Randomized Trial of a Sexual Health Video Intervention for Black and Hispanic Adolescent Females.

Despite significant declines, adolescent birth rates in the USA are higher than other industrialized countries, with black and Hispanic youth disproportionately affected. This study assessed the efficacy of a single-session, entertainment-education sexual health video intervention for these populations. Using an individual-level randomized controlled trial, 1770 18- to 19-year-old black and Hispanic females were assigned to watch Plan A (n = 886) or a control video (n = 884) prior to a sexual reproductive health (SRH) visit.

Non-barrier contraceptive use patterns among Latina adolescents attending California reproductive health centers: A longitudinal study.

Objectives: To describe use of non-barrier contraceptives over a 9-month period, consistency in method use, and identify factors associated with method nonuse, switching, and consistency among Latina adolescents attending California sexual and reproductive health (SRH) centers.

Study Design: We conducted a cohort study using data self-reported at baseline, and 3- and 9-months post-baseline. The analysis included 1162 sexually active adolescents aged 18 to 19 who self-identified as female and Latina, indicated that they were not currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant, and who attended California SRH centers between June 2016 and June 2020.

The Impact of a High School-Based Positive Youth Development Program on Sexual Health Outcomes: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Although positive youth development (PYD) programs have demonstrated effectiveness in improving adolescent reproductive health outcomes, there is a lack of evidence on effective school-based interventions designed especially for high school settings. This study examined the efficacy of Peer Group Connection (PGC-HS), a school-based PYD program, in improving sexual health outcomes for high school participants.

Methods: A total of 1523 ninth-grade students at 18 schools were randomly assigned to be offered PGC-HS or a classes-as-usual control condition during 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018 school years.

How Pore Architecture Regulates the Function of Nanoscale Protein Compartments.

Self-assembling proteins can form porous compartments that adopt well-defined architectures at the nanoscale. In nature, protein compartments act as semipermeable barriers to enable spatial separation and organization of complex biochemical processes. The compartment pores play a key role in their overall function by selectively controlling the influx and efflux of important biomolecular species.

Pore structure controls stability and molecular flux in engineered protein cages.

Protein cages are a common architectural motif used by living organisms to compartmentalize and control biochemical reactions. While engineered protein cages have featured in the construction of nanoreactors and synthetic organelles, relatively little is known about the underlying molecular parameters that govern stability and flux through their pores. In this work, we systematically designed 24 variants of the encapsulin cage, featuring pores of different sizes and charges.

Neuropsychological assessment of paediatric brain tumour survivors: Factors associated with assessment.

Aim: Paediatric brain tumour survivors are at increased risk of neurocognitive deficits that affect their education. The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of brain tumour survivors who historically received a neuropsychological assessment and examine the demographic and treatment-related variables associated with neuropsychological assessment. A further aim was to determine the number and treatment profile of brain tumour survivors who would benefit from neuropsychological assessment.

Closed reduction techniques for acute anterior shoulder dislocation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Anterior shoulder dislocations are the most common type of joint dislocation with the majority treated with closed reduction. Reduction methods can be grouped into their principle mode of action: traction-countertraction, leverage and scapular manipulation. The best method has yet to be identified and our aim was to find the most effective, safe and least painful method of closed reduction for acute anterior shoulder dislocations.

Cement augmentation of odontoid peg fractures: the effect of cement volume and distribution on construct stiffness.

Purpose: The cement augmentation of a conventional anterior screw fixation in type II odontoid process fractures for elderly patients significantly increased stiffness and load to failure under anterior-posterior load in comparison with non-augmented fixation. The amount and quality of bone cement are usually taken ad hoc in clinical practise. In this study, we wanted to clarify the role of bone cement amount and its quality to the stiffness of odontoid and vertebrae body junction.

Improving Engagement in HIV Care Using a Data-to-Care and Patient Navigation System in Louisiana, United States.

An estimated 57% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States are not connected to regular medical care or have lapsed from regular care (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018), increasing risk of HIV progression and transmission and delaying viral suppression. The state of Louisiana has consistently ranked in the top five US states for HIV case rates. We evaluated the impact of a combined data-to-care and patient navigation system that was implemented in 3 cities in Louisiana from 2013 to 2015.

Biomechanical comparison of cemented versus non-cemented anterior screw fixation in type II odontoid fractures in the elderly: a cadaveric study.

Background Context: Odontoid process fractures are the most common injuries of the cervical spine in the elderly. Anterior screw stabilization of type II odontoid process fractures improves survival and function in these patients but may be complicated by failure of fixation.

Purpose: The present study aimed to determine whether cement augmentation of a standard anterior screw provides biomechanically superior fixation of type II odontoid fractures in comparison with a non-cemented standard screw.

Serum Free Light Chain (FLC) Analysis: A Guiding Light in Monoclonal Gammopathy Management.

Background: Monoclonal free light chains (FLCs) were first reported by Dr. Henry Bence Jones over 150 years ago in the urine of patients with multiple myeloma. Now established as important tumor markers, they aid not only in the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies but also in their clinical management by indicating the response to treatment and persistence of residual disease.

Perspectives of HIV Clinic Staff on the Implementation of a Client Financial Incentives Program Targeting Viral Suppression.

We present perspectives of health care providers and clinic staff on the implementation of a financial incentive program for clients living with HIV in three Louisiana clinics. Interviews were conducted in May-June 2015 with 27 clinic staff to assess their perspectives on implementation of the Health Models financial incentive program, which was initiated in September 2013. Many providers and staff welcomed the program, but some were concerned about sustainability and the ethics of a program that paid patients to receive care.

Impact of an Intervention Designed to Reduce Sexual Health Risk Behaviors of African American Adolescents: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To replicate an evidence-based HIV risk reduction program and assess its impact on 2 behavioral outcomes-inconsistency of condom use and frequency of sex-6 months after the program.

Methods: The study was an individual-level randomized controlled trial in which we randomly assigned 850 youths (aged 14-18 years) to 1 of 2 conditions. The treatment (Becoming a Responsible Teen) is a group-level sociocognitive and skills training sexual education course; the control is a general health intervention that includes the same initial informational component as the treatment.

Analytical issues of serum free light chain assays and the relative performance of polyclonal and monoclonal based reagents.

Serum free light chain (FLC) assays have been incorporated into routine clinical practice and their use is recommended in international guidelines for the management of monoclonal gammopathies. Given that FLCs are not simple analytes, laboratories should be aware of potential analytical issues when using FLC assays, including antigen excess, lot-to-lot variation and non-linearity. Whilst manufacturers of monoclonal antibody-based assays claim that they overcome such issues, the evidence available to date does not support this.

Absolute measurement of laminar shear rate using photon correlation spectroscopy.

Measurement of the components of the shear rate tensor S in a fluid provides insight into the properties of that fluid. We detail a refined method for performing direct and absolute measurement of the components of S in a fluid using photon correlation spectroscopy, which we show gives an absolute, accurate, noninvasive measurement of the shear rate from a single measurement at a single location. We demonstrate this method in a cone and plate rheometer, where we obtain measurements of the shear rate of water in 10 s with an absolute accuracy of 2%.

Patellofemoral Joint Replacement and Nickel Allergy: An Unusual Presentation.

Metal allergy is an unusual complication of joint replacement that may cause aseptic loosening and necessitate joint revision surgery. We present the case of nickel allergy causing aseptic loosening following patellofemoral joint replacement (PFJR) in a 54-year-old male. Joint revision surgery to a nickel-free total knee replacement was performed with good results.

Quantification of β-region IgA monoclonal proteins - should we include immunochemical Hevylite® measurements? Point.

Accurate measurement of IgA monoclonal proteins presents a significant challenge to laboratory staff. IgA heavy/light chain (Hevylite, HLC) analysis is an alternative methodology for monoclonal protein assessment, giving an independent measure of IgAκ and IgAλ concentrations. Clonality is assessed by calculating the ratio of involved immunoglobulin to background uninvolved immunoglobulin concentrations (e.

Effects of a Sexual Risk Reduction Program for African-American Adolescents on Social Cognitive Antecedents of Behavior Change.

Objectives: To identify social cognitive outcomes relevant to a specific adolescent sexual risk reduction intervention, and to examine the program's impact on these.

Methods: A randomized control trial involving 763 adolescents (recruited during 2012-2014) who were randomly assigned to either an 8-session general health intervention (control) or an 8-session sexual risk reduction intervention (treatment). Seven social cognitive outcomes were identified and assessed post-program using ordinary least squares regression.

Polarised clathrin-mediated endocytosis of EGFR during chemotactic invasion.

Directed cell migration is critical for numerous physiological processes including development and wound healing. However chemotaxis is also exploited during cancer progression. Recent reports have suggested links between vesicle trafficking pathways and directed cell migration.

Serum free light chains in clinical laboratory diagnostics.

Monoclonal free light chains (FLCs) are important disease biomarkers in patients with plasma cell-proliferative disorders. The increasing evidence for clonal diversity and evolution in multiple myeloma highlights the importance of laboratory algorithms that measure both intact immunoglobulins and monoclonal FLCs, at diagnosis and when monitoring response to treatment. A particular focus in the field has been on the utility of serum FLC (sFLC) assays to replace urine electrophoresis for monoclonal FLC measurement.