Indigenous Peoples provide alternative approaches to managing biological invasions.

Biological invasions are a main threat to biodiversity. Seebens et al. find that Indigenous Peoples' lands host 30% fewer alien species than other lands. This finding calls for additional examination of the drivers of such difference, from Indigenous Peoples' land management practices to the values that guide relations with nature.

Effect of training on bone quality in rats with insulin resistance induce by fluoride consumption.

When large amounts of Fluoride are consumed produces insulin resistance, but exercise can reverse insulin resistance in rats, because of a high fluoride uptake by bone tissue. However, bone quality has not been studied in those experiments. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate bone quality in rats treated with fluoride when performing exercise. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n=6 per group): Control (drinking water without fluoride), Fluoride (drinking water with fluoride 15 mg/L for 30 days) and Exercise (daily running on a treadmill and drinking water with fluoride 15 mg/L for 30 days).  Then, bone mineral density, mechanical and histological properties and bone fluoride level were measured. No effect of treatment on any bone parameters were observed. These results indicate that exercise normalizes glucose metabolism in insulin-resistant rats by bone fluoride uptake; however, this increase in bone fluoride does not manifest in bone deterioration.

Cuando se consumen grandes cantidades de fluoruro se produce resistencia a la insulina, pero la realización de ejercicio puede revertir dicho efecto en ratas, debido a una alta absorción de fluoruro por el tejido óseo. Sin embargo, la calidad ósea no ha sido estudiada. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la calidad ósea en ratas tratadas con flúor que realizan ejercicio. Se trabajó con ratas Sprague-Dawley que se dividieron en 3 grupos (n=6 por grupo): Control (recibiron agua sin flúor), Flúor (recibieron agua con flúor 15 mg/L durante 30 días) y Ejercicio (realizaron ejercicio diariamente en cinta ergométrica y recibieron agua con fluoruro 15 mg/L por 30 días). Luego, se midieron la densidad mineral ósea, las propiedades biomecánicas e histológicas y el nivel de fluoruro óseo. No se observó ningún efecto del tratamiento sobre ningún parámetro óseo. Estos resultados indican que el ejercicio normaliza el metabolismo de la glucosa en ratas resistentes a la insulina mediante la captación ósea de fluoruro; sin embargo, este aumento del fluoruro óseo no se manifiesta en deterioro óseo.

A Comparison of Tenosynovial and Transverse Carpal Ligament Biopsy for Amyloid Detection in Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to compare differences in the incidence of amyloid deposition in tenosynovium (TS) versus transverse carpal ligament (TCL) biopsies obtained during open carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that the incidence of amyloid would be similar between TCL and TS when obtaining both specimens from the same patient. METHODS: All primary, elective open carpal tunnel release cases that underwent biopsy for amyloid between January 2022 and September 2023 were reviewed. Tenosynovial and TCL specimens were independently evaluated by a pathologist to assess for amyloid. Demographic data were collected, and incidence of amyloid deposition was compared between the two samples. Agreement statistics, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for TCL, using TS as the reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 196 cases met either Tier 1 (n=180) or Tier 2 (n=16) biopsy criteria. Forty-eight cases were excluded for missed biopsies or laboratory processing errors, leaving 148 cases available for analysis. Amyloid deposition was present in 31 out of 148 (21%) TS specimens and 33 out of 148 (22%) TCL specimens. Overall, the results of the TS biopsy agreed with TCL biopsy in 138 out of 148 cases (93%). In the 10 cases for which the results of the TCL and TS biopsy differed, six cases had (+) TCL and (-) TS, and four cases had amyloid deposition in TS without evidence of deposition in the TCL. Sensitivity and specificity values for the TCL specimen were 87% and 95%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 82% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For cases of open carpal tunnel release undergoing biopsy, amyloid deposition was noted in 21% of TS specimens and 22% of TCL specimens. Results of TS and TCL biopsies obtained from the same patient agreed in 93% of cases. Single-source biopsy for amyloid represents a reasonable diagnostic approach. Future cost analyses should be performed to determine whether the addition of two biopsy sources to improve diagnostic accuracy is justified. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Unplanned Postoperative Phone Calls and Electronic Messages for Patients With and Without Opioid Prescriptions After Carpal Tunnel Release.

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare unplanned postoperative patient communication in the form of phone calls and/or electronic patient portal messages (EPPM) after carpal tunnel release (CTR) for patients with and without a postoperative opioid prescription. Methods: We identified all patients ≥18 years of age who underwent primary CTR between 2017 and 2022 without an opioid ordered within 90 days prior to surgery. The following two groups were created: cases with and without an opioid prescribed on the day of surgery. We recorded baseline demographics for all patients and recorded all unplanned communication (phone calls and EPPM) sent from a patient to the surgeon's office within 14 days after surgery. Unadjusted associations between unplanned communication and case characteristics were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between opioid status and unplanned communication. Results: A total of 5,735 CTRs were included, and 54% of the patients were prescribed an opioid on the day of surgery. Forty-two percent of cases had unplanned postoperative communication, and 48.1% of cases, without an opioid prescription, had unplanned communication compared with 36.8% in the opioid group. Patients who were prescribed opioids were 0.62 times less likely to contact the surgeon's office via phone calls or EPPM (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56, 0.70). Increased age was associated with a reduction in the odds of unplanned contact (odds ratios [OR] = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.97), whereas higher body mass index was significantly associated with increased communication (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.09). Conclusions: Patients prescribed opioids after CTR are 0.62 times less likely to contact the surgeon's office after surgery. Considering the 11% increase in unplanned postoperative communication after CTR, surgeons should consider alternative methods that have previously been demonstrated to reduce opioid consumption. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic II.

Innovative Biomarkers for Obesity and Type 1 Diabetes Based on Bifidobacterium and Metabolomic Profiling.

The role of Bifidobacterium species and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and human milk oligosaccharides in controlling intestinal inflammation and the pathogenesis of obesity and type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been largely studied in recent years. This paper discusses the discovery of signature biomarkers for obesity and T1D based on data from a novel test for profiling several Bifidobacterium species, combined with metabolomic analysis. Through the NUTRISHIELD clinical study, a total of 98 children were recruited: 40 healthy controls, 40 type 1 diabetics, and 18 obese children. Bifidobacterium profiles were assessed in stool samples through an innovative test allowing high taxonomic resolution and precise quantification, while SCFAs and branched amino acids were measured in urine samples through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). KIDMED questionnaires were used to evaluate the children's dietary habits and correlate them with the Bifidobacterium and metabolomic profiles. We found that B. longum subs. infantis and B. breve were higher in individuals with obesity, while B. bifidum and B. longum subs. longum were lower compared to healthy individuals. In individuals with T1D, alterations were found at the metabolic level, with an overall increase in the level of the most measured metabolites. The high taxonomic resolution of the Bifidobacterium test used meant strong correlations between the concentrations of valine and isoleucine, and the relative abundance of some Bifidobacterium species such as B. longum subs. infantis, B. breve, and B. bifidum could be observed.

Cardiac index-guided therapy to maintain optimised postinduction cardiac index in high-risk patients having major open abdominal surgery: the multicentre randomised iPEGASUS trial.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether optimising intraoperative cardiac index can reduce postoperative complications. We tested the hypothesis that maintaining optimised postinduction cardiac index during and for the first 8 h after surgery reduces the incidence of a composite outcome of complications within 28 days after surgery compared with routine care in high-risk patients having elective major open abdominal surgery. METHODS: In three German and two Spanish centres, high-risk patients having elective major open abdominal surgery were randomised to cardiac index-guided therapy to maintain optimised postinduction cardiac index (cardiac index at which pulse pressure variation was <12%) during and for the first 8 h after surgery using intravenous fluids and dobutamine or to routine care. The primary outcome was the incidence of a composite outcome of moderate or severe complications within 28 days after surgery. RESULTS: We analysed 318 of 380 enrolled subjects. The composite primary outcome occurred in 84 of 152 subjects (55%) assigned to cardiac index-guided therapy and in 77 of 166 subjects (46%) assigned to routine care (odds ratio: 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.39, P=0.038). Per-protocol analyses confirmed the results of the primary outcome analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining optimised postinduction cardiac index during and for the first 8 h after surgery did not reduce, and possibly increased, the incidence of a composite outcome of complications within 28 days after surgery compared with routine care in high-risk patients having elective major open abdominal surgery. Clinicians should not strive to maintain optimised postinduction cardiac index during and after surgery in expectation of reducing complications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03021525.

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Reliability of the CTS-6 for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Administered by Medical Assistants.

PURPOSE: The CTS-6 can be used clinically to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and has demonstrated high levels of interrater reliability when administered by nonexpert clinicians. Our purpose was to assess sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and interrater reliability of the CTS-6 when administered by medical assistants (MAs). METHODS: A series of patients presenting to an academic, upper-extremity surgery clinic were screened using CTS-6 between May and June of 2023. The CTS-6 was first administered by one of seven MAs and then by one of four fellowship-trained upper-extremity surgeons. In addition to recording baseline demographics, the results of each of the six history and examination components of the CTS-6 were recorded, as was the cumulative CTS-6 score (0-26). Surgeons were blinded to the scores obtained by the MAs. Interrater reliability (Cohen's kappa) was determined between the groups with respect to the diagnosis of CTS and the individual CTS-6 items. Sensitivity/specificity was calculated for the MA-administered CTS-6, using the score obtained by the surgeon as the reference standard. A CTS-6 score >12 was considered diagnostic of CTS. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen patients were included, and 26% had a diagnosis of CTS. The MA group demonstrated a Sn/Sp of 84%/91% for the diagnosis of CTS. Interrater reliability was substantial (Cohen's kappa: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.83) for MAs compared with hand surgeons for the diagnosis of CTS. For individual CTS-6 components, agreement was lowest for the assessment of two-point discrimination (fair) and highest for the assessment of subjective numbness (near perfect). CONCLUSIONS: The CTS-6 demonstrates substantial reliability and high Sn/Sp when administrated by MAs in an upper-extremity clinic. These data may be used to inform the development of CTS screening programs and future investigations in the primary care setting. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Surgeon Factors and Trends Associated With the Use of Subacromial Decompression at the Time of Rotator Cuff Repair.

PURPOSE: Subacromial decompression (SAD) has historically been described as an essential part of the surgical treatment of rotator cuff disorders. However, investigations throughout the 21st century have increasingly questioned the need for routine SAD during rotator cuff repair (RCR). Our purpose was to assess for changes in the incidence of SAD performed during RCR over a 12-year period. In addition, we aimed to characterize surgeon and practice factors associated with SAD use. METHODS: Records from two large tertiary referral systems in the United States from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed. All cases of RCR with and without SAD were identified. The outcome of interest was the proportion of SAD performed during RCR across years and by surgeon. Surgeon-specific characteristics included institution, fellowship training, surgical volume, academic practice, and years in practice. Yearly trends were assessed using binomial logistic regression modeling, with a random effect accounting for surgeon-specific variability. RESULTS: During the study period, 37,165 RCR surgeries were performed by 104 surgeons. Of these cases, 71% underwent SAD during RCR. SAD use decreased by 11%. The multivariable model found that surgeons in academic practice, those with lower surgical volume, and those with increasing years in practice were significantly associated with increased odds of performing SAD. Surgeons with fellowship training were significantly more likely to use SAD over time, with the greatest odds of SAD noted for sports medicine surgeons (odds ratio = 3.04). CONCLUSIONS: Although SAD use during RCR appears to be decreasing, multiple surgeon and practice factors (years in practice, fellowship training, volume, and academic practice) are associated with a change in SAD use. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data suggest that early-career surgeons entering practice are likely driving the trend of declining SAD. Despite evidence suggesting limited clinical benefits, SAD remains commonly performed; future studies should endeavor to determine factors associated with practice changes among surgeons.

Novel influenza A viruses in pigs with zoonotic potential, Chile.

Novel H1N2 and H3N2 swine influenza A viruses (IAVs) have recently been identified in Chile. The objective of this study was to evaluate their zoonotic potential. We perform phylogenetic analyses to determine the genetic origin and evolution of these viruses, and a serological analysis to determine the level of cross-protective antibodies in the human population. Eight genotypes were identified, all with pandemic H1N1 2009-like internal genes. H1N1 and H1N2 were the subtypes more commonly detected. Swine H1N2 and H3N2 IAVs had hemagglutinin and neuraminidase lineages genetically divergent from IAVs reported worldwide, including human vaccine strains. These genes originated from human seasonal viruses were introduced into the swine population since the mid-1980s. Serological data indicate that the general population is susceptible to the H3N2 virus and that elderly and young children also lack protective antibodies against the H1N2 strains, suggesting that these viruses could be potential zoonotic threats. Continuous IAV surveillance and monitoring of the swine and human populations is strongly recommended.IMPORTANCEIn the global context, where swine serve as crucial intermediate hosts for influenza A viruses (IAVs), this study addresses the pressing concern of the zoonotic potential of novel reassortant strains. Conducted on a large scale in Chile, it presents a comprehensive account of swine influenza A virus diversity, covering 93.8% of the country's industrialized swine farms. The findings reveal eight distinct swine IAV genotypes, all carrying a complete internal gene cassette of pandemic H1N1 2009 origin, emphasizing potential increased replication and transmission fitness. Genetic divergence of H1N2 and H3N2 IAVs from globally reported strains raises alarms, with evidence suggesting introductions from human seasonal viruses since the mid-1980s. A detailed serological analysis underscores the zoonotic threat, indicating susceptibility in the general population to swine H3N2 and a lack of protective antibodies in vulnerable demographics. These data highlight the importance of continuous surveillance, providing crucial insights for global health organizations.

Using the Power Wheel as a transformative tool to promote equity through spaces and places of patient engagement.

BACKGROUND: Patient engagement is the active collaboration between patient partners and health system partners towards a goal of making decisions that centre patient needs-thus improving experiences of care, and overall effectiveness of health services in alignment with the Quintuple Aim. An important but challenging aspect of patient engagement is including diverse perspectives particularly those experiencing health inequities. When such populations are excluded from decision-making in health policy, practice and research, we risk creating a healthcare ecosystem that reinforces structural marginalisation and perpetuates health inequities. APPROACH: Despite the growing body of literature on knowledge coproduction, few have addressed the role of power relations in patient engagement and offered actionable steps for engaging diverse patients in an inclusive way with a goal of improving health equity. To fill this knowledge gap, we draw on theoretical concepts of power, our own experience codesigning a novel model of patient engagement that is equity promoting, Equity Mobilizing Partnerships in Community, and extensive experience as patient partners engaged across the healthcare ecosystem. We introduce readers to a new conceptual tool, the Power Wheel, that can be used to analyse the interspersion of power in the places and spaces of patient engagement. CONCLUSION: As a tool for ongoing praxis (reflection +action), the Power Wheel can be used to report, reflect and resolve power asymmetries in patient-partnered projects, thereby increasing transparency and illuminating opportunities for equitable transformation and social inclusion so that health services can meet the needs and priorities of all people.

A comprehensive examination of small-bowel capsule endoscopy in Spanish centers to meet European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy standards.

Background and study aims In 2019, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) created a working group to develop technical and quality standards for small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) to improve the daily practice of endoscopy services. They developed 10 quality parameters, which have yet to be tested in a real-life setting. Our study aimed to evaluate the accomplishment of the quality standards in SBCE established by the ESGE in several Spanish centers. Materials and methods An online survey of 11 multiple-choice questions related to the ESGE performance measures was sent to Spanish centers with experience in SBCE. In order to participate and obtain reliable data, at least 100 questionnaires had to be answered per center because that is the minimum number established by ESGE. Results 20 centers participated in the study, compiling 2049 SBCEs for the analysis. Only one of 10 performance measures (cecal visualization) reached the minimum standard established by the ESGE. In five of 10 performance measures (Indication, lesion detection rate, terminology, and retention rate) the minimum standard was nearly achieved. Conclusions Our study is the first multicenter study regarding SBCE quality performance measures in a real setting. Our results show that the minimum standard is hardly reached in most procedures, which calls into question their clinical applicability in real life. We suggest performing similar studies in other countries to evaluate whether there is a need for quality improvement programs or a need to reevaluate the minimum and target values published so far.

A Comparison of Amyloid Deposition in Endoscopic and Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

PURPOSE: Previous investigations assessing the incidence of amyloidosis detected with biopsy during carpal tunnel release (CTR) have focused on open CTR (OCTR). Prior authors have suggested that biopsy may be more technically challenging during endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Our purpose was to compare differences in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during ECTR versus OCTR. METHODS: We reviewed all primary ECTR and OCTR during which a biopsy for amyloid was obtained between February 2022 and June 2023. All procedures were performed by five upper-extremity surgeons from a single institution. Congo red staining was used to determine the presence of amyloid deposition in either the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) or tenosynovium. All positive cases underwent subtype analysis and protein identification through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline demographics were recorded for each case, and the incidence of positive biopsy was compared between ECTR and OCTR cases. RESULTS: A total of 282 cases were included for analysis (143 ECTR and 139 OCTR). The mean age was 67 years, and 45% of cases were women. Baseline demographics were similar except for a significantly higher incidence of diabetes in OCTR cases (13% vs 33%). Overall, 13% of CTR cases had a positive biopsy. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during biopsy in ECTR cases (3.5%) compared with OCTR cases (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy performed during ECTR may result in a lower incidence of amyloid detection. Future basic science investigation may be necessary to determine histologic differences between tenosynovium proximal and distal to the leading edge of the TCL. When surgeons plan a biopsy during surgical release of the carpal tunnel, an open approach may be advantageous. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

High life satisfaction reported among small-scale societies with low incomes.

Global polls have shown that people in high-income countries generally report being more satisfied with their lives than people in low-income countries. The persistence of this correlation, and its similarity to correlations between income and life satisfaction within countries, could lead to the impression that high levels of life satisfaction can only be achieved in wealthy societies. However, global polls have typically overlooked small-scale, nonindustrialized societies, which can provide an alternative test of the consistency of this relationship. Here, we present results from a survey of 2,966 members of Indigenous Peoples and local communities among 19 globally distributed sites. We find that high average levels of life satisfaction, comparable to those of wealthy countries, are reported for numerous populations that have very low monetary incomes. Our results are consistent with the notion that human societies can support very satisfying lives for their members without necessarily requiring high degrees of monetary wealth.

A synthesis of women's participation in small-scale fisheries management: why women's voices matter.

While women globally make up nearly half of the fisheries workforce, their contribution to the sector has long been overlooked with implications for fisheries management. To assess women's participation in small-scale fisheries (SSF) management and related socio-cultural, environmental, and economic impacts, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature (n = 124 case studies). Women had no or limited participation in more than 80% of the examined case studies reporting their participation level in SSF management. Women's exclusion from SSF management resulted in negative outcomes, whereas their active participation was associated with various positive impacts at multiple scales. Most of the documented impacts were socio-cultural, suggesting a gap in documenting environmental impacts stemmed from women's participation in SSF management. Importantly, most impacts reported affected the social-ecological system scale, suggesting that gender inclusion may contribute to improving the management of SSF social-ecological systems. We conclude by highlighting the need to foster gender perspectives in data collection methods used in fisheries research, in SSF management, and in ecological research on SSF social-ecological systems. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-023-09806-2.

Towards richer knowledge partnerships between ecology and ethnoecology.

Indigenous and traditional practices based on ethnoecological knowledge are fundamental to biodiversity stewardship and sustainable use. Knowledge partnerships between Indigenous Peoples, traditional local communities, and ecologists can produce richer and fairer understandings of nature. We identify key topical areas where such collaborations can positively transform science, policy, and practice.

A Comparison of Early Complication Rates of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release With and Without Resident Involvement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the complication rates of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) relative to orthopedic resident trainee involvement in the procedure. METHODS: All patients undergoing isolated, elective ECTR by two attending surgeons within a 59-month period were analyzed. Cases were categorized as the following according to the degree of resident involvement: ECTR performed by attending with either no resident or a resident as an assistant (group 1), resident performing a portion of the procedure (group 2), and resident performing the entire procedure (group 3). Early postoperative complications and/or intraoperative conversion to an open procedure were the outcomes of interest. We used a noninferiority design, hypothesizing that resident involvement would not be associated with inferior outcomes compared with cases without resident involvement. Multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for patient demographic and surgical characteristics, were fit to assess the relationship between resident involvement groups and complication/conversion outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,167 ECTR cases (895 patients) were performed and returned for postoperative follow-up for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Operative time was significantly shorter for group 1 cases versus group 2 and 3 cases. The early postoperative complication and conversion rates were 1.7% and 1.0%, respectively. Superficial infection (1.2%), deep infection (0.3%), and transient neuropraxia (0.3%) occurred infrequently and did not differ relative to resident involvement. No differences in the odds of complication and/or conversion relative to resident involvement were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of ECTR performed entirely or in part by attending-supervised resident trainees were not inferior to ECTR performed by an attending surgeon regarding the odds of experiencing complications or conversion to an open procedure. With appropriate supervision, ECTR can be performed safely by orthopedic and plastic surgery residents. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Increased glucose metabolism and impaired glutamate transport in human astrocytes are potential early triggers of abnormal extracellular glutamate accumulation in hiPSC-derived models of Alzheimer's disease.

Glutamate recycling between neurons and astrocytes is essential to maintain neurotransmitter homeostasis. Disturbances in glutamate homeostasis, resulting in excitotoxicity and neuronal death, have been described as a potential mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. However, glutamate neurotransmitter metabolism in different human brain cells, particularly astrocytes, has been poorly investigated at the early stages of AD. We sought to investigate glucose and glutamate metabolism in AD by employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes and neurons carrying mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilin-1 (PSEN-1) gene as found in familial types of AD (fAD). Methods such as live-cell bioenergetics and metabolic mapping using [13 C]-enriched substrates were used to examine metabolism in the early stages of AD. Our results revealed greater glycolysis and glucose oxidative metabolism in astrocytes and neurons with APP or PSEN-1 mutations, accompanied by an elevated glutamate synthesis compared to control WT cells. Astrocytes with APP or PSEN-1 mutations exhibited reduced expression of the excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), and glutamine uptake increased in mutated neurons, with enhanced glutamate release specifically in neurons with a PSEN-1 mutation. These results demonstrate a hypermetabolic phenotype in astrocytes with fAD mutations possibly linked to toxic glutamate accumulation. Our findings further identify metabolic imbalances that may occur in the early phases of AD pathophysiology.

Statistical Literacy in Hand and Upper-Extremity Patients.

Purpose: Statistical literacy is the ability of a patient to apply basic statistical concepts to their health care. Understanding statistics is a critical component of shared decision making. The purpose of this investigation was to define levels of statistical literacy in an upper-extremity (UE) patient population. We aimed to determine if patient demographics would be associated with statistical literacy. Methods: An electronic survey was administered to a consecutive series of UE patients at a single institution. We recorded baseline demographics, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores, the Berlin Numeracy Test (BNT), and General Health Numeracy Test. We also included a surgical risk question, which asked: "Approximately 3% of patients who get carpal tunnel surgery develop an infection. If 100 patients get this surgery, how many would you expect to develop an infection?" A covariate-controlled adjusted odds ratio reflecting the association between each statistical literacy outcome measure and patient characteristics was reported. Results: A total 254 surveys were administered, 148 of which were completed and included. Fifty percent of respondents had a high-school education or less. For the BNT, 78% scored in the bottom quartile, and 52% incorrectly answered all questions. For the General Health Numeracy Test, 34% answered 0 or 1/6 questions correctly. For the surgical risk question, 24% of respondents answered incorrectly. Respondents who had a college or graduate degree had 2.62 times greater odds (95% confidence interval, 1.09-6.32) of achieving a BNT score in a higher quartile than patients who did not have a college or graduate degree. Conclusions: Overall levels of statistical literacy are low for UE patients. Clinical relevance: When engaging in management discussions and shared decision making, UE surgeons should assume low levels of statistical literacy. Consideration of alternative formats, such as frequencies, video-based materials, and pictographs, may be warranted when discussing outcomes and risks of surgical procedures.

AFM-IR for Nanoscale Chemical Characterization in Life Sciences: Recent Developments and Future Directions.

Despite the ubiquitous absorption of mid-infrared (IR) radiation by virtually all molecules that belong to the major biomolecules groups (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids), the application of conventional IR microscopy to the life sciences remained somewhat limited, due to the restrictions on spatial resolution imposed by the diffraction limit (in the order of several micrometers). This issue is addressed by AFM-IR, a scanning probe-based technique that allows for chemical analysis at the nanoscale with resolutions down to 10 nm and thus has the potential to contribute to the investigation of nano and microscale biological processes. In this perspective, in addition to a concise description of the working principles and operating modes of AFM-IR, we present and evaluate the latest key applications of AFM-IR to the life sciences, summarizing what the technique has to offer to this field. Furthermore, we discuss the most relevant current limitations and point out potential future developments and areas for further application for fruitful interdisciplinary collaboration.