Lack of Prescription Drug Benefit Knowledge and Problems Paying Medical Bills Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Aims And Objectives: Approximately 50% of Americans report having low health insurance literacy, leading to uncertainty when choosing their insurance coverage to best meet their healthcare needs. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between lack of prescription drug benefit knowledge and problems paying medical bills among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods: We analysed the 2021 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Public Use File of 5586 Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years.

EAES rapid guideline: surgical management of complicated diverticulitis - with ESCP participation.

Background: The surgical management of complicated diverticulitis varies across Europe. EAES members prioritized this topic to be addressed by a clinical practice guideline through an online questionnaire.

Objective: To develop evidence-informed clinical practice recommendations for key stakeholders involved in the treatment of complicated diverticulitis; to improve operative and perioperative outcomes, patient experience and quality of life through a systematic evidence-to-decision approach by a diverse, multidisciplinary panel.

Surgical management of complicated diverticulitis: systematic review and individual patient data network meta-analysis : An EAES/ESCP collaborative project.

Background: We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of individualized patient data (IPD) to inform the development of evidence-informed clinical practice recommendations.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central in October 2023 to identify RCTs comparing Hartmann's resection (HR), primary resection and anastomosis (PRA), or laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (LPL) among patients with class Ib-IV Hinchey diverticulitis. Outcomes of interest were prioritized by an international, multidisciplinary panel including two patient partners.

"When you're in pain you do go into your shell" A community-based pain management programme co-designed with Māori whānau to address inequities to pain management - A qualitative case study.

Chronic or persistent non-cancer pain disproportionately affects Māori - the Indigenous population of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and their whānau (family and significant others). In a previous study with a Māori community service provider - Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma and Research Trust - Tū Kotahi, identified a need for a Kaupapa Māori (by Māori, for Māori) pain management programme (PMP) with embedded principles of Whānau Ora (care focusing on the wellbeing of the individual and their significant others as a collective). Using a qualitative case-study design, the main aims were to describe (1) the implementation of a community-based, whānau-focused PMP; (2) the participant experiences of the programme.

Heterologous Expression of Secreted Proteins from Phytophthora in Pichia pastoris Followed by Protein Purification by Immobilized Metal Ion Affinity (IMAC).

This chapter describes the protocol for heterologous expression of Phytophthora proteins in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Two methods to prepare the constructs for expression are described, using two different strains of P. pastoris, as well as methods for protein expression and purification by immobilized metal ion affinity (IMAC).

In vitro erythropoiesis: the emerging potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Due to global blood shortages and restricted donor blood storage, the focus has switched to the in vitro synthesis of red blood cells (RBCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a potential solution. Many processes are required to synthesize RBCs from iPSCs, including the production of iPSCs from human or animal cells, differentiation of iPSCs into hematopoietic stem cells, culturing, and maturation of the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) to make functional erythrocytes. Previous investigations on the in vitro production of erythrocytes have shown conflicting results.

Catalyzing sustainable development: insights from the international workshop on STI policies and innovation systems in Central America.

This article examines the landscape of Science, Technology, and Innovation policies in Central America, focusing on Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. These nations face significant challenges in leveraging STI for sustainable development, including financial constraints and limited resources. Additionally, Central America struggles with systemic issues such as corruption, violence, and high levels of emigration, further complicating efforts to advance STI.

Locked Dimerized CXCL12 Exerts Radiosensitizing Effects in Head and Neck Cancer.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents significant treatment challenges, particularly in cases unrelated to human papillomavirus (HPV). The chemokine receptor CXCR4, interacting with its ligand CXCL12, plays a crucial role in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and treatment resistance. This study explores the therapeutic potential of engineered monomeric and dimerized CXCL12 variants (CXCL12 and CXCL12, respectively) in HNSCC and evaluates potential additive effects when combined with radiation therapy.

Educator-To-Student Sexual Harassment in UK and Irish Secondary Schools: A Qualitative Analysis.

The current study examines the way sexual harassment, a specific facet of educator sexual misconduct, is experienced by secondary school students. The qualitative component of an online survey was completed by participants aged 18+ who had attended secondary school in Ireland ( = 85) or the UK ( = 74), and who were recruited to participate via social media. Participants were asked to describe the incident of educator-student sexual harassment they experienced that had the greatest effect on them.

Larger reductions in blood pressure during post-exercise standing, but not middle cerebral artery blood velocity, in resistance-trained versus untrained individuals.

Dynamic resistance exercise (RE) produces sinusoidal fluctuations in blood pressure, with hypotension and cerebral hypoperfusion commonly observed immediately following RE. Whether the cerebral vasculature adapts to these regular blood pressure challenges is unclear. This study examined the cerebrovascular response to post-dynamic RE orthostasis.

Variation in the surgical management of complicated diverticulitis: a cross-sectional study of European surgeons.

Introduction: There are many options for the surgical management of complicated diverticulitis, and standards vary widely despite international practice recommendations. We conducted a survey to capture the variation in practice across Europe.

Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to fellow and surgeon members of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) via email using the Opinio survey platform.

Orally dissolving pilocarpine tablets for xerostomia in advanced cancer: A pilot N-of-1 feasibility study.

Background: Xerostomia is a common and difficult symptom experienced by patients with cancer. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agent that stimulates salivation.

Aim: To assess the feasibility of conducting a N-of-1 trial to determine the efficacy of pilocarpine orally dissolving tablets in patients with xerostomia.

Unique bibenzyl cannabinoids in the liverwort Radula marginata: parallels with Cannabis chemistry.

The potential of cannabinoids to address public health challenges has stimulated exploration into alternative sources and production technologies. Radula marginata, an endemic Aotearoa/New Zealand liverwort, produces the bibenzyl cannabinoid perrottetinene (PET), analogous to Cannabis psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Structural differences between PET and THC could alter therapeutic interactions and mitigate adverse side effects.

Widespread occurrence of benzimidazole resistance single nucleotide polymorphisms in the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, in Australia.

Canine hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), a gastrointestinal nematode of domestic dogs, principally infects the small intestine of dogs and has the potential to cause zoonotic disease. In greyhounds and pet dogs in the USA, A. caninum has been shown to be resistant to multiple anthelmintics.

Tobacco susceptibility and use among rural adolescents: The role of tobacco marketing exposure and screen media use.

Introduction: Tobacco marketing has been found to increase pro-tobacco attitudes and susceptibilities; yet its impact on rural adolescents lacks research. We aim to examine the association between tobacco marketing exposure, screen use, and susceptibility and use of tobacco among a rural youth sample.

Methods: Youth (N = 697) enrolled in grades 9-11 that resided in rural counties in Virginia were recruited to participate in a survey in September 2022.

Mapping rapeseed () aboveground biomass in different periods using optical and phenotypic metrics derived from UAV hyperspectral and RGB imagery.

Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a key indicator of crop nutrition and growth status. Accurately and timely obtaining biomass information is essential for crop yield prediction in precision management systems. Remote sensing methods play a key role in monitoring crop biomass.

Tissue-based Gene Expression Diagnosis of Mild and Moderate T-cell-mediated Rejection to Guide Therapy in Kidney Transplants.

Background: Mild histologic lesions of tubulo-interstitial inflammation could represent a "response-to-wounding" rather than allorecognition. Tissue gene expression may complement histopathology for T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) diagnostics.

Methods: We report on the incorporation of tissue gene expression testing using a Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System into the management of kidney transplant biopsies with suspected TCMR.

Neonatal Seizures and Associated Neurobehavioral Profiles in Preschool Age Children.

Background: Neonatal seizures are common with acute brain injury. Up to 25% of survivors develop postneonatal epilepsy. We hypothesized postneonatal epilepsy diagnosed by age 24 months would increase risk for early markers of neurobehavioral disorders than acute provoked neonatal seizures alone.

Exploratory Pilot Study Engages Community Health Workers to Test Drone-Based Package Delivery System for Personal Protective Equipment in High-Risk Appalachia Population.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, high-risk clients' and caregivers' access to essential personal protective equipment (PPE) was limited especially in many remote areas of Appalachia. A multidisciplinary team of community and university partners explored how to coordinate the use of community health workers (CHWs) and drone technologies to increase access to PPE in rural and remote Appalachian regions. CHWs recruited 10 Homeplace clients in an exploratory study of drone-based package delivery of PPE to assess importance and effectiveness of PPE self-efficacy related to PPE use, use of PPE, and ease and acceptability of drone delivery (following delivery only).

Predicting the replicability of social and behavioural science claims in COVID-19 preprints.

Replications are important for assessing the reliability of published findings. However, they are costly, and it is infeasible to replicate everything. Accurate, fast, lower-cost alternatives such as eliciting predictions could accelerate assessment for rapid policy implementation in a crisis and help guide a more efficient allocation of scarce replication resources.

Evaluation of single and multispecies biofilm formed in the static and continuous systems.

Biofilms consisting of multiple species of bacteria compared to biofilms of single species are common in natural environments including food contact surfaces. The objective of this study was to understand the biofilm formation and the efficiency of sodium hypochlorite (50 ppm/5 mins) on the single and multiple species biofilm of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes formed on stainless steel surfaces in static and continuous systems. The cell concentration of Listeria in the dual and triple species biofilm in the continuous system (7.

Hiding in plain sight: children with visual perceptual difficulties in schools.

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is increasingly being recognized as a significant cause of visual difficulties in children, particularly those with typical visual acuity, who nonetheless struggle in educational settings. This narrative review aims to elucidate the nature and impact of visual perceptual difficulties (VPD) associated with CVI in school-aged children, who often remain undiagnosed due to the current erroneous focus on visual acuity as a required diagnostic criterion for CVI. The review synthesizes findings from recent studies, highlighting that up to 3.

Iranian midwives' experiences of using the World Health Organization's Safe Childbirth Checklist: A qualitative research.

Background: The goal of natural childbirth care is to have a healthy mother and baby with minimal interventions that are contrary to health. Worldwide, there is concern that non-evidence-based interventions and care in labor and childbirth will remain standard practice. Therefore, access to care related to pregnancy and childbirth is considered a priority.

Stochastic simulation modeling of the economics of providing additional living space for housed dairy cows.

The housed environment for dairy cattle is of critical importance to their health, wellbeing, and productivity. Lack of space is an important factor for housing quality assessment due to links with increased likelihood of disease. A recently published randomized controlled trial identified that greater living space provision increased lying time, milk volume production, and also increased time to conception.

Investigation of the gastric digestion behavior of commercial infant formulae using an dynamic infant digestion model.

The gastric digestion behavior of different commercial Stage 1 infant formulae (for 0-6 months) with different formulation backgrounds was investigated using an dynamic infant human gastric simulator (iHGS). The microstructural arrangements of the protein and lipid, colloidal stability and protein hydrolysis during digestion were elucidated. During gastric digestion, casein-dominant formulations showed a higher extent of aggregation due to their high proportion of casein micelles that underwent coagulation upon acidification and via the action of pepsin.