Developing a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention: a Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: Providing access to a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention may simultaneously increase e-cigarette use and increase the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. The aim of this study was to identify the most important elements of vape shop-based smoking intervention to stakeholders who would be involved in delivering or accessing such an intervention. METHODS: We conducted a three-round Delphi study of vape shop staff (n=40), stop smoking professionals and tobacco control leads (n=30), and smokers, vapers and dual users (n=30) in the United Kingdom in May-August 2021. In each round participants were asked whether they agreed or disagreed statements related to vape shop-based interventions. RESULTS: Forty-six of 95 statements reached consensus in round one, 29 out of 49 in round two and eight out of 20 in round three. There was support for a vape shop-based intervention across stakeholder groups (96%). There was consensus that the service should comprise both product (98%) and behavioural support (97%), and that quitting vaping should not be a goal of the service (79%). Although there was consensus that there should be some free product provision, there was less consensus as to what this should involve. Views were mostly consistent across stakeholder groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was broad consensus on how to deliver a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention, providing a strong basis for future intervention development and implementation. Challenges around misuse of the service and misperceptions about vaping would need to be addressed for such an intervention to be feasible and effective. IMPLICATIONS: Many smokers who make a quit attempt using e-cigarettes purchase their vaping products in vape shops. Delivering vape-shop based smoking cessation interventions could help to maximise the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for quitting smoking. This study used a Delphi approach to identify the most important elements of a vape shop-based intervention among stakeholders. The findings could be used to help develop future interventions.

Risk factors for arterial catheter failure and complications during critical care hospitalisation: a secondary analysis of a multisite, randomised trial.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial catheters (ACs) are critical for haemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling but are prone to complications. We investigated the incidence and risk factors of AC failure. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (ACTRN 12610000505000). Analysis included a subset of adult intensive care unit patients with an AC. The primary outcome was all-cause device failure. Secondary outcomes were catheter associated bloodstream infection (CABSI), suspected CABSI, occlusion, thrombosis, accidental removal, pain, and line fracture. Risk factors associated with AC failure were investigated using Cox proportional hazards and competing-risk models. RESULTS: Of 664 patients, 173 (26%) experienced AC failure (incidence rate [IR] 37/1000 catheter days). Suspected CABSI was the most common failure type (11%; IR 15.3/1000 catheter days), followed by occlusion (8%; IR 11.9/1,000 catheter days), and accidental removal (4%; IR 5.5/1000 catheter days). CABSI occurred in 16 (2%) patients. All-cause failure and occlusion were reduced with ultrasound-assisted insertion (failure: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.43, 95% CI 0.25, 0.76; occlusion: sub-HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03, 0.43). Increased age was associated with less AC failure (60-74 years HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.89; 75 + years HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20, 0.64; referent 15-59 years). Females experienced more occlusion (adjusted sub-HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.49, 4.29), while patients with diabetes had less (SHR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04, 0.63). Suspected CABSI was associated with an abnormal insertion site appearance (SHR 2.71, 95% CI 1.48, 4.99). CONCLUSIONS: AC failure is common with ultrasound-guided insertion associated with lower failure rates. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN 12610000505000); date registered: 18 June 2010.

Trends in diversity-related learning among secondary schools in 35 US states, 2014-2018.

Objective: School Health Profiles (Profiles) is a national surveillance system operated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A school-based system of surveys, Profiles monitors school health policies and practices in US states and other jurisdictions through questionnaires completed by school principals and lead health education teachers. This study used the Profiles principal survey to identify trends in US schools' implementation of diversity-related learning opportunities (i.e., opportunities to learn about people who are different from them) in secondary classroom and extracurricular settings. Methods: Logistic regression models using data from three cycles of School Health Profiles from 35 US states examined trends in the percentages of secondary schools offering students diversity-related learning opportunities in the following settings, each measured by using dichotomous yes/no response options: a) clubs; b) lessons in class; and c) special events (e.g., multicultural week, family night) sponsored by the school or community organisations. Results: During 2014-2018, no states experienced decreases in opportunities for students to learn about people who are different from them; most states demonstrated no significant change. Conclusion: Findings suggest efforts are needed to strengthen capacity for and prioritisation of policies, programmes, and practices promoting diversity and culturally relevant education in schools, and in turn, promote positive health and educational outcomes for youth.

Identification of an N-terminal tag (580N) that improves the biosynthesis of fluorescent proteins in Francisella tularensis and other Gram-negative bacteria.

Utilization of fluorescent proteins is widespread for the study of microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. Here, we discovered that linkage of the 36 N-terminal amino acids of FTL_0580 (a hypothetical protein of Francisella tularensis) to fluorescent proteins increases the fluorescence emission of bacteria that express these recombinant fusions. This N-terminal peptide will be referred to as 580N. Western blotting revealed that the linkage of 580N to Emerald Green Fluorescent Protein (EmGFP) in F. tularensis markedly improved detection of this protein. We therefore hypothesized that transcripts containing 580N may be translated more efficiently than those lacking the coding sequence for this leader peptide. In support, expression of emGFPFt that had been codon-optimized for F. tularensis, yielded significantly enhanced fluorescence than its non-optimized counterpart. Furthermore, fusing emGFP with coding sequence for a small N-terminal peptide (Serine-Lysine-Isoleucine-Lysine), which had previously been shown to inhibit ribosomal stalling, produced robust fluorescence when expressed in F. tularensis. These findings support the interpretation that 580N enhances the translation efficiency of fluorescent proteins in F. tularensis. Interestingly, expression of non-optimized 580N-emGFP produced greater fluorescence intensity than any other construct. Structural predictions suggested that RNA secondary structure also may be influencing translation efficiency. When expressed in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, 580N-emGFP produced increased green fluorescence compared to untagged emGFP (neither allele was codon optimized for these bacteria). In conclusion, fusing the coding sequence for the 580N leader peptide to recombinant genes might serve as an economical alternative to codon optimization for enhancing protein expression in bacteria.

Development and Optimization of the Veterans Affairs' National Heart Failure Dashboard for Population Health Management.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system deployed a heart failure (HF) dashboard for use nationally. The initial version was notably imprecise and unreliable for the identification of HF subtypes. We describe the development and subsequent optimization of the VA national HF dashboard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study describes the stepwise process for improving the accuracy of the VA national HF dashboard, including defining the initial dashboard, improving case definitions, using natural language processing for patient identification, and incorporating an imaging-quality hierarchy model. Optimization further included evaluating whether to require concurrent ICD-codes for inclusion in the dashboard and assessing various imaging modalities for patient characterization. RESULTS: Through multiple rounds of optimization, the dashboard accuracy (defined as the proportion of true results to the total population) was improved from 54.1% to 89.2% for the identification of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and from 53.9% to 88.0% for the identification of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). To align with current guidelines, HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) was added to the dashboard output with 88.0% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of an imaging-quality hierarchy model and natural-language processing algorithm improved the accuracy of the VA national HF dashboard. The revised dashboard informatics algorithm has higher use rates and improved reliability for the health management of the population.

Disparities and Trends in Middle School Students' Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Results From the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2015-2019.

PURPOSE: To examine trends and racial and ethnic disparities in early adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the years immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study used pooled data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's middle school Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n = 127,912) between 2015 and 2019. Three dichotomized measures of suicide-related behaviors were assessed: suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts. Weighted prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each survey year. Linear trends examined disparities in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, overall and by student demographic characteristics. Main effects odds ratios compared estimates among racial and ethnic minority adolescents with non-Hispanic White students, controlling for sex and grade. RESULTS: Significant linear increases were observed for the percentage of middle school students who reported seriously thinking about suicide (18.2%-22.3%), ever making a suicide plan (11.8%-14.7%), and ever attempting suicide (6.9%-9.3%). Racial and ethnic minority students, other than non-Hispanic Asian, showed higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared with non-Hispanic White students. DISCUSSION: Findings indicate a need for comprehensive suicide prevention to address health equity and disparities in suicide-related behaviors among middle school-aged adolescents.

How should a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention be delivered? A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Encouraging smokers to quit smoking tobacco using e-cigarettes could substantially reduce smoking-related diseases. Vape shops therefore have the potential to play an important role in supporting smoking cessation. The aim of this study was to explore how to deliver a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention in the United Kingdom. METHOD: Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with four stakeholder groups: 20 stop smoking service (SSS) providers, seven tobacco control leads (TCL), seven smokers/vapers and five vape shop staff). Interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Stakeholder groups were positive about the idea of delivering a vape shop-based intervention. Themes that were identified were the characteristics of the intervention (duration and timing; delivery; style and content; and product provisions); barriers to the intervention (challenges for new vapers; false information; tobacco company involvement; and conflicts of interest); facilitators to the intervention (positive views on vaping; cost-effectiveness; popularity; and accessibility); and considerations for the intervention (data protection and privacy; aesthetics; and regulation and management). The results suggest that the intervention should be delivered by vape shop workers with mandatory training with the support of SSS. Most stakeholders agreed quitting vaping was not a priority, but that information on how to reduce nicotine use should be given. Concerns around privacy, GDPR, misinformation about vaping and tobacco company involvement would need to be addressed. CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders agree that vape shops should offer stop smoking interventions and hold similar opinions on how this should be delivered. IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that smokers, vapers and other key stakeholders are positive about the idea of a stop smoking vape-shop based intervention and that they hold similar opinions on how this should be delivered. Most participants felt that this should be primarily delivered by trained vape shop staff and run with support from SSS. Participants agreed that a stop smoking vape shop-based intervention should be flexible in terms of the type, duration and frequency of support provided, and that the intervention should comprise both technical guidance on using a vape and behavioural support to prevent a return to smoking.

Using Health Education to Address Student Physical Activity and Nutrition: Evidence and Implications to Advance Practice.

BACKGROUND: School-based health education can provide students with learning experiences that improve knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) and behaviors regarding physical activity and nutrition. METHODS: We conducted a 2-phase systematic review. Phase 1 was a review of reviews (ie, systematic reviews or meta-analyses) that were published 2010-2018. Phase 2 was a search for individual articles published 2010-2020 addressing topics relevant to our review; we searched for articles that had not been part of a sufficiently relevant or recent review or that had been part of a review that concluded that too few articles were available to assert sufficient evidence. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were assessed: 20 randomized controlled trials and 23 quasi-experimental designs. Collectively, interventions had a favorable impact on students' PA and nutrition KAP, but behavioral and secondary outcome results (eg, body mass index) were mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Using the evidence-based health education strategies identified in this review can help contribute to improvements in students' KAP and behaviors.

AIDS or HIV Education and Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males: National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, 3 U.S. Cities, 2015.

In the U.S., HIV transmission rates have increased among male-male sexual contacts. Sex education reduces HIV-related risks; yet impacts for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) are less known. Data from a sample (n = 556) of ASMM (aged 13-18) in three U.S cities were used to examined associations between HIV education in school and sexual behaviors. Outcomes of interest included: sexually transmitted infection (STI), multiple sex partners, and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with a male (all past 12 months). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Of 556 ASMM, 84% reported received HIV education. Among sexually active ASMM (n = 440) who received HIV education, fewer reported an STI (10% vs. 21%, aPR: 0.45, CI [0.26, 0.76]) and CAI (48% vs. 64%, aPR: 0.71, CI [0.58, 0.87]) than ASMM who did not receive HIV education. Protective effects of school HIV education on sexual behaviors are promising and suggest prevention education is vital to reducing HIV- and STI-related risks among ASMM.

Improving difficult peripheral intravenous access requires thought, training and technology (DART3): a stepped-wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are the most used invasive medical device in healthcare. Yet around half of insertion attempts are unsuccessful leading to delayed medical treatments and patient discomfort of harm. Ultrasound-guided PIVC (USGPIVC) insertion is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve insertion success especially in patients with Difficult IntraVenous Access (BMC Health Serv Res 22:220, 2022), however the implementation in some healthcare settings remains suboptimal. This study aims to co-design interventions that optimise ultrasound guided PIVC insertion in patients with DIVA, implement and evaluate these initiatives and develop scale up activities. METHODS: A stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in three hospitals (two adult, one paediatric) in Queensland, Australia. The intervention will be rolled out across 12 distinct clusters (four per hospital). Intervention development will be guided by Michie's Behavior Change Wheel with the aim to increase local staff capability, opportunity, and motivation for appropriate, sustainable adoption of USGPIVC insertion. Eligible clusters include all wards or departments where > 10 PIVCs/week are typically inserted. All clusters will commence in the control (baseline) phase, then, one cluster per hospital will step up every two months, as feasible, to the implementation phase, where the intervention will be rolled out. Implementation strategies are tailored for each hospital by local investigators and advisory groups, through context assessments, staff surveys, and stakeholder interviews and informed by extensive consumer interviews and consultation. Outcome measures align with the RE-AIM framework including clinical-effectiveness outcomes (e.g., first-time PIVC insertion success for DIVA patients [primary outcome], number of insertion attempts); implementation outcomes (e.g., intervention fidelity, readiness assessment) and cost effectiveness outcomes. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework will be used to report the intervention as it was implemented; how people participated in and responded to the intervention; contextual influences and how the theory underpinning the intervention was realised and delivered at each site. A sustainability assessment will be undertaken at three- and six-months post intervention. DISCUSSION: Study findings will help define systematic solutions to implement DIVA identification and escalation tools aiming to address consumer dissatisfaction with current PIVC insertion practices. Such actionable knowledge is critical for implementation of scale-up activities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered (Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12621001497897).

Comparing the use of midline catheters versus peripherally inserted central catheters for patients requiring peripherally compatible therapies: A pilot randomised controlled trial (the compact trial).

BACKGROUND: Midline catheter (MC) use has increased in acute-care settings, particularly for patients with difficult venous access or requiring peripherally compatible intravenous therapy for up-to 14 days. Our aim was to assess feasibility and generate clinical data comparing MCs with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs). METHODS: A two-arm parallel group pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), comparing MCs with PICCs, was conducted in a large tertiary hospital in Queensland between September 2020 and January 2021. The primary outcome was study feasibility, measured against rates of eligibility (>75%), consent (>90%), attrition (<5%); protocol adherence (>90%) and missing data (<5%). The primary clinical outcome was all-cause device failure. RESULTS: In total, 25 patients were recruited. The median patient age was 59-62 years; most patients were overweight/obese, with ≥2 co-morbidities. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: The eligibility and protocol adherence criteria were not met; of 159 screened patients, only 25 (16%) were eligible, and three patients did not receive their allocated intervention post-randomisation (88% adherence). All-cause failure occurred in two patients allocated to MC (20%) and one PICC (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that a fully powered RCT testing MCs compared with PICCs is not currently feasible in our setting. We recommend a robust process evaluation before the introduction of MCs into clinical practice.

Role of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Behaviors and Receipt of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among U.S. High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019-2021.

Disproportionate rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, and unintended pregnancy among adolescents persist and might have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses 2019 and 2021 data from the nationally representative Youth Risk Behavior Surveys to characterize changes in sexual behaviors and receipt of sexual and reproductive health services among U.S. high school students before and during the pandemic. Outcomes included HIV testing (lifetime), STD testing (past 12 months), condom use (last sexual intercourse), and primary contraceptive method used to prevent pregnancy (last sexual intercourse). Except for HIV testing, all analyses were limited to currently sexually active students. Weighted prevalence and 95% CIs of outcomes for 2019 and 2021 were calculated for each year by demographics (sex [female or male], age, and race and ethnicity) and sex of sexual contacts (opposite sex only, both sexes, same sex only). For each year, pairwise t-tests with Taylor series linearization were used to identify demographic differences among outcomes. Across years, change in prevalence of outcomes was assessed by using absolute and relative measures of association overall and by demographics. During 2019-2021, the prevalence of HIV testing decreased by 3.68 percentage points, from 9.4% to 5.8%. Among sexually active students, prevalence of STD testing decreased by 5.07 percentage points, from 20.4% to 15.3%. Among sexually active students reporting opposite sex or both sexes sexual contact, intrauterine device or implant use at last sexual intercourse increased by 4.11 percentage points, from 4.8% to 8.9%, and no contraceptive method use increased by 2.74 percentage points, from 10.7% to 13.4%. Because of disruptions throughout the pandemic, results underscore the importance of improving access to a range of health services for adolescents and improving STD/HIV and unintended pregnancy prevention.

Trends in the teaching of sexual and reproductive health topics and skills in required courses in secondary schools, in 38 US states between 2008 and 2018.

Information about state and local education policies regarding sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, and unintended pregnancy prevention is available, yet less is known about school-level implementation of such policies. We examine trends in the percentage of US secondary schools teaching sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics in a required course in Grades 6-8 and 9-12, including healthy relationships, sexual abstinence, condoms and condoms with other contraceptive methods. We analyze representative data from 38 states across six cycles of School Health Profiles (2008-18) assessed through self-administered questionnaires completed by lead health teachers. Logistic regression models examined linear trends in the percentages of schools teaching topics for Grades 6-8 and 9-12, separately. Trends were calculated for states having representative data for at least three cycles, including 2018. During 2008-18, it was more common to have increases in teaching how to obtain condoms, correct condom use and use condoms with other contraceptive methods in Grades 6-12 than decreases. More states showed decreases in teaching abstinence in Grades 6-12 than increases. Most states had no change in teaching SRH topics across grades. Findings suggest some improvement in school-based SRH education, yet efforts are needed to improve comprehensive, developmentally appropriate content.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of securement bundles to reduce peripheral intravenous catheter failure.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are ubiquitous in acute care settings however failure rates are unacceptably high, with around half failing before prescribed treatment is complete. The most effective dressing and securement option to prolong PIVC longevity is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine feasibility of conducting a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating evidence-based securement bundles (medical adhesive tapes and supplementary securement products) to reduce PIVC failure. METHODS: In this pilot non-masked 3-group RCT, adults requiring a PIVC for >24 hrs were randomized to Standard care (bordered polyurethane dressing plus non-sterile tape over extension tubing), Securement Bundle 1 (two sterile tape strips over PIVC hub plus Standard care) or Securement Bundle 2 (Bundle 1 plus tubular bandage) with allocation concealed until study entry. EXCLUSIONS: laboratory-confirmed positive blood culture, current/high-risk of skin tear, or study product allergy. PRIMARY OUTCOME: feasibility (eligibility, recruitment, retention, protocol fidelity, participant/staff satisfaction). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: PIVC failure, PIVC dwell time, adverse skin events, PIVC colonization and cost. RESULTS: Of 109 randomized participants, 104 were included in final analyses. Feasibility outcomes were met, except eligibility criterion (79%). Absolute PIVC failure was 38.2% (13/34) for Bundle 2, 25% (9/36) for Bundle 1 and 23.5% (8/34) for Standard care. Incidence rate ratio for PIVC failure/1000 catheter days, compared to Standard care, was 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4-2.7) and 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-5.1) for Bundles 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A large RCT testing securement bundles is feasible, with adjustment to screening processes. Innovative dressing and securement solutions are needed to reduce unacceptable PIVC failure rates. Trial registration ACTRN12619000026123.

Intraspecific Leaf Trait Variation across and within Five Common Wine Grape Varieties.

Variability in traits forming the Leaf Economics Spectrum (LES) among and within crop species plays a key role in governing agroecosystem processes. However, studies evaluating the extent, causes, and consequences of within-species variation in LES traits for some of the world's most common crops remain limited. This study quantified variations in nine leaf traits measured across 90 vines of five common wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties at two growth stages (post-flowering and veraison). Grape traits in these varieties covary along an intraspecific LES, in patterns similar to those documented in wild plants. Across the five varieties evaluated here, high rates of photosynthesis (A) and leaf nitrogen (N) concentrations were coupled with low leaf mass per area (LMA), whereas the opposite suite of traits defined the "resource-conserving end" of this intraspecific LES in grape. Variety identity was the strongest predictor of leaf physiological (A) and morphological traits (i.e., leaf area and leaf mass), whereas leaf chemical traits and LMA were best explained by growth stage. All five varieties expressed greater resource-conserving trait syndromes (i.e., higher LMA, lower N, and lower Amass) later in the growing season. Traits related to leaf hydraulics, including instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE), were unrelated to LES and other resource capture traits, and were better explained by spatial location. These results highlight the relative contributions of genetic, developmental, and phenotypic factors in structuring trait variation in the five wine grape varieties evaluated here, and point to a key role of domestication in governing trait relationships in the world's crops.

Impact of breeding for reduced methane emissions in New Zealand sheep on maternal and health traits.

Enteric methane emissions from ruminants account for ∼35% of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions. This poses a significant threat to the pastoral sector. Breeding has been shown to successfully lower methane emissions, and genomic prediction for lowered methane emissions has been introduced at the national level. The long-term genetic impacts of including low methane in ruminant breeding programs, however, are unknown. The success of the New Zealand sheep industry is currently heavily reliant on the prolificacy, fecundity and survival of adult ewes. The objective of this study was to determine genetic and phenotypic correlations between adult maternal ewe traits (live weight, body condition score, number of lambs born, litter survival to weaning, pregnancy scanning and fleece weight), faecal and Nematodirus egg counts and measures of methane in respiration chambers. More than 9,000 records for methane from over 2,200 sheep measured in respiration chambers were collected over 10 years. Sheep were fed on a restricted diet calculated as approximately twice the maintenance. Methane measures were converted to absolute daily emissions of methane measured in g per day (CH4/day). Two measures of methane yield were recorded: the ratio of CH4 to dry matter intake (g CH4/kg DMI; CH4/DMI) and the ratio of CH4 to total gas emissions (CH4/(CH4 + CO2)). Ewes were maintained in the flocks for at least two parities. Non-methane trait data from over 8,000 female relatives were collated to estimate genetic correlations. Results suggest that breeding for low CH4/DMI is unlikely to negatively affect faecal egg counts, adult ewe fertility and litter survival traits, with no evidence for significant genetic correlations. Fleece weight was unfavourably (favourably) correlated with CH4/DMI (rg = -0.21 ± 0.09). Live weight (rg = 0.3 ± 0.1) and body condition score (rg = 0.2 ± 0.1) were positively correlated with methane yield. Comparing the two estimates of methane yield, CH4/DMI had lower heritability and repeatability. However, correlations of both measures with adult ewe traits were similar. This suggests that breeding is a suitable mitigation strategy for lowering methane yield, but wool, live weight and fat deposition traits may be affected over time and should be monitored.

Trends in Teaching Sexual and Reproductive Health Skills in US Secondary Schools in 35 States, 2008 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about trends in implementing skills-based instruction in US schools, specifically for sexual and reproductive health (SRH). We examined state-level trends in the percentage of US secondary schools teaching SRH skills in a required course in grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. METHODS: Representative data from 35 states participating across 6 cycles of School Health Profiles (2008-2018) was analyzed. The prevalence of teaching four SRH skills was assessed through lead health education teacher self-administered questionnaires. Logistic regression models examined linear trends in the percentages of schools teaching SRH skills in grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. Trends were calculated for states with weighted data (response rates ≥70%) for at least 3 cycles, including 2018. RESULTS: During 2008 to 2018, the median percentage of schools addressing each SRH skill ranged from 63.5% to 69.7% (grades 6-8) and 88.2% to 92.0% (grades 9-12). Linear decreases in SRH skills instruction were more common for grades 6 to 8 than grades 9 to 12; linear increases were comparable for both groups. Most states demonstrated no change in the percentage of schools teaching SRH skills in grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. CONCLUSIONS: Limited changes and decreases in SRH skills instruction in US secondary schools suggest efforts to strengthen SRH education are needed.

Increases in Student Knowledge and Protective Behaviors Following Enhanced Supports for Sexual Health Education in a Large, Urban School District.

PURPOSE: School-based sexual health education (SHE) can teach students critical knowledge and skills. For effective SHE, school districts can offer support, including strong curricula and professional development. This study assessed changes in students' sexual health knowledge and sexual behaviors following implementation of enhanced support for SHE delivery in one school district. METHODS: Sexual health knowledge was assessed at the beginning and end of middle and high school health education classes in a large, urban district (n = 7,555 students). Sexual behaviors were assessed using Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from the district (2015 and 2017) and state (2017). Analyses explored differences in behavior from 2015 (n = 2,596) to 2017 (n = 3,371) among intervention district students and compared intervention district students (n = 3,371) to other students in the same state (n = 1,978). RESULTS: Hierarchical linear model regression analyses revealed significant knowledge gains among students. Logistic regression results revealed that among students in the intervention district, 6 of 16 examined behaviors moved in the intended direction from 2015 to 2017; 1 moved in the unintended direction. Logistic regression results of 2017 data revealed that in comparison of intervention district students to other students in the state, intervention district students had significantly higher odds of reporting condom use at last sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-1.72) and significantly lower odds of reporting having had sex with 4+ persons (AOR = .72, 95% CI = .55-.94) or alcohol or drug use before last sex (AOR = .63, 95% CI = .42-.94). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest potential effects of the district's SHE in increasing knowledge and improving behaviors and experiences among youth.

The CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health Approach to Sexual Health Education in Schools: 3 Decades in Review.

BACKGROUND: School health education, including sexual health education, plays a crucial role in shaping adolescents' protective health behaviors, experiences, and outcomes. Adolescents need functional knowledge and skills to practice, adopt, and maintain healthy behaviors for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and unintended pregnancy. METHODS: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Adolescent and School Health (CDC/DASH) has advanced school-based approaches to STI/HIV and pregnancy prevention through surveillance, research and evaluation, and program partnership and collaboration for over 3 decades. RESULTS: CDC/DASH uses systematic and innovative strategies to identify the breadth of adolescent sexual health evidence; characterize key elements of effective educational curricula; and provide practical guidance to support school-based delivery. CDC/DASH's approach to effective health and sexual health education in schools has changed dramatically over the past 30 years and must continue to progress. CONCLUSION: This paper describes how and why that approach has evolved and outlines directions for the future.

Role of dipA and pilD in Francisella tularensis Susceptibility to Resazurin.

The phenoxazine dye resazurin exhibits bactericidal activity against the Gram-negative pathogens Francisella tularensis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. One resazurin derivative, resorufin pentyl ether, significantly reduces vaginal colonization by Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a mouse model of infection. The narrow spectrum of bacteria susceptible to resazurin and its derivatives suggests these compounds have a novel mode of action. To identify potential targets of resazurin and mechanisms of resistance, we isolated mutants of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica live vaccine strain (LVS) exhibiting reduced susceptibility to resazurin and performed whole genome sequencing. The genes pilD (FTL_0959) and dipA (FTL_1306) were mutated in half of the 46 resazurin-resistant (RZR) strains sequenced. Complementation of select RZR LVS isolates with wild-type dipA or pilD partially restored sensitivity to resazurin. To further characterize the role of dipA and pilD in resazurin susceptibility, a dipA deletion mutant, ΔdipA, and pilD disruption mutant, FTL_0959d, were generated. Both mutants were less sensitive to killing by resazurin compared to wild-type LVS with phenotypes similar to the spontaneous resazurin-resistant mutants. This study identified a novel role for two genes dipA and pilD in F. tularensis susceptibility to resazurin.