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The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in academia has prompted various debates on the uses, threats, and limitations of tools that can create text for numerous academic purposes. Critics argue that these advancements may provide opportunities for cheating and plagiarism and even replace the art of writing entirely. To reclaim the creativity and depth that academic writing holds, we propose both an innovative approach to safeguard the creativity and depth of academic writing and a scaffolded way to enhance success in terms of authenticity for the author and, by extension, meaning for the reader. This novel conceptual algorithmic trickle filter model aims to inform successful academic writing and embody the writer's agency--a task too sophisticated for current AI tools. Our model provides a scaffolded decision-making process in a highly personal, flexible, and iterative individual writing development tool applied in a health-conscious way. We position this model as a step towards a pedagogic paradigm shift in reclaiming academic writing that, rather than competing with AI, doubles down on the personal self-evaluative aspects that academic writing offers both author and reader.

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) and repetitive head impacts (RHI) have been linked to increased risk for multiple types of neurodegenerative disease, higher dementia risk, and earlier age of dementia symptom onset, suggesting transdiagnostic implications for later-life brain health. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) represent a spectrum of clinical phenotypes that are neuropathologically diverse. FTD/PPA diagnoses bring unique challenges due to complex cognitive and behavioral symptoms that disproportionately present as an early-onset dementia (before age 65). We performed a detailed characterization of lifetime head trauma exposure in individuals with FTD and PPA compared to healthy controls to examine frequency of lifetime TBI and RHI and associated clinical implications.MethodsWe studied 132 FTD/PPA (age 68.9 ± 8.1, 65% male) and 132 sex-matched healthy controls (HC; age 73.4 ± 7.6). We compared rates of prior TBI and RHI (contact/collision sports) between FTD/PPA and HC (chi-square, logistic regression, analysis of variance). Within FTD/PPA, we evaluated associations with age of symptom onset (analysis of variance). Within behavioral variant FTD, we evaluated associations with cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms (linear regression controlling for age, sex, and years of education).ResultsYears of participation were greater in FTD/PPA than HC for any contact/collision sport (8.5 ± 6.7yrs vs. 5.3 ± 4.5yrs, p = .008) and for American football (6.2yrs ± 4.3yrs vs. 3.1 ± 2.4yrs; p = .003). Within FTD/PPA, there were dose-dependent associations with earlier age of symptom onset for TBI (0 TBI: 62.1 ± 8.1, 1 TBI: 59.9 ± 6.9, 2 + TBI: 57.3 ± 8.4; p = .03) and years of American football (0yrs: 62.2 ± 8.7, 1-4yrs: 59.7 ± 7.0, 5 + yrs: 55.9 ± 6.3; p = .009). Within bvFTD, those who played American football had worse memory (z-score: -2.4 ± 1.2 vs. -1.4 ± 1.6, p = .02, d = 1.1).ConclusionsLifetime head trauma may represent a preventable environmental risk factor for FTD/PPA. Dose-dependent exposure to TBI or RHI influences FTD/PPA symptom onset and memory function in bvFTD. Clinico-pathological studies are needed to better understand the neuropathological correlates linking RHI or TBI to FTD/PPA onset and symptoms.

Abstract Background Despite high rates of adolescent mental-health problems, there are few effective whole-school interventions to address this. Whole-school interventions offer a feasible and sustainable means of promoting mental health. We previously evaluated the Learning Together (LT) intervention which was effective in preventing bullying (primary outcome), promoting mental well-being, psychological functioning, and reducing substance use (secondary outcomes). We adapted LT to develop Learning Together for Mental Health (LTMH) with a new menu of evidence-based actions to address mental health and an enhanced SEL curriculum. Methods We undertook a feasibility study of LTMH, a whole-school intervention featuring needs assessment, student and staff participation in decision-making via action groups selecting actions from an evidence-based menu, restorative practice, and a SEL and resilience skills curriculum between 2022 and 2023. This article examines the feasibility, acceptability, and potential mechanisms of LTMH, qualitatively, drawing on interviews and focus groups with 49 students in years 8 and 10, and 20 staff across four state secondary schools in southern England. Results The intervention was feasible and acceptable to implement. In terms of feasibility, the SEL curriculum was the most challenging to implement and was not prioritised by schools that had existing social and emotional learning lessons. Training and external facilitation were well-rated. Some schools struggled with the resourcing and workload implications of implementing actions from the evidence-based menu. Some aspects were not clear. Some staff were not aware that the various components worked together. Needs reports were not easy to understand for all. Students were generally supportive of restorative practice and SEL lessons. Data supported a potential mechanism involving increased school belonging and developing practical knowledge and skills to manage emotions and relationships. The intervention has little potential for harm. Conclusions The intervention is ready for phase III trial with minor adaptations. A phase III trial of effectiveness is justified. Trial registration ISRCTN15301591 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15301591

In the previous two columns, we discussed the ill-fated Eagle Project, which encountered significant delays after a multi-year development project. In this column, we introduce several concepts for the crucial [...]

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repetitive head impacts (RHI) have been linked to increased risk for multiple types of neurodegenerative disease, higher dementia risk, and earlier age of dementia symptom onset, suggesting transdiagnostic implications for later-life brain health. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) represent a spectrum of clinical phenotypes that are neuropathologically diverse. FTD/PPA diagnoses bring unique challenges due to complex cognitive and behavioral symptoms that disproportionately present as an early-onset dementia (before age 65). We performed a detailed characterization of lifetime head trauma exposure in individuals with FTD and PPA compared to healthy controls to examine frequency of lifetime TBI and RHI and associated clinical implications. Methods We studied 132 FTD/PPA (age 68.9 ± 8.1, 65% male) and 132 sex-matched healthy controls (HC; age 73.4 ± 7.6). We compared rates of prior TBI and RHI (contact/collision sports) between FTD/PPA and HC (chi-square, logistic regression, analysis of variance). Within FTD/PPA, we evaluated associations with age of symptom onset (analysis of variance). Within behavioral variant FTD, we evaluated associations with cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms (linear regression controlling for age, sex, and years of education). Results Years of participation were greater in FTD/PPA than HC for any contact/collision sport (8.5 ± 6.7yrs vs. 5.3 ± 4.5yrs, p = .008) and for American football (6.2yrs ± 4.3yrs vs. 3.1 ± 2.4yrs; p = .003). Within FTD/PPA, there were dose-dependent associations with earlier age of symptom onset for TBI (0 TBI: 62.1 ± 8.1, 1 TBI: 59.9 ± 6.9, 2 + TBI: 57.3 ± 8.4; p = .03) and years of American football (0yrs: 62.2 ± 8.7, 1-4yrs: 59.7 ± 7.0, 5 + yrs: 55.9 ± 6.3; p = .009). Within bvFTD, those who played American football had worse memory (z-score: -2.4 ± 1.2 vs. -1.4 ± 1.6, p = .02, d = 1.1). Conclusions Lifetime head trauma may represent a preventable environmental risk factor for FTD/PPA. Dose-dependent exposure to TBI or RHI influences FTD/PPA symptom onset and memory function in bvFTD. Clinico-pathological studies are needed to better understand the neuropathological correlates linking RHI or TBI to FTD/PPA onset and symptoms.

Abstract Few options are available for measuring the adult impact of childhood bullying. The Bullying Experiences and Exclusion Scale (BEES) is an 18-item retrospective self-report measure of school-age bullying experiences in three different roles (victim, witness, perpetrator). Its validity was examined in an online survey with 346 participants. Construct validity was examined using a polytomous Rasch model with accompanying principal components analysis and found to be supported. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported based on comparison measures focussing on past school experiences (social support, emotional problems, conduct problems, peer problems, prosocial behaviour), as well as current adult experience of stress, anxiety and depression. Concurrent validity was also supported based on associations with a global self-rating of experience in each bullying role. It was concluded that the BEES meets the need for an easily administered retrospective measure of school age bullying experiences which has relevance to ongoing psychological disturbance and past interpersonal factors.

In the last column, we introduced the ill-fated Eagle Project, which encountered significant delays in a multi-year development project even though they followed the companys phase-gate process. In this column, [...]

In the previous column, we introduced the concept of 'Phase Zero on Steroids' and discussed how to frame customer visits to understand 'The Customer's Job.' We started with a description [...]

Digital Frequency-Domain Multiplexing (DfMux) is a technique that uses MHz superconducting resonators and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) arrays to read out sets of transition edge sensors. DfMux has been used by several Cosmic Microwave Background experiments, including most recently POLARBEAR-2 and SPT-3 G with multiplexing factors as high as 68, and is the baseline readout technology for the planned satellite mission LiteBIRD. Here, we present recent work focused on improving DfMux readout noise, reducing parasitic impedance, and improving sensor operation. We have achieved a substantial reduction in stray impedance by integrating the sensors, resonators, and SQUID array onto a single-carrier board operated at 250 mK. This also drastically simplifies the packaging of the cryogenic components and leads to better-controlled crosstalk. We demonstrate a low readout noise level of 8.6 pA / Hz 1 1 / 2, which was made possible by operating the SQUID array at a reduced temperature and with a low dynamic impedance. This is a factor of two improvement compared to the achieved readout noise level in currently operating Cosmic Microwave Background experiments using DfMux and represents a critical step toward maturation of the technology for the next generation of instruments.

The most common equine tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata, has often been neglected amongst molecular investigations and has been faced with limited treatment options. However, the recent release of a transcriptome dataset has now provided opportunities for in-depth analysis of A. perfoliata protein expression. Here, global, and sub-proteomic approaches were utilized to provide a comprehensive characterization of the A. perfoliata soluble glutathione transferases (GST) (ApGST). Utilizing both bioinformatics and gel-based proteomics, GeLC and 2D-SDS PAGE, the A. perfoliata ‘GST-ome’ was observed to be dominated with Mu class GST representatives. In addition, both Sigma and Omega class GSTs were identified, albeit to a lesser extent and absent from affinity chromatography approaches. Moreover, 51 ApGSTs were localized across somatic (47 GSTs), extracellular vesicles (EVs) (Whole: 1 GST, Surface: 2 GSTs) and EV depleted excretory secretory product (ESP) (9 GSTs) proteomes. In related helminths, GSTs have shown promise as novel anthelmintic or vaccine targets for improved helminth control. Thus, provides potential targets for understanding A. perfoliata novel infection mechanisms, host–parasite relationships and anthelmintic treatments.

Abstract Introduction Weekly intravenous (IV) oritavancin and daily daptomycin were compared in an outpatient setting following extensive surgical debridement for treating patients with osteomyelitis. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study of patients diagnosed with acute osteomyelitis. Exclusion criteria were the use of Gram-negative antibiotic therapy, use of antibiotics for more than 48 h prior to oritavancin or daptomycin or prior use of > 2 doses of oritavancin or more than 4 weeks of daptomycin. Clinical success was resolution or improvement of symptoms and no further treatment. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Results Consecutive outpatients (n = 150) with acute osteomyelitis who were treated with oritavancin or daptomycin (1:1) following extensive surgical debridement were identified. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (n = 117). No patient in either group received prior antibiotic therapy (previous 30 days) or was hospitalized within 90 days prior to surgical debridement. Twenty-one (28%) patients prescribed oritavancin had chronic kidney disease, seven of whom were receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Compared to oritavancin, patients prescribed daptomycin had higher rates of all-cause readmission [odds ratio (OR) 2.89; p

Abstract Introduction Treatment with monoclonal antibodies provides rapid, passive immunity and may stop COVID-19 disease progression. The study evaluated the effect of bamlanivimab (BAM) or BAM + etesevimab (ETE)/sotrovimab compared to placebo on SARS-CoV-2 viral load in patients with COVID-19. Methods The phase 2, randomized, single-dose study included patients aged between ≥ 18 and 5.27 on day 7 (persistently high viral load [PHVL]) who received BAM or BAM + (ETE or sotrovimab). Results A total of 725 patients, mean age 39.6 years (range 18–75 years), 50.2% male were randomized and infused with study drug in arms 1–6; and a total 202 patients, mean age 38 years (range 18–63 years), 53.5% female were randomized and infused with study drug in arms 7 and 8. A significantly lower proportion of patients in arms 2–6 and arm 7 experienced PHVL on day 7 compared to placebo. On day 7, patients in arms 2, 3, and 6 consistently experienced significantly greater reduction in viral load than placebo. Significant improvement was observed in time to viral load clearance and time to symptom improvement by day 29 in some arms compared to placebo. No new safety concerns were observed with drug combinations. Conclusion The study demonstrated that a significantly lower proportion of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 treated with BAM or BAM + (ETE or sotrovimab) experienced a PHVL at day 7. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04634409.

We investigated the technical characteristics of a brief early numeracy screening battery for both English learners (ELs) and English proficient students (EPs). Results indicated there were differences in performance of ELs and EPs. Further, we found reasonable overall accuracy of the screener predicting student outcomes. Similar overall accuracy results were found for ELs and EPs, as well as for predicting academic performance. We discuss study results related to sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive power as they relate to implications for practice, including screening for risk for ELs and the challenge of false positives in screening systems. We conclude by proposing future avenues of research.

This retrospective population-based analysis assessed variations in urgent healthcare use by children and young people (CYP) across UK nations (England, Scotland and Wales) between 2007 and 2017. The study focused on urgent hospital admissions, short stay urgent admissions (SSUA) and Emergency Department (ED) attendances among CYP aged

Objectives Childhood obesity rates in the UK are high. The early years of childhood are critical for establishing healthy behaviours and offer interventional opportunities. We aimed to identify studies evaluating the impact of UK-based obesity interventions in early childhood.Design Systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Data sources Nine databases were searched in March 2023. Eligibility criteria: We included UK-based obesity intervention studies delivered to children aged 6 months to 5 years that had diet and/or physical activity components and reported anthropometric outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was z-score Body Mass Index (zBMI) change (within and between subjects). Studies evaluating the effects of breastfeeding interventions were not included as obesity prevention interventions, given that best-practice formula feeding is also likely to encourage healthy growth. The publication date for studies was limited to the previous 12 years (2011–23), as earlier reviews found few evaluations of interventions in the UK.Data extraction and synthesis The reviewers worked independently using standardised approach to search, screen and code the included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools (ROB 2 or ROBINS-I).Results Six trials (five studies) were identified, including two randomised controlled trials (RCT), one cluster randomised trial (CRT), two feasibility CRTs and one impact assessment. The total number of participants was 566. Three trials focused on disadvantaged families and two included high-risk children categorised as having overweight or obesity. Compared with baseline, five interventions reported reductions in zBMI, three of which were statistically significant (p

Abstract Background Integrated care has become a central feature of health system reform worldwide. In England, Integrated Care Systems (ICS) are intended to improve integration across public health, the National Health Service (NHS), education and social care. By April 2021, England had been divided into 42 geographical areas, each tasked with developing local ICS provision. However, it was not clear how ICSs would address the specific needs of children and young people (CYP). This study elicited the views of senior professional stakeholders in the first year of the ICS national roll out, to learn how integrated care for CYP was being implemented within the ICSs and future plans for service provision. Methods A qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, NHS managers and local authority leaders (n = 25) selected from a diverse sample of ICSs (n = 7) across England, conducted during winter 2021/22. Reflexive thematic analysis involving a collaborative coding approach was used to analyse interview transcripts. Results Four themes were identified, indicating challenges and opportunities for ICSs in relation to the health of CYP: 1) Best start in life (a more holistic approach to health afforded by integrated care); 2) Local and national contexts (tensions between local and national settings and priorities); 3) Funding and planning (instituting innovative, long-term plans using limited existing CYP funding streams); 4) Organisational complexities (integrating the work of diverse organisations). Conclusions The views of stakeholders, provided at the beginning of the journey towards developing local ICS CYP provision, revealed a common aspiration to change focus from provision of acute, largely adult-orientated services towards one with a broader, population health remit, including prevention and early intervention. This would be delivered by integration of a range of local services, including health, education, housing and social care, to set CYP on a life-long path towards improved health and wellbeing. Yet there was an awareness that change would take place over time within existing national policy and funding frameworks, and would require overcoming organisational barriers through further developing local collaborations and partnerships. As ICSs mature, the experiences of stakeholders should continue to be canvassed to identify practical lessons for successful CYP integrated care.

Abstract: Residential energy efficiency programs play an important role in combating climate change. More precise quantification of the magnitude and timing of energy savings would bring large system benefits, allowing closer integration of energy efficiency into resource adequacy planning and balancing variable renewable electricity. However, it is often difficult to quantify the efficacy of an energy efficiency intervention, because doing so requires consideration of a hypothetical counterfactual case in which there was no intervention, and randomized control trials are often implausible. Although quasi-experimental econometric evaluation sometimes works well, we find that for a set of energy efficiency rebate programs in Northern California, a naïve interpretation of econometric measurement finds that rebate participation is associated with an average increase in electricity consumption of 7.2% [4.5%, 10.1%], varying in magnitude and sign depending on the type of appliance or service covered by the rebate. A subsequent household survey on appliance purchasing behavior and analysis of utility customer outreach data suggest that this regression approach is likely measuring the gross impact of buying a new appliance but fails to adequately capture a counterfactual comparison. Indeed, it is unclear whether it is even possible to construct a suitable counterfactual for econometric analyses of these rebate programs using data generally available to electric utilities. We view these results as an illustration of a limitation of econometric methods of program evaluation and the importance of weighing engineering modeling and other imperfect methods against one another when attempting to provide useful evaluations of real-world policy interventions.

ObjectiveThe National Neuropsychology Network (NNN) is a multicenter clinical research initiative funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; R01 MH118514) to facilitate neuropsychology's transition to contemporary psychometric assessment methods with resultant improvement in test validation and assessment efficiency.MethodThe NNN includes four clinical research sites (Emory University; Medical College of Wisconsin; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); University of Florida) and Pearson Clinical Assessment. Pearson Q-interactive (Q-i) is used for data capture for Pearson published tests; web-based data capture tools programmed by UCLA, which serves as the Coordinating Center, are employed for remaining measures.ResultsNNN is acquiring item-level data from 500-10,000 patients across 47 widely used Neuropsychology (NP) tests and sharing these data via the NIMH Data Archive. Modern psychometric methods (e.g., item response theory) will specify the constructs measured by different tests and determine their positive/negative predictive power regarding diagnostic outcomes and relationships to other clinical, historical, and demographic factors. The Structured History Protocol for NP (SHiP-NP) helps standardize acquisition of relevant history and self-report data.ConclusionsNNN is a proof-of-principle collaboration: by addressing logistical challenges, NNN aims to engage other clinics to create a national and ultimately an international network. The mature NNN will provide mechanisms for data aggregation enabling shared analysis and collaborative research. NNN promises ultimately to enable robust diagnostic inferences about neuropsychological test patterns and to promote the validation of novel adaptive assessment strategies that will be more efficient, more precise, and more sensitive to clinical contexts and individual/cultural differences.

The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) held a virtual event, the LBDA Biofluid/Tissue Biomarker Symposium, on January 25, 2021, to present advances in biomarkers for Lewy body dementia (LBD), which includes dementia with Lewy bodies (DLBs) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). The meeting featured eight internationally known scientists from Europe and the United States and attracted over 200 scientists and physicians from academic centers, the National Institutes of Health, and the pharmaceutical industry. Methods for confirming and quantifying the presence of Lewy body and Alzheimer's pathology and novel biomarkers were discussed.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to pilot safety and tolerability of a 1-week aerobic exercise program during the post-acute phase of concussion (14-25 days post-injury) by examining adherence, symptom response, and key functional outcomes (e.g., cognition, mood, sleep, postural stability, and neurocognitive performance) in young adults.MethodA randomized, non-blinded pilot clinical trial was performed to compare the effects of aerobic versus non-aerobic exercise (placebo) in concussion patients. The study enrolled three groups: 1) patients with concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) randomized to an aerobic exercise intervention performed daily for 1-week, 2) patients with concussion/mTBI randomized to a non-aerobic (stretching and calisthenics) exercise program performed daily for 1-week, and 3) non-injured, no intervention reference group.ResultsMixed-model analysis of variance results indicated a significant decrease in symptom severity scores from pre- to post-intervention (mean difference = -7.44, 95% CI [-12.37, -2.20]) for both concussion groups. However, the pre- to post-change was not different between groups. Secondary outcomes all showed improvements by post-intervention, but no differences in trajectory between the groups. By three months post-injury, all outcomes in the concussion groups were within ranges of the non-injured reference group.ConclusionsResults from this study indicate that the feasibility and tolerability of administering aerobic exercise via stationary cycling in the post-acute time frame following post-concussion (14-25 days) period are tentatively favorable. Aerobic exercise does not appear to negatively impact recovery trajectories of neurobehavioral outcomes; however, tolerability may be poorer for patients with high symptom burden.