Association of Geographic Social Vulnerability With Race-Based Differences in the Utilization of Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgeries for Medicare Beneficiaries.

Background: Racial disparities exist in the utilization of total hip arthroplasties (THAs). The social vulnerability index (SVI), which measures geographic-level disadvantage and includes themes, such as socioeconomic status, minority status, and language, may partially explain disparities in THA use. Our objectives were to determine the association of the composite SVI with THA use for (1) White Medicare beneficiaries, (2) Black Medicare beneficiaries, and (3) the difference in THA use between White and Black beneficiaries.

Efficacy of a Mobile App-Based Behavioral Intervention (DRIVEN) to Help Individuals With Unemployment-Related Emotional Distress Return to Work: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Employment plays an important role in the maintenance of mental and physical health. Losing a job creates emotional distress, which can, in turn, interfere with effective job seeking. Thus, a program for job seekers that provides support for both the logistics of job seeking as well as emotional distress may help people find employment and improve emotional well-being.

Sirtuin inhibitors reduce intracellular growth of M. tuberculosis in human macrophages via modulation of host cell immunity.

Host-directed therapies aiming to strengthen the body's immune system, represent an underexplored opportunity to improve treatment of tuberculosis (TB). We have previously shown in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infection models and clinical trials that treatment with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, phenylbutyrate (PBA), can restore Mtb-induced impairment of antimicrobial responses and improve clinical outcomes in pulmonary TB. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of different groups of HDAC inhibitors to reduce Mtb growth in human immune cells.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Geographic and Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). It remains unclear whether disparities exist in rural or socially vulnerable populations undergoing TAVR. This study assessed whether outcomes differ based on geographic location or vulnerability of patients undergoing TAVR.

Assessment of Intermediate-Term Mortality Following Pancreatectomy for Cancer.

Background: Pancreatic cancer remains highly lethal and resection represents the only chance for cure. Although patients are counseled regarding short-term (0-3 months) mortality, little is known about mortality 3-6 months (intermediate-term) following surgery. We assessed predictors of intermediate-term mortality, evaluated hospital-level variation, and developed a nomogram to predict intermediate-term mortality risk.