

The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the KiVa anti-bullying program in Italy through a randomized control trial of students in grades 4 and 6. The sample involved 2042 students (51 % female; grade 4, mean age = 8.85; ds = 0.43; grade 6, mean age = 10.93; ds = 0.50); 13 comprehensive schools were randomly assigned into intervention (KiVa) or control (usual school provision) conditions. Different outcomes (bullying, victimization, pro-bullying attitudes, pro-victim attitudes, empathy toward victims), analyses (longitudinal mixed model with multiple-item scales; longitudinal prevalence of bullies and victims using Olweus' single question), and estimates of effectiveness (Cohen's d; odds ratios) were considered in order to compare the Italian results with those from other countries. Multilevel models showed that KiVa reduced bullying and victimization and increased pro-victim attitudes and empathy toward the victim in grade 4, with effect sizes from 0.24 to 0.40. In grade 6, KiVa reduced bullying, victimization, and pro-bullying attitudes; the effects were smaller as compared to grade 4, yet significant (d ≥ 0.20). Finally, using Olweus dichotomous definition of bullies and victims, results showed that the odds of being a victim were 1.93 times higher for a control student than for a KiVa student in grade 4. Overall, the findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the program in Italy; the discussion will focus on factors that influenced successfully the transportability of the KiVa program in Italy.

Validity testing and neuropsychology practice in the VA healthcare system: results from recent practitioner survey (.).

PubMed

Young, J Christopher; Roper, Brad L; Arentsen, Timothy J

2016-05-01

A survey of neuropsychologists in the Veterans Health Administration examined symptom/performance validity test (SPVT) practices and estimated base rates for patient response bias. Invitations were emailed to 387 psychologists employed within the Veterans Affairs (VA), identified as likely practicing neuropsychologists, resulting in 172 respondents (44.4% response rate). Practice areas varied, with 72% at least partially practicing in general neuropsychology clinics and 43% conducting VA disability exams. Mean estimated failure rates were 23.0% for clinical outpatient, 12.9% for inpatient, and 39.4% for disability exams. Failure rates were the highest for mTBI and PTSD referrals. Failure rates were positively correlated with the number of cases seen and frequency and number of SPVT use. Respondents disagreed regarding whether one (45%) or two (47%) failures are required to establish patient response bias, with those administering more measures employing the more stringent criterion. Frequency of the use of specific SPVTs is reported. Base rate estimates for SPVT failure in VA disability exams are comparable to those in other medicolegal settings. However, failure in routine clinical exams is much higher in the VA than in other settings, possibly reflecting the hybrid nature of the VA's role in both healthcare and disability determination. Generally speaking, VA neuropsychologists use SPVTs frequently and eschew pejorative terms to describe their failure. Practitioners who require only one SPVT failure to establish response bias may overclassify patients. Those who use few or no SPVTs may fail to identify response bias. Additional clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Effects of the KiVa antibullying program on cyberbullying and cybervictimization frequency among Finnish youth.

PubMed

Williford, Anne; Elledge, L Christian; Boulton, Aaron J; DePaolis, Kathryn J; Little, Todd D; Salmivalli, Christina

2013-01-01

Cyberbullying among school-aged children has received increased attention in recent literature. However, no empirical evidence currently exists on whether existing school-based antibullying programs are effective in targeting the unique aspects of cyberbullying. To address this important gap, the present study investigates the unique effects of the KiVa Antibullying Program on the frequency of cyberbullying and cybervictimization among elementary and middle school youth. Using data from a group randomized controlled trial, multilevel ordinal regression analyses were used to examine differences in the frequencies of cyberbullying and cybervictimization between intervention (N = 9,914) and control students (N = 8,498). The effects of age and gender on frequencies of cyber behaviors were also assessed across conditions. Results revealed a significant intervention effect on the frequency of cybervictimization; KiVa students reported lower frequencies of cybervictimization at posttest than students in a control condition. The effect of condition on the perpetration of cyberbullying was moderated by age. When student age was below the sample mean, KiVa students reported lower frequencies of cyberbullying than students in the control condition. We also found evidence of classroom level variation in cyberbullying and cybervictimization, suggesting cyberbullying is in part a classroom-level phenomenon. KiVa appears to be an efficacious program to address cyber forms of bullying and victimization. We discuss several unique aspects of KiVa that may account for the significant intervention effects. Results suggest that KiVa is an intervention option for schools concerned with reducing cyberbullying behavior and its deleterious effects on children's adjustment.

Using policy to increase prescribing of smoking cessation medications in the VA healthcare system.

PubMed

Smith, Mark W; Chen, Shuo; Siroka, Andrew M; Hamlett-Berry, Kim

2010-12-01

Since 2002 the US Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system has initiated national policies and programmes to reduce smoking among its patients and to increase evidence-based treatment for smoking. To document changes in dispensing rates of cessation-related medications in VA from 2004 to 2008. Retrospective analysis of VA administrative data. Prescription fills for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and for bupropion among NRT users, each grew more than 60% in four years. The increase stemmed primarily from treating more people rather than from filling more prescriptions per person. The results provide strong support for the efficacy of these policies and illustrate how healthcare systems can successfully employ multiple strategies to increase evidence-based smoking-cessation treatment.

Congeners in sugar cane spirits aged in casks of different woods.

PubMed

Bortoletto, Aline M; Alcarde, André R

2013-08-15

The profile of volatile compounds and aging markers in sugar cane spirits aged for 36 months in casks made of 10 types of wood were studied. The ethanol content, volatile acidity, aldehydes, esters, higher alcohols, and methanol were determined. In addition, gallic, vanilic and syringic acids, siringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, vanillin, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural were identified and quantified. The profile of volatile compounds characterised aging in each type of wood. The beverage aged in oak cask achieved the highest contents of maturation-related congeners. The Brazilian woods, similar to oak, were jequitibá rosa and cerejeira, which presented the highest contents of some maturation-related compounds, such as vanillin, vanilic acid, syringaldehyde and sinapaldehyde. Although oak wood conferred more chemical complexity to the beverage, Brazilian woods, singly or complementarily, present potential for spirit characterisation and for improving the quality of sugar cane spirits. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

30 CFR 57.22218 - Seals and stoppings (III, V-A, and V-B mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Seals and stoppings (III, V-A, and V-B mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22218 Seals and stoppings (III, V-A, and V-B mines). (a) All seals, and those stoppings that separate main intake from main...

30 CFR 57.22218 - Seals and stoppings (III, V-A, and V-B mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Seals and stoppings (III, V-A, and V-B mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22218 Seals and stoppings (III, V-A, and V-B mines). (a) All seals, and those stoppings that separate main intake from main...

30 CFR 57.22608 - Secondary blasting (I-A, II-A, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Secondary blasting (I-A, II-A, and V-A mines). 57.22608 Section 57.22608 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... blasting (I-A, II-A, and V-A mines). Prior to secondary blasting, tests for methane shall be made in the...

30 CFR 57.22608 - Secondary blasting (I-A, II-A, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Secondary blasting (I-A, II-A, and V-A mines). 57.22608 Section 57.22608 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... blasting (I-A, II-A, and V-A mines). Prior to secondary blasting, tests for methane shall be made in the...

30 CFR 57.22101 - Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22101 Section 57.22101 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). Persons shall not smoke or carry smoking materials, matches, or...

30 CFR 57.22101 - Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22101 Section 57.22101 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). Persons shall not smoke or carry smoking materials, matches, or...

30 CFR 57.22101 - Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22101 Section 57.22101 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). Persons shall not smoke or carry smoking materials, matches, or...

30 CFR 57.22101 - Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22101 Section 57.22101 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... Smoking (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). Persons shall not smoke or carry smoking materials, matches, or...

Managing the human side of change in VA's transformation.

PubMed

Backer, T E

1997-01-01

Transformational change interventions often fail or short fall of their intended impact on organizations and systems. One main reason is that these interventions frequently do not strategically address the complex human dynamics of change. This happens despite awareness of and commitment to intervening at this level by top management and change leaders. The wisdom that "systems don't change; people change" is widely acknowledged but inadequately applied. These are exactly the conditions the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faces in deploying its new Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs). Applying validated behavioral science strategies that address the human side of change will help VA implement VISNs effectively. Six strategies derived from many years of study and practice in the public and private sectors are discussed, along with suggestions for VISN managers about how to implement them.

Initiating an ophthalmic laser program for VA outpatients.

PubMed

Newcomb, R D

1995-08-01

Administrative and clinical considerations for the establishment of an ophthalmic laser program at a VA Outpatient Clinic are discussed. Outcomes of the first 320 patients treated over a 3-year period of time are presented. The program is evaluated from the perspectives of patient care, safety, maintenance, education, and economics.

77 FR 39346 - Proposed Information Collection (Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Case, VA Form...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

... in Appealed Case, VA Form 646. OMB Control Number: 2900-0042. Type of Review: Extension of a... (Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Case, VA Form 646) Activity: Comment Request AGENCY: The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Board of...

Effectiveness of Expanded Implementation of STAR-VA for Managing Dementia-Related Behaviors Among Veterans.

PubMed

Karel, Michele J; Teri, Linda; McConnell, Eleanor; Visnic, Stephanie; Karlin, Bradley E

2016-02-01

Nonpharmacological, psychosocial approaches are first-line treatments for managing behavioral symptoms in dementia, but they can be challenging to implement in long-term care settings. The Veterans Health Administration implemented STAR-VA, an interdisciplinary behavioral approach for managing challenging dementia-related behaviors in its Community Living Center (CLCs, nursing home care) settings. This study describes how the program was implemented and provides an evaluation of Veteran clinical outcomes and staff feedback on the intervention. One mental health professional and registered nurse team from 17 CLCs completed STAR-VA training, which entailed an experiential workshop followed by 6 months of expert consultation as they worked with their teams to implement STAR-VA with Veterans identified to have challenging dementia-related behaviors. The frequency and severity of target behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and agitation were evaluated at baseline and at intervention completion. Staff provided feedback regarding STAR-VA feasibility and impact. Seventy-one Veterans completed the intervention. Behaviors clustered into 6 types: care refusal or resistance, agitation, aggression, vocalization, wandering, and other. Frequency and severity of target behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and agitation all significantly decreased, with overall effect sizes of 1 or greater. Staff rated both benefits for Veterans and program feasibility favorably. This evaluation supports the feasibility and effectiveness of STAR-VA, an interdisciplinary, behavioral intervention for managing challenging behaviors among residents with dementia in CLCs. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America 2015.

Polyphenols rich fraction from Geoffroea decorticans fruits flour affects key enzymes involved in metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress and inflammatory process.

PubMed

Costamagna, M S; Zampini, I C; Alberto, M R; Cuello, S; Torres, S; Pérez, J; Quispe, C; Schmeda-Hirschmann, G; Isla, M I

2016-01-01

Geoffroea decorticans (chañar), is widely distributed throughout Northwestern Argentina. Its fruit is consumed as flour, arrope or hydroalcoholic beverage. The chañar fruits flour was obtained and 39 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified by HPLC-MS/MS(n). The compounds comprised caffeic acid glycosides, simple phenolics (protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid), a glycoside of vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid and its phenethyl ester as well as free and glycosylated flavonoids. The polyphenols enriched extract with and without gastroduodenal digestion inhibited enzymes associated with metabolic syndrome, including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase and hydroxyl methyl glutaryl CoA reductase. The polyphenolic extract exhibited antioxidant activity by different mechanisms and inhibited the pro-inflammatory enzymes (ciclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2). The polyphenolic extract did not showed mutagenic effect by Ames test against Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. These findings add evidence that chañar fruit flour may be considered a functional food with preventive properties against diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Testing V-A in Top Decay at CDF at √s = 1.8 TeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilminster, Ben

2004-02-01

The structure of the tbW vertex can be probed by measuring the polarization of the W in t → W + b → l + ν + b. The invariant mass of the the lepton and b quark measures the W decay angle which in turn allows a comparison with polarizations expected from a V-A and V+A tbW vertex. We measure the fraction by rate of Ws produced with a V+A coupling in lieu of the Standard Model V-A to be fV+A = -0.21-0.24+0.42 (stat) ± 0.21 (sys). We assign a limit of fV+A < 0.80 @ 95% CL. By combining this result with a complementary observable in the same data, we assign a limit of fV+A < 0.61 @ 95% CL. From this CDF Run I preliminary result, we find no evidence for a non-standard Model tbW vertex.

77 FR 48127 - Foreign-Trade Zone 20-Suffolk, VA; Notification of Proposed Production Activity, Usui...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-13

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B-53-2012] Foreign-Trade Zone 20--Suffolk, VA; Notification of Proposed Production Activity, Usui International Corporation, (Diesel Engine Fuel Lines), Chesapeake, VA The Virginia Port Authority, grantee of FTZ 20, submitted a notification of proposed production activity on behalf of Usui...

76 FR 59153 - Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Fairfax County, VA, and Featherstone...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-23

... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R5-R-2011-N128; BAC-4311-K9-S3] Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Fairfax County, VA, and Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, Prince William County, VA AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of...

48 CFR 852.219-72 - Evaluation factor for participation in the VA mentor-protégé program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... participation in the VA mentor-protégé program. 852.219-72 Section 852.219-72 Federal Acquisition Regulations... Texts of Provisions and Clauses 852.219-72 Evaluation factor for participation in the VA mentor-protégé... the VA Mentor-Protégé Program (DEC2009) This solicitation contains an evaluation factor or sub-factor...

Federal Health Care Center: VA and DOD Need to Develop Better Information to Monitor Operations and Improve Efficiency

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

delivery of health care that would be more accessible and less expensive than operating two federal medical centers serving VA and DOD beneficiaries in...departments—including DOD’s operational readiness mission—by integrating services previously provided by the former North Chicago VA Medical Center...1VA beneficiaries include veterans of military service and certain dependents and survivors. DOD beneficiaries include active duty

Correspondence of the Boston Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury-Lifetime (BAT-L) clinical interview and the VA TBI screen.

PubMed

Fortier, Catherine Brawn; Amick, Melissa M; Kenna, Alexandra; Milberg, William P; McGlinchey, Regina E

2015-01-01

Mild traumatic brain injury is the signature injury of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND), yet its identification and diagnosis is controversial and fraught with challenges. In 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a policy requiring traumatic brain injury (TBI) screening on all individuals returning from deployment in the OEF/OIF/OND theaters of operation that lead to the rapid and widespread use of the VA TBI screen. The Boston Assessment of TBI-Lifetime (BAT-L) is the first validated, postcombat semistructured clinical interview to characterize head injuries and diagnose TBIs throughout the life span, including prior to, during, and post-military service. Community-dwelling convenience sample of 179 OEF/OIF/OND veterans. BAT-L, VA TBI screen. Based on BAT-L diagnosis of military TBI, the VA TBI screen demonstrated similar sensitivity (0.85) and specificity (0.82) when administered by research staff. When BAT-L diagnosis was compared with historical clinician-administered VA TBI screen in a subset of participants, sensitivity was reduced. The specificity of the research-administered VA TBI screen was more than adequate. The sensitivity of the VA TBI screen, although relatively high, suggests that it does not oversample or "catch all" possible military TBIs. Traumatic brain injuries identified by the BAT-L, but not identified by the VA TBI screen, were predominantly noncombat military injuries. There is potential concern regarding the validity and reliability of the clinician administered VA TBI screen, as we found poor correspondence between it and the BAT-L, as well as low interrater reliability between the clinician-administered and research-administered screen.

12 CFR 324.205 - VaR-based measure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... risk-based capital requirements. The FDIC-supervised institution must update data sets at least monthly... observation period of at least one year. Data used to determine the VaR-based measure must be relevant to the... portfolio over a full business cycle. An FDIC-supervised institution using this option must update its data...

12 CFR 3.205 - VaR-based measure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... bank or Federal savings association must update data sets at least monthly or more frequently as... be based on a historical observation period of at least one year. Data used to determine the VaR... using this option must update its data more frequently than monthly and in a manner appropriate for the...

30 CFR 57.22212 - Air flow (I-C, II-A, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Air flow (I-C, II-A, and V-A mines). 57.22212 Section 57.22212 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND... Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22212 Air flow (I-C, II-A, and V-A mines...

Les phénols de la lignine et le 13C, traceurs de l'origine des matières organiques du solLabelling the origin of soil organic matter by lignin phenols and 13C natural abundance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolivet, Claudy; Guillet, Bernard; Karroum, Michel; Andreux, Francis; Bernoux, Martial; Arrouays, Dominique

2001-11-01

In spodosols of Gascony (France), conversion of maritime pine stands into maize cropping leads to an incorporation of maize organic matter, which changed the isotopic ( δ13C) and phenolic signature in A and L horizons of soil. Hydrolysis of phenol lignin in forests and cultivated soils showed the predominance of vanillic units under forest and the early but moderate incorporation of cinnamic acids. Incorporation of syringic units appeared higher, related to a large maize production of stable syringic phenols. Syringic units represented a long-term marker of maize inputs in soils, whereas vanillic units revealed the degradation of forest organic matter.

Phenolic compounds in Ross Sea water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zangrando, Roberta; Barbaro, Elena; Gambaro, Andrea; Barbante, Carlo; Corami, Fabiana; Kehrwald, Natalie; Capodaglio, Gabriele

2016-04-01

Phenolic compounds are semi-volatile organic compounds produced during biomass burning and lignin degradation in water. In atmospheric and paleoclimatic ice cores studies, these compounds are used as biomarkers of wood combustion and supply information on the type of combusted biomass. Phenolic compounds are therefore indicators of paleoclimatic interest. Recent studies of Antarctic aerosols highlighted that phenolic compounds in Antarctica are not exclusively attributable to biomass burning but also derive from marine sources. In order to study the marine contribution to aerosols we developed an analytical method to determine the concentration of vanillic acid, vanillin, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, isovanillic acid, homovanillic acid, syringaldehyde, acetosyringone and acetovanillone present in dissolved and particle phases in Sea Ross waters using HPLC-MS/MS. The analytical method was validated and used to quantify phenolic compounds in 28 sea water samples collected during a 2012 Ross Sea R/V cruise. The observed compounds were vanillic acid, vanillin, acetovanillone and p-coumaric acid with concentrations in the ng/L range. Higher concentrations of analytes were present in the dissolved phase than in the particle phase. Sample concentrations were greatest in the coastal, surficial and less saline Ross Sea waters near Victoria Land.

Antioxidant capacity and amino acid profile of millet bran wine and the synergistic interaction between major polyphenols.

PubMed

Guo, XiaoXuan; Sha, XiaoHong; Rahman, Ebeydulla; Wang, Yong; Ji, BaoPing; Wu, Wei; Zhou, Feng

2018-03-01

Millet bran, the by-product of millet processing industry, contains an abundance of phytochemicals, especially polyphenols. The main objective of this study was brewing antioxidant wine from millet bran, as well as the nutritional evaluation. The total polyphenol content of wine samples was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH radical-scavenging capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results showed that millet bran wine (MBW) contained as much as six times of total polyphenols compared with millet wine (MW), and performed considerably stronger antioxidant activity in DPPH, TEAC and FRAP assays. More than sixfold of total amino acids (AA) were found in MBW than in MW. Moreover, the indispensable AA and functional AA were also abundant in MBW. The major polyphenol compounds in MBW were identified using HPLC, including vanillic acid, syringic acid (SA), p -coumaric acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA). They exhibited synergism in the antioxidant assays, especially the combinations of SA and CA, SA and FA. This study not only provides evidence for MBW as a nutraceutical with antioxidant activity, but also opens new avenues in the area of making comprehensive utilization of agricultural by-products.

77 FR 72816 - Foreign-Trade Zone 20-Suffolk, VA; Authorization of Production Activity; Usui International...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-06

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B-53-2012] Foreign-Trade Zone 20--Suffolk, VA; Authorization of Production Activity; Usui International Corporation (Diesel Engine Fuel Lines); Chesapeake, VA On June 28, 2012, the Virginia Port Authority, grantee of FTZ 20, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the...

78 FR 31840 - Safety Zone; USO Patriotic Festival Air Show, Atlantic Ocean; Virginia Beach, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-28

...-AA00 Safety Zone; USO Patriotic Festival Air Show, Atlantic Ocean; Virginia Beach, VA AGENCY: Coast... provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the USO Patriotic Festival Air Show. This action... Patriotic Festival Air Show, Atlantic Ocean; Virginia Beach, VA. (a) Regulated Area. The following area is a...

77 FR 39404 - Safety Zone; Wicomico Community Fireworks Rain Date, Great Wicomico River, Mila, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-03

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Wicomico Community Fireworks Rain Date, Great Wicomico River, Mila, VA AGENCY: Coast... zone on the Great Wicomico River in the vicinity of Mila, VA in support of the Wicomico Community Rain... as follows: Sec. 165.T05-0425 Safety Zone; Wicomico Community Fireworks Rain Date, Great Wicomico...

Valerenic Acid Protects Against Physical and Psychological Stress by Reducing the Turnover of Serotonin and Norepinephrine in Mouse Hippocampus-Amygdala Region

PubMed Central

Jung, Hyo Young; Yoo, Dae Young; Nam, Sung Min; Kim, Jong Whi; Choi, Jung Hoon; Yoo, Miyoung; Lee, Sanghee; Yoon, Yeo Sung

2015-01-01

Abstract In a previous study, we demonstrated that a Valeriana officinalis extract could attenuate increases in serum corticosterone levels in a mouse model of physical and psychological stress. In addition, our results showed that the extract could modulate serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) turnover in the hippocampus and amygdala region. In this study, we intended to investigate the effects of valerenic acid (VA), the main component of V. officinalis extract, on corticosterone levels in serum in normal mice and monoamine turnover in hippocampus-amygdala homogenates in a mouse model of physical and psychological stress. To determine the minimum dose of VA for antianxiety effect, eight-week-old ICR mice were orally administered VA (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg/0.3 mL) once daily for 3 weeks to probe for immobility time and serum corticosterone levels. At a VA dose of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, animals showed a decrease in the duration of immobility time and serum corticosterone levels. To confirm the antianxiety effect of VA, eight-week-old ICR mice received VA at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, orally, once daily for 3 weeks, before being subjected to physical or psychological stress for 3 days, in a specially designed communication box, followed by estimation of levels of monoamines and their metabolites in the hippocampus-amygdala region. In conclusion, VA administration at 0.5 mg/kg can mitigate the physical and psychological stress response by decreasing the turnover of 5-HT to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and NE to 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol sulfate in the hippocampus and amygdala. PMID:26177123

Advantages of core-shell particle columns in Sequential Injection Chromatography for determination of phenolic acids.

PubMed

Chocholouš, Petr; Vacková, Jana; Srámková, Ivana; Satínský, Dalibor; Solich, Petr

2013-01-15

Currently, for Sequential Injection Chromatography (SIC), only reversed phase C18 columns have been used for chromatographic separations. This article presents the first use of three different stationary phases: three core-shell particle-packed reversed phase columns in flow systems. The aim of this work was to extend the chromatographic capabilities of the SIC system. Despite the particle-packed columns reaching system pressures of ≤ 610 PSI, their conditions matched those of a commercially produced and optimised SIC system (SIChrom™ (FIAlab(®), USA)) with a 8-port high-pressure selection valve and medium-pressure Sapphire™ syringe pump with a 4 mL reservoir and maximum system pressure of ≤ 1000 PSI. The selectivity of each of the tested columns, Ascentis(®) Express RP-Amide, Ascentis(®) Express Phenyl-Hexyl and Ascentis(®) Express C18 (30 mm × 4.6mm, core-shell particle size 2.7 μm), was compared by their ability to separate seven phenolic acids that are secondary metabolite substances widely distributed in plants. The separations of all of the components were performed by isocratic elution using binary mobile phases composed of acetonitrile and 0.065% phosphoric acid at pH 2.4 (a specific ratio was used for each column) at a flow-rate of 0.60 mL/min. The volume of the mobile phase was 3.8 mL for each separation. The injection volume of the sample was 10 μL for each separation. The UV detection wavelengths were set to 250, 280 and 325 nm. The RP-Amide column provided the highest chromatographic resolution and allowed for complete baseline separation of protocatechuic, syringic, vanillic, ferulic, sinapinic, p-coumaric and o-coumaric acids. The Phenyl-Hexyl and C18 columns were unable to completely separate the tested mixture, syringic and vanillic acid and ferulic and sinapinic acids could not be separated from one another. The analytical parameters were a LOD of 0.3 mg L(-1), a LOQ of 1.0 mg L(-1), a calibration range of 1.0-50.0 (100.0) mg L(-1

38 CFR 17.71 - Revocation of VA approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Community Residential Care § 17.71 Revocation of VA approval. (a) If a hearing official determines under § 17.70 of this part that a community residential care facility does not comply with the standards set forth in § 17.63 of this part and determines that the community residential care facility shall not have...

ENTRANCE TO CEMETERY FROM VA MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS, WITH ADMINISTRATION ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

ENTRANCE TO CEMETERY FROM VA MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS, WITH ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IN BACKGROUND. VIEW TO NORTH. - Bath National Cemetery, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Juan Avenue, Bath, Steuben County, NY

Toward a VA Women's Health Research Agenda: setting evidence-based priorities to improve the health and health care of women veterans.

PubMed

Yano, Elizabeth M; Bastian, Lori A; Frayne, Susan M; Howell, Alexandra L; Lipson, Linda R; McGlynn, Geraldine; Schnurr, Paula P; Seaver, Margaret R; Spungen, Ann M; Fihn, Stephan D

2006-03-01

The expansion of women in the military is reshaping the veteran population, with women now constituting the fastest growing segment of eligible VA health care users. In recognition of the changing demographics and special health care needs of women, the VA Office of Research & Development recently sponsored the first national VA Women's Health Research Agenda-setting conference to map research priorities to the needs of women veterans and position VA as a national leader in Women's Health Research. This paper summarizes the process and outcomes of this effort, outlining VA's research priorities for biomedical, clinical, rehabilitation, and health services research.

Toward a VA Women's Health Research Agenda: Setting Evidence-based Priorities to Improve the Health and Health Care of Women Veterans

PubMed Central

Yano, Elizabeth M; Bastian, Lori A; Frayne, Susan M; Howell, Alexandra L; Lipson, Linda R; McGlynn, Geraldine; Schnurr, Paula P; Seaver, Margaret R; Spungen, Ann M; Fihn, Stephan D

2006-01-01

The expansion of women in the military is reshaping the veteran population, with women now constituting the fastest growing segment of eligible VA health care users. In recognition of the changing demographics and special health care needs of women, the VA Office of Research & Development recently sponsored the first national VA Women's Health Research Agenda-setting conference to map research priorities to the needs of women veterans and position VA as a national leader in Women's Health Research. This paper summarizes the process and outcomes of this effort, outlining VA's research priorities for biomedical, clinical, rehabilitation, and health services research. PMID:16637953

Functional evaluation of sublingual microcirculation indicates successful weaning from VA-ECMO in cardiogenic shock.

PubMed

Akin, Sakir; Dos Reis Miranda, Dinis; Caliskan, Kadir; Soliman, Osama I; Guven, Goksel; Struijs, Ard; van Thiel, Robert J; Jewbali, Lucia S; Lima, Alexandre; Gommers, Diederik; Zijlstra, Felix; Ince, Can

2017-10-26

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly adopted for the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS). However, a marker of successful weaning remains largely unknown. Our hypothesis was that successful weaning is associated with sustained microcirculatory function during ECMO flow reduction. Therefore, we sought to test the usefulness of microcirculatory imaging in the same sublingual spot, using incident dark field (IDF) imaging in assessing successful weaning from VA-ECMO and compare IDF imaging with echocardiographic parameters. Weaning was performed by decreasing the VA-ECMO flow to 50% (F 50 ) from the baseline. The endpoint of the study was successful VA-ECMO explantation within 48 hours after weaning. The response of sublingual microcirculation to a weaning attempt (WA) was evaluated. Microcirculation was measured in one sublingual area (single spot (ss)) using CytoCam IDF imaging during WA. Total vessel density (TVDss) and perfused vessel density (PVDss) of the sublingual area were evaluated before and during 50% flow reduction (TVDss F50 , PVDss F50 ) after a WA and compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters as indicators of the success or failure of the WA. Patients (n = 13) aged 49 ± 18 years, who received VA-ECMO for the treatment of refractory CS due to pulmonary embolism (n = 5), post cardiotomy (n = 3), acute coronary syndrome (n = 2), myocarditis (n = 2) and drug intoxication (n = 1), were included. TVDss F50 (21.9 vs 12.9 mm/mm 2 , p = 0.001), PVDss F50 (19.7 vs 12.4 mm/mm 2 , p = 0.01) and aortic velocity-time integral (VTI) at 50% flow reduction (VTI F50 ) were higher in patients successfully weaned vs not successfully weaned. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.99 vs 0.93 vs 0.85 for TVDss F50 (small vessels) >12.2 mm/mm 2 , left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >15% and aortic VTI >11 cm. Likewise, the AUC was 0.91 vs 0.93 vs 0.85 for the PVDss F50 (all vessels) >14

Military and VA General Dentistry Training: A National Resource.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atchison, Kathryn A.; Bachand, William; Buchanan, C. Richard; Lefever, Karen H.; Lin, Sylvia; Engelhardt, Rita

2002-01-01

Compared the program characteristics of the postgraduate general dentistry (PGD) training programs sponsored by the military and the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Gathered information on program infrastructure and emphasis, resident preparation prior to entering the program, and patients served and types of services provided. Programs…

78 FR 76061 - Authorization for Non-VA Medical Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-16

..., Health professions, Health records, Homeless, Mental health programs, Nursing homes, Reporting and... final rule adopts the proposed rule without changes. We received several comments urging VA to expand....009, Veterans Medical Care Benefits; 64.010, Veterans Nursing Home Care; 64.011, Veterans Dental Care...

Characteristics and service utilization of homeless veterans entering VA substance use treatment.

PubMed

Cox, Koriann B; Malte, Carol A; Saxon, Andrew J

2017-05-01

This article compares characteristics and health care utilization patterns of homeless veterans entering substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Baseline self-report and medical record data were collected from 181 homeless veterans participating in a randomized trial of SUD/housing case management. Veterans, categorized as newly (n = 45), episodically (n = 61), or chronically homeless (n = 75), were compared on clinical characteristics and health care utilization in the year prior to baseline. Between-groups differences were seen in stimulant use, bipolar, and depressive disorders. A significant majority accessed VA emergency department services, and nearly half accessed inpatient services, with more utilization among chronically versus newly homeless. A majority in all groups attended VA primary care (73.5%) and mental health (56.9%) visits, and 26.7% newly, 32.8% episodically, and 56.0% chronically homeless veterans initiated multiple SUD treatment episodes (p = .002). A significant proportion of veterans struggling with homelessness and SUDs appear to remain unstable despite high utilization of VA acute and preventative services. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Identification of Scirpus triqueter root exudates and the effects of organic acids on desorption and bioavailability of pyrene and lead in co-contaminated wetland soils.

PubMed

Hou, Yunyun; Liu, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Xinying; Chen, Xiao; Tao, Kaiyun; Chen, Xueping; Liang, Xia; He, Chiquan

2015-11-01

Root exudates (REs) of Scirpus triqueter were extracted from the rhizosphere soil in this study. The components in the REs were identified by GC-MS. Many organic acids, such as hexadecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, vanillic acid, octadecanoic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, and so on, were found. Batch simulated experiments were conducted to evaluate the impacts of different organic acids, such as citric acid, artificial root exudates (ARE), succinic acid, and glutaric acid in REs of S. triqueter on desorption of pyrene (PYR) and lead (Pb) in co-contaminated wetland soils. The desorption amount of PYR and Pb increased with the rise in concentrations of organic acids in the range of 0-50 g·L(-1), within shaking time of 2-24 h. The desorption effects of PYR and Pb in soils with various organic acids treatments decreased in the following order: citric acid > ARE > succinic acid > glutaric acid. The desorption rate of PYR and Pb was higher in co-contaminated soil than in single pollution soil. The impacts of organic acids in REs of S. triqueter on bioavailability of PYR and Pb suggested that organic acids enhanced the bioavailability of PYR and Pb in wetland soil, and the bioavailability effects of organic acids generally followed the same order as that of desorption effects.

30 CFR 57.22208 - Auxiliary fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Auxiliary fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22208 Section 57.22208 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Auxiliary fans, except fans used in shops and other areas...

30 CFR 57.22103 - Open flames (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Open flames (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22103 Section 57.22103 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... Open flames (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). Open flames shall not be permitted underground except for...

30 CFR 57.22207 - Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22207 Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Booster fans shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable...

30 CFR 57.22207 - Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22207 Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Booster fans shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable...

30 CFR 57.22207 - Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22207 Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Booster fans shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable...

30 CFR 57.22207 - Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines... NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22207 Booster fans (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Booster fans shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable...

VA/DoD Joint Executive Council FY 2009: Joint Strategic Plan FY 2010-2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

through the Military Health System (MHS) Population Health Portal . HEC Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health In FY 2009, VA and DoD made...available using the Deployment Occupational and Environmental Health Surveillance Portal . TBI and MH assessment tools were evaluated and monitored through...with increased access, VA maintained the frequency of encounters for treatment of PTSD and other MH conditions in Veterans of prior eras. To forecast

Laccase enzyme detoxifies hydrolysates and improves biogas production from hemp straw and miscanthus.

PubMed

Schroyen, Michel; Van Hulle, Stijn W H; Holemans, Sander; Vervaeren, Han; Raes, Katleen

2017-11-01

The impact of various phenolic compounds, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid on anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass (hemp straw and miscanthus) was studied. Such phenolic compounds have been known to inhibit biogas production during anaerobic digestion. The different phenolic compounds were added in various concentrations: 0, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000mg/L. A difference in inhibition of biomethane production between the phenolic compounds was noted. Hydrolysis rate, during anaerobic digestion of miscanthus was inhibited up to 50% by vanillic acid, while vanillic acid had no influence on the initial rate of biogas production during the anaerobic digestion of hemp straw. Miscanthus has a higher lignin concentration (12-30g/100gDM) making it less accessible for degradation, and in combination with phenolic compounds released after harsh pretreatments, it can cause severe inhibition levels during the anaerobic digestion, lowering biogas production. To counter the inhibition, lignin degrading enzymes can be used to remove or degrade the inhibitory phenolic compounds. The interaction of laccase and versatile peroxidase individually with the different phenolic compounds was studied to have insight in the polymerization of inhibitory compounds or breakdown of lignocellulose. Hemp straw and miscanthus were incubated with 0, 100 and 500mg/L of the different phenolic compounds for 0, 6 and 24h and pretreated with the lignin degrading enzymes. A laccase pretreatment successfully detoxified the substrate, while versatile peroxidase however was inhibited by 100mg/L of each of the individual phenolic compounds. Finally a combination of enzymatic detoxification and subsequent biogas production showed that a decrease in phenolic compounds by laccase treatment can considerably lower the inhibition levels of the biogas production. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of milk on the urinary excretion of microbial phenolic acids after cocoa powder consumption in humans.

PubMed

Urpi-Sarda, Mireia; Llorach, Rafael; Khan, Nasiruddin; Monagas, Maria; Rotches-Ribalta, Maria; Lamuela-Raventos, Rosa; Estruch, Ramon; Tinahones, Francisco J; Andres-Lacueva, Cristina

2010-04-28

Health effects of cocoa flavonols depend on their bioavailability, which is strongly influenced by the food matrix and the degree of flavanol polymerization. The effect of milk on the bioavailability of cocoa flavanoids considering phase II metabolites of epicatechin has been the subject of considerable debate. This work studies the effect of milk at the colonic microbial metabolism level of the nonabsorbed flavanol fraction that reaches the colon and is metabolized by the colonic microbiota into various phenolic acids. Twenty-one human volunteers followed a diet low in polyphenols for at least 48 h before taking, in a random order, 40 g of cocoa powder dissolved either in 250 mL of whole milk or in 250 mL of water. Urine samples were collected before the intake and during three different periods (0-6, 6-12, and 12-24 h). Phenolic acids were analyzed by LC-MS/MS after solid-phase extraction. Of the 15 metabolites assessed, the excretion of 9 phenolic acids was affected by the intake of milk. The urinary concentration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic, protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, 4-hydroxyhippuric, hippuric, caffeic, and ferulic acids diminished after the intake of cocoa with milk, whereas urinary concentrations of vanillic and phenylacetic acids increased. In conclusion, milk partially affects the formation of microbial phenolic acids derived from the colonic degradation of procyanidins and other compounds present in cocoa powder.

Assessment of phenolic acid content and in vitro antiradical characteristics of hawthorn.

PubMed

Öztürk, Nilgün; Tunçel, Muzaffer

2011-06-01

The infusions and extracts obtained from leaves with flowers, fruit peel, and seed from hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Family Rosaceae) were subjected to evaluation as potential sources of antioxidant phytochemicals on the basis of their total content of phenolics, levels of phenolic acids, and in vitro antiradical activity. Total phenolic content of extracts was determined using the modified Folin-Ciocalteau method. Antioxidant activity was determined for phenolic extracts by a method involving the use of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Phenolic acids containing extracts and infusions from hawthorn leaves, fruit peel, and seeds were obtained using different polarity solvents and separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, which enabled improved separation by the use of a C(18) column, an acidic mobile phase, and gradient elusion. The highest total phenolic content (343.54 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g) and the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity as the inhibition percentage (60.36%) were obtained in ethyl acetate extract from hawthorn leaves with flower. Also, the highest phenolic acid content was measured in the extracts of hawthorn leaves with flowers: protocathechuic (108-128 mg/100 g), p-hydroxy benzoic (141-468 mg/100 g), caffeic (137-3,580 mg/100 g), chlorogenic (925-4,637 mg/100 g), ferulic (3,363-3,462 mg/100 g), vanillic (214 mg/100 g), and syringic (126 mg/100 g) acids. The results indicate that hawthorn is a promising plant because of its high antioxidant activity.

77 FR 27118 - Safety Zone; Rocketts Red Glare Fireworks, Ancarrows Landing Park, James River, Richmond, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-09

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG-2012-0114] RIN 1625-AA00 Safety Zone; Rocketts Red Glare Fireworks, Ancarrows Landing Park, James River, Richmond, VA... Glare Fireworks, Ancarrows Landing Park, James River, Richmond, VA in the Federal Register (76 FR 13525...

38 CFR 21.4216 - Review of decision of Director of VA Regional Processing Office of jurisdiction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Director of VA Regional Processing Office of jurisdiction. 21.4216 Section 21.4216 Pensions, Bonuses, and... Administration of Educational Assistance Programs Schools § 21.4216 Review of decision of Director of VA Regional Processing Office of jurisdiction. (a) Decision is subject to review by the Director, Education Service. At...

75 FR 34934 - Safety Zone; Fireworks for the Virginia Lake Festival, Buggs Island Lake, Clarksville, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-21

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Fireworks for the Virginia Lake Festival, Buggs Island Lake, Clarksville, VA AGENCY... Fireworks for the Virginia Lake Festival event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic movement... Virginia Lake Festival, Buggs Island Lake, Clarksville, VA (a) Regulated Area. The following area is a...

National Dam Safety Program. Upper Apple Mountain & Lower Apple Mountain. Dam (Inventory Number VA 18711 and VA 18709), Potomac River Basin, Warren County, Virginia. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

pt 3349 tIto . %. 0- Z 20a Z US It - r.422 j - oil too I - i n IN IU w-nj 1.t 1-1 1 1 Uzi bp- r* 93 I .- -CL US0 (1syOWSW!)C 91 00A o Z z 49 W, x _jW4~0...UNCLASSIFIED .’mollIIEIEEIIII l//lEEBhE/h//E IIIEEIIIlIIIII I hhhhhhhhhhhhl POTOAC RIVER BASIN Name Of Dam: UPPER APPLE MTN. 6 LOWER ALE Mt. Location...WARREN COUNTY Inventory Number: VA. 48711 S VA. 16709 PHASE I INSPECTION REPORT NATIONAL DAM SAFETY PROGRAM + I + - SEP3 tell. "=: ~~t PUMP, -We"* li

VA Education Benefits: VA Should Strengthen Its Efforts to Help Veterans Make Informed Education Choices. Report to Congressional Requesters. GAO-14-324

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emrey-Arras, Melissa

2014-01-01

In fiscal year 2013, VA provided over $12 billion in benefits for veterans' postsecondary education; however, questions have been raised as to whether some schools are receiving these funds as a result of inappropriate recruiting practices. GAO was asked to examine issues related to schools' recruitment of veterans. This report examines (1) how…

Development of novel agar media for isolating guaiacol producing Alicyclobacillus spp.

PubMed

Chang, S S; Park, S H; Kang, D H

2013-06-03

The purpose of this study is to develop a selective and differential medium (SK2 agar) for isolating guaiacol producing Alicyclobacillus. Forty-one selected dyes and vanillic acid were incorporated in SK agar for screening selective and differential agents. Two guaiacol producing (1016, 1101) and two non-guaiacol producing (19220, C-GD 1-1) Alicyclobacillus isolates were streaked onto media and color differentiation of the isolates was assessed. Among 41 tested dyes, Chrome Azurol S (CAS) allowed color differentiation of the two types of Alicyclobacillus. Colonies of guaiacol producing Alicyclobacillus isolates appeared as dark purple to royal blue color with yellow background, whereas non-guaiacol producing Alicyclobacillus isolates produced cream colored colonies with yellow background. Vanillic acid not only served as a precursor for guaiacol formation but also inhibited non-guaiacol producing Alicyclobacillus. Non-guaiacol producing isolates did not grow on SK agar containing more than 70 ppm vanillic acid, whereas the recovery of guaiacol producing isolates was unaffected. When compared with other Alicyclobacillus isolation media, not only was SK2 agar capable of selectively recovering guaiacol-producing Alicyclobacillus, the degree of growth was also approximately equal if not better than orange serum agar, potato dextrose agar, and K agar. The development of SK2 agar provides the fruit juice industry with an inexpensive, simple to use alternative for the detection of guaiacol producing Alicyclobacillus. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

VA/DoD Collaboration Guidebook for Healthcare Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-24

specific time periods. The VA has academic affiliates that, in some instances, may supplement a researcher’s income and provide tenure and academic ...Clinical care dollars only Career Scientist and Research Scientist Research efforts paid by research funds Academic Researcher Research or...their graduate medical education (GME) program training director. DoD researchers may have scientific academic affiliations with the Uniformed

Automated Tumor Registry for Oncology. A VA-DHCP MUMPS application.

PubMed

Richie, S

1992-01-01

The VA Automated Tumor Registry for Oncology, Version 2, is a multifaceted, completely automated user-friendly cancer database. Easy to use modules include: Automatic Casefinding; Suspense Files; Abstracting and Printing; Follow-up; Annual Reports; Statistical Reports; Utility Functions.

77 FR 12997 - Drug and Drug-Related Supply Promotion by Pharmaceutical Company Representatives at VA Facilities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-05

... reduce or eliminate any potential for disruption in the patient care environment, manage activities and... activities that VA staff would otherwise perform during duty hours, including patient care and other... important that VA be able to limit the effects of such promotion on patient care. Again, we make no changes...

Comparison of topical fixed-combination fortified vancomycin-amikacin (VA solution) to conventional separate therapy in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer.

PubMed

Chiang, C-C; Lin, J-M; Chen, W-L; Chiu, Y-T; Tsai, Y-Y

2009-02-01

In an in vitro study, fixed-combination fortified vancomycin and amikacin ophthalmic solutions (VA solution) had the same potency and stable physical properties as the separate components. In this retrospective clinical study, we evaluated the efficacy of the topical VA solution in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer and comparison with separate topical fortified vancomycin and amikacin. Separate topical fortified eye drops was used prior to January 2004 and switched to the VA solution afterwards in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcer. The medical records of 223 patients diagnosed with bacterial corneal ulcers between January 2002 and December 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 122 patients in the VA group and 101 in the separate group. Cure was defined as complete healing of the ulcer accompanied by a nonprogressive stromal infiltrate on two consecutive visits. No significant difference was found between the VA and separate therapy group. The mean treatment duration was 15.4 days in the VA group and 16.1 days in the separate therapy group. The average hospital stay was 5.4 days (VA) and 7.2 days (separate antibiotics). Stromal infiltration regressed significantly without further expansion in both groups. All corneal ulcers completely re-epithelialized without complications related to drugs. VA solution provided similar efficacy to the conventional separate therapy in the treatment of bacterial corneal ulcers; however, it is more convenient and tolerable, promotes patient's compliance, avoids the washout effect, and reduces nurse utilization. Hence, VA solution is a good alternative to separate therapy.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zeng, Xiaofei; Borole, Abhijeet P.; Pavlostathis, Spyros G.

Furanic and phenolic compounds are 20 lignocellulose-derived compounds known to inhibit to H2- and ethanol- producing microorganisms in dark fermentation. Bioelectrochemical conversion of furanic and phenolic compounds to electricity or H2 has recently been demonstrated as a productive method to use these compounds. However, potential inhibitory effect of furanic and phenolic compounds on exoelectrogenesis in bioelectrochemical systems is not well understood. This study systematically investigated the inhibitory effect of furfural (FF), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), syringic acid (SA), vanillic acid (VA), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) on exoelectrogenesis in the bioanode of a microbial electrolysis cell. A mixture of these five compounds atmore » an increasing initial total concentration from 0.8 to 8.0 g/L resulted in current decrease up to 91%. The observed inhibition primarily affected exoelectrogenesis, instead of non-exoelectrogenic biotransformation pathways (e.g., fermentation) of the five compounds. Furthermore, the parent compounds at a high concentration, as opposed to their biotransformation products, were responsible for the observed inhibition. Tests with individual compounds show that all five parent compounds contributed to the observed inhibition by the mixture. The IC50 (concentration resulting in 50% current decrease) was estimated as 2.7 g/L for FF, 3.0 g/L for HMF, 1.9 g/L for SA, 2.1 g/L for VA and 2.0 g/L for HBA. Nevertheless, these compounds below their non-inhibitory concentrations jointly resulted in significant inhibition as a mixture. Catechol and phenol, which were persistent biotransformation products of the mixture, inhibited exoelectrogens at high concentrations, but to a lesser extent than the parent compounds. Recovery of exoelectrogenesis from inhibition by all compounds was observed, except for catechol, which resulted in irreversible inhibition. The reversibility of inhibition, as well as the observed difference in recovery

Inhibitory Effect of Furanic and Phenolic Compounds on Exoelectrogenesis in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell Bioanode

DOE PAGES

Zeng, Xiaofei; Borole, Abhijeet P.; Pavlostathis, Spyros G.

2016-09-09

Furanic and phenolic compounds are 20 lignocellulose-derived compounds known to inhibit to H2- and ethanol- producing microorganisms in dark fermentation. Bioelectrochemical conversion of furanic and phenolic compounds to electricity or H2 has recently been demonstrated as a productive method to use these compounds. However, potential inhibitory effect of furanic and phenolic compounds on exoelectrogenesis in bioelectrochemical systems is not well understood. This study systematically investigated the inhibitory effect of furfural (FF), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), syringic acid (SA), vanillic acid (VA), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) on exoelectrogenesis in the bioanode of a microbial electrolysis cell. A mixture of these five compounds atmore » an increasing initial total concentration from 0.8 to 8.0 g/L resulted in current decrease up to 91%. The observed inhibition primarily affected exoelectrogenesis, instead of non-exoelectrogenic biotransformation pathways (e.g., fermentation) of the five compounds. Furthermore, the parent compounds at a high concentration, as opposed to their biotransformation products, were responsible for the observed inhibition. Tests with individual compounds show that all five parent compounds contributed to the observed inhibition by the mixture. The IC50 (concentration resulting in 50% current decrease) was estimated as 2.7 g/L for FF, 3.0 g/L for HMF, 1.9 g/L for SA, 2.1 g/L for VA and 2.0 g/L for HBA. Nevertheless, these compounds below their non-inhibitory concentrations jointly resulted in significant inhibition as a mixture. Catechol and phenol, which were persistent biotransformation products of the mixture, inhibited exoelectrogens at high concentrations, but to a lesser extent than the parent compounds. Recovery of exoelectrogenesis from inhibition by all compounds was observed, except for catechol, which resulted in irreversible inhibition. The reversibility of inhibition, as well as the observed difference in recovery

Functional improvement of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to reduce volatile acidity in wine.

PubMed

Luo, Zongli; Walkey, Christopher J; Madilao, Lufiani L; Measday, Vivien; Van Vuuren, Hennie J J

2013-08-01

Control of volatile acidity (VA) is a major issue for wine quality. In this study, we investigated the production of VA by a deletion mutant of the fermentation stress response gene AAF1 in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentations were carried out in commercial Chardonnay grape must to mimic industrial wine-making conditions. We demonstrated that a wine yeast strain deleted for AAF1 reduced acetic acid levels in wine by up to 39.2% without increasing the acetaldehyde levels, revealing a potential for industrial application. Deletion of the cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase gene ALD6 also reduced acetic acid levels dramatically, but increased the acetaldehyde levels by 41.4%, which is not desired by the wine industry. By comparison, ALD4 and the AAF1 paralog RSF2 had no effects on acetic acid production in wine. Deletion of AAF1 was detrimental to the growth of ald6Δ and ald4Δald6Δ mutants, but had no effect on acetic acid production. Overexpression of AAF1 dramatically increased acetic acid levels in wine in an Ald6p-dependent manner, indicating that Aaf1p regulates acetic acid production mainly via Ald6p. Overexpression of AAF1 in an ald4Δald6Δ strain produced significantly more acetic acid in wine than the ald4Δald6Δ mutant, suggesting that Aaf1p may also regulate acetic acid synthesis independently of Ald4p and Ald6p. © 2013 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Integrated Care Team Approach of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Geriatric Primary Care.

PubMed

Rasin-Waters, Donna; Abel, Valerie; Kearney, Lisa K; Zeiss, Antonette

2018-05-01

Historically, integrated mental and behavioral healthcare in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) commenced with initiatives in geriatrics. Innovation and system-wide expansion has occurred over decades and culminated in a unified vision for training and practice in the VA medical home model: Patient Aligned Care Team or PACT approach. In one VA hospital, the integration of neuropsychological services in geriatric primary care is pivotal and increases access for patients, as well as contributing to timely and effective care on an interprofessional team. The development and innovative use of an algorithm to identify problems with cognition, health literacy, and mental and behavioral health has been pragmatic and provides useful information for collaborative treatment planning in GeriPACT, VA geriatric primary care. Use of the algorithm also assists with decision-making regarding brief versus comprehensive neuropsychological assessment in the primary care setting. The model presented here was developed by supervising neuropsychologists as part of a postdoctoral residency program in geropsychology. However, postdoctoral residency programs in neuropsychology, as well as neuropsychological clinics, can also use this model to integrate neuropsychological assessment and interventions in geriatric primary care settings.

Color perception differentiates Alzheimer's Disease (AD) from Vascular Dementia (VaD) patients.

PubMed

Arnaoutoglou, N A; Arnaoutoglou, M; Nemtsas, P; Costa, V; Baloyannis, S J; Ebmeier, K P

2017-08-01

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Vascular Dementia (VaD) are the most common causes of dementia in older people. Both diseases appear to have similar clinical symptoms, such as deficits in attention and executive function, but specific cognitive domains are affected. Current cohort studies have shown a close relationship between αβ deposits and age-related macular degeneration (Johnson et al., 2002; Ratnayaka et al., 2015). Additionally, a close link between the thinning of the retinal nerve fiber (RNFL) and AD patients has been described, while it has been proposed that AD patients suffer from a non-specific type of color blindness (Pache et al., 2003). Our study included 103 individuals divided into three groups: A healthy control group (n = 35), AD (n = 32) according to DSM-IV-TR, NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, and VaD (n = 36) based on ΝΙΝDS-AIREN, as well as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results. The severity of patient's cognitive impairment, was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and was classified according to the Reisberg global deterioration scale (GDS). Visual perception was examined using the Ishihara plates: "Ishihara Color Vision Test - 38 Plate." The three groups were not statistically different for demographic data (age, gender, and education). The Ishihara color blindness test has a sensitivity of 80.6% and a specificity of 87.5% to discriminate AD and VaD patients when an optimal (32.5) cut-off value of performance is used. Ishihara Color Vision Test - 38 Plate is a promising potential method as an easy and not time-consuming screening test for the differential diagnosis of dementia between AD and VaD.

Phenolic acids as bioindicators of fly ash deposit revegetation.

PubMed

Djurdjević, L; Mitrović, M; Pavlović, P; Gajić, G; Kostić, O

2006-05-01

The floristic composition, the abundance, and the cover of pioneer plant species of spontaneously formed plant communities and the content of total phenolics and phenolic acids, as humus constituents, of an ash deposit after 7 years of recultivation were studied. The restoration of both the soil and the vegetation on the ash deposits of the "Nikola Tesla-A" thermoelectric power plant in Obrenovac (Serbia) is an extremely slow process. Unfavorable physical and chemical characteristics, the toxicity of fly ash, and extreme microclimatic conditions prevented the development of compact plant cover. The abundance and cover of plants increased from the central part of the deposit towards its edges (ranging from 1-80%). Festuca rubra L., Crepis setosa Hall., Erigeron canadensis L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Calamagrostis epigeios (L.) Roth., and Tamarix gallica L. were the most abundant species, thus giving the highest cover. Humus generated during the decomposition process of plant remains represents a completely new product absent in the ash as the starting material. The amount of total phenolics and phenolic acids (38.07-185.16 microg/g of total phenolics and 4.12-27.28 microg/g of phenolic acids) in fly ash increased from the center of the deposit towards its edges in correlation with the increase in plant abundance and cover. Ash samples contained high amounts of ferulic, vanillic, and p-coumaric acid, while the content of both p-hydroxybenzoic and syringic acid was relatively low. The presence of phenolic acids indicates the ongoing process of humus formation in the ash, in which the most abundant pioneer plants of spontaneously formed plant communities play the main role. Phenolic compounds can serve as reliable bioindicators in an assessment of the success of the recultivation process of thermoelectric power plants' ash deposits.

76 FR 59502 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Gordonsville, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-27

... at Gordonsville, VA, to accommodate the new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures serving Gordonsville Municipal Airport. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight... approach procedures developed for Gordonsville Municipal Airport. This action is necessary for the safety...

Automated Tumor Registry for Oncology. A VA-DHCP MUMPS application.

PubMed Central

Richie, S.

1992-01-01

The VA Automated Tumor Registry for Oncology, Version 2, is a multifaceted, completely automated user-friendly cancer database. Easy to use modules include: Automatic Casefinding; Suspense Files; Abstracting and Printing; Follow-up; Annual Reports; Statistical Reports; Utility Functions. PMID:1482866

Chaplains' Engagement with Suicidality among Their Service Users: Findings from the VA/DoD Integrated Mental Health Strategy.

PubMed

Kopacz, Marek S; Nieuwsma, Jason A; Jackson, George L; Rhodes, Jeffrey E; Cantrell, William C; Bates, Mark J; Meador, Keith G

2016-04-01

Chaplains play an important role in supporting the mental health of current and former military personnel; in this study, the engagement of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Army, Navy, and Air Force chaplains with suicidality among their service users were examined. An online survey was used to collect data from 440 VA and 1,723 Department of Defense (DoD) chaplains as part of the VA/DoD Integrated Mental Health Strategy. Differences were noted for demographics, work setting characteristics, encountering suicidality, and self-perceived preparation for dealing with suicidality. Compared to DoD chaplains, VA chaplains encounter more at-risk service users, yet feel less prepared for dealing with suicidality. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Waves from the Sun: to the 100th anniversary of V.A. Troitskaya's birth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guglielmi, Anatol; Potapov, Alexander

2017-09-01

It has been one hundred years since the birth of the outstanding scientist Professor V.A. Troitskaya. Her remarkable achievements in solar-terrestrial physics are widely known. For many years, Valeria A. Troitskaya was the President of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy. This article deals with only one aspect of the multifaceted creative activity of V.A. Troitskaya. It relates to the problem of sources of ultra-low frequency (ULF) electromagnetic oscillations and waves outside Earth’s magnetosphere. We were fortunate to work under the leadership of V.A. Troitskaya on this problem. In this paper, we briefly describe the history from the emergence of the idea of the extramagnetospheric origin of dayside permanent ULF oscillations in the late 1960s to the modern quest made by ground and satellite means for ULF waves excited by solar surface oscillations propagating in the interplanetary medium and reaching Earth.

Contraceptive Provision in the VA Healthcare System to Women Who Report Military Sexual Trauma

PubMed Central

Mattocks, Kristin; Schwarz, Eleanor Bimla; Borrero, Sonya; Skanderson, Melissa; Zephyrin, Laurie; Brandt, Cynthia; Haskell, Sally

2014-01-01

Abstract Background: Women Veterans who suffered military sexual trauma (MST) may be at high risk for unintended pregnancy and benefit from contraceptive services. The objective of this study is to compare documented provision of contraceptives to women Veterans using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system who report or deny MST. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women Veterans aged 18–45 years who served in Operation Enduring or Iraqi Freedom and had at least one visit to a VA medical center between 2002 and 2010. Data were obtained from VA administrative and clinical databases. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the association between MST, ascertained by routine clinical screening, and first documented receipt of hormonal or long-acting contraception. Results: Of 68,466 women Veterans, 13% reported, 59% denied and 28% had missing data for the MST screen. Among the entire study cohort, 30% of women had documented receipt of a contraceptive method. Women reporting MST were significantly more likely than those denying MST to receive a method of contraception (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.18) including an intrauterine device (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% CI 1.17–1.41) or contraceptive injection (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.29). Women who were younger, unmarried, seen at a women's health clinic, or who had more than one visit were more likely to receive contraception. Conclusions: A minority of women Veterans of reproductive age receive contraceptive services from the VA. Women Veterans who report MST, and particularly those who seek care at VA women's health clinics, are more likely to receive contraception. PMID:24787680

38 CFR 17.1000 - Payment or reimbursement for emergency services for nonservice-connected conditions in non-VA...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... for emergency services for nonservice-connected conditions in non-VA facilities. 17.1000 Section 17.1000 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL Payment Or Reimbursement for Emergency Services for Nonservice-Connected Conditions in Non-Va Facilities § 17.1000 Payment...

38 CFR 17.169 - VA Dental Insurance Program for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans (VADIP).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false VA Dental Insurance..., Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL Dental Services § 17.169 VA Dental... Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) provides premium-based dental insurance coverage through which...

38 CFR 17.169 - VA Dental Insurance Program for veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans (VADIP).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false VA Dental Insurance..., Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL Dental Services § 17.169 VA Dental... Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) provides premium-based dental insurance coverage through which...

38 CFR 17.120 - Payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain veterans with service-connected... Payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain veterans with... emergency treatment, not previously authorized, in a private or public (or Federal) hospital not operated by...

38 CFR 17.120 - Payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain veterans with service-connected... Payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain veterans with... emergency treatment, not previously authorized, in a private or public (or Federal) hospital not operated by...

38 CFR 17.120 - Payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain veterans with service-connected... Payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished by non-VA providers to certain veterans with... emergency treatment, not previously authorized, in a private or public (or Federal) hospital not operated by...

30 CFR 57.22206 - Main ventilation failure (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Main ventilation failure (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22206 Section 57.22206 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... Main ventilation failure (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) When there has been a main ventilation...

Efficient synthesis of hydroxystyrenes via biocatalytic decarboxylation/deacetylation of substituted cinnamic acids by newly isolated Pantoea agglomerans strains.

PubMed

Sharma, Upendra K; Sharma, Nandini; Salwan, Richa; Kumar, Rakesh; Kasana, Ramesh C; Sinha, Arun K

2012-02-01

Decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids is a predominantly followed pathway for obtaining hydroxystyrenes-one of the most extensively explored bioactive compounds in the food and flavor industry (e.g. FEMA GRAS approved 4-vinylguaiacol). For this, mild and green strategies providing good yields with high product selectivity are needed. Two newly isolated bacterial strains, i.e. Pantoea agglomerans KJLPB4 and P. agglomerans KJPB2, are reported for mild and effective decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids into corresponding hydroxystyrenes. Key operational parameters for the process, such as incubation temperature, incubation time, substrate concentration and effect of co-solvent, were optimized using ferulic acid as a model substrate. With strain KJLPB4, 1.51 g L⁻¹ 4-vinyl guaiacol (98% yield) was selectively obtained from 2 g L⁻¹ ferulic acid at 28 °C after 48 h incubation. However, KJPB2 provided vanillic acid in 85% yield after 72 h following the oxidative decarboxylation pathway. In addition, KJLPB4 was effectively exploited for the deacetylation of acetylated α-phenylcinnamic acids, providing corresponding compounds in 65-95% yields. Two newly isolated microbial strains are reported for the mild and selective decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids into hydroxystyrenes. Preparative-scale synthesis of vinyl guaiacol and utilization of renewable feedstock (ferulic acid extracted from maize bran) have been demonstrated to enhance the practical utility of the process. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

76 FR 27379 - Proposed Information Collection (Supplement to VA Forms 21-526, 21-534, and 21-535 (For...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

... information technology. Title: Supplement to VA Forms 21-526, 21-534, and 21-535 (For Philippine Claims), VA... residence, proof of service, and whether the applicant was a member of pro-Japanese, pro-German, or anti...

Use of a cost accounting system to evaluate costs of a VA special program.

PubMed

Menke, T J; Wray, N P

1999-04-01

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established six mobile clinics to provide care for rural veterans. Each was operated by a parent VA Medical Center (VAMC). To describe the use of a cost-accounting system which does not provide costs at the service or patient level to determine the costs of the mobile clinics. Costs per visit were compared among the mobile clinics with the parent VAMCs and with simulated fixed-location clinics. Cost data came from VA's Centralized Accounting for Local Management (CALM) data. Utilization data came from VA's outpatient file. Information was obtained from the VAMCs' fiscal services to reallocate costs among the CALM subaccounts to generate cost data that was comparable among the mobile clinics. Costs per visit for the mobile clinics were twice as high as those of the parent VAMCs. Costs per visit would be lower at fixed-location clinics unless the volume were substantially less than that provided by the mobile clinics. Differences between cost allocations for accounting purposes and research are likely to necessitate adjusting cost accounting data for research purposes. Fortunately, information from the accountants or primary data can lead to a cost database which is appropriate for research evaluations. In the mobile clinics study, the analysis of cost accounting data led to the conclusion that mobile clinics were not a cost-effective way in which to provide care to rural veterans.

76 FR 34576 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; Waynesboro, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-14

... Waynesboro, VA, to accommodate the additional airspace need for the Standard Instrument Approach Procedures developed for Eagle's Nest Airport. This action enhances the safety and management of Instrument Flight... upward from 700 feet above the surface to accommodate new standard instrument approach procedures...

Military and Veteran Support: DOD and VA Programs That Address the Effects of Combat and Transition to Civilian Life

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

servicemembers to civilian life. For its part, VA’s agency priority goals are to (1) ensure access to VA benefits and services, (2) eliminate the disability...transfer their benefits to dependents. VA – Veterans Benefit Administration ( VBA ) Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Centers Disability; Physical...who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member to help adapt the home to meet his or her special needs. VA - VBA Yellow Ribbon

Excretion of Avenanthramides, Phenolic Acids and their Major Metabolites Following Intake of Oat Bran

PubMed Central

Schär, Manuel Y.; Corona, Giulia; Soycan, Gulten; Dine, Clemence; Kristek, Angelika; Alsharif, Sarah N. S.; Behrends, Volker; Lovegrove, Alison; Shewry, Peter R.

2017-01-01

Scope Wholegrain has been associated with reduced chronic disease mortality, with oat intake particularly notable for lowering blood cholesterol and glycemia. To better understand the complex nutrient profile of oats, we studied urinary excretion of phenolic acids and avenanthramides after ingestion of oat bran in humans. Methods and results After a 2‐d (poly)phenol‐low diet, seven healthy men provided urine 12 h before and 48 h after consuming 60 g oat bran (7.8 μmol avenanthramides, 139.2 μmol phenolic acids) or a phenolic‐low (traces of phenolics) control in a crossover design. Analysis by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)–MS/MS showed that oat bran intake resulted in an elevation in urinary excretion of 30 phenolics relative to the control, suggesting that they are oat bran‐derived. Mean excretion levels were elevated between 0–2 and 4–8 h, following oat bran intake, and amounted to a total of 33.7 ± 7.3 μmol total excretion (mean recovery: 22.9 ± 5.0%), relative to control. The predominant metabolites included: vanillic acid, 4‐ and 3‐hydroxyhippuric acids, and sulfate‐conjugates of benzoic and ferulic acids, which accounted collectively for two thirds of total excretion. Conclusion Oat bran phenolics follow a relatively rapid urinary excretion, with 30 metabolites excreted within 8 h of intake. These levels of excretion suggest that bound phenolics are, in part, rapidly released by the microbiota. PMID:29024323

77 FR 29929 - Safety Zone; Town of Cape Charles Fireworks, Cape Charles Harbor, Cape Charles, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-21

... section of this notice. Basis and Purpose On July 4, 2012 the Town of Cape Charles will sponsor a...-AA00 Safety Zone; Town of Cape Charles Fireworks, Cape Charles Harbor, Cape Charles, VA AGENCY: Coast... temporary safety zone on the waters of Cape Charles City Harbor in Cape Charles, VA in support of the Fourth...

30 CFR 57.22214 - Changes in ventilation (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Changes in ventilation (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22214 Section 57.22214 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... ventilation (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Changes in ventilation which affect the main air current or...

30 CFR 57.22214 - Changes in ventilation (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Changes in ventilation (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22214 Section 57.22214 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... ventilation (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Changes in ventilation which affect the main air current or...

Identification and characterization of the vanillin dehydrogenase YfmT in Bacillus subtilis 3NA.

PubMed

Graf, Nadja; Wenzel, Marian; Altenbuchner, Josef

2016-04-01

With vanillin as one of the most important flavoring agents, many efforts have been made to optimize its biotechnological production from natural abundant substrates. However, its toxicity against the hosts results in rather low yields and product concentrations. Bacillus subtilis as a soil-dwelling bacterium is a possible lignin-derived compound-degrading microorganism. Therefore, its vanillin and ferulic acid metabolism was investigated. With a rather high tolerance for vanillin up to 20 mM, it is a promising candidate to produce natural vanillin. In this study, the well-studied phenolic acid decarboxylases PadC and BsdBCD could be ascribed to function as the only enzymes in B. subtilis 3NA converting ferulic acid to 4-vinylguaiacol and vanillic acid to guaiacol, respectively. As vanillin also becomes converted to guaiacol, a previous conversion to vanillic acid was assumed. Usage of bioinformatic tools revealed YfmT, which could be shown to function as the only vanillin dehydrogenase in B. subtilis 3NA. Thus, YfmT was further characterized regarding its temperature and pH optima as well as its substrate range. Vanillin and ferulic acid metabolic routes in the tested B. subtilis strain were revealed, a direct conversion of ferulic acid to vanillin, however, could not be found.

Effect of maturity on phenolics (phenolic acids and flavonoids) profile of strawberry cultivars and mulberry species from Pakistan.

PubMed

Mahmood, Tahir; Anwar, Farooq; Abbas, Mateen; Saari, Nazamid

2012-01-01

In this study, we investigated how the extent of ripeness affects the yield of extract, total phenolics, total flavonoids, individual flavonols and phenolic acids in strawberry and mulberry cultivars from Pakistan. In strawberry, the yield of extract (%), total phenolics (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) ranged from 8.5-53.3%, 491-1884 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g DW and 83-327 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g DW, respectively. For the different species of mulberry the yield of extract (%), total phenolics and total flavonoids of 6.9-54.0%, 201-2287 mg GAE/100 g DW and 110-1021 mg CE/100 g DW, respectively, varied significantly as fruit maturity progressed. The amounts of individual flavonols and phenolic acid in selected berry fruits were analyzed by RP-HPLC. Among the flavonols, the content of myricetin was found to be high in Morus alba (88 mg/100 g DW), the amount of quercetin as high in Morus laevigata (145 mg/100 g DW) while kaempferol was highest in the Korona strawberry (98 mg/100 g DW) at fully ripened stage. Of the six phenolic acids detected, p-hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acid were the major compounds in the strawberry. M. laevigata and M. nigra contained p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid while M. macroura and M. alba contained p-hydroxy-benzoic acid and chlorogenic acid as the major phenolic acids. Overall, a trend to an increase in the percentage of extraction yield, TPC, TFC, flavonols and phenolic acids was observed as maturity progressed from un-ripened to fully-ripened stages.

38 CFR 17.101 - Collection or recovery by VA for medical care or services provided or furnished to a veteran for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... VA for medical care or services provided or furnished to a veteran for a nonservice-connected... MEDICAL Charges, Waivers, and Collections § 17.101 Collection or recovery by VA for medical care or... section covers collection or recovery by VA, under 38 U.S.C. 1729, for medical care or services provided...

GdnHCl-induced unfolding intermediate in the mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase VA.

PubMed

Idrees, Danish; Prakash, Amresh; Haque, Md Anzarul; Islam, Asimul; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz; Ahmad, Faizan

2016-10-01

Carbonic anhydrase VA (CAVA) is a mitochondrial enzyme belonging to the α-family of CAs, which is involved in several physiological processes including ureagenesis, lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis and neuronal transmission. Here, we have tried to understand the folding mechanism of CAVA using guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl)-induced denaturation at pH 8.0 and 25°C. The conformational stability was measured from the GdnHCl-induced denaturation study of CAVA monitored by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence measurements. On increasing the concentration of GdnHCl up to 5.0, a stable intermediate was observed between the concentrations 3.25M to 3.40M of the denaturant. However, CAVA gets completely denatured at 4.0M GdnHCl. The existence of a stable intermediate state was validated by 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS binding) fluorescence and near-UV CD measurements. In silico studies were also performed to analyse the effect of GdnHCl on the structure and stability of CAVA under explicit conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations for 40ns were carried out and a well-defined correlation was established for both in vitro and in silico studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Astrovirus VA1/HMO-C: An Increasingly Recognized Neurotropic Pathogen in Immunocompromised Patients

PubMed Central

Brown, Julianne R.; Morfopoulou, Sofia; Hubb, Jonathan; Emmett, Warren A.; Ip, Winnie; Shah, Divya; Brooks, Tony; Paine, Simon M. L.; Anderson, Glenn; Virasami, Alex; Tong, C. Y. William; Clark, Duncan A.; Plagnol, Vincent; Jacques, Thomas S.; Qasim, Waseem; Hubank, Mike; Breuer, Judith

2015-01-01

Background. An 18-month-old boy developed encephalopathy, for which extensive investigation failed to identify an etiology, 6 weeks after stem cell transplant. To exclude a potential infectious cause, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing on brain biopsy. Methods. RNA-Seq was performed on an Illumina Miseq, generating 20 million paired-end reads. Nonhost data were checked for similarity to known organisms using BLASTx. The full viral genome was sequenced by primer walking. Results. We identified an astrovirus, HAstV-VA1/HMO-C-UK1(a), which was highly divergent from human astrovirus (HAstV 1–8) genotypes, but closely related to VA1/HMO-C astroviruses, including one recovered from a case of fatal encephalitis in an immunosuppressed child. The virus was detected in stool and serum, with highest levels in brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immunohistochemistry of the brain biopsy showed positive neuronal staining. A survey of 680 stool and 349 CSF samples identified a related virus in the stool of another immunosuppressed child. Conclusions. The discovery of HAstV-VA1/HMO-C-UK1(a) as the cause of encephalitis in this case provides further evidence that VA1/HMO-C viruses, unlike HAstV 1–8, are neuropathic, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy. With a turnaround from sample receipt to result of <1 week, we confirm that RNA-Seq presents a valuable diagnostic tool in unexplained encephalitis. PMID:25572899

VA Health Care: Improvements Needed in Monitoring Antidepressant Use for Major Depressive Disorder and in Increasing Accuracy of Suicide Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

VA HEALTH CARE Improvements Needed in Monitoring Antidepressant Use for Major Depressive Disorder and in Increasing...00-2014 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE VA Health Care: Improvements Needed in Monitoring Antidepressant Use for Major Depressive Disorder and in Increasing...Use for Major Depressive Disorder and in Increasing Accuracy of Suicide Data Why GAO Did This Study In 2013, VA estimated that about 1.5 million

78 FR 52085 - VA Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification Guidelines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-22

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 74 RIN 2900-AO49 VA Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification Guidelines AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This document... Domestic Assistance This final rule affects the verification guidelines of veteran- owned small businesses...

75 FR 54771 - Safety Zone; Thunder on the Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Buckroe Beach Park, Hampton, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-09

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Thunder on the Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Buckroe Beach Park, Hampton, VA AGENCY: Coast... safety zone on the navigable waters of Chesapeake Bay in Hampton, VA in support of the Thunder on the Bay.... 0 2. Add Sec. 165.T05-0755 to read as follows: Sec. 165.T05-0755 Safety Zone; Thunder on the Bay...

33 CFR 334.293 - Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. 334.293 Section 334.293 Navigation and... RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS § 334.293 Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. (a) The area. (1) The waters within an area beginning at a point on the...

33 CFR 334.293 - Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. 334.293 Section 334.293 Navigation and... RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS § 334.293 Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. (a) The area. (1) The waters within an area beginning at a point on the...

33 CFR 334.293 - Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. 334.293 Section 334.293 Navigation and... RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS § 334.293 Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. (a) The area. (1) The waters within an area beginning at a point on the...

33 CFR 334.293 - Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. 334.293 Section 334.293 Navigation and... RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS § 334.293 Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. (a) The area. (1) The waters within an area beginning at a point on the...

33 CFR 334.293 - Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. 334.293 Section 334.293 Navigation and... RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS § 334.293 Elizabeth River, Craney Island Refueling Pier Restricted Area, Portsmouth VA; naval restricted area. (a) The area. (1) The waters within an area beginning at a point on the...

VaProS: a database-integration approach for protein/genome information retrieval.

PubMed

Gojobori, Takashi; Ikeo, Kazuho; Katayama, Yukie; Kawabata, Takeshi; Kinjo, Akira R; Kinoshita, Kengo; Kwon, Yeondae; Migita, Ohsuke; Mizutani, Hisashi; Muraoka, Masafumi; Nagata, Koji; Omori, Satoshi; Sugawara, Hideaki; Yamada, Daichi; Yura, Kei

2016-12-01

Life science research now heavily relies on all sorts of databases for genome sequences, transcription, protein three-dimensional (3D) structures, protein-protein interactions, phenotypes and so forth. The knowledge accumulated by all the omics research is so vast that a computer-aided search of data is now a prerequisite for starting a new study. In addition, a combinatory search throughout these databases has a chance to extract new ideas and new hypotheses that can be examined by wet-lab experiments. By virtually integrating the related databases on the Internet, we have built a new web application that facilitates life science researchers for retrieving experts' knowledge stored in the databases and for building a new hypothesis of the research target. This web application, named VaProS, puts stress on the interconnection between the functional information of genome sequences and protein 3D structures, such as structural effect of the gene mutation. In this manuscript, we present the notion of VaProS, the databases and tools that can be accessed without any knowledge of database locations and data formats, and the power of search exemplified in quest of the molecular mechanisms of lysosomal storage disease. VaProS can be freely accessed at http://p4d-info.nig.ac.jp/vapros/ .

78 FR 20846 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Leesburg, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-08

... action proposes to establish Class E surface airspace at Leesburg, VA, to aid Potomac TRACON in the safe... airspace required to aid Potomac TRACON in the safe and orderly flow of air traffic at Leesburg Executive...

Lead Exposure and Tremor among Older Men: The VA Normative Aging Study

PubMed Central

Power, Melinda C.; Sparrow, David; Spiro, Avron; Hu, Howard; Louis, Elan D.; Weisskopf, Marc G.

2015-01-01

Background: Tremor is one of the most common neurological signs, yet its etiology is poorly understood. Case–control studies suggest an association between blood lead and essential tremor, and that this association is modified by polymorphisms in the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase (ALAD) gene. Objective: We aimed to examine the relationship between lead and tremor, including modification by ALAD, in a prospective cohort study, using both blood lead and bone lead—a biomarker of cumulative lead exposure. Methods: We measured tibia (n = 670) and patella (n = 672) bone lead and blood lead (n = 807) among older men (age range, 50–98 years) in the VA Normative Aging Study cohort. A tremor score was created based on an approach using hand-drawing samples. ALAD genotype was dichotomized as ALAD-2 carriers or not. We used linear regression adjusted for age, education, smoking, and alcohol intake to estimate the associations between lead biomarkers and tremor score. Results: In unadjusted analyses, there was a marginal association between quintiles of all lead biomarkers and tremor scores (p-values < 0.13), which did not persist in adjusted models. Age was the strongest predictor of tremor. Among those younger than the median age (68.9 years), tremor increased significantly with blood lead (p = 0.03), but this pattern was not apparent for bone lead. We did not see modification by ALAD or an association between bone lead and change in tremor score over time. Conclusion: Our results do not strongly support an association between lead exposure and tremor, and suggest no association with cumulative lead biomarkers, although there is some suggestion that blood lead may be associated with tremor among the younger men in our cohort. Citation: Ji JS, Power MC, Sparrow D, Spiro A III, Hu H, Louis ED, Weisskopf MG. 2015. Lead exposure and tremor among older men: the VA Normative Aging Study. Environ Health Perspect 123:445–450; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408535

77 FR 25592 - Drawbridge Operation Regulations; James River, Hopewell, VA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-01

..., at Hopewell, VA. This deviation is necessary to facilitate mechanical repairs to the vertical lift.... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Transportation, who owns and operates this vertical-lift... position to facilitate repairs to the skew couplings that keep the vertical lift portion of the bridge...

Recovery of Phenolic Acid and Enzyme Production from Corn Silage Biologically Treated by Trametes versicolor.

PubMed

Bucić-Kojić, Ana; Šelo, Gordana; Zelić, Bruno; Planinić, Mirela; Tišma, Marina

2017-03-01

Corn silage is used as high-energy forage for dairy cows and more recently for biogas production in a process of anaerobic co-digestion with cow manure. In this work, fresh corn silage after the harvest was used as a substrate in solid-state fermentations with T. versicolor with the aim of phenolic acid recovery and enzyme (laccase and manganese peroxidase) production. During 20 days of fermentation, 10.4-, 3.4-, 3.0-, and 1.8-fold increments in extraction yield of syringic acid, vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeic acid, respectively, were reached when compared to biologically untreated corn silage. Maximal laccase activity was gained on the 4th day of fermentation (V.A. = 180.2 U/dm 3 ), and manganese peroxidase activity was obtained after the 3rd day of fermentation (V.A. = 30.1 U/dm 3 ). The addition of copper(II) sulfate as inducer during solid state fermentation resulted in 8.5- and 7-fold enhancement of laccase and manganese peroxidase activities, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of pH and temperature on enzyme activities was investigated. Maximal activity of laccase was obtained at T = 50 °C and pH = 3.0, while manganese peroxidase is active at temperature range T = 45-70 °C with the maximal activity at pH = 4.5.

Headache diagnoses among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans enrolled in VA: a gender comparison.

PubMed

Carlson, Kathleen F; Taylor, Brent C; Hagel, Emily M; Cutting, Andrea; Kerns, Robert; Sayer, Nina A

2013-01-01

To examine the prevalence and correlates of headache diagnoses, by gender, among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans who use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care. Understanding the health care needs of recent Veterans, and how these needs differ between women and men, is a priority for the VA. The potential for a large burden of headache disorders among Veterans seeking VA services exists but has not been examined in a representative sample. We conducted a historical cohort study using national VA inpatient and outpatient data from fiscal year 2011. Participants were all (n = 470,215) Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran VA users in 2011; nearly 13% were women. We identified headache diagnoses using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) diagnosis codes assigned during one or more VA inpatient or outpatient encounters. Descriptive analyses included frequencies of patient characteristics, prevalence and types of headache diagnoses, and prevalence of comorbid diagnoses. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate associations between gender and headache diagnoses. Multivariate models adjusted for age and race. Additional models also adjusted for comorbid diagnoses. In 2011, 56,300 (11.9%) Veterans received a headache-related diagnosis. While controlling for age and race, headache diagnoses were 1.61 times more prevalent (95% CI = 1.58-1.64) among women (18%) than men (11%). Most of this difference was associated with migraine diagnoses, which were 2.66 times more prevalent (95% CI = 2.59-2.73) among women. Cluster and post-traumatic headache diagnoses were less prevalent in women than in men. These patterns remained the same when also controlling for comorbid diagnoses, which were common among both women and men with headache diagnoses. The most prevalent comorbid diagnoses examined were depression (46% of women with headache diagnoses vs 40% of men), post-traumatic stress disorder (38% vs 58%), and back

Film fabrication of Fe or Fe3O4 nanoparticles mixed with palmitic acid for vertically aligned carbon nanotube growth using Langmuir-Blodgett technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Kentaro; Kuriyama, Naoki; Takagiwa, Shota; Sato, Taiga; Kushida, Masahito

2016-03-01

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) were studied as a new catalyst support for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Controlling the number density and the diameter of VA-CNTs may be necessary to optimize PEFC performance. As the catalyst for CNT growth, we fabricated Fe or Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP) films by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. The catalyst Fe or Fe3O4 NPs were widely separated by mixing with filler molecules [palmitic acid (C16)]. The number density of VA-CNTs was controlled by varying the ratio of catalyst NPs to C16 filler molecules. The VA-CNTs were synthesized from the catalyst NP-C16 LB films by thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using acetylene gas as the carbon source. The developing solvents used in the LB technique and the hydrogen reduction conditions of CVD were optimized to improve the VA-CNT growth rate. We demonstrate that the proposed method can independently control both the density and the diameter of VA-CNTs.

A Prospective Study of Racial and Ethnic Variation in VA Psychotherapy Services for PTSD.

PubMed

Spoont, Michele R; Sayer, Nina A; Kehle-Forbes, Shannon M; Meis, Laura A; Nelson, David B

2017-03-01

To determine whether there are racial or ethnic disparities in receipt of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) psychotherapy services for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the authors examined the odds of receipt of any psychotherapy and of individual psychotherapy among self-identified racial and ethnic groups for six months after individuals were diagnosed as having PTSD. Data were from a national prospective cohort study of 6,884 veterans with PTSD. Patients with no mental health care in the prior year were surveyed immediately following receipt of a PTSD diagnosis. VA databases were used to determine mental health service use. Analyses controlled for treatment need, access to services, and treatment beliefs. Among veterans with PTSD initially seen in VA mental health treatment settings, Latino veterans were less likely than white veterans to receive any psychotherapy, after the analyses controlled for treatment need, access, and beliefs. Among those initially seen in mental health settings who received some psychotherapy services, Latinos, African Americans, and Asian/Pacific Islanders were less likely than white veterans to receive any individual therapy. These racial-ethnic differences in psychotherapy receipt were due to factors occurring between VA health care networks as well as factors occurring within networks. Drivers of disparities differed across racial and ethnic groups. Inequity in psychotherapy services for some veterans from racial and ethnic minority groups with PTSD were due to factors operating both within and between health care networks.

Myosin Va Plays a Role in Nitrergic Smooth Muscle Relaxation in Gastric Fundus and Corpora Cavernosa of Penis

PubMed Central

Carew, Josephine A.; Goyal, Raj K.; Sullivan, Maryrose P.

2014-01-01

The intracellular motor protein myosin Va is involved in nitrergic neurotransmission possibly by trafficking of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) within the nerve terminals. In this study, we examined the role of myosin Va in the stomach and penis, proto-typical smooth muscle organs in which nitric oxide (NO) mediated relaxation is critical for function. We used confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation of tissue from the gastric fundus (GF) and penile corpus cavernosum (CCP) to localize myosin Va with nNOS and demonstrate their molecular interaction. We utilized in vitro mechanical studies to test whether smooth muscle relaxations during nitrergic neuromuscular neurotransmission is altered in DBA (dilute, brown, non-agouti) mice which lack functional myosin Va. Myosin Va was localized in nNOS-positive nerve terminals and was co-immunoprecipitated with nNOS in both GF and CCP. In comparison to C57BL/6J wild type (WT) mice, electrical field stimulation (EFS) of precontracted smooth muscles of GF and CCP from DBA animals showed significant impairment of nitrergic relaxation. An NO donor, Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), caused comparable levels of relaxation in smooth muscles of WT and DBA mice. These normal postjunctional responses to SNP in DBA tissues suggest that impairment of smooth muscle relaxation resulted from inhibition of NO synthesis in prejunctional nerve terminals. Our results suggest that normal physiological processes of relaxation of gastric and cavernosal smooth muscles that facilitate food accommodation and penile erection, respectively, may be disrupted under conditions of myosin Va deficiency, resulting in complications like gastroparesis and erectile dysfunction. PMID:24516539

Effect of Cooking on Isoflavones, Phenolic Acids, and Antioxidant Activity in Sprouts of Prosoy Soybean (Glycine max).

PubMed

Kumari, Shweta; Chang, Sam K C

2016-07-01

Soy sprouts possess health benefits and is required to be cooked before consumption. The effects of cooking on the phenolic components and antioxidant properties of soy sprouts with different germination days were investigated. A food-grade cultivar Prosoy with a high protein content was germinated for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 d and cooked till palatable for 20, 20, 5, 5, and 7 min, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), condensed tannins content (CTC), individual phenolic acids, isoflavones, DPPH, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of raw and cooked sprouts were measured. Cooking caused significant losses in phenolic content and antioxidant activities, and maximum loss was on day 3 > 5 > 7, including TPC (32%, 23%, and 15%), TFC (50%, 44%, and 20%), CTC (73%, 47%, and 12%), DPPH (31%, 15%, and 5%), FRAP (34%, 25%, and 1%), and ORAC (34%, 22%, 32%), respectively. Cooking caused significant losses in most individual phenolic acid, benzoic group, cinnamic group, total phenolic composition, individual isoflavones, and total isoflavones. The losses of phenolic acids such as gallic, protocatechuic, hydroxybenzoic, syringic, chlorogenic, or sinapic acids during cooking were not compensated by the increases in trihydroxybenzoic, vanillic or coumaric acids on certain days of germination. Cooking caused minimal changes in phenolic acid composition of day 1 and 2 sprouts compared to 3, 5, and 7 d sprouts. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Organic molecular tracers in the atmospheric aerosols from Lumbini, Nepal, in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain: influence of biomass burning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Xin; Kang, Shichang; Li, Quanlian; Rupakheti, Dipesh; Zhang, Qianggong; Guo, Junming; Chen, Pengfei; Tripathee, Lekhendra; Rupakheti, Maheswar; Panday, Arnico K.; Wang, Wu; Kawamura, Kimitaka; Gao, Shaopeng; Wu, Guangming; Cong, Zhiyuan

2017-07-01

To better understand the characteristics of biomass burning in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), total suspended particles were collected in a rural site, Lumbini, Nepal, during April 2013 to March 2014 and analyzed for the biomass burning tracers (i.e., levoglucosan, mannosan, vanillic acid). The annual average concentration of levoglucosan was 734 ± 1043 ng m-3 with the maximum seasonal mean concentration during post-monsoon season (2206 ± 1753 ng m-3), followed by winter (1161 ± 1347 ng m-3), pre-monsoon (771 ± 524 ng m-3) and minimum concentration during monsoon season (212 ± 279 ng m-3). The other biomass burning tracers (mannosan, galactosan, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and dehydroabietic acid) also showed the similar seasonal variations. There were good correlations among levoglucosan, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), indicating significant impact of biomass burning activities on carbonaceous aerosol loading throughout the year in Lumbini area. According to the characteristic ratios, levoglucosan / mannosan (lev / man) and syringic acid / vanillic acid (syr / van), we deduced that the high abundances of biomass burning products during non-monsoon seasons were mainly caused by the burning of crop residues and hardwood while the softwood had less contribution. Based on the diagnostic tracer ratio (i.e., lev / OC), the OC derived from biomass burning constituted large fraction of total OC, especially during post-monsoon season. By analyzing the MODIS fire spot product and 5-day air-mass back trajectories, we further demonstrated that organic aerosol composition was not only related to the local agricultural activities and residential biomass usage but also impacted by the regional emissions. During the post-monsoon season, the emissions from rice residue burning in western India and eastern Pakistan could impact particulate air pollution in Lumbini and surrounding regions in southern Nepal. Therefore, our finding

Combined prenatal and postnatal butyl paraben exposure produces autism-like symptoms in offspring: comparison with valproic acid autistic model.

PubMed

Ali, Elham H A; Elgoly, Amany H Mahmoud

2013-10-01

The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of butyl paraben (BP) in brain of the pups developed for mothers administered BP from early pregnancy till weaning and its effect on studying the behavior, brain neurotransmitters and brain derived neurotrophic factor BDNF via comparing the results with valproic acid (VA) autistic-rat model preparing by a single oral injection dose of VA (800 mg/kg b.wt) at the 12.5 days of gestation. Butyl paraben was orally and subcutaneously administered (200 mg/kg b.wt) to pregnant rats from gestation day 1 to lactation day 21. The offspring male rats were subjected at the last 3 days of lactation to Morris water maze and three chamber sociability test then decapitated and the brain was excised and dissected to the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, midbrain and pons for the determination of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin (NE, DA and 5-HT) and cortex amino acids and whole brain BDNF. The results showed similar social and learning and memory behavioral deficits in VA rat model and the butyl paraben offspring in comparison with the controls. Also, some similar alterations were observed in monoamine content, amino acids and BDNF factor in the autistic-like model and butyl paraben offspring in comparison with the controls. The alterations were recorded notably in hippocampus and pons NE, midbrain DA, hippocampus and midbrain 5-HT, and frontal cortex GABA and asparagine. These data suggest that prenatal exposure to butyl paraben induced neuro-developmental disorders similar to some of the neurodevelopmental disorders observed in the VA model of autism. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

38 CFR 74.29 - When will VA dispose of records?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS REGULATIONS Records Management § 74.29 When will VA dispose of records? The records, including those pertaining to businesses not determined to be eligible for the program... of the last Notice of Verified Status Approval letter. Longer retention will not be required unless a...

30 CFR 57.22221 - Overcast and undercast construction (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Overcast and undercast construction (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22221 Section 57.22221 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... Overcast and undercast construction (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). Overcasts and undercasts shall be— (a...

30 CFR 57.22228 - Preshift examination (I-A, I-C, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Preshift examination (I-A, I-C, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22228 Section 57.22228 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... Preshift examination (I-A, I-C, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Preshift examinations shall be conducted...

30 CFR 57.22221 - Overcast and undercast construction (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Overcast and undercast construction (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22221 Section 57.22221 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... Overcast and undercast construction (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines). Overcasts and undercasts shall be— (a...

30 CFR 57.22228 - Preshift examination (I-A, I-C, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Preshift examination (I-A, I-C, II-A, III, and V-A mines). 57.22228 Section 57.22228 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... Preshift examination (I-A, I-C, II-A, III, and V-A mines). (a) Preshift examinations shall be conducted...

A Survey of Physicians' Attitudes toward Decision-Making Authority for Initiating and Withdrawing VA-ECMO: Results and Ethical Implications for Shared Decision Making.

PubMed

Meltzer, Ellen C; Ivascu, Natalia S; Stark, Meredith; Orfanos, Alexander V; Acres, Cathleen A; Christos, Paul J; Mangione, Thomas; Fins, Joseph J

2016-01-01

Although patients exercise greater autonomy than in the past, and shared decision making is promoted as the preferred model for doctor-patient engagement, tensions still exist in clinical practice about the primary locus of decision-making authority for complex, scarce, and resource-intensive medical therapies: patients and their surrogates, or physicians. We assessed physicians' attitudes toward decisional authority for adult venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), hypothesizing they would favor a medical locus. A survey of resident/fellow physicians and internal medicine attendings at an academic medical center, May to August 2013. We used a 24-item, internet-based survey assessing physician-respondents' demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes regarding decisional authority for adult VA-ECMO. Qualitative narratives were also collected. A total of 179 physicians completed the survey (15 percent response rate); 48 percent attendings and 52 percent residents/fellows. Only 32 percent of the respondents indicated that a surrogate's consent should be required to discontinue VA-ECMO; 56 percent felt that physicians should have the right to discontinue VA-ECMO over a surrogate's objection. Those who self-reported as "knowledgeable" about VA-ECMO, compared to those who did not, more frequently replied that there should not be presumed consent for VA-ECMO (47.6 percent versus 33.3 percent, p = 0.007), that physicians should have the right to discontinue VA-ECMO over a surrogate's objection (76.2 percent versus 50 percent, p = 0.02) and that, given its cost, the use of VA-ECMO should be restricted (81.0 percent versus 54.4 percent, p = 0.005). Surveyed physicians, especially those who self-reported as knowledgeable about VA-ECMO and/or were specialists in pulmonary/critical care, favored a medical locus of decisional authority for VA-ECMO. VA-ECMO is complex, and the data may (1) reflect physicians' hesitance to cede authority to presumably

VA Disability Compensation and Money Spent on Substance Use Among Homeless Veterans: A Controversial Association.

PubMed

Tsai, Jack; Rosenheck, Robert A

2015-06-01

There has long been concern that public support payments are used to support addictive behaviors. This study examined the amount of money homeless veterans spend on alcohol and drugs and the association between public support income, including VA disability compensation, and expenditures on alcohol and drugs. Data were from 1,160 veterans from 19 sites on entry into the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric analyses were conducted. About 33% of veterans reported spending money on alcohol and 22% reported spending money on drugs in the past month. No significant association was found between public support income, VA disability compensation, and money spent on alcohol and drugs. A substantial proportion of homeless veterans spend some income on alcohol and drugs, but disability income, including VA compensation, does not seem to be related to substance use or money spent on addictive substances.

Multimethod evaluation of the VA's peer-to-peer Toolkit for patient-centered medical home implementation.

PubMed

Luck, Jeff; Bowman, Candice; York, Laura; Midboe, Amanda; Taylor, Thomas; Gale, Randall; Asch, Steven

2014-07-01

Effective implementation of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) in primary care practices requires training and other resources, such as online toolkits, to share strategies and materials. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) developed an online Toolkit of user-sourced tools to support teams implementing its Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) medical home model. To present findings from an evaluation of the PACT Toolkit, including use, variation across facilities, effect of social marketing, and factors influencing use. The Toolkit is an online repository of ready-to-use tools created by VA clinic staff that physicians, nurses, and other team members may share, download, and adopt in order to more effectively implement PCMH principles and improve local performance on VA metrics. Multimethod evaluation using: (1) website usage analytics, (2) an online survey of the PACT community of practice's use of the Toolkit, and (3) key informant interviews. Survey respondents were PACT team members and coaches (n = 544) at 136 VA facilities. Interview respondents were Toolkit users and non-users (n = 32). For survey data, multivariable logistic models were used to predict Toolkit awareness and use. Interviews and open-text survey comments were coded using a "common themes" framework. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided data collection and analyses. The Toolkit was used by 6,745 staff in the first 19 months of availability. Among members of the target audience, 80 % had heard of the Toolkit, and of those, 70 % had visited the website. Tools had been implemented at 65 % of facilities. Qualitative findings revealed a range of user perspectives from enthusiastic support to lack of sufficient time to browse the Toolkit. An online Toolkit to support PCMH implementation was used at VA facilities nationwide. Other complex health care organizations may benefit from adopting similar online peer-to-peer resource libraries.