A plea for scale, and why it matters for invasive species management, biodiversity and conservation

Invasive species are suspected to be major contributors to biodiversity declines worldwide. Counterintuitively, however, invasive species effects are likely scale dependent and are hypothesized to be positively related to biodiversity at large spatial scales. Past studies investigating the effect of invasion on biodiversity have been mostly conducted at small scales (\u3c100 m2) that cannot represent large dynamic landscapes by design. Therefore, replicated experimental evidence supporting a negative effect of invasive plants on biodiversity is lacking across many landscape types, including large grasslands. We collected data across eight large (333–809 ha) grassland landscapes managed with pyric herbivory—that is the recoupling of fire and grazing—to test how an invasive legume Lespedeza cuneata affected plant and bird communities at spatial grains ranging from 0.1 m2 to \u3e3,000,000 m2. Lespedeza cuneata invasion effects on grassland plant diversity and composition changed with scale, being negative at small spatial grains (0.1 m2) and neutral or positive at large spatial grains (\u3e3,000,000 m2). Lespedeza cuneata abundance did not significantly affect bird diversity at any spatial grain measured. Lespedeza cuneata may negatively affect biodiversity if abundances are greater than those observed in this study. However, previous research suggests that Lespedeza cuneata may not be capable of exceeding 20% canopy cover across large landscapes (\u3e400 ha). Control and eradication strategies can be costly and are fraught with risk. If data do not clearly support a negative Lespedeza cuneata abundance–biodiversity relationship, and if invasion is spatially limited across large landscapes, ongoing control and eradication efforts may be unwarranted and ineffective. Synthesis and applications: Invasive species effects gleaned from small-scale studies may not reliably predict their effects at larger scales. Although we recognize the importance of small-scale studies in potentially isolating individual mechanisms, management strategies based solely on results from small-scale studies of invasion are unlikely to increase or conserve biodiversity across large landscapes. Rather, processes that generate landscape heterogeneity—like pyric herbivory—are probably more important for promoting biodiversity across all scales. Scale is a central problem in ecology, and defining scale in management objectives is essential for effective biodiversity conservation

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-authorized retailers received a low score using the Business Impact Assessment for Obesity and population-level nutrition (BIA-Obesity) tool

Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports Americans with lower income to purchase dietary products at authorized retailers. This research aimed to evaluate SNAP-authorized retailers’ public commitments in support of nutrition security and to examine differences between traditional grocers and nontraditional (e.g., convenience, drug, dollar) SNAP-authorized retailers’ public commitments. Methods: Prominent United States (U.S.) SNAP-authorized retailers nationally and in two U.S. states (California and Virginia) were identified based on number of store locations (n = 61). Public information available in grey literature were reviewed and scored using the Business Impact Assessment for Obesity and population-level nutrition (BIA-Obesity) tool. SNAP-authorized retailers were classified as traditional (e.g., grocery) or nontraditional (e.g., non-grocery) retailers. Total BIA-Obesity from 0 to 615, representing low to optimal support) and category scores were calculated for corporate strategy, relationships with external organizations, product formulation, nutrition labeling, product and brand promotion, and product accessibility. Descriptive statistics were used to describe BIA-Obesity scores overall and by category. Mann–Whitney U was used to test for potential differences in median BIA-Obesity total scores between traditional and nontraditional SNAP-authorized retailers (a priori, p \u3c 0.05). Results: Average total BIA-Obesity scores for SNAP-authorized retailers ranged from 0 to 112 (16.5 ± 23.3). Total BIA-Obesity scores for traditional SNAP-authorized retailers (32.7 ± 33.6; median 25) were higher than nontraditional SNAP-authorized retailer scores (11.2 ± 16; median 5) (p = 0.008). For BIA-Obesity categories, average scores were highest for the category relationships with external organizations (8.3 ± 10.3) and lowest for promotion practices (0.6 ± 2.1). Conclusions: Results of this research underscore a dearth of available evidence and substantial opportunity for improvement regarding SNAP-authorized retailer strategies to support nutrition security among Americans with lower income

Full-Shell X-Ray Optics Development at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) maintains an active research program toward the development of high-resolution, lightweight, grazing-incidence x-ray optics to serve the needs of future x-ray astronomy missions such as Lynx. MSFC development efforts include both direct fabrication (diamond turning and deterministic computer-controlled polishing) of mirror shells and replication of mirror shells (from figured, polished mandrels). Both techniques produce full-circumference monolithic (primary + secondary) shells that share the advantages of inherent stability, ease of assembly, and low production cost. However, to achieve high-angular resolution, MSFC is exploring significant technology advances needed to control sources of figure error including fabrication- and coating-induced stresses and mounting-induced distortions

Community Education on MTM Services

Background: Medication nonadherence, defined as “the number of doses not taken or taken incorrectly that jeopardizes the patient’s therapeutic outcome,” is a major health problem with about 43% of the general population nonadherent to their medications. Medication nonadherence accounts for an estimated 125,000 deaths per year in the US, 33-69% of medication-related hospital readmissions, and an estimated $100 to$300 billion in direct and indirect medical costs. Medication therapy management (MTM), defined as “a distinct service or group of services that optimize therapeutic outcomes for individual patients,” has been found to reduce medication nonadherence. However, many individuals eligible for MTM services are not aware of the resource available to them and do not believe the service will be beneficial to them. Objectives: A pre post observational study design will be used to determine the effects of two types of educational interventions on MTM of patient’s perceptions of MTM and enrollment in MTM services. Methodology: Participants will be divided into two intervention groups. All participants will complete a pre survey to assess current perceptions of MTM services. One group will attend a community educational event on MTM, and the second group will receive an educational brochure in the mail. All participants will complete a post survey to reassess perceptions of MTM after the educational intervention. In addition, all participants will be tracked to determine future enrollment in an MTM service. Analysis: Descriptive tests and paired t-tests/Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests will be run on data acquired from pre and post surveys. Unpaired t-tests/Mann Whitney and chi-square tests will be run to compare data between intervention groups. Descriptive tests will be run on data acquired from tracking enrollment

Validity and Reliability of the Garmin Instinct in Measuring Heart Rate during Pickleball

Playing a racquet sport called pickleball is increasing in popularity every day in the United States. Garmin is a popular brand that manufactures wearable fitness trackers capable of measuring heart rate (HR). Because HR is a common way to determe exercise intensity, the validity and reliability of wearables to provide accurate HR during pickleball is important. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze and assess the validity and reliability of HR from the Garmin Instinct vs. Polar H10 (criterion) during pickleball. METHODS: Eleven adults (2 female, 8 male, 1 prefer not to disclose; age = 28.1 ± 9.2 years; height = 176.0 ± 8.0 cm; mass = 73.2 ± 13.4 kg) were recruited to participate via convenience sampling. Participants were asked to play alternating intervals of five minutes of pickleball interspersed with five minutes of rest while wearing two Garmin Instinct watches on the same wrist and a Polar H10 chest strap. Outcome measures were average and maximum HR, recorded in beats per minute (bpm). Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) and Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) were used to assess validity; MAPE ≤ 5% and CCC ≥ 0.90. Coefficient of Variation (CV) were used to assess reliability; CV ≤ 10% and ICC ≥ 0.70. RESULTS: The Garmin Instinct did not meet the CCC threshold for validity of average or maximum HR but met the thresholds for both reliability tests for average and maximum HR (see Table 1). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that, in the present study, the Garmin Instinct was only reliable for measuring average and maximum HR. This is challenging for those who wish to track their HR while playing racquet sports such as pickleball because the Garmin Instinct did not provide accurate average or maximum HR

Does Hand Use Affect Metabolic Measures During Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the fastest up and coming sports in the United States today. This low impact sport has the combined elements of Ping-Pong, tennis, and badminton. Pickleball can be played with the dominant hand (DH) or non-dominant (NDH). Though many people enjoy the sport, it is under-researched. The metabolic demands of pickleball are not clear, nor is whether the demands differ by the hand used. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the differences in metabolic measures while playing pickleball with the DH and NDH. METHODS: Eleven people were recruited via convenience sampling and participated (2 female, 8 males, 1 prefer not to disclose; age = 28.1 ± 9.2 years; height = 176.0 ± 8.0 cm; mass = 73.2 ± 13.4 kg). Participants were connected to a COSMED K5 portable metabolic analysis system. Outcome measures were VO2 (ml/kg/min), Metabolic Equivalents (METS), Percent of Calories from Fat (FAT%), Percent of Calories from Carbohydrate (CHO%), and Respiratory Quotient (RQ). Participants played for five minutes with one hand, rested, and played for five minutes with the other hand. The hand order was counterbalanced. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test with significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed for VO2 (DH = 27.3 ± 4.2, NDH = 24.7± 4.4, p = 0.03) and METS (DH = 7.8 ± 1.2, NDH = 7.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.03). No difference was noted for RQ (DH = 0.84 ± 0.07, NDH = 0.82 ± 0.07, p = 0.2), FAT% (DH = 54.9 ± 22.1%, NDH = 62.4 ± 20.9%, p = 0.2), or CHO% (DH = 45.1 ± 22.1%, NDH = 37.6 ± 20.9% p = 0.2) CONCLUSION: Pickleball players consume more oxygen while playing with their dominant hand, but the difference is not reflected in other metabolic measures associated with substrate utilization. While playing pickleball with the dominant hand may confer an advantage from a skill and intensity perspective, there is no statistical advantage when considering the fuels used during the activity. The practical implications, however, should be further explored

Validity and Reliability of the Polar OH1 biceps-band Heart Rate Monitor during Pickleball

Pickleball is making a name for itself as one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), 14% of Americans 18 years and over (~36.5 million people) played pickleball at least once in 12 months. With almost half of the total players planning to play more often in the upcoming months, pickleball is certain to continue its ascension. It is unclear if paying intensity can be gauged accurately and reliably with heart rate (HR) measurements from biceps-band monitors. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Polar OH1 heart rate during one, 15-minute round of pickleball. METHODS: Participants (2 Female, 8 Male, and 1 identifying as Other) wore two Polar OH1 bands on their left arm, and completed one 15-minute round of pickleball, alternating playing dominant and non-dominant hand every 5-minutes with a 5-minute rest in between. The Polar OH1s collected average and maximum HR, as did the criterion device: Polar H9/H10 chest-strap HR monitor. Validity was measured using mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC). Reliability was measured using the coefficient of variation (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the two OH1s. The threshold for validity was MAPE ≤ 10% and CCC ≥ 0.9. The threshold for reliability was CV ≤ 10% and ICC ≥ 0.7. RESULTS: The Polar OH1 biceps-band HR monitor met the threshold for both validity tests for average and maximum HR (see table). The Polar OH1 met the threshold for validity and reliability for average and maximum HR(see table).. CONCLUSION: People who want an accurate and consistent monitoring of their average and maximum HR during pickleball can trust in the feedback from wearing a Polar OH1. Biceps-band technology may be a great option when participating in any racquet-based sports (tennis, pickleball, ping-pong, etc)

Spatial mapping of hematopoietic clones in human bone marrow

UNLABELLED: Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is the expansion of somatically mutated cells in the hematopoietic compartment of individuals without hematopoietic dysfunction. Large CH clones (i.e., \u3e2% variant allele fraction) predispose to hematologic malignancy, but CH is detected at lower levels in nearly all middle-aged individuals. Prior work has extensively characterized CH in peripheral blood, but the spatial distribution of hematopoietic clones in human bone marrow is largely undescribed. To understand CH at this level, we developed a method for spatially aware somatic mutation profiling and characterized the bone marrow of a patient with polycythemia vera. We identified the complex clonal distribution of somatic mutations in the hematopoietic compartment, the restriction of somatic mutations to specific subpopulations of hematopoietic cells, and spatial constraints of these clones in the bone marrow. This proof of principle paves the way to answering fundamental questions regarding CH spatial organization and factors driving CH expansion and malignant transformation in the bone marrow. SIGNIFICANCE: CH occurs commonly in humans and can predispose to hematologic malignancy. Although well characterized in blood, it is poorly understood how clones are spatially distributed in the bone marrow. To answer this, we developed methods for spatially aware somatic mutation profiling to describe clonal heterogeneity in human bone marrow. See related commentary by Austin and Aifantis, p. 139

Evaluation of Stepped Care for Chronic Pain (ESCAPE) in Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE: Despite the prevalence and the functional, psychological, and economic impact of chronic pain, few intervention studies of treatment of chronic pain in veterans have been performed. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a stepped-care intervention is more effective than usual care, as hypothesized, in reducing pain-related disability, pain interference, and pain severity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a randomized clinical trial comparing stepped care with usual care for chronic pain. We enrolled 241 veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn with chronic (>3 months) and disabling (Roland Morris Disability Scale score, ≥7) musculoskeletal pain of the cervical or lumbar spine or extremities (shoulders, knees, and hips) in the Evaluation of Stepped Care for Chronic Pain (ESCAPE) trial from December 20, 2007, through June 30, 2011. The 9-month follow-up was completed by April 2012. Patients received treatment at a postdeployment clinic and 5 general medicine clinics at a Veterans Affairs medical center. INTERVENTIONS: Step 1 included 12 weeks of analgesic treatment and optimization according to an algorithm coupled with pain self-management strategies; step 2, 12 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy. All intervention aspects were delivered by nurse care managers. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Pain-related disability (Roland Morris Disability Scale), pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory), and pain severity (Graded Chronic Pain Scale). RESULTS: The primary analysis included 121 patients receiving the stepped-care intervention and 120 patients receiving usual care. At 9 months, the mean decrease from baseline in the Roland Morris Disability Scale score was 1.7 (95% CI, -2.6 to -0.9) points in the usual care group and 3.7 (95% CI, -4.5 to -2.8) points in the intervention group (between-group difference, -1.9 [95% CI, -3.2 to -0.7] points; P=.002). The mean decrease from baseline in the Pain Interference subscale score of the Brief Pain Inventory was 0.9 points in the usual care group and 1.7 points in the intervention group (between-group difference, -0.8 [95% CI, -1.3 to -0.3] points; P=.003). The Graded Chronic Pain Scale severity score was reduced by 4.5 points in the usual care group and 11.1 points in the intervention group (between-group difference, -6.6 [95% CI, -10.5 to -2.7] points; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A stepped-care intervention that combined analgesics, self-management strategies, and brief cognitive behavioral therapy resulted in statistically significant reductions in pain-related disability, pain interference, and pain severity in veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain

The Treatment of People with Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: The Example of Oneida County, New York

This publication is two-fold: an executive summary and the report itself. The executive summary provides a general overview of the larger report, on the criminalization of the mentally ill. It begins by summarizing three case studies from the report that concern the intersection of mental health issues and the criminal justice system in Oneida County in New York State. It then provides a brief historical overview of mental health issues and the criminal justice system before going on to discuss the current best practices in addressing the criminalization of the mentally ill, including law-enforcement mechanisms, mental health courts, and reintegration programs. Next, the paper identifies the shortcomings of these practices and the lack of organizational and financial capacity that hobbles concerned stakeholders from effectively tackling the issue. The paper concludes by proposing a general program for immediate action on local and national scales