Vitamin D deficiency is associated with IL-6 levels and monocyte activation in HIV-infected persons

Immune activation plays a key role in HIV pathogenesis. Markers of inflammation have been associated with vitamin D deficiency in the general population. Studies have also demonstrated associations of vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of HIV progression and death. The relationship between persistent inflammation and immune activation during chronic HIV infection and vitamin D deficiency remains unclear.Cryopreserved specimens were analyzed from 663 participants at the time of enrollment from the Study to Understand the Natural History of HIV/AIDS in the Era of Effective Therapy (SUN Study) from 2004 to 2006. Biomarkers of inflammation, atherosclerosis, and coagulation were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and electrochemiluminescence. 25(OH)D, the stable precursor form of vitamin D, was measured using a radioimmunoassay with levels defined as: normal (≥30ng/mL), insufficient (20-29 ng/mL) and deficient (<20 ng/mL). Monocyte phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine statistical associations between biomarkers and vitamin D deficiency.25(OH)D levels were deficient in 251 (38%) participants, insufficient in 222 (34%), and normal in 190 (29%). Patients with vitamin D deficiency, when compared to those with insufficient or normal vitamin D levels, had increased levels of IL-6 (23%; p<0.01), TNF-α (21%, p = 0.03), D-dimer (24%, p = 0.01), higher proportions of CD14dimCD16+ (22%, p<0.01) and CX3CR1+ monocytes (48%; p<0.001) and decreased frequency of CCR2+ monocytes (-3.4%, p<0.001). In fully adjusted models, vitamin D associations with abnormal biomarker levels persisted for IL-6 levels and CX3CR1+ and CCR2+ phenotypes.Vitamin D deficiency is associated with greater inflammation and activated monocyte phenotypes. The role of vitamin D deficiency in persistent immune activation and associated complications during chronic HIV disease should be further evaluated as a possible target for intervention

Teaching Time Value Of Money Using An Excel Retirement Model

The time value of money (TVM) is required knowledge for all business students. It is traditionally taught in finance and accounting classes for use in various applications in the business curriculum. These concepts are also very useful in real life situations such as calculating the amount to save for retirement. This paper details a retirement model that can be built during class to teach TVM. While traditional teaching methods give small pieces of the TVM picture, then exercises to reinforce that partial knowledge, this model incorporates many TVM techniques into one Excel modeling exercise. The model incorporates both TVM functions that are included in Excel and other formulas that must be entered into Excel by the student modeler. Unlike some other articles that focus on how much should be saved annually assuming a constant salary, this exercise focuses on a percentage of income to be saved. The model also addresses an assumed growth factor in the salary and the issue of inflation. This modeling tool is presented to adults in graduate level classes, so it incorporates the fact that they might already have some savings coming into this retirement planning exercise. This method of teaching TVM has several objectives. Primarily, the exercise contributes to the learning of TVM concepts and techniques. It also shows how the equations modeled here can be used to solve retirement planning questions, while contributing to the personal financial literacy of students, and improving model building skills in Excel

An Analysis of the Foreign Military Sales Pipeline of Repair and Replace Reparable Assets

This study examined the reparable logistics pipeline and identified characteristics and associated problems with the processing of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) repair and replace aircraft assets. Areas of investigation included examining the FMS logistics reparable pipeline and determining what section of the pipeline the USAF controls or can influence, identifying the individual problems within that section of pipeline, and collecting and analyzing data pertaining to FMS repair and replace requisitions. The methodology used in these areas involved a literature review, personal interviews with Foreign Liaison Officers to obtain customer perspectives, and a statistical analysis of pipeline times for all FMS replacement requisitions for F-16 reparables filled within a specific six month period. Of primary concern to both the USAF and the customers was the time it took to fill replacement requisitions and especially the problems associated with H-coding requisitions. The research showed numerous possible causes for delays and indicated that many of the problems start before the USAF is even aware of the customer\u27s demand, but that the USAF has been working hard to correct problems within its control and has attempted to improve the process overall

Life Cycle and Ecology of the Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera) of the Brazos River, Texas

Populations of all stages of three species of Hydropsychidae, Hydropsyche simulans, Cheumatopsyche campyla, and Cheumatopsyche lasia were sampled fro September, 1971, to August, 1972, on the Brazos River in Palo Pinto County, Texas. Supplemental observations relating to emergence, mating and oviposition, and larvae food habits were continued to July, 1973. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the life cycles and ecology of this Hydropsychidae complex

Thought for Food: The Chinese Cultural Relationship with Food and Animals

M.A

Ultrasonographic Guidance and Characterization of Cryoanalgesic Lesions in Treating a Case of Refractory Sural Neuroma

The recurrent pain of a neuroma following surgical excision and burial of nerve endings can be clinically challenging to manage. Cryoanalgesia in conjunction with ultrasound guidance was used successfully to manage this type of pain. Furthermore, ultrasound provided visualization of the cryolesions, as well as the relationships of the ice ball to the surrounding tissue. Following the completion of the freeze cycle, the tissue can be monitored for return to its usual morphology during the thaw period

BE Well: Biss Enterprises Wellness and Fitness Program

BE Well is a Wellness and Fitness program designed to be implemented in a fictitious company for the Administrative Communication course at Stephen F. Austin State University. A team of three employees from the organization, Biss Enterprises, was asked to develop the program by the CEO of the company. The team researched and explored different options to create a wellness and fitness program suitable for all the employees in the company

Environmental contamination and hospital-acquired infection: factors that are easily overlooked.

There is an ongoing debate about the reasons for and factors contributing to healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Different solutions have been proposed over time to control the spread of HAI, with more focus on hand hygiene than on other aspects such as preventing the aerial dissemination of bacteria. Yet, it emerges that there is a need for a more pluralistic approach to infection control; one that reflects the complexity of the systems associated with HAI and involves multidisciplinary teams including hospital doctors, infection control nurses, microbiologists, architects, and engineers with expertise in building design and facilities management. This study reviews the knowledge base on the role that environmental contamination plays in the transmission of HAI, with the aim of raising awareness regarding infection control issues that are frequently overlooked. From the discussion presented in the study, it is clear that many unknowns persist regarding aerial dissemination of bacteria, and its control via cleaning and disinfection of the clinical environment. There is a paucity of good-quality epidemiological data, making it difficult for healthcare authorities to develop evidence-based policies. Consequently, there is a strong need for carefully designed studies to determine the impact of environmental contamination on the spread of HAI

Indigenous Arctic Fish skin clothing traditions: Cultural and ecological impacts on Fashion Higher Education

For Arctic indigenous people, their relationship with fish plays an important role in maintaining their identities creating important ties with the environment. The Arctic is undergoing dramatic climate changes threatening indigenous people, impacting their food security and traditional knowledge systems as they rely on fishing activities for their physical, cultural and spiritual well-being. This research looks at how the use of fish skin by aboriginal Arctic people has recently been assimilated as an innovative sustainable material for fashion due to their low environmental impact