Lessons Learned from Public Health and State Prison Collaborations during COVID-19 Pandemic and Multifacility Tuberculosis Outbreak, Washington, USA.

The large COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons in the Washington (USA) State Department of Corrections (WADOC) system during 2020 highlighted the need for a new public health approach to prevent and control COVID-19 transmission in the system's 12 facilities. WADOC and the Washington State Department of Health (WADOH) responded by strengthening partnerships through dedicated corrections-focused public health staff, improving cross-agency outbreak response coordination, implementing and developing corrections-specific public health guidance, and establishing collaborative data systems. The preexisting partnerships and trust between WADOC and WADOH, strengthened during the COVID-19 response, laid the foundation for a collaborative response during late 2021 to the largest tuberculosis outbreak in Washington State in the past 20 years. We describe challenges of a multiagency collaboration during 2 outbreak responses, as well as approaches to address those challenges, and share lessons learned for future communicable disease outbreak responses in correctional settings.

Coherent states of the Laguerre-Gauss modes.

Large quantum photonic systems hold promise for surpassing classical computational limits, yet their state preparation remains a challenge. We propose an alternative approach to study multiparticle dynamics by mapping the excitation mode of these systems to physical properties of the Laguerre-Gauss modes. We construct coherent states establishing a direct link between excitation number dynamics and the evolution of the Laguerre-Gauss modes. This highlights the photon transverse spatial degree of freedom as a versatile platform for testing the fundamental aspects of quantum multiparticle systems.

The roles of dating and victimization on adverse mental health among teens: Survey findings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between romantic involvement, dating violence, other victimizations, and mental health among adolescents in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is understudied. METHODS: This study analyzed 2021 survey data collected from a representative sample of 9th-12th grade students (n = 10,792) from 24 high schools in a US Midwestern state. Most respondents identified as White, heterosexual, and US-born, with more than three-quarters aged 15-17 years. Guided by the poly-victimization framework, this study explored: (a) How do youth victimizations and mental health concerns differ by their experience of dating and dating violence? (b) What are the associations between youth mental health concerns, victimizations, and dating? RESULTS: Youths reported mental health concerns and victimizations at considerable rates during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person interactions were limited. Those who experienced dating violence were at a higher risk of reporting other victimizations (i.e., unwanted sexual comments, unwanted sexual contact, sexual photos/videos, sex trading for compensation, discrimination, and bullying). The number of victimizations demonstrated a cumulative effect on teen mental health. Most individual victimizations showed significant net associations with mental health concerns, even when controlling for other differing victimizations. CONCLUSIONS: Dating violence plays a critical role in the interconnectedness of victimizations, and the number of victimizations has a cumulative effect on teen mental health. The high prevalence of youth victimizations during the time when in-person interactions were limited suggests that victimizations may transfer from in-person forms to virtual forms and occur offline. Implications for individual and community prevention and interventions are discussed.

Depiction of Homemade Infant Formula and Formula Hacks on Pinterest: An Unsafe and Unhealthy Pin for Infants?

PURPOSE: To examine Pinterest pins to discern the content, messaging and claims, and engagement with pins regarding formula hacking and homemade formula. BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discourage formula hacking (ie, preparing formula not according to directions to extend its use) and making homemade infant formula due to its associated health risks. Yet, caregivers are using social media platforms to find information on these topics. METHODS: This study conducted a content analysis of Pinterest pins related to formula hacking and homemade infant formula identified from the platform in January 2023 by using 14 search terms. RESULTS: A total of 63 pins were included in the sample. The topic of all (100.0%) pins was homemade formula. More than one-half (56.0%) of the 25 pins that provided a recipe included an unsafe ingredient, such as raw milk. The most frequently provided reasons to use homemade infant formula were in an emergency (38.2%) and when breastfeeding was not possible (38.2%). The most common claim was that homemade infant formula was healthy (59.6%). The total number of followers for the 63 pins was 861 636. CONCLUSIONS: Pinterest is widely used by caregivers to find feeding information for their infants. Credible organizations should utilize Pinterest to disseminate safe infant feeding practices supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. IMPLICATIONS: The results will help nurses advocate for safe infant feeding and help them guide caregivers away from unsafe formula practices found on social media.

An Exploration of Sex Trading for Compensation and LGBTQ+ Inclusive Screening Practices: Perspectives of Young People who have Experienced Sex Trading and/or Homelessness.

Young people's perspectives on social and healthcare providers' assessments of sex trading for financial compensation are lacking. This is particularly important for LGBTQ+ youth who experience substantial barriers in navigating health and social services. Further, increased internet access (because of COVID-19 and other factors) has changed the landscape of the sex trades in ways that are not fully understood. Our study aimed to understand (1) how young people trade sex, and (2) provider strategies that increase youths' comfort in disclosing sex trading and related risks. This community-based participatory research study surveyed currently or formerly homeless youth (ages 16-29). We co-created a cross sectional survey that explored youths' perceptions of: (1) sex trading type, compensation, and meaning; and (2) practices to increase youths' comfort in disclosing sex trading. Participants (N = 103; Mage = 22.9 [SD = 3.5]; 34% white, 55% ciswomen/21% trans; 51% queer) reported that "sex trading" signified multiple meanings, ranging from sex work/occupation to exploitation/trafficking, and included diverse in-person and virtual forms for varied compensation types. Youth reported being more comfortable disclosing when the provider indicated they would advocate for them if they are victims of discrimination. Compared to cisgender youth, trans youth reported feeling significantly more comfortable disclosing sexual activity when a service provider used gender/sexuality inclusive practices (e.g., pronoun pins). Findings suggest important implications for gender-inclusive practice strategies to ultimately reduce potential harms of sex trading and multi-item measures to assess the complexity of sex trading.

Estimates of Hepatitis C Seroprevalence and Viremia in State Prison Populations in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies demonstrate that eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States (US) heavily depends on treating incarcerated persons. Knowing the scope of the carceral HCV epidemic by state will help guide national elimination efforts. METHODS: Between 2019 and 2023, all state prison systems received surveys requesting data on hepatitis C antibody and viremic prevalence. We supplemented survey information with publicly available HCV data to corroborate responses and fill in data gaps. RESULTS: Weighting HCV prevalence by state prison population size, we estimate that 15.2% of the US prison population is HCV seropositive and 8.7% is viremic; 54.9% of seropositive persons have detectable RNA. Applying prevalence estimates to the total prison population at year-end 2021, 91 090 persons with HCV infection resided in a state prison. CONCLUSIONS: With updated and more complete HCV data from all 50 states, HCV prevalence in state prisons is nearly 9-fold higher than the US general population. The heterogeneity in HCV prevalence by state prison system may reflect variable exposure before arrest and/or differences in treatment availability during incarceration. Elimination of HCV in the country depends on addressing the carceral epidemic, and one of the first steps is understanding the size of the problem.

Short-Finned Pilot Whale Strandings Associated with Pilot Whale Morbillivirus, Brazil.

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) causes illness and death in cetaceans worldwide; the CeMV strains circulating in the Southern Hemisphere are poorly known. We detected a pilot whale CeMV strain in 3 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) stranded in Brazil during July-October 2020. Our results confirm this virus circulates in this species.

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Mycoplasma spp. in Marine Mammals, Brazil.

Mycoplasma spp. are wall-less bacteria able to infect mammals and are classified as hemotropic (hemoplasma) and nonhemotropic. In aquatic mammals, hemoplasma have been reported in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and river dolphins (Inia spp.). We investigated Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), pinnipeds (5 species), and marine cetaceans (18 species) that stranded or were undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil during 2002-2022. We detected Mycoplasma in blood of 18/130 (14.8%) cetaceans and 3/18 (16.6%) pinnipeds. All tested manatees were PCR-negative for Mycoplasma. Our findings indicate that >2 different hemoplasma species are circulating in cetaceans. The sequences from pinnipeds were similar to previously described sequences. We also detected a nonhemotropic Mycoplasma in 2 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) that might be associated with microscopic lesions. Because certain hemoplasmas can cause disease and death in immunosuppressed mammals, the bacteria could have conservation implications for already endangered aquatic mammals.

Tuberculosis Outbreak in a State Prison System - Washington, 2021-2022.

During 2014-2020, no tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported within the Washington state prison system. However, during July 2021-June 2022, 25 TB cases were reported among persons incarcerated or formerly incarcerated in two Washington state prisons. Phylogenetic analyses of whole genome sequencing data indicated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from all 11 patients with culture-confirmed TB were closely related, suggesting that these cases represented a single outbreak. The median infectious period for 12 patients who were considered likely contagious was 170 days. As of November 15, 2022, the Washington State Department of Corrections (WADOC) and Washington State Department of Health (WADOH), with technical assistance from CDC, had identified 3,075 contacts among incarcerated residents and staff members at five state prisons, and 244 contacts without a known TB history received a diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI). Persons who were evaluated for TB disease were isolated; those receiving a diagnosis of TB then initiated antituberculosis therapy. Persons with LTBI were offered treatment to prevent progression to TB disease. This ongoing TB outbreak is the largest in Washington in 20 years. Suspension of annual TB screening while limited resources were redirected toward the COVID-19 response resulted in delayed case detection that facilitated TB transmission. In addition, fear of isolation might discourage residents and staff members from reporting symptoms, which likely also leads to delayed TB diagnoses. Continued close collaboration between WADOC and WADOH is needed to end this outbreak and prevent future outbreaks.

University Students Who Report Exchanging Sex for Money or Other Compensation: Findings from a Public University Sample.

Whether and how university students exchange sex for financial compensation in the USA is critically understudied. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine whether undergraduate and graduate students at a large public university report exchanging sex for financial or other compensation, and identify factors (e.g., demographics, childhood adversity, mental health) associated with exchanging sex. Participants were 600 college students (Mage = 21.3 years [SD = 3.8]); 72% cisgender women; 43.4% racial/ethnic minority) from a large public university in the Northeastern USA who completed cross-sectional, online questionnaires about lifetime trauma, adversity exposure, sexual behaviors, and current mental health and substance use symptoms. A total of 4.5% of participants reported exchanging sex for money, alcohol/drugs, or other forms of compensation. Bivariate analysis revealed that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans students (versus cisgender, heterosexual students), students who had more severe childhood trauma, who reported being removed from their family home in childhood, and students who were diagnosed with a mental health disorder before age 18 were more likely to report exchanging sex. In a multivariable model, only emotional neglect and greater alcohol use problems were significantly associated with likelihood of exchanging sex. To our knowledge, this is the first US study to determine whether university students exchange sex for money, alcohol/drugs, or other compensation. Findings suggest that universities could consider addressing exchanging sex in person-centered, supportive sexual health programming, university health services responses, and community spaces that support LGBTQ+ students. Future research is needed to understand students' circumstances in exchanging sex and differentiate compensation type.

Field Hockey-Related Injuries Treated in US Emergency Departments, 2000 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of field hockey-related injuries of patients aged 6 to 24 years who were treated in US emergency departments from 2000 to 2020. DESIGN: The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). SETTING: The NEISS collects data on recreational activity-related and consumer product-related injuries treated in US Eds. PATIENTS: Patients aged 6 to 24 years who were treated for field hockey-related injuries in Eds from 2000 to 2020. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: The researchers analyzed characteristics that included age, body part injured, injury diagnosis, disposition from the ED, injury locale, injury mechanism, contact, and equipment type. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All cases of field hockey-related injuries were identified using the NEISS product code for field hockey (1295). RESULTS: There were an estimated 82 639 (95% CI = 45 536-119 742) field hockey-related injuries for patients aged 6 to 24 years treated in US emergency departments from 2000 to 2020. The rate of field hockey-related injuries per 100 000 population did not significantly change from 7.4 in 2000 to 7.4 in 2011 (slope = 0.048; P = 0.581) but significantly decreased from 7.4 in 2011 to 3.7 in 2019 (slope = -0.40; P = 0.018). As player age increased, the risk of injury due to contact with equipment increased ( 13 years: RR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.82-0.98, 19-24 years: RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.06-1.29). Concussions or traumatic brain injuries accounted for 9.2% of injuries and were most associated with contact with the ball. CONCLUSION: Although there was a decrease in the field hockey-related injuries, field hockey remains an important source of injuries for children and young adults.

Pediatric Dance-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States, 2000-2020.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the characteristics and trends of children aged 3 to 19 years treated in US emergency departments for dance-related injuries. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2000 through 2020 was conducted. RESULTS: An estimated 489,119 children received emergency treatment for a dance-related injury, averaging 23,291 children annually, and the rate of injury increased 68.1% during the 21-year study period. Girls accounted for 80.3% and children aged 15 to 19 years accounted for 46.5% of cases. Sprains/strains were the most frequent diagnosis (44.4%), and lower extremities were the most commonly injured body region (56.4%). Compared with other body regions, patients aged 3 to 10 years were more likely to sustain head/neck injuries (odds ratio, 3.94, 95% confidence interval, 3.42-4.52) than 11- to 19-year-olds. Falls and noncontact mechanisms of injury accounted for 35.6% and 32.1% of injuries, respectively. Unstructured dance activity was associated with 30.8% of dance-related injuries overall and 67.0% among children aged 3 to 5 years. Ballet/pointe dancers frequently sustained lower extremity sprains/strains (39.2%). Compared with other dance types, break dancing was more commonly associated with injuries to an upper extremity than other body regions (odds ratio, 4.76, 95% confidence interval, 3.66-6.19). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of pediatric dance-related injuries treated in US emergency departments is increasing. Unstructured dance activity was an important source of dance-related injury, especially among children aged 3 to 5 years. The injury diagnosis and body region injured varied by child age and type of dance. Additional targeted prevention efforts should be implemented that address the injury characteristics of dancer subgroups.

How Do Providers Assess Young People for Risk of Sex Trafficking? Observed Indicators, Follow-Up, and Assessment Questions from a Sample of Social Service Providers.

The extent to which service providers across systems identify and assess potentially sex trafficked youth is understudied. The purpose of this study is to determine whether and how providers observe relevant indicators and assess for sex trafficking risk among minors (ages 12-17), young adults (ages 18-29), and families of minors. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was disseminated to service providers, who represented child welfare, youth justice, and social services (e.g. runaway youth, sexual violence), in a region of a Midwestern state (United States). Participants (N=267) were asked whether they provided direct services to minors (ages 12-17, n=245), adults (ages 18-29, n=148), and/or families/foster families of minors (ages 12-17, n=163), resulting in three respective client groups. Survey items assessed the extent to which providers (1) identified possible sex trafficking indicators across 5 domains; (2) took follow up actions; and (3) asked risk assessment questions. T-tests were conducted to examine differences between those who reported receiving sex trafficking trainings, compared to those who did not. Results suggest that the most commonly identified indicators included depressive symptoms, shame and guilt, lack of social support. Least common indicators included torture, false IDs, hotel involvement. A third of minor-aged providers did not ask sex trafficking risk assessment questions. Providers reported asking fewer clients about online sex trading than in-person forms. There were statistically significant differences among providers who received training. Implications, including provider strategies for assessing online sex trading and organizational protocols to enhance sex trafficking identification, are discussed.

Let's Give Together: Can Collaborative Giving Boost Generosity?

A growing number of people donate to charity together with others, such as a spouse, friend, or stranger. Does giving to charity collectively with another person-called collaborative giving-promote generosity? Existing data offer unsatisfactory insight; most studies are correlational, present mixed findings, or examine other concepts. Yet, theory suggests that collaborative giving may increase generosity because giving with others could be intrinsically enjoyable. We conducted two well-powered, pre-registered experiments to test whether collaborative giving boosts generosity. In Experiment 1 (N = 202; 101 dyads) and Experiment 2 (N = 310; 155 dyads), pairs of unacquainted undergraduates earned money and were randomly assigned to donate collaboratively (Experiments 1-2), individually in each other's presence (Experiments 1-2), or privately (Experiment 2). Across studies, we observed no condition differences on generosity. However, collaborative (vs. individual) giving predicted greater intrinsic enjoyment, which, in turn, predicted larger donations, suggesting a promising potential mechanism for future research and practice.

Non-local scattering control in coupled resonator networks.

We demonstrate scattering control of Gaussian-like wave packets propagating with constant envelope velocity and invariant waist through coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROW) via an external resonator coupled to multiple sites of the CROW. We calculate the analytical reflectance and transmittance using standard scattering methods from waveguide quantum electrodynamics and show it is possible to approximate them for an external resonator detuned to the CROW. Our analytical and approximate results are in good agreement with numerical simulations. We engineer various configurations using an external resonator coupled to two sites of a CROW to show light trapping with effective exponential decay between the coupling sites, wave packet splitting into two pairs of identical Gaussian-like wave packets, and a non-local Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

The effect of deep learning reconstruction on abdominal CT densitometry and image quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in CT values and image quality of abdominal CT images reconstructed by filtered back-projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR), and deep learning reconstruction (DLR). METHODS: PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for articles regarding CT densitometry in the abdomen and the image reconstruction techniques FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR. Mean differences in CT values between reconstruction techniques were analyzed. A comparison between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR was made. A comparison of diagnostic confidence between hybrid IR and DLR was made. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were included, six being suitable for meta-analysis. In the liver, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was - 0.633 HU (p = 0.483, SD ± 0.902 HU). In the spleen, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was - 0.099 HU (p = 0.925, SD ± 1.061 HU). In the pancreas, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was - 1.372 HU (p = 0.353, SD ± 1.476 HU). In 14 articles, CNR was described. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher CNR. In 9 articles, SNR was described. In all cases but one, DLR showed a significantly higher SNR. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher diagnostic confidence. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in CT values reconstructed by FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR in abdominal organs. This shows that these reconstruction techniques are consistent in reconstructing CT values. DLR images showed a significantly higher SNR and CNR, compared to FBP and hybrid IR. KEY POINTS: CT values of abdominal CT images are similar between deep learning reconstruction (DLR), filtered back-projection (FBP), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR). DLR results in improved image quality in terms of SNR and CNR compared to FBP and hybrid IR images. DLR can thus be safely implemented in the clinical setting resulting in improved image quality without affecting CT values.

Healthcare providers' perspectives on the relevance and utility of recommended sex trafficking indicators: A qualitative study.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to (1) explore the barriers and challenges of sex trafficking identification and (2) understand how sex trafficking indicators are perceived (i.e. relevance and utility) by healthcare providers at five sites of a large sexual health care organization in a Midwestern state within the United States. DESIGN: A qualitative, collective case study was conducted. METHOD: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 healthcare staff (e.g. medical assistants, nurse practitioners) who provided sexual and reproductive healthcare between fall 2018 and spring 2020. RESULTS: Findings suggest that providers perceived behavioural and verbal sex trafficking indicators (e.g. patients appearing nervous or being unable to answer questions) as relevant, particularly with a female patient accompanied by a 'controlling' male. Medical and physical indicators (e.g. repeat STIs, bruises and tattoos) were perceived as generally lacking clinical utility or irrelevant. Some indicators were only perceived as relevant when combined or only later, upon reflection (e.g. older, female adult accompanying one or more female patients). CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers may be aware of sex trafficking indicators conducive to identifying female patients, in relationships with older men, who are at risk of sex trafficking. Our study finds that healthcare providers may not be aware of all recommended sex trafficking indicators and the nuances of how patients present. IMPACT: Provider trainings on sex trafficking dynamics and nuanced clinical presentations should include observing ST indicators in simulated interviews, assessing and safety planning (including using harm reduction strategies) with seemingly ambiguous cases. In addition, we recommend that trainings emphasize the relationship between the continuum of agency and victimization in sex trafficking and patient presentations.

Magnet Injuries in Children: An Analysis of the National Poison Data System from 2008 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To examine, using the National Poison Data System (the data warehouse for poison control centers in the US), magnet foreign body injuries in pediatric patients. We sought to report demographic data, outcome data, and case trends between 2008 and 2019. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Poison Data System for patients younger than 19 years of age with a magnet "exposure," which poison centers define as an ingestion, inhalation, injection, or dermal exposure to a poison. RESULTS: A total of 5738 magnet exposures were identified. Most were male (3169; 55%), <6 years old (3572; 62%), with an unintentional injury (4828; 84%). There were 222 patients (3.9%) with a confirmed medical "effect," defined as signs, symptoms, and clinical findings not including therapeutic interventions (eg, endoscopy). There was a 33% decrease in cases from 418 (2008-2011) to 281 per year (2012-2017) after high-powered magnet sets were removed from the market. Calls subsequently increased 444% to 1249 per year (2018-2019) after high-powered magnet sets re-entered the market. Cases from 2018 and 2019 increased across all age groups and account for 39% of magnet cases since 2008. CONCLUSIONS: Significant increases in magnet injuries correspond to time periods in which high-powered magnet sets were sold, including a 444% increase since 2018. These results reflect the increased need for preventative or legislative efforts.

Willingness to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Among Incarcerated or Detained Persons in Correctional and Detention Facilities - Four States, September-December 2020.

Incarcerated and detained persons are at increased risk for acquiring COVID-19. However, little is known about their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. During September-December 2020, residents in three prisons and 13 jails in four states were surveyed regarding their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and their reasons for COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy or refusal. Among 5,110 participants, 2,294 (44.9%) said they would receive a COVID-19 vaccination, 498 (9.8%) said they would hesitate to receive it, and 2,318 (45.4%) said they would refuse to receive it. Willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination was lowest among Black/African American (Black) (36.7%; 510 of 1,390) persons, participants aged 18-29 years (38.5%; 583 of 1,516), and those who lived in jails versus prisons (43.7%; 1,850 of 4,232). Common reasons reported for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were waiting for more information (54.8%) and efficacy or safety concerns (31.0%). The most common reason for COVID-19 vaccination refusal was distrust of health care, correctional, or government personnel or institutions (20.1%). Public health interventions to improve vaccine confidence and trust are needed to increase vaccination acceptance by incarcerated or detained persons.

Methods for interpolating missing data in aerobiological databases.

Missing data is a common problem in scientific research. The availability of extensive environmental time series is usually laborious and difficult, and sometimes unexpected failures are not detected until samples are processed. Consequently, environmental databases frequently have some gaps with missing data in it. Applying an interpolation method before starting the data analysis can be a good solution in order to complete this missing information. Nevertheless, there are several different approaches whose accuracy should be considered and compared. In this study, data from 6 aerobiological sampling stations were used as an example of environmental data series to assess the accuracy of different interpolation methods. For that, observed daily pollen/spore concentration data series were randomly removed, interpolated by using different methods and then, compared with the observed data to measure the errors produced. Different periods, gap sizes, interpolation methods and bioaerosols were considered in order to check their influence in the interpolation accuracy. The moving mean interpolation method obtained the highest success rate as average. By using this method, a success rate of the 70% was obtained when the risk classes used in the alert systems of the pollen information platforms were taken into account. In general, errors were mostly greater when there were high oscillations in the concentrations of biotic particles during consecutive days. That is the reason why the pre-peak and peak periods showed the highest interpolation errors. The errors were also higher when gaps longer than 5 days were considered. So, for completing long periods of missing data, it would be advisable to test other methodological approaches. A new Variation Index based on the behaviour of the pollen/spore season (measurement of the variability of the concentrations every 2 consecutive days) was elaborated, which allows to estimate the potential error before the interpolation is applied.