Optimizing the timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration prior to anticipated preterm birth: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To examine suboptimal antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) administration based on indications and maternal-obstetrical factors.

Methods: Women who prematurely delivered (24 + 0 to 36 + 6 gestational weeks) a viable neonate following ACS treatment between 2012 and 2019 were identified by a retrospective database review. The cohort was divided into patients in whom ACS administration was optimally timed (≥24 h to ≤7 days) or suboptimally timed (>7 days).

Smartphone-Connected Hearing Aids Enable and Empower Self-Management of Hearing Loss: A Qualitative Interview Study Underpinned by the Behavior Change Wheel.

Objectives: To identify patient-reported barriers and facilitators to using smartphone-connected hearing aids, using the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) to understand experiences and how these can be addressed.

Design: A single-center, prospective, observational study. Eight hearing aid users (new = 1, existing = 7; mean age = 71.

Rab29 Fast Exchange Mutants: Characterization of a Challenging Rab GTPase.

Rab29 has been implicated in multiple membrane trafficking processes with no described effectors or regulating proteins. Its fast nucleotide exchange rate and inability to bind GDI in cytosol make it a unique and poorly understood Rab. Because the conventional, "GTP-locked" Rab mutation does not have the desired effect in Rab29, we present here the use of a fluorescence-based assay to characterize novel Rab29 mutants (I64T and V156G) that display faster nucleotide exchange rates, allowing for GEF-independent Rab29 activation.

Prolonged exposure to meconium in cases of spontaneous premature rupture of membranes at term and pregnancy outcome.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of prolonged exposure to meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), in women with term pre-labor spontaneous rupture of membranes (PROM), on pregnancy outcome.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women who gave birth in a single university-affiliated tertiary medical center (2011-2019). Eligibility was limited to singleton pregnancies at term who presented with PROM.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of magnetic vestibular stimulation in humans.

The sensation of phantom motion or exhibition of bodily sway is often reported in the proximity of an MR scanner. It is proposed that the magnetic field stimulates the vestibular system. There are a number of possible mechanisms responsible, and the relative contributions of susceptibility on the otolithic receptors and the Lorentz force on the cupulae have not yet been explored.

The feasibility of an m-health educational programme (m2Hear) to improve outcomes in first-time hearing aid users.

Objective: To (i) assess the delivery, accessibility, usability, acceptability, and adherence, and (ii) identify suitable outcome measures, for a mobile-enhanced multimedia educational programme (m2Hear) in first-time hearing aid users.

Design: A prospective, single-centre feasibility study.

Study Sample: First-time hearing aid users (n = 59), recruited at their initial hearing assessment.

Evaluating a Theoretically Informed and Cocreated Mobile Health Educational Intervention for First-Time Hearing Aid Users: Qualitative Interview Study.

Background: Adults living with hearing loss have highly variable knowledge of hearing aids, resulting in suboptimal use or nonuse. This issue can be addressed by the provision of high-quality educational resources.

Objective: This study aims to assess the everyday experiences of first-time hearing aid users when using a newly developed, theoretically informed cocreated mobile health (mHealth) educational intervention called m2Hear.

Improving self-efficacy for hearing aid self-management: the early delivery of a multimedia-based education programme in first-time hearing aid users.

This study examined the effect of a multimedia educational programme for first-time hearing aid users (C2Hear reusable learning objects, RLOs), delivered at the hearing assessment on (1) self-efficacy for hearing aids (primary outcome), and (2) readiness for hearing rehabilitation and hearing aid knowledge (secondary outcomes). A single-centre, prospective, pre-post, randomised controlled trial with two arms. The intervention group ( = 24) received RLOs, and the waitlist control group ( = 23) received a printed booklet on hearing aids.

Membrane association but not identity is required for LRRK2 activation and phosphorylation of Rab GTPases.

LRRK2 kinase mutations cause familial Parkinson's disease and increased phosphorylation of a subset of Rab GTPases. Rab29 recruits LRRK2 to the trans-Golgi and activates it there, yet some of LRRK2's major Rab substrates are not on the Golgi. We sought to characterize the cell biology of LRRK2 activation.

Rab29 activation of the Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2 kinase.

[Image: see text]

A pathway for Parkinson's Disease LRRK2 kinase to block primary cilia and Sonic hedgehog signaling in the brain.

Unlabelled: Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2 kinase phosphorylates multiple Rab GTPases, including Rab8A and Rab10. We show here that LRRK2 kinase interferes with primary cilia formation in cultured cells, human LRRK2 G2019S iPS cells and in the cortex of LRRK2 R1441C mice. Rab10 phosphorylation strengthens its intrinsic ability to block ciliogenesis by enhancing binding to RILPL1.

Vestibulotoxicity Associated With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Survivors of Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Cochleotoxicity following the treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy is well documented. The potential for vestibulotoxicity is still unclear. This scoping review examined the extent of current research literature, summarized research findings and identified research gaps regarding vestibular-related adverse effects associated with platinum-based chemotherapy in survivors of cancer.

Rab29 activation of the Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2 kinase.

Parkinson's disease predisposing LRRK2 kinase phosphorylates a group of Rab GTPase proteins including Rab29, within the effector-binding switch II motif. Previous work indicated that Rab29, located within the PARK16 locus mutated in Parkinson's patients, operates in a common pathway with LRRK2. Here, we show that Rab29 recruits LRRK2 to the -Golgi network and greatly stimulates its kinase activity.

Kinase-Independent Small-Molecule Inhibition of JAK-STAT Signaling.

Phenotypic cell-based screening is a powerful approach to small-molecule discovery, but a major challenge of this strategy lies in determining the intracellular target and mechanism of action (MoA) for validated hits. Here, we show that the small-molecule BRD0476, a novel suppressor of pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, inhibits interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activation of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling to promote β-cell survival. However, unlike common JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors, BRD0476 inhibits JAK-STAT signaling without suppressing the kinase activity of any JAK.

Converting evidence to practice: a guide for the clinical application of MRI for the screening and management of breast cancer.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly utilized to screen and manage breast care. As the literature demonstrating its benefit expands, so do the potential clinical indications. However, routine review of the literature is merited to re-evaluate the appropriate and cost-effective use of MRI and guide clinicians in the areas of controversy.