Multi-omics architecture of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction uncovers biological pathways and prenatal determinants.

Childhood obesity poses a significant public health challenge, yet the molecular intricacies underlying its pathobiology remain elusive. Leveraging extensive multi-omics profiling (methylome, miRNome, transcriptome, proteins and metabolites) and a rich phenotypic characterization across two parts of Europe within the population-based Human Early Life Exposome project, we unravel the molecular landscape of childhood obesity and associated metabolic dysfunction. Our integrative analysis uncovers three clusters of children defined by specific multi-omics profiles, one of which characterized not only by higher adiposity but also by a high degree of metabolic complications.

Retrospective observational cohort study of premature neonates screened for ROP with 7 years of follow-up assessing the visual outcomes and adequacy of preschool visual screening.

Background: Very premature infants screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that do not develop ROP still experience serious visual developmental challenges, and while it is recommended that all children in the UK are offered preschool visual screening, we aimed to explore whether this vulnerable group requires dedicated follow-up.

Methods: We performed a real-world retrospective observational cohort study of children previously screened for ROP in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Scotland) between 2013 and 2015. We excluded those with any severity of ROP identified during screening.

Percutaneous Thrombovegectomy as an Alternative to Surgery for Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis.

Background: Undergoing an urgent valve surgical procedure to treat patients with tricuspid valve endocarditis carries a high risk of operative morbidity and mortality. Use of a percutaneous vacuum-assisted system to treat tricuspid valve endocarditis is an alternative to surgical procedures.

Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed data from 187 transcatheter vacuum-assisted aspiration procedures performed in 177 patients with tricuspid valve vegetations at 3 different centers between 2017 and April 2022.

Applying principles of adult learning to rural health electives in a medical school curriculum.

The health disparities between rural and urban populations in Australia, driven by socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare access factors, highlight the urgent need for rural-focused medical education. The Melbourne Medical School's Rural Health Discovery program addresses this need by integrating adult learning principles within a redesigned curriculum that includes the Rural Health Foundations and Integrating Rural Health topics. These Discovery topics engage medical students from diverse backgrounds through a blend of self-directed learning, problem-solving, and immersive clinical placements in rural settings.

COMT and MTHFR Genetic Variants Combined Effects on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression.

Genetic variants encoding both low COMT and MTHFR activity are associated with idiopathic scoliosis. The combined impact of and on progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is unknown. This study investigated if and low activity variants are associated with AIS progression.