1
|
İnce B, Phillips MD, Zenasni Z, Shearer J, Dalton B, Irish M, Mercado D, Webb H, McCombie C, Au K, Kern N, Clark-Stone S, Connan F, Johnston AL, Lazarova S, Zadeh E, Newell C, Pathan T, Wales J, Cashmore R, Marshall S, Arcelus J, Robinson P, Byford S, Landau S, Lawrence V, Himmerich H, Treasure J, Schmidt U. Autopsy of a failed trial part 2: Outcomes, challenges, and lessons learnt from the DAISIES trial. Eur Eat Disord Rev 2024; 32:476-489. [PMID: 38109218 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relative merits of inpatient or day-treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) are unknown. The DAISIES trial aimed to establish the non-inferiority of a stepped-care day patient treatment (DPT) approach versus inpatient treatment as usual (IP-TAU) for improving body mass index (BMI) at 12 months in adults with AN. The trial was terminated due to poor recruitment. This paper presents outcomes and investigates the reasons behind the trial's failure. METHOD Fifteen patients with AN (of 53 approached) participated and were followed-up to 6 or 12 months. Summary statistics were calculated due to low sample size, and qualitative data concerning treatment experiences were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS At baseline, participants in both trial arms rated stepped-care DPT as more acceptable. At 12 months, participants' BMIs had increased in both trial arms. Qualitative analysis highlighted valued and challenging aspects of care across settings. Only 6/12 sites opened for recruitment. Among patients approached, the most common reason for declining participation was their treatment preference (n = 12/38). CONCLUSIONS No conclusions can be drawn concerning the effectiveness of IP-TAU and stepped-care DPT, but the latter was perceived more positively. Patient-related, service-related and systemic factors (COVID-19) contributed to the trial's failure. Lessons learnt can inform future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Başak İnce
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew D Phillips
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zohra Zenasni
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Shearer
- Department of Health Service & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bethan Dalton
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Madeleine Irish
- The Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniela Mercado
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Webb
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine McCombie
- Department of Health Service & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katie Au
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nikola Kern
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sam Clark-Stone
- Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | - Frances Connan
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ewa Zadeh
- South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ciarán Newell
- Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Tayeem Pathan
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leatherhead, UK
| | - Jackie Wales
- Leicestershire Adult Eating Disorders Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Bennion Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Rebecca Cashmore
- Leicestershire Adult Eating Disorders Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Bennion Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Sandra Marshall
- Leicestershire Adult Eating Disorders Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Bennion Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Jon Arcelus
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul Robinson
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Byford
- Department of Health Service & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sabine Landau
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Lawrence
- Department of Health Service & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cochrane MM, Addis BR, Lowe WH. Stage-Specific Demographic Effects of Hydrologic Variation in a Stream Salamander. Am Nat 2024; 203:E175-E187. [PMID: 38635365 DOI: 10.1086/729466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
AbstractWe lack a strong understanding of how organisms with complex life histories respond to climate variation. Many stream-associated species have multistage life histories that are likely to influence the demographic consequences of floods and droughts. However, tracking stage-specific demographic responses requires high-resolution, long-term data that are rare. We used 8 years of capture-recapture data for the headwater stream salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus to quantify the effects of flooding and drying magnitude on stage-specific vital rates and population growth. Drying reduced larval recruitment but increased the probability of metamorphosis (i.e., adult recruitment). Flooding reduced adult recruitment but had no effect on larval recruitment. Larval and adult survival declined with flooding but were unaffected by drying. Annual population growth rates (λ) declined with flooding and drying. Lambda also declined over the study period (2012-2021), although mean λ was 1.0 over this period. Our results indicate that G. porphyriticus populations are resilient to hydrologic variation because of compensatory effects on recruitment of larvae versus adults (i.e., reproduction vs. metamorphosis). Complex life cycles may enable this resilience to climate variation by creating opportunities for compensatory demographic responses across stages. However, more frequent and intense hydrologic variation in the latter half of this study contributed to a decline in λ over time, suggesting that increasing environmental variability poses a threat even when demographic compensation occurs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dady N, Toplan S, Gardere J, Moore R, Agandi L, Ulysse UF, Aminpour A, Gelvin M, Akinsanya J, Steier K. Diversity in osteopathic medical school admissions and the COMPASS program: an update. J Osteopath Med 2024; 124:205-212. [PMID: 38265309 DOI: 10.1515/jom-2023-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
In the United States, the 40 colleges of osteopathic medicine and 157 schools of allopathic medicine face challenges in recruiting candidates who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM), and gaps in racial disparity appear to be widening. In this commentary, the authors provide an analysis of the data collected from 8 years of conducting a URiM recruitment and welcoming social events. The event is sponsored by a student special interest group called Creating Osteopathic Minority Physicians Who Achieve Scholastic Success (COMPASS) at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York (TouroCOM-NY). The results of the 8-year data analysis supports the conclusion that the COMPASS program has benefited the school environment through increased diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Dady
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven Toplan
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Gardere
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robin Moore
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Lorreen Agandi
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Aida Aminpour
- Touro University School of Health Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - McKensie Gelvin
- Touro University School of Health Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jemima Akinsanya
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth Steier
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arena S, Adams M, Burns J. Exploring the Use of Customized Links to Improve Electronic Engagement With Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Among Young African American Male Individuals: Web-Based Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e48371. [PMID: 38656772 DOI: 10.2196/48371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown that heterosexual African American male individuals aged 18-24 years have a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. There is a critical need to promote sexual reproductive health (SRH) services among this population, especially in urban settings. Young African American male individuals use social media platforms to access health information, showcasing the potential of social media and web-based links as tools to leverage electronic engagement with this population to promote SRH care. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore electronic engagement with young African American male individuals in discussions about SRH care. This paper focuses on the recruitment and social media marketing methods used to recruit young, heterosexual African American male individuals aged 18-24 years for the Stay Safe Project, a larger study that aims to promote SRH services among this population in Detroit, Michigan. We investigate the use of TinyURL, a URL shortener and customized tool, and culturally informed social media marketing strategies to promote electronic engagement within this population. METHODS Participants were recruited between December 2021 and February 2022 through various modes, including email listserves, Mailchimp, the UMHealthResearch website, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Images and vector graphics of African American male individuals were used to create social media advertisements that directed participants to click on a TinyURL that led to a recruitment survey for the study. RESULTS TinyURL metrics were used to monitor demographic and user data, analyzing the top countries, browsers, operating systems, and devices of individuals who engaged with the customized TinyURL links and the total human and unique clicks from various social media platforms. Mailchimp was the most successful platform for electronic engagement with human and unique clicks on the custom TinyURL link, followed by Instagram and Facebook. In contrast, X, traditional email, and research recruiting websites had the least engagement among our population. Success was determined based on the type of user and follower for each platform, whether gained in the community through sign-ups or promoted at peak user time and embedded and spotlighted on nontraditional media (eg, social media sites, blogs, and podcasts) for the user. Low engagement (eg, traditional email) from the target population, limited visibility, and fewer followers contributed to decreased engagement. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into leveraging customized, shortened URLs, TinyURL metrics, and social media platforms to improve electronic engagement with young African American male individuals seeking information and resources about SRH care. The results of this study have been used to develop a pilot intervention for this population that will contribute to strategies for encouraging sexual well-being, clinic use, and appropriate linkage to SRH care services among young, heterosexual African American male individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Arena
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mackenzie Adams
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jade Burns
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Tantillo L, McCabe BE, Zdanowicz M, Ortega J, Gonzalez JM, Chaparro S. Implementing Strategies to Recruit and Retain a Diverse Sample of Heart Failure Patients. Hisp Health Care Int 2024:15404153241248144. [PMID: 38646673 DOI: 10.1177/15404153241248144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: The increased prevalence, severity, and mortality of heart disease and specifically heart failure among Hispanic and Black populations are a concern for clinicians and researchers. Additionally, patients of poor socioeconomic status also have worse outcomes for cardiovascular disease. To address disparities, it is necessary to address the persistent lack of representation in clinical research of diverse populations, including the Hispanic and Black populations and individuals who are of low socioeconomic status. Method: This study was a pilot randomized trial of a medication adherence intervention for heart failure patients conducted at a safety net hospital and affiliated pharmacy with a diverse patient population. Using an evidence-based multifactorial approach, this investigation implemented and adapted best practices to support the inclusion of Hispanic, Black, and socioeconomically diverse participants. Results: A total of 40 participants were recruited, 58% were Hispanic, 38% Black, and 5% White. A total of 40% reported the need for socioeconomic assistance. At 30 days after discharge, follow-up data were obtained for 37 of 40 (93%) of participants either by interview, electronic record, or both. Conclusion: Findings suggest that a combination of strategies used in this trial can be applied to recruit and retain ethnically and socioeconomically diverse participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lila de Tantillo
- Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, Keigwin School of Nursing, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Brian E McCabe
- Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling (SERC), Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Johis Ortega
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Juan M Gonzalez
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Sandra Chaparro
- Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu RI, Torous VF. Cytopathology fellowship match: Pros and cons. Diagn Cytopathol 2024. [PMID: 38642074 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
A cytopathology fellowship match would create an enforced and structured recruitment timeline for the benefit of applicants and programs. Major benefits would include delaying fellowship applications to allow residents to explore different subspecialty areas, a standardized application process for administrative ease, and optimization of matches between applicants and programs based on ranked preferences rather than use of time-limited "exploding offers." The overall gains in efficiency and achieving the primary goals of supporting trainees and recruiting in an equitable and inclusive manner outweigh any downsides to instituting a cytopathology fellowship match. We aim to review the major discussions around this ongoing debate, arriving at the same conclusion as others in the literature that a pan-pathology fellowship match is ideal and that leadership from the Association of Pathology Chairs will be essential in unifying the fractured fellowship recruitment process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roseann I Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vanda F Torous
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nwosu C, Khan H, Masese R, Nocek JM, Gollan S, Varughese T, Bourne S, Clesca C, Jacobs SR, Baumann A, Klesges LM, Shah N, Hankins JS, Smeltzer MP. Recruitment Strategies in the Integration of Mobile Health Into Sickle Cell Disease Care to Increase Hydroxyurea Utilization Study (meSH): Multicenter Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e48767. [PMID: 38625729 DOI: 10.2196/48767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea is an evidence-based disease-modifying therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD) but is underutilized. The Integration of Mobile Health into Sickle Cell Disease Care to Increase Hydroxyurea Utilization (meSH) multicenter study leveraged mHealth to deliver targeted interventions to patients and providers. SCD studies often underenroll; and recruitment strategies in the SCD population are not widely studied. Unanticipated events can negatively impact enrollment, making it important to study strategies that ensure adequate study accrual. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to evaluate enrollment barriers and the impact of modified recruitment strategies among patients and providers in the meSH study in response to a global emergency. METHODS Recruitment was anticipated to last 2 months for providers and 6 months for patients. The recruitment strategies used with patients and providers, new recruitment strategies, and recruitment rates were captured and compared. To document recruitment adaptations and their reasons, study staff responsible for recruitment completed an open-ended 9-item questionnaire eliciting challenges to recruitment and strategies used. Themes were extrapolated using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Total enrollment across the 7 sites included 89 providers and 293 patients. The study acceptance rate was 85.5% (382/447) for both patients and providers. The reasons patients declined participation were most frequently a lack of time and interest in research, while providers mostly declined because of self-perceived high levels of SCD expertise, believing they did not need the intervention. Initially, recruitment involved an in-person invitation to participate during clinic visits (patients), staff meetings (providers), or within the office (providers). We identified several important recruitment challenges, including (1) lack of interest in research, (2) lack of human resources, (3) unavailable physical space for recruitment activities, and (4) lack of documentation to verify eligibility. Adaptive strategies were crucial to alleviate enrollment disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included remote approaching and consenting (eg, telehealth, email, and telephone) for patients and providers. Additionally, for patients, recruitment was enriched by simplification of enrollment procedures (eg, directly approaching patients without a referral from the provider) and a multitouch method (ie, warm introductions with flyers, texts, and patient portal messages). We found that patient recruitment rates were similar between in-person and adapted (virtual with multitouch) approaches (167/200, 83.5% and 126/143, 88.1%, respectively; P=.23). However, for providers, recruitment was significantly higher for in-person vs remote recruitment (48/50, 96% and 41/54, 76%, respectively, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS We found that timely adaptation in recruitment strategies secured high recruitment rates using an assortment of enriched remote recruitment strategies. Flexibility in approach and reducing the burden of enrollment procedures for participants aided enrollment. It is important to continue identifying effective recruitment strategies in studies involving patients with SCD and their providers and the impact and navigation of recruitment challenges. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT03380351; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03380351. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/16319.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinonyelum Nwosu
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Hamda Khan
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | | | - Judith M Nocek
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Taniya Varughese
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Sarah Bourne
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Cindy Clesca
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara R Jacobs
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Ana Baumann
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lisa M Klesges
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Jane S Hankins
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Leal Mena EM, Iañez-Domínguez A. Juvenile Delinquency in the Context of Organized Crime in Mexico: A Systematic Review. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2024:306624X241246516. [PMID: 38622831 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x241246516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
In 2007, Mexico implemented a strategy to combat drug trafficking through military intervention, after which a significant increase in homicides, mainly among young men, was observed and linked to structural problems as well as organized crime, especially the recruitment of youth, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Through a systematic review of the literature from 2013 to 2022, we have compiled the reported factors influencing the recruitment of adolescents by organized crime in Mexico and conducted a metasynthesis of the data according to the multiple levels that affect adolescents: individual, family, community, cultural, and social. This research has shown that many of the factors reported are interrelated and need to be studied holistically. In addition, many of the factors are common to other forms of juvenile delinquency, but the main difference is the presence of organized crime itself in the community and culture.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tischendorf JS, Filipiak R, Zelenski A, Osman F, Siraj D. Emphasis of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on US Adult Infectious Disease Fellowship Program Websites in the Era of Virtual Recruitment. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:931-935. [PMID: 36976165 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Women and underrepresented-in-medicine applicants value a climate for diversity when selecting graduate medical education training programs. Climate may not be accurately represented during virtual recruitment. Optimizing program websites may help overcome this barrier. We reviewed websites for adult infectious disease fellowships that participated in the 2022 National Resident Matching Program for emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Fewer than half expressed DEI language in their mission statement or had a dedicated DEI statement or webpage. Programs should consider emphasizing their commitment to DEI prominently on their websites, which may help recruit candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Tischendorf
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rachel Filipiak
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amy Zelenski
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Fauzia Osman
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dawd Siraj
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hayek JC, Blitzer MG, Robin NH. "Why did I choose genetics?": A survey of current and recent medical genetics and genomics residents provides insight into recruitment efforts. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63623. [PMID: 38602123 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
There is a shortage of clinical geneticists, even with concerted recruitment efforts. Previously, no data had been collected about why young career geneticists chose this specialty. To investigate this question, we carried out a survey of current and recent medical genetics and genomics residents. The goal of this survey was to understand their reasons for pursuing medical genetics and genomics as a specialty. Results demonstrate that, for most, interest in genetics begins in medical school and was largely influenced by mentorship. This suggests that placing greater focus on introducing medical genetics as a clinical specialty and fostering robust mentorship of students in preclinical years may increase recruitment into medical genetics residencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Cassady Hayek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Miriam G Blitzer
- American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG), Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Human Genetics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathaniel H Robin
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Spoor J, Vrancken Peeters MJTDF, Oldenburg HSA, Bleiker EMA, van Leeuwen FE. Strategies to increase survey participation: a randomized controlled study in a population of breast cancer survivors. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 94:S1047-2797(24)00047-4. [PMID: 38609024 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data collection by mailing questionnaires to the study population is one of the main research methods in epidemiologic studies. As participation rates are decreasing, easy-to-implement and cost-effective strategies to increase survey participation are needed. In this study, we tested the effect of a pragmatic combination of evidence-based interventions. METHODS We conducted a two-armed randomized controlled trial, nested in a cohort of breast cancer survivors (n=1000) in the setting of a health outcomes survey. The intervention arm received a postal pre-notification, a non-monetary incentive (ballpoint with the study logo) and an alternative invitation letter in which several lay-out and textual adjustments were implemented according to behavioural science techniques. The alternative invitation letter also contained a QR-code through which an information video about the study could be accessed. The control arm was invited according to standard practice. Participants had the option to fill-out a questionnaire either on paper or online. A questionnaire with more than 50% of the questions answered classified as participation. RESULTS Overall participation rate was 62.9%. No significant difference in participation rate was observed between intervention and control arm (64.5% vs 61.3%, Risk Ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% CI [0.96 - 1.16]). Older age at study (>65 vs <51 years), and high socio-economic status (highest vs lowest quartile) were associated with higher participation rates (RR 1.30, 95% CI [1.07 - 1.57] and 1.24, 95% CI [1.09 - 1.42] respectively). In-situ carcinoma compared to invasive cancer and longer interval since treatment were associated with lower participation (RR 0.86, 95% CI [0.74 - 0.99] and RR 0.92, 95% CI [0.87 - 0.99] per 5 year increase, respectively). CONCLUSION Overall, the combination of four interventions tested in this study did not improve survey participation among breast cancer survivors. The overall participation rate was relatively high, possibly due to the study population of cancer survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Spoor
- Department of Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marie-Jeanne T D F Vrancken Peeters
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hester S A Oldenburg
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline M A Bleiker
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Family Cancer Clinic, Netherlands Cancer Institute Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Flora E van Leeuwen
- Department of Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Orfin RH, Uceda V, Gardner C, Estrada B, Tamayo E, Hernández-Torres R, Li D, Rahman I, McIntosh S, Ossip DJ, Cupertino AP, Cartujano-Barrera F. Recruiting Latino young adults into a vaping cessation study via social media: Feasibility and cost analysis. Tob Prev Cessat 2024; 10:TPC-10-16. [PMID: 38596182 PMCID: PMC11002960 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/186146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aims to assess the feasibility and cost of recruiting young Latino adults (aged 18-25 years) to participate in a vaping cessation study via social media and to describe the baseline characteristics of participants enrolled via social media. METHODS Paid advertisements were launched using the Meta Ads platform, which serves ads to users on Facebook and Instagram. Key measures of audience targeting included ages 18-25 years, all genders, and the following interests: 'electronic cigarettes', 'vape', 'Latin pop', and 'Latin music'. The advertisements invited young Latino adults to join a text messaging vaping cessation study. By clicking on the advertisements, interested individuals were directed to a website to fill in a contact form. The study team contacted individuals who filled in the form, assessed them for study eligibility, and, if eligible, enrolled them in the study. RESULTS A total of 164 individuals completed the contact form, and 26 were successfully enrolled in the study. The enrollment efficiency ratio was 15.9% (26/164). The cost per enrollment was US$94.14. The participants' mean age was 22.7 years (SD=1.6). Half of the participants (50%) were male, 38.5% were female, and 11.5% were gender non-conforming/non-binary. Two-thirds of the participants (69.2%) were born in the US, 23.1% in Puerto Rico, and 7.7% in Mexico. Eight participants (30.7%) selected Spanish as their language of preference. In terms of the type of vaping device, 16 participants (61.5%) indicated using disposables, 6 (23.1%) cartridges/pods, and 4 (15.4%) tanks/refillable. Sixteen participants (61.5%) reported using marijuana in e-cigarettes. Six participants (23.1%) had high e-cigarette dependence. Twenty participants (76.9%) had attempted to quit e-cigarettes in the past year. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to recruit young Latino adults for a vaping cessation study via social media. Social media offers a relatively low-cost approach to recruiting a diverse sample of Latino young adults who vape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael H. Orfin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
| | - Victoria Uceda
- School of Medicine, St. George's University, United States
| | - Cody Gardner
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
| | | | | | | | - Dongmei Li
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
| | - Irfan Rahman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
| | - Scott McIntosh
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
| | - Deborah J. Ossip
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
| | - Ana Paula Cupertino
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang W, Li X, Yan H, Sun Y, Wu D, Du Y, Luo Y. Recruitment of beneficial cucumber rhizosphere microbes mediated by amino acid secretion induced by biocontrol Bacillus subtilis isolate 1JN2. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1379566. [PMID: 38638900 PMCID: PMC11024430 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1379566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction At present, the use of beneficial microorganisms to control cucumber Fusarium wilt is a widely used method, and the rhizosphere microecological reset is one of the mechanisms involved. However, how biocontrol strains reshape cucumber rhizosphere microecology remains to be further studied. Methods The composition changes of cucumber root exudates induced by biocontrol strain 1JN2, the microbial ecology of cucumber rhizosphere and the colonization ability of biocontrol strain 1JN2 in cucumber rhizosphere were analyzed through UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, Illumina high-throughput sequencing and SEM, respectively. Results First, cucumber plants treated with biocontrol Bacillus 1JN2 reduced the disease severity of Fusarium wilt by 60%. Significant changes in cucumber root exudates were found after 1JN2 inoculation and the contents of four amino acids including glutamine, tryptophan, glycine and glutamic acid were significantly increased. Second, It was found that the bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of cucumber was significantly increased in both the strain treatment group and the amino acid mixture treatment group, The number of Bacillus was the largest in all dominant populations, exceeded 20% in all treatment groups. The bacteria of Hydrogenispora and Vicinamibacteria were significantly increased after treatment. Discussion Overall, the results demonstrated that amino acid substances in cucumber root exudates induced by biocontrol strain 1JN2 can shift the cucumber root microenvironment and prevent the occurrence of Fusarium wilt disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an, China
| | - Haixia Yan
- Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center, Huai’an, China
| | - Yiwen Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an, China
| | - Diwen Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an, China
| | - Ying Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an, China
| | - Yuming Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang M, Samper‐Ternent R, Volpi E, Green A, Lichtenstein M, Araujo K, Borek P, Charpentier P, Dziura J, Gill TM, Galloway R, Greene EJ, Lenoir K, Peduzzi P, Meng C, Reese J, Shelton A, Skokos EA, Summapund J, Unger E, Reuben DB, Williamson JD, Stevens AB. The dementia care study (D-CARE): Recruitment strategies and demographic characteristics of participants in a pragmatic randomized trial of dementia care. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:2575-2588. [PMID: 38358084 PMCID: PMC11032530 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pragmatic research studies that include diverse dyads of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their family caregivers are rare. METHODS Community-dwelling dyads were recruited for a pragmatic clinical trial evaluating three approaches to dementia care. Four clinical trial sites used shared and site-specific recruitment strategies to enroll health system patients. RESULTS Electronic health record (EHR) queries of patients with a diagnosis of dementia and engagement of their clinicians were the main recruitment strategies. A total of 2176 dyads were enrolled, with 80% recruited after the onset of the pandemic. PLWD had a mean age of 80.6 years (SD 8.5), 58.4% were women, and 8.8% were Hispanic/Latino, and 11.9% were Black/African American. Caregivers were mostly children of the PLWD (46.5%) or spouses/partners (45.2%), 75.8% were women, 9.4% were Hispanic/Latino, and 11.6% were Black/African American. DISCUSSION Health systems can successfully enroll diverse dyads in a pragmatic clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Yang
- Section on Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology and the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Department of Internal MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest BaptistWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rafael Samper‐Ternent
- School of Public Healthand Institute on AgingThe University of Texas Health Science Center in HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
- Sealy Center on AgingThe University of Texas Medical Branch‐ GalvestonGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Elena Volpi
- Sealy Center on AgingThe University of Texas Medical Branch‐ GalvestonGalvestonTexasUSA
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging StudiesThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Aval‐Na'Ree Green
- Center for Applied Health ResearchBaylor Scott & White Health & Texas A&M Health Sciences CenterTempleTexasUSA
| | - Maya Lichtenstein
- Department of NeurologyGeisinger Medical CenterWilkes‐BarrePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Katy Araujo
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of GeriatricsYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Pamela Borek
- Department of NeurologyGeisinger Medical CenterWilkes‐BarrePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Peter Charpentier
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of GeriatricsYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - James Dziura
- Yale Center for Analytical SciencesYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Thomas M. Gill
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of GeriatricsYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Rebecca Galloway
- Sealy Center on AgingThe University of Texas Medical Branch‐ GalvestonGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Erich J. Greene
- Yale Center for Analytical SciencesYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Kristin Lenoir
- Section on Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology and the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Department of Internal MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest BaptistWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Peter Peduzzi
- Yale Center for Analytical SciencesYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Can Meng
- Yale Center for Analytical SciencesYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Jordan Reese
- Center for Applied Health ResearchBaylor Scott & White Health & Texas A&M Health Sciences CenterTempleTexasUSA
| | - Amy Shelton
- Yale Center for Analytical SciencesYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Eleni A. Skokos
- Yale Center for Analytical SciencesYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Jenny Summapund
- Multicampus Program in Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology, Division of GeriatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLAUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Erin Unger
- Multicampus Program in Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology, Division of GeriatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLAUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - David B. Reuben
- Multicampus Program in Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology, Division of GeriatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLAUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jeff D. Williamson
- Section on Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology and the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Department of Internal MedicineWake Forest School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest BaptistWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alan B. Stevens
- Center for Applied Health ResearchBaylor Scott & White Health & Texas A&M Health Sciences CenterTempleTexasUSA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Leong RC, Bugnot AB, Ross PM, Erickson KR, Gibbs MC, Marzinelli EM, O'Connor WA, Parker LM, Poore AGB, Scanes E, Gribben PE. Recruitment of a threatened foundation oyster species varies with large and small spatial scales. Ecol Appl 2024:e2968. [PMID: 38562000 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how habitat attributes (e.g., patch area and sizes, connectivity) control recruitment and how this is modified by processes operating at larger spatial scales is fundamental to understanding population sustainability and developing successful long-term restoration strategies for marine foundation species-including for globally threatened reef-forming oysters. In two experiments, we assessed the recruitment and energy reserves of oyster recruits onto remnant reefs of the oyster Saccostrea glomerata in estuaries spanning 550 km of coastline in southeastern Australia. In the first experiment, we determined whether recruitment of oysters to settlement plates in three estuaries was correlated with reef attributes within patches (distances to patch edges and surface elevation), whole-patch attributes (shape and size of patches), and landscape attributes (connectivity). We also determined whether environmental factors (e.g., sedimentation and water temperature) explained the differences among recruitment plates. We also tested whether differences in energy reserves of recruits could explain the differences between two of the estuaries (one high- and one low-sedimentation estuary). In the second experiment, across six estuaries (three with nominally high and three with nominally low sedimentation rates), we tested the hypothesis that, at the estuary scale, recruitment and survival were negatively correlated to sedimentation. Overall, total oyster recruitment varied mostly at the scale of estuaries rather than with reef attributes and was negatively correlated with sedimentation. Percentage recruit survival was, however, similar among estuaries, although energy reserves and condition of recruits were lower at a high- compared to a low-sediment estuary. Within each estuary, total oyster recruitment increased with patch area and decreased with increasing tidal height. Our results showed that differences among estuaries have the largest influence on oyster recruitment and recruit health and this may be explained by environmental processes operating at the same scale. While survival was high across all estuaries, growth and reproduction of oysters on remnant reefs may be affected by sublethal effects on the health of recruits in high-sediment estuaries. Thus, restoration programs should consider lethal and sublethal effects of whole-estuary environmental processes when selecting sites and include environmental mitigation actions to maximize recruitment success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rick C Leong
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pauline M Ross
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine R Erickson
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mitchell C Gibbs
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ezequiel M Marzinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wayne A O'Connor
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Anna Bay, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura M Parker
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alistair G B Poore
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elliot Scanes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Porticella N, Cannon JS, Wu CL, Ferguson SG, Thrasher JF, Hackworth EE, Niederdeppe J. Recruitment Methods, Inclusion, and Successful Participation in a Longitudinal Clinical Trial Using Ecological Momentary Assessment. Health Educ Behav 2024; 51:280-290. [PMID: 38008973 PMCID: PMC10980577 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231210520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Underrepresentation of historically marginalized populations in clinical trials continues to threaten the validity of health intervention research. Evidence supports the merits of intercept and other proactive forms of recruitment for achieving more equitable representation. However, researchers also report lower retention and adherence to protocols among these populations, particularly in longitudinal studies. Few studies have compared recruitment methods for longitudinal randomized trials testing health interventions, with even fewer having done so for trials involving ecological momentary assessment (EMA). As intervention research integrates EMA and other data collection approaches requiring substantial participant effort, it is critical to better understand the effectiveness and implications of strategies to improve the representativeness of health research. This secondary data analysis compared outcomes of proactive and reactive recruitment strategies (mobile lab intercepts and internet/flyer advertising, respectively) in study inclusion, task completion, and retention within a 14-day randomized controlled trial that used EMA to evaluate cigarette package health messages. Proactive recruitment resulted in higher proportions of participants with low income and education, limited health literacy, and of diverse racial/ethnic makeup. However, this recruitment method also resulted in lower task completion, especially in the second week of the trial period, and lower retention, although group differences were not explained by participant sociodemographic characteristics targeted by inclusion efforts. We conclude that proactive recruitment via intercepts is an effective strategy for health intervention research that aims to include stakeholders from historically marginalized groups but that researchers and funders must recognize these methods require additional resources, considerations, and capacity to address non-trivial challenges to successful participation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie S. Cannon
- Department of English and Communication Studies, Roanoke College, Salem, VA, USA
| | - Chung Li Wu
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Stuart G. Ferguson
- Tasmania School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - James F. Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Emily E. Hackworth
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jeff Niederdeppe
- Department of Communication, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bonfim M, López DP, Repetto MF, Freestone AL. Speed and degree of functional and compositional recovery varies with latitude and community age. Ecology 2024; 105:e4259. [PMID: 38404022 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Rates at which a community recovers after disturbance, or its resilience, can be accelerated by increased net primary productivity and recolonization dynamics such as recruitment. These mechanisms can vary across biogeographic gradients, such as latitude, suggesting that biogeography is likely important to predicting resilience. To test whether community resilience, informed by functional and compositional recovery, hinges on geographic location, we employed a standardized replicated experiment on marine invertebrate communities across four regions from the tropics to the subarctic zone. Communities assembled naturally on standardized substrate while experiencing distinct levels of biomass removal (no removal, low disturbance, and high disturbance), which opened space for new colonizers, thereby providing a pulse of limited resource to these communities. We then quantified functional (space occupancy and biomass) and compositional recovery from these repeated pulse disturbances across two community assembly timescales (early and late at 3 and 12 months, respectively). We documented latitudinal variation in resilience across 47° latitude, where speed of functional recovery was higher toward lower latitudes yet incomplete at late assembly in the tropics and subtropics. The degree of functional recovery did not coincide with compositional recovery, and regional differences in recruitment and growth likely contributed to functional recovery in these communities. While biogeographic variation in community resilience has been predicted, our results are among the first to examine functional and compositional recovery from disturbance in a single large-scale standardized experiment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bonfim
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana P López
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Panama
| | - Michele F Repetto
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy L Freestone
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Panama
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Padula CB, Ball S, Wyman MF, Evans K, Grant H, Periyakoil VS, Zhu CW, Yaffe K, Huang GD. INviting Veterans InTo Enrollment in Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (INVITE-ADRC): An NIA and VA-sponsored initiative to increase veteran participation in aging and dementia research. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3088-3098. [PMID: 38348782 PMCID: PMC11032542 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older military veterans often present with unique and complex risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. Increasing veteran participation in research studies offers one avenue to advance the field and improve health outcomes. METHODS To this end, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) partnered to build infrastructure, improve collaboration, and intensify targeted recruitment of veterans. This initiative, INviting Veterans InTo Enrollment in Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (INVITE-ADRC), provided funding for five sites and cross-site organizing structure. Diverse and innovative recruitment strategies were used. RESULTS Across five sites, 172 veterans entered registries, and 99 were enrolled into ADRC studies. Of the enrolled, 39 were veterans from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS This initiative laid the groundwork to establish sustainable relationships between the VA and ADRCs. The partnership between both federal agencies demonstrates how mutual interests can accelerate progress. In turn, efforts can help our aging veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia B. Padula
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System & Stanford University ADRCPalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sherry Ball
- VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System HSR&DClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Mary F. Wyman
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & University of Wisconsin ADRCMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Kirsten Evans
- James J. Peters VAMC & Mount Sinai ADRCBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Harli Grant
- University of California, San Francisco, ADRC & VA San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Kristine Yaffe
- University of California, San Francisco, ADRC & VA San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Grant D. Huang
- Office of Research and Development, US Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
McVay MA, Carrera Seoane M, Rajoria M, Dye M, Marshall N, Muenyi S, Alkanderi A, Scotti KB, Ruiz J, Voils CI, Ross KM. A low-burden, self-weighing intervention to prevent weight gain in adults with obesity who do not enroll in comprehensive treatment. Obes Sci Pract 2024; 10:e745. [PMID: 38510333 PMCID: PMC10951869 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background For individuals who are eligible but unlikely to join comprehensive weight loss programs, a low burden self-weighing intervention may be a more acceptable approach to weight management. Methods This was a single-arm feasibility trial of a 12-month self-weighing intervention. Participants were healthcare patients with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 with a weight-related comorbidity or a BMI >30 kg/m2 who reported lack of interest in joining a comprehensive weight loss program, or did not enroll in a comprehensive program after being provided program information. In the self-weighing intervention, participants were asked to weigh themselves daily on a cellular connected scale and were sent text messages every other week with tailored weight change feedback, including messages encouraging use of comprehensive programs if weight gain occurred. Results Of 86 eligible patients, 39 enrolled (45.3%) in the self-weighing intervention. Self-weighing occurred on average 4.6 days/week (SD = 1.4). At 12 months, 12 participants (30.8%) lost ≥3% baseline weight, 11 (28.2%) experienced weight stability (±3% baseline), 6 (15.4%) gained ≥3% of baseline weight, and 10 (25.6%) did not have available weight data to evaluate. Three participants reported joining a weight loss program during the intervention (7.7%). Participants reported high intervention satisfaction in quantitative ratings (4.1 of 5), and qualitative interviews identified areas of satisfaction (e.g., timing and content of text messages) and areas for improvement (e.g., increasing personalization of text messages). Conclusion A low-burden self-weighing intervention can reach adults with overweight/obesity who would be unlikely to engage in comprehensive weight loss programs; the efficacy of this intervention for preventing weight gain should be further evaluated in a randomized trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. McVay
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorCollege of Health and Human PerformanceUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic DiseaseUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Montserrat Carrera Seoane
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorCollege of Health and Human PerformanceUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Marissa Dye
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorCollege of Health and Human PerformanceUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Natalie Marshall
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorCollege of Health and Human PerformanceUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Sofia Muenyi
- Department of Community Health and Family MedicineCollege of Medicine‐JacksonvilleUniversity of FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Anas Alkanderi
- Department of Epidemiology & Community HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Kellie B. Scotti
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorCollege of Health and Human PerformanceUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Jaime Ruiz
- Department of Computer & Information Science & EngineeringCollege of EngineeringUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Corrine I. Voils
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans HospitalMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of SurgerySchool of Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Kathryn M. Ross
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic DiseaseUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Department of Clinical & Health PsychologyCollege of Public Health & Health ProfessionsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Anastasi JK, Capili B, Norton M, McMahon DJ, Marder K. Recruitment and retention of clinical trial participants: understanding motivations of patients with chronic pain and other populations. Front Pain Res (Lausanne) 2024; 4:1330937. [PMID: 38606348 PMCID: PMC11006977 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1330937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to present and discuss the issues, challenges, and strategies related to recruitment and retention in clinical trials involving participants with chronic pain. The randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) is widely regarded as the gold standard for evaluating clinical interventions. However, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining participants. To prioritize the experience of the study population, targeted outreach strategies and a patient-centric approach are necessary. Researchers should consider incorporating recruitment and retention strategies during the study design phase. Implementing multi-pronged recruitment methods, leveraging relationships with community providers, and involving representatives of the patient population are helpful approaches. Effective communication and maintaining a professional environment are vital for optimizing engagement and supporting the successful execution of clinical trials involving participants with chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce K. Anastasi
- Division of Special Studies in Symptom Management, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bernadette Capili
- Heilbrunn Family Center for Research Nursing, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Margaret Norton
- Division of Special Studies in Symptom Management, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Nursing, St. Joseph's University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Donald J. McMahon
- Division of Special Studies in Symptom Management, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Karen Marder
- Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Balén Z, Pliskin E, Cook E, Manlove J, Steiner R, Cervantes M, Garrido M, Nuñez-Eddy C, Day M. Strategies to develop an LGBTQIA+-inclusive adolescent sexual health program evaluation. Front Reprod Health 2024; 6:1327980. [PMID: 38590517 PMCID: PMC11000634 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1327980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescent sexual health interventions are increasingly incorporating content that is inclusive of LGBTQIA+ youth (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other marginalized sexualities and genders). Evaluations of such programs must also be inclusive to enhance the validity of evaluation results and avoid further marginalization. We present strategies for increasing LGBTQIA+-inclusivity based on our evaluation of SafeSpace, a sexual health curriculum. Methods To design an LGBTQIA+-inclusive program evaluation, we leveraged LGBTQIA+ research staff's insights, pursued a parental consent waiver, developed an inclusive recruitment plan, and crafted demographic and sexual behavior survey measures with input from youth and equity experts. We conducted a pilot study with 42 youth ages 14-17 to assess the feasibility and efficacy of our strategies. Results We obtained a parental consent waiver and recruited a majority LGBTQIA+ pilot study sample (62%). Using themes from cognitive interviews with youth and experts regarding inclusive framing and use of plain language, we refined demographic measures and expanded sexual behavior measures. Conclusion Findings suggest that the strategies used to enhance LGBTQIA+-inclusivity in our evaluation of SafeSpace were effective in respectfully and more accurately capturing a fuller range of experiences and identities of LGBTQIA+ and cis-straight youth. The strategies and survey measures developed for this study can be applied to increase LGBTQIA+-inclusivity in other adolescent sexual health program evaluations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maeve Day
- Child Trends, Rockville, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rodriguez C, Gil C, Maupomé G. Successful Retention Strategies for Research Targeting Hispanic/Latinx (Including Recent Immigrants) in the Midwest Region of the United States. Hisp Health Care Int 2024:15404153241235668. [PMID: 38504638 DOI: 10.1177/15404153241235668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Recruiting and retaining Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) participants, specifically undocumented immigrants, is challenging in part because of the mistrust and fear in participating in research studies. Additionally, only a few longitudinal studies describe the recruit and retention strategies among Mexican and Central American immigrants aiming to expand the knowledge base about those underprivileged groups; this was the objective of the 6-year longitudinal VidaSana study. In the present methods report, we specifically omit the presentation of results from the empirical data findings of the VidaSana study: the present report describes the process and offers a subjective appraisal of multiple and complementary approaches in the recruitment and retention strategies for Hispanics living in the Midwest region of the United States, including very recently arrived immigrants. This study was able to effectively recruit and retain (81.7%) a cohort of Mexican and Central American immigrants within a period of 36 months. Our recruitment and retention performance were successful in the context of the hostile environment against immigration that dominated the national landscape at the time of our study. The present methods report of the VidaSana study provides an insightful understanding in recruiting and, in particular, retaining H/Ls and H/L recent immigrants into longitudinal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Rodriguez
- Department of Global Health, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cindy Gil
- Department of Global Health, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Office of Community Engagement, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gerardo Maupomé
- Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Bloomington, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Miles MC, Lenz P, McCallister J, Burkart KM, Huebert C, Moore J, Hinkle L, Short B, Bagley B, Bosslet G. Preparing for Fellowship in Internal Medicine With a Focus on Pulmonary or Critical Care Medicine: Major Principles and New Realities. Chest 2024:S0012-3692(24)00287-3. [PMID: 38458432 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2024.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In this article, the authors provide guidance for applicants to any subspecialty in the medical specialties matching program, with a particular focus on those seeking a match into a pulmonary or critical care medicine training program, or both. The preparation, application, interview, ranking, and match steps are used to discuss available literature that informs this process. Preparing a fellowship application is discussed in terms of personal career goals, and specific strategies are suggested that can help a candidate to assess a program's fit with those goals. In addition to review of recent data on virtual interviewing and interview questioning, the authors provide practical recommendations for candidates seeking to maximize their success in the current interview environment. Finally, key points about generating a rank order list are summarized. This resource will prove useful to any candidate pursuing medical subspecialty training in the current era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Miles
- Section on Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Immunologic Disease, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
| | - Peter Lenz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati
| | - Jennifer McCallister
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Kristin M Burkart
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Candace Huebert
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Jason Moore
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Laura Hinkle
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Briana Short
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Brent Bagley
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Gabriel Bosslet
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kim C, Wile DJ, Kraeutner SN, Larocque KA, Jakobi JM. Short term effects of contralateral tendon vibration on motor unit discharge rate variability and force steadiness in people with Parkinson's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1301012. [PMID: 38529054 PMCID: PMC10962053 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1301012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vibration of one limb affects motor performance of the contralateral limb, and this may have clinical implications for people with lateralized motor impairments through vibration-induced increase in cortical activation, descending neural drive, or spinal excitability. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute biceps brachii tendon vibration on force steadiness and motor unit activity in the contralateral limb of persons with Parkinson's disease. Methods Ten participants with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease severity performed a ramp, hold and de-ramp isometric elbow flexion at 5% of maximum voluntary contraction with the more-affected arm while vibration was applied to the distal biceps brachii tendon on the contralateral, less-affected arm. Using intramuscular fine wire electrodes, 33 MUs in the biceps brachii were recorded across three conditions (baseline, vibration, and post-vibration). Motor unit recruitment & derecruitment thresholds, discharge rates & variability, and elbow flexion force steadiness were compared between conditions with and without vibration. Results Coefficient of variation of force and discharge rate variability decreased 37 and 17%, respectively in post-vibration compared with baseline and vibration conditions. Although the motor unit discharge rates did not differ between conditions the total number of motor units active at rest after de-ramp were fewer in the post-vibration condition. Conclusion Contralateral tendon vibration reduces MU discharge rate variability and enhances force control on the more affected side in persons with Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changki Kim
- Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Healthy Exercise and Aging Laboratory, Aging in Place Research Cluster, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Daryl J. Wile
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah N. Kraeutner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Kaylee A. Larocque
- Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer M. Jakobi
- Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Healthy Exercise and Aging Laboratory, Aging in Place Research Cluster, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tiyyagura G, Weiss J, Goldman MP, Crawley DM, Langhan ML. Selection and Recruitment Strategies among Competitive Pediatric Training Programs and the Impact of Diversity. Acad Pediatr 2024; 24:338-346. [PMID: 37748536 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aspects of the written application, interview and ranking may negatively impact recruitment of underrepresented in medicine (URiM) applicants. Our objectives were to explore knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pediatric faculty who assess potential trainees and how diversity impacts these assessments. METHODS We performed qualitative interviews of 20 geographically diverse faculty at large pediatric residencies and fellowships. We analyzed data using the constant comparative method to develop themes. RESULTS Four main themes emerged. CONCLUSIONS We describe ways in which bias infiltrates recruitment and strategies to promote diversity. Many strategies are variably implemented and the impact on workforce diversity in pediatric training programs remains unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Tiyyagura
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine (G Tiyyagura, MP Goldman, and ML Langhan), Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Jasmine Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics (J Weiss), Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Michael P Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine (G Tiyyagura, MP Goldman, and ML Langhan), Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Destanee M Crawley
- Department of Pediatrics (DM Crawley), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Melissa L Langhan
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine (G Tiyyagura, MP Goldman, and ML Langhan), Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Canick JE, Campbell JC, Woodard CR, Grimm LJ, Collins AM. Otolaryngology residency program factors associated with female resident representation. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 10:7-11. [PMID: 38560033 PMCID: PMC10979041 DOI: 10.1002/wjo2.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Female representation in the field of otolaryngology is lacking. Residency is the first point at which medical school graduates specialize in a chosen field and thus represents an opportunity to recruit and train more female otolaryngologists. This study sought to identify program factors associated with greater female representation among resident physicians. Methods Departmental websites of all 124 otolaryngology residency programs in the United States and Puerto Rico were examined for a list of residents. For programs with a resident roster available, the genders of residents, faculty, program directors, and chairpersons were recorded. Location and city population for each program was also recorded, as was female resident representation. Programs were compared using Pearson Chi-squared univariate tests. Results 1,632 residents and 2,605 faculty were included in the analysis of 109 programs. The median female resident representation was 40%. Programs with larger faculty sizes, more female faculty, and urban location were associated with an above-median female resident representation. Programs with a larger residency cohort approached significance regarding above-median female resident representation. Higher female faculty representation, program director gender, chairperson gender, and US region were not associated with variation in female resident representation. Conclusions Greater female otolaryngology residency representation was associated with programs having an urban location and greater numbers of female and total faculty. It was also likely that a larger resident cohort size may affect female resident representation. The proportions of female faculty, program director, and chairperson gender, as well as the US region, were not associated with variation in female resident gender representation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - James C. Campbell
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Charles R. Woodard
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lars J. Grimm
- Department of RadiologyDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alissa M. Collins
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Aoki N, Weiss B, Jézéquel Y, Zhang WG, Apprill A, Mooney TA. Soundscape enrichment increases larval settlement rates for the brooding coral Porites astreoides. R Soc Open Sci 2024; 11:231514. [PMID: 38481984 PMCID: PMC10933538 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs, hubs of global biodiversity, are among the world's most imperilled habitats. Healthy coral reefs are characterized by distinctive soundscapes; these environments are rich with sounds produced by fishes and marine invertebrates. Emerging evidence suggests these sounds can be used as orientation and settlement cues for larvae of reef animals. On degraded reefs, these cues may be reduced or absent, impeding the success of larval settlement, which is an essential process for the maintenance and replenishment of reef populations. Here, in a field-based study, we evaluated the effects of enriching the soundscape of a degraded coral reef to increase coral settlement rates. Porites astreoides larvae were exposed to reef sounds using a custom solar-powered acoustic playback system. Porites astreoides settled at significantly higher rates at the acoustically enriched sites, averaging 1.7 times (up to maximum of seven times) more settlement compared with control reef sites without acoustic enrichment. Settlement rates decreased with distance from the speaker but remained higher than control levels at least 30 m from the sound source. These results reveal that acoustic enrichment can facilitate coral larval settlement at reasonable distances, offering a promising new method for scientists, managers and restoration practitioners to rebuild coral reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Aoki
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Benjamin Weiss
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
| | - Youenn Jézéquel
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
| | - Weifeng Gordon Zhang
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
| | - Amy Apprill
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
| | - T. Aran Mooney
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zielke J, Morawe JM, Aktan AN, Miani C. 'That Sounds to Me Like You Are Making This Too Complicated …': Reflections on a Social Media Recruitment Effort for a Study on Masculinities and Contraception. Qual Health Res 2024; 34:280-286. [PMID: 37997352 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231203631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
This reflection focuses on the methodological and ethical challenges encountered during the recruitment stage in a focus group and interview study that sought to investigate how men (co-)construct (their) masculinity in the context of contraception and family planning. We critically engage with the comments sections of our social media recruitment announcements and draw lessons in regard to (i) the 'correct' and socially acceptable terminology when trying to recruit men in an inclusive manner and (ii) the feasibility of our method more generally. We asked what we may learn about ourselves, our specific research project, and the conduct of research more generally when we view the ethical challenges arising during the recruitment stage as an integral part of reflexive research ethics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zielke
- Department of Epidemiology & International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jan Marc Morawe
- Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alev Nazli Aktan
- Department of Epidemiology & International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Céline Miani
- Department of Epidemiology & International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Strumpf Z, Miller C, Abbas KZ, Bensken WP, Matta M. Trends in Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship Applications and Match Rates before and after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. ATS Sch 2024; 5:154-161. [PMID: 38585576 PMCID: PMC10994225 DOI: 10.34197/ats-scholar.2023-0057oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, fellowship interviews for pulmonary disease and critical care medicine (PCCM) switched from an in-person to virtual interview format. Objective This study aimed to examine the changes that resulted from this switch (appointment year 2021 and beyond) for both the individual applicants and the match process as a whole. Methods This cross-sectional study used longitudinal data from the Electronic Residency Application Service and the National Resident Matching Program from appointment years 2017 to 2022. Data from the Electronic Residency Application Service included the number of programs applicants applied to, and National Resident Matching Program data included the number of fellowship positions available, number entering the match, match rate, and the number of applicants who matched within the same region/program as their core residency training program. Descriptive and summary statistics and unadjusted linear models were used to identify if trends appeared in post-COVID-19 appointment years (2021 and beyond). Results The number of PCCM positions increased by 33 (95% confidence interval, 26.2, 39.8) yearly between 2017 and 2022, with almost twice as many applicants (62.6; 95% CI confidence interval, 37.8, 87.4) entering the PCCM fellowship match during that same period. There was a decrease in the percentage of applicants matched each year, a trend unchanged before and after COVID-19, by an average of -2.15%. Comparing before and after COVID-19 appointment years, there was no significant change in same-region or same-program matches. Conclusion Our analysis shows steadily rising interest in application rates for PCCM fellowships through the onset of the pandemic. However, a lack of proportionate increase in fellowship positions led to a decrease in overall match rates for applicants. To mitigate this, an increase in PCCM fellowship positions should be considered, and surveillance of these trends should continue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cailey Miller
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kaniza Zahra Abbas
- Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Maroun Matta
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dibble EH, Rubin E, Duszak R, Parris D, Tarrant MJ, Parikh JR. The 2021 ACR/RBMA Workforce Survey: Practice Types, Employment Trends, and Hiring Needs. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:493-502. [PMID: 37820838 PMCID: PMC10922265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to analyze current radiology practice types, specific subspecialty needs, employment trends, and retirement trends. METHODS ACR members, nonmembers, and Radiology Business Management Association members were surveyed using predominantly structured closed-ended questions about a variety of current and recent radiology practice characteristics. Responses were group practice deduplicated and weighted. RESULTS Of 1,702 survey respondents, 64% were men, with a median age of 51 years. In 2021, 62% of responding practices hired radiologists, with the average practice hiring 2 radiologists and academic practices on average hiring the most (3.5). Most radiologists (87%) were hired for full-time positions, with independent practices hiring the largest proportion of part-time positions. Body and breast imagers represented the largest numbers of hired radiologists (17% each). Practices anticipated similar hiring patterns in 2022, prioritizing breast (37%) and body (35%) imaging. Of all practice types, academic groups were least likely to prioritize general radiologist hiring. A large majority (82%) of radiology practices permit remote work (teleradiology), more common at academic than other practices. Of currently employed radiologists, 16% plan to seek new employment in the next year; early-career radiologists indicated the highest likelihood (92%) and academic radiologists the lowest (66%) of remaining in the same practice for at least 5 years. A large majority of practices (80%) reported no radiologist retirements in 2021. Of those retiring, the average age was 75 years, and 66% worked full-time until retirement. CONCLUSIONS Radiologist recruiting remains robust. Current information on practice characteristics may help inform radiology practice leaders seeking to right-size their groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Dibble
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
| | - Eric Rubin
- Southeast Radiology, Upland, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard Duszak
- Department of Radiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | | | | | - Jay R Parikh
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hogan AH, Herbst KW, Defelice C, Schulman N, Adams AM, Carroll CL, Salazar JC. Going Viral: Assessing the Impact of Social Media on Enrollment in a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cohort Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e56096. [PMID: 38618422 PMCID: PMC11009901 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to quantify the effect of social media posts on study enrollment among children with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The primary outcome was weekly study enrollments analyzed using a run chart. A secondary analysis used linear regression to assess study enrollments two days before and after a social media post, adjusted for the statewide pediatric seven-day-average severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) case rate, social media posting day, and the interaction of these two variables. Results In seven months before social media posting, only eight patients were enrolled. One week after social media posting began, the median weekly enrollment increased (0 to 3). In the regression model, neither social media post day nor the pediatric SARS-CoV-2 case rate was significantly associated with enrollment rate. However, the interaction of a post day and the pediatric case rate was significant. Conclusion Social media posts significantly increased enrollment among children with mild COVID-19 in a prospective study. This effect was amplified by the presence of high community case rates during the Omicron wave.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Hogan
- Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA
| | - Katherine W Herbst
- Department of Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
| | - Carlie Defelice
- Department of Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
| | - Noah Schulman
- Department of Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
| | - Aaron M Adams
- Department of Geography, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Christopher L Carroll
- Department of Pediatrics, Wolfson Children's Hospital, Jacksonville, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Juan C Salazar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mehta T, Cleland B, Madhavan S. Barriers to Enrollment in a Post-Stroke Neuromodulation and Walking Study: Implications for Recruiting Women. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2024; 38:207-213. [PMID: 38314561 PMCID: PMC10939762 DOI: 10.1177/15459683241230028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women have a higher risk of stroke and related disability than men but are underrepresented in stroke clinical trials. Identifying modifiable recruitment and enrollment barriers for women can improve study generalizability, statistical power, and resource utilization. OBJECTIVE In a post-stroke neuromodulation study, we determined the impact of sex on the occurrence of exclusion criteria and compared the sex distribution of screened and enrolled individuals with a broader stroke-affected population. METHODS A total of 335 individuals with chronic stroke were screened for a study examining how neuromodulation and high-intensity treadmill training affect walking speed and corticomotor excitability. Demographics and exclusions were retrospectively gathered as a secondary dataset. Exclusion criteria consisted of 6 categories (not target population, unable to do treadmill protocol, unable to do non-invasive brain stimulation, insufficient ankle motion and disinterest, and cognitive impairment). Incidence of each exclusion criterion was compared between women and men. The sex distribution was compared to a dataset from Chicago primary stroke centers. RESULTS A total of 81 individuals were enrolled and 254 were not. The percentage of women excluded was significantly greater than that of men (P = .04). No individual exclusion criterion or categories excluded women more frequently than men. Screened and enrolled individuals had a lower proportion of women and younger age than a representative stroke population (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS We identified exclusion criteria (ie, headaches, cognitive scores, and age) that are modifiable barriers to enrollment of women in this post-stroke neuromodulation study. Addressing underrepresentation of women in stroke research is pivotal for enhancing generalizability, achieving statistical power, and optimizing resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Twinkle Mehta
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University
| | - Brice Cleland
- Brain Plasticity Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sangeetha Madhavan
- Brain Plasticity Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Davis RP, Simmons LM, Shaw SL, Sass GG, Sard NM, Isermann DA, Larson WA, Homola JJ. Demographic patterns of walleye ( Sander vitreus) reproductive success in a Wisconsin population. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13665. [PMID: 38468712 PMCID: PMC10925830 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Harvest in walleye Sander vitreus fisheries is size-selective and could influence phenotypic traits of spawners; however, contributions of individual spawners to recruitment are unknown. We used parentage analyses using single nucleotide polymorphisms to test whether parental traits were related to the probability of offspring survival in Escanaba Lake, Wisconsin. From 2017 to 2020, 1339 adults and 1138 juveniles were genotyped and 66% of the offspring were assigned to at least one parent. Logistic regression indicated the probability of reproductive success (survival of age-0 to first fall) was positively (but weakly) related to total length and growth rate in females, but not age. No traits analyzed were related to reproductive success for males. Our analysis identified the model with the predictors' growth rate and year for females and the models with year and age and year for males as the most likely models to explain variation in reproductive success. Our findings indicate that interannual variation (i.e., environmental conditions) likely plays a key role in determining the probability of reproductive success in this population and provide limited support that female age, length, and growth rate influence recruitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Davis
- Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research UnitUniversity of Wisconsin‐Stevens PointStevens PointWisconsinUSA
| | - Levi M. Simmons
- Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research UnitUniversity of Wisconsin‐Stevens PointStevens PointWisconsinUSA
| | - Stephanie L. Shaw
- Office of Applied Science, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesEscanaba Lake Research StationBoulder JunctionWisconsinUSA
| | - Greg G. Sass
- Office of Applied Science, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesEscanaba Lake Research StationBoulder JunctionWisconsinUSA
| | - Nicholas M. Sard
- Department of Biological SciencesState University of New York‐OswegoOswegoNew YorkUSA
| | - Daniel A. Isermann
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research UnitUniversity of Wisconsin‐Stevens PointStevens PointWisconsinUSA
| | - Wesley A. Larson
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay LaboratoriesNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationJuneauAlaskaUSA
| | - Jared J. Homola
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research UnitUniversity of Wisconsin‐Stevens PointStevens PointWisconsinUSA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lee AY, Jahansooz JR, Guittu D, Suzuki R, Pak L, Ishikawa KM, Goo C, Chen JJ, Carrazana E, Viereck J, Liow KK. Barriers to Alzheimer Disease Clinical Trial Participation in a Minority Population. Cogn Behav Neurol 2024; 37:40-47. [PMID: 37878413 PMCID: PMC10948321 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, disproportionately burdens minority populations. OBJECTIVE To explore barriers to AD clinical trial participation by Asian and Native Hawaiian patients diagnosed with AD or mild cognitive impairment. METHOD We surveyed 187 patients with a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥14 between January 2022 and June 2022. The score cutoff for clinical trial eligibility was set by the institution. Individuals also completed a 15-question telephone survey that assessed demographics, barriers to clinical trial participation, and clinical trial improvement methods. RESULTS Forty-nine patients responded, with a response rate of 26%. Asian and Native Hawaiian patients were less likely than White patients to participate in AD trials. The main barrier to participation was a lack of information about AD trials. Providing additional information regarding AD trials to patients and family members were listed as the top two reasons patients would consider participating in a clinical trial. CONCLUSION Insufficient information about AD clinical trials is the primary barrier to participation among Asian and Native Hawaiian patients, followed by difficulty coordinating transportation and, in the case of Asians, the time required for clinical trials. Increased outreach, education, and assistance with logistics in these populations should be pursued to improve rates of participation in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anson Y Lee
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Julia R Jahansooz
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Darrell Guittu
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Rexton Suzuki
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Lauren Pak
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Kyle M Ishikawa
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Biostatistics Core Facility, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Connor Goo
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - John J Chen
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Biostatistics Core Facility, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Jason Viereck
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Biostatistics Core Facility, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Kore K Liow
- Memory Disorders Center & Alzheimer's Research Unit, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, Honolulu, Hawaii
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Biostatistics Core Facility, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Scobie H, Robb KA, Macdonald S, Harrow S, Sullivan F. Optimising recruitment to a lung cancer screening trial: A comparison of general practitioner and community-based recruitment. J Med Screen 2024; 31:46-52. [PMID: 37525582 PMCID: PMC10878003 DOI: 10.1177/09691413231190785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pre-trial focus groups of the Early detection of Cancer of the Lung Scotland (ECLS) trial indicated that those at high risk of lung cancer are more likely to engage with community-based recruitment methods. The current study aimed to understand if general practitioner (GP) and community-based recruitment might attract different groups of people, and to quantitatively explore the demographic and psychosocial differences between people responding to GP or community-based recruitment. DESIGN Secondary data analysis of ECLS trial baseline data. METHODS Adults (n = 11,164) aged 50 to 75 years completed a baseline questionnaire as part of their participation in the ECLS trial. The questionnaire assessed smoking behaviour, health state, health anxiety and illness perception. Alongside demographic characteristics, how participants were made aware of the study/participant recruitment method (GP recruitment/community recruitment) was also obtained via trial records. RESULTS The likelihood of being recruited via community-based methods increased as deprivation level decreased. Those recruited via the community had higher levels of perceived personal control of developing lung cancer and were more likely to understand their own risk of developing lung cancer, compared to those who were recruited to the trial via their GP. Health state and health anxiety did not predict recruitment methods in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS Community and opportunistic screening invitations were associated with uptake in people from less-deprived backgrounds, and therefore might not be the optimal method to reach those at high risk of lung cancer and living in more deprived areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Scobie
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn A Robb
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sara Macdonald
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen Harrow
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Frank Sullivan
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Culley TM, Bécus MS, Cameron GN. Long-term effects of a tornado: Impacts on woody native vegetation and invasive Amur honeysuckle ( Lonicera maackii) in an urban forest. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10890. [PMID: 38476700 PMCID: PMC10927907 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
As tornados become increasingly common with global climate change, recovery of the woody vegetation in temperate forests is imperative to maintain an intact ecosystem. In many urbanized landscapes, invasive species are also increasing and could interfere with natural recovery from environmental disturbance. We quantified the impact and 17-year recovery from a major tornado in a temperate deciduous forest. We used vegetational surveys in southwestern Ohio at the Harris M. Benedict Nature Preserve, where approximately a third of this site was damaged by a tornado in 1999. Plots were established in the tornado-damaged area and the nearby undisturbed forest to examine forest recovery of trees/saplings, shrubs and vines, and tree seedlings during 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2016/2017. The number of tree saplings, shrubs, and vines increased immediately after the tornado, but then declined by 2010, relative to the undisturbed forest. Forest tree recruitment was lower in tornado-damaged sites with fewer tree seedlings, but more saplings. Tree diversity was also affected by Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash borer) which targeted native ash trees within this time period. Despite an initial increase in shrubs and vines in the damaged area, the diversity and density of shrubs approached equality in both sites by 2016. Most shrubs in both sites were the invasive Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle). In tornado sites, honeysuckle thinned out over time, leaving larger shrubs with greater mean basal diameter compared to the undisturbed forest. Other woody invasive species were also more prevalent in the damaged area, but increased in number in both locations by 2017. The forest has the capability to begin to recover from the initial tornado, but its future composition may differ from its initial trajectory due to invasive species, loss of ash trees, and anthropogenic impacts within the urban landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M. Culley
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Marjorie S. Bécus
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Guy N. Cameron
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hedberg P, Olsson M, Höglander H, Brüchert V, Winder M. Climate change effects on plankton recruitment from coastal sediments. J Plankton Res 2024; 46:117-125. [PMID: 38572122 PMCID: PMC10987100 DOI: 10.1093/plankt/fbad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
In highly seasonal systems, the emergence of planktonic resting stages from the sediment is a key driver for bloom timing and plankton community composition. The termination of the resting phase is often linked to environmental cues, but the extent to which recruitment of resting stages is affected by climate change remains largely unknown for coastal environments. Here we investigate phyto- and zooplankton recruitment from oxic sediments in the Baltic Sea in a controlled experiment under proposed temperature and light increase during the spring and summer. We find that emergence of resting stage differs between seasons and the abiotic environment. Phytoplankton recruitment from resting stages were high in spring with significantly higher emergence rates at increased temperature and light levels for dinoflagellate and cyanobacteria than for diatoms, which had highest emergence under cold and dark conditions. In comparison, hatching of copepod nauplii was not affected by increased temperature and light levels. These results show that activation of plankton resting stages are affected to different degrees by increasing temperature and light levels, indicating that climate change affects plankton dynamics through processes related to resting stage termination with potential consequences for bloom timing, community composition and trophic mismatch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per Hedberg
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- University of Helsinki, Tvärminne Zoological Station, 10900 Hanko, Finland
| | - Markus Olsson
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Höglander
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volker Brüchert
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
- Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monika Winder
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dhanis J, Strijker D, Drager LD, van Ham M, van Laarhoven CJHM, Pijnenborg JMA, Smits A, van den Heuvel B. Feasibility of Introducing a Prehabilitation Program into the Care of Gynecological Oncology Patients-A Single Institution Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1013. [PMID: 38473372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Prehabilitation is an upcoming strategy to optimize patient's functional capacity, nutritional status, and psychosocial well-being in order to reduce surgical complications and enhance recovery. This study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a multimodal prehabilitation program into the standard care of gynecological oncology patients at an academic hospital in terms of recruitment, adherence, and safety, which were assessed by the number of patients eligible, recruitment rate, participation rate, and adherence to individual modalities. Data were derived from the F4S PREHAB trial, a single-center stepped-wedge trial implementing a multimodal prehabilitation program among various surgical specialties. All patients undergoing elective surgery as part of treatment for ovarian, uterine, and vulvar cancer at the Radboudumc, an academic hospital in The Netherlands, between May 2022 and September 2023 were considered eligible for the F4S PREHAB trial and, consequently, were included in this cohort study. The multimodal prehabilitation program comprised a physical exercise intervention, nutritional intervention, psychological intervention, and an intoxication cessation program. A total of 152 patients were eligible and approached for participation of which 111 consented to participate, resulting in a recruitment rate of 73%. Participants attended an average of six exercise sessions and adhered to 85% of possible training sessions. Respectively, 93% and 98% of participants adhered to the prescribed daily protein and vitamin suppletion. Ten participants were referred to a psychologist and completed consultations. Out of nine active smokers, two managed to quit smoking. A total of 59% adhered to alcohol cessation advice. No adverse events were reported. This study demonstrates that introducing a multimodal prehabilitation program into the standard care of gynecological oncology patients is feasible in terms of recruitment and adherence, with no serious adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Dhanis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Operating Rooms, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke Strijker
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Luuk D Drager
- Department of Operating Rooms, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Ham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J H M van Laarhoven
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Smits
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Baukje van den Heuvel
- Department of Operating Rooms, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cummins L, Dawson K, Bayes S, Wilson V, Meedya S. Using the principles of practice development to address challenges in recruitment and data collection when face-to-face methods are unavailable. Nurse Res 2024:e1898. [PMID: 38419422 DOI: 10.7748/nr.2024.e1898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers conducting studies involving pregnant women often find recruitment challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic added further complexity to studies requiring face-to-face participation. AIM To demonstrate how to maintain the principles of practice development (PD) when a study must switch from face-to-face to remote methods of collecting data. DISCUSSION The number of participants in the authors' study increased when they moved from face-to-face to telephone engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. They continued using PD principles when they changed method and the quality of the data they collected remained constant, even once lockdown restrictions were in place. CONCLUSION PD principles can offer ways for nurse researchers to engage, collaborate with and reflect with people for research projects, including when constraints compete with participation. They can also assist researchers in optimising and maintaining recruitment and data collection when face-to-face research methods are impossible. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The telephone can be a valuable alternative medium for recruiting participants and collecting data when face-to-face methods are impossible to use. PD principles can be maintained and response rates and participation may even be greater when using it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Cummins
- Australian Catholic University, Blacktown, NSW Australia
| | - Kate Dawson
- Faculty of Health Science/School of Nursing, Midwifery, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Sara Bayes
- Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Valerie Wilson
- person-centred healthcare, Ingham Institute, Liverpool, NSW Australia
| | - Shahla Meedya
- Australian Catholic University, Blacktown, NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Obeng K. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare and Academic Radiology: A Critical Examination of Demographic Disparities in 2023. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2024:S0887-2171(24)00013-1. [PMID: 38401828 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are crucial for building a just and equitable healthcare system. However, academic radiology continues to face significant underrepresentation of women and underrepresented minorities (URMs). PURPOSE This study examines demographic disparities in academic radiology and presents strategies for improving DEI. MATERIALS AND METHODS I analyzed demographic data from various sources and reviewed successful DEI initiatives. RESULTS My analysis revealed a significant underrepresentation of URMs and women at all stages of the radiology training pipeline, from medical school to faculty positions. I identified several challenges contributing to this underrepresentation, including implicit bias, financial barriers, and lack of mentorship. However, I also presented successful case studies of initiatives, such as the Radiology Leadership Institute and the Association of University Radiologists Mentorship Program, that are making progress in diversifying the field. CONCLUSIONS Achieving DEI in academic radiology requires a multi-pronged approach that includes early outreach, financial aid, mentorship, inclusive recruitment practices, and a focus on creating a welcoming environment. By continuously evaluating and adapting initiatives, the radiology community can create a more equitable and inclusive future for all individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwaku Obeng
- Associate Professor of Diagnostic Radiology, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ambassador, Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0293.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Alexander L, Toomey N, Foster K. Nurses' career choice and satisfaction with mental health transition-to-practice programs: A cross sectional study. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38389282 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There are significant issues recruiting nurses into mental health due to several reasons such as dilution of curriculum, and mental health being an unpopular career choice Transition programs provide nurses entering mental health with orientation, academic and clinical skills, and knowledge. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Transition programs need to be nuanced to specialty areas (e.g. community) to ensure nurses are given the support necessary to remain working in the field. Many nurses choose to work in mental health due to a lived or personal experience and as such strengthening wellbeing supports for transitioning nurses is an important role in retention. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Tailored transition programs can help strengthen mental health nurse role clarity, and support staff retention. Transition programs should be a segue to formal postgraduate studies in mental health nursing to strengthen professional practice and retention of nurses. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Globally, there are consistent issues recruiting staff into the mental health nursing workforce. In Australia, recent efforts to expand the workforce include recruitment of a wider range of nurses in addition to new graduates into mental health transition-to-practice programs. Understanding the career motivations of nurses entering the field is an important element of recruitment and retention. AIM To describe nurses' satisfaction with their mental health transition program and identify factors influencing their choice of mental health as a career. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey with questions on program satisfaction and career choice was responded to by n = 55 enrolled and registered nurses in a mental health transition program. RESULTS Nurses reported overall high satisfaction with their program and identified increased time release for professional development and being supernumerary as necessary to support role development. Almost 25% of nurses reported personal experience of mental illness as an influence in choosing a mental health career. DISCUSSION Mental health transition programs are important in recruitment and retention and need to be tailored to the needs of a wide range of nurses and include support for staff wellbeing. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Tailored transition programs can help strengthen role clarity, and support staff retention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Alexander
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel Toomey
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Foster
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ali MA, Caetano-Anollés G. AlphaFold2 Reveals Structural Patterns of Seasonal Haplotype Diversification in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variants. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:134. [PMID: 38534404 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The slow experimental acquisition of high-quality atomic structures of the rapidly changing proteins of the COVID-19 virus challenges vaccine and therapeutic drug development efforts. Fortunately, deep learning tools such as AlphaFold2 can quickly generate reliable models of atomic structure at experimental resolution. Current modeling studies have focused solely on definitions of mutant constellations of Variants of Concern (VOCs), leaving out the impact of haplotypes on protein structure. Here, we conduct a thorough comparative structural analysis of S-proteins belonging to major VOCs and corresponding latitude-delimited haplotypes that affect viral seasonal behavior. Our approach identified molecular regions of importance as well as patterns of structural recruitment. The S1 subunit hosted the majority of structural changes, especially those involving the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In particular, structural changes in the NTD were much greater than just translations in three-dimensional space, altering the sub-structures to greater extents. We also revealed a notable pattern of structural recruitment with the early VOCs Alpha and Delta behaving antagonistically by suppressing regions of structural change introduced by their corresponding haplotypes, and the current VOC Omicron behaving synergistically by amplifying or collecting structural change. Remarkably, haplotypes altering the galectin-like structure of the NTD were major contributors to seasonal behavior, supporting its putative environmental-sensing role. Our results provide an extensive view of the evolutionary landscape of the S-protein across the COVID-19 pandemic. This view will help predict important regions of structural change in future variants and haplotypes for more efficient vaccine and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asif Ali
- Evolutionary Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Gustavo Caetano-Anollés
- Evolutionary Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Khodr ZG, McAnany J, Haile YG, Perez VG, Rohrbeck P. A summary of the U.S. Marine Recruit Assessment Program (RAP) procedures and survey from 2003 to 2021. MSMR 2024; 31:2-8. [PMID: 38466968 PMCID: PMC10957181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The Recruit Assessment Program (RAP) is a cross-sectional, baseline survey of U.S. Marine recruits administered at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. This report presents RAP study procedures and survey content that was administered to 229,015 participants between 2003 and 2021. Self-reported data were collected on recruit demographics, physical and mental health, adverse life experiences, lifestyle and risky behaviors, and substance use. In 2013, the survey was updated to remove questions with other linkable and reliable sources and those with low completion rates and low relevance to Marine health research; the removal of these items allowed for the addition of instrument measures for major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger, and resilience with no significant change to overall survey length. Average completion rates are approximately 95%. Multiple studies have shown the utility of RAP data collected thus far as a robust data repository of pre-service health and behavioral measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Patricia Rohrbeck
- Military Population Health Directorate, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zgierska AE, Gramly T, Prestayko N, Symons Downs D, Murray TM, Yerby LG, Howell B, Stahlman B, Cruz J, Agolli A, Horan H, Hilliard F, Croff JM. Transportation, childcare, lodging, and meals: Key for participant engagement and inclusion of historically underrepresented populations in the healthy brain and child development birth cohort. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e38. [PMID: 38476249 PMCID: PMC10928703 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Participant recruitment and retention (R&R) are well-documented challenges in longitudinal studies, especially those involving populations historically underrepresented in research and vulnerable groups (e.g., pregnant people or young children and their families), as is the focus of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) birth cohort study. Subpar access to transportation, overnight lodging, childcare, or meals can compromise R&R; yet, guidance on how to overcome these "logistical barriers" is sparse. This study's goal was to learn about the HBCD sites' plans and develop best practice recommendations for the HBCD consortium for addressing these logistical barriers. Methods The HBCD's workgroups developed a survey asking the HBCD sites about their plans for supporting research-related transportation, lodging, childcare, and meals, and about the presence of institutional policies to guide their approach. Descriptive statistics described the quantitative survey data. Qualitative survey responses were brief, not warranting formal qualitative analysis; their content was summarized. Results Twenty-eight respondents, representing unique recruitment locations across the U.S., completed the survey. The results indicated substantial heterogeneity across the respondents in their approach toward supporting research-related transportation, lodging, childcare, and meals. Three respondents were aware of institutional policies guiding research-related transportation (10.7%) or childcare (10.7%). Conclusions This study highlighted heterogeneity in approaches and scarcity of institutional policies regarding research-related transportation, lodging, childcare, and meals, underscoring the need for guidance in this area to ensure equitable support of participant R&R across different settings and populations, so that participants are representative of the larger community, and increase research result validity and generalizability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E. Zgierska
- Departments of Family and Community Medicine, Anesthesiology and
Perioperative Medicine, and Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State
University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA,
USA
| | - Tatum Gramly
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Pennsylvania
State University College of Medicine, Hershey,
PA, USA
| | - Nicholas Prestayko
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Pennsylvania
State University College of Medicine, Hershey,
PA, USA
| | - Danielle Symons Downs
- Department of Kinesiology and College of Medicine, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University College of Health and
Human Development, University Park, PA,
USA
| | - Traci M. Murray
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug
Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lea G. Yerby
- Department of Community Medicine and Population Health, The
University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences,
Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Brittany Howell
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech,
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Roanoke,
VA, USA
| | - Barbara Stahlman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Pennsylvania
State University College of Medicine, Hershey,
PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Cruz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Pennsylvania
State University College of Medicine, Hershey,
PA, USA
| | - Arjola Agolli
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Pennsylvania
State University College of Medicine, Hershey,
PA, USA
| | - Holly Horan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Global and Rural Women’s Health
Program, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at
Birmingham, Birmingham, AL,
USA
| | | | - Julie M. Croff
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences,
Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Stoffel ST, Law JH, Kerrison R, Brewer HR, Flanagan JM, Hirst Y. Testing Behavioral Messages to Increase Recruitment to Health Research When Embedded Within Social Media Campaigns on Twitter: Web-Based Experimental Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e48538. [PMID: 38315543 PMCID: PMC10877493 DOI: 10.2196/48538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media is rapidly becoming the primary source to disseminate invitations to the public to consider taking part in research studies. There is, however, little information on how the contents of the advertisement can be communicated to facilitate engagement and subsequently promote intentions to participate in research. OBJECTIVE This paper describes an experimental study that tested different behavioral messages for recruiting study participants for a real-life observational case-control study. METHODS We included 1060 women in a web-based experiment and randomized them to 1 of 3 experimental conditions: standard advertisement (n=360), patient endorsement advertisement (n=345), and social norms advertisement (n=355). After seeing 1 of the 3 advertisements, participants were asked to state (1) their intention to take part in the advertised case-control study, (2) the ease of understanding the message and study aims, and (3) their willingness to be redirected to the website of the case-control study after completing the survey. Individuals were further asked to suggest ways to improve the messages. Intentions were compared between groups using ordinal logistic regression, reported in percentages, adjusted odds ratio (aOR), and 95% CIs. RESULTS Those who were in the patient endorsement and social norms-based advertisement groups had significantly lower intentions to take part in the advertised study compared with those in the standard advertisement group (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97; P=.03 and aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.92; P=.009, respectively). The patient endorsement advertisement was perceived to be more difficult to understand (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.87; P=.004) and to communicate the study aims less clearly (aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55-0.95; P=.01). While the patient endorsement advertisement had no impact on intention to visit the main study website, the social norms advertisement decreased willingness compared with the standard advertisement group (157/355, 44.2% vs 191/360, 53.1%; aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.54-0.99; P=.02). The majority of participants (395/609, 64.8%) stated that the messages did not require changes, but some preferred clearer (75/609, 12.3%) and shorter (59/609, 9.7%) messages. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that adding normative behavioral messages to simulated tweets decreased participant intention to take part in our web-based case-control study, as this made the tweet harder to understand. This suggests that simple messages should be used for participant recruitment through Twitter (subsequently rebranded X).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro T Stoffel
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jing Hui Law
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Kerrison
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah R Brewer
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James M Flanagan
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yasemin Hirst
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Applied Health Research Hub, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ritchie ND, Turk MT, Holtrop JS, Durfee MJ, Dickinson LM, Kaufmann PG. A virtual recruitment protocol promotes enrollment of underrepresented groups in a diabetes prevention trial. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e26. [PMID: 38384920 PMCID: PMC10879998 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Strategies are needed to ensure greater participation of underrepresented groups in diabetes research. We examined the impact of a remote study protocol on enrollment in diabetes research, specifically the Pre-NDPP clinical trial. Recruitment was conducted among 2807 diverse patients in a safety-net healthcare system. Results indicated three-fold greater odds of enrolling in remote versus in-person protocols (AOR 2.90; P < 0.001 [95% CI 2.29-3.67]). Priority populations with significantly higher enrollment included Latinx and Black individuals, Spanish speakers, and individuals who had Medicaid or were uninsured. A remote study design may promote overall recruitment into clinical trials, while effectively supporting enrollment of underrepresented groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie D. Ritchie
- Center for Health Systems Research, Denver Health and
Hospital Authority, Denver, CO,
USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Jodi Summers Holtrop
- Adult & Child Center for Outcomes Research & Delivery Science,
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus,
Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO,
USA
| | - Michael Josh Durfee
- Center for Health Systems Research, Denver Health and
Hospital Authority, Denver, CO,
USA
| | - L. Miriam Dickinson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO,
USA
| | - Peter G. Kaufmann
- Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las
Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang C, Hunger JM, Liao J, Figueroa D, Lopez A, Tomiyama AJ. Examining the effect of weight-related recruitment information on participant characteristics: A randomized field experiment. Obes Sci Pract 2024; 10:e739. [PMID: 38313600 PMCID: PMC10835742 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Although 82% of American adults have a body mass index (BMI) of over 25, individuals with elevated BMI are considered difficult to recruit for studies. Effective participant identification and recruitment are crucial to minimize the likelihood of sampling bias. One understudied factor that could lead to sampling bias is the study information presented in recruitment materials. In the context of weight research, potential participants with higher weight may avoid studies that advertise weight-related procedures. Thus, this study experimentally manipulated the phrasing of weight-related information included in recruitment materials and examined its impact on participants' characteristics. Methods Two visually similar flyers, either weight-salient or neutral, were randomly posted throughout a university campus to recruit participants (N = 300) for a short survey, assessing their internalized weight bias, anticipated and experienced stigmatizing experiences, eating habits, and general demographic characteristics. Results Although the weight-salient (vs. neutral) flyer took 18.5 days longer to recruit the target sample size, there were no between flyer differences in respondents' internalized weight bias, anticipated/experienced weight stigma, disordered eating behaviors, BMI, or perceived weight. Absolute levels of these variables, however, were low overall. Conclusion Providing detailed information about study procedures allows participants to have more autonomy over their participation without differentially affecting participant characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christy Wang
- Department of Psychology University of California Los Angeles California USA
| | | | - Joseph Liao
- Department of Psychology University of California Los Angeles California USA
| | - David Figueroa
- Department of Psychology University of California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Alejandra Lopez
- Department of Psychology University of California Los Angeles California USA
| | - A Janet Tomiyama
- Department of Psychology University of California Los Angeles California USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Scotti KB, Rajoria M, Carrera Seoane M, Ross KM, Muenyi S, McVay MA. Exploring potential reach and representativeness of a self-weighing weight gain prevention intervention in adults with overweight and obesity. Clin Obes 2024:e12641. [PMID: 38302264 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Most adults with obesity do not enrol in comprehensive weight loss interventions when offered. For these individuals, lower burden self-weighing interventions may offer an acceptable alternative, though data is lacking on the potential for reach and representativeness of such interventions. Health system patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (or 25-30 kg/m2 with an obesity comorbidity) completed a general health survey. During the survey, patients were given information about comprehensive weight loss interventions. If they denied interest or did not enrol in a comprehensive intervention, they were offered enrolment in a low-burden weight gain prevention intervention focused on daily self-weighing using a cellular network-connected in-home scale without any dietary or physical activity prescriptions. Enrolment in this program was documented. Among patients offered the self-weighing intervention (n = 85; 55.3% men; 58.8% White; BMI = 34.2 kg/m2 ), 44.2% enrolled. Compared to those who did not enrol, enrollers had higher educational attainment (57.1% vs. 42.9% with bachelor's degree p = .02), social anxiety (5.8 vs. 2.8, p < .001), and perceptions of the effectiveness of the self-weighing intervention (25.8 vs. 20.9 on 35, p = .007). The most highly endorsed reason for not enrolling in the self-weighing intervention was that it would make individuals overly focused on weight. A low-intensity weight gain prevention intervention may serve as a viable alternative to comprehensive weight loss interventions for the substantial portion of patients who are at risk for continued weight gain but would otherwise not enrol in a comprehensive intervention. Differential enrolment by education, however, suggests potential for inequitable uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellie B Scotti
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Montserrat Carrera Seoane
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kathryn M Ross
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sofia Muenyi
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Megan A McVay
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Perez-Navarro MA, Lloret F, Molina-Venegas R, Alcántara JM, Verdú M. Plant canopies promote climatic disequilibrium in Mediterranean recruit communities. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14391. [PMID: 38400769 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Current rates of climate change are exceeding the capacity of many plant species to track climate, thus leading communities to be in disequilibrium with climatic conditions. Plant canopies can contribute to this disequilibrium by buffering macro-climatic conditions and sheltering poorly adapted species to the oncoming climate, particularly in their recruitment stages. Here we analyse differences in climatic disequilibrium between understorey and open ground woody plant recruits in 28 localities, covering more than 100,000 m2 , across an elevation range embedding temperature and aridity gradients in the southern Iberian Peninsula. This study demonstrates higher climatic disequilibrium under canopies compared with open ground, supporting that plant canopies would affect future community climatic lags by allowing the recruitment of less arid-adapted species in warm and dry conditions, but also it endorse that canopies could favour warm-adapted species in extremely cold environments as mountain tops, thus pre-adapting communities living in these habitats to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Perez-Navarro
- CREAF, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Geography, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Francisco Lloret
- CREAF, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
- Ecology Unit, Universitat Autonoma Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Molina-Venegas
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biodiversity and Global Change Research Center (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio M Alcántara
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación del Sistema Tierra en Andalucía (IISTA), Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Miguel Verdú
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Desertificación (CIDE, CSIC-UV-GV), Moncada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Guastaferro K, Tanner AE, Rulison KL, Miller AM, Milroy JJ, Wyrick DL, Collins LM. Recruiting and retaining first-year college students in online health research: Implementation considerations. J Am Coll Health 2024; 72:623-630. [PMID: 35325589 PMCID: PMC9508289 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2053132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Decreasing participation in intervention research among college students has implications for the external validity of behavioral intervention research. We describe recruitment and retention strategies used to promote participation in intervention research across a series of four randomized experiments. Method: We report the recruitment and retention rates by school for each experiment and qualitative feedback from students about recommendations for improving research participation. Results: There was considerable variation among schools' recruitment (4.9% to 64.7%) and retention (12% to 67.8%) rates. Student feedback suggested study timing (e.g., early in the semester), communication strategies (e.g., social media), and incentive structure (e.g., guaranteed incentives) could improve research participation. The highest survey participation rate was observed at the university which mandated students to complete the intervention (but not the survey). Conclusions: Intervention scientists must consider the population and study context to make informed decisions related to recruitment and retention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Guastaferro
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - A E Tanner
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - K L Rulison
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - A M Miller
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - J J Milroy
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - D L Wyrick
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - L M Collins
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|