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Postsecondary education enrollment is declining across the United States. The U.S. Department of Education's Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative focuses on increasing the college-going rate of students living in low-income neighborhoods through targeted university-community partnerships (UCPs). Here, we reflect on our program's use of a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to explore family postsecondary perspectives during the pandemic with the goal of developing community-level interventions. We outline the implementation of this approach in defining community, sharing planning power with partners, and responsive sampling. Reflection on the relevance, inclusion, and value of CBPR in education research is included.

Wild birds pose unique food-safety risks to agriculture as they may carry multiple zoonotic pathogens, are difficult to exclude, and most are federally protected. As a result, the fresh produce industry regularly expresses concerns about these risks, and growers are sometimes instructed to not harvest crops around wild bird feces, potentially causing yield reductions and food waste. Farmers thus have financial incentives to reduce bird fecal contamination on their crops. However, existing bird deterrent methods can be expensive, have significant deleterious conservation implications, and/or are often ineffective. Thus, it is imperative to develop a holistic understanding of the true food-safety risks associated with wild bird communities and to inform growers and industry professionals about which birds, if any, represent substantive food safety concerns. Here, we evaluate the food-safety risks of wild birds, from the point of entering farms through harvest of the crop via three complementary approaches.

Objective: Campus recreational sport activities impact college student health and well-being in a variety of domains. This multi-institutional study examined the participation of students in campus recreation during the pandemic and explored the relationship between student participation and their demographic markers, COVID-19 experience, and perceptions of risk, health and safety. Methods: Results from a survey of 1,815 American college students indicated the presence of statistical differences in sport participation based on "Gender, Race, State, Personal COVID-19 Experience, Campus Safety Efforts", and "Risk Perception Score" within various areas of analysis. Results: The impact and meaning of these cross-sectional results are discussed with reference to the ongoing pandemic and student health. Recommendations are presented within the context of this vital programming area both during and beyond the current crisis. Conclusion: These results are especially important given the health benefits associated with participation in recreational sport as tools to mitigate against the unprecedented consequences of the pandemic.

The development of hepatic metastases is the leading cause of mortality in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and substantial research efforts have been focused on elucidating the intricate mechanisms by which tumor cells successfully migrate to, invade, and ultimately colonize the liver parenchyma. Recent evidence has shown that perturbations in myeloid biology occur early in cancer development, characterized by the initial expansion of specific innate immune populations that promote tumor growth and facilitate metastases. This review summarizes the pathophysiology underlying the proliferation of myeloid cells that occurs with incipient neoplasia and explores the role of innate immune-host interactions, specifically granulocytes and neutrophil extracellular traps, in promoting hepatic colonization by tumor cells through the formation of the “premetastatic niche”. We further summarize the role of additional myeloid subpopulations such as monocytes and macrophages, dendritic cells, platelets, and eosinophils on promoting disease metastases in GI cancers. Lastly, we describe burgeoning therapeutic approaches aimed at targeting specific myeloid populations to reduce liver metastases and highlight the inherent challenges that exist in studying the efficacy of these treatments in preclinical models. As the inception and outgrowth of liver metastases are primary drivers of prognosis in GI malignancies; further research into the complex mechanisms involved in this critical process is urgently needed.

Objective: Care partners of persons living with dementia (PLWD) often feel unprepared to care for their loved ones. Improving PLWD care partner identification and education during hospital stays can improve preparedness. This retrospective EHR study investigated PLWD characteristics that may relate to care partner identification, education, and teaching methods during hospital stays. Methods: Encounters from a Midwestern academic healthcare system were used. Patients were over 18, had a documented dementia diagnosis, were admitted to the hospital for at least 24 h, and had information documented in care partner or education data fields (N = 7982). Logistic regressions assessed patient's demographics, care partner identification and education. Chi-square tests compared education teaching methods and patient discharge location. Results: PLWD's who were unmarried, discharged to other care facilities, or received the diagnosis “degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol” were associated with lacking care partner identification. Care partners of unmarried PLWDs or those with the diagnosis “Alzheimer's disease, unspecified” received less education. Multiple teaching methods were associated with discharge location. Conclusion: Multiple characteristics were related to PLWD care partner identification and education differences during hospital stays. Innovation: Novel analyses highlight need for a protocol to systematically prepare dementia care partners.

Background. Distributing CRC screening through pharmacies, a highly accessible health service, may create opportunities for more equitable access to CRC screening. However, providing CRC screening in a new context introduces a substantial implementation challenge.Methods. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists practicing in Washington state and North Carolina about distributing fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) to patients in the pharmacy. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to guide analysis.Results. Pharmacists believed that delivering FITs was highly compatible with their environment, workflow, and scope of practice. While knowledge about FIT eligibility criteria varied, pharmacists felt comfortable screening patients. They identified standardized eligibility criteria, patient-facing educational materials, and continuing education as essential design features. Pharmacists proposed adapting existing pharmacy electronic health record systems for patient reminders/prompts to facilitate FIT completion. While pharmacists felt confident that they could discuss test results with patients, they also expressed a need for stronger communication and care coordination with primary care providers.Discussion. When designing a pharmacy-based CRC screening program, pharmacists desired programmatic procedures to fit their current knowledge and context. Findings indicate that if proper attention is given to multi-level factors, FIT delivery can be extended to pharmacies.

Tick-borne diseases are commonly reported in the United States, but frequency of tick bites and care-seeking behaviors following tick bites are poorly understood. We used nationally representative survey data to describe the frequency of tick bites among people living in the United States and how often, where, and why care-seeking associated with tick bites occurs. We found that over 31 million people (nearly 1 in 10) living in the United States might experience a tick bite each year and highlight regional trends in associated care-seeking behaviors. These findings emphasize the need for effective tick bite prevention education and regionally tailored healthcare provider recommendations for management of tick-borne diseases.

A 76-year-old man with a history of malignant pleural mesothelioma treated with pembrolizumab underwent FDG-PET/CT for restaging. The images demonstrated FDG uptake overlying the right hepatic and splenic artery, which were new from the previous FDG-PET/CT 2.5 years prior before the patient started pembrolizumab, suspicious for vasculitis. A follow-up MRI supported the diagnosis with evidence of celiac, splenic, common hepatic, and right hepatic artery involvement. Pembrolizumab was discontinued and the patient received a short course of oral glucocorticoids. Subsequent FDG-PET/CT performed 14 months after initiation of treatment for vasculitis demonstrated resolution of vasculitis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause vasculitis, which can be recognized on FDG-PET/CT and lead to appropriate treatment.

Social media platforms offer a direct channel for broadcasting live content to followers, emphasizing the immediacy of interaction. Social live-streaming services present a unique opportunity for niche sport organizations to engage with their communities in real time, providing new opportunities for interaction and engagement. This paper employs a case study of the 2022 CrossFit (CF) Games to understand how social live-streaming services influence consumer engagement in niche sports. Using an online survey and content analysis, the study finds that viewing the CF Games inspires participation and that viewers with a stronger connection to CF are less likely to engage in chat functions. These insights highlight the potential for niche sports to leverage social live-streaming services for enhanced engagement, offering a viable alternative to traditional broadcasting. Although the focus is on CF, the findings may provide valuable lessons for other niche sports facing similar challenges in visibility and audience engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic islet cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for modeling and treating diabetes. Differences between stem-cell-derived and primary islets remain, but molecular insights to inform improvements are limited. Here, we acquire single-cell transcriptomes and accessible chromatin profiles during in vitro islet differentiation and pancreas from childhood and adult donors for comparison. We delineate major cell types, define their regulomes, and describe spatiotemporal gene regulatory relationships between transcription factors. CDX2 emerged as a regulator of enterochromaffin-like cells, which we show resemble a transient, previously unrecognized, serotonin-producing pre-β cell population in fetal pancreas, arguing against a proposed non-pancreatic origin. Furthermore, we observe insufficient activation of signal-dependent transcriptional programs during in vitro β cell maturation and identify sex hormones as drivers of β cell proliferation in childhood. Altogether, our analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of cell fate acquisition in stem-cell-derived islets and a framework for manipulating cell identities and maturity.

Fresh, green leaves are increasing as resources in aquatic ecosystems due to more frequent severe spring and summer storms, but research on allochthonous resources typically uses senescent leaves. We examined macroinvertebrate colonization of green leaves of three native deciduous trees (red maple, red oak, and tulip poplar) over two weeks within both a stream and fishless pond. Leaf colonization varied depending on the taxa of leaves and colonizers, submersion time, and the ecosystem examined. Within the stream, the densities of isopods (Lirceus sp.) and snails (mostly the invasive Potamopyrgus antipodarum) did not vary significantly across leaf species. In contrast, mayflies (Tricorythodes sp.) in the stream colonized tulip poplar in greater numbers than red oak leaves, while higher densities of planarians (order Tricladida) occurred within red oak leaves. The numbers of mayflies and snails decreased significantly by the second week, but the densities of isopods and planaria within stream leaf packs were consistent. In contrast, within the pond, significantly more isopods (Caecidotea communis) were collected after the first than after the second week of submersion and in tulip poplar leaves. Clams (Sphaeriidae) in the pond, on the other hand, were more prevalent in the second week but did not discriminate among leaf species. While the number of leeches (mostly Helobdella stagnalis) was consistent across weeks, significantly fewer leeches resided within tulip poplar leaves than within red oak leaves. Our results suggest that there are no consistent colonization-preference rankings of species of fresh leaves across freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxa. Even within a functional feeding group (e.g., the two types of isopods and snails, all detritivore-herbivores), there were differences in colonization patterns. Therefore, increased allochthonous inputs of fresh leaf litter due to severe spring- and summer-time storms are likely to promote the populations of various taxa to different extents.

Objectives: Postprandial inflammation post-high-fat meals may be linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD incidence increases with age; however, whether older adults experience greater postprandial inflammation remains unclear. We examined whether analyzing age categorically versus continuously influenced relationships between age and postprandial inflammatory measures. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory for Applied Nutrition and Exercise Science at Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK, USA). Participants: 56 apparently healthy adults ages 20–69 years. Measurements: We measured interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α at baseline, 2-, 4-, and 6 -hs post-high-fat meal (9 kcal/kg; 70% fat). Data were examined in the full sample with paired t-tests (baseline to peak), by pre-defined age groups (i.e., 18–35, 36–49, 50–59, 60–69) using ANCOVA, and continuously using linear regression. Results: Across the full sample, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 increased after the high-fat meal (p’s≤0.018). Cytokine differences post-high-fat meal by age category were generally not observed. However, age was positively associated with IL-6 incremental AUC when examined continuously (b = 0.029; p = 0.010). Conclusion: These data suggest increasing age is linked to a greater IL-6 response to a high-fat meal. Further, examining age continuously may have greater utility when studying aging and postprandial inflammation. Registration: N/A (secondary analysis)

Adaptation of the islet β cell insulin-secretory response to changing insulin demand is critical for blood glucose homeostasis, yet the mechanisms underlying this adaptation are unknown. Here, we have shown that nutrient-stimulated histone acetylation plays a key role in adapting insulin secretion through regulation of genes involved in β cell nutrient sensing and metabolism. Nutrient regulation of the epigenome occurred at sites occupied by the chromatin-modifying enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 1 (Lsd1) in islets. β Cell-specific deletion of Lsd1 led to insulin hypersecretion, aberrant expression of nutrient-response genes, and histone hyperacetylation. Islets from mice adapted to chronically increased insulin demand exhibited shared epigenetic and transcriptional changes. Moreover, we found that genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes were enriched at LSD1-bound sites in human islets, suggesting that interpretation of nutrient signals is genetically determined and clinically relevant. Overall, these studies revealed that adaptive insulin secretion involves Lsd1-mediated coupling of nutrient state to regulation of the islet epigenome.

Abstract Understanding how past and current environmental conditions shape the demographic and genetic distributions of organisms facilitates our predictions of how future environmental patterns may affect populations. The Canyon Rubyspot damselfly (Odonata: Zygoptera: Hetaerina vulnerata) is an insect with a range distribution from Colombia to the arid southwestern United States, where it inhabits shaded mountain streams in the arid southwestern United States. Past spatial fragmentation of habitat and limited dispersal capacity of H. vulnerata may cause population isolation and genetic differentiation, and projected climate change may exacerbate isolation by further restricting the species' distribution. We constructed species distribution models (SDMs) based on occurrences of H. vulnerata and environmental variables characterizing the species' niche. We inferred seven current potential population clusters isolated by unsuitable habitat. Paleoclimate models indicated habitat contiguity in past conditions; projected models indicated some habitat fragmentation in future scenarios. Seventy‐eight H. vulnerata individuals from six of the current clusters were sequenced via ddRADseq and processed with Stacks. Principal components and phylogeographic analyses resolved three subpopulations; Structure resolved four subpopulations. FST values were low (0.15 for populations separated by expanses of unsuitable habitat. Isolation by distance was an existing but weak factor in determining genomic structure; isolation by environment and the intervening landscape explained a significant proportion of genetic distance. Hetaerina vulnerata populations were shown to be isolated by a lack of tree canopy coverage, an important habitat predictor for oviposition and territoriality. Thus, H. vulnerata populations are likely separated and are genetically isolated. Integrating SDMs with landscape genetics allowed us to identify populations separated by distance and unsuitable habitat, explaining population genetic patterns and probable fates for populations under future climate scenarios.

We report an unusual case of extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in the setting of metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma. Recognition of the associated sequelae of this condition may improve short- and long-term outcomes. A 56-year-old black female with a history of uterine leiomyosarcoma diagnosed incidentally after total abdominal hysterectomy for fibroid uterus without initiation of chemoradiation treatment presented to the emergency department complaining of generalized weakness and progressively worsening stridor for 2 weeks. The patient was experiencing shortness of breath, dysphagia, and hoarseness. Physical exam was remarkable for rhonchi but was otherwise normal. Diagnostic imaging via CT of the abdomen, pelvis, and chest revealed DVTs of the left common and external iliac veins, the superior mesenteric artery, multiple pulmonary emboli of the right pulmonary artery, several nodular lesions within the lungs, and scattered peritoneal necrotic lesions, which were suspicious for metastatic disease. Additionally, CT of the neck showed an exophytic mass protruding into the airway from the subglottic region and thyromegaly with bilateral thyroid lobe nodules. The patient was subsequently started on Eliquis and chemotherapy. The rarity of this case is rooted in the extent of the patient's DVTs and PEs secondary to hypercoagulability in metastatic cancer. This presentation should be further evaluated to exclude thrombophilias or underlying malignancies. Drawing from the lessons of this case will help guide future clinical management regarding the care of metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma.

ObjectiveTo determine the usefulness of a personalized tool and its effect on the decision-making process for those with vestibular schwannoma (VS).Study designProspective study.SettingSingle institution, academic tertiary care lateral skull base surgery program.PatientsPatients diagnosed with VS.InterventionsA comprehensive clinical decision support (CDS) tool was constructed from a previously published retrospective patient-reported data obtained from members of the Acoustic Neuroma Association from January to March 2017. Demographic, tumor, and treatment modality data, including associated side effects, were collected for 775 patients and integrated in an interactive and personalized web-based tool.Main outcome measuresPre- and posttool questionnaires assessing the process of deciding treatment for VS using a decisional conflict scale (DCS) and satisfaction with decision (SWD) scale were compared.ResultsA pilot study of 33 patients evaluated at a single institution tertiary care center with mean ± SD age of 63.9 ± 13.5 years and with average tumor size of 7.11 ± 4.75 mm were surveyed. CDS implementation resulted in a mean ± SD total DCS score decrease from 43.6 ± 15.5 to 37.6 ± 16.4 ( p < 0.01) and total SWD score increase from 82.8 ± 16.1 to 86.2 ± 14.4 ( p = 0.04), indicating a significant decrease in decisional conflict and increase in satisfaction.ConclusionsImplementing a decision-making tool after diagnosis of VS reduced decisional conflict and improved satisfaction with decision. Patients considered the tool to be an aid to their medical knowledge, further improving their comfort and understanding of their treatment options. These findings provide a basis for developing predictive tools that will assist patients in making informed medical decisions in the future.

The transition from lean to obese states involves systemic metabolic remodeling that impacts insulin sensitivity, lipid partitioning, inflammation, and glycemic control. Here, we have taken a pharmacological approach to test the role of a nutrient-regulated chromatin modifier, lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1), in obesity-associated metabolic reprogramming. We show that systemic administration of an LSD1 inhibitor (GSK-LSD1) reduces food intake and body weight, ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in mouse models of obesity. GSK-LSD1 has little effect on systemic metabolism of lean mice, suggesting that LSD1 has a context-dependent role in promoting maladaptive changes in obesity. In analysis of insulin target tissues we identified white adipose tissue as the major site of insulin sensitization by GSK-LSD1, where it reduces adipocyte inflammation and lipolysis. We demonstrate that GSK-LSD1 reverses NAFLD in a non-hepatocyte-autonomous manner, suggesting an indirect mechanism potentially via inhibition of adipocyte lipolysis and subsequent effects on lipid partitioning. Pair-feeding experiments further revealed that effects of GSK-LSD1 on hyperglycemia and NAFLD are not a consequence of reduced food intake and weight loss. These findings suggest that targeting LSD1 could be a strategy for treatment of obesity and its associated complications including type 2 diabetes and NAFLD.