The ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation: Supporting and advancing clinical nutrition research

Abstract The vision of the ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation is to promote innovation and research discovery to improve nutrition care and health. The Foundation was launched in 1993, incorporated in 2002, and established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 2007. On the occasion of American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)'s 50th anniversary, this article examines the creation of the Foundation, the state of clinical nutrition research funding, the Foundation's philanthropic mission, and the return on investment of Foundation grant support. To date, 114 investigators have received 2.78 million dollars in funding. The article examines the success of ASPEN research programs and Foundation grant support in career development, leadership, and mentorship. It is important to document a historical account of the ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation and encourage innovation and discovery and ongoing financial support.

Extended Longevity Photoactivated Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for the Detection of Biosignatures on Icy Worlds and Martian Polar Caps

ABSTRACT Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has traditionally not been considered for planetary sciences due to issues associated with SERS substrate degradation and spectra reproducibility. Here, we present ongoing work on the compact integrated Raman spectrometer (CIRS) instrument developed for the Europa Lander Mission concept, which incorporates SERS capability into the green‐wavelength Raman system in order to allow detection of biosignatures at extremely low concentrations. In this work, we optimize a SERS method based on chemically stable AgCl precursor coating, which is reduced to SERS‐active Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in situ, thus eliminating any potential degradation of the SERS‐active AgNPs during transit. We use the modified AgCl coating to detect biosignatures relevant for the search for extraterrestrial life, evaluate the detection limit, and characterize the stability and reproducibility of the resulting spectra. To assess the impact of environmental conditions on Icy Worlds and Mars, we also investigate the effect of salts and varying pH. The results show that L‐histidine can be detected 10 nM and BPE as low as 10 −24  M, which is within the estimated biomolecule concentration range for Icy Worlds. Furthermore, the presence of salts significantly enhances the SERS signal, which makes this method particularly favorable for detecting in salty brines, such as on Ocean Worlds or Mars. This method thus greatly enhances the scientific capabilities of the CIRS instrument for the exploration of Icy Worlds and Martian polar caps. Furthermore, the SERS coating is applied to the sample cup at little additional cost or complexity and requires no sample preparation.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency of the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) in the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission: A Comprehensive Qualitative Analysis of Key Parameters in the Sample Acquisition and Measurement Strategies

ABSTRACT The Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS), part of the Pasteur analytical suite onboard the ExoMars 2028 Rosalind Franklin rover, is designed to perform structural and compositional analyses of powdered subsurface samples on Mars. Its fully autonomous operation within the constraints of the Pasteur Analytical Laboratory‐limited by time, energy, and sample availability‐requires an efficient balance between scientific performance and operational viability. This study presents a qualitative analysis of RLS operations under mission‐representative conditions using the Flight Spare (FS) model, focusing on the impact of key parameters‐number of accumulations, autofocus frequency, and analyzed spots per sample‐on the system's detection capabilities. Experimental campaigns were conducted using ESA‐selected analog samples representative of Oxia Planum geology. Performance was evaluated using both the RLS FS and the ExoMars Simulator. Results show high consistency (90‐95%) in mineral detection between systems, confirming the robustness of the RLS FS under representative scenarios. The instrument demonstrated its ability to identify key phases, including oxides, silicates, carbonates, hydrated sulfates, and amorphous carbon, highlighting its relevance to geological and astrobiological investigations. Operational tests confirmed that reducing the number of accumulations or autofocus activations‐under appropriate sample conditions‐does not compromise spectral quality. These findings support a flexible strategy that adapts operational parameters to the scientific context, optimizing resource use and preserving long‐term instrument reliability. The results will contribute to the refinement of nominal activity plans for ExoMars and reinforce the use of the RLS FS as a critical asset for validating future configurations of the flight model.

Determine the Elemental Composition of Minerals From Complex Solid‐Solution Series by Raman Spectroscopy: Implications for Mars Exploration Missions

ABSTRACT Garnets are minerals offering valuable insights into geological and planetary processes, in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial contexts. Their presence in metamorphic rocks, as well as in meteorites, makes them key indicators of the conditions under which they formed, such as pressure, temperature, and chemical environment. This information is valuable for understanding the history and evolution of planetary bodies, including Earth and Mars. Developing automatic classification models for garnets using Raman spectroscopy has a potential application for planetary exploration, particularly for the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) on the Rosalind Franklin rover of the upcoming ExoMars mission. In this work, we used a dataset combining spectra from ADAMM and RRUFF databases, ensuring a well‐distributed representation of the two main garnet groups: pyralspites and ugrandites. The spectra from ADAMM were obtained using the RLS SIM, a laboratory version of RLS, while RRUFF data helped increase the number of samples in the dataset. After standardizing all data, we designed a two‐step classification model: a top‐level model to classify into the two main groups and two specific models to classify the garnet type within each group. We tested multiple machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), artificial neural networks (ANN), decision tree, and naive Bayes. The top‐level classification reached 100% accuracy in testing, while the final combined model achieved 80.42% accuracy. These results demonstrate that machine learning and Raman spectroscopy can effectively classify garnets, providing a valuable tool for planetary missions and mineralogical studies.

Development of alternative feed with seed and insect meal for sustainable production of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) and quality fillets

Abstract Background Rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) is a freshwater fish with an aquaculture industry widely distributed throughout the world, whose diet is based on fish meal (marine origin), with serious sustainability problems associated with the sector. The objective of the study was the inclusion of other flours as a protein source (insect and vegetable) to replace conventional diet for O. mykiss hatchlings. Feed with different protein contents (35%, 40%, and 45%) was used, therefore, with an insect meal content of 38%, 45%, and 53%, respectively, in order to maintain an isoenergetic balance. The quality analysis of the feed used was based on a proximal and amino acid analysis of the meals. For the evaluation of the alternative feed, 150 O . mykiss fry were used for 90 days, considering the increase in size (standard length) and weight every 15 days. The feed intake was 8% of the animal biomass, rationed four times a day. In order to analyze the quality of the fish fillets, 20 fish fed with each alternative feed were kept for a further 60 days. Results The substitution of fish meal by vegetable and insect meal allowed the biochemical profile that the conventional feed contains to feed O. mykiss hatchlings to be met. It was shown that, during the first 6 weeks, all alternative feeds and the conventional feed resulted in similar sizes and weights in the pups. However, at the end of the study (at 3 months), the conventional feed reported larger fish sizes and weights than the alternative feeds. On the other hand, these differences in growth did not impact the quality of the fillet for consumers. Conclusion The development of an alternative feed with 75% of other ingredients (fishmeal, chilacayota, corn and Tenebrio) was a feed with 35%–45% protein, necessary for the trout hatchlings to grow and produce a quality fillet. The study showed that reducing the consumption of conventional feed favors production costs for aquaculture centers, whose mission is to produce hatchlings and keep them for up to 2 months to be offered to fattening farms and promote sustainable production.

Congestion and Sinonasal Illness in Outer Space: A Study on the International Space Station

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aims to characterize quantitative data pertaining to sinonasal symptoms and their related medication use aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A secondary focus involves correlating these findings with mission parameters such as extravehicular activity (EVA) participation and mission duration. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing data requested from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health (LSAH) program. Results Of 71 de‐identified ISS astronauts beginning with Expedition 1 in the year 2000 through 62 in 2019, there were 754 logged medical events; 60 astronauts reported any type of sinonasal medical event (85%), the most common being general nasal congestion in 53 astronauts (75%). Symptoms were attributed to microgravity‐induced fluid shifts in 34 astronauts (57%) while 17 (28%) attributed symptoms to ear clearing and barotrauma. Pseudoephedrine was the most used medication, with 95 recorded uses, followed by oxymetazoline spray at 51. Among the 60 astronauts with sinonasal medical events, the 24 with references to extravehicular activity (EVA) participation in their records had on average, 9.19 more records than those without (95% CI: 2.29–17.06). Conclusion Sinonasal symptoms are a prevalent medical concern among astronauts aboard the ISS. The findings suggest that early spaceflight‐associated fluid shifts contribute significantly to these symptoms, often requiring medication use. A correlation between EVA participation and a higher number of medical events highlights an occupational risk factor. Level of Evidence 3.

Career Pathway Interview: Emily K Read, Chief of the U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Mission Area Web Communications Branch—Bringing Water Data to the Public

Exploring implementation of interventions to facilitate integration in fragmented healthcare systems

Abstract Introduction Stanford Medicine is working to better coordinate care across the Stanford healthcare system, as well as improve patient and provider experiences in seeking and receiving care. This study aimed to explore the complexities of moving from a fragmented to an integrated academic healthcare system and to identify and explain factors (e.g., facilitators and barriers) of the implementation of three interventions meant to improve patient experience, reduce staff burden, and integrate health care systems across faculty and community settings. Methods We conducted qualitative semi‐structured interviews via Zoom with faculty and community physicians. Interviews were audio‐recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and open coding. Using consensus coding approaches, researchers met regularly to discuss themes and adaptations to CFIR. Results We analyzed transcripts from interviews with physicians ( n  = 26). Factors impacting integration included the following: (1) physicians supported the interventions, promoting mission alignment; (2) physicians were motivated for change, reporting the existing system was intolerable; (3) physicians reported different priorities between clinics: faculty versus community and primary care versus specialty; (4) physicians prioritized interpersonal versus system solutions; (5) specialists were wary of unintended consequences of integration, specifically inappropriate bookings or patients being redirected to other clinics. Broadly speaking, facilitator factors 1–2 focused on the openness to, and tension for, change; and barrier factors 3–5 promoted or sustained variation across specialties and faculty/community clinics. Conclusions Our results illustrate the challenges and opportunities of moving from a fragmented to an integrated healthcare system and emphasize the importance of building shared culture, collaboration, and coordinated actions across and within an integrated healthcare network.

Four distinct models of learning health systems: Strength through diversity

Abstract The concept of a learning health system (LHS) was established nearly 20 years ago as a unifying commitment to speed the generation and use of evidence primarily by leveraging rapid advances in data and technologies, resulting in optimized care for each patient. In the ensuing decades, vanguard adopters of the LHS who have sought to move the LHS from conceptual to operational have done so in ways that fit with and reflect their organizational structure, mission, and culture—as well as their personal values and experiences. They have also extended the focus from health care to include individual and population health more broadly. This commentary describes four distinctive models that have evolved as learning health system activities have matured. Viewing this diversity as a strength, the features, commonalities, and unique differences of these models are described.

Legitimacy Building in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems—A Process Perspective for Sustainable Entrepreneurs

ABSTRACT The integration of legitimacy in entrepreneurial ecosystem theory is under‐researched, resulting in scholarly vagueness about how entrepreneurs acquire resources. Our qualitative study with 31 (co‐)founders of startups following the triple bottom line investigates entrepreneurs' daily practices for building legitimacy in entrepreneurial ecosystems. We identify that entrepreneurs follow a sequential process to build legitimacy: 1) engaging and assimilating with culture , 2) establishing and utilizing networks , 3) enhancing visibility , and 4) leveraging the sustainable mission . Following this sequential process builds different levels of legitimacy. Each level grants access to resources from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We contribute to the scholarly conversation on legitimacy in entrepreneurial ecosystems and provide practical implications for entrepreneurs.