Arkansas State University

Background Studies published in academic medical journals inform and influence healthcare decisions. Sufficient study reporting is primarily charged to researchers. However, journals can promote more complete reporting of their published studies. Recommending or requiring reporting guideline use and prospective trial registration may ensure published studies adhere to rigorous reporting standards. This study aimed to evaluate ‘instructions to authors’ pages of tropical medicine and infectious disease (TM/ID) journals to assess endorsement of reporting guidelines (RGs) for common medical study designs and clinical trial registration. Methods Using a cross‐sectional design guided by the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist, we examined the top 100 infectious disease (ID) journals identified by the 2021 Scopus CiteScore tool and the 21 tropical medicine (TM) journals identified by Clarivate Web of Science. Each editorial journal staff was contacted for specific study designs accepted. Data were extracted from journals' ‘instructions to authors’ webpages with any discrepancies being resolved through consensus. We assessed adherence to RGs and clinical trial registration. Results This study identified 293 TM/ID journals. Among the top 100 ID journals selected (Scopus CiteScore), 2 unfit journals were replaced. Among the 28 TM journals selected (Clarivate Web of Science), 5 were removed due to being duplicates and 2 were removed due to not being published in English. The Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network was cited by 49% of journals, while 85% of journals referenced the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) was most cited (73%), Quality of Reporting of Meta‐analyses was least (2.6%). Clinical trial registration was mentioned by 73% of the journals. Conclusions TM and ID journals demonstrated suboptimal endorsement of various RGs. Among our findings, however, CONSORT and clinical trial registration garnered over 70% endorsement. We propose journals streamline RGs, establish user‐friendly ‘instructions to authors’ pages and mandate reporting guideline adherence. These insights inform future research on enhancing reporting guideline use and TM/ID research quality.

A novel phone application (SOBER-EYE) was developed to quantify measures of pupillary light reflex (PLR) that extends beyond traditional PLR dichotomous measurement techniques. Prior to implementation into clinical practice, the test–retest reliability must be evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the intraclass correlation coefficient. Intraclass correlation coefficients for two PLR trials included: constriction amplitude (.825), constriction velocity (.693), initial pupil diameter (.888), latency (.962), and minimum size (.851). Clinical utility was found as all intraclass correlation coefficient values were >.60. The SOBER-EYE phone app has the potential to be used in the clinical environment to assess PLR.

Expansion of irrigated cropland area in eastern Arkansas has led to the formation of regional cones of depression and creation of critical groundwater areas for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA) in Arkansas. In response, use of surface water reservoirs for irrigation in the Grand Prairie critical groundwater area (GPCGA) has been implemented toward improving groundwater recovery, but effects of this strategy are unclear. We leverage publicly available satellite imagery and geospatial computational resources to estimate in GPCGA: (1) total surface water area on cropland and non‐cropland potentially used for irrigation using a supervised classification model and (2) causal effect of surface water area on groundwater depth‐to‐water measurements using a two‐way fixed effects (FE) model. We show persistent surface water area can be accurately predicted with confusion matrix accuracy ranging from 97.1% to 98.7% compared with known surface water reservoirs. Causal effect of cropland surface water reservoirs on depth‐to‐groundwater shows an approximate 0.4 m or 3.3% decrease in mean depth‐to‐water measurements for a given growing season for watersheds with a 100 ha increase in surface water area. Greatest reductions in depth‐to‐water measurements occur in those watersheds overlying regional cones of depression, corroborating previous groundwater simulation experiments. We note that alternate specifications of FE model exhibited similar effects, indicating FE model robustness. While conversion of arable land to surface water reservoirs incurs economic impacts, surface water reservoirs present a viable groundwater conservation strategy and tool for groundwater resource recovery for MRVA and other heavily stressed aquifers.

This work continues the study of a mathematical model for the motion of a mass–spring–damper system with friction. There, a two-mass model was constructed, its solvability established, the steady states investigated, and numerical simulations presented. The main interest here is in the modeling, analysis of the steady states, and simulation of a three-mass system—in particular, in the propagation of detachment or slip waves, which happen when the system transits from a stick state to a slip motion. The introduction of friction changes the problem into systems of three differential set-valued inclusions, which are mathematically and computationally very challenging. The analysis of the steady states shows the regions of stick, where there is enough frictional resistance that prevents motion. The proposed numerical methods are implemented, and the simulations show some representative types of system behavior, especially the cases of detachment waves. Some of the numerical simulations specifically support the theoretical analysis of slip initiation, reachability, and energy balance.

Background Activities that control cell shape and division are critical for the survival of bacteria. However, little is known about the circuitry controlling these processes in the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans. Methodology We designed experiments to characterize two genes, mreC and mreD, in S. mutans. Assays included cell morphology imaging, protein interaction analysis, transcriptomics, proteomics, and biofilm studies to generate a comprehensive understanding of the role of MreCD in S. mutans Results Consistent with mreCD participating in cell elongation, cells lacking these genes were found to be rounder than wild-type cells. Using bacterial two-hybrid assays, interactions between MreCD and several other proteins implicated in cell elongation were observed. Further characterization, using proteomics, revealed that the surface-associated proteome is different in mutants lacking mreCD. Consistent with these changes we observed altered sucrose-mediated biofilm architecture. Loss of mreCD also had a noticeable impact on bacteriocin gene expression, which could account in part for the observation that mreCD mutants had a diminished capacity to compete with commensal streptococci. Conclusion Our results provide evidence that cell elongation proteins are required for normal S. mutans physiology and establish a foundation for additional examination of these and related proteins in this organism.

Correction for ‘Thiazole-fused androstenone and ethisterone derivatives: potent β- and γ-actin cytoskeleton inhibitors to treat melanoma tumors’ by Sanjay Adhikary et al. , RSC Med. Chem. , 2025, 16 , 1105–1130, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4md00719k.

The importance of having region-specific data when planning health interventions has become evident in recent years. Nonetheless, several world regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), still face significant challenges. These regions need to develop strategies specifically designed to consider the inherent characteristics of their population composite and sociodemographic characteristics. More than 20% of the global cancer incidence arises in LAC. Yet, treatment, prevention, and follow-up guidelines in the area are frequently based on studies that mainly include patients from North America, Europe, and Asia. As personalized approaches become ubiquitous in medical practice, the amount of information emerging from LAC has risen considerably. In this review, we seek to present a comprehensive summary of the frequency of germline genetic variants in hereditary cancer syndromes in patients from LAC. The data highlight relevant differences in variants associated with LAC patients, including founder and recurrent variants, while showcasing potential features that might be relevant in oncology practices.

Green biomaterials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternative options in the fields of biomedical implants and tissue engineering. Biomaterials find extensive applications in supporting, enhancing, restoring, or replacing damaged tissues and organs within the human body. Furthermore, they maintain continuous interaction with the human body. Developing multifunctional green biomaterials that are compatible with human physiology is essential for achieving the necessary biological function while minimizing negative biological responses. The exploration of green biomaterials is gaining momentum in response to growing global concerns about environmental sustainability. This research area focuses on harnessing natural, renewable resources to create groundbreaking green biomaterials. The development of sustainable biomaterials encompasses the entire lifecycle of materials, considering factors such as desired properties, environmental impact during production, and strategies for recycling or disposal. This study shows an overview of the latest developments in synthetic and natural biomaterials covering their preparation, uses, potential applications, and future challenges in biomedical implants and tissue engineering applications. This study aims to guide designing future research, emphasizing the critical importance of selecting green multifunctional biomaterials to achieve optimal performance in biomedical implants and tissue engineering.

In the global transition from fluorescent to light emitting diode (LED) lights, there has been limited research to determine the impact of different light types on whole effluent toxicity (WET) test organisms. This study compared WET testing results, using sodium chloride as the reference toxicant, for Ceriodaphnia dubia, Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, and Pimephales promelas kept under fluorescent and LED lights. Inter-laboratory comparisons were made for acute and chronic C. dubia, acute D. pulex, and acute D. magna test results, where seasonality impacts were determined for all tests. One lab further evaluated culturing board effects over 12-week periods for C. dubia and D. magna and compared different LED light temperatures for C. dubia. Time of year differences were found with inconsistencies observed between labs. LED light temperature did not affect C. dubia culturing or WET test performance. In conclusion, LED lights are a viable alternative to fluorescent in WET testing except for chronic P. promelas and potentially chronic D. magna testing.

This letter shares insights from the 2024 “17th International Training Research Seminar in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry”, held in Rome, Italy, from March 3rd to 8th. The World Psychiatric Association and the Italian Society of Psychopathology collaboratively endorse the research seminar. This letter reflects on our seminar experiences, focusing on fostering transcultural dialogues and international collaboration to promote continued learning from one another while also highlighting the aspects of its format that enriched the overall learning experience. We identify the need for increasing accessibility to quality research training for early-career CAP researchers. Providing similar training opportunities across cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and locations would promote the dissemination of knowledge, compassion, ambition, and belonging that would consolidate a foundation necessary to meet the urgent mental health needs of children and adolescents globally.

Data are needed to identify optimum response to potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) amendment and associated mycorrhizal colonization for native warm-season grasses (NWSGs; big bluestem [BB; Andropogon gerardii Vitman] and switchgrass [SG; Panicum virgatum L.]). To evaluate these responses, experiments were conducted in Knoxville and Springfield, Tennessee, from 2013 to 2019. In twice-annual harvests, we assessed BB and SG dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDNs), P and K removed by grasses (removal), and soil test P and K in response to P (29 to 88 kg ha⁻¹) and K (70 to 257 kg ha⁻¹) elemental rates, and rates of root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in response to P. Amendments had no effect (p > 0.05) on DM yield, CP, or TDN for either species. Yield, CP, and TDN fluctuated among years (p < 0.001) for both species, but no consistent temporal trends were observed. Although removal exceeded inputs at the control (no input) for P and K, and at 70 kg K ha⁻¹, there was not an associated reduction in soil test K and P values. Phosphorus rate affected (p = 0.02) total mycorrhizal colonization, with an average of 62% colonization across both species and 70% at the highest P rates. Given the lack of response for yield, CP, TDN, or associated soil nutrient test levels, NWSGs appear to offer a low-input option for forage production.

The gendered makeup of state legislatures has been in a constant state of change since women were first allowed to serve in office. Through certain periods, there have been accelerations in the rate at which women gain representation, but they have never held a majority of state legislative seats throughout the United States. In this short article, we review the history of women's representation and the components that have endangered and encouraged representation, we then turn to the case of Nevada, the first state to achieve a women's majority. We find that although it is difficult to build such a majority in a state legislature, it is possible to maintain the increased representation in the long run by encouraging women in leadership positions, a greater focus on women's issues, and a more welcoming environment.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a global health crisis, responsible for nearly 20 million deaths annually worldwide and 12.6% of all deaths in the United States. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are critical for developing evidence-based clinical guidelines, but inconsistent outcome reporting across RCTs hinders evidence synthesis and comparability. In 2015, McNamara et al. introduced a CAD core outcome set (COS) to promote standardization in CAD trial outcomes. This study evaluates the uptake of the CAD COS in RCTs registered at ClinicalTrials.gov since its publication. Methods This trial registry analysis evaluated the uptake of the CAD COS in phase III/IV RCTs registered on ClinicalTrials.gov from May 2010 to June 2023. Trials were included if they assessed CAD interventions and excluded if the trials were non-randomized, focused on diagnostic tests, or were categorized as “not applicable” (e.g., behavioral interventions). COS adherence was measured as the proportion of reported outcomes among the 23 defined in the CAD COS. We analyzed changes in adherence over time, including pre- and post-COS publication periods, with secondary analyses examining continent, sponsor type, recruitment status, and enrollment number. Results Among 433 trials, procedural interventions (45.0%) and all-cause mortality (40.9%) were the most reported outcomes, while acute renal failure (2.1%) and dyspnea (2.8%) were the least. Pre-2015, trials reported an average of 11.5% of the COS-defined outcomes. Post-2015, trials initiated after the CAD COS publication reported a slightly higher proportion of COS-defined outcomes compared to earlier trials, reflecting a modest increase in the number of items reported. However, this increase was not statistically significant (p = 0.012). Recruitment status significantly influenced adherence (p < 0.001), while continent and sponsor type did not. A weak positive correlation was observed between enrollment number and adherence (r = 0.27, p < 0.001). Conclusions Despite its publication in 2015, CAD COS uptake remains limited, with no significant changes in adherence over time. Barriers such as limited dissemination, lack of trialist awareness, and preferences for custom outcomes likely contribute to these findings. Greater emphasis on education, patient-centered outcomes, and COS tailored to specific CAD indications is needed to enhance uptake and comparability in CAD trials.

Introduction The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medical education and healthcare has grown steadily over these past couple of years, though its application in veterinary education and practice remains relatively underexplored. This study is among the first to introduce veterinary students to AI-generated cases (AI-cases) and AI-standardized clients (AI-SCs) for teaching and learning communication skills. The study aimed to evaluate students' beliefs and perceptions surrounding the use of AI in veterinary education, with specific focus on communication skills training. Methods Conducted at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine (TTU SVM) during the Spring 2024 semester, the study included pre-clinical veterinary students (n = 237), who participated in a 90-min communication skills laboratory activity. Each class was introduced to two AI-cases and two AI-SCs, developed using OpenAI's ChatGPT-3.5. The Calgary Cambridge Guide (CCG) served as the framework for practicing communication skills. Results Results showed that although students recognized the widespread use of AI in everyday life, their familiarity, comfort and application of AI in veterinary education were limited. Notably, upper-year students were more hesitant to adopt AI-based tools, particularly in communication skills training. Discussion The findings suggest that veterinary institutions should prioritize AI-literacy and further explore how AI can enhance and complement communication training, veterinary education and practice.

Cool‐season annual grasses complement bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pastureland production in the southern United States. These species can be planted in the fall or in late winter to provide supplemental forage strategically in the growing season. Late winter plantings can also provide emergency forage where perennial stands have been affected by drought. The optimum late winter planting date is not well established for these annual forages. This experiment sought to compare the forage production from three late‐winter planting dates of four annual grasses. This experiment was conducted at the Arkansas State University farm in Jonesboro, AR, from 2021–2024. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), spring and winter oats (Avena sativa L.), and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) were no‐till planted into a glyphosate‐suppressed bermudagrass sod on one of three planting dates. Early planting dates were in late February, Mid planting dates were in mid‐March, and Late planting dates were in late Match. Plots were harvested once in early May of each year. Winter wheat was the least productive forage across planting dates in all years. Spring oat was the most productive forage (approximately 4200 lbs acre⁻¹). The early and mid‐planting dates produced similar amounts of forage at time of harvest. Late plantings were less productive (approximately 3000 lbs acre⁻¹). These results were consistent despite the variability in weather conditions across multiple seasons and establishment attempts. This experiment suggested that the optimal planting period for late winter‐planted annual forages is between late February and mid‐March in the southern United States.