Lebanon Valley College

Research shows that people have a natural-is-better belief whereby things described as "natural" are perceived as better than artificial, synthetic, or human-made items. For example, people report they would prefer a host of items when they are described as natural versus synthetic including drugs, vaccines, food, cigarettes, human talent, and lighting. Some people report preferring a natural item like a drug even when it is objectively less safe or effective than a synthetic counterpart. This naturalness bias is may become more widespread given the political climate in the U.S. and elsewhere in 2025 and beyond. However, there are many instances in which believing naturalness is better may be problematic, especially when it comes to health or medical behaviors. For example, people may forgo a synthetic or human-made medical treatment that has been rigorously tested in the laboratory and shown to influence a health condition in favor of a natural approach (e.g., herbal medicine). Research suggests that beliefs regarding the safety of natural items is one causal factor, but science skepticism is another factor that may be important. People who have a stronger naturalness bias may also be higher in science skepticism. Understanding how these two factors are connected could bring additional insight into how to reduce this bias. Implications of this connection and other ideas for future research related to the naturalness bias are discussed.

Preterm birth (PTB), triggered by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), remains a global health challenge, often linked to infections like chorioamnionitis. Existing biomarker detection methods, such as ELISAs, are limited by time, cost, and reagent requirements. There is a significant demand for new analytical techniques that identify PTB biomarkers, such as the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), within biological models. In this work, we have quantified IL-1β with our newly developed magnetic bead electrochemical sandwich assay (MBESA), an alternative to traditional ELISAs. We have utilized a fetal membrane organ on-a-chip (FMOC) to mimic the physiological functions of the human fetal membranes during bacterial infections in vitro . The MBESA was optimized to detect IL-1β levels present within a FMOC and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-infected cell cultures. We present the design of the MBESA, highlighting the high sensitivity of an electrochemical technique and the application of the FMOC in reproductive research. The MBESA was able to reproducibly detect standard IL-1β levels in the physiological ranges of 10 pg/mL to 600 pg/mL. Significant differences were observed in LPS-treated and untreated macrophages samples, but there was no significant difference between the MBESA and ELISA methods when examining LPS-treated and untreated macrophages samples. The MBESA’s reduced reagent use, faster results, and compatibility with organ on-a-chip systems suggest its potential for integration into point-of-care diagnostic tools targeting inflammation-driven PTB. • MBESA detects IL-1β with high sensitivity and reduced reagent requirements • FMOC replicates fetal membrane inflammation for in vitro cytokine analysis • MBESA shows strong agreement with ELISA for LPS-treated macrophage samples • FMOC and MBESA support point-of-care diagnostics for PTB biomarkers

Introduction: The Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy released the “Core Competencies for Entry-Level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapy” (CC-ACPT) in 2015. There have been no known published studies investigating the incorporation of these core competencies into doctor of physical therapy (DPT) educational programs throughout the US. Methods: A survey instrument was developed, reviewed by experts, revised, and disbursed by email to faculty extracted from accredited DPT program websites. The survey queried the inclusion of the CC-ACPT, other curricular topics, the manner and method acute care curriculum is constructed, and faculty perceptions of the level of importance of core competencies domains and objectives as they pertain to education and entry-level practice. Results: Across the 5 domains of the core competencies, 10 of the 41 objectives are not included in >85% of respondents’ curricula. Responding academicians rated discharge planning as the least important and having the least confidence regarding curricular inclusion among the core competency domains. Among curricular content surveyed beyond the core competencies, specialized tests, especially pertaining to the intensive care unit, were least likely to be included. Discussion/Conclusion: As the first-known survey of acute care physical therapy curriculum, findings demonstrate that there are elements of the core competencies, published in 2015, that are still not well integrated into entry-level DPT programs. Identifying content excluded from curricula and ways to ensure dissemination of the upcoming revised essential competencies will be critical in ensuring knowledge translation, which will impact future entry-level practice.

Abstract Introduction Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), either minimally interrupted (iDOACs) or uninterrupted (uDOACs), are the preferred anticoagulation strategy peri atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure. Direct comparisons of the two regimens are scarce and in small series. A network meta-analysis of iDOACs and uDOACs safety, compared to uninterrupted vitamin K antagonists (uVKA), with a much larger cohort, provides better insight. Objective To evaluate the thromboembolic and bleeding complications of iDOACs and uDOACs through comparison to uVKA. Methods A literature search from 2011 to 2023 identified 47 studies that directly compared bleeding events and thromboembolic events of iDOACs and/or uDOACs to uVKA. A network meta-analysis was used to pool effect sizes amongst the three regimens, which were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The total cohort included 26.060 patients, iDOAC: 5.868; uDOAC: 7.048; uVKA: 13.144 (age 61.2 years, male 72.7 %). Patients on iDOAC had a significantly lower risk of bleeding compared to those on uDOACs in the network analysis ( OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.97) and to uVKA in a direct analysis (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.86; I² = 42.8%) However, there was no significant difference in bleeding events between uDOAC and uVKA (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.81–1.04; I² = 0.0%) (Figure A, B). There was no difference in thromboembolic events among the three strategies (Figure C, D). Conclusions Our findings show that iDOACs strategy has a lower bleeding risk compared to uDOAC and to uVKA regimens, without an increase in thromboembolic complications. These data support the IDOACs as the strategy of choice for periablation anticoagulation.Bleeding complication Thromboembolic complication

Abstract Background A blanking period (BP) of three months has been typically employed following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, the length of BP has come under scrutiny by many series using post ablation continuous long-term monitoring, each proposing a different shorter duration. Current AF ablation guidelines propose a BP of 56 days. The optimal extent of BP is yet to be clearly defined. A meta-analysis of published studies using continuous post-ablation monitoring that reported cut-offs for BP were performed. Objective We aim to identify the optimal duration of BP using continuous monitoring after catheter ablation for AF. Methods A search was conducted on PubMed, Springer, and Wiley Online Library for studies published from 2011 to 2024, and studies that enrolled patients undergoing PVI for AF (using cryo or RF), had continuous monitoring post ablation and reported early and long-term AF recurrences were included. Statistical analysis was done using R software and IBM SPSS v29. The ROC curve was plotted using the retisma function from the mada package, and the confidence interval was calculated using the aucboot function from the dmetartools package. The mean optimal BP was calculated using the case weight function of the IBM SPSS package. Results Ten studies with a total number of 2136 patients (age 59 ± 60, male 67.2%, parox AF 74.3%)(average of all the studies). A diagnostic Meta-Analysis using the random effects model was performed. Meta-analytic Study ROC analysis of optimal BP data from five studies identifies 49 days as an optimal duration of BP, with an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75–0.87), specificity of 78.4%, and sensitivity of 79.6%. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests 49 days as the optimal blanking period duration post ablation for AF using thermal energy. This cut-off is shorter than BP duration proposed by the guidelines. These results emphasize the importance of continuous cardiac monitoring for ERAF. Larger studies with continuous monitoring and different ablation energy sources are needed to refine BP extent.

Adult-onset food allergy (AOFA), referring to food allergies that first develop in adulthood, has received growing attention in recent years, reflecting the broader rise of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergies. Despite limited dedicated research, a small but expanding body of observational and clinical data offers insight into its characteristics, particularly the frequency of implicated allergens. In this narrative review, the widely cited claim that shellfish are the most common allergen associated with AOFA is critically examined. To assess this claim, relevant peer-reviewed observational studies, published in English and primarily indexed in the PubMed database between 2000 and 2025, were reviewed. Studies were selected based on their focus on adult populations and the availability of specific allergen data.Shellfish were consistently identified as one of the most frequently reported allergens in multiple studies conducted across diverse geographic regions. However, substantial variation in study design, population characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and reporting practices hindered direct comparisons. Variability in reported prevalence rates and methodological differences further complicated interpretation. Additionally, limitations such as reliance on self-reported diagnoses and inconsistent use of diagnostic tests were identified as factors that limit the generalizability of current findings.In summary, although shellfish are frequently reported as a leading allergen in AOFA, current evidence remains inconclusive. Misidentification of the most prevalent allergens could potentially influence clinical guidance and public health interventions. The need for rigorous, large-scale epidemiological studies employing standardized definitions and diagnostic protocols is therefore emphasized. A clearer understanding of allergen prevalence in AOFA will enable more effective clinical risk assessments and support the development of targeted public health strategies.

The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) are commonly used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. To date, there are gaps in the evidence supporting the clinimetric properties of these PROMs for patients treated with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). A clinimetric analysis (n=145) was performed to examine the reliability, construct validity, responsiveness, interpretability, minimal detectable change (MDC95) and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of the NPRS and SPADI for "improved" (global rating of change from +3 to +7) and "much-improved" (global rating of change from +5 to +7) patients at 3-months follow-up. The NPRS (ICC: 0.86; 95 %CI, 0.33-0.96) and SPADI (ICC: 0.79; 95 %CI 0.12-0.94) exhibited good reliability and excellent responsiveness (NPRS: area under the curve (AUC)=0.96, 95 %CI 0.92-0.99; SPADI: AUC=0.90, 95 %CI 0.84-0.95) in this patient population. Both outcomes demonstrated strong construct validity (Pearson's r; p<0.001). The MDC95 was a 1.7- and 20.5-point change for the NPRS and SPADI, respectively. For the NPRS, the MCID was a 1.5-point change in the "improved" group and a 2.5-point change in the "much improved" group. For the SPADI, the MCID was an 18-point or 50% change for the "improved" group, and a 25-point or 70% change in the "much improved" group. The NPRS and SPADI demonstrated sound clinimetric properties in patients with SAPS. The MCID exceeded measurement error in the "much improved" group. Diagnosis, type of intervention, level of improvement, and measurement error should be considered when applying the MCID.

Conversations with caregivers scaffold infant language development. The importance of conversational turn-taking is widely demonstrated in dyadic interactions, particularly in home environments. Less is understood about the dynamics of conversational turns in polyadic classroom environments where educators are responsible for facilitating conversations with multiple young conversational partners. This study used a microanalytical approach to examine conversations during ten-minute recordings from 29 infants sampled from a subset of hour-long videos of infants in early childhood education centers in Sydney, Australia. We examined the qualities of conversations beyond simple adult contingency to focus on both temporal and semantically aligned responses to infants' cues. The characteristics of conversational turns were then decomposed to explore how the likelihood of conversation changes as a function of infant vocal cues, caregiver response patterns, and the number of children present. Infants actively shaped their conversations with educators by directing their vocalizations to capture educators' attention. Directed vocalizations (educator-directed, object-directed) were more likely to receive a response than undirected vocalizations, and more speech-like vocalizations received higher response rates than immature vocalizations. Contingency rates varied across infants, but most responses to infant vocalizations were semantically contingent, regardless of who initiated the conversation. Educator-initiated conversations predicted longer turns than infant-initiated conversations. However, group size did not relate to the length of conversations. Educators were skilled at facilitating multi-turn conversations despite frequent polyadic interactions. The findings enhance understanding of the moment-to-moment interactions that shape language development and highlight characteristics of supportive language environments in classroom settings.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to examine people’s fear and perception of threat toward artificial intelligence (AI) as a function of various psychological features attributed to it. To investigate this, participants (Exp. 1, N = 206) read descriptions of AI with high or low cognitive and emotional capabilities. They were most (least) averse to AI described as having the strongest (weakest) of these capabilities (Exp. 1). Similarly, in Experiment 2, a representative U.S. sample (N = 686) was more afraid of and threatened by AI described as having equally strong cognitive and emotional capabilities than AI described as with weaker capabilities (weak cognition, strong emotion), but that pattern was reversed when the faculties were attributed to pharmacologically altered humans. These findings provide evidence for competing predictions about the configuration of these faculties to evoke negateve responses. Furthermore, they provide a novel test of these competing predictions applied to AI.

ABSTRACT Introduction Urine specific gravity (USG) is commonly used for rapid determination of hydration status. However, it may not reflect true hydration status when compared to serum osmolality (Sosm). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the agreement between hydration status measured by USG and Sosm in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I soccer players. Methods Sixty-four NCAA Division I soccer players (n = 31 female) participated in the study. Fasting blood draws occurred in the morning at six timepoints for females and three timepoints for males. Repeated-measures correlations were used to assess relationships between USG and Sosm (α = 0.05). Results Mean Sosm was 287.60 ± 4.89 mOsm·kg−1 and mean USG was 1.024 ± 0.006. There was no significant correlation found between Sosm and USG in all subjects (r = −0.06, P = 0.36). Mean Sosm in females was 286.54 ± 5.24 mOsm·kg−1, and mean USG was 1.024 ± 0.006. In females, there was no significant correlation between Sosm and USG (r = −0.12, P = 0.16). Mean Sosm in males was 289.35 ± 5.57 mOsm·kg−1, and mean USG was 1.027 ± 0.031. In males, there was no significant correlation between Sosm and USG (r = 0.11, P = 0.42). Mean Sosm in females was significantly lower than in men (P = 0.04), but no significant differences were found between sexes for USG (P = 0.09). When assessed for sensitivity, females and males received scores of 78.79% and 83.02%, respectively, whereas the general sensitivity of all subjects was 81.40%. Assessment of specificity revealed that females and males received scores of 19.46% and 28.13%, respectively, whereas the general specificity of all subjects was 20.99%. Conclusion The present study demonstrates a discordance between USG and Sosm. Although it lacked specificity in classifying euhydration, USG tended to classify an individual as hypohydrated compared to Sosm. Because USG may falsely classify an athlete as hypohydrated, additional measures of hydration status should be taken to avoid overhydration.