Columbia College - South Carolina

Tire- and road-wear particles (TRWPs) are one of the main types of primary microplastics in the environment. Generated through driving a vehicle, they accumulate on roads, where they are often found encrusted with varying amounts of road dust. Here, we report physical and chemical data for individual TRWPs (> 150 µm across), which were collected in Charleston, South Carolina, and separated via density fractionation. For this study, image and elemental analysis of individual TRWPs was conducted on only the lowest (≤ 1.179 g/cm³) and highest (≥ 1.43 g/cm³) density categories. Images of TRWPs, captured through scanning electron microscopy, were processed to determine axial ratios, volumes, and degree of encrustations. The high-density TRWPs were overall more elongated than their low-density counterparts but the TRWP volumes were similar in both density categories. The particles were mapped using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to visualize the distribution of Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, and Fe on the surface of the TRWPs. Subsequently, these element distribution maps were used to identify the mineral phases present in the TRWP encrustations. The obtained data revealed the main types of minerals occurring in the encrustations were quartz, feldspar, and Fe-oxide/hydroxides. The high-density TRWPs exhibited a greater extent of mineral encrustation than their lower-density counterparts. Iron and Ti were more prominent in the encrustations of high-density particles than in those of low-density TRWPs. These results demonstrate that the density of TRWPs, and consequently their transport and fate, are influenced by the extent and mineralogical composition of their mineral encrustations.

Exertional heat illness poses a significant risk for workers, athletes, and military personnel participating in outdoor activities during hot weather. An important component of heat safety is to monitor environmental conditions through heat stress indices like the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and adjust activity as conditions get progressively hotter. Traditionally, on‐site (OS) WBGT measurement devices are used, but phone applications (PAs) offering WBGT estimates have emerged as a potential alternative. However, there is little information on how closely PA‐derived WBGTs match OS measurements to guide decision‐making. This study compared the PA‐derived Zelus WBGT estimates with OS measurements from Kestrel 5400 devices and their impact on activity modification categorization. A 2‐month observational study collected 1,056 paired (OS and PA) WBGT measurements from 26 high schools across 11 states in the United States and over diverse surfaces (artificial turf 53%, natural grass 44%, others 3%). WBGT values were categorized using regional activity modification thresholds to account for local acclimatization. Our findings indicated that while exhibiting high correlation (r = 0.89), PA WBGTs were on average about 1°C cooler, with differences of 2–3°C at higher WBGTs. Findings were similar for both grass and artificial turf surfaces. Further, significant discrepancies were observed in WBGT‐based activity modification categories, with the PA more frequently indicating lower modification categories compared to OS devices, especially in hotter conditions. In light of these findings, the PA requires further validation prior to its adoption as a replacement for OS measurements.

Evidence regarding ways in which systemic racism impacts birth and lactation among neonates with congenital heart defects (CHD) is limited. Thus, we sought to examine racial disparities among a cohort of neonates with CHD by exploring associations between birth and lactation outcomes and individual and community-level indicators of systemic racism. This was a post hoc analysis of retrospective electronic health record (EHR) data from hospitalized neonates who had cardiac surgery and resided in the same county as the pediatric hospital (n = 20; 2016–2020). Associations between primary outcomes (birth weight and weight-for-age z-score, and 28-day total parental milk and overall human milk percentage) and systemic racism indicators (neonate’s EHR documented race and zip code-derived index scores for community-level food insecurity and health inequity) were analyzed with multivariable regression models. Compared to White neonates (n = 13), Black or biracial neonates (n = 5) had lower parental milk (β = − 59.4, p = 0.003) and human milk (β = − 62.1, p < 0.001) percentages. Higher community-level food insecurity index scores were associated with lower birth weight (β = − 104 g, p = 0.014), birth weight-for-age z-scores (β = − 0.195, p = 0.026), and human milk percentage (p = 0.003), whereas higher health inequity index scores were associated with lower parental milk (β = − 8.5, p = 0.03) and human milk (β = − 10.2, p < 0.001) percentages. Significant racial inequities in birth and lactation outcomes may exist for neonates with CHD. More research is needed to identify structural barriers within pediatric cardiac care and develop interventions to mitigate these disparities.

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effects of perceived leader–-member exchange and working conditions on turnover intention among healthcare employees. Design/methodology/approach The study population consisted of healthcare employees working in a medical faculty hospital in Türkiye. A stratified sampling method was used in sample selection. The data were obtained by the questionnaire method, and voluntary participation was taken as a basis. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information, a leader–-member exchange (LMX) scale and a turnover intention scale. The research was conducted between April and May 2022 and completed with 400 participants. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analyses were chosen for data analysis. Findings The findings showed that the participants had a medium-level perception of leader–-member exchange and a medium-level turnover intention. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis revealed that especially “affect and professional respect” sub-dimensions of LMX had a statistically significant and negative effect on turnover intention scores. In addition, weekly working hours had a statistically significant and positive effect on turnover intention ( p < 0.05). Finally, it was determined that the variance in turnover intention score was explained by the “affect and professional respect” sub-dimensions of LMX and weekly working hours ( R ² = 0.241). Originality/value This study provides evidence on the impact of the “affect” and “professional respect” sub-dimensions of leader–member exchange as well as work environment factors on the turnover intentions of healthcare employees. The results are expected to guide healthcare organization leaders and managers on how to create a collaborative work environment that leads to employee retention.

Racial disparities have historically existed regarding HIV care outcomes, including linkage to care. This study aims to explore the contribution of contextual features (e.g., socioeconomic and structural environmental factors) to the temporal change of county-level racial disparities in linkage to care. This is a statewide population-based retrospective cohort study. The patient-level variables in the South Carolina HIV registry system were used to calculate the aggregated county-level linkage to care percentage. Then, we used four indices to measure racial disparities in the county-level percentage of timely linkage to care, i.e., the Black-White ratio, index of disparity (ID), weighted ID, and Gini coefficient. Linear mixed-effect models were used to estimate the relationship between a variety of contextual features and disparity indexes. The analysis included data from 2013 to 2020, with 2013 as the start year due to the availability of key contextual features and 2020 as the end year based on the most recent HIV registry data available at the time of this study. Across 46 counties in South Carolina, racial disparity in linkage to care persisted between 2013 and 2020, as indicated by all four indices. When using ID, weighted ID, and Gini as outcomes, counties with lower degrees of racial residential segregation and stronger family structure were at higher risk of racial disparities in linkage to care. For weighted ID only, counties with fewer primary care providers (β = − 4.22; 95% CI, − 7.23 ~ 1.23) had larger racial disparities in linkage to care. Furthermore, for Gini only, counties with higher income inequalities (β = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00 ~ 0.02) had larger racial disparities in linkage to care. Efforts to address racial disparities should continue, and innovative approaches, specifically those that focus on social and structural factors, should be developed and implemented for populations that have poor HIV outcomes in the USA.

Hallux valgus deformity frequently presents with an increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) which may require additional correction. Minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery is often used in patients with increased DMAA. We hypothesized that the triplanar correction with the minimally invasive extra-articular metaphyseal distal transverse osteotomy (META) would improve the DMAA, in addition to the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and patient-reported outcomes. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent an META procedure for hallux valgus correction. The DMAA, HVA, IMA were measured on preoperative, 2-week postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs. Patient demographics, complications, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS) pain, function, and mobility scores were recorded. Univariate analysis and t-test were used to describe measurements between DMAA, HVA, and IMA. Twenty-seven META osteotomies were performed on 25 patients. At the final follow-up, mean DMAA, HVA, IMA decreased from 9.73 ± 1.96 to 4.35 ± 0.85 degrees, 30.45 ± 7.91 to 6.59 ± 2.75 degrees, and 15.37 ± 3.67 to 3.72 ± 1.84 degrees, respectively (P < .001). The PROMIS pain scores significantly improved from 58.96 ± 6.00 to 49.69 ± 9.35 at the final follow-up (P < .001). These observations imply successful resolution of hallux valgus, with a single META procedure. This approach may be an alternative to open or multiple corrections of hallux valgus, while preserving improvement in functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV

Background Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare medical condition presenting as idiopathic heart failure. The aim of this study was to (1) examine the contribution of neighborhood disinvestment to PPCM risk and to racial and ethnic disparities in PPCM; (2) examine the extent to which sociodemographic factors and chronic hypertension explain these outcomes; and (3) describe severe maternal morbidity cases and the timing of PPCM. Methods We conducted an observational cohort study using vital records longitudinally linked with hospital discharge records for mothers and infants up to 9 months postpartum for births in California from 1997 to 2019. Using the Neighborhood Deprivation Index as a proxy measure for neighborhood disinvestment, we sequentially adjusted multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the association of Neighborhood Deprivation Index and race and ethnicity with PPCM. Results Our study included 7 354 662 births and 918 (0.012%) PPCM cases. Those residing in neighborhoods with higher disinvestment had an increased odds of PPCM (OR [95% CI] Quartile 2: 1.2 [1.0–1.5]; Quartile 3: 1.7 [1.4–2.1]; Quartile 4: 1.5 [1.2–1.9]). When considering the contribution of Neighborhood Deprivation Index to racial and ethnic disparities in PPCM, the odds ratio slightly decreased for Non‐Hispanic Black births from 3.8 (3.1–4.6) to 3.4 (2.8–4.1). For chronic hypertension in Non‐Hispanic Black births there was a slight decrease in odds from 3.4 (2.8–4.1) to 3.1 (2.6–3.8). The severe maternal morbidity indicator with the highest frequency was pulmonary edema/acute heart failure. Conclusions Our results show that neighborhood deprivation and pre‐pregnancy hypertension partially explain PPCM risk but does not explain the racial or ethnic disparity. Future research should examine the impact of specific measures of neighborhood deprivation on the racial and ethnic disparity in outcomes such as PPCM.

Plain Language Summary This article provides guidance and examples for creating patient navigator job descriptions based on levels of expertise that align with the roles and responsibilities detailed in the January 2024 publication. The National Navigation Roundtable (NNRT) Workforce Development Task Group (WFD) provided their knowledge and experiences to inform job descriptions for navigators at different levels of proficiency (entry, intermediate, and advanced). The 2024 table can assist administrators by showing a linear progression of skills based on levels of expertise from entry to advanced level navigators. Detailed job descriptions enable the navigator to evolve and grow professionally.

Metastasis accounts for the overwhelming majority of cancer deaths. In prostate cancer and many other solid tumors, progression to metastasis is associated with drastically reduced survival outcomes, yet the mechanisms behind this progression remain largely unknown. ATPase family AAA domain containing 2 (ATAD2) is an epigenetic reader of acetylated histones that is overexpressed in multiple cancer types and usually associated with poor patient outcomes. However, the functional role of ATAD2 in cancer progression and metastasis has been relatively understudied. Here, we employ genetically engineered mouse models of prostate cancer bone metastasis, as well as multiple independent human cohorts, to show that ATAD2 is highly enriched in bone metastasis compared with primary tumors and significantly associated with the development of metastasis. We show that ATAD2 expression is associated with MYC pathway activation in patient datasets and that, at least in a subset of tumors, MYC and ATAD2 can regulate each other’s expression. Using functional studies on mouse bone metastatic cell lines and innovative organ-on-a-chip bone invasion assays, we establish a functional role for ATAD2 inhibition in reducing prostate cancer metastasis and growth in bone. Implications: Our study highlights ATAD2 as a driver of prostate cancer progression and metastasis and suggests it may constitute a promising novel therapeutic target.

Aim: To analyze outcomes in AIS patients with history of cancer after Mechanical thrombectomy Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion.. The impact of MT in AIS patients with cancer is underexplored, with some research indicating higher mortality rates in cancer patients compared to those without cancer. This study aims to evaluate outcomes after MT in AIS patients with knnow history of cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample 2019 to identify AIS patients who underwent MT. A total of 5279 MT cases were reported during admission. Out of those, 155 MT cases were reported in patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer, and 114 MT cases were reported in patients with metastatic cancer. A binomial logistic regression was done, using smoking and age as independent variables due to their significant association with lung cancer and MT outcomes. Results: The study found that the overall mortality rate among AIS patients undergoing MT was 8.33% (6.80% - 10.16%). However, mortality was higher in stroke patients with cancer, reaching 12.90% (4.72% - 30.67%), and significantly higher in those with metastatic malignancy, at 26.08% (11.64% - 48.58%). The odds of mortality in AIS patients after MT were significantly lower (OR: 0.6698, 95% CI: 0.5199 - 0.8630). However, the presence of metastatic cancer was associated with a significant increase in mortality risk (OR: 2.955, 95% CI: 1.157 - 7.546, p < 0.05), which persisted even after adjusting for confounders like age, sex, and median quartile income (OR: 2.845, 95% CI: 1.107 - 7.307, p < 0.05). Patient with lung cancer was found to increased risk of mortality post-MT (OR: 5.0017, 95% CI: 1.1901 - 21.1019, p = 0.028), and the association remained significant with binomial logistic regression, accounting for smoking and age (OR: 5.43, 95% CI: 1.327 - 23.991, p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that mortality risk is higher after MT in AIS patients with known diagnosis of cancer, particularly in those with metastatic disease. Metastatic cancer was significantly associated with higher mortality risk after MT. Additionally, patient's with lung cancer had significantly increased mortality risk after MT. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully considering the status of cancer, especially whether metastatic or not, in AIS patients undergoing MT.

This population-based cohort study examines the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in South Carolina via aggregated pharmacy claims data matched with diagnosis codes from medical claims. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing decreased from 30.2% in 2012 to 22.6% in 2017 ( P < 0.001) and was more common in adults >40 years old.

This article describes experiences of a literary coach working with a first‐grade teacher to make Pro‐Black culturally relevant pedagogy foundational to the coaching relationship. Responding to the failure of mandated programs to support Black students' literacy proficiency and the success of culturally relevant pedagogies, they addressed the White dominance of a district‐mandated program by revising lessons in Pro‐Black, culturally relevant ways providing classroom examples and implications for literacy coaches.

Despite being the second largest Asian immigrant group in the United States, South Asian Americans are highly underrepresented in the psychological literature. Considered a ‘model minority’, South Asian Americans are a target of discrimination based on their Brown identity and religious affiliations, making it critical to examine their experiences. Extending the integrated conceptual framework to research pertaining to South Asian Americans published from 2012 to 2022, the aim of this scoping review was three‐fold: (i) to identify the demographics of South Asian Americans included; (ii) to identify whether there was discussion or assessment of contexts of emigration and settlement, religious or sociocultural values or beliefs, and individual interpretive processes or everyday activities; and (iii) to identify which aspects of psychological functioning are studied. Utilising PsycInfo, Scopus, and EBSCO, 103 publications met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Indian Americans were the most studied subgroup. Acculturation and physical/mental health, or relationships, parenting, and identity were frequently studied domains. The review highlights the critical need for future studies to examine the diversity of South Asian American experiences, assess relevant contexts, beliefs, values and worldviews and explore individual meaning‐making processes using culturally sensitive methods. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's community and social impact statement.

The journal Earth and Space Science (ESS) was founded in 2014 to offer the scientific community a new platform for the dissemination of key new data, observations, methods, instruments, and models, presented within the context of their application. Thus, the aim of the journal was (and is) to highlight the complexity and importance of experimental design, methodology, data acquisition and processing, intertwined with data interpretation. Such approach is consistent with the mission of most AGU journals, but the distinctive element for ESS is its focus on the concept of the useful impact of publication, progressively replacing that on conventional publication metrics. In this context, the journal has been, since its inception, the preferred home for studies stemming from both global and local geoscience research. This special collection contains 16 papers published in ESS, selected by the Editorial Board to highlight the aims, scope and path of evolution and growth of the journal since it inaugural issue, in 2014.