Publications by authors named "Alvarez K"

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has curative potential but also relatively high morbidity and mortality. Patients have multidimensional palliative care (PC) needs throughout the transplant process. However, PC is not routinely offered to patients with hematologic malignancies.

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The effects of the intergenerational continuity of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on youth outcomes have been documented, particularly among mother-child dyads. Most literature has focused on the continuity of family-level ACEs (Traditional ACEs [T-ACEs]) and not community-level ACEs (Expanded ACEs [E-ACEs]) that disproportionately impact minoritized individuals. We aimed to (a) examine the effect of mothers' and fathers' T-ACEs and E-ACEs on youth's T-ACEs and E-ACEs, respectively, and on youth's depressive and anxiety symptoms; (b) examine whether youth's own ACE exposure explains the link between parental ACEs and youth depressive and anxiety symptoms; and (c) explore differential risks by mothers versus fathers.

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Per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are used to make fluoropolymer coatings found in many products, such as non-stick pans, clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging. These highly persistent molecules are known as "forever chemicals" since they neither degrade environmentally nor break down enzymatically within biological systems. PFAS compounds readily contaminate water sources, and as a result, certain PFAS molecules have bioaccumulated in exposed species including humans.

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Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is associated with coagulation disorders that frequently culminate in thrombotic events, contributing to increased mortality rates in this clinical condition. Considering the demonstrated effect that extracellular vesicles (EVs) have on regulating inflammatory processes, coagulation, and angiogenesis, the present study aims to characterize plasma EVs and their relationship with coagulation disorders in patients with CCC. A total of 78 patients were assessed with 46.

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In this study, PLGA nanoparticles (PNPs) emulsified in Pluronic F127 (F127)/Lecithin (LEC) were designed to load Itacitinib (ITA), a selective JAK1 inhibitor, for targeting human monocytes. The physicochemical characteristics of empty and ITA-loaded F127/LEC PNPs were analyzed. The binding and internalization of NPs in leukocytes were evaluated.

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The franciscana dolphin () is a small cetacean endemic to the coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Due to its restricted distribution, it is subject to high bycatch mortality in the gillnets used for commercial and artisanal fishing. The rehabilitation of the franciscana is still a major challenge, as most attempts to rehabilitate stranded animals have failed.

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  • Early identification of children at risk for PTSD after trauma is crucial but lacks standardized screening tools for pediatric patients.
  • A screening program was piloted in 2022 for children aged 8 and older at a trauma center, which included assessments for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and PTSD, followed by referrals for those with positive screenings.
  • Results showed a significant percentage of children screened positive for PTSD one month post-discharge, highlighting the importance of early intervention for better long-term mental health outcomes.
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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease that causes a progressive decline in memory and thinking skills. Over the past few years, diverse studies have shown that there is no single cause of AD; instead, it has been reported that factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. In this sense, it has been shown that obesity during middle age is one of the most prominent modifiable risk factors for AD.

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Human CD81 and CD9 are members of the tetraspanin family of proteins characterized by a canonical structure of four transmembrane domains and two extracellular loop domains. Tetraspanins are known as molecular facilitators, which assemble and organize cell surface receptors and partner molecules forming clusters known as tetraspanin-enriched microdomains. They have been implicated to play various biological roles including an involvement in infections with microbial pathogens.

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Background: Screening rates for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain low despite guidelines by both the CDC and USPSTF recommending that all adolescents and adults be screened at least once. The aim of this quality improvement study was to increase HIV screening among eligible patients.

Methods: This quality improvement study assessed the impact of interventions to increase HIV screening in an outpatient population at a large urban safety-net hospital.

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The franciscana dolphin is a small, vulnerable species often caught in artisanal gillnets. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of their acoustic capabilities by using advanced equipment to collect a large dataset of wideband, continuous recordings. We examined the detailed acoustic signals of franciscana dolphins, comparing the sounds from rehabilitated dolphins in captivity with those of wild dolphins near fishing nets.

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Bemnifosbuvir (AT-527) and AT-752 are guanosine analogues currently in clinical trials against several RNA viruses. Here, we show that these drugs require a minimal set of 5 cellular enzymes for activation to their common 5'-triphosphate AT-9010, with an obligate order of reactions. AT-9010 selectively inhibits essential viral enzymes, accounting for antiviral potency.

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Background: Documented penicillin allergies are associated with increased morbidity, increased hospital stay, and an increase in resistant infections. Penicillin allergy evaluations using a direct oral challenge with or without skin testing has been recommended as a delabeling strategy for patients with penicillin reaction histories. Barriers for achieving equitable access, however, exist.

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Background: Effective measures exist to prevent the spread of HIV. However, the identification of patients who are candidates for these measures can be a challenge. A machine learning model to predict risk for HIV may enhance patient selection for proactive outreach.

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Aims: Pannexin-1 (PANX1) is a hemichannel that releases ATP upon opening, initiating inflammation, cell proliferation, and migration. However, the role of PANX1 channels in colon cancer remains poorly understood, thus constituting the focus of this study.

Main Methods: PANX1 mRNA expression was analyzed using multiple cancer databases.

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  • Childcare needs significantly impact women's access to healthcare, with many reporting delaying or missing care primarily due to childcare barriers.
  • In a study of 336 women in a Dallas safety-net health system, 36% missed an average of 3.7 appointments per year, with 54.5% citing childcare issues as the main reason over other barriers like transportation or insurance.
  • Women found it harder to access childcare than healthcare, often bringing children to appointments or rescheduling them, with 40.6% leaving appointments early due to childcare responsibilities.
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  • A recent American Psychological Association Summit emphasized the need to shift psychological science and practice from focusing solely on individuals to addressing population-level impacts on mental health.
  • The transformation involves scaling effective individual-level interventions using modern delivery methods, innovating policy-driven community initiatives, and establishing a universal primary care system for mental health.
  • Key tasks include promoting scientific creativity, rigorous evaluation, and community accountability to develop a comprehensive strategy for public mental health.
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Purpose: This study investigates the clinical impact of electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) monitoring apps/web interfaces, aimed at symptom-management, in cancer patients undergoing outpatient systemic antineoplastic treatment. Additionally, it explores the advantages offered by these applications, including their functionalities and healthcare team-initiated follow-up programmes.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using a predefined search strategy in MEDLINE.

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Introduction: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective at reducing HIV transmission. However, PrEP uptake is low for racial and ethnic minorities and women, especially in the Southern US Health care clinicians should be prepared to identify all patients eligible for PrEP, provide counseling, and prescribe PrEP.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of persons newly diagnosed with HIV was conducted at a large public health system from January 2015 to June 2021.

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The present 21-day daily diary study (conducted 2021-2022) tested anger and racism-related vigilance as potential transdiagnostic mediators linking exposure to racial and ethnic discrimination (RED) to distress (negative affect and stress, respectively). The data analytic sample included N = 317 Mexican-origin adolescents (M = 13.5 years; 50.

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MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP) is caused by biallelic pathogenic germline variants in the MUTYH gene. However, individuals harboring monoallelic MUTYH pathogenic variants in the presence of a positive family history have been reported to have a twofold increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and extra colonic cancers. Our aim was to characterize the spectrum of monoallelic and biallelic germline MUTYH pathogenic variants in Latin American patients and to describe their clinical and genetic characteristics.

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The large Bunyavirales order includes several families of viruses with a segmented ambisense (-) RNA genome and a cytoplasmic life cycle that starts by synthesizing viral mRNA. The initiation of transcription, which is common to all members, relies on an endonuclease activity that is responsible for cap-snatching. In La Crosse virus, an orthobunyavirus, it has previously been shown that the cap-snatching endonuclease resides in the N-terminal domain of the L protein.

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