Digital Badging at Scale at Penn State University

In this chapter, the authors discuss two examples of digital credential implementations at Penn State University. Penn State University is a large R1 with a main campus located in Central Pennsylvania. The purpose of this chapter is to situate the broader digital credential movement within one example of how it has played out in higher education. Within this one example, the implementations between the University Libraries and College of Engineering have similarities and differences. This chapter demonstrates that the purpose and goals of a digital credentialing program heavily influence decisions made from the beginning of the effort through maturation. Outside forces that impact what a digital credentialing effort looks like will be discussed such as administrative requirements and concerns over visual identity. Finally, this chapter provides thoughts on where digital credentials are headed within higher education.

Silver Sneakers in Central PA: Assessment of a Community based Exercise Program in a Mixed Rural/Urban Catchment Area

Older cancer survivors present with unique challenges that may impact quality of life and increase physical dysfunction if not properly managed. Regular physical activity (PA) can help mitigate these effects. Silver Sneakers (SS), a free exercise program available to Medicare beneficiaries, has more than 16,000 US locations. To understand capacity of SS to serve older adults in our mixed rural/urban catchment area of Central Pennsylvania, we 1) identified all registered SS program locations in our 28-county catchment area and; 2) conducted phone questionnaires with SS program staff. Approximately 18 gyms closed during the pandemic, leaving a sample of 121 participating gyms. We talked to 80 gyms (66% response rate) to understand member and programming characteristics, training of staff and program marketing. Geographic locations of SS were mixed – 39% in rural and 61% in urban counties; the majority (43%) were located in private gyms or YMCAs. The majority of gyms reported membership was equally mixed by gender and described ages of members as 65-80 years (94%). Program staff said that many members exercised several times per week with friends/family. Program staff also reported that social opportunities (35%) were a primary reason participants remained active in SS. Most (89%) of the facilities were still able to offer SS during the pandemic, with the majority (60%) adapting format to Zoom and other video platforms to conduct classes. Overall, SS programs offer a sustainable option to facilitate access to exercise programs and reduce barriers to PA among older adults in our catchment area.

486. Characteristics Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children

Background We sought to describe the range of Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children. Methods Patients < 18 years of age who had a positive nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 at a single health system in central Pennsylvania from 3/19/2020-12/31/2020 were identified. Using a random number generator, 150 additional patients < 18 years of age who had a negative PCR test were also identified. Asymptomatic patients and those without clinical data in the electronic medical record were excluded from analysis. Demographic characteristics, symptoms present at the time of testing, and outcomes were compared between PCR-positive and negative patients. Odds ratios were calculated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models to patients with positive vs. negative PCR tests. Results We included 544 patients in analysis, 412 (76%) of which had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR. PCR-positive patients were statistically more likely to have a known contact, no comorbidities, and to present with cough, cold-like symptoms, headache, or loss of taste and smell. All patients who presented with loss of taste and smell were PCR positive at time of presentation. Positive patients were statistically less likely to present with fever or emesis than negative patients. Multivariable regression identified increased age, cough, cold symptoms, headache, and non-white race as predictive of PCR positivity. Patients who tested positive were statistically less likely to be admitted to the hospital and less likely to require respiratory support than negative patients. Conclusion Loss of taste and smell is a specific, though uncommon, indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population. Headache, cough, and cold-like symptoms are also suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while fever and gastrointestinal symptoms appear less common. This data suggests that screening questions developed for adults may be less applicable in children. Future research, including more dedicated and prospective studies, is warranted to identify patients in whom a positive SARS-CoV-2 test is sufficiently likely to warrant isolation and testing. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

The update and optimization of an eDNA assay to detect the invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus)

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA shed into the environment, and amplifying this DNA can serve as a reliable, noninvasive way to monitor aquatic systems for the presence of an invasive species. Assays based on the collection of eDNA are becoming increasingly popular, and, when optimized, can aid in effectively and efficiently tracking invasion fronts. We set out to update an eDNA assay to detect the invasive rusty crayfish, Faxonius rusticus. We tested for species specificity compared to other stream crayfish and field tested the assay at sites with known presence (N = 3) and absence (N = 4) in the Juniata River watershed in central Pennsylvania, USA. To maximize sensitivity, we field tested different storage buffers (Longmire’s buffer and ethanol), DNA extraction methods (Qiagen’s DNEasy and PowerWater kits), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) chemistries (TaqMan and SYBR green). Our assay confirmed the presence data and performed optimally when filter samples were stored in Longmire’s buffer, DNA was extracted with DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit, and TaqMan qPCR chemistry was utilized. With proper sample processing, our assay allows for accurate, noninvasive detection of F. rusticus in streams.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in Healthcare Workers in Central Pennsylvania

Background: Determining the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers (HCW) is important in assessing the safety of the work environment. Though of limited use in acute illness, serologic testing can detect some infections that occur undetected. We compared the prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 to a place of work, exposure by role and department, and use of various prevention methods. Methods: Healthcare workers (HCWs) working in Geisinger Health System were offered voluntary serology through Employee Health. Before they had blood taken, they completed a brief questionnaire. Testing was conducted from June 15 to September 4, 2020. Blood was analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Roche and Diasorin platforms). Results: In total, 2,295 employees and contract workers providing care at Geisinger facilities were tested. Most of this group, 2,037 (88.8%), were involved in direct patient care. In total, 101 tests returned positive, a rate of 4.4% (95% CI, 3.6%–5.3%). Of 54 HCWs with a positive NAAT for SARS-CoV-2, positive serology results were found in 48, a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI, 78%–95%). Those involved in patient care were slightly more likely to become infected, 91 of 2,037 (4.6%) compared to 10 of 258 who were not involved in patient care (3.9%; P = .68). Those with unprotected exposure to a known case of COVID-19 were more likely than those not exposed to be positive for SARS-CoV-2, 51 of 792 (6.4% vs 3.3%; P = .0008). This risk was highest for those exposed outside work (7 of 33; 21%; P = .003). HCWs working in COVID-19 units were positive at a rate of 4.0% (95% CI, 3.8%–5.4%), no more than other inpatient areas, which were 5.0% positive (95% CI, 3.8%–6.4%). HCWs working with outpatients were at slightly lower risk, 2.8% positivity (95% CI, 1.9%–4.1%). The rates of infection ranged between 3.3% and 5.0% by job category. Employees were asked about symptoms experienced since March 2020. Positive serology occurred in 39 (2.8%) of 1,414 employees who did not recall any symptoms. Symptoms related to COVID-19, except sore throat, were strongly correlated with positive serology. Conclusions: When provided a safe work environment, the risk of COVID-19 in employees is comparable to that in the surrounding communities. Persons with patient care responsibilities have an absolute risk that is marginally higher.Funding: NoDisclosures: None