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The objective was to compare the average number of mistakes made on multiple-choice (MCQ) and fill-in-the-blank (FIB) questions in anatomy lab exams. The study was conducted retrospectively; every exam had both MCQs and FIBs. The study cohorts were divided into 3 tiers based on the number and percentage of mistakes in answering sheets: low (21–32, >40%), middle (11–20, 40%–20%), and high (1–9, <20%) tiers. The study used an independent 2-sample t test to compare the number of mistakes between MCQs and FIBs overall and per tier and a 1-way analysis of variance to compare the number of mistakes in both formats across the 3 tiers. The results show that there was a significant difference in the number of mistakes between the 2 formats overall with more mistakes found on FIBs (p <.001). The number of mistakes made in the high and middle tiers had a statistical difference, being higher on MCQs (p <.001). There was no significant difference in the number of mistakes made in the low tier between formats (p >.05). Furthermore, the study found significant differences in the number of mistakes made on MCQs and FIBs across the 3 tiers, being highest in the low-tier group (p <.001). There were fewer mistakes on the MCQ than the FIB format in exams. It also suggests that, in the low tier answering sheets, both formats could be used to identify students at academic risk who need more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of vaccination on intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital mortality among breakthrough coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. A total of 3,351 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Memorial Healthcare System (Hollywood, Florida) between June 1 and September 20, 2021, were included; 284 (8.5%) were fully vaccinated. A propensity-score–matched analysis was conducted to compare fully vaccinated patients with unvaccinated controls. Propensity scores were calculated on the basis of variables associated with vaccination status. A 1:1 matching ratio was applied using logistic regression models, ensuring balanced characteristics between the two groups. The matched samples were then subjected to multivariate analysis. Among breakthrough infections, vaccinated patients demonstrated lower incidences of ICU admission (10.3% vs. 16.4%; P  = 0.042) and death (12.2% vs. 18.7%; P  = 0.041) than the matched controls. Risk-adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between vaccination and ICU admission (odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.31, 0.89; P  = 0.019) as well as in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.34, 0.94; P  = 0.027). Vaccinated individuals experiencing breakthrough infections had significantly lower risks of ICU admission and in-hospital mortality. These findings highlight the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing severe outcomes among patients with breakthrough infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl) infusion on arterial blood gas and oximetry values in patients with vasoplegic syndrome. Methods Blood samples collected from 95 patients receiving OHCbl infusion were assayed using the ABL90 FLEX Plus blood gas analyzer for the concentration of methemoglobin (MetHb), total hemoglobin (tHb), carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2). Interference of OHCbl on these variables was evaluated using the measured difference between the preinfusion and postinfusion samples. Results Blood MetHb (%) measured after the infusion of OHCbl (5g) were significantly higher than the baseline levels, with a median of 4.8 (IQR, 3.0−6.5) versus 1.0 (IQR, 1.0−1.2) (P <.001). Blood COHb (%) increased from a median of 1.3 (IQR, 1.0−1.8) to 1.7 (IQR, 1.3−2.2) (P <.001) following the OHCbl infusion. No differences were seen in median levels of tHb, PaO2, PaCO2, and SaO2 between pre- and post-OHCbl treatment. Conclusion The presence of OHCbl in blood clearly interfered with the oximetry measurements of the hemoglobin component fractions by falsely increasing the levels of MetHb and COHb. Blood levels of MetHb and COHb cannot be reliably determined by the co-oximetry when OHCbl is known or suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nationally, the 18–49 years old age group are less likely to be vaccinated compared to those 50 years and older. Data describing the risk of COVID-19 severe illness that requires hospitalization among younger healthy adults is limited. In an effort to underscore the importance of vaccination and provide data that may influence COVID-19 risk perception, COVID-19 data of a sample of hospitalized non-elderly age group who clinically may not be considered as high risk for severe COVID-19 illness are presented. Specifically, this retrospective chart review (spanning the period of March 2020 to September 2021) provides a descriptive analysis examining the characteristics, vaccination status and outcomes of adults who were hospitalized at Memorial Healthcare System with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. The study's data focuses on non-pregnant adults, aged 18–49 years old, without underlying conditions and with no reported history of smoking. As a sub-analysis, data on young and otherwise healthy pregnant females who were hospitalized with COVID-19, as well as data stratified by the pre-Delta and Delta variant dominant period are also presented. There was a total of 482 young and otherwise healthy non-pregnant adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19. Overall, more than 13% of our study population had severe COVID-19 disease. Further, a higher proportion of unvaccinated patients had severe COVID-19 compared to those who received at least one dose of the vaccine. All ventilator or ECMO placements, 30-day readmissions and deaths occurred among unvaccinated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background First responders (FRs) may have a significant risk of coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) infection than the general population due to job-related exposures. We aimed to determine the prevalence and exposure patterns of COVID-19 among FRs. Methods Between March and April 2020, FRs in Broward County, Florida, were screened for COVID-19 infection by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay using nasopharyngeal swabs. Demographics and COVID-19 positive rate of the FRs were summarized. Results A total of 3375 FRs were screened for COVID-19 infection. The median age of FRs tested was 42 years (IQR 33–52 years), and 1464 (43.4%) were men. A total of 2902 (85.9%) were asymptomatic, and 473 (14.1%) reported symptoms associated with COVID-19. Overall, 289 (8.6%) were positive, with the highest rates among the age between 25 and 49 years. Of those testing positive, 235 (81.3%) were asymptomatic. Fourteen days after their first positive test, 81 (69.8%) of the 116 asymptomatically infected FRs were negative, and 35 (30.2%) remained positive and asymptomatic. Conclusions The FRs in Broward County, FL, had an overall infection rate of 8.6% at the time of COVID-19 testing, and asymptomatic FRs accounted for 81.3% of infection. Active surveillance should be focused on the asymptomatic FRs with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to describe the presenting characteristics, epidemiology and predictors of outcomes among confirmed COVID-19 cases seen at a large community healthcare system which serves the epicenter and diverse region of Florida. We conducted a retrospective analysis of individuals with lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were seen, from March 2, 2020 to May 31, 2020, at Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida. Data was extracted from a COVID-19 registry of patients with lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Univariate and backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of key study outcomes. There were a total of 1692 confirmed COVID-19 patients included in this study. Increasing age was found to be a significant predictor of hospitalization, 30-day readmission and death. Having a temperature of 38 °C or more and increasing comorbidity score were also associated with an increased risk of hospitalization. Significant predictors of ICU admission included having a saturated oxygen level less than 90%, hypertension, dementia, rheumatologic disease, having a respiratory rate greater than 24 breaths per minute. Being of Hispanic ethnicity and immunosuppressant utilization greatly increased the risk of 30-day readmission. Having an oxygen saturation less than 90% and an underlying neurological disorder were associated with an increased likelihood of death. Results show that a patient's demographic, underlying condition and vitals at triage may increase or reduce their risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, 30-day readmission or death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with HIV (PHIV) with limited access to health services often experience suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We investigated whether a daily text messaging intervention improves ART adherence and retention in early HIV care in PHIV in a south Florida hospital-based clinic. Methods: ART-naïve PHIV receiving care through the clinic's Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program were enrolled and randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups with a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received a 1-way text message daily and the control group received standard care without receiving text message reminders for 6 months. HIV RNA and CD4 cell count were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Adherence to ART was defined as a visual analog scale of ≥ 90%. Retention in care was defined as continued engagement at study end. Results: 94 ART-naïve patients were randomized and 83 (85.6%) completed the study, of which 44 were in the intervention group and 39 were in the control group. At the end of the 6-month study period, adherence to ART was 84.4% in the intervention group versus 73.5% in the control group (OR, 1.9; 95% CI 0.7–5.0; p = 0.194). Retention in care significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group with the odds of retention increasing by 20% (OR, 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.5; p = 0.006). Undetectable HIV RNA (< 50 copies/mL) was 86.7% in the intervention group versus 73.5% in the control group (OR, 2.3; 95% CI 0.8–6.9; p = 0.112). A significant increase in CD4 cell count and a decrease in HIV RNA were found at study end, with no differences between the two groups. Conclusions: In this pilot study, a one-way daily text messaging intervention did not improve ART adherence over a 6-month study period, but significantly enhanced patient retention in early HIV care. Implementation of interventions to improve adherence in this population is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemostasis following transradial arterial access (TRA) is usually achieved by mechanical compression. This study investigated if use of a chitosan-based hemostatic pad (Clo-SurPlus Radial™) combined with mechanical compression (TR Band®) could shorten hemostasis time after TRA, compared with a TR Band® alone.Methods: 40 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and/or percutaneous coronary intervention were assigned into 4 cohorts post TRA: 10 patients received mechanical compression with a TR Band® alone for 120 min. The other 30 patients received compression with a Clo-SurPlus Radial™ pad combined with a TR Band® for 60 min, 45 min, and 30 min, respectively (n = 10/per cohort). Times to hemostasis and access-site complications were recorded.Results: There were no differences in patient characteristics, mean dose of heparin, or mean activated clotting time value at the end of procedure among the four cohorts. Median time to hemostasis with the TR Band® alone was 120.5 min versus 60 min, 45 min and 30 min for the 60-min, 45-min, and 30-min Clo-SurPlus Radial™ pad combined with the TR Band® cohorts, respectively. No radial artery occlusion, late rebleeding nor hematoma was noted in this series of patients.Conclusions: In this pilot trial, use of a Clo-SurPlus Radial™ pad in combination with a TR band® significantly shortened hemostasis time, as compared to a TR band® alone, with no increased complications noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Most chiropractic colleges do not offer independent neuroscience courses because of an already crowded curriculum. The Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida has developed and implemented an integrated neuroscience program that incorporates neurosciences into different courses. The goals of the program have been to bring neurosciences to students, excite students about the interrelationship of neuroscience and chiropractic, improve students' understanding of neuroscience, and help the students understand the mechanisms underpinning the chiropractic practice. This study provides a descriptive analysis on how the integrated neuroscience program is taught via students' attitudes toward neuroscience and the comparison of students' perceptions of neuroscience content knowledge at different points in the program. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 58 questions regarding the neuroscience courses was conducted among 339 students. The questionnaire was developed by faculty members who were involved in teaching neuroscience and administered in the classroom by faculty members who were not involved in the study. Results: Student perceptions of their neuroscience knowledge, self-confidence, learning strategies, and knowledge application increased considerably through the quarters, especially among the 2nd-year students. Conclusions: The integrated neuroscience program achieved several of its goals, including an increase in students' confidence, positive attitude, ability to learn, and perception of neuroscience content knowledge. The authors believe that such gains can expand student ability to interpret clinical cases and inspire students to become excited about chiropractic research. The survey provides valuable information for teaching faculty to make the course content more relevant to chiropractic students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the geopositioning accuracy achievable from integrating IKONOS and QuickBird satellite stereo image pairs with aerial images acquired over a region at Tampa Bay, Florida. The results showed that the accuracy is related to a few factors of imaging geometry. For example, the geopositioning accuracy of a stereo pair of IKONOS or QuickBird images can be improved by integrating a set of aerial images, even just a single aerial image or a stereo pair of aerial images. Shorelines derived from the IKONOS and QuickBird stereo images, particularly the vertical positions, are compared with the corresponding observations of water-penetrating LiDAR and water gauge stations and proved that differences are within the limit of the geopositioning uncertainty of the satellite images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the accuracy in three-dimensional (3D) geopositioning achieved by integrating Ikonos and QuickBird images using the vendor-provided rational polynomial coefficients (RPcs). One pair of stereo Ikonos images and one pair of stereo QuickBird images were collected for the same region of Tampa Bay, Florida, and used in this study. Results of 3D geopositioning from different combinations of Ikonos and QuickBird stereo images were generated by using an improved rational function model (RFM). The relationship between the satellite-borne pointing geometry and the attainable ground accuracy is examined. This research demonstrates that the integration of Ikonos and QuickBird images is feasible and can improve the 3D geopositioning accuracy using a proper combination of images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a target species of transgenic corn (Zea mays L.) expressing pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis proteins. In 2011, a total of 150 F2 two-parent families of S. frugiperda were established using single-pair matings of feral individuals collected from three locations in Louisiana and Florida. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of these field derived families of S. frugiperda to a pyramided Bt corn hybrid containing Agrisure®Viptera™ 3111 traits. For each F2 family, 96 neonates were assayed on leaf tissue of Agrisure®Viptera™ 3111 corn in the laboratory. None of the 150 families survived for 7 days on leaf tissue of the Bt corn plants. The results demonstrate that the field populations of S. frugiperda collected from Louisiana and Florida were susceptible to the pyramided Bt corn product containing Agrisure®Viptera™ 3111 traits. The data generated in this study can be used as baseline data for resistance monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is a target species of transgenic corn containing pyramided Bt genes in the United States. During 2011, a total of 149 F2 two-parental family lines were established using single-pairing of S. frugiperda collected from 3 locations in Louisiana and Florida. This study examined the susceptibility of these F2 two-parental family lines to 2 commonly used pyramided Bt corn traits, Genuity®VT Double Pro™ and Genuity®SmartStax™. Nine out of the 149 family lines showed less susceptibility to the leaf tissue of Genuity®VT Double Pro™ or Genuity®SmartStax™ plants. Larvae of these 9 family lines exhibited significant survivorship and growth on leaf tissue of the Bt corn plants. Two laboratory colonies were established from the F2 survivors of 2 of the 9 family lines. However, larvae from both colonies could not survive on whole plants of their corresponding Bt corn products in the greenhouse, suggesting these families were not resistant to the pyramided Bt corn traits. The results suggest that the pyramided Bt corn products containing Genuity®VT Double Pro™ or Genuity®SmartStax™ corn traits are effective in protecting against S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]