State Medicaid Policies Governing Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and MOUD Treatment Use in a Large Sample of People Who Inject Drugs in 20 U.S. States.

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are especially vulnerable to harms from opioid use disorder (OUD). Medications for OUD (MOUD) effectively reduce overdose and infectious disease transmission risks.

Objective: We investigate whether state Medicaid coverage for methadone and buprenorphine is related to past-year MOUD use among PWID using cross-sectional, multilevel analyses with individual-level data on PWID from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2018 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance.

Clinical remission in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma treated with mepolizumab: A analysis of RELIght study.

Remission of asthma can occur as part of the natural history of the disease; however, the use of biologics can result in disease remission in some patients. In this post hoc analysis of the RELIght study, we aimed to evaluate clinical remission in real life among patients treated with mepolizumab, to detect possible differences between "remitters" and "nonremitters," and to evaluate possible predictors of remission. Clinical remission was defined as the absence of asthma exacerbations, discontinuation of oral corticosteroids (OCS), achievement of asthma control (Asthma Control Test [ACT] ≥ 20), and stable or improved lung function.

Efficacy of parenteral bronchodilators on ventilatory outcomes in pediatric critical asthma: a national cohort study.

To evaluate the association of parenteral epinephrine and terbutaline use on ventilatory support in children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with critical asthma in the United States. Data were obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System data base for children ages 2 to 18 years admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of asthma exacerbation from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2023. The primary outcomes included noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and/or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) use after receipt of terbutaline and/or epinephrine.

Health disparities investigated in a primary care penicillin allergy removal pathway.

Unconfirmed penicillin allergies over time lead to poor health outcomes and increased health-care cost. Health disparities (HD) can create barriers in optimizing penicillin allergy care. The objective was to characterize HDs in our primary care-led amoxicillin challenge (PLAC) delabeling pathway within a universal coverage health care system.

Relationship between triglyceride levels and different snoring states: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: High triglyceride (TG) levels are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some recent studies have shown that snoring is also closely related to elevated TG levels. The specific pathogenesis of elevated TG levels in snoring patients is still unclear.

Effects of stress hyperglycemia ratio upon long-lasting prognosis in coronary artery disease patients with or lacking chronic renal impairment: findings from a Chinese multi-center observational study.

Background: Lately, numerous researches have portrayed stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is predominantly connected with short-term adverse prognosis among individuals who have acute coronary syndrome. Nevertheless, the relation of SHR with prolonged effects and the value of SHR in predicting in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with or lacking chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain unclear. The present study was designed to elucidate the relation of SHR with prolonged prognosis and the value of SHR in predicting the long-term all-cause and cardiovascular death of CAD patients with CKD or non-CKD.

The powerless bosses: the working day experience of bicycle messengers and its impact on their identities and wellbeing.

Background: Bicycle messengers in the online food delivery sector typically work on an on-demand basis, have digitally mediated relationships with their employer, and have very limited labor rights. In this study, we explore how bicycle messengers themselves experience their workday and how platform work influences their identity and wellbeing.

Method: We conducted qualitative interviews with ten bicycle messengers working for Foodora and Wolt in Bergen and Oslo, Norway.

The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in ankle disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Ankle osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma has emerged as a novel cellular therapy in clinical practice. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after intervention in ankle disorders, so as to provide strong evidence in support of clinical treatment.

Chili pepper consumption and duration of fissure symptoms onset are associated with perianal fistula development among patients with anal fissure: a case-control study.

Background: Perianal fistula is one of the complications of deepened anal fissure. The present case-control study aimed to assess the risk factors of fissure-associated fistulas due to the limited available evidence.

Methods: Patients with fissure-associated fistulas were considered as case, and patients with anal fissure who were undergoing medical treatment without any previous anorectal surgeries were considered as control group.

Talent management intervention towards performance outcomes of Jordanian telecommunication companies: mediating role of perceived organizational support.

Background: Grounding on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and organization support theory (OST), this study examines the effect of talent management practice (TMP) on perceived organizational support (POS), organizational performance (OP), and employee performance (EP) within the Jordanian telecom sector, with a specific focus on the mediating effect of POS's between TMP-EP and OP relationship.

Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional method to collect data from 397 personnel at three Jordanian telecom enterprises. The Smart-PLS application assisted with structural equation modeling, which was used to examine the data.

The association of cigarette smoking with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy: based on cross-sectional survey and mendelian randomization.

Background: The relationship between cigarette smoking and diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains controversial, as existing studies have yielded inconsistent results. This study aimed to investigate the association between smoking and both the development and progression of DR.

Methods: This study encompassed two complementary approaches.

Prediction of Ki-67 expression in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors using histogram analysis of monochromatic and iodine images derived from spectral CT.

Purpose: To assess and compare the diagnostic efficiency of histogram analysis of monochromatic and iodine images derived from spectral CT in predicting Ki-67 expression in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (gGIST).

Methods: Sixty-five patients with gGIST who underwent spectral CT were divided into a low-level Ki-67 expression group (LEG, Ki-67 < 10%, n = 33) and a high-level Ki-67 expression group (HEG, Ki-67 ≥ 10%, n = 32). Conventional CT features were extracted and compared.

Efficacy of uterine flushing with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on pregnancy rates in primary unexplained infertility: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: There are limited and controversial findings concerning ovulation induction using intrauterine and intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection compared to intramuscular hCG alone. The study aimed to examine the impact of intrauterine hCG injection, which is used to induce ovulation, on the efficacy of the intrauterine insemination (IUI) technique in patients with unexplained infertility.

Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 80 subjects with unexplained primary infertility at the infertility clinic of Al-Zahra Hospital in northwest Iran.

The predictive value of endplate morphology and pedicle screw bone quality score on screw loosening after single-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Objective: This study aims to explore the predictive value of endplate morphology and pedicle screw bone quality score on screw loosening after single-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 207 patients who underwent single-level lumbar spinal fusion (34 in the screw loosening group and 173 in the non-screw loosening group). Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression model analysis were performed using SPSS 27.

Targeting mitochondrial transfer: a new horizon in cardiovascular disease treatment.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality among individuals with noncommunicable diseases worldwide. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mitochondria are integral to the cardiovascular system, and it has been reported that mitochondrial transfer is associated with the pathogenesis of multiple CVDs and obesity.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of an updated pre-service midwifery curriculum integrated with emergency obstetric and newborn care in Kenya: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Quality midwifery education is central to improving midwifery service delivery and maternal and newborn health outcomes. In many settings, midwifery educators insufficiently prepared for their teaching role and deficient curriculum compared to international standards affect the quality of healthcare provided by the midwifery graduates. This study assessed the effectiveness of an EmONC enhanced midwifery curriculum delivered by trained and mentored midwifery educators on the quality of education and student performance in Kenya.

Associations between health, productive performance and oral fluid biomarkers in commercial pig farms.

Background: Oral fluid contains analytes that may be reflective of health and welfare in pig herds. Additionally, oral fluid collection is a more convenient and cost-effective option when compared to blood sampling, increasing the potential of oral fluid as a non-invasive alternative tool. While a growing number of biomarkers can be measured in porcine oral fluid, the use of these analytes to compare commercial herds in veterinary practice is still limited.

Assessment of the quality of life comparison between open and endovascular aortic arch surgery: a pilot study.

Background: Advancement in endovascular endografts have paved the way to the possibility of performing endovascular aortic arch repair in recent years. This has started to supersede the need for open aortic arch surgery. There remains a paucity of data looking into the quality of life comparison between open aortic arch surgery and endovascular aortic arch repair.

Impact of titanium mesh cage slotting width on anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for compression cervical spondylosis with MRI T2WI hyperintensity: a one-year follow-up study.

Background: Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is a standard surgical procedure for cervical spondylosis with spinal cord compression (CSWSCC), especially in patients with intensity on T2-weighted imaging high signal (T2WIHS). The titanium mesh cage (TMC) utilized in this procedure is essential in stabilizing the spine; however, the optimal slotting width of the TMC remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of TMC slotting width on the clinical and radiological outcomes of ACCF in patients with spinal cord compression type cervical spondylosis with intensity on T2WIHS (CST2WIHS).

Dentoalveolar characteristics in subjects with different anteroposterior relationships: a retrospective cross-sectional Cone-Beam Computed Tomography study.

Background: The collum angle, tooth dimensions, root length, and alveolar bone thickness have a significant impact on orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The boundaries of orthodontic tooth movement are determined by alveolar bone thickness and dimensions while the collum angle determines the appropriate positioning of the root relative to the cortical plate. This study aimed to compare the collum angle, crown dimensions, root length, and alveolar bone thickness of the upper and lower incisors, canines, and premolars in subjects with varying anteroposterior relationships.

Association between biomass cooking fuels and prevalence of tuberculosis among households: a cross-sectional study from 2019 - 2021 in India.

Background: Indoor air pollution (IAP) is the major contributor (26%) to TB, in addition to other socioeconomic and environmental factors. It occurs in most developing countries like India, where people rely on the combustion of biomass-based solid fuels (low combustion efficiency and high pollution emissions) due to the prevailing socio-economic conditions. However, this cause-and-effect relationship between TB and IAP has not been studied much.

Effect of short message service reminders in improving optimal antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and postnatal care in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Digital health has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing health system in the recent years, showing significant potential in improving service outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries where accessing essential health service is challenging. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of short message services on focused antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care improvement in low and middle-income countries.

Method: Electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google and Google Scholar were searched.

Relationships between the Planetary Health Diet Index, its food groups, and polygenic risk of obesity in the CARTaGENE cohort.

Background: The Planetary Health Diet, proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, seeks to promote a sustainable and healthy diet for both humans and the environment. However, few studies have investigated relationships between the Planetary Health Diet and the genetic pathway of obesity. The aim of this study was to assess whether adherence to a Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) mediated or moderated the genetic susceptibility to obesity.

Advancing precision medicine in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using patient-derived organoids.

Background: Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) represent a promising approach for replicating the characteristics of original tumors and facilitating drug testing for personalized treatments across diverse cancer types. However, clinical evidence regarding their application to esophageal cancer remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of implementing PDOs in clinical practice to benefit patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in HIV patients.

Background: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion, a routine procedure for long-term enteral nutrition, serves as a crucial intervention for patients who are incapable of tolerating oral intake or meeting adequate nutritional requirements. PEG tube placement carries complications like bleeding and infection. Impact of PEG tubes on the 30-day and long-term mortality in HIV patients is unknown.