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Mobile mammography units (MMUs) can enhance access to breast cancer screening by providing convenient, cost-effective service, particularly for uninsured and underinsured women. However, prior studies indicate that acceptability concerns about quality and privacy, among other issues, may prevent women from utilizing MMUs. The current study employs a within-participant experimental design exposing participants to messages about different MMU characteristics to determine which characteristics are most effective in persuading them to use an MMU. The study also examined how messaging interacts with participants' ethnic identity to influence outcomes. Data were collected from a diverse sample of uninsured and underinsured women as part of a formative study to promote the utilization of a mobile mammography facility in Central Texas. Results of mixed-effect linear models show that messages about equity, appointment convenience, privacy and comfort, and quality of equipment and staff were rated as more persuasive than messages about convenience of location and language accessibility. However, Hispanic women rated language accessibility higher than other participants did. The results can guide MMU organizers and promotion managers as they determine the best approach to promote mobile mammography services in different communities.

This article examines how four urban elementary teachers designed their literacy instruction in ways that sought to sustain students' cultural competence--maintaining their language and cultural practices while also gaining access to more dominant ones--amid expectations to prepare students for high-stakes testing. A large part of their teaching involved taking their students' backgrounds into account and selecting classroom texts to provide examples of the contributions made by successful culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse people with space for dialogue about inequity.

This ethnographic study reports on one elementary literacy coach's response to high-stakes testing and her approach to support third- through fifth-grade teachers in a Title I school in Texas. Sources of data included field notes and observations of classes and meetings, audio/video recordings, and transcribed interviews. The findings illustrate how the literacy coach used her knowledge and beliefs about teaching reading along with her position of leadership to craft alternative responses to an environment that endorsed a skills-based approach to teaching reading and placed a strong emphasis on test preparation. Specifically, the literacy coach enriched the skills-based reading curriculum with reading workshop, supported teachers' learning and growth with teacher-centered inquiry groups, and focused on language and authentic literature as a way of preparing students for the test. These findings suggest that the literacy coach played an important role in supporting teachers with negotiating the demands of a high-stakes testing environment and in ways that did not necessarily compromise the literacy coach's beliefs. These findings also suggest the importance of a supportive school environment where teachers have a sense of community for support and professional growth.

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of current academic medical library circulation polices and examine methods libraries utilize to meet patron needs. Key informants were selected from five states. Statistics regarding financial practices, users, services, space access, and circulation practices were collected via survey instrument. Findings were analyzed to identify current services and differences in practice. Circulation practices among academic medical libraries vary, but common trends exist. Further study should compare strategies and policies in academic medical libraries with practices in other types of academic libraries to enhance service development and identify unique variables.

Four researchers collaborated on this qualitative case study that examined 11 first-year novice art teachers' understanding and implementation of meaningful curriculum. Participants were selected through a criterion method sampling strategy; the subjects were employed in rural, urban, and suburban public school districts. In order to conduct a cross-site analysis of the results of the study, researchers conducted three to four structured interviews during the academic year. Results indicate that the novice teachers' definitions and implementation of meaningful curriculum emphasized connecting art lessons to students' lives and culture. Novice teachers were concerned about the quality of artwork their students produced and were committed to building trust with their students. (Contains 3 figures, 1 table, and 5 endnotes.)

Genetic admixture is a biological event inherent to genetic rescue programs aimed at the long-term conservation of endangered wildlife. Although the success of such programs can be measured by the increase in genetic diversity and fitness of subsequent admixed individuals, predictions supporting admixture costs to fitness due to the introduction of novel deleterious alleles are necessary. Here, we analyzed nonsynonymous variation from conserved genes to quantify and compare levels of mutation load (i.e. proportion of deleterious alleles and genotypes carrying these alleles) among endangered Florida panthers and non-endangered Texas pumas. Specifically, we used canonical (i.e. non-admixed) Florida panthers, Texas pumas, and F1 (canonical Florida × Texas) panthers dating from a genetic rescue program and Everglades National Park panthers with Central American ancestry resulting from an earlier admixture event. We found neither genetic drift nor selection significantly reduced overall proportions of deleterious alleles in the severely bottlenecked canonical Florida panthers. Nevertheless, the deleterious alleles identified were distributed into a disproportionately high number of homozygous genotypes due to close inbreeding in this group. Conversely, admixed Florida panthers (either with Texas or Central American ancestry) presented reduced levels of homozygous genotypes carrying deleterious alleles but increased levels of heterozygous genotypes carrying these variants relative to canonical Florida panthers. Although admixture is likely to alleviate the load of standing deleterious variation present in homozygous genotypes, our results suggest that introduced novel deleterious alleles (temporarily present in heterozygous state) in genetically rescued populations could potentially be expressed in subsequent generations if their effective sizes remain small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neches River Rose Mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx) is a rare wildflower endemic to Texas that is federally protected in the U.S.A. While previous work suggests that H. dasycalyx may be hybridizing with its widespread congeners, the Halberd-leaved Rose Mallow (H. laevis) and the Woolly Rose Mallow (H. moscheutos), this has not been studied in detail. We evaluated the relative threats to H. dasycalyx posed by hybridization with H. laevis and H. moscheutos by 1) examining their relatedness to one another via modern phylogenomic methods, 2) examining their ecological (dis)similarities to one another using ecological niche modeling, and 3) looking for genomic evidence of hybridization among them. Our results suggest that H. dasycalyx is very closely related and ecologically similar to H. laevis, and that H. laevis is interbreeding with H. dasycalyx in the wild. Conversely, H. moscheutos appears to be more distantly related to H. dasycalyx and more ecologically dissimilar, and the two are most likely not hybridizing. For these reasons, we believe that H. laevis poses a greater threat to H. dasycalyx than H. moscheutos. We offer some hypotheses as to why H. dasycalyx and H. laevis are coming into secondary contact where hybridization can occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features-trees, gardens, and nature trails-in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children's interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children's behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results.Methods: During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school parks in Central Texas, United States, serving predominantly low-income Latinx families. To develop thermal profiles for each park, we installed 10 air temperature/relative humidity sensors per park, selecting sites based on land cover, land use, and even spatial coverage. We measured green features within a geographic information system. In a cross-sectional study, we used an adapted version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess children's physical activity levels and interactions with green features. In a cohort study, we equipped 30 3rd and 30 4th grade students per school during recess with accelerometers and Global Positioning System devices, and surveyed these students regarding their connection to nature. Baseline analyses included inverse distance weighting for thermal profiles and summing observed counts of children interacting with trees.Results: In September 2019, average daily heat index ranged 2.0 °F among park sites, and maximum daily heat index ranged from 103.4 °F (air temperature = 33.8 °C; relative humidity = 55.2%) under tree canopy to 114.1 °F (air temperature = 37.9 °C; relative humidity = 45.2%) on an unshaded playground. 10.8% more girls and 25.4% more boys interacted with trees in September than in November.Conclusions: We found extreme heat conditions at select sites within parks, and children positioning themselves under trees during periods of high heat index. These methods can be used by public health researchers and practitioners to inform the redesign of greenspaces in the face of climate change and health inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife translocations are a commonly used strategy in endangered species recovery programmes. Although translocations require detailed assessment of risk, their impact on parasite distribution has not been thoroughly assessed. This is despite the observation that actions that alter host–parasite distributions can drive evolution or introduce new parasites to previously sequestered populations. Here, we use a contemporary approach to amplify viral sequences from archived biological samples to characterize a previously undocumented impact of the successful genetic rescue of the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). Our efforts reveal transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) during translocation of pumas from Texas to Florida, resulting in extirpation of a historic Florida panther FIV subtype and expansion of a genetically stable subtype that is highly conserved in Texas and Florida. We used coalescent theory to estimate viral demography across time and show an exponential increase in the effective population size of FIV coincident with expansion of the panther population. Additionally, we show that FIV isolates from Texas are basal to isolates from Florida. Interestingly, FIV genomes recovered from Florida and Texas demonstrate exceptionally low interhost divergence. Low host genomic diversity and lack of additional introgressions may underlie the surprising lack of FIV evolution over 2 decades. We conclude that modern FIV in the Florida panther disseminated following genetic rescue and rapid population expansion, and that infectious disease risks should be carefully considered during conservation efforts involving translocations. Further, viral evolutionary dynamics may be significantly altered by ecological niche, host diversity and connectivity between host populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, increased national attention has generated a wealth of public health and epidemiologic research examining disparities in African American children’s mental health services utilization. Research has not yet been extended to examining the social structural mechanisms that keep these disparities stable and in place. Drawing from a larger urban ethnographic field study exploring the ‘everyday’ of health and illness within and across African American families living in an inner city public housing community, in this article I document the narratives of four African American mothers to illustrate how social structural mechanisms shape their decisions to seek or not mental health services for their children. I frame mothers’ decisions in terms ofeveryday violence, drawing attention to the institutionalized injustices that are normalized and rendered invisible because of their routine pervasiveness. I conclude with a discussion of integrating structural interventions to modify or reduce disparities in African American children’s mental health services utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines how one elementary school was divided into two schools-a primary and an intermediate school-because of how policies were interpreted and enacted with regard to high-stakes testing. The grades in which students took high-stakes tests were privileged in terms of receiving monetary resources and support from staff. An emphasis on testing also influenced how bilingual education was addressed. These organizational decisions highlight how policy operated as a practice of power, where inequitable education outcomes were reproduced. [education policy, high-stakes testing, school organization, elementary school] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since opening its doors in 1962, the Parkland Burn Center has played an important role in improving the care of burned children through basic and clinical research while also sponsoring community prevention programs. The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric burns at a single institution over 35 years.Study Design: The institutional burn database, which contains data from January 1974 until August 2010, was retrospectively reviewed. Patients older than 18 years of age were excluded. Patient age, cause of burn, total body surface area (TBSA), depth of burn, and patient outcomes were collected. Demographics were compared with regional census data.Results: Over 35 years, 5748 pediatric patients were admitted with a thermal injury. Males comprised roughly two-thirds (66.2%) of admissions. Although the annual admission rate has risen, the incidence of pediatric burn admissions, particularly among Hispanic and African American children has declined. The most common causes of admission were scald (42%), flame (29%), and contact burns (10%). Both the median length of hospitalization and burn size have decreased over time (r(2)=0.75 and 0.62, respectively). Mortality was significantly correlated with inhalation injury, size of burn, and history of abuse. It was negatively correlated with year of admission.Conclusions: Over 35 years in North Texas, the median burn size and incidence of pediatric burn admissions has decreased. Concomitantly, length of stay and mortality have also decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date Presented 04/01/2022 This presentation describes a unique methodological contribution of combining interviews and surveys. Feeding histories gained through interviews enhance the quantitative data of two previously published studies by examining factors related to feeding children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including parenting stress, coparenting, and feeding behaviors. Our findings make a methodical contribution to identifying and prioritizing contextual factors that do not show up in quantitative analysis. Primary Author and Speaker: Aaron Bonsall Additional Authors and Speakers: Melody Hrubes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The largest West Nile virus outbreak in Texas occurred in 2012, with Dallas County particularly affected. Aerial insecticide spraying was conducted in Dallas County during August 16-23. On August 14, the North Texas Poison Center issued a press release indicating that the public could call the Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) if they have questions about West Nile virus or the spraying. The TPCN also activated it s interactive voice response (IVR) system during August 15-27 to provide messages about West Nile virus and the aerial spraying. Objective: This investigation was to determine whether the West Nile virus outbreak affected the pattern of calls the TPCN received. Methods: The daily number of total calls handled by TPCN agents in August was determined and examined for any trends in relation to the aerial spraying. All West Nile virus-related calls handled by TPCN agents during August were identified and the call date, caller county, and call topic determined. The number of times the IVR message was accessed each day was identified. Results: The number of total calls handled by TPCN agents on August 16 (1,256) was the highest daily number of calls received in 2012. Of 988 West Nile virus-related calls handled by TPCN agents, 78% were about the aerial spraying, 19% were about West Nile virus, and 3% were unknown; 94% were information calls. Seventy-two percent of the calls originated in Dallas County. The IVR message was accessed by 1,516 callers. Discussion: The 2012 West Nile virus outbreak resulted in a surge in calls to the TPCN on August 16. The IVR system was utilized to answer a number of calls. Most of the West Nile virus-related calls handled by TPCN agents were about the aerial spraying, were requests for information, and came from Dallas County [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LV Lead Positioning Guided by ICE With Vector Velocity Imaging. Introduction: Intraoperative modality for 'real-time' left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony quantification and optimal resynchronization is not established. This study determined the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), coupled with vector velocity imaging (VVI), to evaluate LV dyssynchrony and to guide LV lead placement at the time of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implant. Methods: One hundred and four consecutive heart failure patients undergoing ICE-guided (Group 1, N = 50) or conventional (Group 2, N = 54) CRT implant were included in the study. For Group 1 patients, LV dyssynchrony and resynchronization were evaluated by VVI including visual algorithms and the maximum differences in time-to-peak (MD-TTP) radial strain. Based on the findings, the final LV lead site was determined and optimal resynchronization was achieved. CRT responders were defined using standard criteria 6 months after implantation. Results: Both groups underwent CRT implant with no complications. In Group 1, intraprocedural optimal resynchronization by VVI including visual algorithms and MD-TTP was a predictor discriminating CRT response with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 89%. Use of ICE/VVI increased number of and predicted CRT responders (82% in Group 1 vs 63% in Group 2; OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.08-6.65, P = 0.03). Conclusion: ICE can be safely performed during CRT implantation. 'Real-time' VVI appears to be helpful in determining the final LV lead position and pacing mode that allow better intraprocedural resynchronization. VVI-optimized acute resynchronization predicts CRT response and this approach is associated with higher number of CRT responders. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 1034-1041, September 2011) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the preparedness of cosmetologists in disseminating information on skin cancer prevention in Texas. The study intends to determine the effectiveness of the Talkin' About Better Skin (TABS) training to develop the cosmetologist's knowledge on skin cancer prevention and early detection program. The study proves the credibility of cosmetologist to reduce health disparities through the evidence-based health programming.

The article reports on the impact of the West Nile viral disease outbreak on aerial insecticide exposures in Texas. It states that West Nile virus is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes in which infected individuals will develop febrile symptoms such as headache, myalgia, arthalgia, gastrointestinal problems and rashes. The Dallas mayor declared state of emergency due to West Nile virus outbreak and authorized the first aerial spraying insecticide in the city in more than 45 years.

Purpose: Patients with an endotracheal tube (ETT) for mechanical ventilation often aspirate secretions around the cuff of the ETT, which can lead to ventilator-associated conditions (VACs). A subglottic suction ETT (SS-ETT) is available to facilitate removal of these secretions from above the cuff via continuous or intermittent suction. Many facilities regularly insert the SS-ETT. The study purpose was to compare VACs and tracheal amylase levels in patients with a regular ETT and those with an SS-ETT. Background: Practice guidelines recommend that an SS-ETT be inserted to reduce the risk of aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The SS-ETT has an extra suction port designed to remove secretions that accumulate above the cuff. Studies have shown reduced rates of VAP with SS-ETT use, but no data related to VACs, a current outcome measure. α-Amylase is a newer marker of aspiration that may also be used to assess effectiveness of an SS-ETT. Method: This was a retrospective, comparative study of data from an ongoing nursing intervention trial. Participants were older than 18 years, undergoing mechanical ventilation, and enrolled within 24 hours of intubation. Standard oral care was provided every 4 hours as part of study interventions. At baseline and every 12 hours, oral and tracheal specimens were collected to measure α-amylase level as a biomarker of aspiration of oral secretions. Amylase was analyzed using standard laboratory methods; a value of more than 396 U/L was considered positive. VAC was classified on the basis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance criteria. VAC data were analyzed by χ² analysis, and amylase data were analyzed using median tests. Results: No differences in aspiration and VACs were noted between the regular and SS-ETT. Clinically, amylase values and VAC rates were lower with the SS-ETT. The lack of significant findings may be due to the various causes of VACs and the standard oral care provided. Findings indicate that aspiration of oral secretions occurs around the cuff of both types of ETT. Additional interventions to maximize secretion removal in patients with an SS-ETT, and strategies to maintain ETT cuff pressure, may be needed. Funding: NIH Funding 1R01NR014508. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mid-1990s, the population size of Florida panthers became so small that many individuals manifested traits associated with inbreeding depression (e.g., heart defects, cryptorchidism, high pathogenparasite load). To mitigate these effects, pumas from Texas were introduced into South Florida to augment genetic variation in Florida panthers. In this study, we report a de novo puma genome assembly and annotation after resequencing 10 individual genomes from partial Florida-Texas-F1 trios. The final genome assembly consisted of ~2.6 Gb and 20,561 functionally annotated protein-coding genes. Foremost, expanded gene families were associated with neuronal and embryological development, whereas contracted gene families were associated with olfactory receptors. Despite the latter, we characterized 17 positively selected genes related to the refinement of multiple sensory perceptions, most notably to visual capabilities. Furthermore, genes under positive selection were enriched for the targeting of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum, degradation of mRNAs, and transcription of viral genomes. Nearly half (48.5%) of ~6.2 million SNPs analyzed in the total sample set contained putative unique Texas alleles. Most of these alleles were likely inherited to subsequent F1 Florida panthers, as these individuals manifested a threefold increase in observed heterozygosity with respect to their immediate, canonical Florida panther predecessors. Demographic simulations were consistent with a recent colonization event in North America by a small number of founders from South America during the last glacial period. In conclusion, we provide an extensive set of genomic resources for pumas and elucidate the genomic effects of genetic rescue on this iconic conservation success story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]