To report up to 6-month outcomes of genicular artery embolization (GAE) using polyethylene glycol microspheres vs ethiodized oil emulsion in patients with medically refractory symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In this single-center retrospective study, sixty-eight patients (65 y.o, M/F (11/57)) underwent GAE from 9/2021 to 3/2025 using a permanent agent: 200-micron microspheres (HydroPearl®, n = 42), or a temporary agent: emulsion of ethiodized oil (LipioJoint, n = 46). Outcomes were assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total and Pain sub-score at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months post-GAE. Adverse events (AEs) were reported by the CIRSE AE classification system. A descriptive statistical and multivariable analysis was performed. Eighty-eight knees treated with KOA severity: Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) 2: 10 vs 23
Simulation experiments in a high-resolution configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model are used to test the hypothesis that land-surface vegetation inhibits propagation of rainstorms into the Upper Illinois River Basin (UIRB), thus decreasing associated total precipitation (Pt) and flooding. Two historical flood-generating rainstorms, representative of storm types in the UIRB, are selected and simulated: a mesoscale convective rainstorm in July 1996 and the remnant of the Hurricane Ike rainstorm in September 2008. For each rainstorm, three sensitivity experiments with differing land-surface vegetation configurations are simulated and compared with the reference experiment. Results show that vegetation changes inside the UIRB or inside a 1 degrees belt around it caused an increase in basin-average Pt during the 2008 rainstorm. However, these same vegetation configurations caused a decrease in basin-average Pt in the 1996 rainstorm. The largest decrease, between 18% and 32%, occurred in the experiment with a belt of trees. The mechanism for this decrease in Pt is windspeed decrease associated with increase in surface roughness owing to vegetation with high vertical extent, which inhibits propagation of the rainstorm into the basin. These findings highlight a linkage between land-cover characteristics outside the UIRB and precipitation inside it associated with mesoscale convective storms. Since precipitation is the key driver of flooding, this linkage can be combined with other structural approaches toward developing a long-term flood mitigation strategy for the UIRB.
Abstract* Background Advancing effective treatments and interventions to improve mental health services and outcomes requires the full and meaningful participation of communities underrepresented in research partnerships. In recent years a trend has emerged of involving members of groups as researchers, partners, or participants in patient-centered clinical comparative effectiveness research that past research has typically ignored with little to no engagement. The aim of this scoping review is to identify the engagement approaches and strategies that have been used to engage populations underrepresented in partnerships for mental health services research. Methods The participatory scoping review will employ the methodological framework initially proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. We will search MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science from all time through December 2024. A participatory approach will engage co-investigators with lived expertise of mental health challenges and Advisory Council members throughout the review. A modified Delphi Panel will facilitate interpretation of findings. Results Preliminary findings will generate a descriptive summary of engagement methods, inclusive of engagement approaches and strategies, used with populations underrepresented in mental health services research. For the identified engagement approaches, we plan to provide a descriptive summary of the articulated principles and application of each engagement approach. For the engagement strategies, we plan to summarize for each engagement strategy: (1) the goal, (2) the population(s) engaged, (3) key procedures and resources, and (4) findings from process and/or impact evaluations. The structure of the descriptive summaries and interpretation of findings will be informed by the community co-investigators, advisory council members, and experts who will be convened through a modified delphi panel. Discussion Our participatory scoping review of all mental health services research using engagement strategies will produce evidence-based guidance to improve approaches to engagement in PCOR/CER and establish a science of engagement.
This study cumulates results across 50 studies (76 independent samples) comparing disabled and non-disabled employees on perceived job demands, psychological and motivational factors, perceived support, job performance, and economic impacts. A moderator analysis was conducted based on the report method, disability type, job requirements (interactional demand), geographical location, and sample type. Results revealed that disabled employees reported no significant differences in job demands, including physical, psychological, and time demands, compared to non-disabled peers. However, they exhibited lower levels of some psychological and motivational factors, such as diminished psychological well-being, reduced job self-efficacy, and less perceived autonomy, but had comparable levels of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job meaningfulness. While disabled employees reported comparable levels of perceived support from organizations, supervisors, and coworkers, they reported moderate levels of perceived discrimination. They received significantly lower pay than non-disabled employees. We also observed higher work interference (e.g., health-related interruptions) and slight differences in task performance between disabled and non-disabled employees. Notably, organizational concerns about shorter tenure, higher turnover, and increased compensation claims for disabled employees were unfounded, even though disabled employees reported greater unmet accommodation needs.
