PTSD and challenges among older Chinese in Shenzhen during COVID-19 pandemic: Trust in authority and medical professionals as moderators.

Aim: This research aimed to comprehensively explore the impact of diverse challenges encountered by older adults on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It delved into how these effects vary depending on individuals' levels of trust in authority and medical professionals, providing a nuanced understanding of the interplay between external challenges, personal trust, and mental health outcomes in the older population.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant hardships, particularly on the ageing population, with potential psychological repercussions such as PTSD.

Structural and bioinformatics analyses identify deoxydinucleotide-specific nucleases and their association with genomic islands in gram-positive bacteria.

Dinucleases of the DEDD superfamily, such as oligoribonuclease, Rexo2 and nanoRNase C, catalyze the essential final step of RNA degradation, the conversion of di- to mononucleotides. The active sites of these enzymes are optimized for substrates that are two nucleotides long, and do not discriminate between RNA and DNA. Here, we identified a novel DEDD subfamily, members of which function as dedicated deoxydinucleases (diDNases) that specifically hydrolyze single-stranded DNA dinucleotides in a sequence-independent manner.

Sociobiology meets oncology: unraveling altruistic cooperation in cancer cells and its implications.

Altruism, an act of benefiting others at a cost to the self, challenges our understanding of evolution. This Perspective delves into the importance of altruism in cancer cells and its implications for therapy. Against the backdrop of existing knowledge on various social organisms found in nature, we explore the mechanisms underlying the manifestation of altruism within breast tumors, revealing a complex interplay of seemingly counteracting cancer signaling pathways and processes that orchestrate the delicate balance between cost and benefit underlying altruistic cooperation.

Real-World Clinical Utility of a Methylated DNA Biomarker Assay on Samples Collected with a Swallowable Capsule-Balloon for Detection of Barrett's Esophagus (BE).

Barrett's Esophagus (BE) is the only known precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Patients with multiple risk factors for BE/EAC are recommended for screening; however, few eligible patients undergo evaluation by endoscopy. EsoGuard (EG) is a commercially available biomarker assay used to analyze esophageal cells collected non-endoscopically with EsoCheck (EC) for the qualitative detection of BE/EAC.

Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate to predict cardiac events in major noncardiac surgery: a secondary analysis of two large international studies.

Background: Optimised use of kidney function information might improve cardiac risk prediction in noncardiac surgery.

Methods: In 35,815 patients from the VISION cohort study and 9219 patients from the POISE-2 trial who were ≥45 yr old and underwent nonurgent inpatient noncardiac surgery, we examined (by age and sex) the association between continuous nonlinear preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the composite of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, nonfatal cardiac arrest, or death owing to a cardiac cause within 30 days after surgery. We estimated contributions of predictive information, C-statistic, and net benefit from eGFR and other common patient and surgical characteristics to large multivariable models.

Biological Sex Differences in Rhinitis Prevalence Among Adults in the United States: An "All of Us" Research Program Database Analysis.

Female sex is associated with allergic rhinitis among adults, but not with nonallergic rhinitis. These findings could support a role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and nasal inflammation, but more research is needed to establish causation.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Children Following Different Treatment Regimens of Silver Diammine Fluoride.

To investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of young children in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of silver diammine fluoride (SDF) and five percent sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV) to manage early childhood caries (ECC). Children younger than 72 months of age with active dentinal caries lesions (ICDAS 5 or 6) in primary teeth received two applications of 38 percent SDF and five percent NaFV as part of an RCT testing three different frequency regimes (one, four, and six months apart). The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire was completed at three study visits.

Proximity to traffic is associated with worse symptom severity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Background: Environmental exposures may be associated with increased severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, research examining associations of traffic related air pollution with CRS is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between residential traffic proximity and CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) severity in an existing database of adults in the United States.

Clearing Disseminated Venous Thromboembolism in a Single Procedure Using Thrombolytic-Free Large Bore Suction Thrombectomy: A Versatile Toolbox to Unclog the Venous Circulation.

Disseminated venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs commonly in cancer patients, who tend to have contraindications to systemic thrombolysis and require cancer surgery. Such clinical scenarios are often challenging to manage. In this case report, we illustrate an innovative, single procedural approach in such a patient to remove extensive VTE, improve symptoms, prevent hemodynamic decompensation, and allow for a minimal level of anticoagulation such that necessary cancer surgery can proceed safely.

α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Activation Modulates BV2 Microglial Plasticity via miR-21/TNF-α/NFκB in Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation.

Elevated inflammatory reactions are a significant component in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Activation of α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (α7nAChR) reduces stroke-induced inflammation in rats, but the anti-inflammatory pathway in microglia under CIRI condition remains unclear. This study employed qRT-PCR, protein assays, NanoString analysis, and bioinformatics to examine the effects of PNU282987 treatment (α7nAChR agonist) on BV2 microglial functional differentiation in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGDR) condition.

Effectiveness and feasibility of a theory-informed intervention to improve Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity and cognition in older adults at risk of dementia: the MedEx-UK randomised controlled trial.

Background: Despite an urgent need for multi-domain lifestyle interventions to reduce dementia risk, there is a lack of interventions which are informed by theory- and evidence-based behaviour change strategies, and no interventions in this domain have investigated the feasibility or effectiveness of behaviour change maintenance. We tested the feasibility, acceptability and cognitive effects of a personalised theory-based 24-week intervention to improve Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence alone, or in combination with physical activity (PA), in older-adults at risk of dementia, defined using a cardiovascular risk score.

Methods: Participants (n = 104, 74% female, 57-76 years) were randomised to three parallel intervention arms: (1) control, (2) MD, or (3) MD + PA for 24 weeks and invited to an optional 24-week follow-up period with no active intervention.

A Novel method for quantifying fluctuations in wearable derived daily cardiovascular parameters across the menstrual cycle.

Currently, knowledge of changes in cardiovascular function across the menstrual cycle and how these changes may inform upon underlying health is limited. Utilizing wrist-worn biometric data we developed a novel measure to quantify and investigate the cardiovascular fluctuation (i.e.

Integration of point of care ultrasound into undergraduate medical education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center school of medicine: a 6 year review.

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education has become an essential component of medical school curricula. Ultrasound represents a highly effective teaching modality to reinforce anatomical knowledge gained during cadaveric dissections. At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-School of Medicine (TTUHSC-SOM), POCUS was incorporated into the pre-clerkship curriculum especially during the first year of medical school anatomy course.

Stratified Medicine Paediatrics: Cell free DNA and serial tumour sequencing identifies subtype specific cancer evolution and epigenetic states.

We profiled a large heterogenous cohort of matched diagnostic-relapse tumour tissue and paired plasma-derived cell free DNA (cfDNA) from patients with relapsed and progressive solid tumours of childhood. Tissue and cfDNA sequencing results were concordant, with a wider spectrum of mutant alleles and higher degree of intra-tumour heterogeneity captured by the latter, if sufficient circulating tumour-derived DNA (ctDNA) was present. Serial tumour sequencing identified putative drivers of relapse, with alterations in epigenetic drivers being a common feature.

Stroke survivor and caregiver experiences of virtual reality gaming to promote social participation: A qualitative study.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) gaming is a promising technology that can be applied in stroke rehabilitation to increase survivors' social engagement, though its optimal usage and effects on stroke recovery are not fully understood. This qualitative study aimed to investigate stroke survivors' and caregivers' perspectives of VR-based gaming rehabilitation modules for supporting post-stroke recovery and social participation.

Methods: Twenty-eight participants (18 stroke survivors and 10 caregivers) were recruited through purposive sampling from acute hospitals in Hong Kong.

Temporal contact patterns and the implications for predicting superspreaders and planning of targeted outbreak control.

Directly transmitted infectious diseases spread through social contacts that change over time, but outbreak models typically make simplifying assumptions about network structure and dynamics. To assess how common assumptions relate to real-world interactions, we analysed 11 networks from five settings and developed metrics, capturing crucial epidemiological features of these networks. We developed a novel metric, the 'retention index', to characterize the distribution of retained contacts over consecutive time steps relative to fully static and dynamic networks.

Digital Rehabilitation Program for Breast Cancer Survivors on Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy: A Feasibility Study.

: Breast cancer survivors often face physical and psychological challenges, including weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and reduced quality of life. To address these concerns, a mobile app-based rehabilitation program called "THRIVE" was developed to improve physical activity, medication adherence, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population. : This prospective, single-arm study assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of the "THRIVE" app among breast cancer survivors undergoing hormonal therapy.

Hyperactive neuronal networks facilitate tau spread in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Pathological tau spreads throughout the brain along neuronal connections in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanisms that underlie this process are poorly understood. Given the high incidence and deleterious consequences of epileptiform activity in AD, we hypothesized neuronal hyperactivity and seizures are key factors in tau spread. To examine these interactions, we created a novel mouse model involving the cross of targeted recombination in active populations (TRAP) mice and the 5 times familial AD (5XFAD; 5X-TRAP) model allowing for the permanent fluorescent labelling of neuronal activity.

Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the field of hematopoietic cell transplantation in the Asia-Pacific region: APBMT Activity Survey 2020/2021.

COVID-19 became a global pandemic in 2020 and significantly affected the activity of hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) worldwide. Despite these challenges, a total of 28,793 transplants, including 18,518 allogeneic and 10,275 autologous transplants, were performed in 719 facilities in 2020 in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. This represented a 5.

The potential role of retinal slip in National Football League (NFL) officiating and its effect on on-field decision making: mechanisms and countermeasures.

Visual processing involves numerous neuro-ophthalmic pathways that enable humans to perceive and interact with the world. These visual pathways can negatively impact visual perception and decision-making. The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) is a compensatory mechanism that stabilizes gaze on a target during head movement, such as running or turning.

The optic nerve in spaceflight: novel concepts in the pathogenesis of optic disc edema in microgravity.

Purpose Of Review: Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) encompasses a unique constellation of neuro-ocular findings in astronauts, including optic disc edema (ODE), globe flattening, chorioretinal folds, and hyperopic refractive shift. Although there are numerous neuro-ocular findings in SANS, the purpose of this review is to describe the novel, emerging concepts of the pathogenesis for the ODE specifically in SANS.

Recent Findings: While the initial hypotheses on the pathogenesis of ODE in SANS focused on possible elevated intracranial pressures (i.

Perioperative Use of Systemic Steroids Within Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Evidence-Based Guidance for Clinicians.

Objective: To review and synthesize the available evidence for use of perioperative systemic steroids for otolaryngologic surgical procedures.

Data Sources: A comprehensive literature review with evidence-informed recommendations.

Review Methods: Databases were queried for medical subject heading terms and keywords related to perioperative systemic corticosteroids use for comprehensive otolaryngology and subspecialty procedures including otologic, sinonasal, sleep, laryngeal, head and neck, facial plastics, and pediatric surgery.

Successful Models of Virtual Experiential Education Initiatives in Global Health for International Students.

Experiential learning activities help students prepare for their future careers by providing opportunities for hands‑on practice experiencing real‑world scenarios. Innovations in technology can facilitate experiential learning and cross‑cultural connections for large groups of students in multiple global settings through a virtual platform. However, designing these opportunities with diverse groups of students for a virtual environment can be challenging.

Use of a Two-Gene Methylated DNA Biomarker Assay and Nonendoscopic Balloon for Detection of Barrett Esophagus Among High-Risk Individuals in a Screening Population.

Introduction: Barrett esophagus (BE) is the precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We aimed to assess performance, safety, and tolerability of the EsoGuard (EG) assay on samples collected nonendoscopically with the EsoCheck (EC) device (EG/EC) for BE detection in the intended-use population meeting American College of Gastroenterology guideline criteria (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease and 3+ additional risk factors).

Methods: We performed a prospective, multicenter study (NCT04293458) to assess EG performance (primary endpoint) on cells collected with EC, for detection of BE and EAC using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and biopsies as the comparator.