Anecdotal Research Articles

Unveiling the Transformative Potential of AI-Generated Imagery in Enriching Mental Health Research

Visual methods in mental health research have been extensively explored and utilized following the expanse of art-therapy. The existing literature shows visual arts as a valuable research method with multi-fold benefits for both researchers and research participants. However, the way contemporary art is understood, conceptualized, and experienced has been challenged by the current digital advancements in our society. Despite heated debates whether AI may diminish the value of human creativity, AI-generated art is a complex reality that started to influence the way visual research is conducted. Within this context, researchers employing visual methods need to develop a deeper understanding of this topic. For this purpose, this article explores the concept of AI-generated images with a focus on benefits and limitations when applied to mental health research and potentially other areas of health and social care. As this is an emerging topic, more research on the effectiveness and therapeutic value of AI-generated images is required beyond the current anecdotical evidence, from the perspective of the researchers and research participants.

Escalating Threat of Drug-Resistant Human Scabies: Current Insights and Future Directions

Background: Scabies is a prevalent dermatological condition with significant public health implications. The recent rise in drug-resistant scabies presents new challenges for effective disease management and control. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Studies published from 2000 to August 2024 were considered, focusing on those reporting drug-resistant scabies and advancements in treatment approaches. Results: Clinical studies, in vitro investigations, and case reports show significant resistance of human scabies to permethrin. Main resistance mechanisms involve genetic mutations in the mites’ voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and enhanced activity or expression of the detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST). Resistance to ivermectin and benzyle benzoate, although suggested by some authors, seems less obvious. The clinical evidence of widespread ivermectin resistance in human scabies infestations is lacking, despite indications of increased tolerance in laboratory settings and anecdotal reports of resistance in patients with crusted scabies. Benzyl benzoate resistance in scabies mites remains unconfirmed. Conclusions: Permethrin-resistant scabies is an escalating threat requiring new management strategies and updated guidelines. Infection control measures, alternative treatments, and ongoing research into new therapeutics are crucial to mitigate the impact of drug-resistant scabies.

Corrigendum to: Psychedelic trip sitting, dosages and intensities: Supplementing clinical studies with anecdotal reports

Corrigendum to: Psychedelic trip sitting, dosages and intensities: Supplementing clinical studies with anecdotal reports

Less is more? A review of psilocybin microdosing.

The applications of psilocybin, derived from 'magic mushrooms,' are vast, including a burgeoning practice known as microdosing, which refers to the administration of sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelic substances to obtain benefits without experiencing significant cognitive and perceptual distortion. However, current research is fairly new with several limitations and gaps that hinder adequate conclusions on its efficacy. This semi-structured review aimed to identify and highlight research gaps in the field of psilocybin microdosing for future research. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses based strategy was employed, utilizing a chain of keywords and key phrases across multiple databases, augmented by a cross-sectional Google search for relevant grey literature in the form of the top 10 search results. A total of 40 studies and 8 unique websites were identified, summarized and tabulated into four distinct categories, namely non-clinical, clinical, observational and anecdotal evidence. The majority of available evidence originates from observational studies, while non-clinical and clinical study findings remain comparatively sparse and inconsistent. Web-based findings were consistent with current research findings. Key research gaps were highlighted: the imperative for more randomized placebo-controlled trials, exploration of dose-response ranges, psychological and personality testing of participants, utilization of active placebos, greater diversity in study populations, an increase in psilocybin-exclusive microdosing studies and the refinement of animal models. Definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of psilocybin microdosing remain elusive, emphasizing the need for further study. Numerous research gaps necessitate consideration for future investigations.

435 Use of plant bioactives to improve the efficiency of rumen function

Abstract Plant bioactives, also known as phytogenics or phytobiotics, are secondary metabolites of plant origin that are deployed as host-defense mechanisms against predators or to enable them to be more competitive in their environment. These metabolites also regulate growth and reproductive functions in the plant. They can be grouped into three major classes: terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Various studies have shown their worth in improving livestock production and health via insectifugal, organoleptic and enhanced rumen functions. Ruminants are critical to food security because they are able to convert poor-quality feed materials into nutritious products like meat. The rumen provides temporary storage of feed but serves the main function of digesting those complex materials through symbiotic relationships among prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms within the rumen vat. Antimicrobial resistance and other health or social license challenges have led researchers to find acceptable replacements that will not exacerbate the health and social issues in animals and humans. Plant bioactives appeal to producers because of the ‘natural’ brand and because they are usually certified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Anecdotal reports from input companies show an increased demand for mineral supplements infused with phytogenics. The complex chemical compositions of these products appear to make them less prone to developing resistance by microorganisms. Phytogenics research has been further catalyzed by government legislation that has banned the use of medically important antibiotics to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. Potential improvements in livestock productivity are associated with mechanisms such as enhanced nutrient utilization, increased digestibility, modified digestive secretions or altered microbial communities. These benefits contribute to the increasing use of these phytogenics by livestock producers to keep their animals healthy and productive while enhancing the profitability of their operations. We will examine the different bioactives and their applications in improving the efficiency of the rumen function. Some commercial products in the Canadian market will be presented. Other research trials showcasing their potential benefits to rumen health and general animal productivity will also be discussed.

Surf zone hazards before and after a beach nourishment in Virginia, USA

Beach nourishment is the leading coastal protection technique in the United States to combat erosion, enhance resilience to storm surge, and maintain recreational value. Despite these benefits, anecdotal reports suggest that beach nourishments elevate the surf zone hazard to beach patrons by steepening the beach face and altering the shoreface morphology such that conditions are more favorable for rip current formation. This study analyzes lifeguard rescue reports collected on the United States Atlantic Coast before and after a 2019 beach nourishment in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to assess whether the nourishment was correlated with an increased hazard to beach patrons. The data indicate that regardless of nourishment status, rescues were most probable during periods of high rip current probability (moderate to large wave heights and low-obliquity wave angles), along with low water level. To formally quantify pre-versus post-nourishment hazards, the proportion of rescues observed in nourished versus unnourished beach zones was compared with bootstrapped distributions of the pre-nourishment rescue proportions. Although the proportion of rescues in the nourished section of the beach exceeds the pre-nourishment average, it is not outside the overall range of pre-nourishment values obtained by random resampling. Consequently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that the existing coastal management beach nourishment strategy increased the hazard to beach patrons at Virginia Beach.

The Fractured Insurance Landscape of Laser Therapy for Scar Revision.

Fractional laser therapy improves skin texture, range of motion, and quality of life for patients with traumatic scars. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence suggests declining insurance coverage for laser therapy. We aimed to characterize the landscape of insurance coverage for fractional laser therapy present our six-year reimbursement trends. We cross-sectionally analyzed the 60 largest American health insurers by enrollee size and market share. For each, we identified their laser therapy policy for scar revision and extracted their documentation, prior, and continuing authorization requirements and treatment guidelines. We also collected retrospective institutional claims data from 2017 to 2022 to investigate trends in reimbursement. Of the 60 largest health insurers, we identified 11 (18.3%) policies on scar revision and 40 policies (66.7%) on reconstructive surgery, including scar revision. Nineteen policies considered laser therapy medically necessary with evidence of functional impairment refractory to prior treatment. Three insurers denied laser coverage under any circumstance. Of the 1,531 claims submitted by our institution for burn scar laser therapy, 13.8% were denied. Patients with Medicare (ORadj, 3.78) or Medicaid (ORadj, 2.80) had significantly greater odds of coverage than privately insured patients (p<0.01). There was a 14.5% annual reduction in the odds of reimbursement during the study period (ORadj, 0.86, p < 0.01). Laser therapy is a powerful treatment that is not widely available to patients with traumatic scars. Our institutional data suggest this access may be further eclipsed by decreasing trends in coverage since 2017. Strategies are needed to protect patient access to this life-changing treatment.

Has multimorbidity and frailty in adult hospital admissions changed over the last 15 years? A retrospective study of 107 million admissions in England

BackgroundFew studies have quantified multimorbidity and frailty trends within hospital settings, with even fewer reporting how much is attributable to the ageing population and individual patient factors. Studies to date have tended to focus on people over 65, rarely capturing older people or stratifying findings by planned and unplanned activity. As the UK’s national health service (NHS) backlog worsens, and debates about productivity dominate, it is essential to understand these hospital trends so health services can meet them.MethodsHospital Episode Statistics inpatient admission records were extracted for adults between 2006 and 2021. Multimorbidity and frailty was measured using Elixhauser Comorbidity Index and Soong Frailty Scores. Yearly proportions of people with Elixhauser conditions (0, 1, 2, 3 +) or frailty syndromes (0, 1, 2 +) were reported, and the prevalence between 2006 and 2021 compared. Logistic regression models measured how much patient factors impacted the likelihood of having three or more Elixhauser conditions or two or more frailty syndromes. Results were stratified by age groups (18–44, 45–64 and 65 +) and admission type (emergency or elective).ResultsThe study included 107 million adult inpatient hospital episodes. Overall, the proportion of admissions with one or more Elixhauser conditions rose for acute and elective admissions, with the trend becoming more prominent as age increased. This was most striking among acute admissions for people aged 65 and over, who saw a 35.2% absolute increase in the proportion of admissions who had three or more Elixhauser conditions. This means there were 915,221 extra hospital episodes in the last 12 months of the study, by people who had at least three Elixhauser conditions compared with 15 years ago. The findings were similar for people who had one or more frailty syndromes. Overall, year, age and socioeconomic deprivation were found to be strongly and positively associated with having three or more Elixhauser conditions or two or more frailty syndromes, with socioeconomic deprivation showing a strong dose–response relationship.ConclusionsOverall, the proportion of hospital admissions with multiple conditions or frailty syndromes has risen over the last 15 years. This matches smaller-scale and anecdotal reports from hospitals and can inform how hospitals are reimbursed.

A systematic literature review of blockchain technology and accounting issues: Is it a hype or hope?

Purpose This research aims to review the integration of blockchain in accounting issues by identifying patterns and areas of research and outlining a roadmap for future investigations. Motivation Although anecdotal evidence indicates a rising investment in blockchain technology, there is currently a lack of systematic literature reviews assessing its implications in accounting issues. While blockchain holds significant potential, the challenges and opportunities associated with its integration into financial reporting warrant further investigation. Design/Methodology/Approach From 2017 to 2023, a systematic literature review in the accounting, business, and management journals from the Scopus Database identified 77 articles on blockchain and accounting. Main findings Increasing the quality of information using blockchain positively impacts governance, accountability, supply chain, innovation, shareholder value, and sustainability reporting. However, stakeholders' high expectations of these benefits, coupled with a minimal understanding of blockchain and the need for accounting regulations or standards governing blockchain adoption, may reduce the reliability and relevance of information derived from blockchain adoption, potentially leading to opportunistic behaviour. Practical implications Organizations must manage risks amidst high expectations(hype) surrounding the adoption of this technology. Further research into earnings management – whether opportunistic or beneficial – and its impact on non-profits and SMEs could yield valuable insights. Novelty/Contribution Provides a comprehensive overview of current accounting research on blockchain technology through a hybrid approach.

Navigating the barriers to multi-regional research administrative data access: Forward thinking solutions

In 2021, aware of both the importance of pan-Canadian data access for advancing health research and the conditions and requirements that make administrative data access onerous, HDRN Canada worked with CATCO the Canadian arm of an international COVID-19 clinical trial to create a roadmap for navigating the barriers to multi-regional administrative data access in Canada. While developing the roadmap, data access request processes were studied in real time for a multi-region study seeking access to link administrative data to clinical trial data, at the individual level. The intent was to move beyond anecdotal evidence and document the specific nature of policy and processes that hamper data access. The case study allowed the study team to define the barriers permitting application of tangible mitigating measures. In 2022, barriers such as the lack of ability to share data across provincial borders became too great to continue the study. Although the roadmap was not completed, insights were gained for waypoints along the path enabling HDRN Canada to make important process improvement to harmonize data access across regions. Solutions to challenges with data access request forms, regional data flows, data sharing partner relationships, data sharing agreements, and REB and project reviews were identified. Recently pan-Canadian initiatives have released important guidance for addressing data access challenges. The adoption of this guidance is paramount to ensure Canada continues to meaningfully contribute to health research. Forward thinking solutions to data access challenges today will establish the necessary infrastructure for a future with minimal data access barriers.

Preservice teachers’ evaluation of evidential support in causal arguments about educational topics

Many questions about educational topics—such as the effectiveness of teaching methods—are of causal nature. Yet, reasoning about causality is prone to widespread fallacies, such as mistaking correlation for causation. This study examined preservice teachers’ ability to evaluate how various types of evidence provide adequate support for causal claims, using psychology students as a comparison group. The experiment followed a 2 × 3 mixed design with the within-participant factor evidence type (i.e., anecdotal, correlational, experimental) and the between-participants factor study field (i.e., teacher education, psychology). Participants (N = 135) sequentially read short texts on three different educational topics, each presenting a claim and associated evidence. For each topic, participants indicated their claim agreement, and evaluated the convincingness of the argument and the strength of the evidential support. Results from mixed ANOVAs displayed main effects for evidence type on the convincingness of the argument and strength of evidential support, but not on individual claim agreement. Participants found experimental evidence to be more convincing and to provide stronger support for causal claims compared to anecdotal evidence. This pattern occurred similarly for both student groups and remained stable when controlling for cognitive and motivational covariates. Overall, preservice teachers seem to possess a basic understanding of different kinds of evidence and their differential strength in supporting causal arguments. Teacher education may build upon this foundational knowledge to enhance future teachers’ competencies in critically appraising evidence from educational research and relating it to school-related claims and issues.

Does the Source of FDI Matter? The Case of Tax Havens

Abstract This paper estimates the benefits of FDI for firm performance, differentiating source countries between tax havens and non–tax havens. Using longitudinal data on more than 300,000 initially domestic firms in Ukraine between 1999 and 2013 and employing propensity score matching and panel data methods, this study finds that firms acquired by non–tax haven foreign investors experience substantial increases in employment, productivity, exports, and wages, but the gains are much lower and shorter-lived for firms receiving FDI from tax havens. These findings, based on econometric analysis of nearly the universe of Ukrainian businesses, are consistent with macroeconomic studies and anecdotal evidence that much of the tax-haven FDI in Ukraine actually represents domestic ownership channeled through offshore companies. This “round-trip FDI” results in negligible effects on firm performance and, at a macro level, it overstates the amount of genuine FDI flows into Ukraine.

EP354 - Acute pancreatitis – an unusual cause

Abstract Introduction Drugs are responsible for only 0.1%-2% of acute pancreatitis. Whilst the link between some drugs and pancreatitis is well-established, (steroids, azathioprine), we found only one previous case-report linking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to pancreatitis. We report a case of acute pancreatitis secondary to TRT. Case Report A 55-year-old man presented with history of upper abdominal pain. He denied alcohol/illicit drug use, no recent infection/changes to medication. His amylase was raised; CT scan confirmed acute pancreatitis. When interrogating his past medical history for a cause, we learned of his bilateral orchidectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy for seminoma in 1993, following which, he was on Testogel. He was managed conservatively, with success. Discussion Although drug-related causes of pancreatitis are uncommon, management is easy with identification/cessation of the causative agent. Therefore, a detailed medical history (including exposure to toxins and medication changes) is important. In our patient, an extensive surgical, medical and social history, CT and bloods excluded other main causes of acute pancreatitis i.e. alcohol, gallstones/infection, hypertriglyceridemia, toxins and trauma. The WHO database of “drugs suspected to cause pancreatitis” includes evidence from published literature, mostly case reports. Testosterone does not feature amongst the 525 drugs mentioned. Conclusion Our anecdotal evidence may provide a possible link between TRT and pancreatitis, however further research is needed to ascertain a definite causality. Reporting such potential links is important due to increased TRT use recently as treatment for female-to-male sex transition and young adults for performance enhancement, as well as remaining the primary treatment for hypogonadism.

ThP7.1 - The effect of socioeconomic status on outcomes in major trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Major trauma poses a significant public health concern, with survivors often suffering long-term disability. There is growing interest in understanding the complex relationships between socioeconomic deprivation and major trauma in recent years. Anecdotal evidence suggests that social deprivation leads to more violent and debilitating injuries. There remains, however, a paucity in literature evaluating major trauma outcomes in relation to socioeconomic deprivation. Methods A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify eligible studies from 1947 to March 2024. The primary outcome is to establish the proportion of patients with the highest socioeconomic deprivation, with secondary outcomes evaluating surgical intervention rates, length of stay, and mortality. Quantitative pooling of data was based on the random effects model. Results Fourteen studies reporting on 878,872 major trauma patients were included. A substantial proportion of major trauma incidents occurred in the most deprived group at 28%. There were more male patients in the most deprived compared to the least deprived group (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14-1.63, I2=99%). There were no differences in surgical intervention (OR 1.74, 95% CI 0.97-3.13, I2=0%) and length of stay (WMD 1.15 days, 95% CI -0.32-2.62, I2=82%) regardless of background. Interestingly, mortality was higher in the most deprived group (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14-3.57, I2=80%). Conclusion Major trauma is more prevalent in deprived areas. Although rates of surgery and length of stay did not differ, mortality is higher in the most deprived group. The planning of public health interventions should target areas of higher deprivation.

Review of Literature Addressing Biological and Social Responses to Touch: Instructional Implications

Introduction: Recent trends in training teachers of students who are blind or have low vision (i.e., those who are visually impaired) have shifted away from traditional hand-over-hand guidance and toward a hand-under-hand approach. However, a search for peer-reviewed studies that address the effects of the use of hand-under-hand versus hand-over-hand instructional techniques often yields few results. This article examines literature on tactile receptors in the human integumentary system and how different forms of touch may affect tactile learning. Methods: The authors used a purposive search of literature using key words and phrases associated with different forms of touch to examine literature on the effects of touch from the perspectives of both the biological and social sciences. Results: Much of the neurological and sociological research that was revealed in this study tended to support the anecdotal evidence from practitioners who have described learners developing a greater sense of autonomy, independence, and connectedness when they are able to control their own body. Discussion: Literature cited in this study indicates that repeated use of controlling forms of touch may inhibit learning through the discriminative tactile system. In addition, the authors describe literature indicating that implicit social messages conveyed through controlling touch may perpetuate stereotypes of individuals with visual impairments as dependent on sighted people and create social barriers to independence.

Lasting Legacy: The Enduring Relationship Between Racially Restrictive Housing Covenants and Health and Wellbeing.

Racially restrictive covenants in housing deeds, commonplace in Minnesotafor houses built from the 1910s to the 1950s, provided a foundation for the myriad of policies that made it difficult for people of color to obtain housing. Though covenants were ruled illegal in 1968, their legacy continues to shape neighborhoods. The Mapping Prejudice Project's efforts in Hennepin County, Minnesota, produced the first systematic documentation of racially restrictive covenants. We use this novel data set to explore the relationship between historic covenants and current health and wellbeing outcomes. Using regression analysis to control for neighborhood level covariates, we compare previously covenanted neighborhoods to neighborhoods without covenants. Today, previously covenanted neighborhoods have higher life expectancy and lower rates of obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and asthma than neighborhoods without racially restrictive covenants. Additionally, previously covenanted neighborhoods have less upward mobility for children from poorer households, and there are larger gaps in upward mobility between white and Black children. These findings contribute to a growing literature that shows racist policies, even decades after they are legally enforceable, leave an imprint on neighborhoods. Using the novel data from the MappingPrejudiceProject, we provide statistical analysis that confirms qualitative and anecdotal evidence on the role of racial covenants in shaping neighborhoods.

Belief in conspiracy theories and satisfaction in interpersonal relationships

AbstractResearchers have theorized about how belief in conspiracy theories can negatively affect interpersonal relationships. However, despite growing anecdotal evidence of the effects that conspiracy theories seem to have on people's relationships, a systematic assessment of these effects is lacking. In seven studies (six of them preregistered, N = 2526), we examined whether people's perceptions of others' conspiracy beliefs were negatively associated with their actual (or anticipated) relationship satisfaction with those others. We found that participants' perceptions of their social contacts' beliefs in general (Pilot Studies 1–2) and specific conspiracy theories (Study 1) were negatively associated with their relationship satisfaction with those contacts. Using a hypothetical scenario, we further observed that participants anticipated that their relationship satisfaction would worsen when one of these social contacts explicitly endorsed (vs. opposed) a conspiracy theory (Studies 2, 3a, and 3b). Finally, participants expected lower relationship satisfaction with a stranger who endorsed (vs. opposed) a conspiracy theory in their online dating profile (Study 4). Importantly, across all studies we observed that participants' own conspiracy beliefs moderated the association between others' conspiracy beliefs and relationship satisfaction, revealing a similarity–dissimilarity pattern: although the association was negative among participants with weaker conspiracy beliefs, we observed signals of reversal among participants with stronger conspiracy beliefs. Our findings further suggest that a process of attitudinal distancing (among other relational changes) could explain why perceived conspiracy beliefs negatively predicted relationship satisfaction. Taken together, this research provides evidence that conspiracy beliefs have the potential to harm interpersonal relationships.

Nalbuphine, medetomidine, and azaperone use in free‐ranging American black bears and mountain lions in Wyoming

AbstractSafe and effective chemical immobilization is a necessary component of large carnivore management and research, but laws regulating controlled substances can limit the use of many drugs by non‐veterinary personnel. NalMed‐A (40 mg/mL nalbuphine HCl, 10 mg/mL medetomidine HCl, 10 mg/mL azaperone tartrate) is a non‐controlled drug combination used to immobilize a number of free‐ranging species, but there are limited published reports of its usage by non‐veterinary personnel when immobilizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor). Additionally, there are some safety concerns regarding anecdotal reports of spontaneous arousals occurring in large carnivores immobilized with NalMed‐A. We performed a retrospective analysis of capture forms for free‐ranging black bears (n = 34) and mountain lions (n = 7) immobilized with NalMed‐A by non‐veterinary personnel across Wyoming, USA, in 2017 and 2019–2024. Induction (x̅ ± SE) was 10.74 ± 1.16 minutes for black bears (n = 34) and 7.14 ± 1.60 for mountain lions (n = 7). Reversal was 14.21 ± 1.51 minutes for black bears (n = 28) and 10.00 ± 1.26 minutes for mountain lions (n = 5). We used non‐parametric tests (Kruskal‐Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum) and odds ratios to examine the effect of certain parameters on induction times, redoses, and spontaneous arousals in black bears. Median induction time for black bears injected in their hind leg or rump was greater than for black bears injected in their shoulder (n = 34, W = 79.5, P = 0.045). Six black bears (18%) experienced spontaneous arousals. We recommend avoiding the hind leg and rump for dart placement in bears, and using hobbles and a muzzle for large carnivores when using NalMed‐A in a free‐ranging setting because of the risk of spontaneous arousals.

Post-Surgical Dental Precautions/Prophylaxis in Pediatric Patients: Results of a 2023 Survey of the Membership of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)

IntroductionGuidelines regarding post-surgical dental care have been common in adult total joint arthroplasty patients, despite limited supporting evidence in the literature. There is anecdotal evidence that similar precautions are implemented frequently in post-operative pediatric orthopaedic patients without any published evidence to guide clinicians. Material and MethodsA survey of the Active Members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) was performed to assess the use of post-surgical guidelines regarding dental care (procedures and prohylaxis) in pediatric patients. A 20-question survey regarding this subject was developed with the input of, and approved by, the Evidence-Based Practice Committee of POSNA, and a link to participate was distributed to the Active Membership. ResultsOne hundred and seventy-three POSNA members opened the link to the survey. 163 respondents self-identified as Active, for a response rate of 19.8%. One hundred and fifty-seven (96.3%) reported direct involvement in surgical and post-surgical care of pediatric orthopaedic patients. Sixty-two (39.4%) indicated use of a post-operative protocol regarding dental interventions. Forty percent of those indicating use of guidelines were uncertain of the specifics of the protocol(s) used at their institution. Eighty-five percent of those utilizing protocols felt that the use of guidelines was a valuable topic for investigation. ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that many of the active members of POSNA utilize post-surgical guidelines for dental care, particularly for those patients who have undergone spinal surgery with permanent implants. This is despite the fact that there is limited evidence to support their use in adult total joint patients, and no literature regarding use of such guidelines in pediatric orthopaedic patients. Level of EvidenceLevel V

Triploid eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) display high susceptibility to microbial infections but only during early ontogenetic stages

Over the last two decades, oyster aquaculture has largely shifted from the use of diploids to the near-exclusive use of triploids in many regions, with some hatcheries now producing >90 % triploid oyster spat. The increased demand for triploids is primarily driven by substantial growth advantages and more consistent meat quality associated with sterile triploid animals, with most data suggesting triploids and diploids display comparable adult survivorship. Although adult performance appears similar, anecdotal reports from farmers have suggested that triploids may exhibit greater frailty during earlier age classes, particularly in response to bacterial infections. Due to the extent of triploid production now taking place, the possibility of early ontogenetic frailty in triploids could pose a significant risk to oyster aquaculture production. To evaluate these claims, two cohorts of half-sibling diploid and triploid eastern oyster lines were generated in 2020 and 2021. A subset of larvae and juveniles from these lines were then exposed to a cocktail of bacterial (Vibrio) pathogens and monitored for viability. The remaining oysters were then allowed to grow for another 2 months before being deployed in either Peconic Bay, New York (2020), or Patuxent River, Maryland (2021), where their survivorship was followed for another year. Results showed that triploids were at significantly greater risk of mortality during the larvae and juvenile stages, though differential mortality decreased with age. These trends were consistent across the two spawning events, and the extent of early ontogenetic triploid frailty was observed to vary between the lines tested. This work provides valuable data for hatchery managers and farmers alike and suggests areas where specific attention and further work are required.