Evaluating the Readability of the iPledge Comprehension Assessment and its Impact on Isotretinoin Accessibility.

Isotretinoin, the standard treatment for severe nodular acne, is subject to stringent iPLEDGE regulations due to its teratogenic risks, requiring monthly assessments for patients of childbearing potential. Analysis of the iPLEDGE Comprehension Assessment (iPCA) revealed an average readability score of grade 8.5, exceeding the recommended grade 6 level for optimal patient comprehension.

Correlation between wildfires and atopic dermatitis and the impact on low socioeconomic populations.

The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, driven by rising global temperatures, pose significant health risks, particularly in low socioeconomic status (SES) communities. This study explores the correlation between wildfire air pollution and atopic dermatitis (AD), highlighting the compounded impact on low SES populations. Through a novel study analyzing data from the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California, an association was identified between increased wildfire pollution and a rise in AD-related healthcare utilization.

Modified full-face snorkel masks as reusable personal protective equipment for hospital personnel.

Here we adapt and evaluate a full-face snorkel mask for use as personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, who lack appropriate alternatives during the COVID-19 crisis in the spring of 2020. The design (referred to as Pneumask) consists of a custom snorkel-specific adapter that couples the snorkel-port of the mask to a rated filter (either a medical-grade ventilator inline filter or an industrial filter). This design has been tested for the sealing capability of the mask, filter performance, CO2 buildup and clinical usability.

Effects of propofol on ischemia-reperfusion and traumatic brain injury.

Oxidative stress exacerbates brain damage following ischemia-reperfusion and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Management of TBI and critically ill patients commonly involves use of propofol, a sedation medication that acts as a general anesthetic with inherent antioxidant properties. Here we review available evidence from animal model systems and clinical studies that propofol protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Analysis of vertebrate vision in a 384-well imaging system.

Visual impairment affects 253 million people worldwide and new approaches for prevention and treatment are urgently needed. While small molecules with potential beneficial effects can be examined in various model systems, the in vivo evaluation of visual function remains a challenge. The current study introduces a novel imaging system for measuring visually-guided behaviors in larval zebrafish.

Disaccharidase activity in children undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A systematic review.

Aim: To investigate the utility of intestinal disaccharide analysis during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in children, we performed a systematic review of studies examining disaccharide activity.

Methods: All full-length articles published in English during 1966-2014 were included if: (1) participants had small intestinal biopsy evaluation of disaccharide activity; (2) levels of lactase, sucrase, maltase or palatinase were reported; and (3) age of participants was under 18 years.

Results: Thirty articles examining 34753 disaccharide assays fulfilled the specific search, inclusion, and exclusion criteria.