A smartphone-based application to improve breastfeeding duration and self-efficacy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

A novel breastfeeding mobile app was created. We aim to determine if patients who utilize the app will have longer breastfeeding duration, improved breastfeeding self-efficacy scores at 1-year follow-up, and higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months postpartum. Participants were randomized, with 45 to the intervention and 48 to the control groups.

Arthroscopy Treatment of Scaphoid Pseudarthrosis: Description of the Technique and Case Series.

 To describe the procedure and evaluate the results of a series of patients with stable and unstable pseudarthrosis of the scaphoids treated with the use of arthroscopy associated with cancellous bone graft and compression screw.  Twenty-three patients were treated with this technique. The minimum postoperative follow-up was 12 months, and pre- and postoperative functional, clinical, and imaging analyses were performed.

Autoantibodies immuno-mechanically modulate platelet contractile force and bleeding risk.

Altered mechanotransduction has been proposed as a putative mechanism for disease pathophysiology, yet evidence remains scarce. Here we introduce a concept we call single cell immuno-mechanical modulation, which links immunology, integrin biology, cellular mechanics, and disease pathophysiology and symptomology. Using a micropatterned hydrogel-laden coverslip compatible with standard fluorescence microscopy, we conduct a clinical mechanobiology study, specifically focusing on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoantibody-mediated platelet disorder that currently lacks a reliable biomarker for bleeding risk.

Reaction of unsymmetrical α-bromo-1,3-diketones with -substituted thioureas: regioselective access to 2-(-arylamino)-5-acyl-4-methylthiazoles and/or rearranged 2-(-acylimino)-3--aryl-4-methylthiazoles.

The present study reports some fascinating results of Hantzsch's [3 + 2] cyclic condensation of α-bromo-1,3-diketones, a tri-electrophilic synthon generated by bromination of 1,3-diketones using the mild brominating reagent NBS with trinucleophilic -substituted thioureas. Interestingly, out of a total of 20 combinations, 10 resulted in the exclusive formation of the desired 2-(-arylamino)-5-acyl-4-methylthiazoles regioselectively, seven led to the formation of unexpected 2-(-acylimino)-3--aryl-4-methylthiazoles through an interesting C-N acyl migration, and three furnished a mixture consisting of both products. The regioselectivity pattern of the two products may be attributed to a greater electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon of the acetyl group than that of the acyl group towards both nitrogens of thiourea.

Exploring the Association Between Minimum Wage Policy, Income Inequality, and Obesity Rates in US Counties.

Objective: To examine the interaction between minimum wage policy, income inequality, and obesity rates among U.S. counties, and how this relationship is shaped by policy, place, and racial/ethnic composition in a county.

Sex-Stratified Genome-Wide Association Study in the Spanish Population Identifies a Novel Locus for Lacunar Stroke.

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) represents a significant health burden globally, necessitating a better understanding of its genetic underpinnings to improve prevention and treatment strategies. Despite advances in IS genetics, studies focusing on the Spanish population and sex-stratified analyses are lacking.

Methods: A case-control genome-wide association study was conducted with 9081 individuals (3493 IS cases and 5588 healthy controls).

Ambient air pollution, covert cerebrovascular disease and cognition: results from the ISSYS study.

Background And Purpose: Although air pollution (AP) has been associated with stroke and dementia, data regarding its relationship with covert cerebrovascular disease (cCVD) and cognition over time are sparse. The aim of this study was to explore these relationships.

Methods: A prospective population-based study of 976 stroke-free and non-demented individuals living in Barcelona, Spain, was conducted during 2010-2016.

Ketomimetic Nutrients Trigger a Dual Metabolic Defense in Breast Cancer Cells.

While the triggers for the metastatic transformation of breast cancer (BC) cells remain unknown, recent evidence suggests that intrinsic cellular metabolism could be a crucial driver of migratory disposition and chemoresistance. Aiming to decode the molecular mechanisms involved in BC cell metabolic maneuvering, we study how a ketomimetic (ketone body rich, low glucose) medium affects Doxorubicin (DOX) susceptibility and invasive disposition of BC cells. We quantified glycocalyx sialylation and found an inverse correlation with DOX-induced cytotoxicity and DOX internalization.

Generation of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells using a combination of directed differentiation and transcriptional reprogramming strategies.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), regulates brain function in health and disease. modeling of the human BBB is limited by the lack of robust hiPSC protocols to generate BMECs. Here, we report generation, transcriptomic and functional characterization of reprogrammed BMECs (rBMECs) by combining hiPSC differentiation into BBB-primed endothelial cells and reprogramming with two BBB transcription factors FOXF2 and ZIC3.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Macules, Papules, and Bullae.

Objective: The objective of this discussion paper is to illuminate the importance of early identification and treatment of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SJS/TEN may occur as quickly as 4 days, more commonly 4 to 8 weeks after starting a new medication and early identification is essential.

Methods: A review of literature revealed there is a lack of diagnostic awareness related to the clinical presentation and diverse populations at risk for this devastating syndrome.

Tenoscopy for the Treatment of Hand Intratendinous Ganglion: Technique Description and Case Report.

Synovial or ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue tumors of the wrist and hand and can arise from joints or tendons. Intratendinous synovial cysts, in contrast, are rare and their pathogenesis is still a matter of debate. The treatment of synovial cysts of articular origin using arthroscopy is commonly used with good results.

Higher order polyploids exhibit enhanced desiccation tolerance in the grass Microchloa caffra.

Desiccation tolerance evolved recurrently across diverse plant lineages to enable survival in water-limited conditions. Many resurrection plants are polyploid, and several groups have hypothesized that polyploidy contributed to the evolution of desiccation tolerance. However, due to the vast phylogenetic distance between resurrection plant lineages, the rarity of desiccation tolerance, and the prevalence of polyploidy in plants, this hypothesis has been difficult to test.

The "Bubble Test" in the Arthroscopic Diagnosis of Triangular Fibrocartilage Central Lesion: Description and Relevance to Treatment.

 Ulnarly sided wrist pain is a common and challenging symptom. Arthroscopy has become a safe and effective tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment, proving to be better than all other clinical and imaging diagnostic methods. Some tests have been described for the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) lesions, such as the trampoline test for peripheral lesions and the hook, ghost, and suction tests for foveal detachments.

An economical in-class sticker microfluidic activity develops student expertise in microscale physics and device manufacturing.

Educating new students in miniaturization science remains challenging due to the non-intuitive behavior of microscale objects and specialized layer-by-layer assembly approaches. In our analysis of the existing literature, we noted that it remains difficult to have low cost activities that elicit deep learning. Furthermore, few activities have stated learning goals and measurements of effectiveness.

Identifying adaptations for a mindfulness program for Spanish-speaking mothers of children with chronic conditions or disabilities.

Mothers of children with chronic conditions or disabilities have benefited from mindfulness programs, yet culturally relevant mindfulness programs for Spanish-speaking mothers are lacking. We aimed to explore how this population experienced a peer-led mindfulness program to inform adaptations. Sixteen mothers attended a 6-week program and completed semi-structured interviews.

Diesel exhaust particles exposure exacerbates pro-thrombogenic plasma features after cerebral ischemia and accelerates tPA-induced clot-lysis in hypertensive subjects.

The combustion of fossil fuels, mainly by diesel engines, generates Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) which are the main source of Particulate Matter (PM), a major air pollutant in urban areas. These particles are a risk factor for stroke with 5.6% of cases attributed to PM exposure.

Common and specific proteins and pathways in heart and cerebral ischemia.

Objective: To understand the similarities and differences between acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to help in the development of specific or common treatment strategies.

Methods: Using an aptamer-based proteomic array, we measured and compared 1310 circulating proteins in the blood of 40 patients with AIS, 9 patients with AMI, and 31 healthy controls. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed using GSEA and g:profiler.

Comorbities and mental health among healthcare workers in Brazil. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is an original article that addresses the healthcare workforce (HW) in Brazil, as well as comorbidities and mental health changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and collected data through an online questionnaires from a total of 36,612 participants, health professionals (HP, with higher education level), and invisible healthcare workers (IHW, with a technical mid-level education). The overall prevalence of comorbidities in Brazil was 26.

Patient safety culture in South America: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Every year, millions of patients suffer injuries or die due to unsafe and poor-quality healthcare. A culture of safety care is crucial to prevent risks, errors and harm that may result from medical assistance. Measurement of patient safety culture (PSC) identifies strengths and weaknesses, serving as a guide to improvement interventions; nevertheless, there is a lack of studies related to PSC in Latin America.

Endoscopic Release of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: Technique Description and Case Series.

 The endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve reproduces a simple ( ) procedure with smaller incisions, less soft tissue damage, and higher preservation of nerve vascularization. Endoscopy allows the clear visualization of the entire path of the nerve and surrounding noble structures. Moreover, it reveals any signs of compression and allows a safe release of 10 cm distally or proximally to the medial epicondyle.

A Technological Approach to Improved Breastfeeding Rates and Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Background: Breastfeeding confers significant maternal and infant benefits; however, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal in the United States. A parent's decision to breastfeed is influenced by non-modifiable and modifiable factors, including breastfeeding knowledge and self-efficacy. There is a positive correlation between high maternal self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration.