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Many educators face challenges with online learning since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Online modalities became common in world language courses; however, challenges remain in creating communicative contexts. This study examined university student perceptions of an experiential learning sequence using films in Spanish and French at the intermediate level in an asynchronous online environment. Students were required to watch a movie and complete activities related to language and culture learning goals, followed by an in-depth survey about the experience. Participants expressed positive perceptions of the activities, finding them helpful in increasing interest and motivation, as well as in expanding their thinking and knowledge about course topics. These findings demonstrate the importance of experiential learning to build student-centered communities of language and culture learning in the asynchronous classroom.

RationaleHypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) infections have principally been identified in Asia. Within a two-month period, two patients between the ages of 30 to 50 years old presented to a tertiary referral hospital in Texas with septic shock, hepatic abscess, and septic thrombophlebitis. Blood cultures were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae (isolates 2020CK-00441 and 2021CK-00720 respectively). The first patient survived after a prolonged hospital course while the second patient expired.ObjectivesDescribe the clinical presentation of these two patients. Perform whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to evaluate potential outbreak of specific hvKp bacteria isolates.MethodsWhole genome sequencing was performed using both paired-end Illumina MiSeq and nanopore sequencing to obtain a Completed genome for both isolates.Main results2020CK-00441 belonged to ST23 type while 2021CK-00720 was a ST65 type isolate. Kleborate analyses predicted with high confidence both isolates were hvKp. Phylogenetic analyses showed the two strains are not closely related to each other nor to any known hvKp isolates reported. Both isolates had yersiniabactin, colibactin, aerobactin and salmochelin producing loci which likely confer these isolates hvKp phenotype. 2020CK-00441 and 2021CK-00720 had a unique pK2044 like plasmid.ConclusionsHvKp strains capable of causing devastating metastatic septic infections have emerged in Texas. These isolates are unique compared to other hvKp strains globally. Country-wide surveillance and whole genome sequencing of these strains is essential to prevent a major public health emergency in the USA.

Asphaltenes are complex molecules with a tendency to aggregate. This property can be an issue for the oil industry due to CO2 reinjection into reservoirs to mitigate these gas emissions. The present theoretical study aimed to study the CO2 interaction with no-substitute and substituted coronene as an asphaltene model compound at CAM-B3LYP-D3/6-311G(d,p) level. The electronic properties were evaluated using harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and reduced density gradient (RDG) methods. The results showed that the coronene’s functionalization by a sulfur atom changes the coronene’s electronic structure. However, functionalization does not change the type of interactions between the monomers, as they remain predominantly van der Waals interactions. CO2 interaction with substituted coronene barely changed due to the presence of sulfur atoms. However, in dimers, the position of the heteroatom directly influences the interaction with CO2, although it is insufficient to change the interaction’s magnitude. For this reason, our results indicate that the sulfur heteroatom in asphaltenes should be addressed. However, new studies must be conducted by increasing the number of substituents, CO2 numbers, and the model size.

Background/Objectives: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) greatly complicates the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). It was previously found that subcutaneous (SQ) treatment with the mononuclear phagocyte (MP)-selective activator complements peptide-derived immunostimulant-02 (CPDI-02; formerly EP67) and increases prophylaxis of outbred CD-1 mice against SQ infection with CA-MRSA. Here, we determined if treatment with CPDI-02 also increases curative protection. Methods: Female CD-1 mice were challenged SQ with CA-MRSA USA300 LAC, then CPDI-02 or inactive scCPDI-02 was administered by a topical, SQ, IM, or IV route at 6 or 24 h post-challenge. Abscess sizes were compared over 10 days and CA-MRSA burden, neutrophils, MP, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were compared in subcutaneous abscesses. CPDI-02 PK and distribution in female CD-1 mice were compared after IM or IV dosing and CPDI-02 toxicity in male and female CD-1 mice was determined by IM dose escalation and repeat IM dosing. Results: Repeat IM treatment starting at 6 h post-challenge decreased maximum abscess surface area, CA-MRSA burden, and time to resolution, whereas repeat treatment by a topical, SQ, or IV route had no effect. Repeat treatment starting at 24 h post-challenge was ineffective by the current routes. Single IM treatment starting at 6 h post-challenge was as effective as repeat IM treatment, increased systemic exposure to CPDI-02, and, in subcutaneous abscesses, initially decreased IL-1β and increased MP. CPDI-02 was tolerated between 130 and 170 mg/kg after IM dose escalation and between 65 and 130 mg/kg after repeat IM dosing with males being more tolerant. Conclusions: Single early-stage IM treatment with CPDI-02 may increase curative protection against SSTI caused by CA-MRSA and/or other pathogens controlled by activated MP.

Abstract Background Real‐world evidence is increasingly used to guide treatment and regulatory decisions for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Real‐world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes among patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK (EU5) were assessed. Methods This retrospective physician‐completed patient chart review assessed treatment patterns (regimen, duration of treatment [DOT], time to discontinuation), and clinical outcomes (duration of response [DOR], progression‐free survival [PFS], and overall survival [OS]) of patients with stage IIIB/C or IV NSCLC who received pembrolizumab‐based first‐line induction chemotherapy. Results Overall, 322 patients were included; at first‐line maintenance (1LM), 92% had stage IV NSCLC, 68% had nonsquamous histology, and 89% had no central nervous system (CNS)/brain metastasis. The two most common 1LM regimens were pembrolizumab monotherapy (76% overall) and pembrolizumab + pemetrexed (21% overall). Docetaxel monotherapy was the most common second‐line regimen in all countries except Germany (54% overall). For 1LM therapy, the overall median DOT and DOR were 5 and 10 months, respectively; PFS was 7 months and OS was 8 months. Germany had a longer duration of each outcome except for DOR which was longer in Spain. Clinical outcomes were generally poorer for patients with squamous histology and CNS/brain metastases. Conclusions This study demonstrated differences in treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in NSCLC across the EU5 and patient subgroups. Improved survival was generally associated with response to first‐line therapy, nonsquamous histology, and CNS/brain metastases absence. These real‐world data provide valuable insights which may aid treatment decision‐making and clinical trial design.

World Language (WL) instruction in the U.S. can no longer be aimed toward a monolingual English speaker acquiring a second language (L2). Secondary students who take WL courses may speak a variety of languages, bringing their home language and culture into the classroom. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S. and many Hispanic students are enrolled in Georgia public schools, where this research study took place. However, it is presently unknown to what degree WL teachers are equipped to teach a third language (L3) to students who are bilingual or Heritage speakers of Spanish. The authors attempted to uncover secondary-level French teachers' preparation and training with this unique population of learners. A survey was administered to 100 Georgia French teachers and follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 survey respondents. Data were analyzed qualitatively and the results indicated that French teachers do not receive sufficient training on L3 instruction as pre-service teachers nor do they have adequate professional development opportunities as in-service teachers to learn research-based strategies for teaching French as an L3 to Spanish-speaking students.

BackgroundCommunity service providers (CSPs) play an integral role in the health care of low-income Hispanic or Latinx (HL) communities. CSPs have high-stress frontline jobs and share the high-risk demographics of their communities. Relational savoring (RS) has been associated with lower cardiovascular reactivity and psychosocial benefits, with particular promise among HL participants. In this study, we aim to identify RS’s potential in promoting CSPs’ cardiometabolic health and, in so doing, having broader impacts on the community they serve. ObjectiveThis randomized controlled waitlist study aims to examine the effect of an RS intervention on (1) CSPs’ cardiometabolic health (cardiometabolic risk factors and outcomes) and (2) CSPs’ threats to leaving the workforce. MethodsWe will recruit a sample of 80 CSPs from community health agencies serving low-income HL populations. Participating CSPs will be randomized into an experimental or a waitlist control. Participants will complete 1 or 2 baseline assessment batteries (before the intervention), depending on the assigned group, and then complete 2 more assessment batteries following the 4-week RS intervention (after the intervention and at a 3-mo follow-up). The RS intervention consists of guided reflections on positive moments of connection with others. Electrocardiogram data will be obtained from a wearable device (Polar Verity Sense or Movisens) to measure heart rate variability. The primary outcome is cardiometabolic health, consisting of cardiometabolic risk (obtained from heart rate variability) and cardiometabolic health behaviors. The secondary outcomes include CSPs’ threats to leaving the workforce (assessed via psychological well-being), intervention acceptability, and CSPs’ delivery of cardiometabolic health programming to the community (exploratory). Analyses of covariance will be used to examine the effects of RS on cardiometabolic health and on CSPs’ threats to leaving the workforce, comparing outcomes at baseline, postintervention, and at follow-up across participants in the experimental versus waitlist group. ResultsThe study has been approved by the University of California, Irvine, Institutional Review Board and is currently in the data collection phase. By May 2023, 37 HL CSPs have been recruited: 34 have completed the baseline assessment, 28 have completed the 4 intervention sessions, 27 have completed the posttreatment assessment, and 10 have completed all assessments (including the 3-mo follow-up). ConclusionsThis study will provide valuable information on the potential of RS to support cardiometabolic health in HL CSPs and, indirectly, in the communities they serve. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05560893; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05560893 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/51427

Multiracial individuals and families is one of the fastest growing racial groups in the United States, and social workers are undoubtedly seeing increases in the number of multiracial clients and family systems they serve. Therefore, there is a need for specialized knowledge on multiraciality, including empirically driven and best practice strategies to better prepare social workers to effectively support racial and ethnic diverse clients inclusive of those living multiracially. Drawing from critical multiracial theory, this teaching note systematically examines whether knowledge of multiracial individuals and families is featured in sessions of past Annual Program Meetings of the Council on Social Work Education covering a 12-year span from 2008 to 2019. Findings directly challenge those in the profession of social work to take explicit measures to include representation of multiraciality in the annual meetings as well as other professional social work conferences to better prepare social workers to counteract the established risks disproportionately affecting individuals and families who identify with more than one race.

Rationale: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) infections have principally been identified in Asia. Within a two-month period, two patients between the ages of 30 to 50 years old presented to a tertiary referral hospital in Texas with septic shock, hepatic abscess, and septic thrombophlebitis. Blood cultures were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae (isolates 2020CK-00441 and 2021CK-00720 respectively). The first patient survived after a prolonged hospital course while the second patient expired. Objectives: Describe the clinical presentation of these two patients. Perform whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to evaluate potential outbreak of specific hvKp bacteria isolates. Methods: Whole genome sequencing was performed using both paired-end Illumina MiSeq and nanopore sequencing to obtain a Completed genome for both isolates. Main results: 2020CK-00441 belonged to ST23 type while 2021CK-00720 was a ST65 type isolate. Kleborate analyses predicted with high confidence both isolates were hvKp. Phylogenetic analyses showed the two strains are not closely related to each other nor to any known hvKp isolates reported. Both isolates had yersiniabactin, colibactin, aerobactin and salmochelin producing loci which likely confer these isolates hvKp phenotype. 2020CK-00441 and 2021CK-00720 had a unique pK2044 like plasmid. Conclusions: HvKp strains capable of causing devastating metastatic septic infections have emerged in Texas. These isolates are unique compared to other hvKp strains globally. Country-wide surveillance and whole genome sequencing of these strains is essential to prevent a major public health emergency in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) greatly complicates the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). It was previously found that subcutaneous (SQ) treatment with the mononuclear phagocyte (MP)-selective activator complements peptide-derived immunostimulant-02 (CPDI-02; formerly EP67) and increases prophylaxis of outbred CD-1 mice against SQ infection with CA-MRSA. Here, we determined if treatment with CPDI-02 also increases curative protection. Methods: Female CD-1 mice were challenged SQ with CA-MRSA USA300 LAC, then CPDI-02 or inactive scCPDI-02 was administered by a topical, SQ, IM, or IV route at 6 or 24 h post-challenge. Abscess sizes were compared over 10 days and CA-MRSA burden, neutrophils, MP, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were compared in subcutaneous abscesses. CPDI-02 PK and distribution in female CD-1 mice were compared after IM or IV dosing and CPDI-02 toxicity in male and female CD-1 mice was determined by IM dose escalation and repeat IM dosing. Results: Repeat IM treatment starting at 6 h post-challenge decreased maximum abscess surface area, CA-MRSA burden, and time to resolution, whereas repeat treatment by a topical, SQ, or IV route had no effect. Repeat treatment starting at 24 h post-challenge was ineffective by the current routes. Single IM treatment starting at 6 h post-challenge was as effective as repeat IM treatment, increased systemic exposure to CPDI-02, and, in subcutaneous abscesses, initially decreased IL-1β and increased MP. CPDI-02 was tolerated between 130 and 170 mg/kg after IM dose escalation and between 65 and 130 mg/kg after repeat IM dosing with males being more tolerant. Conclusions: Single early-stage IM treatment with CPDI-02 may increase curative protection against SSTI caused by CA-MRSA and/or other pathogens controlled by activated MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting date, row configuration, and seeding rate are three critical factors in obtaining maximum soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield and can vary based on soil texture. Therefore, two studies were conducted at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS. The first study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 and sought to determine the effects of planting date (optimal and delayed 21 days), and row configuration (single‐, twin‐, and triple‐row) on soybean growth, development, and grain yield. The second study was conducted in 2021 with three site‐years to determine the effects of seeding rate (130,000, 180,000, and 220,000 seeds acre−1) in a triple‐row configuration on soybean grain yield compared to a single‐row configuration at 130,000 seeds acre−1 on two soil textures (silt loam and clay). Both studies were repeated on silt loam and clay soil textures in every site‐year. In the first study, the optimal planting date increased soybean grain yield regardless of soil texture. On both soil textures, twin‐ and single‐row configuration yields were equivalent, but triple‐row configuration reduced soybean grain yield up to 9%. Similarly, triple‐row configuration reduced soybean density and height at R3 and R8 growth stages. In the second study, increasing triple‐row configuration soybean seeding rate by at least 38% provided similar soybean grain yields to a single‐row configuration at 130,000 seeds acre−1. These data indicate that triple‐row soybean planting configurations do have some benefits, but that future research should focus on equipment limitations experienced in the current research.Plain Language Summary: Planting date, row configuration, and seeding rate decisions do not occur in a vacuum and must be influenced by other variables such as soil texture and tillage practices. Therefore, two studies were conducted in Stoneville, MS, from 2019 to 2021 at Mississippi State University's Delta Research and Extension Center to evaluate the effects of planting date and row configuration (single, twin, or triple row on a single 40‐inch‐wide seedbed) on two soil textures (silt loam and clay) on soybean yield. Regardless of soil texture, single‐ and twin‐row configurations produced equivalent yields while triple‐row configurations reduced soybean grain yield at a standard seeding rate. When the seeding rate was increased at least 38% on clay soil, triple‐row configurations yielded greater than single‐row configurations. These data indicate that triple‐row configurations in a raised seedbed environment are a possibility, but more research is needed to overcome limitations associated with current equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This polyethnography is an interdisciplinary collaboration between four multiracial women faculty employed at different universities across the US to examine their experiences navigating monocentricity in higher education. This insightful study amplifies the voices of a particular subset of women of color faculty who identify multiracially -- a group overlooked in existing literature examining diverse faculty experiences in higher education. Utilizing Multiracial Critical Race Theory (MultiCrit), we reflex on the similarities and nuances that exist within and between our written stories of experience. Conjointly, our critical reflections reveal the prevalence of monoracism within institutions of higher education, which places both internal and external pressures on multiracial women faculty to demarcate themselves monoracially, while simultaneously maintaining a clandestine borderland identity within their departments. Implications for this study reveal the importance of multiracial counterspaces for multiracial faculty as a form of resistance against monocentricity in US institutions of higher education.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends the use of practices that reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort associated with dehorning. Identification of an effective, long-acting local anesthetic that is practical for producers to implement and reduces pain from dehorning would benefit animal welfare. Thirty-two Holstein bulls and heifers were enrolled. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and duration of activity of bupivacaine liposome suspension (BUP; n = 8), ethanol (ETH; n = 8), or meloxicam (LID + MEL; n = 8) co-administered with lidocaine compared with lidocaine only (LID; n = 8), and to quantify their effect on pain biomarkers and behaviors after scoop dehorning with cauterization in approximately 20-wk-old calves. Outcome variables collected included infrared thermography (IRT), mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT), visual analog scale (VAS) scoring, and blood sampling for serum cortisol and prostaglandin E2 metabolites (PGEM). There was evidence of a sex effect for MNT, with bulls demonstrating a higher threshold (13.74 kgf) compared with heifers (12.12 kgf). There was a treatment by time interaction for cortisol concentrations (ng/mL). At 2 h, the BUP group had higher cortisol values (17.32 ng/mL) than the LID + MEL group (3.10 ng/mL). Heifers also had higher mean cortisol values (13.88 ng/mL) compared with bulls (6.96 ng/mL). There was a treatment by time interaction for PGEM concentration. Calves in the LID + MEL group had lower PGEM values at 4 and 8 h (10.23 and 9.12 pg/mL) than at −24, 0, and 0.5 h (20.38, 27.27, and 22.59 pg/mL, respectively). At 4 h, the LID + MEL group had lower PGEM concentrations (10.23 pg/mL) than the ETH group (27.08 pg/mL). At 8 h, the LID + MEL group had lower PGEM concentrations (9.12 pg/mL) than both the ETH and BUP groups (24.80 and 20.52 pg/mL). Thus, LID + MEL reduced cortisol and prostaglandin metabolite concentrations more effectively than ETH + LID or BUP + LID administered as a local infiltration and cornual block, respectively, before scoop dehorning followed by cauterization. The treatments administered in the present study did not seem to extend the duration of analgesia beyond the currently recommended multimodal approach, including local anesthesia and systemic analgesia such as lidocaine and meloxicam. Evidence from the current study suggests that sex influences pain biomarkers such as nociceptive threshold and cortisol concentration, with males having a higher nociceptive threshold and lower cortisol responses.

Many postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) provide support to these students by matching them with peer mentors. Though this practice is widely used, the scholarly literature offers little information about successful peer support models in higher education settings. To address this need, we describe the model developed to support and include students with IDD in the Next Steps Program at Vanderbilt University. We first describe the roles and responsibilities taken on by peer mentors, as well as the Circles of Support model used by Next Steps at Vanderbilt University. We then detail how this model is implemented--including recruitment strategies, the application process, formation of Circles of Support, training of peer mentors, and ongoing support by staff. We conclude by discussing challenges encountered by the staff in facilitating this model, as well as implications for practice and research.

Societies continue to absorb increased burdens in cost for helping citizens unable to achieve at optimal levels. Building on past research, we project educational benefits to offset current societal burdens through enhanced educator capabilities. Studies reviewed show participation in a high-impact professional development and learning solution resulted in improved student performance and reduced dropout rates, reduced disciplinary rates and increased rates for college-bound, along with lower teacher turnover. Computations show that generalization of such impacts should trade societal burdens for benefits at between $3.7 billion and $6.9 billion within the first year. Cumulatively within 20 years the burdens converted to benefits are projected to exceed $85 billion. Enhanced educator capabilities will substantively reduce needs and costs for societal programs, replaced with tangible benefits to all.