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For the first time, international student enrollment in U.S. institutions of higher education declined for a second straight year in 2017-2018. As a result, we sought to understand which institutional characteristics predict international student enrollment, informing the international education community regarding possible institutional factors responsible for the decline in international student enrollment by using five-year panel data from 2013 Fall to 2017 Fall. Results from institutional fixed effects models revealed positive relationships between first-time international undergraduate enrollment and different variables such as institutional grant aid in bachelor's institutions and student services expenses at private non-profit institutions in suburban settings. Contrary to earlier research, this study's findings revealed that there is no relationship between state appropriations and first-time international undergraduate enrollment. We address implications for research, practice, and international student choice.

The current study aimed to adopt and assess the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of Grit-S among Omani and American students (N = 487) using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The scale's construct validity was estimated by investigating its associations with achievement goal orientations (AGOs). EFA results suggested that a two-factor solution (i.e., perseverance of effort [G_PE] and consistency of interest [G_CI]) was the best factorial structure, explaining 47.74% and 51.02% of the variance in the Omani and American samples, respectively. The factors had good reliability coefficients in the two samples. Related to the intercultural differences, G_PE explained more variance among Omanis (31.02%) relative to American sample, whereas G_CI explained a larger proportion of variance among Americans (36.86%) compared with Omani sample. The first level of measurement invariance, configural invariance, was not supported, necessitating the investigation of the other levels of measurement invariance using a new sample. Grit correlated positively with mastery and performance-approach goals (r = 0.29 and 0.12, respectively) and negatively with avoidance goals (r = -0.25), supporting the scale's construct validity. These findings showed that Grit-S scale can be used as valid and reliable assessment tool to assess student interest and perseverance in the academic context in Arabic/Omani and American cultures.

Objective: University students face high levels of stress-related factors, such as an unfamiliar environment, challenging workload, and uncertainty about their ability to succeed. Participants: A total of 370 students in Qatar who consented to participate between February 2017 and February 2018. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed perceived stress [using a validated 4-point perceived stress scale (PSS-4)], as well as diet, exercise, body mass index, sleep, and life satisfaction. Results: Among students aged 18-39 (mean = 20.1 ± 3.0 years), PSS-4 scores varied between 0 and 16 (mean = 7.4 ± 3.4). Elevated stress was significantly associated with female sex, country of origin, residing off-campus, eating when bored, lack of self-discipline, disturbed sleep, and low levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, students with PSS-4 scores above the median level were 2.3 times likelier to report difficulty concentrating on academic work. Conclusion: Elevated stress levels are present in university students in Qatar. Strengthening coping skills may improve health and academic performance.

This study aims to compare Turkey to the first three countries from each continent in terms of educational indicators in 2015 Human Development Report. In line with this aim, it is a case study utilizing document review method. Analysis of the data has been carried out on a single document which is United Nations Development Report (2015). To determine the sample, data were categorized according to continents and the first three countries of continents were compared to Turkey. The indicators evaluated in the scope of this study are expected and net enrollment rates, population with at least some secondary education, inequality in education and adjusted ineqaulity index in education, satisfaction with education quality, international student mobility, workforce with higher education, education achievements and the population between 15-24 unemployed and unschooled. The findings of the study showed that Turkey does not have satisfying values in terms of these indicators and appears at the bottom of the list or very close to the bottom. It is also suggested that Turkey should invest more to education to have a better performance in human development index.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is linked to immune-mediated pathogenesis and a pro-inflammatory state, leading to accelerated atherosclerosis. This earlier onset of clinical cardiovascular disease poses significant morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify IHD mortality trends in individuals with IBD in the United States (US). Mortality due to ischemic heart diseases (IHD) as the underlying cause of death with the IBD as a contributor of death were queried from death certificates using the CDC database from 1999 to 2020. Yearly crude mortality rates (CMR) were estimated by dividing the death count by the respective population size, reported per 100,000 persons. Mortality rates were adjusted for age using the Direct method and compared by demographic subpopulations. Log-linear regression models were utilized to assess temporal variation (annual percentage change [APC]) in mortality. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) decreased from 0.11 in 1999 to 0.07 in 2020, primarily between 1999 and 2018 (APC -4.41, p < 0.001). AAMR was higher among male (AAMR 0.08) and White (AAMR 0.08) populations compared to female populations (AAMR 0.06) and Black (AAMR 0.04) populations, respectively. No significant differences were seen when comparing mortality between urban (AAMR 0.07) and rural (AAMR 0.08) regions. Southern US regions (AAMR 0.06) had the lowest mortality rates when compared to the other US census regions: Northeastern (AAMR 0.08), Midwestern (AAMR 0.08), and Western (AAMR 0.08). Disparities in IHD mortality exist among individuals with IBD in the US based on demographic factors, with an overall decline in mortality during the 22-year period. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate for contributors to the observed disparities. [Display omitted] • Ischemic heart disease mortality in populations with inflammatory bowel disease has decreased in recent years. • Ischemic heart disease mortality disproportionally impacted male and White populations with inflammatory bowel disease. • Southern regions had the lowest ischemic heart disease mortality in populations with inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several reservoirs across the United States are filling with sediment, which jeopardizes their functionality and increases maintenance costs. USACE developed the Reservoir Sedimentation Information (RSI) system to assess reservoir aggradation and track dam operation suitability for water resource management and dam safety. The RSI data set contains historical elevation-capacity data for approximately 400 dams (excluding navigation structures), which correspond to less than 1% of dams across the United States. Thus, there is a critical need to develop methods for estimating reservoir sedimentation for unmonitored sites. The goal of this project was to create a generalized method for estimating reservoir sedimentation rates using reservoir design information and watershed data. To meet this objective, geospatial tools were used to build a refined composite data set to complement the RSI system's data with precipitation and watershed characteristics. Nine deep learning models were then used on the benchmark data set to determine its accuracy at predicting capacity loss for the RSI reservoirs: four supervised machine learning models, four deep neural network (DNN) models, and a multilinear power regression model. A DNN model, containing a progressively increasing node and layer construction, was deemed the most accurate, with R2 values from its calibration and validation data sets being 0.83 and 0.70, respectively. The best model was recalibrated over the entire data set, which showed greater accuracy on the prediction of the RSI reservoir's capacity loss, with an R2 of 0.81. This predictive model could be used to evaluate the capacity loss of unmonitored reservoirs, forecast sedimentation rates under future climate conditions, and identify reservoirs with the highest risk of losing functionality. Practical Applications: Many communities depend on reservoirs for a variety of socioeconomic benefits, such as providing reliable water sources and flood mitigation. Rivers entering reservoirs are a constant source of silt, sand, and gravel particles (i.e., sediments) that deposit slowly, filling the reservoirs over time, thus reducing their volume capacity and effectiveness. Surveys to measure reservoir capacities are labor intensive and expensive and many sites go unmonitored. This study provides prediction tools to estimate capacity loss over time using data derived from publicly available data sources (e.g., digital elevation models, monthly precipitation data, and the National Inventory of Dams). A key role of this tool is to forecast reservoir capacity loss over time under varying climate change conditions and relate the associated sedimentation processes to local and regional conditions. The tool can also be applied broadly to hindcast capacity loss for reservoirs with or without prior surveys for identifying high-risk sites that should be investigated further. USACE plans to use these prediction tools with the RSI database to conduct a national assessment of reservoir impacts, which will inform distributions of federal resources to address water security concerns related to reservoir sedimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are amongst the two leading causes of mortality in the United States, and the two conditions are connected in part because of recognized cardiotoxicity of cancer treatments. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors risk factors for thirty-day readmission in female breast cancer survivors presenting with acute heart failure. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization in female patients with breast cancer in 2019 using the National Readmission Database (NRD), which is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient readmission database in the United States. Our study sample included adult female patients aged 18 years and older. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of 30- day readmission. Results: In 2019, there were 8332 total index admissions for AHF in females with breast cancer and 7776 patients were discharged alive. The mean age was 74.4 years (95% CI: 74, 74.7). The percentage of readmission at 30 days among those discharged alive was 21.8% (n = 1699). Hypertensive heart disease with chronic kidney disease accounted for the majority of readmission in AHF with breast cancer followed by sepsis, acute kidney injury, respiratory failure, pneumonia, and atrial fibrillation. Demographic factors including higher burden of comorbidities predict readmission. The total in-hospital mortality in index admission was 6.67% (n = 556) and for readmitted patients was 8.77% (n = 149). The mean length of stay for index admission was 7.5 days (95% CI: 7.25, 7.75). Conclusions: Readmission of female breast cancer survivors presenting with AHF is common and largely be attributed to high burden of comorbidities including hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. A focus on close outpatient follow-up will be beneficial in lowering readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate molecular diagnostic tests are necessary for confirming a diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for identifying asymptomatic carriage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The number of available SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection tests continues to increase as does the COVID-19 diagnostic literature. Thus, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed an evidence-based diagnostic guideline to assist clinicians, clinical laboratorians, patients, and policymakers in decisions related to the optimal use of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification tests. In addition, we provide a conceptual framework for understanding molecular diagnostic test performance, discuss nuances of test result interpretation in a variety of practice settings, and highlight important unmet research needs related to COVID-19 diagnostic testing. IDSA convened a multidisciplinary panel of infectious diseases clinicians, clinical microbiologists, and experts in systematic literature review to identify and prioritize clinical questions and outcomes related to the use of SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make testing recommendations. The panel agreed on 12 diagnostic recommendations. Access to accurate SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing is critical for patient care, hospital infection prevention, and the public health response to COVID-19 infection. Information on the clinical performance of available tests continues to grow, but the quality of evidence of the current literature to support this updated molecular diagnostic guideline remains moderate to very low. Recognizing these limitations, the IDSA panel weighed available diagnostic evidence and recommends nucleic acid testing for all symptomatic individuals suspected of having COVID-19. In addition, testing is suggested for asymptomatic individuals with known or suspected contact with a COVID-19 case when the results will impact isolation/quarantine/personal protective equipment (PPE) usage decisions. Evidence in support of rapid testing and testing of upper respiratory specimens other than nasopharyngeal swabs, which offer logistical advantages, is sufficient to warrant conditional recommendations in favor of these approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoassays designed to detect SARS-CoV-2 protein antigens (Ag) are commonly used to diagnose COVID-19. The most widely used tests are lateral flow assays that generate results in approximately 15 minutes for diagnosis at the point-of-care. Higher throughput, laboratory-based SARS-CoV-2 Ag assays have also been developed. The number of commercially available SARS-CoV-2 Ag detection tests has increased rapidly, as has the COVID-19 diagnostic literature. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) convened an expert panel to perform a systematic review of the literature and develop best-practice guidance related to SARS-CoV-2 Ag testing. This guideline is an update to the third in a series of frequently updated COVID-19 diagnostic guidelines developed by the IDSA. IDSA's goal was to develop evidence-based recommendations or suggestions that assist clinicians, clinical laboratories, patients, public health authorities, administrators, and policymakers in decisions related to the optimal use of SARS-CoV-2 Ag tests in both medical and nonmedical settings. A multidisciplinary panel of infectious diseases clinicians, clinical microbiologists, and experts in systematic literature review identified and prioritized clinical questions related to the use of SARS-CoV-2 Ag tests. A review of relevant, peer-reviewed published literature was conducted through 1 April 2022. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make testing recommendations. The panel made 10 diagnostic recommendations that address Ag testing in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and assess single versus repeat testing strategies. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) SARS-CoV-2 Ag tests with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) have high specificity and low to moderate sensitivity compared with nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). Ag test sensitivity is dependent on the presence or absence of symptoms and, in symptomatic patients, on timing of testing after symptom onset. In most cases, positive Ag results can be acted upon without confirmation. Results of point-of-care testing are comparable to those of laboratory-based testing, and observed or unobserved self-collection of specimens for testing yields similar results. Modeling suggests that repeat Ag testing increases sensitivity compared with testing once, but no empirical data were available to inform this question. Based on these observations, rapid RT-PCR or laboratory-based NAAT remain the testing methods of choice for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, when timely molecular testing is not readily available or is logistically infeasible, Ag testing helps identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data were insufficient to make a recommendation about the utility of Ag testing to guide release of patients with COVID-19 from isolation. The overall quality of available evidence supporting use of Ag testing was graded as very low to moderate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social isolation and loneliness can occur in all age groups, and they are linked to increased mortality and poorer health outcomes. There is a growing body of research indicating inconsistent findings on the effectiveness of interventions aiming to alleviate social isolation and loneliness. Hence the need to facilitate the discoverability of research on these interventions. Objectives: To map available evidence on the effects of in‐person interventions aimed at mitigating social isolation and/or loneliness across all age groups and settings. Search Methods: The following databases were searched from inception up to 17 February 2022 with no language restrictions: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, EBM Reviews—Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, EBSCO (all databases except CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, ProQuest (all databases), ProQuest ERIC, Web of Science, Korean Citation Index, Russian Science Citation Index, and SciELO Citation Index via Clarivate, and Elsevier Scopus. Selection Criteria: Titles, abstracts, and full texts of potentially eligible articles identified were screened independently by two reviewers for inclusion following the outlined eligibility criteria. Data Collection and Analysis: We developed and pilot tested a data extraction code set in Eppi‐Reviewer. Data was individually extracted and coded. We used the AMSTAR2 tool to assess the quality of reviews. However, the quality of the primary studies was not assessed. Main Results: A total of 513 articles (421 primary studies and 92 systematic reviews) were included in this evidence and gap map which assessed the effectiveness of in‐person interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Most (68%) of the reviews were classified as critically low quality, while less than 5% were classified as high or moderate quality. Most reviews looked at interpersonal delivery and community‐based delivery interventions, especially interventions for changing cognition led by a health professional and group activities, respectively. Loneliness, wellbeing, and depression/anxiety were the most assessed outcomes. Most research was conducted in high‐income countries, concentrated in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with none from low‐income countries. Major gaps were identified in societal level and community‐based delivery interventions that address policies and community structures, respectively. Less than 5% of included reviews assessed process indicators or implementation outcomes. Similar patterns of evidence and gaps were found in primary studies. All age groups were represented but more reviews and primary studies focused on older adults (≥60 years, 63%) compared to young people (≤24 years, 34%). Two thirds described how at‐risk populations were identified and even fewer assessed differences in effect across equity factors for populations experiencing inequities. Authors' Conclusions: There is growing evidence that social isolation and loneliness are public health concerns. This evidence and gap map shows the available evidence, at the time of the search, on the effectiveness of in‐person interventions at reducing social isolation and loneliness across all ages and settings. Despite a large body of research, with much of it published in more recent years, it is unevenly distributed geographically and across types of interventions and outcomes. Most of the systematic reviews are of critically low quality, indicating the need for high quality reviews. This map can guide funders and researchers to consider the areas in which the evidence is lacking and to address these gaps as future research priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) eradication has been the mainstream for preventing and treating gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Prior studies have shown variations in the eradication rates of H. Pylori in the US. This can influence gastric MALT lymphoma occurrence and outcomes. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of incidence and mortality rates of gastric MALT lymphoma in different demographic-specific populations. We found that gastric MALT lymphoma incidence rates have been decreasing in the US over the past two decades. This decline was observed in both sexes, various age groups, and all race/ethnic populations except Black individuals. The decrease was also seen in early-stage tumors but not in late-stage tumors. Mortality analysis showed decreasing mortality in males, older adults, early-stage tumors, and most race/ethnic groups but not in females, younger adults, Black individuals, or late-stage tumors, which had non-decreasing rates. Our findings hold important public health implications and encourage further investigations of gastric MALT lymphoma risk factors, including disparities in H. Pylori screening, management, and outcomes. Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) eradication has been the mainstream for preventing and treating gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Prior data showed disparities in eradication rates of H. Pylori between different populations. This can potentially impact the occurrence of gastric MALT lymphoma. There are limited data on the incidence and mortality rates and trends of gastric MALT lymphoma in the US. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to conduct a time-trend analysis of gastric MALT lymphoma incidence and mortality rates in different populations. Methods: The incidence rates of gastric MALT lymphoma were calculated from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database (which covers nearly 98% of the US population) between 2001–2020 and were age-adjusted to the standard 2000 US population using SEER*Stat software (version 8.4.3, national cancer institute "NCI"). Incidence-based mortality (IBM) rates, also age-adjusted to the standard 2000 US population, were calculated from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Tumor location was specified using ICD-O-3 codes C 160–C 169 with malignant behavior. Histopathology was specified using the ICD-O-3 code 9699. The rates were categorized by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and tumor stage at diagnosis. Age groups were older adults (aged 55 years or older) and younger adults (aged younger than 55 years). Race/ethnic groups included Non-Hispanic White (White), Non-Hispanic Black (Black), Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), as reported in the database. Stage at diagnosis included early stage (in situ and localized tumors) and late stage (regional and distant site tumors). Joinpoint Regression Software (version 5.0.2, NCI) using the weighted Bayesian Information Criteria method was used to generate time trends. Trends were reported as annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Parametric estimations were used with a two-sided t-test to evaluate the trends with a p-value cutoff at 0.05. Results: There were 21,625 patients diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma in the US between 2001 and 2020. Overall, incidence rates were significantly decreasing over the study period (AAPC = −1.93). This decrease was seen in males (AAPC = −1.67) and in females (AAPC = −1.66) (Figure). When categorized by age groups, older adults also experienced a significant decrease in gastric MALT lymphoma incidence rates (AAPC = −1.66). While this was also seen in younger adults, the rates were decreasing at a slower pace (AAPC = −1.38). When categorizing the trends by race/ethnicity, incidence rates were significantly decreasing in White (AAPC = −2.09), Hispanic (AAPC = −1.61), and API (AAPC = −3.92) populations. However, the rates were stable among Blacks. While early-stage tumors experienced a significant decrease (AAPC = −1.10), the rates were stable for late-stage tumors. When evaluating mortality, there were 11,036 patients whose death was attributed to gastric MALT lymphoma between 2000 and 2020. IBM rates were decreasing in males (AAPC = −1.47), older adults (AAPC = −1.55), Whites (AAPC = −1.23), Hispanics (AAPC = −1.73), APIs (AAPC = −2.30), and early-stage tumors (AAPC = −1.08). On the other hand, IBM rates were stable in females, younger adults, Blacks, and late-stage tumors. Discussion: An extensive nationwide data analysis encompassing nearly 98% of patients diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma in the US unveils a declining trend in the incidence of cancer overall over the past two decades. This decline is observed in both sexes and various age groups. When stratifying by race and ethnicity, this incidence has been decreasing in all populations except among Black individuals. While early-stage tumors have also demonstrated a significant decrease in incidence rates, late-stage tumors have shown no parallel decline. Mortality evaluation also revealed an improvement in most of the US population except among females, younger adults, Black individuals, and late-stage tumors. While the cause of our findings is unclear, it could be driven by disproportionate exposure to risk factors, including H. Pylori, and disparities in screening, management, and outcomes. Future studies are warranted to investigate factors contributing to worse outcomes of gastric MALT lymphoma, especially in the Black population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines the contributions of family context (e.g. life events, home environments) to low-income preschool children's self-regulation (behaviour regulation and executive function) in the United States and Turkey. Participants were 1139 low-income children (486 from the U.S. and 653 from Turkey) and their parents. Children's self-regulation was assessed via structured tasks and family related variables such as life events, home environments, and demographic information were assessed via parent-report. Results from regression analyses showed that child's age-predicted behaviour regulation and executive function in children both from the U.S. and Turkey. Child gender, favouring girls predicted behaviour regulation and executive function and parent--child verbal interaction was associated with behaviour regulation only in the U.S. Family structure (favouring living in a two-parent household) predicted executive function and economic change predicted behaviour regulation in Turkey. Contributions and future directions were also discussed.

This study examined the relations between receptive language development and other developmental domains of preschoolers from low-income families, through an inter-cultural perspective involving the United States and Turkey. A total of 471 children and their caregivers participated in Turkey, while 287 participated in the United States. Children's development was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire for both samples. Different versions of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test were used for Turkish and US samples, to measure receptive language development. Results revealed similar patterns, with some differences, between the two countries. Receptive language predicted only communication and personal-social scales in the Turkish sample, while the US children's receptive language skills were associated with communication, problem solving, personal-social, and fine and gross motor development scales. These results were discussed in the context of each country, and the comparative conclusions contribute to the extant literature by illustrating the importance of language for three domains.

The current study is an examination of the teacher--child relationships (closeness and conflict) as a predictor of children's self-regulation in preschool, with a focus on child gender as moderator of associations between teacher--child relationships and children's self-regulation. Participants were 291 low-income children (159 males; 37-70 months old) in the United States and 362 low-income children (165 males; 42-79 months) in Turkey, and their teachers. Teacher--child relationship was assessed via teacher-report and children's self-regulation was assessed by independent researchers via structured tasks. Gender moderated the association between teacher--child conflict and self-regulation in children from the U.S. such that boys with lower levels of teacher--child conflict scored higher in self-regulation than boys who had higher levels of conflict with their teachers. Teacher--child conflict in the U.S. and teacher--child closeness in Turkey were significantly associated with children's self-regulation. Limitations of the current study and future directions are also discussed.

The demographic composition in the United States has undergone shifts due to increasing immigration. This may change the way we think about families and children in the United States, and it is important to include immigrant families in parenting research. This study examined the relations between parent-child relationships and preschool-aged children's social-emotional functioning in the context of low-income families in the United States. We also explored how the relations between the two were moderated by parental nativity, specifically focusing on parents born in the United States and those who were born in Mexico and emigrated to the United States. The sample included 199 preschool children enrolled in Educare/Head Start programs and their parents, with 134 of the parents born in the United States and 65 born in Mexico. Parents reported parent-child closeness and conflict. Teachers reported children's social-emotional strengths and behavioral concerns. Assessors evaluated children's executive function and behavior regulation using structured tasks. The results showed that more parent-child conflict was related to more behavioral concerns and lower levels of executive function among children with U.S.-born parents but not among those with Mexico-born parents. The study suggests that the role of parenting in child social-emotional functioning may vary depending on cultural backgrounds among low-income families.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions result from human activities like burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change. Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions include transitioning to renewable energy. Monitoring and reducing CO2 emissions are crucial for mitigating climate change. Strategies include energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. In the past few decades, several nations have experienced air pollution and environmental difficulties because of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. One of the most crucial methods for regulating and maximizing CO2 emission reductions is precise forecasting. Four machine learning algorithms with high forecasting precision and low data requirements were developed in this study to estimate CO2 emissions in the United States (US). Data from a dataset covering the years 1973/01 to 2022/07 that included information on different energy sources that had an impact on CO2 emissions were examined. Then, four algorithms performed the CO2 emissions forecast from the layer recurrent neural network with 10 nodes (L-RNN), a feed-forward neural network with 10 nodes (FFNN), a convolutional neural network with two layers with 10 and 5 filters (CNN1), and convolutional neural network with two layers and with 50 and 25 filters (CNN2) models. Each algorithm's forecast accuracy was assessed using eight indicators. The three preprocessing techniques used are (1) without any processing techniques, (2) processed using max–min normalization technique, and (3) processed using max–min normalization technique and decomposed by variation mode decomposition (VMD) technique with 7 intrinsic mode functions and 1000 iterations. The latter with L-RNN algorithm gave a high accuracy between the forecasting and actual values. The results of CO2 emissions from 2011/05 to 2022/07 have been forecasted, and the L-RNN algorithm had the highest forecast accuracy. The L-RNN model has the lowest value of 1.187028078, 135.5668592, and 11.64331822 for MAPE, MSE, and RMSE, respectively. The L-RNN model provides precise and timely forecasts that can help formulate plans to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. Moreover, the results of this investigation can improve our comprehension of the dynamics of carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in better-informed environmental policies and initiatives targeted at lowering carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) contributes to the significant burden of cancer mortality in the United States (US). Despite highly efficacious antivirals, chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) remains an important cause of HCC. With advancements in therapeutic modalities, along with the aging of the population, we aimed to assess the contribution of CVH in HCC-related mortality in the US between 1999–2020. (2) Methods: We queried all deaths related to CVH and HCC in the multiple-causes-of-death files from the CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database between 1999–2020. Using the direct method of standardization, we adjusted all mortality information for age and compared the age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) across demographic populations and by percentile rankings of social vulnerability. Temporal shifts in mortality were quantified using log-linear regression models. (3) Results: A total of 35,030 deaths were identified between 1999–2020. The overall crude mortality increased from 0.27 in 1999 to 8.32 in 2016, followed by a slight reduction to 7.04 in 2020. The cumulative AAMR during the study period was 4.43 (95% CI, 4.39–4.48). Males (AAMR 7.70) had higher mortality rates compared to females (AAMR 1.44). Mortality was higher among Hispanic populations (AAMR 6.72) compared to non-Hispanic populations (AAMR 4.18). Higher mortality was observed in US counties categorized as the most socially vulnerable (AAMR 5.20) compared to counties that are the least socially vulnerable (AAMR 2.53), with social vulnerability accounting for 2.67 excess deaths per 1,000,000 person-years. (4) Conclusions: Our epidemiological analysis revealed an overall increase in CVH-related HCC mortality between 1999–2008, followed by a stagnation period until 2020. CVH-related HCC mortality disproportionately affected males, Hispanic populations, and Black/African American populations, Western US regions, and socially vulnerable counties. These insights can help aid in the development of strategies to target vulnerable patients, focus on preventive efforts, and allocate resources to decrease HCC-related mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'FL12034‐10' (Reg. no. CV‐389, PI 704483), a facultative oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar, co‐developed by the University of Florida and Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, was released in October 2022. FL12034‐10 was derived from a three‐way cross LA06055SBSBSB‐79/FL11048 F1. It is well adapted across the southern United States and provides producers with a medium‐tall, mid‐season, awnless, white‐glumed, dual‐purpose oat that has high yield potential, good straw strength, and good forage yield. FL12034‐10 was observed to be uniform and stable across environments in the southern United States from 2017 to present. The line possesses a semi‐prostrate growth habit, vigorous growth, and high tillering capacity, and has large leaves that are dark green in color. It expresses moderate‐to‐high levels of resistance to most oat diseases prevalent in the southern United States. The crown and stem rust and Barley yellow dwarf virus ratings (0–9 scale) of FL12034‐10 were 1.7, 0.7, and 1.5, respectively, across different environments. The disease ratings were better than most of the checks. The grain yield average of FL12034‐10 from 41 environments during 2018–2021 was 6437 kg ha−1, which is competitive with check cultivars that are widely used in the southern part of the United States. The forage yield of FL12034‐10 ranged from 2358 to 6617 kg ha−1 (20 environments), which was higher than most of the checks. FL12034‐10 demonstrated better lodging and disease resistance, higher grain yield potential, and higher mid‐winter to late spring season forage yield potential than Horizon 720 and Legend 567 oats released by University of Florida. Core Ideas: FL12034‐10 is well adapted across the southern United States.FL12034‐10 is a medium‐tall, mid‐season, dual‐purpose oat cultivar.FL12034‐10 has high yield potential, good straw strength, and good forage yield.FL12034‐10 is semi‐prostrate in growth habit with vigorous growth and high tillering capacity.FL12034‐10 expresses moderate to high levels of resistance to most oat diseases prevalent in the southern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'FL16045‐25' (Reg. no. CV‐1207, PI 704484), a soft red, facultative doubled‐haploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar, was developed and tested as FL16045DH‐25 by the University of Florida and released in October 2022. FL16045‐25 was derived from the cross MD07W478‐14‐5/GA06112‐13EE16. It is well adapted from Texas to Virginia and provides producers with an early‐season, facultative (Vrn‐A1_short), medium‐height, awned, semi‐dwarf (Rht2) cultivar that has high yield potential, good straw strength, good grain volume weight, and good end‐use quality. It expresses moderate‐to‐high levels of resistance to most diseases prevalent in the southern United States. Molecular marker analysis confirms the presence of Sbm1, Yr17/Lr37/Sr38, Lr18, Sr36/Pm6, Pm54, and Pm1a‐linked disease‐resistant genes. The yield average of FL16045‐25 from 41 environments during 2020–2022 ranged from 4211 to 5782 kg ha−1, which is competitive with check cultivars that are widely used in the southern part of the United States. The grain volume weight of FL16045‐25 ranged from 749 to 785 kg m−3 (32 environments), which was higher than most of the checks. FL16045‐25 has soft grain texture with softness equivalence varying from 51.3% to 59.3% and sodium carbonate solvent retention capacity (SRC) ranging from 66.8% to 68.5%. Flour yields on a Quadrumat Senior milling system varied from 68.7% to 69.5%. Flour protein content varied from 8.9% to 9.1%. Cookie spread diameter varied from 19.4 to 19.5 cm. The presence of TaSus2‐2B, Sucrose Synthase2 gene on 2B or 2G:2B, was confirmed by marker analysis. Core Ideas: FL16045‐25 is an early‐maturing, facultative, medium‐height wheat cultivar broadly adapted to the southern United States.FL16045‐25 has high yield potential and good straw strength, grain volume weight, and end‐use quality.FL16045‐25 demonstrated moderate‐to‐high levels of resistance to most diseases prevalent in the southern United States.Molecular marker analysis confirms the presence of Sbm1, Yr17/Lr37/Sr38, Lr18, Sr36/Pm6, Pm54, and Pm1a genes.It has above‐average resistance to Fusarium head blight disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the US. Lately, there has been a rise in colorectal cancer in younger patients; however, there is a paucity of data on geographical variations of early-onset colorectal cancer in the US. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the temporal change in early-onset colorectal cancer incidence rates in different regions in the US and assess these trends by sex and histopathological subtypes. We analyzed data from 2001 to 2020 from the United States Cancer Statistics database, which encompasses nearly 98% of the US population. Our results demonstrated that early-onset colorectal cancer incidence rates and time trends increased in men and women across different regions in the US, with the steepest increase noted in the west and the least in the south. These findings persisted across both main colorectal cancer histopathological subtypes (adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors) with neuroendocrine tumors showing a more pronounced increase compared to adenocarcinoma, especially in the west and northeast. Our findings hold public health implications prompting healthcare policies and future research to investigate any disproportional exposure to region-specific risk factors over the past two decades in the US, especially in western regions. Background: Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. As early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) becomes more prevalent in the US, research attention has shifted towards identifying at-risk populations. Previous studies have highlighted the rising rate of early-onset adenocarcinoma (ADC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in the US. However, data on geographical variations of EO-CRC are scarce. Hence, our study aims to analyze time trends in EO-CRC incidence rates across various US regions and to assess these trends by sex and histopathological subtypes (ADC and NET). Methods: We analyze data spanning from 2001 to 2020 from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database, covering nearly 98% of the US population. Using SEER*Stat software version (8.4.2, NCI), we calculated EO-CRC incidence rates among adults aged 20–54 years, adjusting for the age standard 2000 US population. The rates were categorized by sex and US geographical regions into west, midwest, northeast, and south. Time trends, reported as annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC), were generated via Joinpoint Regression software (v.5.0.2, NCI) utilizing the weighted Bayesian Information Criteria "BIC" method to generate the best-fit trends with a two-sided p-value cutoff at 0.05. The rates were also stratified by histopathology into ADC and NET. Results: Between 2001 and 2020, a total of 514,875 individuals were diagnosed with early-onset CRC in the US, with 54.78% being men. Incidence rates and trends varied across geographical regions. In the western region (comprising 106,685 patients, 54.85% men), incidence rates significantly increased in both women (AAPC = 1.37, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 1.34, p < 0.001). Similarly, in the midwestern region (with 110,380 patients, 55.46% men), there were significant increases in incidence rates among women (AAPC = 1.06, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 1.35, p < 0.001). The northeastern region (with 94,758 patients, 54.53% men) also witnessed significant increases in incidence rates for both women (AAPC = 0.71, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 0.84, p < 0.001). In contrast, the southern region (with 203,052 patients, 54.48% men) experienced slower increases in incidence rates among both women and men (AAPC = 0.25, p < 0.05 in women; AAPC = 0.66, p < 0.05 in men). When stratified by histopathology, incidence rates for adenocarcinomas (ADC) increased in all regions, most notably in the west (AAPC = 1.45, p < 0.05), and least in the south (AAPC = 0.46, p < 0.05). Conversely, for neuroendocrine tumors (NET), while incidence rates increased similarly across all regions, the pace was notably faster compared to ADC, particularly in the west (AAPC = 3.26, p < 0.05) and slower in the south (AAPC = 2.24, p < 0.05) Discussion: Our analysis of nationwide US data spanning two decades and encompassing over half a million early-onset CRC patients, representing nearly 98% of the US population, highlights significant temporal variation in incidence rates across various geographical regions. The most substantial increases in incidence rates were observed in the west, while the least pronounced changes were noted in the south, affecting both men and women. These trends persisted across the main CRC histopathological subtypes, with NET exhibiting a notably swifter pace of increase compared with ADC. These findings hold important implications for public health strategies and underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the rising burden of early-onset CRC across different regions in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis and thematically-based narrative review of a century of Taraxacum officinale research (TOR), uncovering patterns, trends, themes, and advancements in the field to provide insights for future investigations. The study followed PRISMA guidelines and utilized the Scopus database with MeSH terms for bibliographic data retrieval. Scientometric mapping employed VOSviewer and R-package-based Bibliometrix, while extracted themes were reviewed narratively. A detailed analysis of TOR was achieved by including only original studies. Results: The findings include the extensive duration of TOR since 1908 and its significant growth, particularly in the last two decades. China emerges as the most productive country, but the United States leads in recognizable and collaborative TOR. The thematic map displays dynamic and diverse themes, with a rich knowledge structure revealed through the analysis of term co-occurrence. The year 2016 represents a turning point in the thematic map, marked by numerical growth and thematic bifurcation. The study extracted several main research topics within the field of TOR, including germination, antioxidant activity, bioherbicide, oxidative stress, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, and heavy metals. These topics represent key areas of investigation and provide insights into the diverse aspects of research surrounding T. officinale. Additionally, emerging topics in TOR encompass toxicity, metabolomics, dandelion extract, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The study consolidated knowledge, highlighted research gaps, and provided directions for future investigations on TOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological footprint basically aims to measure the impact of humans on the ecosystem. The measurements include the area required to produce the materials consumed in terms of the consumption footprint and the area required to absorb the carbon dioxide emissions. No distinction is made between domestic and foreign producers in the production by the countries. The countries with the most developed industry and the highest impact on the ecosystem in this sense appear as the countries with the highest footprint in the ecosystem. This study, based on the ecological footprint data of seven industrialized countries (G7) between 1984 and 2019, aims to reveal the effect of ecological footprints on trade openness. Panel data analysis and ARDL Boundary Test / PMG method was used to obtain the results. DOLS and FMOLS methods were also used to compare both economic and empirical results and for consistency. As a result of the analysis, as the impact of industrialized countries on the ecosystem increases, their trade openness also increases in the short and long term. This effect could be seen most clearly in the United States (USA), which has the most developed industry. This research paper points out these important issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US higher education accreditation agencies provide external quality evaluation for institutions and programmes to deliver quality control and assurance. Although there is ample discussion about the benefits and drawbacks of the accreditation process, this article reviews the academic literature to consider the impact that accreditation might have on the academic freedom of the teaching staff. Specifically, this article centres on how standardisation, assessments and the fundamental elements of accreditation affect academic freedom in higher education and how these might dilute academic freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella , and invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii , are key pests of apple and small fruit, respectively, in the United States. Both species are typically managed with standard insecticide applications. However, interest in alternative strategies that result in insecticide reductions has led to evaluations of nonnutritive sugars as toxicants for Drosophila species and development of attracticidal spheres for both species. Here, we evaluated the survivorship of R. pomonella and D. suzukii when provided with standard diets that substituted saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, erythritol, dextrose, or mannitol for the sucrose component and compared them with standard diets and water-only controls for up to 15 days. Presence of erythritol and mannitol significantly decreased survivorship of R. pomonella and erythritol significantly decreased the survivorship of D. suzukii. However, mobility trials following a 2 h exposure to aqueous solutions of each sugar treatment resulted in no strong impact on either species. Survivorship after 30 min exposure to erythritol or mannitol alone, or in combination with varying concentrations of sucrose (serving as a phagostimulant) at 30 min and 24 h were evaluated for both species. Only D. suzukii survivorship was affected with decreased survivorship on erythritol:sucrose solutions of 20:0% and 15:5% for 24 h. Based on all results, erythritol appeared most promising, and was integrated into attracticidal spheres as a toxicant but even at the highest concentration, survivorship remained unaffected for either species, thus making this nonnutritive sugar impractical and ineffective as a toxicant substitute in attracticidal spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In prior work, we fit the mixture Rasch model to item responses from a fractions survey administered to a nationwide sample of middle grades mathematics teachers in the United States. The mixture Rasch model located teachers on a continuous, unidimensional scale and fit best with 3 latent classes. We used item response data to generate initial interpretations of the reasoning characteristic of each latent class. Our results suggested increasing facility reasoning about fraction arithmetic from one class to the next. The present study contributes two further arguments for the validity of our initial interpretations. First, we administered the same survey to a new sample of future middle grades mathematics teachers before and after 20 weeks of instruction on multiplication, division, and fractions, and we found that from pretest to posttest future teachers transitioned from one latent class to another in ways consistent with increased proficiency in fraction arithmetic. Second, we interviewed 8 of the future teachers before and after the instruction and found that future teachers' reasoning during interviews was largely consistent with our original interpretation of the 3 latent classes. These results provide further support for our original interpretation of the mixture Rasch analysis, demonstrate the utility of our approach for capturing growth and change in future teachers' reasoning during teacher education coursework, and contribute innovative applications of psychometric models for surveying teachers' reasoning at scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study used 2000–2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data to estimate trends in smoking before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as quitting smoking during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by year for each smoking-related measure. Annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) in prevalence were estimated using Joinpoint regression to characterize trends over time. Results: Between 2000 and 2020, significant decreases in the prevalence of smoking before (23.0% to 14.0%; AAPC = −2.3% [95% CI = −2.9% to −1.7%]), during (13.2% to 6.5%; AAPC = −3.4% [95% CI = −4.0% to −2.7%]), and after pregnancy (18.9% to 8.8%; AAPC = −3.6% [95% CI = −4.3% to −2.9%]) were observed. For each measure, the fastest declines occurred largely throughout the 2010s (before: APC = −5.5% [2012–2020]; during: APC = −5.1% [2009–2020]; and after: APC = −6.4% [2012–2020]). The proportion of people who quit smoking during pregnancy significantly increased from 43.2% in 2000 to 53.7% in 2020 (AAPC = 1.0%; 95% CI = 0.2%–1.9%); however, Joinpoint regression detected relatively no change in quitting during pregnancy between 2010 and 2020 (APC = 0.0%; 95% CI = −0.4% to 0.5%). Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking before, during, and after pregnancy has reduced dramatically in the United States between 2000 and 2020, with the fastest declines occurring throughout the second decade of the twenty-first century. However, prevention and cessation efforts are still needed since approximately half of people who smoked before pregnancy continue to smoke during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct access testing (DAT) is an emerging care model that provides on-demand laboratory services for certain preventative, diagnostic, and monitoring indications. Unlike conventional testing models where health care providers order tests and where sample collection is performed onsite at the clinic or laboratory, most interactions between DAT consumers and the laboratory are virtual. Tests are ordered and results delivered online, and specimens are frequently self-collected at home with virtual support. Thus, DAT depends on high-quality information technology (IT) tools and optimized data utilization to a greater degree than conventional laboratory testing. This review critically discusses the United States DAT landscape in relation to IT to highlight digital challenges and opportunities for consumers, health care systems, providers, and laboratories. DAT offers consumers increased autonomy over the testing experience, cost, and data sharing, but the current capacity to integrate DAT as a care option into the conventional patient-provider model is lacking and will require innovative approaches to accommodate. Likewise, both consumers and health care providers need transparent information about the quality of DAT laboratories and clinical decision support to optimize appropriate use of DAT as a part of comprehensive care. Interoperability barriers will require intentional approaches to integrating DAT-derived data into the electronic health records of health systems nationally. This includes ensuring the laboratory results are appropriately captured for downstream data analytic pipelines that are used to satisfy population health and research needs. Despite the data- and IT-related challenges for widespread incorporation of DAT into routine health care, DAT has the potential to improve health equity by providing versatile, discreet, and affordable testing options for patients who have been marginalized by the current limitations of health care delivery in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the similarities and differences among 171 Grade 7-12 science teachers from three different countries (54 U.S, 63 Bolivian, and 54 Turkish) with respect to their attitudes toward environmental education (EE) and instructional practices. The instrument employed explored how teachers' knowledge, instructional practices, decision-making process, and cultural features influenced their EE attitudes and praxis. The instrument, which was translated into Spanish and Turkish and then back into English, contained a personal data form that included demographic questions and a three-part questionnaire. Based on the analysis completed, significant differences were found between these three countries with respect to 1) teacher's knowledge about global environmental issues, 2) teachers rationales for including environmental education in their science classroom instruction, and 3) while there were no significant differences in the importance of religion in the teachers lives, there were significant differences in the extent to which teachers reported religion influencing instructional decisions. In addition, there were differences regarding the resources that teachers reported drawing on as they included EE in their classrooms. There were no significant differences found when comparing the three countries with respect to extent to which each country reported including technological and/or environmental problems in science classroom instruction. Finally, generally there was agreement regarding teachers' goals and objectives in science classrooms with respect to EE and the most important global environmental problems/threats. (Contains 8 tables and 3 figures.)

This article presents a systematic review of school-based cyberbullying prevention and intervention programs. Research presenting empirical evidence about the effectiveness of a school-based cyberbullying prevention or intervention program published before August 2016 was searched. Seventeen studies were obtained and reviewed. The findings showed that studies (a) originated in nine different countries; (b) consisted of different theoretical backgrounds; (c) varied in session frequency and duration; (d) included technological and non-technological strategies, or both; (e) aimed to prevent cyberbullying, intervene in cyberbullying, or both; and (f) were mostly effective in preventing and intervening in cyberbullying. The findings are discussed in terms of theory, practice, and research.

Policies about changing gender/sex on identity documents provide insights into definitions of gender/sex, and impact especially transgender and/or nonbinary lives. We investigated these on U.S. driver's licenses and birth certificates to understand variability in these policies, including in comparison to an earlier report in 2014, and to explore what kinds of "bio/logics" (decision rules rooted in biological or biologistic thinking) might be at play. Results show that the most common requirements in 2020 included proof of gender affirming surgery, a letter from a medical doctor, and hormone therapy. Compared to 2014, results showed an increase in requirements for hormone therapy and letters from therapists or medical doctors, and a decrease in requirements for gender affirming surgery. We highlight how this suggests a shift to "pubertal bio/logics": rooting gender/sex definitions in secondary sex characteristics. This contrasts with previous requirements that pointed to "newborn bio/logics": rooted in genital definitions of gender/sex affirmed by a surgico-medical authority. Both support policy framings of gender/sex as a biophenomenon, though with different impacts for trans and/or nonbinary livability. Our study provides insights into U.S. state definitions of gender/sex, and their multiple and contradictory biological views on gender/sex, with implications especially for transgender and/or nonbinary individuals' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to an increasing number of pregnant patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) presenting to obstetric units. Caring for this complex patient population requires an interdisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, anesthesiologists, addiction medicine physicians, psychiatrists, and social workers. The management of acute pain in the parturient with OUD can be challenging due to several factors, including respiratory depression, opioid tolerance, and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Patients with a history of OUD can present in one of three categories: 1) those with untreated OUD; 2) those who are currently abstinent from opioids; 3) those being treated with medications to prevent withdrawal. A patient-centered, multimodal approach is essential for optimal peripartum pain relief and prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), previously referred to as medication-assisted therapy (MAT), include opioids like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These are prescribed for pregnant patients with OUD, but appropriate dosing and administration of these medications are critical to avoid withdrawal in the mother. Non-opioid analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used in a stepwise approach, and regional techniques like neuraxial anesthesia and truncal blocks offer opioid-sparing options. Other medications like ketamine, clonidine, dexmedetomidine, nitrous oxide, and gabapentinoids show promise for pain management but require further research. Overall, a comprehensive pain management strategy is essential to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus in pregnant patients with OUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurring Listeria outbreaks in the United States is a growing public healthcare concern. Although no associated reported death, 17 were hospitalized out of the 18 reported illnesses in the recent outbreak in 15 US states. The United States has experienced about 30 Listeria outbreaks in the last decade with 524 Listeriosis cases and 80 deaths. The identified origin were ice cream, leafy greens, mushroom, meat slice, dairy products like cheese, packaged salads, cooked chicken, hard‐boiled egg, pork product, frozen vegetable, raw milk, packaged caramel apple, bean sprout and soya products. Although rare, Listeria may lead to serious illness (invasive listeriosis) or death. Listeriosis is critically harmful and medically complicated, especially in the pregnant, the old above 65 years and in the immunocompromised. It could cause premature birth, miscarriage or even neonatal death. Hospitalization is often necessary in the geriatric, being fatal at times. Among Listeria sp., Listeria monocytogenes is often human infection‐associated. It is a gram‐positive, non‐sporulating, motile bacillus opportunistic pathogen. Food‐borne listeriosis is often associated with frozen foods due to its ability to thrive at low temperatures. Hypervirulent strains of L. monocytogenes with an ability to infect the respiratory system (the lungs) was recently reported in the coronavirus disease‐19 patients during the pandemic. L. monocytogenes seemed to have developed antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin and meropenem, possibly acquired through the food chain. An early onset of listeriosis in the newborn is evident in the first 7 days postparturition. As the bacteria colonize the genitourinary tract, majority of such cases result from teratogenic transfer during vaginal delivery. Premature newborns, neonates born outside healthcare facilities and low‐birth‐weight babies were increasingly predisposed to an early onset of listeriosis. Listeria outbreaks were earlier reported in South Africa, Australia and Europe, with an unclear origin of the outbreaks. Social media updates about such outbreaks, the most likely food source, and measures to self‐protect are suggested as preventive measures. The article deals on various such aspects related to listeriosis primarily originating from food, to ensure better public healthcare and human wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major clinical and public health burden. Screening has been shown to be effective in preventing CRC. In 2021, less than 72% of adult Americans had received CRC screening based on the most recent guidelines. This study examined the relationship between social support and screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy uptake among U.S. adults and the socioeconomic factors that impact the relationship. We conducted a cross-sectional study using the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data for 20,008 U.S. adults to assess the weighted rates of screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy among individuals with strong, some, and weak social support. Adjusted binary logistic regression models were utilized to obtain the weighted odds of receiving a screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy among adults with different levels of social support and socioeconomic status. About 58.0% of adults who reported having colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy had strong social support, compared to 52.0% who had some or weak social support. In addition, compared to adults with weak social support, the weighted adjusted odds of having colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy were 1.0 (95% C.I. = 0.994, 0.997; p < 0.001) and 1.3 (95% C.I. = 1.260, 1.263; p < 0.001) for adults with some and strong social support, respectively. Socioeconomic differences were observed in the odds of colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy uptake based on having strong social support. Having strong social support is an important factor in increasing colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy screening uptake. Policies and interventions that enhance social support among adults for screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremendous progress has been made in variety development and host plant resistance to mitigate the impact of Fusarium head blight (FHB) since the disease manifested in the southeastern United States in the early 2000s. Much of this improvement was made possible through the establishment of and recurring support from the US Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI). Since its inception in 1997, the USWBSI has enabled land‐grant institutions to make advances in reducing the annual threat of devastating FHB epidemics. A coordinated field phenotyping effort for annual germplasm screening has become a staple tool for selection in public and private soft red winter wheat (SRWW) breeding programmes. Dedicated efforts of many SRWW breeders to identify and utilize resistance genes from both native and exotic sources provided a strong foundation for improvement. In recent years, implementation of genomics‐enabled breeding has further accelerated genetic gains in FHB resistance. This article reflects on the improvement of FHB resistance in southern SRWW and contextualizes the monumental progress made by collaborative, persistent, and good old‐fashioned cultivar development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of death in the United States (US). Social determinants of health may impact CA outcomes. We aimed to assess mortality trends, disparities, and the influence of the social vulnerability index (SVI) on CA outcomes in the young. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) related to CA in the United States from the Years 1999 to 2020 in individuals aged 35 years and younger. Data were obtained from death certificates and analyzed using log‐linear regression models. We examined disparities in mortality rates based on demographic variables. We also explored the impact of the SVI on CA mortality. Results: A total of 4792 CA deaths in the young were identified. Overall AAMR decreased from 0.20 in 1999 to 0.14 in 2020 with an average annual percentage change of −1.3% (p =.001). Black (AAMR: 0.30) and male populations (AAMR: 0.14) had higher AAMR compared with White (AAMR: 0.11) and female (AAMR: 0.11) populations, respectively. Nonmetropolitan (AAMR: 0.29) and Southern (AAMR: 0.26) regions were also impacted by higher AAMR compared with metropolitan (AAMR: 0.11) and other US census regions, respectively. A higher SVI was associated with greater mortality risks related to CA (risk ratio: 1.82 [95% CI, 1.77–1.87]). Conclusions: Our analysis of CA in the young revealed disparities based on demographics, with a decline in AAMR from 1999 to 2020. There is a correlation between a higher SVI and increased CA mortality risk, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to address these disparities effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Adjuvant radiation therapy (ART) is often recommended for high-risk cSCC patients but carries significant costs and risks. This study aims to determine if utilizing the 40-GEP test to guide ART can reduce healthcare costs in cSCC management. METHODS: Medical claims data with new diagnoses of cSCC for the 12 months ending June 2022 in the Medicare (≥65 years) population (source: IQVIA claims database) were obtained and normalized to the general population for missingness. CPT codes associated with radiation therapy within one-year post diagnosis were used to establish adjuvant RT use (defined as 'ART'). Average weighted direct costs for four major ART modalities were calculated from published studies and (IQVIA). Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the financial impact of ART treatment using varying distributions of 40-GEP Class results. RESULTS: Normalized medical claims data identified 22,917 Medicare-eligible cSCC patients who received ART within the United States. The weighted average direct cost for ART, which includes the four most used CPT code-defined modalities (IGRT, IMRT, IMPT, and XRT), was $60,693 per patient, amounting to an annual projected ART cost of $1.4 billion. Using the distribution of 40-GEP results from published studies, utilization of a 40-GEP test result to avoid ART in these patients could save up to $972 million in Medicare-eligible population. Sensitivity analysis shows, depending upon the distribution of the 40-GEP results, that for every 10% of Class 2A test results omitting ART, an extra $38-66 million in annual savings is expected. LIMITATIONS: Potential limitations include a need for more comprehensive patient information and the cost of ART-related complications. CONCLUSION: Utilizing the 40-GEP test results to guide ART decision-making would result in material savings to Medicare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exchange rate volatility has created many uncertainties and thus hampering bilateral trade flows among countries. These uncertainties are enormous and are affecting exporters’ and importers’ decisions regarding trade due to their risks and the resultant negative effect on profit in most countries. Indonesia and the United States were not an exception in this regard. Trade policies that are linked to uncertainties caused by exchange rate fluctuation are needed to stimulate trade among countries. To this end, this study analysed the effect of positive and negative changes in exchange rate volatility and the COVID-19 pandemic on the IndonesiaUS bilateral commodity trade flow. A time series of data comprising 30 commodity exports and imports at harmonized system 2-digit code were scrutinized for the period 2010:M01- 2021:M01. Our empirical strategies using the GARCH modelling approach, linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributing lag models revealed that: (i) linear ARDL exchange rate volatility asserts a positive effect on 9 commodity exports and 6 commodity imports from the US, (ii) in nonlinear ARDL 12 commodity exports and 8 commodity imports were positively affected by the exchange rate volatility. These findings indicate that exporters and importers tend not to care about the risk associated with exchange rate volatility, and (iii) the finding further revealed that in the export of commodities HS71, HS94, and HS95 there is evidence of asymmetric effect that differed in coefficient, sign, size, and duration. The practical significance of these findings is that policymakers should sidestep the strategy of a one-sided exchange rate policy to accommodate different risk behaviour as exhibited by exporters and importers. This would help maintain the stability of the exchange rate and promote trade flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refugees in the United States are believed to be at high risk of COVID-19. A cross-sectional study design was utilized to collect anonymous, online surveys from refugee communities in the United States during December 2020 to January 2021. We invited bilingual community leaders to share the survey link with other refugees aged ≥18 years. We identified factors associated with COVID-19 infection and measured the distribution of contact tracing among those who tested positive. Of 435 refugees who completed the survey, 26.4% reported testing positive for COVID-19. COVID-19 infection was associated with having an infected family member and knowing people in one's immediate social environment who were infected. Among respondents who tested positive, 84.4% reported that they had been contacted for contact tracing. To prepare for future pandemics, public health authorities should continue partner with refugee community leaders and organizations to ensure efficient programs are inclusive of refugee communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on atrial fibrillation outcomes (AF) is not well understood. Methods: We conducted analyses of comorbid AF and CKD related death in the United States from 1999 to 2020 using descriptive epidemiology. Results: Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 increased from 0.39 in 1999 to 1.65 in 2020. Non-Hispanic populations (1.01) and nonmetropolitan areas (1.08) had higher AAMRs compared to Hispanic (0.62) and metropolitan (0.97) areas. Midwestern (1.11) and Western (1.13) US regions recorded the highest AAMRs. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for interventions to address AF death disparities in patients with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the current status of studies on "neophobia and gastronomic tourism" published in the international literature over the last 41 years (1980-2021). The data was extracted from Web of Science (WOS), and so a bibliometric analysis of the publications indexed in WOS was made in this study. The Vosviewer program was employed in order to analyse and visualize the data for a total of 3269 studies on the subject of "neophobia and gastronomy tourism" from the relevant database. Besides, the analysis of the data was supported by the R package program. It has been observed that there are 2113 articles out of 3269 documents on neophobia and gastronomy tourism and that the highest number of articles were published in 2021. The findings indicate that the most cited author was Siegrist, M. and that the most cited document was Birch, I.I. (1999). Also, it has been found that the most co-cited article was written by Pliner, P. The United States, with the most cited and strongest ties, also appears to be the most prolific country. This study is presenting an overview of neophobia and gastronomy tourism research which has been conducted over the last 41 years through bibliometric analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to determine the effects of prior coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the coronary microvasculature accounting for time from COVID-19, disease severity, SARS-CoV-2 variants, and in subgroups of patients with diabetes and those with no known coronary artery disease. Methods and results Cases consisted of patients with previous COVID-19 who had clinically indicated positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and were matched 1:3 on clinical and cardiovascular risk factors to controls having no prior infection. Myocardial flow reserve (MFR) was calculated as the ratio of stress to rest myocardial blood flow (MBF) in mL/min/g of the left ventricle. Comparisons between cases and controls were made for the odds and prevalence of impaired MFR (MFR < 2). We included 271 cases matched to 815 controls (mean ± SD age 65 ± 12 years, 52% men). The median (inter-quartile range) number of days between COVID-19 infection and PET imaging was 174 (58–338) days. Patients with prior COVID-19 had a statistically significant higher odds of MFR <2 (adjusted odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 2.8–4.25 P < 0.001). Results were similar in clinically meaningful subgroups. The proportion of cases with MFR <2 peaked 6–9 months from imaging with a statistically non-significant downtrend afterwards and was comparable across SARS-CoV-2 variants but increased with increasing severity of infection. Conclusion The prevalence of impaired MFR is similar by duration of time from infection up to 1 year and SARS-CoV-2 variants, but significantly differs by severity of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relative impacts of three corporate social responsibility (CSR) types – namely corrective, compensating and cultivating CSR – on brand defense by considering customer–company's (C–C's) identification mediation role and CSR authenticity's moderation role in these relationships. A between-subject experiment was conducted on 573 coffee shop customers in the United States. The findings revealed corrective CSR is the strongest brand defense predictor, followed by compensating and cultivating CSR. The CSR types' relative effects are mediated by C–C identification, and as such, compensating CSR's indirect effects on brand defense through C–C identification are stronger than cultivating CSR's indirect effects on brand defense. When the CSR authenticity level is high, cultivating CSR has a significant indirect effect – through C–C identification – on brand defense that is stronger than when the CSR authenticity level is low. When the level is high, compensating CSR has an insignificant indirect effect – through C–C identification – on brand defense, similar to when the level is low. Finally, findings on moderated mediation revealed the indirect relationship between the three CSR types on brand defense – through C–C identification – is moderated by CSR authenticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lyme disease is one of the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the United States (US), accounting for more than 90 % of all vector-borne diseases in North America. Objective: In this paper, self-reported tweets on Twitter were analyzed in order to predict potential Lyme disease cases and accurately assess incidence rates in the US. Methods: The study was done in three stages: (1) Approximately 1.3 million tweets were collected and pre-processed to extract the most relevant Lyme disease tweets with geolocations. A subset of tweets were semi-automatically labelled as relevant or irrelevant to Lyme disease using a set of precise keywords, and the remaining portion were manually labelled, yielding a curated labelled dataset of 77, 500 tweets. (2) This labelled data set was used to train, validate, and test various combinations of NLP word embedding methods and prominent ML classification models, such as TF-IDF and logistic regression, Word2vec and XGboost, and BERTweet, among others, to identify potential Lyme disease tweets. (3) Lastly, the presence of spatio-temporal patterns in the US over a 10-year period were studied. Results: Preliminary results showed that BERTweet outperformed all tested NLP classifiers for identifying Lyme disease tweets, achieving the highest classification accuracy and F1-score of 90 % . There was also a consistent pattern indicating that the West and Northeast regions of the US had a higher tweet rate over time. Conclusions: We focused on the less-studied problem of using Twitter data as a surveillance tool for Lyme disease in the US. Several crucial findings have emerged from the study. First, there is a fairly strong correlation between classified tweet counts and Lyme disease counts, with both following similar trends. Second, in 2015 and early 2016, the social media network like Twitter was essential in raising popular awareness of Lyme disease. Third, counties with a high incidence rate were not necessarily related with a high tweet rate, and vice versa. Fourth, BERTweet can be used as a reliable NLP classifier for detecting relevant Lyme disease tweets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, White people have been overrepresented in the advertising industry, making them the dominant group. Through in-depth interviews with twenty-five co-cultural advertising professionals living in the United States, we examined how minorities working in the advertising industry employ various communication practices while engaging with White dominant group members. Using co-cultural theory, we were able to identify situations of assimilation-based practices, accommodation-based practices, and separation-based practices. Further, we identified four new communication practices, extending previous research. Implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There have been a number of advances in the treatment paradigm of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) over the past two decades. Medical and surgical approaches to PDAC have continued to evolve. The individual effects of these changes have been investigated. Understanding the implementation of these changes over time and its effect on patient survival is important. While patient survival from PDAC has been reported to have modest improvements over the decades, the National Cancer Database offers the ability to study survival trends. We aim to evaluate survival trends in patients diagnosed with PDAC in the United States. Over the last two decades, there have been many reported advances in the clinical management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We sought to evaluate changes in survival for patients diagnosed with PDAC between 2004 and 2017. The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed with PDAC between 2004 and 2017. There were 55,401 patients who underwent surgery and 109,477 patients who underwent non-surgical treatment for PDAC between 2004 and 2017. Patients were categorized into four groups by year of diagnosis. Median survival improved from 15.5 months to 25.3 months for patients treated with surgery between the years 2016 and 2017 compared with between 2004 and 2007 (p < 0.001). Median survival improved from 7.2 months to 10.1 months for patients treated without surgery during the same years (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio for death was estimated to multiply by 0.975 per year for patients treated with surgery and 0.959 per year for patients treated without surgery (p < 0.001). This increase in survival in the setting of evolving care validates continued efforts aimed at improving survival for patients with this devastating disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the onset of the 20th century, the United States of America has encountered persistent challenges in its quest to address the worldwide and transnational issue of terrorism. The primary objective of this study is to examine the determinants that contribute to the vulnerability of the United States to acts of terrorism, review the response of the United States to such attacks, and analyse the approaches taken by the country to strengthen its security infrastructure and perimeter defences. The present inquiry will adopt a systematic framework that integrates qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The primary objective of this research is to identify the key factors that contribute to the United States' susceptibility to transnational or international acts of terrorism. The concept of terrorism, which has generated considerable discourse, can be defined as "the intentional employment or demonstration of violence against non-combatants by an entity unaffiliated with a recognised state, for the purpose of achieving political objectives, often with the intention of inducing a wider psychological impact." The present state of the United States as a target of terrorist attacks, both domestically and internationally, is examined in this study. To ensure a comprehensive examination of the United States of America as a prospective target of terrorism, it is critical to construct a meticulously developed theoretical framework that duly accounts for the distinctive characteristics of the American environment. The theoretical framework being proposed integrates the concepts of "American Primacy," as introduced by Betts, and "anti-Americanism," as proposed by Rubinstein and Smith. By employing this theoretical framework, the predicament in which the United States of America is vulnerable to attacks by transnational or international terrorist organizations is more easily illuminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Americans who reside in health professional shortage areas currently have less than half of the needed physician workforce. While the shortage designation has been associated with poor outcomes for chronic medical conditions, far less is known about outcomes after high‐risk surgical procedures. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of Medicare beneficiaries living in health professional shortage areas and nonshortage areas who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, coronary artery bypass graft, esophagectomy, liver resection, pancreatectomy, or rectal resection between 2014 and 2018. Risk‐adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether rates of postoperative complications and 30‐day mortality differed between patient cohorts. Beneficiary and hospital ZIP codes were used to quantify travel time to obtain care. Findings: Compared with patients living in nonshortage areas, patients living in health professional shortage areas traveled longer (median 60.0 vs 28.0 minutes, P<.001). There were no differences in risk‐adjusted rates of complications (28.5% vs 28.6%, OR = 1.00, 95% CI 1.00‐1.00, P =.59) and small differences in rates of 30‐day mortality (4.2% vs 4.4%, OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.95‐0.95, P<.001) between beneficiaries living in shortage areas versus those not in shortage areas, respectively. Conclusions: Patients living in health professional shortage area undergoing high‐risk surgery traveled more than 2 times longer for their care to obtain similar outcomes. While reassuring for clinical outcomes, additional efforts may be needed to mitigate the travel burden experienced by shortage area patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social adaptive functioning is notably compromised and may be further impaired by aggressive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined the association between aggressive behavior and social adaptive skills in children with ASD and the contribution of aggressive behavior to social adaptive skills in a combined sample of children with and without ASD. Participants consisted of children, ages 8 to 15 years, with ASD (n = 52) and who were typically developing (n = 29). Results indicate that aggressive behavior is negatively associated with social adaptive skills in children with ASD and that it contributes to reduced social adaptive functioning above and beyond ASD diagnosis. Findings underscore the importance of considering the role of aggressive behavior when evaluating and promoting social functioning in children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to look for the mortality of Black and White Neonates and compare the Black and White neonates' mortalities after stratifying the population by many significant epidemiologic and hospital factors. Design/Method: We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset over seven years from 2012 through 2018 for all neonates ≤ 28 days of age in all hospitals in the USA. Neonatal characteristics used in the analysis included ethnicity, sex, household income, and type of healthcare insurance. Hospital characteristics were urban teaching, urban non-teaching, and rural. Hospital location was classified according to the nine U.S. Census Division regions. Results: Neonatal mortality continues to be higher in Black populations: 21,975 (0.63%) than in White populations: 35,495 (0.28%). Government-supported health insurance was significantly more among Black populations when compared to White (68.8% vs. 35.3% p < 0.001). Household income differed significantly; almost half (49.8%) of the Black population has income ≤ 25th percentile vs. 22.1% in White. There was a significant variation in mortality in different U.S. locations. In the Black population, the highest mortality was in the West North Central division (0.72%), and the lower mortality was in the New England division (0.51%), whereas in the White population, the highest mortality was in the East South-Central division (0.36%), and the lowest mortality was in the New England division (0.21%). Trend analysis showed a significant decrease in mortality in Black and White populations over the years, but when stratifying the population by sex, type of insurance, household income, and type of hospital, the mortality was consistently higher in Black groups throughout the study years. Conclusions: Disparities in neonatal mortality continue to be higher in Black populations; there was a significant variation in mortality in different U.S. locations. In the Black population, the highest mortality was in the West North Central division, and the lower mortality was in the New England division, whereas in the White population, the highest mortality was in the East South Central division, and the lowest mortality was in the New England division. There has been a significant decrease in mortality in Black and White populations over the years, but when stratifying the population by many significant epidemiologic and hospital factors, the mortality was consistently higher in Black groups throughout the study years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]