Uncovering Patterns in Overdose Deaths: An Analysis of Spike Identification in Fatal Drug Overdose Data in Massachusetts, 2017-2023.

Objectives: Yearly rolling aggregate trends or rates are commonly used to analyze trends in overdose deaths, but focusing on long-term trends can obscure short-term fluctuations (eg, daily spikes). We analyzed data on spikes in daily fatal overdoses and how various spike detection thresholds influence the identification of spikes.

Materials And Methods: We used a spike detection algorithm to identify spikes among 16 660 drug-related overdose deaths (from any drug) reported in Massachusetts' vital statistics from 2017 through 2023.

Prosthesis and health-related factors of mobility in people with nontraumatic unilateral transtibial amputation.

Background: Numerous factors can affect mobility of individuals with lower limb amputation, including prosthesis-dependent, physical and psychological determinants.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the prosthesis and health-related factors of mobility in people with nontraumatic unilateral transtibial amputation.Study Design:Cross-sectional observational study.

Synergistic effects of incorporated additives in multifunctional dressings for chronic wound healing: An updated comprehensive review.

Detailed reviewing of the complicated process of wound healing reveals that it resembles an orchestrated symphony via a precise and calculated collaboration of relevant cells at the wound site. The domino-like function of various cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and small biological molecules such as antibacterial peptides all come together to successfully execute the wound healing process. Therefore, it appears that the use of a wound dressing containing only a single additive with specific properties and capabilities may not be particularly effective in treating the complex conditions that are usual in the environment of chronic wounds.