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This study determined whether enrollment in agriscience education was related to high school students' science achievement. The results of the mandatory high school graduate exit exams were used to measure science achievement. All test scores from non-special education students were utilized for the study. The comparison of the science achievement of agriscience education students to that of non-agriscience education students revealed that there were significant differences in scores on the science test and the subtests. The effect size for each of these areas was either small or of negligible practical significance. Regression analyses were used to determine if enrollment in agriscience education explained variance in the science scores, after controlling for variance attributed to age, grade level, gender, ethnicity, 504 status, and socioeconomic status. Significant models with moderate or large effect sizes existed that explained a portion of variance in scores on the science tests and subtests. However, after controlling for the six variables listed above, the contribution of enrollment in agriscience education to the science test and subtest scores was negligible. This result is positive evidence for the value of agriscience education since agriscience education students acquire knowledge, skills, and experiences substantially beyond the academic content in the courses. (Contains 5 tables.)

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) infection remains a serious complication, causing increased morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and escalation to definitive therapy including extraction of the infected device often pose challenges., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess U.S.-based physicians current practices in diagnosing and managing CIED infections and explore potential extraction barriers., Methods: An observational survey was performed by the American College of Cardiology including U.S. physicians managing CIEDs from February to March 2022. Sampling techniques and screener questions determined eligibility. The survey featured questions on knowledge and experience with CIED infection patients and case scenarios., Results: Of 387 physicians completing the survey (20% response rate), 49% indicated familiarity with current guidelines regarding CIED infection. Electrophysiologists (EPs) (91%) were more familiar with these guidelines, compared to non-EP cardiologists (29%) and primary care physicians (23%). Only 30% of physicians specified that their institution had guideline-based protocols in place for managing patients with CIED infection. When presented with pocket infection cases, approximately 89% of EPs and 50% of non-EP cardiologists would follow guideline recommendation to do complete CIED system removal, while 70% of primary care physicians did not recommend guideline-directed treatment., Conclusions: There are gaps in familiarity of guidelines as well as the knowledge in practical management of CIED infection with non-extracting physicians. Most institutions lack a definite pathway. Addressing discrepancies, including guideline education and streamlining care or referral pathways, will be a key factor to bridging the gap and improving CIED infection patient outcomes., Competing Interests: This work was supported by Philips Image-Guided Therapy Corporation. The content has not been influenced in any way by its sponsor. Dr Lakkireddy is a consultant for Philips and Abbott and has received honoraria from Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Biosense Webster. Dr Rao has received honoraria from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Phillips. Dr Theriot is an employee of American College of Cardiology. Dr Ram is an employee of Philips Image-Guided Therapy Corporation. Dr Gao is an employee of Philips Image-Guided Therapy Corporation. Dr Cheung has received honoraria/consulting fees from Abbott, Biotronik, and Boston Scientific; and has received research support from Boston Scientific and fellowship grant support from Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. Dr Birgersdotter-Green has received honoraria from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and Biotronik. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (© 2024 The Authors.)