The Pelvic Floor Disorders Network: Evolution Over Two Decades of Female Pelvic Floor Research.

Importance: This review aimed to describe research initiatives, evolution, and processes of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development-supported Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN). This may be of interest and inform researchers wishing to conduct multisite coordinated research initiatives as well as to provide perspective to all urogynecologists regarding how the PFDN has evolved and functions.

Study Design: Principal investigators of several PFDN clinical sites and Data Coordinating Center describe more than 20 years of development and maturation of the PFDN.

Understanding the Scale and Nature of Parent/Guardian Telephone Calls to a Tertiary Children's Cardiac Centre: A Service Evaluation.

Heart defects are the second most common congenital anomaly in babies born in the UK and standards state families should have access to a children's cardiac nurse specialist telephone advice service. However, there is little published information to describe the nature of calls and the workload associated with telephone support. We conducted a prospective service evaluation of telephone calls received at one UK specialist children's cardiac surgical center from parents/carers (April-June 2019).

Molecular and spatial analysis of tertiary lymphoid structures in Sjogren's syndrome.

Tertiary lymphoid structures play important roles in autoimmune and non-autoimmune conditions. While many of the molecular mechanisms involved in tertiary lymphoid structure formation have been identified, the cellular sources and temporal and spatial relationship remain unknown. Here we use combine single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics of minor salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's disease and Sicca Syndrome, with ex-vivo functional studies to construct a cellular and spatial map of key components involved in the formation and function of tertiary lymphoid structures.

Longitudinal associations between intersectional stigmas, antiretroviral therapy adherence, and viral load among women living with HIV using multidimensional latent transition item response analysis.

Background: In the US, Women, especially Black and Latina women living in disadvantaged environments, are disproportionally affected by HIV. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) have higher rates of suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and detectable viral load (VL). Experiences of intersectional poverty, HIV, gender, and racial stigmas may increase the rates of detectable VL through suboptimal ART adherence.

Prediction of good neurological outcome after return of circulation following paediatric cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To evaluate the ability of blood-biomarkers, clinical examination, electrophysiology, or neuroimaging, assessed within 14 days from return of circulation to predict good neurological outcome in children following out- or in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods: Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Trials databases were searched (2010-2023). Sensitivity and false positive rates (FPR) for good neurological outcome (defined as either 'no, mild, moderate disability or minimal change from baseline') in paediatric survivors were calculated for each predictor.

Cystic Fibrosis Experience of Care Survey: Patient-Caregiver-Clinician Collaborative Design and Implementation.

People with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), families, and clinicians, partner to co-produce care, navigate access barriers, address mental health and social factors, follow specific infection prevention and control practices, and share decision-making regarding treatments and daily care. Standard patient satisfaction and experience of care surveys are not tailored to return relevant, actionable data for specific populations. To improve the care experience, the U.

Vitamin D and Endometriosis: Is There a Mechanistic Link?

Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic gynaecological disorder, but its cause is still unclear, and both genetic and environmental factors may contribute disease aetiology. Prominent amongst the latter is vitamin D which can be obtained either by the action of sunlight on skin or from dietary sources. Serum levels of the main circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxvitamin D (25(OH)D), have been reported to be inversely correlated with endometriosis, suggesting that vitamin D-deficiency may be a risk factor for the disease.

Overview and Comparison of Interscalene Block Techniques for Brachial Plexus Pain Management.

Purpose Of Review: Peripheral nerve blocks are performed using local anesthetics that are commonly performed prior to surgery to either be the sole anesthetic and/or for postoperative pain management. Interscalene blocks are a specific type of nerve block that targets the superior and middle trunks of the brachial plexus inhibiting transmission of pain signals from the upper extremities to the central nervous system making them useful in mitigating pain following surgeries involving the shoulder, upper arm, and elbow.

Recent Findings: Previously, interscalene blocks were performed with a nerve stimulator, which is an instrument designed to generate a twitch in surrounding muscles to verify the anesthetic block was placed in the correct location.

A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Overactive Bladder in Women with Non-Urinary Tract Endometriosis and the Effect of Endometriosis Surgery on Symptoms of Overactive Bladder.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterised by urinary urgency, with or without incontinence, often accompanied by daytime frequency and nocturia, in the absence of urinary tract infection or other identifiable causes. Population studies estimate the prevalence of OAB at 12.8% (EPIC study), increasing with age, reaching up to 43% after age 40.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes following resuscitative hysterotomy for out of hospital cardiac arrest: a systematic review.

Objective: To examine maternal and neonatal outcomes following Resuscitative Hysterotomy for out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and to compare with timing from cardiac arrest to delivery.

Methods: The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023445064). Studies included pregnant women with out of hospital cardiac arrest and resuscitative hysterotomy performed (in any setting) during cardiac arrest.

Efficacy of Bisphosphonates in Reducing Fracture Risk Among Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis.

Background: Postmenopausal women are often affected by osteoporosis, a disorder that lowers bone density, increases the risk of fractures, and has a major negative influence on quality of life.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of bisphosphonates in reducing fracture risk among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis by analyzing their impact across various fracture sites, treatment durations, and patient subgroups.

Methodology: A retrospective cohort research was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022 at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar.

The Health Benefits of Extended Union Membership among Women: A Family Status Perspective.

Workers in labor unions have better access to high quality health insurance plans, better pensions, and higher wages leading to increased lifetime earnings likely leading to better health. Additionally, much of the gendered hiring, promotion, and wage discrimination faced by women in the workplace is dependent on social characteristics (marital status and/or their status as a mother). While many of the benefits associated with union membership can potentially buffer the gendered workplace inequalities that lead to poorer health outcomes, unions have been largely ignored in health disparities literature.

Duration of physical activity required to Ameliorate hyperglycemia without causing hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes: A T1DEXI adults and pediatric cohort analyses.

Aims: To estimate physical activity (activity) duration required to lower glucose from above target range (>180 mg/dL) to within target range (TIR: 70-180 mg/dL) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: Continuous glucose monitoring and activity data were collected from 404 adults (28-day observation) and 149 adolescents (10-day observation) with T1D. Activities (N = 1902) with a starting glucose between 181--300 mg/dL, duration 10-60 min, and no reported meals during activity were included in the analysis.

A qualitative exploration of women's expectations of birth and knowledge of birth interventions following antenatal education.

Background: Expectations of birth, and whether they are met, influence postnatal psychological wellbeing. Intrapartum interventions, for example induction of labour, are increasing due to a changing pregnant population and evolving evidence, which may contribute to a mismatch between expectations and birth experience. NICE recommends antenatal education (ANE) to prepare women for labour and birth, but there is no mandated UK National Health Service (NHS) ANE curriculum.

Bone density changes in young women in Uganda using tenofovir-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception.

Background: Injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is the most common contraceptive choice among young women in Uganda, where HIV burden is high and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be offered. For young women who choose to use both agents concurrently, it is unknown whether they will experience declines in BMD beyond those elicited by either product singly.

Methods: From 2018-2022, we conducted a 2-year prospective study with women ages 16-25 years in Kampala, Uganda desiring pregnancy and HIV prevention.

High-resolution DNA methylation changes reveal biomarkers of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction versus reduced ejection fraction.

Novel biomarkers are needed to better identify-and distinguish-heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) from other clinical phenotypes. The goal of our study was to identify epigenetic-sensitive biomarkers useful to a more accurate diagnosis of HFpEF. We performed a network-oriented genome-wide DNA methylation study of circulating CD4 T lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) in two cohorts (i.

Implementation and impact of NHS-funded tobacco dependence services in England: a mixed-method evaluation protocol.

Introduction: Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of ill-health, premature mortality and a driver of health inequalities. To support smokers in England, a comprehensive approach to treating tobacco dependence is being implemented. This includes offering support to all people admitted to hospitals, as well as women and pregnant people within NHS settings.

Prognostic Relevance of Relative Ellipsoid Zone Reflectivity for Ellipsoid Zone Loss in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2.

Purpose: The relative ellipsoid zone reflectivity (rEZR) is an innovative biomarker for photoreceptor alterations and showed association with disease staging in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). However, its prognostic relevance for the ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss is unclear.

Methods: Longitudinal spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging of patients with MacTel from an observational natural history study was used for en face determination of manifest EZ loss.

Artificial intelligence virtual assistants in primary eye care practice.

Purpose: To propose a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-based virtual assistant trained on tabular clinical data that can provide decision-making support in primary eye care practice and optometry education programmes.

Method: Anonymised clinical data from 1125 complete optometric examinations (2250 eyes; 63% women, 37% men) were used to train different machine learning algorithm models to predict eye examination classification (refractive, binocular vision dysfunction, ocular disorder or any combination of these three options). After modelling, adjustment, mining and preprocessing (one-hot encoding and SMOTE techniques), 75 input (preliminary data, history, oculomotor test and ocular examinations) and three output (refractive, binocular vision status and eye disease) features were defined.

Racial Differences in the Levator Ani Muscle and Levator Hiatus in Individuals of Reproductive Age.

Background: Most studies on pelvic floor muscle morphology (dimensions, shape) and its relationship with patient characteristic risk factors of pelvic floor dysfunction (demographics, medical history) have largely pertained to White individuals with vaginas. There is a need to establish normative data on pelvic floor muscle anatomy and identify morphological differences in racially diverse cohorts that may play a role in racial differences in the prevalence and pathophysiology of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Objective: (s): This study aimed to compare levator ani muscle thickness and levator hiatal morphology and their association with patient characteristics, between asymptomatic Black and White women-identifying individuals with a vagina of reproductive age.

Cotard's: a controlled single case study of putative perceptual, cognitive and psychological risk factors.

This case study explores the psychological and neuropsychological traits of a 55-year-old woman, D.R., who has Cotard's, believing her torso has dissolved and food bypasses her legs.

Does cognitive intra-individual variability predict change in everyday functioning performance in women with and without HIV in the Women's Interagency HIV Study?

This study examined the association between cognitive intra-individual variability (IIV), a non-mean-based indicator of underlying neuropathology, and self-reported everyday functioning of 1,086 women with HIV (WWH) and 494 socio-demographically similar women without HIV (WWoH). Objective cognitive performance across seven domains and the self-rated Lawton & Brody scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) were assessed among participants of the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Two types of cognitive IIV were calculated by taking the standard deviation across seven cognitive domains to calculate dispersion: 1) intra-individual standard deviation (denoted as IIV) and 2) coefficient of variation (denoted as IIV).

Artificial intelligence in emergency and trauma radiology: ASER AI/ML expert panel Delphi consensus statement on research guidelines, practices, and priorities.

Background: Emergency/trauma radiology artificial intelligence (AI) is maturing along all stages of technology readiness, with research and development (R&D) ranging from data curation and algorithm development to post-market monitoring and retraining.

Purpose: To develop an expert consensus document on best research practices and methodological priorities for emergency/trauma radiology AI.

Methods: A Delphi consensus exercise was conducted by the ASER AI/ML expert panel between 2022-2024.