Differences in Combustible Cigarette Smoking-Related Biomarkers by Hormonal Contraceptive Use: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Hormonal contraceptives (HCs), which contain synthetic forms of estrogen (i.e., ethinyl estradiol) and/or progesterone (i.

Tumor cells upregulate neurotransmitter GABA in the choroid plexus through STAT6-Bestrophin1 signaling, promoting leptomeningeal dissemination.

Background: Leptomeningeal dissemination (LMD) occurs when tumor cells interact with choroid plexus epithelium (CPE) to gain access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's meninges and ventricular system. This disease is particularly devastating for patients due to our limited understanding and few therapeutic options. The leptomeningeal CSF is a nutritionally deprived microenvironment for tumor cells.

Pain and Functional Outcome After Microsurgical Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Very Short- and Long-Term Postoperative Analysis.

Study Design: Multicenter, prospective observational cohort study.

Objectives: 109 patients with lumbar spine stenosis (LSS) undergoing minimally invasive decompression in 6 different centers (Germany, Italy, USA).

Methods: The demographic, surgical and clinical data was collected.

Updates in Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis.

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been shown to be a safe and effective approach in treating these diseases while carrying lower morbidity than traditional surgical treatments, ERCP has associated risks, with post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) being the most common serious adverse event and carries significant morbidity and health care cost. PEP results from multifactorial factors involving trauma to the pancreatic duct and papilla, leading to subsequent obstruction and impairment of pancreatic drainage. Important risk factors for PEP include history of prior PEP, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, difficult cannulation, pancreatic duct contrast injections, and pancreatic sphincterotomy.

Circulating microRNAs and alcohol consumption in the Multiethnic Cohort Study.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern and contributes to liver diseases and cancer. Modifiable lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption can influence circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), which are increasingly used as biomarkers for early disease detection. Yet limited studies have identified miRNAs associated with alcohol intake, particularly in multiethnic populations.

Program Director Perspectives on DEI Initiatives in the Dermatology Residency Selection Process.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has maintained a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; however, a recent strike down of affirmative action by the US Supreme Court has caused similar efforts to be called into question. This prompted our investigation into dermatology program director (PD) perceptions of DEI programming and its integration into resident selection. A cross-sectional survey of PDs at US dermatology residency programs was conducted from April 2024 to July 2024 (N=30).

Reimagining Physician Assistant Education: Championing Cognitive Diversity to Promote Inclusivity, Neurodiversity Awareness, and a Sense of Belonging.

Neurodiversity, encompassing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and dyslexia, represents a significant and often under-recognized segment of the population, including within science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine fields like medicine. Neurodiverse individuals possess unique skills, including enhanced creativity, analytical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail, which are valuable in health care professions. However, failure to recognize and support these individuals can result in missed opportunities, social isolation, and mental health challenges.

Telomere Length and Symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Children at 6-12 Years.

Objective: To explore the association between telomere length (TL) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children at 6-12 years.

Method: Data from 1,759 children belonging to the HELIX project cohorts and the Asturias, Gipuzkoa and Valencia cohorts of INMA project were included. TL was determined by blood sample using a PCR protocol.

Noncoding variants and sulcal patterns in congenital heart disease: Machine learning to predict functional impact.

Neurodevelopmental impairments associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) may arise from perturbations in brain developmental pathways, including the formation of sulcal patterns. While genetic factors contribute to sulcal features, the association of noncoding variants (ncDNVs) with sulcal patterns in people with CHD remains poorly understood. Leveraging deep learning models, we examined the predicted impact of ncDNVs on gene regulatory signals.

Association of safer smoking supply distribution with participant encounters and naloxone distribution from syringe services programs: Findings from the National Survey of Syringe Services Programs in the United States.

Background: In response to the recent and growing shift from injecting heroin to smoking fentanyl, an increasing number of syringe services programs (SSPs) in the United States are distributing safer smoking supplies. There is a lack of research on whether safer smoking supply distribution is associated with increased SSP engagement and naloxone distribution from SSPs. Therefore, we aimed to assess predictors of safer smoking supply distribution by SSPs and estimate associations between safer smoking supply distribution and scale of harm reduction services.

Perceived Stress During Late Pregnancy and Infant Body Composition at 1 Month.

Context: Worldwide, obesity remains one of the most challenging crises with children being one of the most susceptible populations. The effect of maternal stress during pregnancy on newborn body composition, measured by fat mass and lean mass has, not been extensively studied.

Objectives: We evaluated the association between perceived stress during late pregnancy and infant adiposity at 1 month and assessed effect modification by infant sex and preterm birth.

Iron-associated lipid peroxidation in Alzheimer's disease is increased in lipid rafts with decreased ferroptosis suppressors, tested by chelation in mice.

Introduction: Iron-mediated cell death (ferroptosis) is a proposed mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. While iron is essential for basic biological functions, its reactivity generates oxidants which contribute to cell damage and death.

Methods: To further resolve mechanisms of iron-mediated toxicity in AD, we analyzed post mortem human brain and ApoEFAD mice.

Impact of Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion on Inpatient Cost: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the US Nationwide Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Database.

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the association between ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) use and inpatient hospitalization cost for lung transplantation in a nationwide sample.

Methods: Lung transplantation patients in 2018-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) were grouped based on use of EVLP. The primary outcome was total inpatient hospitalization cost.

Palliative care utilization among head and neck cancer patients: A population-based analysis.

Purpose: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients face substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite the potential benefits of palliative care (PC) in improving quality of life, many HNC patients do not receive these services. This study aimed to quantify the proportion of HNC patients receiving PC, the timing of PC referrals, and the mental health and clinical outcomes of this population.

Advancing stroke rehabilitation: the role of wearable technology according to research experts.

Background: Advancements in wearable technology have created new opportunities to monitor stroke survivors' behaviors in daily activities. Research insights are needed to guide its adoption in clinical practice, address current gaps, and shape the future of stroke rehabilitation. This project aims to: (1) Understand stroke rehabilitation researchers' perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and clinical relevance of wearable technology for stroke rehabilitation, and (2) Identify necessary next steps to integrate wearable technology in research and clinical practice.

Longitudinal Associations of PFAS Exposure With Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function Among Hispanic Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus History.

Objective: We investigated associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and changes in diabetes indicators from pregnancy to 12 years after delivery among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Research Design And Methods: Eighty Hispanic women with GDM history were followed from the third trimester of pregnancy to 12 years after delivery. Oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests were conducted during follow-up.

Clinical Trials in Cancer Theranostics with Potential Near-Term Impact on Clinical Practice.

Theranostics has its roots with the first radioiodine therapy for thyroid diseases in about 80 years ago. More recently the field has experienced a remarkable renascence with the regulatory approval of paired imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy agents in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that are now employed in routine clinical practice. The momentum is strong for identification and testing of new theranostic agents for use in various cancers and finding new clinical incications of the available agents.

Restoring cefepime activity against multidrug-resistant KPC-producing by combination with boronic acid inhibitors, MB076 and S02030.

Foremost in the design of new β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) are the boronic acid transition state inhibitors (BATSIs). Two highly potent BATSIs being developed are S02030 and MB076 strategically designed to be active against cephalosporinases and carbapenemases, especially KPC. When combined with cefepime, S02030 and MB076 demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against laboratory and clinical strains of expressing a variety of class A and class C β-lactamases, including and .

Environment scan of generative AI infrastructure for clinical and translational science.

This study reports a comprehensive environmental scan of the generative AI (GenAI) infrastructure in the national network for clinical and translational science across 36 institutions supported by the CTSA Program led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the United States. Key findings indicate a diverse range of institutional strategies, with most organizations in the experimental phase of GenAI deployment. The results underscore the need for a more coordinated approach to GenAI governance, emphasizing collaboration among senior leaders, clinicians, information technology staff, and researchers.

Update on Hepatorenal Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Treatment.

Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) occurs in the setting of advanced chronic liver disease, portal hypertension, and ascites. HRS-AKI is found in ∼20% of patients presenting to the hospital with AKI, but it may coexist with other causes of AKI and/or with preexisting chronic kidney disease, thereby making the diagnosis challenging. Novel biomarkers such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin may be useful.