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Editing services within academic health centers are uncommon, and few studies have reported on their impact. In this article, we describe our medical writing center's editing service for faculty and trainees at a pediatric teaching hospital and associated outcomes of scholarly products (e.g., manuscripts and grants) over an 8-year period. Data for manuscripts and grant proposals edited by the writing center from 2015 through 2022 were collected electronically from our service request database. Outcome data on publications and grant proposals were regularly collected up to 12 months post-submission. Users were also asked if the writing center edits were helpful, improved readability, and if they planned to use the service in the future. From 2015 through 2022, the writing center received 697 requests, 88.4% to edit a document. Of the documents edited, 81.3% of manuscripts and 44.4% of grant proposals were successfully published or funded. When rating their experience, 97.8% of respondents rated the edits "helpful," 96.7% indicated the edits "improved readability," and 99.3% stated they planned to use the writing center in the future. Our results showed steady use of the writing center and high satisfaction with services. A writing center can be an effective tool to support psychology faculty development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a fairness criterion that we call Spanning. Spanning i) is implied by Calibration, ii) retains interesting properties of Calibration that some other ways of relaxing that criterion do not, and iii) unlike Calibration and other prominent ways of weakening it, is consistent with Equalized Odds outside of trivial cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although antibiotics have significantly improved human and animal health, their intensive use leads to the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Moreover, certain waste management practices create the ideal conditions for AMR development while providing predictable resources for wildlife. Here, we investigated the role of landfills in the potentiation of New World vultures to disseminate environmental AMR. We collected 107 samples (soil, water, and feces) between 2023 and 2024, in different bird use sites (roosts, landfills and boneyards). Results: We isolated enterococci (EN), Escherichia coli (EC), and Salmonella spp. (SM), performed antibiotic susceptibility tests, and quantified the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within all samples. We identified EN, EC, and SM, in 50, 37, and 26 samples, from the three vulture use areas, respectively. AMR was mainly to aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, and tetracycline, and the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 5.3% (EC), 78.2% (EN), and 17.6% (SM). Variations in bacterial abundance and AMR/MDR profiles were found based on the season, use site, and sample types, which was corroborated by ARG analyses. Conclusions: Our study suggests that landfills constitute a source of zoonotic pathogens and AMR for wildlife, due to readily available refuse input. Using non-invasive molecular methods, we highlight an often-ignored ecosystem within the One Health paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validation of groundwater models is relatively challenging due to the need to reserve scarce water level data for calibration targets. In addition, traditional statistical validation metrics are unintuitive for non-technical audiences and do not directly identify model behaviors that require further refinement. We developed a novel model validation method that analyzes rate change events at pump-and-treat wells and statistically compares the water level responses at nearby monitoring wells between the data and model. The method takes advantage of events that occur alongside ambient pumping, unlike parameter estimation techniques that require independent drawdown or recovery events. The ability of the model to match well connections that are evident (or not evident) in the observations is characterized statistically, leading to four decision scenarios: model matches the observed connection (1) or lack thereof (2), model exhibits a connection that is not observed (3), or model over- or understates the observed connection (4). The method is applied to an FEHM-based groundwater flow and transport model that is shown to match 84.5% of the well connections analyzed. The method provides novel perspectives on the influence of calibration targets on the flow field and suggests that although the overall effect of drawdown targets was to improve the model, the choice of target well pairs creates flow pathways that may be inconsequential during normal operational conditions. The model adequately matches the flow over short spatial scales (<800 m) and over-represents the flow over greater distances (300–1200 m), suggesting the need for "null" drawdown targets in subsequent rounds of calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the landing phases of the single-leg hop for distance (SLHD) are commonly assessed, limited work reflects how the take-off phase influences hop performance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). To compare trunk and lower extremity biomechanics between individuals with ACLR and matched uninjured controls during take-off of the SLHD. Cross-sectional study design. Laboratory setting. Sixteen individuals with ACLR and 18 uninjured controls. Normalized quadriceps isokinetic torque, hop distance, and respective limb symmetry indices were collected for each participant. Sagittal and frontal kinematics and kinetics of the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle as well as vertical and horizontal ground reaction forces were recorded for loading and propulsion of the take-off phase of the SLHD. Those with ACLR had weaker quadriceps peak torque in the involved limb (P =.001) and greater strength asymmetry (P <.001) than control individuals. Normalized hop distance was not statistically different between limbs or between groups (P >.05), and hop distance symmetry was not different between groups (P >.05). During loading, the involved limb demonstrated lesser knee flexion angles (P =.030) and knee power (P =.007) than the uninvolved limb and lesser knee extension moments than the uninvolved limb (P =.001) and controls (P =.005). During propulsion, the involved limb demonstrated lesser knee extension moment (P =.027), knee power (P =.010), knee (P =.032) and ankle work (P =.032), and anterior-posterior ground reaction forces (P =.047) and greater knee (P =.016) abduction excursions than the uninvolved limb. Between-limb differences in SLHD take-off suggest a knee underloading strategy in the involved limb. These results provide further evidence that distance covered during SLHD assessment can overestimate function and fail to identify compensatory biomechanical strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe clinical outcomes among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 24 months following prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Materials and Methods: This was an international, multicenter, prospective trial of males with BPH with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or acute urinary retention (AUR) treated with PAE. The primary outcome was the 12 month change in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for patients referred for bothersome LUTS, or urinary catheter independence for patients treated for AUR. Secondary outcome measures included changes in IPSS at 3 and 24 months, changes in quality of life (QoL), changes in the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire, technical success rate, and adverse events (AEs). Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Four hundred seventy-eight consecutive patients underwent PAE (bothersome LUTS: N = 405; AUR: N = 73), mean age was 70 years. For patients treated for bothersome LUTS, mean total IPSS at baseline was 21.8 and decreased to 9.3, 10.6, and 11.2 at 3, 12, and 24 months following PAE, respectively (all p < 0.001); QoL at baseline was 4.7 and decreased to 2.0, 2.1, and 2.3 at 3, 12, and 24 months, respectively (all p < 0.001). The mean SHIM score at baseline and 12 months following PAE was 13.8 and 13.9, respectively. Of the 73 patients treated for AUR, 48 (65.8%) had their indwelling catheter removed within 3 months of PAE and remained catheter free at 24 months. Fifty-five patients (11.5%) experienced ≥ 1 AE and 10 (2.1%) experienced a serious AE. Conclusion: PAE is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic BPH and LUTS. Level of Evidence Level 3 Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03527589. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recent studies have investigated the validity of precautionary practices for lymphedema risk reduction after breast cancer treatment, such as avoidance of blood pressure measurements, skin puncture, blood draws, and use of prophylactic compression during air travel. Other studies have elucidated risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema, such as axillary lymph node dissection and skin infection (cellulitis). Combining the current evidence base with the consensus opinion of lymphatic experts assembled at the American Cancer Society/Lymphology Association of North America Summit in October 2023, updated evidence-based risk reduction recommendations are presented for those with or at risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Recommendation topics include prospective surveillance, patient education, individual risk factors, exercise, blood pressure, skin care and hygiene, skin puncture and blood draws, surgical procedures, prophylactic compression, air travel, and hot climate and sauna. These recommendations will help inform education and medical choices for individuals treated for breast cancer who are at risk of or diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema. More high-quality evidence is required to allow the development of risk reduction recommendations for other cancer types such as gynecological, melanoma, and head and neck. It is recommended that clinicians and organizations serving people at risk of or with lymphedema align risk reduction guidelines with the evidence-based recommendations provided within this consensus document and companion manuscripts from the American Cancer Society/Lymphology Association of North America Lymphedema Summit: Forward Momentum: Future Steps in Lymphedema Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let (Σ T , σ) be a subshift of finite type with primitive adjacency matrix T , ψ : Σ T → R a Hölder continuous potential, and A : Σ T → GL d (R) a 1-typical, one-step cocycle. For t ∈ R consider the sequences of potentials Φ t = (φ t , n) n ∈ N defined by φ t , n (x) : = S n ψ (x) + t log ‖ A n (x) ‖ , ∀ n ∈ N. Using the family of transfer operators defined in this setting by Park and Piraino, for all t < 0 sufficiently close to 0 we prove the existence of Gibbs-type measures for the superadditive sequences of potentials Φ t . This extends the results of the well-understood subadditive case where t ≥ 0 . Prior to this, Gibbs-type measures were only known to exist for t < 0 in the conformal, the reducible, the positive, or the dominated, planar settings, in which case they are Gibbs measures in the classical sense. We further prove that the topological pressure function t ↦ P top (Φ t , σ) is analytic in an open neighbourhood of 0 and has derivative given by the Lyapunov exponents of these Gibbs-type measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac lymphoma is uncommon in cats and is rarely considered as a differential diagnosis for congestive heart failure. A 10-year-old neutered male domestic short-haired cat with clinical histories of feline immunodeficiency virus, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure was humanely euthanized. Post-mortem evaluation demonstrated a massively infiltrative round cell neoplasm of the heart, resulting in CHF. Immunohistochemistry of neoplastic tissue was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This case demonstrates a peculiar presentation of cardiac diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with chronic feline lentiviral infection possibly contributing to disease initiation and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Latency remains a major obstacle to finding a cure for HIV despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy. Due to virus dormancy, limited biomarkers are available to identify latent HIV-infected cells. Profiling of individual HIV-infected cells is needed to explore potential latency biomarkers and to study the mechanisms of persistence that maintain the HIV reservoir. Methods: Single cell spatial transcriptomic characterization using the CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager platform was conducted to analyze HIV-infected cells in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of splenic tissue surgically obtained from an HIV-infected humanized mouse model. Regulation of over a thousand human genes was quantified in both viremic and aviremic specimens. In addition, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed in parallel to identify HIV viral RNA- and p24-containing cells, respectively. Finally, initial findings from CosMx gene profiling were confirmed by isolating RNA from CD4 + T cells obtained from a person living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy following either PMA/Ionomycin or DMSO treatment. RNA was quantified using qPCR for a panel of targeted human host genes. Results: Supervised cell typing revealed that most of the HIV-infected cells in the mouse spleen sections were differentiated CD4 + T cells. A significantly higher number of infected cells, 2781 (1.61%) in comparison to 112 (0.06%), and total HIV transcripts per infected cell were observed in viremic samples compared to aviremic samples, respectively, which was consistent with the data obtained from ISH and IHC. Notably, the expression of 55 genes was different in infected cells within tissue from aviremic animals compared to viremic. In particular, both spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and CXCL17, were expressed approximately 100-fold higher. This data was further evaluated against bulk RNA isolated from HIV-infected human primary CD4 + T cells. A nearly 6-fold higher expression of SYK mRNA was observed in DMSO-treated CD4 + T cells compared to those stimulated with PMA/Ionomycin. Conclusion: This study found that the CosMx SMI platform is valuable for assessing HIV infection and providing insights into host biomarkers associated with HIV reservoirs. Higher relative expression of the SYK gene in aviremic-infected cells from the humanized mouse HIV model was consistent with levels found in CD4 + T cells of aviremic donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe our technique and share our experience with image-guided transrectal drainage (TRD) of pelvic abscesses in children. Materials and Methods Retrospective review and analysis of indications for image-guided TRD and examination of procedural outcomes in pediatric patients with pelvic abscesses over 8 years. Results A total of 69 patients (33 males and 36 females) with symptomatic pelvic abscesses underwent image-guided TRD. The median age and weight of the patients were 11.5 years (range, 3–18) and 46.8 kg (range, 15.1–118.0), respectively. The etiologies of the pelvic abscesses were perforated appendicitis (72.5%) and post-operative collections (27.5%). All patients presented with abdominal pain. Fever, emesis, and diarrhea were also common symptoms. The size of the pelvic abscesses ranged from 24.0 to 937.1 mL (median, 132.7). Technical success was achieved in 68 of 69 TRD procedures (98.6%). Clinical improvement was observed in all patients with technically successful TRD. The TRD catheter dwell time ranged from 0 to 10 days (median, 4.0). Most patients who underwent TRD for perforated appendicitis subsequently underwent elective appendectomy after the resolution of the pelvic abscess (84.0%). The median time from TRD to elective appendectomy was 2.8 months (range, 0.3–6.1). There were no procedure-related complications. Conclusion Image-guided TRD is a safe and effective procedure with high technical and clinical success rates for the treatment of pelvic abscesses in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Clinical heterogeneity among patients in addiction treatment settings represents a challenge as most of the treatment programs are designed to treat substance use disorders (SUD) generally rather than offering more tailored approaches addressing individual patient needs. Systematic characterization of clinical heterogeneity may permit more individualized care paths toward improving outcomes. Methods: Data were collected from a large inpatient SUD treatment program between April 2018 and March 2020 (n = 1519). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to identify latent clusters based on differences in substance use and co-occurring depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Results: Five distinct profiles emerged: Profile 1 (38%) exhibited the lowest substance use and lowest psychiatric severity (Overall Low); Profile 2 (39%) exhibited high alcohol and psychiatric severity; Profile 3 (13%) exhibited high opioid severity and low psychiatric severity. Profile 4 (8%) exhibited high cannabis use and high psychiatric severity, and profile 5 (3%) exhibited high polysubstance use other than alcohol and cannabis use. The latter two profiles were younger and exhibited higher self-regulatory deficits. The (High Alc/high psych) and the (High Cann/Psych) profiles exhibited differentially higher psychiatric severity. Profiles showing high polysubstance use, as well as high cannabis use and high psychiatric severity, showed significantly higher impulsive behavior than the others. Conclusions: LPA revealed five clusters of patients varying substantially in terms of SUD and psychiatric severity. Addressing common features of clinical heterogeneity for tailored care paths in a personalized treatment approach may improve treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine nitrogen (N) cycle profoundly impacts global ocean productivity. Amid rising deoxygenation in marine environments due to anthropogenic pressures, understanding the impact of this on the marine N-cycle is vital. The Black Sea's evolution from an oxygenated lacustrine basin to an anoxic marine environment over the last deglaciation and Holocene offers insight into these dynamics. Here, we generated records of the organic biomarkers heterocyte glycolipids, crenarchaeol, and bacteriohopanetetrol, associated with various water-column microbial N-cycle processes, which indicate a profound change in Black Sea N-cycle dynamics at ~ 7.2 ka when waters became severely deoxygenated. This transition substantially reduced Thaumarchaeota-driven nitrification and enhanced loss of bioavailable nitrogen through anammox. In contrast, other climatic changes over the last deglaciation and Holocene, such as freshwater input, water-level variations and temperature changes, did not impact these processes. Cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation in surface waters proved more responsive to changes in salinity and associated water column stratification. Our results indicate that future deoxygenation in marine environments may enhance bioavailable nitrogen loss by anammox and reduce nitrification by Thaumarchaeota, while enhanced stratification may increase cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation in the surface waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite calls for regionalizing pancreatic cancer (PC) care to high-volume centers (HVCs), many patients with PC elect to receive therapy closer to their home or at multiple institutions. In the context of cross-institutional PC care, the challenges associated with coordinating care are poorly understood. Methods: In this qualitative study we conducted semi-structured interviews with oncology clinicians from a HVC (n = 9) and community-based hospitals (n = 11) to assess their perspectives related to coordinating the care of and treating PC patients across their respective institutions. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using deductive and inductive approaches to identify themes related to cross-institutional coordination challenges and to note improvement opportunities. Results: Clinicians identified challenges associated with closed-loop communication due, in part, to not having access to a shared electronic health record. Challenges with patient co-management were attributed to patients receiving inconsistent recommendations from different clinicians. To address these challenges, participants suggested several improvement opportunities such as building rapport with clinicians across institutions and updating tumor board processes. The opportunity to update tumor board processes was reportedly multi-dimensional and could involve: (1) designating a tumor board coordinator; (2) documenting and disseminating tumor board recommendations; and (3) using teleconferencing to facilitate community-based clinician engagement during tumor board meetings. Conclusions: In light of communication barriers and challenges associated with patient co-management, enabling the development of relationships among PC clinicians and improving the practices of multidisciplinary tumor boards could potentially foster cross-institutional coordination. Research examining how multidisciplinary tumor board coordinators and teleconferencing platforms could enhance cross-institutional communication and thereby improve patient outcomes is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes medical interpreters' experiences with behavioral health (BH) services in a primary care clinic. Focus group data with medical interpreters representing multiple languages was analyzed using hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis. Themes related to interpreter roles were: (1) case management, (2) patient-interpreter relationship, and (3) patient-provider liaison. Themes related to barriers and facilitators to interpreter-mediated BH care were: (1) cultural factors, (2) patient-provider interactions, (3) BH-specific considerations, and (4) clinic factors. Results illustrate ways that interpreters directly (e.g. interpreter-mediated services) and indirectly (e.g. relationship building) support care. The interpreter-patient relationship reportedly helped improve patient attitudes and buy-in for BH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth purpose was investigated using a two-phase embedded design with youth participating in Scouts BSA (N = 3,943), ages 9–20 (M = 14.0, SD = 1.9). Participating Scouts were mostly White (91%) and male (98%). In Phase 1, we conducted a two-step cluster analysis on Scouts' survey responses to three purpose dimensions (personal meaning, goal-directedness, beyond-the-self orientation). Four clusters emerged: Purposeful, Explorers, Dreamers, Nonpurposeful. In Phase 2, we explored qualities of purpose within each cluster and programmatic features and relationships within the scouting context fostering youth purpose with a Scout subsample (N = 30) who completed semi-structured interviews. Results demonstrated that adults supporting scouting, inspiration from older peers, and opportunities to help others and explore new activities supported youth purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 9-item Concise Health Risk Tracking – Self-Report (CHRT-SR9) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure of suicidal risk. The goal of this article is to provide an evidence-based interpretation of the CHRT-SR9 total score in terms of four clinically actionable categories of suicidal risk (none, mild, moderate, and severe). Methods: Data from two large programs involving adolescents and adults were combined in this paper. In these studies, the CHRT-SR9 was anchored against an independent measure of suicidal risk, the suicide item (Item #9) in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with categories 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), and 3 (severe). In the combined data (n = 1945), we calculated the cumulative percentage of data across these four categories and the percentile score of the CHRT-SR9 total score that corresponded to these percentages; from this, we developed ranges of the CHRT-SR9 total score that corresponded to the four categories of Item #9 of PHQ-9. We also calculated similar ranges for two broad subscales of the CHRT-SR9 total score; Propensity and Suicidal Thoughts. To assess the robustness of our findings, we repeated the analysis at another timepoint across studies. Results: Findings indicated that the CHRT-SR9 total score (range: 0–36) can be categorized as none (0–14), mild (15–21), moderate (22–26), and severe (27–36). Similar categories were calculated for the Propensity and Suicidal Thoughts subscales. The findings were the same when repeated at another timepoint. Conclusion: This categorization of the CHRT-SR9 total score can place patients into clinically meaningful and actionable categories of suicidal risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporal punishment (e.g., spanking) remains a highly debated yet common form of discipline in the United States. A body of research exists investigating the prevalence and effects of corporal punishment; however, less attention has been devoted to factors influencing individual perceptions of corporal punishment. The current study explores college students' perceptions of corporal punishment with a specific focus on students' experiences with physical discipline and factors that may influence students' intentions to use physical discipline with their own children. Relying on a convenience sampling methodology, the current research is based on a sample of 318 students, who participated in a pen-and-paper survey. Findings reveal that most students experienced corporal punishment (86.8%) and roughly three-quarters intend to use physical discipline with their children. Moreover, positive attitudes towards physical forms of punishment were positively associated with intentions to use corporal punishment (OR = 1.494; ***p < 0.001). Despite most participants reporting experiences with corporal punishment and intending to use physical discipline with their children, many felt better disciplinary methods were available. Given that attitudes were correlated with intention to use, educational programs and curricular endeavors to inform individuals of the negative impact of corporal punishment, as well as alternative non-physical discipline strategies are recommended as ways to reduce reliance on physical forms of discipline. Highlights: Most college students sampled reported personal experience with physical discipline as children (86.8%). Most college students intend to use corporal punishment (75.2%) as a discipline strategy with their children. Most participants (71%) believed there were better ways to punish a child than using corporal punishment. Attitudes towards corporal punishment were the only variables associated with intention to use physical discipline in multivariate models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I explore sensemaking processes associated with the overview effect —a cognitive shift experienced by astronauts who see Earth from space. Analysis of publicly available interviews (n = 51) with astronauts revealed a common sequence of sensemaking: First, astronauts reported experiencing speechlessness triggered by beauty and awe (a phenomenon I label, awe-mute). Second, during and after missions, most reported attempting to make sense of the experience with others, often resulting in a deepening of their previously-existing worldviews, a process I term sensedeepening. Third, sensedeepening often resulted in astronauts' (a) admissions of inadequacy to give sense to their experience for others, and despite this, (b) development of messages to communicate their experiences, and (c) engagement in social activism. These patterns were corroborated by additional interviews with astronauts (n = 5) and an interview with a prolific interviewer of astronauts. Implications for sensemaking theory and organizational change conclude the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 90% of the Texas High Plains area depends on the water supply from the Ogallala aquifer. The decline of the Ogallala water table raises a concern for the sustainability of producing the traditional irrigated field crops due to their high water demand. Thus, diversifying cropping systems may be a solution. However, about 70% of the irrigated cropland uses center pivots that may negatively impact specialty crop quality. Thus, a 3-year experiment was conducted to assess the potential of using mobile drip irrigation (MDI) to produce fresh watermelon compared to center pivot sprinkler irrigation using low-elevation spray application (LESA), and surface drip irrigation with plastic mulch (DI). The study evaluated the effects of irrigation systems on crop yield, fruit quality, physiological responses, water use efficiency (WUE), and irrigation use efficiency (IUE). On average, plants under MDI had higher yields (106 Mg ha−1) than those under DI (70 Mg ha−1) and LESA (68 Mg ha−1). Plants under MDI and DI also had more fruits per plant (1.9) than those under LESA (1.4). The higher yield was associated with higher biomass and photosynthetic function. In general, fruit quality was not affected by irrigation system. In addition, plants under MDI system showed a higher WUE and IUE, and less water stress than those under LESA and DI systems. Results of this study suggest that irrigating under an MDI system is a good alternative for growers in the Texas High Plains that aim to diversify their cropping system with high-value vegetable crops such as watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirituality is an important aspect of treatment and recovery for substance use disorders (SUDs), but ambiguities in measurement can make it difficult to incorporate as part of routine care. We evaluated the psychometric properties of an adapted short-form version of the Spirituality Scale (the Spirituality Scale–Short-Form; SS-SF) for use in SUD treatment settings. Participants were adult patients (N = 1,388; Mage = 41.23 years, SDage = 11.55; 68% male; 86% White) who entered a large, clinically mixed inpatient SUD treatment program. Factor analysis supported the two-dimensional structure, with factors representing Self-Discovery and Transcendent Connection. Tests of measurement invariance demonstrated that the scale was invariant across age and gender subgroups. The SS-SF exhibited convergent and concurrent validity via associations with participation in spiritual activities, hopefulness, life satisfaction, 12-step participation, and depressive symptoms. Finally, scores on the SS-SF were significantly higher at discharge compared to admission, demonstrating short-term sensitivity to change. These findings support use of the SS-SF as a concise, psychometrically sound measure of spirituality in the context of substance use treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoral catheters are commonly viewed as a barrier to Burn ICU mobility progression due to anatomical location and potential risk of complications. The purpose of this review was to examine outcomes and complication rates following implementation of femoral catheter mobilization guidelines, as well as determine safety and feasibility of mobilization with femoral catheters in place within the burn population. A retrospective review was completed on 17 patients prior to and following the implementation of new femoral catheter mobility guidelines, 34 patients total. Burn therapy notes were reviewed for burn admissions with at least 1 femoral catheter in place, including arterial, central, and dialysis catheters. Demographic data, admission statistics, line placement timelines, and active mobility achieved during therapy sessions were recorded for both the nonmobilization group (NMG) and mobilization group (MG). The 34 patients reviewed had 99 total lines placed (30 NMG, 69 MG). Change in mobility protocols for the MG resulted in more therapy sessions (n = 516 vs 281) and a significant increase in active mobility sessions (n = 83 vs 5, P <.001), including 146 total mobility activities such as transitions to chairs, tilt table, sitting edge of bed, standing, active chair transfers, ambulation, and cycle ergometry. No catheter-associated adverse events occurred during active mobility sessions and no complications were associated with participation in mobility. This review supports that the presence of femoral catheters alone should not limit the progression of mobility interventions with the use of clinical judgment in specialty-trained burn therapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment landscape of many cancers, including melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Randomised trials are evaluating outcomes from reduced ICI treatment schedules with the aim of improving quality of life, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness. This study aims to provide insight into patient and carer's perspectives of these trials. Methods: Seven focus groups were conducted with 31 people with stage IV melanoma, RCC, or caregivers for people receiving ICI. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were generated: 1) "Treatment and clinic visits provide reassurance": reducing hospital visits may not improve quality of life. 2) "Assessment of personal risk versus benefit": the decision to participate in an ICI optimisation trial is influenced by treatment response, experience of toxicity and perceived logistical benefits based on the individual's circumstances. 3) "Pre-existing experience and beliefs about how treatment and trials work", including the belief that more treatment is better, influence views around ICI optimisation trials. Conclusion: This study provides insight into recruitment challenges and recommends strategies to enhance recruitment for ongoing ICI optimisation trials. These findings will influence the design of future ICI optimisation trials ensuring they are acceptable to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA interference (RNAi) has not been tested in the pandemic amphibian pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, but developing this technology could be useful to elucidate virulence mechanisms, identify therapeutic targets, and may present a novel antifungal treatment option for chytridiomycosis. To manipulate and decipher gene function, rationally designed small interfering RNA (siRNA) can initiate the destruction of homologous messenger RNA (mRNA), resulting in the "knockdown" of target gene expression. Here, we investigate whether siRNA can be used to manipulate gene expression in B. dendrobatidis via RNAi using differing siRNA strategies to target genes involved in glutathione and ornithine synthesis. To determine the extent and duration of mRNA knockdown, target mRNA levels were monitored for 24–48 h after delivery of siRNA targeting glutamate–cysteine ligase, with a maximum of ~56% reduction in target transcripts occurring at 36 h. A second siRNA design targeting glutamate‐cysteine ligase also resulted in ~53% knockdown at this time point. siRNA directed toward a different gene target, ornithine decarboxylase, achieved 17% reduction in target transcripts. Although no phenotypic effects were observed, these results suggest that RNAi is possible in B. dendrobatidis, and that gene expression can be manipulated in this pathogen. We outline ideas for further optimization steps to increase knockdown efficiency to better harness RNAi techniques for control of B. dendrobatidis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ablation crater depth estimation model, founded on the concept of an ionizing bleaching wave, has been developed for metal targets irradiated by an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) laser. Two EUV capillary discharge lasers operating at a wavelength of 46.9 nm were focused onto targets of gold, aluminum, and copper using two different experimental setups to maximize the laser fluence range. The experimental ablation craters were measured using an atomic force microscope, and the depths were compared to the ionizing wave model. The model depends on the dominant ion charge of the ablated plasma, which was measured experimentally using the low fluence setup with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The measured ablation depths and ion charges at low fluences are in agreement with the model. The ablation crater depths in the higher fluence range confirmed the trends predicted by the model, showing potential to expand its use to other materials and fluence ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anthracycline-taxane is the standard chemotherapy strategy for treating high-risk early breast cancer despite the potentially life-threatening adverse events caused by anthracyclines. Commonly, the combination of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC) is considered an alternative option. However, the efficacy of TC compared to anthracycline-taxane chemotherapy is unclear. This study compares disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and cardiotoxicity between adjuvant TC and anthracycline-taxane for stages I–III, HER2-negative breast cancer. Methods: A systematic search on MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized-controlled trials published until 11 March 2024, yielded 203 studies with 11,803 patients, and seven trials were included. Results: TC results in little to no difference in DFS (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.98–1.20; moderate-certainty of evidence); OS (1.02, 95% CI 0.89–1.16; high-certainty of evidence); and cardiotoxicity (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.16–1.76; high-certainty of evidence), compared to anthracycline-taxane. In the subgroup analysis, patients with ≥4 lymph nodes had improved DFS from anthracycline-taxane over TC. Conclusions: Overall, there was no difference between TC and anthracycline-taxane in DFS, OS and cardiotoxicity. In women with ≥4 nodes, anthracycline-taxane was associated with a substantial reduction in relapse events, compared to TC. Our study supports the current standard of practice, which is to use anthracycline-taxane and TC chemotherapy as a reasonable option in select cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Although physical activity declined with social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth who engaged in more physical activity experienced fewer mental health problems. If and how physical activity maintained its protective role throughout the ongoing pandemic remains unclear. This study models associations between three types of physical activity (indoor, outdoor, with parents), affect regulation, and anxious and depressive symptoms in two independent adolescent samples (T1: Summer 2020; T2: Winter 2020/21). Methods and Measures. Six hundred sixty-two Canadian adolescents (T1: Mage = 15.69, SD = 1.36; 52% girls; 5% trans+) and 675 Canadian adolescents (T2: Mage = 15.80, SD = 1.46; 50% girls; 6% trans+) participated in an online survey. Data included frequency of physical activity indoors, outdoors, and with parents, affect regulation difficulties, and measures of anxious and depressive symptoms. Results. Multiple-group path analysis showed indoor physical activity had an indirect effect on anxiety and depressive symptoms through affect dysregulation, but only at T1. Physical activity with parents was protective for adolescent anxiety and depressive symptoms at both T1 and T2 and had an indirect effect through affect dysregulation and suppression. Conclusion. Findings contribute to our understanding of how physical activity protects adolescent mental health, and point to strengthening family supports and recreation opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: While sildenafil is commonly used in humans and dogs with cardiopulmonary disease, the literature on its use in cats is limited to single case reports or small case series of cats with congenital heart disease, primary respiratory disease, and parasitic disease, and limited information is available regarding the tolerability and adverse effects in cats. Given the significant benefits of sildenafil in other species, our goal was to evaluate the use of sildenafil in a larger population of cats with various cardiopulmonary diseases and to report on the tolerability and adverse effects. This retrospective study included 55 cats that received sildenafil for ≥24 h between 2009 and 2021. Forty-three cats had primary cardiac disease (acquired, n = 28; congenital, n = 15) and 12 had primary respiratory disease. Side effects possibly attributed to sildenafil included systemic hypotension (n = 1) and polydipsia (n = 1). Sildenafil was discontinued in the cat with hypotension and in three additional cats for lack of improvement in clinical signs. Median duration of sildenafil administration was 87 days (range, 2–2362 days). Sildenafil appeared to be generally well-tolerated in cats, but studies are needed to determine whether it improves the quality of life or survival times. Sildenafil is a drug used to successfully manage a variety of cardiopulmonary disorders in people and dogs, but there is limited information on its use in cats. The objective was to review the medical records of cats that received sildenafil as part of their clinical management. Medical records and pharmacy databases were searched for cats that received sildenafil for ≥24 h between 2009 and 2021, and data were collected from medical records. Fifty-five cats received sildenafil for ≥24 h and were included in the study: 43 with primary cardiac disease (acquired, n = 28; congenital, n = 15) and 12 with primary respiratory disease. Side effects possibly attributed to sildenafil were identified in two cats (systemic hypotension, n = 1; polydipsia, n = 1), and sildenafil was discontinued in the cat with hypotension. Sildenafil was discontinued in an additional three cats due to a lack of improvement in clinical signs. No cat was documented to develop worsening pulmonary edema within 72 h of starting sildenafil. Median duration of sildenafil administration was 87 days (range, 2–2362 days). Sildenafil administration in cats appeared to be generally well-tolerated. Studies are needed to determine whether sildenafil administration to cats with cardiopulmonary disease improves the quality of life or survival times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypercoagulability has been documented in cats with cardiac disease. However, hemostatic parameters, including viscoelastic coagulation monitoring (VCM) have not been reported in cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE). Hypothesis/Objectives: Compare VCM parameters in cats with acute cardiogenic ATE and in control cats. Animals: Sixteen cats with ATE and 30 control cats. Methods: Multicenter university‐based prospective study. Cardiogenic ATE was diagnosed based on physical examination and by ultrasonographically‐diagnosed left atrial enlargement. Viscoelastic coagulation monitor analysis, CBC, serum biochemistry profile and coagulation profile were performed at admission in cats with ATE. Analysis from healthy control cats was performed using blood collected by direct venipuncture. Our objective was comparison of VCM parameters clot time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), alpha angle (Angle), maximum clot formation (MCF), amplitude at 10 and 20 minutes (A10 and A20, respectively) and clot lysis index at 30 and 45 minutes (LI30 and LI45, respectively) between ATE and control cats. Results: Cats with ATE had a decreased angle compared to control cats, with a median (range) of 43° (30‐48°) compared to 47° (14‐59°; P =.01). The parameters A10, A20 and MCF were decreased in ATE cats compared to control cats with a median (range) of 19 units (8–32) compared to 22 units (6–38), 24.5 units (11‐40) compared to 29 units (10‐47) and 29.5 units (13‐44) compared to 33.5 units (14‐53), respectively (P =.01,.01 and.01, respectively). The parameters CT, CFT, LI30 and LI45 were similar between groups (P =.22,.09,.62 and.34, respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Cats with cardiogenic ATE cats have VCM parameters consistent with hypocoagulability compared with healthy cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary malignancies are rare but devastating complications of longstanding burn scars. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common, followed by basal cell carcinoma and melanomas. There are fewer than 50 total reported cases of malignant melanomas arising in burn scars. We report a case of malignant melanoma arising within a longstanding burn scar confirmed by histology, FISH, and PRAME staining to further characterize melanomas arising in burn scars and to illustrate the diagnostic challenges they present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Body dissatisfaction elevates the risk for disordered eating behaviors. Excessive exercise is prevalent among college women and associated with harm. Risk theory posits a bidirectional relationship between risk factors for disordered eating behaviors and the behaviors themselves. This study investigated the longitudinal, reciprocal relationship between body dissatisfaction and excessive exercise. Participants and methods: College women (n = 302) assessed in August (baseline) and November (follow-up). Results: Baseline body dissatisfaction significantly predicted increases in excessive exercise endorsement at follow-up, controlling for baseline excessive exercise endorsement and body mass index (BMI). Baseline excessive exercise endorsement predicted increases in body dissatisfaction at follow-up, controlling for baseline body dissatisfaction and BMI. Conclusions: Findings support the presence of a positive feedback loop between body dissatisfaction and excessive exercise; both predict increases in risk for the other, regardless of weight status. Future research should test whether this process is ongoing and predicts further distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arthrofibrosis is a fibrotic joint disorder resulting in restricted joint motion and pain. Risk factors associated with the development of postoperative arthrofibrosis include female sex, type of graft, and quicker time to reconstruction. These patients have typically benefitted from manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic lysis of adhesions. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the rate of arthrofibrosis in children and adolescents who previously underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective chart review examining patients 18 years or younger who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2013 and 2023. Data collected included age, body mass index, reconstruction technique, concomitant meniscal or ligamentous pathology, and need for revision surgery for arthroscopic lysis of adhesions vs manipulation under anesthesia. Results: A total of 461 patients 18 years or younger who underwent ACL reconstruction were included in this study. Eighteen (3.90%) patients required reoperation for the development of arthrofibrosis. Skeletally immature patients were found to have a statistically significant lower rate of arthrofibrosis compared with skeletally mature patients (0% vs 4.80%; P=.0184). Patients with a higher weight and body mass index had an increased rate of arthrofibrosis (P=.0485 and P=.0410, respectively). Graft type did not have a significant impact on arthrofibrosis rates. There were no significant findings in terms of concomitant injuries and rate of arthrofibrosis. Conclusion: Arthrofibrosis developed in 3.90% of patients after ACL reconstruction. Skeletal immaturity may be protective against the development of arthrofibrosis. No association was found between graft type or concomitant knee pathology and arthrofibrosis. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(4):e161–e166.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of anthropogenic warming on the hydroclimate of California are becoming more pronounced with the increased frequency of multi-year droughts and flooding. As a past analog for the future, the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) is a unique natural experiment for assessing global and regional hydroclimate sensitivity to greenhouse gas warming. Globally, extensive evidence (i.e., observations and climate models with high p CO 2) demonstrates hydrological intensification with significant variability from region to region (i.e., drier or wetter, greater frequency, and/or intensity of extreme events). Central California (paleolatitude ∼ 42° N), roughly at the boundary between dry subtropical highs and mid-latitude low-pressure systems, would have been particularly susceptible to shifts in atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns/intensity. Here, we present new observations and climate model output on regional/local hydroclimate responses in central California during the PETM. Our findings, based on multi-proxy evidence within the context of model outputs, suggest a transition to an overall drier climate punctuated by increased precipitation during summer months along central coastal California during the PETM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on the article by B. Sonnery-Cottet and colleagues related to the incidence of and risk factors for arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) following acute anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Topics covered include how the clinical assessment and intervention approaches suggested by the authors fail, the concern with the reliance on the Sonnery-Cottet classification for the purpose of diagnosing AMI, and the goal of AMI-based treatments.

Background: To discover pharmacotherapy prescription patterns and their statistical associations with outcomes through a clinical pathway inference framework applied to real-world data. Methods: We apply machine learning steps in our framework using a 2006 to 2020 cohort of veterans with major depressive disorder (MDD). Outpatient antidepressant pharmacy fills, dispensed inpatient antidepressant medications, emergency department visits, self-harm, and all-cause mortality data were extracted from the Department of Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. Results: Our MDD cohort consisted of 252,179 individuals. During the study period there were 98,417 emergency department visits, 1,016 cases of self-harm, and 1,507 deaths from all causes. The top ten prescription patterns accounted for 69.3% of the data for individuals starting antidepressants at the fluoxetine equivalent of 20-39 mg. Additionally, we found associations between outcomes and dosage change. Conclusions: For 252,179 Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with subsequent MDD noted in their electronic medical records, we documented and described the major pharmacotherapy prescription patterns implemented by Veterans Health Administration providers. Ten patterns accounted for almost 70% of the data. Associations between antidepressant usage and outcomes in observational data may be confounded. The low numbers of adverse events, especially those associated with all-cause mortality, make our calculations imprecise. Furthermore, our outcomes are also indications for both disease and treatment. Despite these limitations, we demonstrate the usefulness of our framework in providing operational insight into clinical practice, and our results underscore the need for increased monitoring during critical points of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assess the merits of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in subjects with good visual acuity (VA) and a chronic macula-involving tractional retinal detachment (TRD) secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was undertaken. Subjects were divided into 1) a Study Group of subjects who underwent prompt PPV and 2) a Control Group of subjects in which PPV was deferred in favor of less invasive treatment options or observations. Both study and control subjects had a baseline Snellen VA of ≥ 20/50 and a PDR-associated macula-involving TRD of > 6 months duration with a minimum follow-up of 12-months. Results: There were 58 patients analyzed over an average follow-up period of 27.6 (± 7.1) months. The change in VA was similar in the Study Group compared to the Control Group (p=0.94) with both groups losing about three lines of VA during the study period (− 0.30 ± 0.52 logMAR). Although the rates of maintaining ≥ 20/200 Snellen VA and ≥ 20/50 Snellen VA were similar in the Study Group compared to the Control Group (p=0.55 and p=0.28, respectively), the Study Group had more subjects gaining ≥ 2 lines of VA during the study period (p=0.002). Conclusion: Patients presenting with good VA and a PDR-associated macula-involving TRD of > 6 months were more likely to gain ≥ 2 lines of VA when PPV was performed at baseline compared to PPV deferral until further deterioration occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]