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Second only to early life, adolescence is a period of dramatic change and growth. For the developing young adult, this occurs against a backdrop of distinct environmental challenges and stressors. A significant body of work has identified an important role for the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis in the development and function of the brain. Given that the MGB axis is both highly plastic during the teenage years and vulnerable to environmental stressors, more attention needs to be drawn to its potential role in the emergence of psychiatric illnesses, many of which first manifest during adolescence. Here, we review the current literature surrounding the developing microbiome, enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, and brain during the adolescent period. We also examine preclinical and clinical research involving the MGB axis during this dynamic developmental window and argue that more research is needed to further understand the role of the MGB in the pathogenesis of brain disorders. Greater understanding of the adolescent MGB axis will open up the exciting potential for new microbial-based therapeutics for the treatment of these often-refractory psychiatric illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of the Nursing Quality and Safety Education (QSEN) competencies into American Association of College of Nursing - The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education warrants continued assessment of the new nurses' QSEN competencies preparedness. The purpose of this study was to analyze quality and safety education needs of nurses who graduated in 2016, 2017, and 2018 and have responded to the most recent National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. This is a retrospective correlational design study using analysis of publicly available data from the 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. A logistic regression model was used to assess correlations between 21 quality and safety education variables and nursing degree type. When adjusting for differences in demographic and work characteristics, there were no significant differences in quality and safety training needs by the nursing degree type. New nurses, regardless of the nursing degree type reported additional training needs in patient-centered care (50%), evidence-based practice and team-based care (40%), quality improvement (30%). This study provides new, national data on new nurses' quality and safety education preparedness and provides evidence for the need for continued investment and integration of QSEN competencies in all nursing degree programs. • New nurses in the U.S. report significant quality and safety education needs. • Most wanted more education in patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. • Team-based care and quality improvement were additional educational priorities. • Bachelor's and associate's degree graduates reported the same education needs. • Results necessitate continued investment in quality and safety education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disease theory of alcoholism, and by extension, of addiction, forms the theoretical basis of an expansive scientific industry, one which musters tremendous resources in the service of research, rehab clinics, and government programs. Revisiting the early work on the disease theory of alcoholism, this paper analyzes the apperance of the disease theory of alcoholism in the eighteenth/nineteenth century works of Rush, Trotter, and Brühl-Cramer as emergent of a theoretical tension within the Brunonian system of medicine, that of stimulus dependence. Establishing both the shared Brunonianism of these figures and the concept of stimulus dependence, I argue it is here that one finds the nascent formulation of the modern dependence model of addiction, pushing out alternative models, such as Hufeland's toxin theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After an extended alcohol-drinking history, alcohol use can transition from controlled to compulsive, causing deleterious consequences. Alcohol use can be segregated into two distinct behaviors, alcohol seeking and alcohol taking. Expression of habitual and compulsive alcohol seeking depends on the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), a brain region thought to engage after extended alcohol access. However, it is unknown whether the DLS is also involved in compulsive-like alcohol taking. The purpose of this experiment was to identify whether the DLS gates compulsive-like binge alcohol drinking. To ask this question, we gave adult male and female C57BL/6J mice a binge-like alcohol-drinking history, which we have previously demonstrated to produce compulsive-like alcohol drinking (Bauer, McVey, & Boehm, 2021), or a water-drinking history. We then tested the involvement of the DLS on gating binge-like alcohol drinking and compulsive-like quinine-adulterated alcohol drinking via intra-DLS AMPA receptor antagonism. We hypothesized that pharmacological lesioning of the DLS would reduce compulsive-like quinine-adulterated alcohol (QuA) drinking, but not non-adulterated alcohol drinking, in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Three important findings were made. First, compulsive-like alcohol drinking is significantly blunted in cannulated mice. Because of this, we conclude that we were not able to adequately assess the effect of intra-DLS lesioning on compulsive-like alcohol drinking. Second, we found that the DLS gates binge-like alcohol drinking initially, which replicates findings in our previous work (Bauer, McVey, Germano, Zhang, & Boehm, 2022). However, following an extended alcohol history, the DLS no longer drives this behavior. Finally, alcohol and QuA front-loading is DLS-dependent in alcohol-history mice. Intra-DLS NBQX altered these drinking behaviors without altering ambulatory locomotor activity. These data demonstrate the necessity of the DLS in binge-like alcohol drinking before, but not following, an extended binge-like alcohol-drinking history and in alcohol front-loading in alcohol-history mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous risk-stratification of candidates and urgency-based prioritization have been utilized for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with non-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. Instead, for patients with HCC, a dichotomous criterion with exception points is still used. This study evaluated the utility of the hazard associated with LT for HCC (HALT-HCC), an oncological continuous risk score, to stratify waitlist dropout and post-LT outcomes. A competing risk model was developed and validated using the UNOS database (2012-2021) through multiple policy changes. The primary outcome was to assess the discrimination ability of waitlist dropouts and LT outcomes. The study focused on the HALT-HCC score, compared with other HCC risk scores. Among 23,858 candidates, 14,646 (59.9%) underwent LT and 5196 (21.8%) dropped out of the waitlist. Higher HALT-HCC scores correlated with increased dropout incidence and lower predicted 5-year overall survival after LT. HALT-HCC demonstrated the highest area under the curve (AUC) values for predicting dropout at various intervals post-listing (0.68 at 6 months, 0.66 at 1 year), with excellent calibration (R2 = 0.95 at 6 months, 0.88 at 1 year). Its accuracy remained stable across policy periods and locoregional therapy applications. This study highlights the predictive capability of the continuous oncological risk score to forecast waitlist dropout and post-LT outcomes in patients with HCC, independent of policy changes. The study advocates integrating continuous scoring systems like HALT-HCC in liver allocation decisions, balancing urgency, organ utility, and survival benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP) released in December 2019 include a disposal option to use orbital eccentricity growth for long-term reentry within 200 years. Long-term reentry is beneficial for orbital debris mitigation because it offers a large reduction in long-term collision risk in the regions above low Earth orbit (LEO) compared to use of storage disposal orbits. As a condition for use of this option, the ODMSP specifies a 25-year limit on cumulative time a disposed spacecraft can spend in designated altitude zones that are frequently used by operational spacecraft. An analysis was performed to determine the time spent by disposed spacecraft in the geosynchronous (GEO) zone, the LEO zone, and the semi-synchronous zone for three classes of reentering disposal orbits above LEO: (1) near-circular inclined geosynchronous orbits (IGSOs), (2) eccentric IGSOs (Tundra orbits), and (3) GPS orbits. Long-term disposal orbit propagations over 200-years were performed using the Aerospace high-precision integration code TRACE. Collision probability with operational satellites in the various zones is determined using the Aerospace Debris Environment Projection Tool suite in order to check the trend with time in zone. Results of the study showed that time in zones is less than 25 years when orbital lifetime is less than 200 years, thereby clearing the way for using the new long-term re-entry option relative to this condition. The absolute numerical value of collision probability with operational satellites was found to vary substantially with disposal orbit case and zone. For most cases, results show a clear trend between time in zone and collision probability with some spread. An exception is the GEO zone, for which results show a trend but a wide spread. This may be because most GEO satellites are confined to a ring instead of the shell represented by an altitude zone. • The 2019 U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices include a new disposal option with reentry within 200 years. • Time spent by a disposed vehicle in the LEO, GEO, and semi-synchronous zones should be less than 25 years. • Inclined GEO and GPS disposal orbits satisfy this constraint. • This disposal option is beneficial in the regions above LEO due to significant reduction in long-term collision risk. • For most cases, results show a clear trend between time in zone and collision probability with operational satellites. • The absolute numerical value of collision probability varies substantially with disposal orbit case and zone. • For the GEO zone, results show a wide spread between time in zone and collision probability with operational satellites. • This result is possibly because most GEO operational satellites are confined to a ring instead of the shell represented by an altitude zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing consumer demands for more information about the food we eat, in combination with a greater incidence of sophisticated food fraud cases, has resulted in the development and application of rapid, non-targeted and cost effective analytical methods. Vibrational spectroscopy equipment has evolved from bulky benchtop instruments to miniaturised sensors that have the capability of sensitive, real-time and on-site monitoring of food constituents. This has been driven by advances in semi-conductor and photonic technologies, and resulted in a plethora of commercialised, portable and handheld devices that can be used at various control points in food supply chains. In this review, the recent technological advances in spectroscopic devices are explored and the development of commercially available devices for food authenticity analysis is discussed. Finally, the key challenges and potential of the integration of rapid analysis into digital traceability systems for food chain actors are outlined. Within the last five years there has been an increase in the development of methods utilising handheld and portable spectroscopy devices, in combination with chemometric analysis, for food authenticity and traceability verification. Full connectivity of food chains between growers, processors and retailers, validated by rapid and frequent analysis, has the potential to ensure food traceability in a systematic and cost-effective way. However, more focus is needed in this area to overcome current challenges. • Recent advances in technology have resulted in miniaturised spectroscopy devices. • These devices are portable, affordable and easy-to-use. • This has warranted investigation into their use in food traceability analysis. • Device integration with digital traceability systems requires more support. • The potential to secure global food supply chains in this way is evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19 created a global shortage of PPE. • Previous studies proved HPV was effective and safe for use on N95 masks for decontamination. • We implemented an N95 decontamination process using HPV. • This process resulted in a stable supply of N95s for HCW. The SARS-CoV2 pandemic has created extreme shortages of N95 mask necessitating the need for rapid development of reuse and reprocessing plans. Our aim was to create a process to recapture, reprocess, and redistribute N95 masks using hydrogen peroxide vapor as a real time disinfection method within a large hospital system. We were able to recapture and reprocess 29, 706 N95 masks using hydrogen peroxide vapor with approximately 25% loss due to damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of satellites are operating on inclined geosynchronous orbits (IGSOs) with inclination typically much higher than that of traditional geosynchronous orbits (GEOs). Several recent studies have considered the long-term evolution of IGSOs. Unlike traditional GEO disposal orbits, IGSO disposal orbits can undergo large excursions in eccentricity due to the effect of luni-solar gravity perturbations. For specific ranges of initial orbital elements, perigee can reach the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in vehicle reentry. A previously published study by the authors on Tundra orbits, a specific class of IGSO with critical inclination and moderate eccentricity, demonstrated that orbital lifetime can be reduced below 200 years (in some cases below 25 years) and that the corresponding collision probability with background objects can be significantly reduced below that for traditional GEO disposal orbits. This paper presents a study of a broad range of IGSO disposal orbits. Three cases of IGSO disposal orbit were considered: (1) near circular orbits (motivated by the BeiDou and IRNSS constellations); (2) orbits with intermediate eccentricity (motivated by the QZS constellation); and (3) orbits with larger eccentricity (motivated by the Sirius Tundra constellation). For each case, a large number of long-term propagations using the high-precision code TRACE were performed. Disposal orbit initial inclination and right ascension of ascending node (RAAN) were parametrically varied. The Aerospace Debris Environment Projection Tool (ADEPT) suite was used to determine collision probability with inactive background objects and with operational satellites in GEO, medium Earth orbit (MEO), and low Earth orbit (LEO). Study results show that orbital lifetime of IGSOs can be reduced to less than 200 years for all three IGSO cases considered if initial inclination is high enough. The minimum required inclination depends on initial RAAN. An orbital lifetime less than 200 years offers effective reduction of probability of collision with inactive background objects (by 0.7–1.8 orders of magnitude) and can be achieved in a wider disposal orbit design space than would be needed to reduce orbital lifetime to less than 25 years. For near circular IGSOs, collision probability with operational satellites will be higher at high inclinations than at low inclinations, but there are options for mitigation. When inclination is not high enough to achieve reentry, a high eccentricity storage disposal orbit may be a consideration if collision probability is lower than for other options. • Orbital lifetime of inclined geosynchronous orbits can be less than 200 years. • Initial inclination must be higher than 50–65°. • Total collision probability is much lower than for traditional geosynchronous orbits. • For near-circular orbits, collision probability with operational satellites is higher. • Increasing eccentricity is one option to reduce risk to operational satellites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation into right and left-sided primary colon liver metastasis (CLM) has revealed differences in the tumor biology and prognosis. This indicates that preoperative and operative factors may affect outcomes of right-sided primary CLM differently than left. This retrospective analysis investigated the effects of resection margin stratified by left and right-sided primary CLM on overall survival (OS) for patients undergoing hepatectomy. A total of 732 patients undergoing hepatic resection for CLM at the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins were identified between 2002 and 2016. Clinically significant variables were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression. The cohort was then divided into patients with right and left-sided CLM and analyzed separately using Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that left-sided CLM with an R0 margin was a statistically significant predictor of OS even after controlling for other important factors (HR = 0.629, P = 0.024) but right-sided CLM with R0 margin was not (HR = 0.788, P = 0.245). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with a left-sided CLM and R0 margin had the best prognosis (P = 0.037). Surgical margin is an important prognostic factor for left-sided primary CLM but tumor biology may override surgical technique for right-sided CLM. Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Investigating associations of modifiable factors with 25OHD at five years of age. • Dietary intakes and body composition were not associated with 25OHD. • Sun exposure was not associated with 25OHD. • Dietary habits and sunscreen use were associated with 25OHD. Abstract Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is the main circulating form of vitamin D in the blood. Vitamin D status in adults is determined by numerous factors such as oral intake, skin generation, and body composition. However, there is limited understanding regarding determinants of 25OHD in young children. The aim of this study was to identify modifiable factors that may act as determinants of 25OHD at five years of age. Analysis conducted on 79 children from the ROLO Kids study. Dietary intakes and dietary habits were measured using a food frequency questionnaire and levels of sun exposure were assessed using a lifestyle questionnaire, both completed by the mother. Child weight, height, and skinfolds were measured. Vitamin D status was sufficient (25OHD > 50 nmol/L) in 61% of the participants. Neither reported dietary vitamin D nor calcium intake was significantly associated with 25OHD. Intakes of standard milk, eggs, and oily fish were not associated with 25OHD. However, reported consumption of fortified milk, and more than 7 bowls of cereal a week were independently associated with higher 25OHD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). Sun exposure (measured as obtaining at least half an hour of sun per day) was not significantly associated with 25OHD, but reported use of sunscreen was associated with higher 25OHD (p = 0.016). There was no association of body composition with 25OHD. These findings suggest the primacy of dietary and lifestyle habits as indicators of 25OHD in early childhood. This may have utility in identifying at-risk individuals for public health campaigns about education surrounding dietary habits, which may be useful to ensure sufficient vitamin D status within this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We examined equine social learning in a detour task with the group leader as the demonstrator. • We refined previous studies by using non observer and social facilitation controls. • Our results show a significant role of social facilitation unrelated to learning. • We found no evidence for higher level learning processes. • Simple mechanisms could account for much complex social behaviour in horses. Abstract Learning through the observation of others allows the transfer of information without the costs incurred during individual trial and error learning. Horses (Equus caballus) are a highly social species, which might be expected to be capable of learning from others, but experimental findings are inconsistent, and potentially confounded by social facilitation effects not related directly to the learning of the task. We refined the methods used in previous equine social learning studies, to examine and distinguish specific social influences on learning of a task: we used predefined group leaders rather than agonistically dominant individuals to demonstrate a detour task to familiar conspecific observers; in addition we had two control groups: a non-observer (true control) and a group with the demonstrator simply present at the goal (social facilitation control). 44 socially kept horses were allocated to one of the three test conditions and took part in five trials each. Success rate, latency and detour direction were recorded. There was no significant difference between the three groups in the likelihood of them succeeding in the task nor latency to succeed; however there was a significant difference in the route chosen by the groups, with the true control choosing the side with the entrance gate significantly more than either the observer group or social facilitation group. Both of the latter two groups chose to go in the same direction relative to themselves, regardless of which side the gate was. Seven out of nine horses in the observer group chose the same direction as their demonstrator every time. Our results show a significant role of social facilitation on detour behaviour and highlight the importance of including adequate controls for simpler cognitive influences on behaviour before claims can be made about the specific learning of motor actions or goal directed behaviour. Social cues may be important to horses if the task is sufficiently challenging and motivationally important, so future work should consider more demanding, but ecologically relevant situations, in order to maximise the potential revelation of social learning effects which do not depend on simple local or stimulus enhancement effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]