Differential Expression Analyses on Human Aortic Tissue Reveal Novel Genes and Pathways Associated With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Onset and Progression.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are focal dilatations of the abdominal aorta that expand progressively, increasing their risk of rupture. Rupture of an AAA is associated with high mortality rates, but the mechanisms underlying the initiation, expansion, and rupture of AAAs are not yet fully understood. We aimed to characterize the pathophysiology of AAAs and identify new genes associated with AAA initiation and progression.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Bacterial Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in Madrid (Spain).

This study conducted in Madrid (Spain) between 2018 and 2023 shows a significant decrease in the pediatric bacterial community-acquired pneumonia cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a notable postpandemic increase surpassing prepandemic incidence. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains predominant, with an increasing prevalence of serotype 3, while Streptococcus pyogenes was the second most common pathogen.

Passive bicycle training stimulates epiphyseal bone formation and restores bone integrity independent of locomotor recovery in a rat spinal cord injury model.

It is unknown whether activity-based physical therapy (ABPT) modalities that mobilize the paralyzed limbs improve bone integrity at the highly fracture-prone epiphyseal regions of the distal femur and proximal tibia following severe spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, 4-mo-old skeletally mature littermate-matched male Sprague-Dawley rats received either SHAM surgery or severe contusion SCI. At 1 wk postsurgery, SCI rats were stratified to undergo no-ABPT, two 20-min bouts/day of quadrupedal bodyweight-supported treadmill training (qBWSTT), or hindlimb passive isokinetic bicycle (cycle) training, 5 days/wk for another 3 wk.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INFECTION BY GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUS IN CHILDREN IN SPAIN (2019-2023).

Central nervous system infections in children caused by group A Streptococcus are rare. This study, conducted across 52 hospitals in Spain from 2019 to 2023, identified 32 cases of central nervous system infections in children caused by group A Streptococcus, with a significant increase from October 2022 onward (1.1% vs.

Tuberculosis Disease in Immunocompromised Children and Adolescents: A Pediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group Multicenter Case-control Study.

Background: In high-resource settings, the survival of children with immunocompromise (IC) has increased and immunosuppressive therapies are increasingly being used. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics, performance of diagnostic tools, and outcome of IC children with tuberculosis (TB) in Europe.

Methods: Multicenter, matched case-control study within the Pediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group, capturing TB cases <18 years diagnosed 2000-2020.

The Effects of Two Servings of a Thermogenic Supplement on Metabolism, Hemodynamic Variables, and Mood State Outcomes in Young Overweight Adults.

Introduction We examined if acute ingestion of a novel thermogenic supplement influences resting energy expenditure (REE), mood, and hemodynamic function. Methods Forty-six adults completed this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Participants underwent two conditions: placebo (PL) and treatment (TX) containing 300 mg of caffeine and 3 g of acetyl-L-carnitine.

Expanding Outcomes in Cancer Screening Safety Net Programs: Promoting Sustainability and Policy Reform.

Community-engaged patient navigation safety net programs are established as an evidence-based approach to address cancer prevention and early detection efforts, but barriers to expand and sustain such programs persist. In addition, few studies describe how these programs impact buy-in among communities and policy change within health care systems and government. We describe how we used the Capacity for Sustainability Framework to guide efforts for program sustainability and community, institutional, and policy level change in a breast cancer screening and patient navigation safety net program.

Small-Molecule Activation of Protein Phosphatase 2A Counters Bleomycin-Induced Fibrosis in Mice.

The activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a serine-threonine phosphatase, is reduced in the lung fibroblasts of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. The objective of this study was to determine whether the reactivation of PP2A could reduce fibrosis and preserve the pulmonary function in a bleomycin (BLM) mouse model. Here, we present a new class of direct small-molecule PP2A activators, diarylmethyl-pyran-sulfonamide, exemplified by ATUX-1215.

Creating and Implementing a Community Engagement Strategy for the 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Through an Academic-State Public Health Department Partnership.

Introduction: Comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans are state-level blueprints that identify regional cancer priorities and health equity strategies. Coalitions are encouraged to engage with community members, advocacy groups, people representing multiple sectors, and working partners throughout the development process. We describe the community and legislative engagement strategy developed and implemented during 2020-2022 for the 2022-2027 Illinois CCC plan.

Green Alternatives in Treatment of Liver Diseases: the Challenges of Traditional Medicine and Green Nanomedicine.

Over the last decade, liver diseases have become a global problem, with approximately two million deaths per year. The high increase in the mortality rate of these diseases is mostly related to the limitations in the understanding of the evolutionary clinical cases of liver diseases, the low delivery of drugs in the liver, the non-specific administration of drugs, and the side effects generated at the systemic level by conventional therapeutic agents. Today it is common knowledge that phytochemicals have a high curative potential, even in the prevention and/or reversibility of liver disorders; however, even using these green molecules, researchers continue to deal with the same challenges implemented with conventional therapeutic agents, which limits the pharmacological potential of these friendly molecules.

Evaluating Novel Protein Phosphatase 2A Activators as Therapeutics for Emphysema.

The activity of PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A), a serine-threonine phosphatase, is reduced by chronic cigarette smoke (SM) exposure and α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, and chemical activation of PP2A reduces the loss of lung function in SM-exposed mice. However, the previously studied PP2A-activator tricyclic sulfonamide compound DBK-1154 has low stability to oxidative metabolism, resulting in fast clearance and low systemic exposure. Here we compare the utility of a new more stable PP2A activator, ATUX-792, versus DBK-1154 for the treatment of SM-induced emphysema.

The implications of Vitamin E acetate in E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury.

In the summer of 2019, a cluster of cases were observed with users of battery-operated or superheating devices presenting with multiple symptoms, such as dyspnea, cough, fever, constitutional symptoms, gastrointestinal upset, and hemoptysis, that is now termed e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2807 cases within the USA leading to at least 68 deaths as of February 18, 2020. The heterogeneous presentations of EVALI make diagnosis and treatment difficult; however, treatment focused on identifying and removal of the noxious substance and providing supportive care.

The effects of a thermogenic supplement on metabolic and hemodynamic variables and subjective mood states.

Background: Thermogenic supplements are widely used in the general population to support attempted fat loss; however, the efficacy and safety of these supplements are questioned.

Purpose: To determine whether a thermogenic supplement affects metabolic rate, hemodynamic responses, and mood states.

Methods: In a randomized double-blind crossover design, 23 females (22.

Duplicated Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis Mimicking Acute Pancreatitis in a COVID-19 Patient.

An 86-year-old woman with a recent hospitalization for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection presented to the emergency department with abdominal discomfort and bilateral leg swelling. She was mildly tachycardic on physical exam, with superficial abdominal vessel dilation and bilateral lower extremity edema. Her laboratory results were significant for a mildly elevated lipase of 260 U/L (normal range: 0-160 U/L) and a positive COVID-19 PCR test.

The Biology and Function of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 2 in the Lungs.

Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP) are a family of four endogenous proteins that primarily function to inhibit the activities of proteases such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Altered MMP/TIMP ratios are frequently observed in several human diseases. During aging and disease progression, the extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes structural changes in which elastin and collagens serve an essential role.

Real-time monitoring of work-at-height safety hazards in construction sites using drones and deep learning.

Introduction: The construction field is considered one of the most dangerous industries. Accidents and fatalities take place on a daily basis in construction projects. Globally, different levels of government have implemented strict rules and regulations to protect workers on job sites.

Treatments for multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children - discharge, fever, and second-line therapies.

Scarce evidence exists about the best treatment for multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). We analyzed the effects of steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and their combination on the probability of discharge over time, the probability of switching to second-line treatment over time, and the persistence of fever 2 days after treatment. We did a retrospective study to investigate the effect of different treatments on children with MIS-C from 1 March 2020 to 1 June 2021.

First, do no harm: why anti-immigrant policies in the United States are a public health concern.

It can be argued that anti-immigrant policies, such as the 287(g) program, can have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the immigrant community in general, particularly undocumented immigrants in the United States. While there is yet to be a comprehensive and conclusive empirical assessment of this issue, what is known is that the immigrant community faces many stress factors and structural barriers that negatively impact health. We argue that it is urgent that public health responds to the unique experiences and challenges of the undocumented and wider immigrant community.

The position during urine sample collection from young precontinent children through a bag does not limit contamination rates: Results from a randomized controlled trial: Does infant position influence quality of urine collection?

Aim: Despite its limitation, bag collection is still widely used for a preliminary urine screening test in non-toilet-trained children suspected of febrile urinary tract infection. A previous study conducted by our group raised the hypothesis that the absence of direct contact between urine and the perinea during urine collection could limit urine contamination by perineal flora. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the patient's position during urine collection (upright standing position versus free position) on the rate of contaminated urine samples in non-toilet-trained children with suspected febrile urinary tract infection.

[Recurring genital bleeding in an extreme premature infant].

Mini-puberty refers to the transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during the first months of life. This activation in preterm infants could be more exaggerated and prolonged. Ob jective: To present a case of exaggerated mini-puberty in an extremely preterm infant, with recurrent genital bleeding.

Staphylococcus aureus Community-acquired Pneumonia in Children After 13-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccination (2008-2018): Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

Background: The epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has changed, influenced by sociosanitary conditions and vaccination status. We aimed to analyze the recent epidemiology of bacterial CAP in hospitalized children in a setting with high pneumococcal vaccination coverage and to describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric Staphylococcus aureus CAP.

Methods: Children <17 years old hospitalized from 2008 to 2018 with bacterial CAP in 5 tertiary hospitals in Spain were included.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is increasing due to aging of the population and is a major cause of death among the elderly. Ultrasound screening programs are useful in early diagnosis, but aneurysm size is not always a good predictor of rupture. Our aim was to analyze the value of circulating molecules related to oxidative stress and inflammation as new biomarkers to assist the management of AAA.

The association of prepartum urine pH, plasma total calcium concentration at calving and postpartum diseases in Holstein dairy cattle.

The use of anionic salts to prevent milk fever in dairy cattle has been an effective nutritional strategy; however, the degree of acidification that determines the most acceptable productive responses and well-being of the cow is still a controversial topic. The objective of this study was to assess urine pH in prepartum Holstein cows fed anionic diets and determine its association with plasma total Ca, Mg, P, β-hydroxyl-butyrate (BHB) concentrations at parturition and the occurrence of peripartum disorders. This investigation consisted of 2 studies.