LIV selection in 'tweener' patients treated with magnetically controlled growing rods vs. posterior spinal fusion.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the LIV selection in 'tweener' patients treated with MCGR or PSF.

Methods: A multicenter pediatric spine database was queried for ambulatory patients ages 8-11 years treated by MCGR or PSF with at least 2-year follow-up. The relationship between the LIV and preoperative spinal height, curve magnitude, and implant type were assessed.

Existing and Evolving Therapies for Arteriovenous Fistula and Graft Dysfunction.

A functional vascular access (VA) is of paramount importance to patients on hemodialysis therapy. While arteriovenous fistula (AVF) remains the preferred VA, their long-term patency is unpredictable. A dysfunctional VA contributes to a high morbidity rate, an increased susceptibility to major adverse cardiovascular events, recurrent hospitalization, and a poor quality of life.

A unique strain to study gastric cancer development.

colonizes a majority of the human population worldwide and can trigger development of a variety of gastric diseases. Since the bacterium is classified as a carcinogen, elucidation of the characteristics of that influence gastric carcinogenesis is a high priority. To this end, the Mongolian gerbil infection model has proven to be an important tool to study gastric cancer progression.

Exponential Decline of 28.9% in Utilization of Interventional Pain Management Techniques Among Medicare Beneficiaries From 2019 to 2022: Updated Analysis on the Ongoing Effects of COVID-19, Economic Decline, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and Medical Policies.

Background: Numerous studies have highlighted the escalating costs associated with managing low back and neck pain, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders. In the past, there was a notable increase in the use of interventional techniques to address these disorders. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted various chronic pain treatment approaches, including interventional procedures and opioid use, following a broader trend of reduced healthcare services.

From Surviving to Thriving: Key Considerations for Weight Control Across Diverse Cancer Survivorship Populations.

Background: Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, progressive disease of excess adiposity that increases the risk of dying from at least 16 types of cancer. The prevalence of obesity has increased more rapidly in cancer survivors compared with the general population. Tailored weight management strategies are needed to improve prognosis and health outcomes in the growing population of cancer survivors.

Upregulating ANKHD1 in PS19 mice reduces Tau phosphorylation and mitigates Tau-toxicity-induced cognitive deficits.

Abnormal accumulation of Tau protein in the brain disrupts normal cellular function and leads to neuronal death linked with many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. An attractive approach to mitigate Tau-induced neurodegeneration is to enhance the clearance of toxic Tau aggregates. We previously showed that upregulation of the fly gene protects against FUS- and Tau-induced photoreceptor degeneration in fly disease models.

Models of DEIB: Part I - Approaches to Inclusion from Other Health Professions for Consideration by Dentistry.

This article represents a prologue of the discussion of the article "Models of DEIB: Part II-Exploring Models of Inclusion from other Health Professions for Dentistry". It explores existing practices and philosophies from other disciplines that could be applied toward creating environments of inclusion and belonging in dentistry. The primary focus here is to provide an opportunity for the dental profession to leverage knowledge and experiences from other health professions to enhance and expand inclusion efforts and provide enhance engagement at all levels.

Inclusivity in Mentorship: Shifting Paradigms of Inclusion in Dental Education.

The article explores the evolution and significance of mentoring, drawing from Greek mythology, particularly the story of Odysseus and Mentor. It defines mentoring as a developmental relationship beneficial for mentees, mentors, and organizations, particularly in academia and health care. The article covers various mentoring models, including traditional, peer, reverse, group, e-mentoring, and the mosaic model, emphasizing inclusivity and cultural responsiveness.

Intake and Nutritional Adequacy in Patients With Cancer Diagnosed With Malignant Bowel Obstruction: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial.

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is experienced by many with advanced cancer. Patients with MBO cannot eat and may have reduced ability to eat once the acute process has resolved. Sparse data exist to describe oral intake capacity and adequacy of nutrition in patients with MBO.

Elovanoids, a Novel Class of Lipid Mediators, Are Neuroprotective in a Traumatic Brain Injury Model in Rats.

Background: In the United States, traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity. Elovanoids (ELVs), a novel class of homeostatic lipid mediators we recently discovered and characterized, have demonstrated neuroprotection in experimental stroke models but have never been tested after TBI.

Methods: A moderate fluid-percussion injury (FPI) model was used on male rats that were treated with ELVs by intravenous (IV) or intranasal (IN) delivery.

The Impact of Anesthesia on Dermatological Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

Anesthesia is an essential component of dermatologic procedures, influencing pain management and patient outcomes, including wound healing, infection control, and cosmetic appearance. This review examines the impact of various anesthetic techniques, topical, local, regional, and general, on dermatological outcomes. The findings reveal that while local anesthesia is preferred due to its efficacy and safety, specialized considerations are necessary for pediatric, geriatric, and high-risk patients.

Comprehensive Evidence-Based Guidelines for Implantable Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) in the Management of Chronic Pain: From the American Society Of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP).

Background: Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been used for over 50 years to treat chronic pain by delivering electrical pulses through small electrodes placed near targeted peripheral nerves those outside the brain and spinal cord. Early PNS systems often required invasive neurosurgical procedures. However, since 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved percutaneously implanted PNS leads and neurostimulators  offering a much less invasive, non-opioid option for managing recalcitrant chronic pain.

Obesity Medications and Their Impact on Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review.

Obesity is a major global issue linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While lifestyle changes are the primary treatment, medications are often required for long-term weight management and reducing risk in patients with obesity. The cardiovascular effects of many obesity medications are still being studied.

Evaluation of diseases complicating long COVID: A retrospective chart review.

Background: Evidence for the pathogenesis and treatment of postacute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (long COVID) is lacking. As long COVID symptoms are predicted to have an impact on the global economy, clarification of the pathogenesis is urgently needed. Our experiences indicated that some symptoms were complicated by diseases established before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measuring Research Capacity: Development of the PACER Tool.

Evaluating research activity in research departments and education programs is conventionally accomplished through measurement of research funding or bibliometrics. This limited perspective of research activity restricts a more comprehensive evaluation of a program's actual research capacity, ultimately hindering efforts to enhance and expand it. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review of the existing literature pertaining to the measurement of research productivity in research institutions.

Assessment of attitudes of health professionals toward naloxone use.

Purpose: To assess the attitudes and behaviors of physicians, hospital pharmacists, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals toward naloxone use. This survey will help the University Medical Center New Orleans Analgesic Management Stewardship team understand barriers and determine the education needed to improve the care we provide.

Methods: A survey was conducted at a single center, and it contained 17 questions: two concerning provider type and practice setting, followed by 15 qualitative questions to be answered in a Likert scale format, with options ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

A unique presentation of subcutaneous infection: A case report of a diagnostic challenge.

Introduction: is a yeast-like anamorphic rare fungus commonly found in tropical areas. This case report is the first one located in South America.

Case Report: A 67-year-old patient presented with a 5-year history of right foot pain attributed to foot trauma while at sea 5 years prior.

Efficacy and safety of dostarlimab in combination with chemotherapy in patients with dMMR/MSI-H primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (ENGOT-EN6-NSGO/GOG-3031/RUBY).

Objectives: Part 1 of the RUBY trial (NCT03981796) demonstrated improved survival in patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (EC) treated with dostarlimab plus carboplatin-paclitaxel versus placebo plus carboplatin-paclitaxel. Here, we examine additional efficacy and safety data from patients with mismatch repair deficient/microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) EC in the RUBY trial.

Methods: Patients were randomized 1:1 to dostarlimab 500 mg or placebo plus carboplatin-paclitaxel every 3 weeks for 6 cycles followed by dostarlimab or placebo every 6 weeks for up to 3 years.

An in vitro study of orthodontic brackets bonded to transition dental zirconia: Shear bond strength, adhesive remnant index, and surface irregularities.

Purpose: Orthodontic treatment often involves bonding brackets to teeth, and the protocols for natural enamel differ from those for prosthodontically restored teeth. With the rising number of adult orthodontic patients, many present with zirconia crowns. This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of ceramic orthodontic brackets bonded to transition dental zirconia, which combines 3Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP powders.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Webinar Meeting Report.

The advanced glycation end products (AGEs) Webinar was co-hosted by Diabetes Technology Society and Kitalys Institute on August 8, 2024, with the goal of reviewing progress made in the measurement and use of AGEs in clinical practice. Meeting topics included (1) AGEs as predictors of diabetic nephropathy (DKD), (2) hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and the glycation gap (GG), (3) formation and structure of AGEs, (4) AGEs as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and (5) approaches to limit or prevent AGE formation.