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Most regulatory jurisdictions now require financial assurance for mines for post-closure activities, which typically include long-term monitoring and maintenance, and most importantly post-closure water treatment. Critical choices in calculating post-closure financial assurance include using a reputable cost estimation model to establish the amount needed for reclamation, selecting a realistic net return-on-investment for post-closure trust funds, and choosing the period of time over which the net present value calculation of the financial assurance is based. A conservative estimate of the amount of financial assurance is warranted to protect the public from assuming these costs. However, some regulatory agencies use financial assurance estimate practices that are arbitrary. The data and procedures needed to analyze and recommend conservative net present value calculations are readily available, but in too many instances are not being utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty USA states or jurisdictions and 125 nations have modeled national environmental policies after the National Environmental Policy Act. That act mandates that federal agencies initiate environmental impact statements (EISs) when substantive environmental or human health consequences are likely because of an agency action related to proposed development projects. The science used to inform the EIS process, however, does not require independent scientific peer review (ISPR) in the USA or most other nations. But ISPR is needed for governments to accurately inform the EIS decision-making and public reporting processes. Instead, science is routinely manipulated during EIS reviews to generate expedient project outcomes with substantially negative ecological, political, and long-term economic consequences. We provide four examples of EISs that lack ISPR, as well as four examples where reviews by independent scientists were helpful to improve agency decisions. We also recommend that independent scientists (no affiliation with the project proponents or agencies overseeing projects) be used to help assess potential environmental and socio-economic impacts, as well as offer appropriate risk assessments, study designs, and monitoring timeframes. We conclude that nations should convene formal reviews using independent scientists as a form of peer review in the EIS process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The field of implementation science has significantly expanded in size and scope over the past two decades, although work related to understanding implementation processes have of course long preceded the more systematic efforts to improve integration of evidence-based interventions into practice settings. While this growth has had significant benefits to research, practice, and policy, there are some clear challenges that this period of adolescence has uncovered. Main body: This invited commentary reflects on the development of implementation science, its rapid growth, and milestones in its establishment as a viable component of the biomedical research enterprise. The authors reflect on progress in research and training, and then unpack some of the consequences of rapid growth, as the field has grappled with the competing challenges of legitimacy among the research community set against the necessary integration and engagement with practice and policy partners. The article then enumerates a set of principles for the field's next developmental stage and espouses the aspirational goal of a "big tent" to support the next generation of impactful science. Conclusion: For implementation science to expand its relevance and impact to practice and policy, researchers must not lose sight of the original purpose of the field—to support improvements in health and health care at scale, the importance of building a community of research and practice among key partners, and the balance of rigor, relevance, and societal benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Estimate proportion of various approaches used by dental hygienists for engaging patients in decisions commonly arising during scaling and root planing. Distribution of approaches was compared across various task components in this procedure, practice experience of dental hygienists and patient compliance. Materials and Methods: Survey of graduates from and students in a baccalaureate dental hygiene program. Results: Paternalism (tell then do) and informed consent (give choices and reasons and ask for permission) were more common than shared decision‐making (discuss alternatives, solicit patient input and arrive at a mutual decision) and disengagement (patient refusing offered service or avoiding further involvement) by a ratio of 4 to 1 for the first 2 compared with the latter 2. This relationship was held across selecting treatment, procedural adjuncts, homecare instructions and financial arrangements. Dental hygienists exhibited a range of personal preferences for engagement approaches. No‐show rate, patient disengagement outside the office, was high (20%). Conclusion: Dental hygienists reported using 'more controlled' approaches to engaging patients in decisions regarding treatment. Patients may prefer to engage in more shared decisions and choose this approach by staying away from the office. This may underestimate patients' decisions to stay away from treatment, for example by not showing for completion of the treatment or disregarding homecare routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) was established in 2002 to conduct applied research and undertake related activities to translate evidence into practice, with a special focus on the unmet needs of populations at higher risk of getting cancer and dying from it. A network of academic, public health and community partners, CPCRN is a thematic research network of the Prevention Research Centers Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) has been a consistent collaborator. The CPCRN has fostered research on geographically dispersed populations through cross-institution partnerships across the network. Since its inception, the CPCRN has applied rigorous scientific methods to fill knowledge gaps in the application and implementation of evidence-based interventions, and it has developed a generation of leading investigators in the dissemination and implementation of effective public health practices. This article reflects on how CPCRN addressed national priorities, contributed to CDC's programs, emphasized health equity and impacted science over the past twenty years and potential future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real estate—housing in particular—is a less profitable investment in the long run than previously thought. We hand-collect property-level financial data for the institutional real estate portfolios of four large Oxbridge colleges over the period 1901–1983. Gross income yields initially fluctuate around 5%, but then trend downward (upward) for agricultural and residential (commercial) real estate. Long-term real income growth rates are close to zero for all property types. Our findings imply annualized real total returns, net of costs, ranging from approximately 2.3% for residential to 4.5% for agricultural real estate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer prevention and control research has produced a variety of effective interventions over the years, though most are single disease focused. To meet the Cancer Moonshot goal to reduce the cancer death rate by 50% by 2047, it may be necessary to overcome the limitations of siloed interventions that do not meet people's multiple needs and limitations in system capacity to deliver the increasing number of interventions in parallel. In this article, we propose integrating multiple evidence-based interventions as a potential solution. We define 2 types of integrated interventions, blended and bundled, and provide examples to illustrate each. We then offer a schematic and outline considerations for how to assemble blended or bundled interventions including looking at the intervention need or opportunity along the cancer continuum as well as co-occurring behaviors or motivations. We also discuss delivery workflow integration considerations including social-ecological level(s), context or setting, implementer, and intended beneficiary. Finally, in assembling integrated interventions, we encourage consideration of practice-based expertise and community and/or patient input. After assembly, we share thoughts related to implementation and evaluation of blended or bundled interventions. To conclude the article, we present multiple research opportunities in this space. With swift progress on these research directions, cancer prevention and control interventionists and implementation scientists can contribute to achieving the promise of the reignited Cancer Moonshot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an Epstein-Barr virus–associated smooth muscle tumor in an adult male with AIDS. The patient had multiple lung nodules seen on computed tomography of the chest and an endobronchial lung tumor identified on bronchoscopy. Initiation of antiretroviral therapy slowed the progression of the tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Shared decision making has been widely advocated and evaluated in diverse ways for 4 decades. Aims and Objectives: But there is scant evidence that it is commonly accepted by or has influence on practitioners' behaviour or that it positively affects patient health outcomes. This situation may be due in part to the absence of a commonly agreed operational definition of the construct. This is admitted in the literature and has led to multiple approaches to evaluation. Method: An operational definition is proposed based on ethical parity among parties, sharing of mutually interacting expectations and analysis of decisions as commitment to action rather than information. Results: Shared decision making occurs when two autonomous and uncoerced agents both commit to actions that neither has reason to want to change based on their understanding of anticipated outcomes given the situation at hand and of the intended actions of the other party. Conclusion: It is a broader concept than providing information regarding treatment alternatives in the office. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic disease management (CDM) through sustained knowledge translation (KT) interventions ensures long-term, high-quality care. We assessed implementation of KT interventions for supporting CDM and their efficacy when sustained in older adults. Methods: Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis engaging 17 knowledge users using integrated KT. Eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including adults (> 65 years old) with chronic disease(s), their caregivers, health and/or policy-decision makers receiving a KT intervention to carry out a CDM intervention for at least 12 months (versus other KT interventions or usual care). Information sources: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from each database's inception to March 2020. Outcome measures: Sustainability, fidelity, adherence of KT interventions for CDM practice, quality of life (QOL) and quality of care (QOC). Data extraction, risk of bias (ROB) assessment: We screened, abstracted and appraised articles (Effective Practice and Organisation of Care ROB tool) independently and in duplicate. Data synthesis: We performed both random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses and estimated mean differences (MDs) for continuous and odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data. Results: We included 158 RCTs (973,074 participants [961,745 patients, 5540 caregivers, 5789 providers]) and 39 companion reports comprising 329 KT interventions, involving patients (43.2%), healthcare providers (20.7%) or both (10.9%). We identified 16 studies described as assessing sustainability in 8.1% interventions, 67 studies as assessing adherence in 35.6% interventions and 20 studies as assessing fidelity in 8.7% of the interventions. Most meta-analyses suggested that KT interventions improved QOL, but imprecisely (36 item Short-Form mental [SF-36 mental]: MD 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] [− 1.25, 3.47], 14 RCTs, 5876 participants, I2 = 96%; European QOL-5 dimensions: MD 0.01, 95% CI [− 0.01, 0.02], 15 RCTs, 6628 participants, I2 = 25%; St George's Respiratory Questionnaire: MD − 2.12, 95% CI [− 3.72, − 0.51] 44 12 RCTs, 2893 participants, I2 = 44%). KT interventions improved QOC (OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.29, 1.85], 12 RCTS, 5271 participants, I2 = 21%). Conclusions: KT intervention sustainability was infrequently defined and assessed. Sustained KT interventions have the potential to improve QOL and QOC in older adults with CDM. However, their overall efficacy remains uncertain and it varies by effect modifiers, including intervention type, chronic disease number, comorbidities, and participant age. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018084810. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vision of the Central Society for Clinical and Translational Research (CSCTR) is to "promote a vibrant, supportive community of multidisciplinary, clinical, and translational medical research to benefit humanity." Together with the Midwestern Section of the American Federation for Medical Research, CSCTR hosts an Annual Midwest Clinical & Translational Research Meeting, a regional multispecialty meeting that provides the opportunity for trainees and early-stage investigators to present their research to leaders in their fields. There is an increasing national and global interest in implementation science (IS), the systematic study of activities (or strategies) to facilitate the successful uptake of evidence-based health interventions in clinical and community settings. Given the growing importance of this field and its relevance to the goals of the CSCTR, in 2022, the Midwest Clinical & Translational Research Meeting incorporated new initiatives and sessions in IS. In this report, we describe the role of IS in the translational research spectrum, provide a summary of sessions from the 2022 Midwest Clinical & Translational Research Meeting, and highlight initiatives to complement national efforts to build capacity for IS through the annual meetings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic disease management (CDM) through sustained knowledge translation (KT) interventions ensures long-term, high-quality care. We assessed implementation of KT interventions for supporting CDM and their efficacy when sustained in older adults. Methods: Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis engaging 17 knowledge users using integrated KT. Eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including adults (> 65 years old) with chronic disease(s), their caregivers, health and/or policy-decision makers receiving a KT intervention to carry out a CDM intervention for at least 12 months (versus other KT interventions or usual care). Information sources: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from each database's inception to March 2020. Outcome measures: Sustainability, fidelity, adherence of KT interventions for CDM practice, quality of life (QOL) and quality of care (QOC). Data extraction, risk of bias (ROB) assessment: We screened, abstracted and appraised articles (Effective Practice and Organisation of Care ROB tool) independently and in duplicate. Data synthesis: We performed both random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses and estimated mean differences (MDs) for continuous and odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data. Results: We included 158 RCTs (973,074 participants [961,745 patients, 5540 caregivers, 5789 providers]) and 39 companion reports comprising 329 KT interventions, involving patients (43.2%), healthcare providers (20.7%) or both (10.9%). We identified 16 studies described as assessing sustainability in 8.1% interventions, 67 studies as assessing adherence in 35.6% interventions and 20 studies as assessing fidelity in 8.7% of the interventions. Most meta-analyses suggested that KT interventions improved QOL, but imprecisely (36 item Short-Form mental [SF-36 mental]: MD 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] [− 1.25, 3.47], 14 RCTs, 5876 participants, I2 = 96%; European QOL-5 dimensions: MD 0.01, 95% CI [− 0.01, 0.02], 15 RCTs, 6628 participants, I2 = 25%; St George's Respiratory Questionnaire: MD − 2.12, 95% CI [− 3.72, − 0.51] 44 12 RCTs, 2893 participants, I2 = 44%). KT interventions improved QOC (OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.29, 1.85], 12 RCTS, 5271 participants, I2 = 21%). Conclusions: KT intervention sustainability was infrequently defined and assessed. Sustained KT interventions have the potential to improve QOL and QOC in older adults with CDM. However, their overall efficacy remains uncertain and it varies by effect modifiers, including intervention type, chronic disease number, comorbidities, and participant age. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018084810. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past two decades, pragmatic and implementation science clinical trial research methods have advanced substantially. Pragmatic and implementation studies have natural areas of overlap, particularly relating to the goal of using clinical trial data to leverage health care system policy changes. Few investigations have addressed pragmatic and implementation science randomized trial methods development while also considering policy impact. Methods: The investigation used the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2 (PRECIS-2) and PRECIS-2-Provider Strategies (PRECIS-2-PS) tools to evaluate the design of two multisite randomized clinical trials that targeted patient-level effectiveness outcomes, provider-level practice changes and health care system policy. Seven raters received PRECIS-2 training and applied the tools in the coding of the two trials. Descriptive statistics were produced for both trials, and PRECIS-2 wheel diagrams were constructed. Interrater agreement was assessed with the Intraclass Correlation (ICC) and Kappa statistics. The Rapid Assessment Procedure Informed Clinical Ethnography (RAPICE) qualitative approach was applied to understanding integrative themes derived from the PRECIS-2 ratings and an end-of-study policy summit. Results: The ICCs for the composite ratings across the patient and provider-focused PRECIS-2 domains ranged from 0.77 to 0.87, and the Kappa values ranged from 0.25 to 0.37, reflecting overall fair-to-good interrater agreement for both trials. All four PRECIS-2 wheels were rated more pragmatic than explanatory, with composite mean and median scores ≥ 4. Across trials, the primary intent-to-treat analysis domain was consistently rated most pragmatic (mean = 5.0, SD = 0), while the follow-up/data collection domain was rated most explanatory (mean range = 3.14–3.43, SD range = 0.49–0.69). RAPICE field notes identified themes related to potential PRECIS-2 training improvements, as well as policy themes related to using trial data to inform US trauma care system practice change; the policy themes were not captured by the PRECIS-2 ratings. Conclusions: The investigation documents that the PRECIS-2 and PRECIS-2-PS can be simultaneously used to feasibly and reliably characterize clinical trials with patient and provider-level targets. The integration of pragmatic and implementation science clinical trial research methods can be furthered by using common metrics such as the PRECIS-2 and PRECIS-2-PS. Future study could focus on clinical trial policy research methods development. Trial registration: DO-SBIS ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00607620. registered on January 29, 2008. TSOS ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02655354, registered on July 27, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize features of the current orthodontic literature. All research articles published in 2020 (N = 350) in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, The Angle Orthodontist, and the European Journal of Orthodontics were categorized on 48 features such as type of study (domain of generalization, subjects, and research design), analytical tools (statistical tests, power and normality of data, consistency of measurement, management of covariables, and corrections of multiple independent tests), and reporting characteristics. Consistency of the coding was high (κ >.990). The "most typical" article was a cohort study reporting multiple patient outcomes at a single treatment location. Soundness of analyses was uneven, with about half providing information on power or normality of the data and consistency of measurement. Few articles addressed covariables or adjusted for multiple tests of independent outcomes. Photos and flow charts were commonly used to explain methods, and results were presented in multiple formats. There was a clear association between design and reporting characteristics and type of study for systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case reports. There were small but consistent differences across the three journals. The quality of the orthodontic research literature has advanced at an uneven pace, and this review identifies areas that could be strengthened. Substantial gaps remain in achieving accepted standards for randomized controlled trials and opportunities exist for better understanding measures of effect through design and analysis using regression techniques to identify sources of variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study exploits a new long-run data set of daily bid and offered exchange rates in spot and forward markets from 1919 to the present to analyze carry returns in fixed and floating currency regimes. We first find that outsized carry returns occur exclusively in the floating regime, being zero in the fixed regime. Second, we show that fixed-to-floating regime shifts are associated with negative returns to a carry strategy implemented only on floating currencies, robust to the inclusion of volatility risks. These shifts are typically characterized by global flight-to-safety events that represent bad times for carry traders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Implementation Science in Cancer Control Centers (ISC3) Network represents a large-scale initiative to create an infrastructure to support and enable the efficient, effective, and equitable translation of approaches and evidence-based treatments to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes. This Cancer Moonshot funded ISC3 Network consists of seven P50 Centers that support and advance the rapid development, testing, and refinement of innovative approaches to implement a range of evidence-based cancer control interventions. The Centers were designed to have research-practice partnerships at their core, and to create the opportunity for a series of pilot studies that could explore new and sometimes risky ideas and embed in their infrastructure a two-way engagement and collaboration essential to stimulating lasting change. ISC3 also seeks to enhance capacity of researchers, practitioners and communities to apply implementation science approaches, methods, and measures. The Organizing Framework that guides the work of ISC3 highlights a collective set of three core areas of collaboration within and among Centers, including: (1) assess and incorporate dynamic, multilevel context; (2) develop and conduct rapid and responsive pilot and methods studies; and (3) build capacity for knowledge development and exchange. Core operating principles that under-gird the framework include open collaboration, consideration of the dynamic context and engagement of multiple implementation partners to advance pragmatic methods, advancement of health equity, and facilitation of leadership and capacity building across Implementation Science and cancer control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Demonstrate that dental hygiene students' participation in a randomized controlled trial comparing the plaque‐removing capability of two toothbrushes provides a fuller understanding of the factors affecting the potential application of research to practice. Methods: All students (N = 18) in a baccalaureate dental hygiene class were engaged in the design of a randomized controlled trial using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) standard and then participated as subjects in a staggered, repeated measures trial using plaque removal as the dependent variable and brush type, brush head wear, and time in study as independent variables. A debriefing of student participation and lessons learned from analyzing the results was conducted. Results: The study found statistically significant differences in plaque removal capability. Brush type accounted for only 4% of the variance, while measures of brush head wear were inconsistent, and time in the study ("experimental fatigue") accounted for the most variance (9%). Students recognized and confirmed by their personal experiences that research that fails to focus on variance can create an overly optimistic impression of research effectiveness. There was strong agreement that subjects/patients vary widely and that performance depends on multiple factors. Conclusions: Dental hygiene students who participated as subjects in a randomized controlled trial comparing toothbrushes for plaque removal capacity felt that full analysis to account for all sources of variance and estimate the magnitude of measures of effect add to the value of reported research. Variation across patients is important in practice, if often overlooked as an "error" in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study market segmentation effects using data on U.S. railroads that list their bonds in New York and London between 1873 and 1913. This sample provides a unique setting for such analysis because of the precision offered by bond yields in cost of capital estimation, the geography-specific nature of railroad assets, and ongoing substantial technological change. We document a significant reduction in market segmentation over time. While New York bond yields exceeded those in London in the 1870s, this premium disappeared by the early 1900s. However, the segmentation premium persisted in the more remote regions of the United States. Received June 18, 2015; editorial decision October 4, 2017 by Editor Robin Greenwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back in 1905, some workers formed a new union, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). A century or so ago, life for many American workers was more like life today than the decades between. Gig workers have technical skills and may earn hourly wages far higher than, say, migrant workers. [Extracted from the article]

Background: We have previously reported that the endocannabinoid receptor inverse agonist AM630 is a potent inhibitor of isocitrade dehydrogenase-1 wild-type glioblastoma (GBM) core tumour cell proliferation. To uncover the mechanism behind the anti-tumour effects we have performed a transcriptional analysis of AM630 activity both in the tumour core cells (U87) and the invasive margin cells (GIN-8), the latter representing a better proxy of post-surgical residual disease. Results: The core and invasive margin cells exhibited markedly different gene expression profiles and only the core cells had high expression of a potential AM630 target, the CB1 receptor. Both cell types had moderate expression of the HTR2B serotonin receptor, a reported AM630 target. We found that the AM630 driven transcriptional response was substantially higher in the central cells than in the invasive margin cells, with the former driving the up regulation of immune response and the down regulation of cell cycle and metastatic pathways and correlating with transcriptional responses driven by established anti-neoplastics as well as serotonin receptor antagonists. Conclusion: Our results highlight the different gene sets involved in the core and invasive margin cell lines derived from GBM and an associated marked difference in responsiveness to AM630. Our findings identify AM630 as an anti-neoplastic drug in the context of the core cells, showing a high correlation with the activity of known antiproliferative drugs. However, we reveal a key set of similarities between the two cell lines that may inform therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of long-term use of the lower lingual arch (LLA) on the sagittal and vertical positions of the permanent lower incisors and first molars. The sample consisted of 98 patients who were treated with an LLA (LLA group) and 39 patients who were treated without an LLA (no-LLA group). The positional changes of the lower incisors and first molars were analyzed after performing mandibular structural superimpositions on lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before treatment (T1) and at the end of LLA therapy (T2). The mean ages at T1 and T2 were 8.5 years and 13.2 years, respectively. Study casts were analyzed to quantify arch dimensional changes. Mesial movement of the lower molar cusp was similar between the LLA and no-LLA groups, but the vertical position was slightly greater at T2 in the LLA group. In the LLA group, there was a molar tip-back effect, and the lower incisors were proclined 4.2° more than in the no-LLA group. Arch perimeter decreased 3.6 ± 2.6 mm without an LLA and 0.97 ± 3.7 mm with an LLA. Intercanine and intermolar widths both increased about 1 mm more with an LLA (P <.0001). The LLA does not seem to restrict mesial movement and vertical eruption of the lower incisors and molars in the long term. The LLA effectively preserves the arch perimeter at the expense of a slight lower incisor proclination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Republic Shall be Kept Clean" by Tariq D. Khan explores the relationship between settler colonial violence towards Native Americans and antileft repression in the United States. Khan argues that portrayals of red leftists are equated with the 'red savage' of US settler colonization. However, the author fails to substantiate this premise and provide substantial evidence for the connections between Native Americans and leftists. The book overlooks the broader context and common cause of the white supremacist, capitalist establishment in the repression of various groups throughout US history. [Extracted from the article]

The article suggests enhancements to the American Dental Association's ethical guidelines including strengthening ethical principles, positive changes to the code of conduct, and aligning with contemporary ethical frameworks.

Although health-related policies are abundant, efforts to understand how to ensure that these policies serve as an effective vehicle for translating scientific evidence are relatively sparse. This paper explores how policy-focused implementation science (IS) may contribute to understanding the translation of scientific evidence to health-related policy in governmental and nongovernmental sectors. Expanding the focus of implementation science in cancer control could systematically address policy to both increase the use of scientific evidence in general and to address health equity. In this Commentary, we look to relevant work outside of IS that could be informative, most notably from the field of political science. We propose several ideas for future research that could help move the field of policy implementation science in cancer control in the USA forward. Although most efforts to increase uptake of the scientific evidence base reference translation to "practice and policy," there has been relatively little emphasis in the USA on implementation at the policy level, especially related to cancer control. If we are to achieve the full benefits of scientific discovery on population and public health, we will need to consider policy as a critical mechanism by which evidence can be translated to practice. We have a robust set of methods within implementation science that are increasing the pace of adoption and maintenance of evidence-based programs in a variety of settings. Building on these efforts, the time is right to expand our focus to include policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consensus view of the influential economist John Maynard Keynes is that he was a stellar investor. We provide an extensive quantitative appraisal of his performance over a quarter century and present detailed analysis of his archived trading records. His top-down approach initially generated disappointing returns with no evidence of any market-timing ability. However, from the early 1930s his performance improved as he evolved into a bottom-up stock picker with substantial active risk and pronounced size and value tilts. Our reconstruction of Keynes’s stock trading provides a unique record of realized performance and sheds light on how equity investing developed historically. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose/objectives: Identify barriers and opportunities regarding faculty participation in research. Methods: Sixty‐four faculty members of all ranks and days of employment completed a survey designed to reveal attitudes toward participation in research. Results: Among those responding, three‐quarters said they were actively engaged in research, and 45% of these identified no perceived barriers. Those reporting obstacles rank‐ordered 10 barriers, but no consistent patterns emerged. A factor analysis revealed three clusters of concerns: (a) school barriers, (b) personal barriers, and (c) team opportunities. A large number of comments were offered, and these tended to group by the three quantitatively identified factors. Conclusion: These findings were consistent with the view that lack of time and formal training in standardized research skills were not major impediments to scholarship. Instead, assistance in navigating administrative hurdles and participation on multiskilled teams appeared to offer the best prospect for helping faculty interested in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Beta cell identity changes occur in the islets of donors with diabetes, but the molecular basis of this remains unclear. Protecting residual functional beta cells from cell identity changes may be beneficial for patients with diabetes. Results: A somatostatin-positive cell population was induced in stressed clonal human EndoC-βH1 beta cells and was isolated using FACS. A transcriptomic characterisation of somatostatin-positive cells was then carried out. Gain of somatostatin-positivity was associated with marked dysregulation of the non-coding genome. Very few coding genes were differentially expressed. Potential candidate effector genes were assessed by targeted gene knockdown. Targeted knockdown of the HNRNPD gene induced the emergence of a somatostatin-positive cell population in clonal EndoC-βH1 beta cells comparable with that we have previously reported in stressed cells. Conclusions: We report here a role for the HNRNPD gene in determination of beta cell identity in response to cellular stress. These findings widen our understanding of the role of RNA binding proteins and RNA biology in determining cell identity and may be important for protecting remaining beta cell reserve in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effectiveness of scaling/root planing (SRP) plus 1064 wavelength diode laser therapy was compared to scaling/root planing only in treating moderate-severe (stages II-III) chronic periodontitis. Methods: Twenty-two subjects meeting all inclusion/exclusion criteria completed the study. Subjects had at least one experimental (SRP+LASER) and one control (SRP-ONLY) site randomly selected. Pre- and post-treatment clinical crown lengths (CCL), probing depths (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded by an examiner blinded to treatment. Bone levels were evaluated pre- and post-treatment using cone beam computed tomography. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA and t-tests were used for analysis. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in pretreatrneni CCL, PD, BOP and interproximal bone height between treatment groups. In post-treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in mean changes between treatment groups (p > 0.05) for CCL, PD and BOP except for bone fill, which significantly increased for the SRP+LASER group (p - 0.002) compared to the SRP-ONLY group. Conclusions and practical implications: The adjunct use of a 1064 wavelength diode laser with definitive SRP therapy was significantly more effective (p - 0.002) than SRP alone evidenced by an increase in post-treatment bone fill. Both therapies reduced PD and BOP with minimal effect on CCL. Adjunct laser therapy may be another useful tool in the clinician's armamentarium for managing periodontitis Further scientific research is warranted, such as a larger scale study, greater long-term follow-up and the addition of another study arm: a comparison to surgical pocket reduction therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylcarbamoyl mercapturic acid (MCAMA, N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-L-cysteine) is a urinary metabolite of N,N-dimethylformamide and methyl isocyanate, which are volatile organic compounds that are harmful to humans. N,N-dimethylformamide exposure causes liver damage, and methyl isocyanate inhalation damages the lining of the respiratory tract, which can increase risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This study characterizes urinary MCAMA levels in the US population and explores associations of MCAMA concentrations with select demographic and environmental factors. We used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to measure MCAMA in urine collected from study participants ≥ 12 years old (N = 8272) as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 and 2011–2016. We produced multiple regression models with MCAMA concentrations as the dependent variable and sex, age, fasting time, race/ethnicity, diet, and cigarette smoking as independent variables. Cigarette smokers and nonsmokers had median urinary MCAMA concentrations of 517 μg/g creatinine and 127 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Sample-weighted multiple regression analysis showed that MCAMA was positively associated with serum cotinine (p < 0.0001). Compared to non-exposed participants (serum cotinine ≤ 0.015 ng/mL), presumptive exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke (serum cotinine > 0.015–≤ 10 ng/mL and 0 cigarettes smoked per day) was associated with 20% higher MCAMA (p < 0.0001). Additionally, smoking 1–10 cigarettes per day was associated with 261% higher MCAMA (p < 0.0001), smoking 11–20 cigarettes per day was associated with 357% higher MCAMA (p < 0.0001), and smoking > 20 cigarettes per day was associated with 416% higher MCAMA (p < 0.0001). These findings underscore the strong association of tobacco smoke exposure with urinary MCAMA biomarker levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients, practitioners, and policy makers are increasingly concerned about the delivery of ineffective or low-value clinical practices in cancer care settings. Research is needed on how to effectively deimplement these types of practices from cancer care. In this commentary, we spotlight the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a national network of community oncology practices, and elaborate on how it is an ideal infrastructure for conducting rigorous, real-world research on deimplementation. We describe key multilevel issues that affect deimplementation and also serve as a guidepost for developing strategies to drive deimplementation. We describe optimal study designs for testing deimplementation strategies and elaborate on how and why the NCORP network is uniquely positioned to conduct rigorous and impactful deimplementation trials. The number and diversity of affiliated community oncology care sites, coupled with the overall objective of improving cancer care delivery, make the NCORP an opportune infrastructure for advancing deimplementation research while simultaneously improving the care of millions of cancer patients nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies estimate translation of research evidence into practice takes 17 years. However, this estimate is not specific to cancer control evidence-based practices (EBPs), nor do these studies evaluate variation in the translational process. We examined the translational pathway of cancer control EBPs.Methods: We selected five cancer control EBPs where data on uptake were readily available. Years from landmark publication to clinical guideline issuance to implementation, defined as 50% uptake, were measured. The translational pathway for each EBP was mapped and an average total time across EBPs was calculated.Results: Five cancer control EBPs were included: mammography, clinicians' advice to quit smoking, colorectal cancer screening, HPV co-testing, and HPV vaccination. Time from publication to implementation ranged from 13 to 21 years, averaging 15 years. Time from publication to guideline issuance ranged from 3 to 17 years, and from guideline issuance to implementation, - 4 to 12 years. Clinician's advice to quit smoking, HPV co-testing, and HPV vaccination were most rapidly implemented; colorectal cancer screening and mammography were slowest to implement.Conclusion: The average time to implementation was 15 years for the five EBPs we evaluated, a marginal improvement from prior findings. Although newer EBPs such as HPV vaccination and HPV co-testing were faster to implement than other EBPs, continued efforts in implementation science to speed research to practice are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Moonshot initiative seeks to accelerate cancer research for the USA. One of the scientific priorities identified by the Moonshot's Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) of scientific experts was the implementation of evidence-based approaches. In September 2019, the NCI launched the Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3 or "Centers") initiative to advance this Moonshot priority. The vision of the ISC3 is to promote the development of research centers to build capacity and research in high-priority areas of cancer control implementation science (e.g. scale-up and spread, sustainability and adaptation, and precision implementation), build implementation laboratories within community and clinical settings, improve the state of measurement and methods, and improve the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based cancer control interventions. This paper highlights the research agenda, vision, and strategic direction for these Centers and encourages transdisciplinary scientists to learn more about opportunities to collaborate with these Centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: First articulated by Schwartz and Lellouch (1967), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be conceptualized along a continuum from more explanatory to more pragmatic. The purpose and intent of the former is to test interventions under ideal contexts, and the purpose and intent of the latter is to test interventions in real-world contexts. The PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2 (PRECIS-2) is a validated tool that helps researchers make decisions about the elements of the trial to match the overall purpose and intent of the trial along the continuum. The PRECIS-2 tool has guided the design of hundreds of RCTs. However, a few aspects of the tool would benefit from greater clarity, including its application to provider-focused implementation trials rather than patient-focused intervention trials.Main Text: We describe the newly developed PRECIS-2-Provider Strategies (PRECIS-2-PS) tool, an extension of the PRECIS-2 tool, which has been adapted for trials testing provider-focused strategies. We elaborate on nine domains that can make a provider-focused trial more explanatory or more pragmatic, including eligibility, recruitment, setting, implementation resources, flexibility of provider strategies, flexibility of intervention, data collection, primary outcome, and primary analysis. We detail the complementary roles that researchers and stakeholders play in the trial design phase, with implications for generalizability of trial results to the contexts in which they are intended to be applied.Conclusions: The PRECIS-2-PS tool is designed to help research and practice teams plan for provider-focused trials that reflect the overall intent and purpose of the trial. The tool has potential to help advance the science of provider-focused strategies across a range of trials, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the adoption, integration, and sustainability of provider-focused strategies outside the context of trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to improve cancer care primarily come from two fields: improvement science and implementation science. The two fields have developed independently, yet they have potential for synergy. Leveraging that synergy to enhance alignment could both reduce duplication and, more importantly, enhance the potential of both fields to improve care. To better understand potential for alignment, we examined 20 highly cited cancer-related improvement science and implementation science studies published in the past 5 years, characterizing and comparing their objectives, methods, and approaches to practice change. We categorized studies as improvement science or implementation science based on authors' descriptions when possible; otherwise, we categorized studies as improvement science if they evaluated efforts to improve the quality, value, or safety of care, or implementation science if they evaluated efforts to promote the implementation of evidence-based interventions into practice. All implementation studies (10/10) and most improvement science studies (6/10) sought to improve uptake of evidence-based interventions. Improvement science and implementation science studies employed similar approaches to change practice. For example, training was employed in 8/10 implementation science studies and 4/10 improvement science studies. However, improvement science and implementation science studies used different terminology to describe similar concepts and emphasized different methodological aspects in reporting. Only 4/20 studies (2 from each category) described using a formal theory or conceptual framework to guide program development. Most studies were multi-site (10/10 implementation science and 6/10 improvement science) and a minority (2 from each category) used a randomized design. Based on our review, cancer-related improvement science and implementation science studies use different terminology and emphasize different methodological aspects in reporting but share similarities in purpose, scope, and methods, and are at similar levels of scientific development. The fields are well-positioned for alignment. We propose that next steps include harmonizing language and cross-fertilizing methods of program development and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary explores the ways in which robust research focused on policy implementation will increase our ability to understand how to - and how not to - address social determinants of health. We make three key points in this commentary. First, policies that affect our lives and health are developed and implemented every single day, like it or not. These include "small p" policies, such as those at our workplaces that influence whether we have affordable access to healthy food at work, as well as "large P" policies that, for example, determine at a larger level whether our children's schools are required to provide physical education. However, policies interact with context and are likely to have differential effects across different groups based on demographics, socioeconomic status, geography, and culture. We are unlikely to improve health equity if we do not begin to systematically evaluate the ways in which policies can incorporate evidence-based approaches to reducing inequities and to provide structural supports needed for such interventions to have maximal impact. A policy mandating physical education in schools will do little to address disparities in fitness and weight-related outcomes if all schools cannot provide the resources for physical education teachers and safe activity spaces. Second, as we argue for an increased emphasis on policy implementation science, we acknowledge its nascent status. Although the field of implementation science has become increasingly robust in the past decade, there has been only limited application to policy. However, if we are strategic and systematic in application of implementation science approaches and methods to health-related policy, there is great opportunity to discover its impact on social determinants. This will entail fundamental work to develop common measures of policy-relevant implementation processes and outcomes, to develop the capacity to track policy proposal outcomes, and to maximize our capacity to study natural experiments of policy implementation. Third, development of an explicit policy implementation science agenda focused on health equity is critical. This will include efforts to bridge scientific evidence and policy adoption and implementation, to evaluate policy impact on a range of health equity outcomes, and to examine differential effects of varied policy implementation processes across population groups. We cannot escape the reality that policy influences health and health equity. Policy implementation science can have an important bearing in understanding how policy impacts can be health-promoting and equitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naming conventions (e.g. Polonia Society, IWO on p. 274 and United Public Workers, CIO on p. 230) suggest highly similar organizing between the IWO and CIO. 'Imagine ... ' invites Professor Robert M. Zecker as he begins ' I A Road to Peace and Freedom i '. IWO leader Max Bedacht delivered orders for my grandfather Whittaker Chambers to join the Soviet underground in 1932. IWO members were the "most effective organizers for the CIO" (p. 2). [Extracted from the article]

Background: Implementation science has focused mainly on the initial uptake and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs), with less attention to sustainment-i.e., continuous use of these practices, as intended, over time in ongoing operations, often involving adaptation to dynamic contexts. Declining EBP use following implementation is well-documented yet poorly understood. Using theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) to conceptualize sustainment could advance understanding. We consolidated knowledge from published reviews of sustainment studies to identify TMFs with the potential to conceptualize sustainment, evaluate past uses of TMFs in sustainment studies, and assess the TMFs' potential contribution to developing sustainment strategies.Methods: We drew upon reviews of sustainment studies published within the past 10 years, evaluated the frequency with which included articles used a TMF for conceptualizing sustainment, and evaluated the relevance of TMFs to sustainment research using the Theory, Model, and Framework Comparison and Selection Tool (T-CaST). Specifically, we examined whether the TMFs were familiar to researchers, hypothesized relationships among constructs, provided a face-valid explanation of relationships, and included sustainment as an outcome.Findings: Nine sustainment reviews referenced 648 studies; these studies cited 76 unique TMFs. Only 28 TMFs were used in more than one study. Of the 19 TMFs that met the criteria for T-CaST analysis, six TMFs explicitly included sustainment as the outcome of interest, 12 offered face-valid explanations of proposed conceptual relationships, and six identified mechanisms underlying relationships between included constructs and sustainment. Only 11 TMFs performed adequately with respect to all these criteria.Conclusions: We identified 76 TMFs that have been used in sustainment studies. Of these, most were only used once, contributing to a fractured understanding of sustainment. Improved reporting and use of TMFs may improve understanding of this critical topic. Of the more consistently used TMFs, few proposed face-valid relationships between included constructs and sustainment, limiting their ability to advance our understanding and identify potential sustainment strategies. Future research is needed to explore the TMFs that we identified as potentially relevant, as well as TMFs not identified in our study that nonetheless have the potential to advance our understanding of sustainment and identification of strategies for sustaining EBP use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mentored training approaches help build capacity for research through mentoring networks and skill building activities. Capacity for dissemination and implementation (D&I) research in cancer is needed and mentored training programs have been developed. Evaluation of mentored training programs through quantitative approaches often provides us with information on "what" improved for participants. Qualitative approaches provide a deeper understanding of "how" programs work best. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 fellows of the National Cancer Institute-funded Mentored Training for Dissemination and Implementation in Cancer to gain understanding of their experiences with mentoring received during the program. Fellows were selected from all 55 trained participants based upon their gain in D&I research skills (highest and lowest) and number of collaborative connections in the program network (highest and lowest) reported in previous quantitative surveys. Phone interviews were recorded with permission, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified for analysis. Codes were developed a priori to reflect interview guide concepts followed by further development and iterative coding of three common themes that emerged: 1) program and mentoring structure, 2) importance of mentor attributes, and 3) enhanced capacity: credentials, confidence, credibility and connections. Results: Interviews provided valuable information about program components that worked best and impacts attributed to participation in the program. Fellows reported that regular monthly check-in calls with mentors helped to keep their research moving forward and that group mentoring structures aided in their learning of basic D&I research concepts and their application. Accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable mentors were commonly mentioned by fellows as a key to their success in the program. Fellows mentioned various forms of impact that they attributed to their participation in the program including gaining credibility in the field, a network of peers and experts, and career developments (e.g., collaborative publications and grant funding). Conclusions: These findings suggest that mentored training works best when mentoring is structured and coupled with applied learning and when respected and dedicated mentors are on board. Increased scientific collaborations and credibility within a recognized network are important trainee experiences that should be considered when designing, implementing, and sustaining mentored training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myostatin inhibition is thought to improve whole body insulin sensitivity and mitigate the development of insulin resistance in models of obesity. However, although myostatin is known to be a major regulator of skeletal muscle mass, the direct effects of myostatin inhibition in muscle on glucose uptake and the mechanisms that may underlie this are still unclear. We investigated the effect of local myostatin inhibition by adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression of the myostatin propeptide on insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose disposal in chow-fed or high fat diet-fed mice and evaluated the molecular pathways that might mediate this. We found that myostatin inhibition improved glucose disposal in obese high fat diet-fed mice alongside the induction of muscle hypertrophy but did not have an impact in chow-fed mice. This improvement was not associated with greater glucose transporter or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α expression or 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase activation as previously suggested. Instead, transcriptomic analysis suggested that the improvement in glucose disposal was associated with significant enrichment in genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and translation of mitochondrial genes. Thus, myostatin inhibition improves muscle insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in obese high fat diet-fed mice independent of muscle hypertrophy, potentially involving previously unidentified pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]