Evaluation of stormwater runoff pollutant distributions combined with land-use information in a regional karst aquifer in Texas, USA.

Fast urbanization can result in significant stormwater runoff pollution due to changes in land use. A 3-year study on the distribution and temporal variations of urban water pollutants in stormwater runoff was conducted, with a specific focus on the influence of land-use patterns in the recharge zone of a regional karst aquifer in Texas (Edwards Aquifer). The presence and concentration of various water pollutants including total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and phosphate), total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC), oil and grease (O&G), and eight heavy metals (Fe, Mg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd) were measured in stormwater samples collected from three bioswales.

Field performance of two stormwater bioretention systems for treating heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from urban runoff.

The increasing urbanization and land development poses significant water quality challenges in urban areas. Stormwater control measures, such as bioretention basins, are implemented to mitigate these issues by managing storm volumes and improving water quality. Despite their widespread use, the effectiveness of bioretention basins in removing pollutants, particularly heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), remains unclear.

Assessing the removal of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and occurrence of metal resistance genes and antibiotic resistance genes in a stormwater bioretention system.

Bioretention basins are extensively used in urban areas to manage stormwater by reducing peak flows and pollution. This study evaluated the performance of a bioretention basin in removing heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and oil and grease. Using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), the presence of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the basin's soil was analyzed.

Pannexin 3 deletion in mice results in knee osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc degeneration after forced treadmill running.

Pannexin 3 (Panx3) is a glycoprotein that forms mechanosensitive channels expressed in chondrocytes and annulus fibrosus cells of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Evidence suggests Panx3 plays contrasting roles in traumatic versus aging osteoarthritis (OA) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, whether its deletion influences the response of joint tissue to forced use is unknown.

Comparative histopathological analysis of age-associated intervertebral disc degeneration in CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice: Anatomical and sex-based differences.

Background: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major contributor to back pain and disability. The cause of IVD degeneration is multifactorial, with no disease-modifying treatments. Mouse models are commonly used to study IVD degeneration; however, the effects of anatomical location, strain, and sex on the progression of age-associated degeneration are poorly understood.

Water quality performance assessment of two stormwater detention basins located in the recharge zone of a karst aquifer.

Stormwater detention basins are used to minimize peak discharges and improve water quality mainly through sedimentation; however, limited studies have evaluated the water quality performance of detention basins located over karst aquifers. Karst aquifers are vital sources of drinking water for many regions of the world and their recharge areas are susceptible to contamination from surface water resources. In this study, an analysis of two stormwater detention basins (namely, Kyle and TPC) located in the recharge zone of one of the most prolific karst aquifers in the world (Edwards Aquifer, San Antonio, Texas), were conducted over a period of one year to quantify the water quality and hydrologic performance of the basins.

Composition of soil bacterial communities associated with urban stormwater detention basins and their predicted functional roles in N cycle.

Aims: Stormwater detention basins serve as vital components in mitigating the adverse effects of urban runoff, and investigating the microbial dynamics within these systems is crucial for enhancing their performance and pollutant removal capabilities. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the soil bacterial communities in two stormwater detention basins located on the Edwards Aquifer in Bexar County, Texas, USA, and evaluate how soil physiochemical properties may affect them.

Methods And Results: Each basin soil was sampled in two different seasons at varying depths and the structure of microbial communities was examined using paired end Illumina sequencing using V3 and V4 region of 16S rRNA gene.

Evaluation of nitrogen removal, functional gene abundance and microbial community structure in a stormwater detention basin.

Stormwater control measures such as detention basins are used to mitigate the negative effects of urban stormwater resulting from watershed development. In this study, the performance of a detention basin in mitigating nitrogen pollution was examined and the abundance of N-cycling genes (amoA, nirK, nosZ, hzsB and Ntsp-amoA) present in the soil media of the basin was measured using quantitative PCR. Results showed a net export of nitrogen from the basin, however, differences between in- and outflow concentrations were not significant.

Opportunity, Challenge, or Both? Managing Adolescent Socioemotional and Mental Health During Web-Based Learning.

The transition to web-based learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to consider the benefits of and the risks associated with web-based technology for education, media use, and access to resources. Prior to the pandemic, children and adolescents had in-person access to peers; social relationships; educators; health care providers; and, in some cases, mental health resources and medical care in schools and community settings. Due to the introduction of universal masking and physical distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in early 2020, methods for accessing these resources have shifted dramatically, as people now rely on web-based platforms to access such resources.

What Influences the Decision to Interview a Candidate for Medical School?

Introduction: Holistic review, in which medical schools seek to balance applicant attributes and experiences alongside traditional academic metrics in making admissions decisions, has been in place for over a decade. Medical school applicants and the admissions' community are still trying to understand the impact of holistic review on the composition of those medical schools choose to interview and accept.

Materials And Method: The study cohort included all candidates who applied to Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) in 2014, 2015, and 2016 (N = 8,920).

Changing appearance of intraosseous calcific tendinitis in the shoulder with time: A case report.

We report a case of a 66-year-old woman who presented with acute shoulder pain. Initial radiographs revealed a sclerotic intraosseous lesion in the greater tuberosity with associated cortical erosions and subacromial calcification. The diagnosis of intraosseous calcific tendinitis was confirmed with additional magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine imaging.

The Rising Physicians Program: A Novel Approach for Mentoring Medical Students.

Introduction: The transition to medical school is a particularly challenging time for new students as they are faced with significant academic responsibilities. Moreover, for many students at the Uniformed Services University they are adjusting to being on active duty in the military. Mentoring has been considered a way to help with the transition and professional development.

The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children.

Children need to develop a variety of skill sets to optimize their development and manage toxic stress. Research demonstrates that developmentally appropriate play with parents and peers is a singular opportunity to promote the social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills that build executive function and a prosocial brain. Furthermore, play supports the formation of the safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with all caregivers that children need to thrive.

A Longitudinal Study of Commonly Used Admissions Measures and Disenrollment from Medical School and Graduate Medical Education Probation or Termination from Training.

Introduction: This is an empirical study to better understand commonly used medical school admission measures and disenrollment decisions during undergraduate medical education as well as graduate medical education (GME) probation or termination decisions.

Materials And Methods: Based on the data of USUHS medical students matriculating between 1998 and 2011 (N = 2,460), we compared medical school graduates and those disenrolled from medical school on MCAT scores, undergraduate BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) GPA, and undergraduate overall GPA. We also reported more specific reasons for disenrollment decisions.

Retention of pediatric resuscitation performance after a simulation-based mastery learning session: a multicenter randomized trial.

Objectives: Using simulation-based mastery learning, residents can be trained to achieve a predefined performance standard in resuscitation. After mastery is achieved, performance degradation occurs over time. Prior investigations have shown performance retention of 12-14 months following intensive simulation-based mastery learning sessions.

Evaluating risk-taking behaviors of youth in military families.

This study assessed risk-taking behavior in a unique adolescent population: family members of active and retired military personnel. Significantly fewer adolescents in our group engaged in at-risk behaviors compared with national statistics, demonstrating the need for further research.

Changing parental opinions about teen privacy through education.

Objective: Confidentiality for adolescent patients is the standard of care. However, some parents object to this practice. We determined the prevalence of parents who have negative opinions regarding adolescent privacy policies and education's effect on that prevalence.