Despite robust qualitative research to explore the efficacy and equity of secondary CTEbuilding and construction pathways (Montoya et al., 2020; 2018), there is still a need to further interrogate these studies with novel methods. Quantitative Ethnography (QE) has been established as a reliable means to interpret qualitative data (Arastoopur et al., 2023; Shaffer,2017). Furthermore, Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) has been used to create QE models to help interpret qualitative data (Bauer et al., 2019). In this study, we use QE and ENA as novel methods to interrogate the silo structure and neoliberal rationality of Career Technical Education(CTE) secondary pathways, which have been shown to limit students’ critical consciousness(Lundell et al., 2023; Brown, 2017). Despite its history of racial tracking, CTE pathways still neglect critical thinking/dialogue around social/environmental justice issues, drastically hurting workers’ ability to confront these inequities (Darder, 2017; Oakes & Saunders, 2011; Shor &Freire, 1987). Using quantitative ethnography and epistemic network analysis to enhance a qualitative research design, researchers found that constructivism, critical pedagogy, and interdisciplinary collaboration can positively impact the experience, participation, and critical consciousness of students and educators in a CTE building and construction pathway.(PDF) Using Quantitative Ethnography to Explore Interdisciplinary Collaboration in a CTE Building and Construction Pathway. 

BACKGROUND: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are frequently observed with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, although the prevalence of these associated conditions in the general population remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand the prevalence of frequent PVCs (defined PVCs > 5%) and high burden PVCs (defined PVCs > 10%) and LV systolic dysfunction in patients receiving ambulatory Holter monitors (HM). METHODS: A prospective multicenter (eight US medical centers) cross-sectional study collected demographic and PVC burden data from consecutive patients undergoing 24-h, 48-h, and 14-day HM (July 2018-June 2020). Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) data was collected if obtained within 6 months of HM. Four PVC burden groups were analyzed (<1%, 1%-5%, 5.1%-10%, and >10% burden) and stratified by normal LVEF (≥50%) or presence LVEF < 50%. RESULTS: The prevalence of PVC burden of 5.1%-10% and >10% was 4% and 5%, respectively in the population undergoing HM (n = 6529). Age was significantly different between PVC groups (p < .001). In those with LVEF assessment (n = 3713), the prevalence of LVEF < 50% and both LVEF < 50% and PVC > 5% was 16.4% and 4.2%, respectively. The prevalence of PVC > 5% and PVC > 10% in patients with LVEF < 50% was 26% and 16%, respectively. PVC > 5% were more prevalent in older, male, and Caucasians (p < .001). Females had a lower prevalence of PVC > 5% than males (6% vs. 11%; p < .001), but not among those with LVEF < 50% (24% vs. 26%, p = .10). CONCLUSION: PVC > 5% and PVC > 10% and LVEF < 50% are prevalent in patients undergoing HM. PVC > 5% are associated with older age. Females have a lower prevalence of PVC > 5% than males but similar combined PVC > 5% and LVEF < 50%. CLINICALTRIAL: gov identifier: NCT03228823.

Foveal hypoplasia and optic nerve misrouting are developmental defects of the visual pathway and only co-occur in connection with albinism; to date, they have only been associated with defects in the melanin-biosynthesis pathway. Here, we report that these defects can occur independently of albinism in people with recessive mutations in the putative glutamine transporter gene SLC38A8. Nine different mutations were identified in seven Asian and European families. Using morpholino-mediated ablation of Slc38a8 in medaka fish, we confirmed that pigmentation is unaffected by loss of SLC38A8. Furthermore, by undertaking an association study with SNPs at the SLC38A8 locus, we showed that common variants within this gene modestly affect foveal thickness in the general population. This study reveals a melanin-independent component underpinning the development of the visual pathway that requires a functional role for SLC38A8.