Outcomes for Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: An ACTION Registry Analysis.

Background: There are no contemporary reports that highlight the national outcomes for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate differences in VAD outcomes for children with CHD to those with non-CHD as well as those with univentricular CHD to those with biventricular CHD.

Methods: Data for CHD and non-CHD patients from the multicenter ACTION (Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network) undergoing VAD implantation from April 2018 to February 2023 were included.

Impact of Perceived Discrimination and Pandemic Attitudes on Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Asian American Women: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess how pandemic-related health concerns and discrimination affected cancer screenings among Asian American women (AAW).

Methods: A two-phase explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted. In phase 1, a survey was distributed among AAW eligible for lung, breast, or colorectal cancer screening to assess delays during the pandemic, concerns about contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), barriers to care, and experiences of discrimination.

DHX15 and Rig-I Coordinate Apoptosis and Innate Immune Signaling by Antiviral RNase L.

During virus infection, the activation of the antiviral endoribonuclease, ribonuclease L (RNase L), by a unique ligand 2'-5'-oilgoadenylate (2-5A) causes the cleavage of single-stranded viral and cellular RNA targets, restricting protein synthesis, activating stress response pathways, and promoting cell death to establish broad antiviral effects. The immunostimulatory dsRNA cleavage products of RNase L activity (RL RNAs) recruit diverse dsRNA sensors to activate signaling pathways to amplify interferon (IFN) production and activate inflammasome, but the sensors that promote cell death are not known. In this study, we found that DEAH-box polypeptide 15 (DHX15) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (Rig-I) are essential for apoptosis induced by RL RNAs and require mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS), c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) for caspase-3-mediated intrinsic apoptosis.

Optimal Position and Orientation of an Ossicular Accelerometer for Human Auditory Prostheses.

In this study, a method for determining the optimal location and orientation of an implantable piezoelectric accelerometer on the short process of the incus is presented. The accelerometer is intended to be used as a replacement for an external microphone to enable totally implantable auditory prostheses. The optimal orientation of the sensor and the best attachment point are determined based on two criteria-maximum pressure sensitivity sum and minimum loudness level sum.

Non-Genotoxic and Environmentally Relevant Lower Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Significantly Increase Tumorigenicity of Benzo[]pyrene in a Lung Two-Stage Mouse Model.

The World Health Organization has classified air pollution as a carcinogen, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major components of air particulates of carcinogenic concern. Thus far, most studies focused on genotoxic high molecular weight PAHs; however, recent studies indicate potential carcinogenicity of the non-genotoxic lower molecular weight PAHs (LMW PAHs) that are found in indoor and outdoor air pollution as well as secondhand cigarette smoke. We hypothesize that LMW PAHs contribute to the promotion stage of cancer when combined with benzo[]pyrene (B[]P), a legacy PAH.

Pathological In Vivo Analysis of Helicobacter DNA Infection in Stomach Cells Using Carbon Nanotube Microsensor.

The WHO has classified Helicobacter pylori as a group 1 carcinogen for stomach cancer since early 1994. However, despite the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, only about 3% of infected people eventually develop gastric cancer.Biomolecular detections of Helicobacter pylori(HP) were compared using specially modified sensors and fluorine immobilized on a carbon nanotube (HFCNT) electrode, which yielded sensitive results.

Anomalies in Long-Crack Propagation at Low ΔK in Some Engineering Alloys.

In this article, we discuss an unusual pattern in long-crack behavior at low stress intensity factor ranges ΔK (below ΔK), characterized by an initial dip, followed by a plateau, and then an acceleration in fatigue crack growth (FCG) rate. This unanticipated FCG behavior was first observed experimentally in the IMI 834 alloy and reported by Marci in 1996. Such an anomaly is only reported from experimental observation but cannot be understood or explained using the plasticity, roughness, or oxide-induced crack closure assumptions.

Recommendations for Implementing Innovative Technologies to Control : Population Suppression Using a Combination of the Incompatible and Sterile Insect Techniques (IIT-SIT), Based on the Mexican Experience/Initiative.

The future of control emphasizes the transition from traditional insecticides toward more sustainable and multisectoral integrated strategies, like using -carrying mosquitoes for population suppression or replacement. We reviewed the integration of the successful Mexican initiative, "Mosquitos Buenos", with the key challenges outlined in the PAHO guidelines for incorporating innovative approaches into vector control programs. These challenges include establishing essential infrastructure, training personnel, managing field operations, and fostering community support.

Inheritance and Resistance Mechanisms of Field-Evolved Resistance to Pyrethroids in a Fall Armyworm ( J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Strain from Puerto Rico.

This study examines resistance inheritance to the pyrethroid insecticides esfenvalerate and deltamethrin in a Puerto Rican strain of fall armyworm (FAW), , a major global pest of corn. The resistant strain (PPR) showed significantly higher resistance compared to a susceptible strain (SUS), with a 62-fold X-linked and 15-fold autosomal-linked resistance ratio (RR) for esfenvalerate and deltamethrin, respectively. Resistance was incompletely dominant for both insecticides.

A Possible Phenotype-to-Genotype Association of Novel Single-Nucleotide Variants in the Coding Exons of the Gene to Arterial Aneurysmal and Dissection Diseases.

After reporting the first known clinical case associating compound heterozygous single-nucleotide variants in Exon 2 of to aortic aneurysmal and iliac dissection, we began prospective surveillance in our vascular genetic practice for similar cases. Herein, we present nine (9) subjects from a total cohort of 135 with arterial aneurysms or dissections who revealed single-nucleotide variants in with no other alterations in a panel of 35 genes associated with aneurysmal and dissection disorders. Five out of nine (5/9) single-nucleotide variants were in Exon 1, and four out of nine (4/9) mutations were in Exon 2, both of which are principal coding exons for this gene.

Leveraging Saliva for Insights into Head and Neck Cancer.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies with increasing global incidence and notable mortality. Early detection is essential for improving survival rates and minimizing recurrence; however, existing diagnostic methods are often invasive and complex. There is a need for noninvasive and more effective approaches for early detection and real-time monitoring of HNC.

Predictive Value of Inflammatory Scores for Left Atrium Thrombosis in Ischemic Stroke Without Atrial Fibrillation.

: Studies have shown that inflammation markers can be used as prognostic tools in predicting acute ischemic stroke. In this study, we conducted a comparison of several inflammation scores in predicting left atrial thrombosis (LAT) in patients with ischemic stroke without AF. : In this single-center, retrospective study, we included 303 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke.

Complexities, Benefits, Risks, and Clinical Implications of Sodium Bicarbonate Administration in Critically Ill Patients: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Sodium bicarbonate has been used in the treatment of different pathologies, such as hyperkalemia, cardiac arrest, tricyclic antidepressant toxicity, aspirin toxicity, acute acidosis, lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and adrenergic receptors' resistance to catecholamine in patients with shock. An ongoing debate about bicarbonate's efficacy and potential harm has been raised for decades because of the lack of evidence supporting its potential efficacy. Despite the guidelines' restrictions, sodium bicarbonate has been overused in clinical practice.

A Practical Clinical Approach to Navigate Pulmonary Embolism Management: A Primer and Narrative Review of the Evolving Landscape.

Advances in imaging, pharmacological, and procedural technologies have rapidly expanded the care of pulmonary embolism. Earlier, more accurate identification and quantification has enhanced risk stratification across the spectrum of the disease process, with a number of clinical tools available to prognosticate outcomes and guide treatment. Direct oral anticoagulants have enabled a consistent and more convenient long-term therapeutic option, with a greater shift toward outpatient treatment for a select group of low-risk patients.

Controlled Dynamic Microfluidic Culture of Murine, Bovine, and Human Embryos Improves Development: Proof-of-Concept Studies.

Classical preimplantation embryo culture is performed in static fluid environments. Whether a dynamic fluid environment, like the fallopian tube, is beneficial for embryo development remains to be determined across mammalian species. Objectives of these proof-of-concept studies were to determine if controllable dynamic microfluidic culture would enhance preimplantation murine, bovine, and human embryo development compared to static culture.

Relaxation Behavior of Cerclage Cables and Its Effect on Bone Clamping Force.

Cerclage is an orthopedic surgical fixation technique using a cable wrapped, tensioned, and secured around a bone's circumference. It is important to minimize the loss in cable tension that often occurs due to stress relaxation. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of tensioning protocols on the long-term loss of tension due to stress relaxation.

Mechanical Stretch Control of Adipocyte AKT Signaling and the Role of FAK and ROCK Mechanosensors.

Adipose tissue in vivo is physiologically exposed to compound mechanical loading due to bodyweight bearing, posture, and motion. The capability of adipocytes to sense and respond to mechanical loading milieus to influence metabolic functions may provide a new insight into obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we evidenced physiological mechanical loading control of adipocyte insulin signaling cascades.

Neurocognitive Profile and Associated Factors Among Children Affected by Sickle Cell Disease in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/objectives: Understanding the neurocognitive profile of children with sickle cell disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo is essential, as this condition can significantly affect their development. Our study aims to assess these children's neurocognitive and developmental profiles and identify related factors.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 287 children, aged 0 to 68 months, using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Gensini Gavito Scale.

Effects of E-Cigarette (e-cig) Aerosols on Mutagenesis in Selected Organs in a C57 (BigBlue) Mouse Model.

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential mutagenic effects of the exposure of mice to aerosols produced from the component liquids of an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and ENDSs has increased tremendously over the past two decades. From what we know to date, ENDSs contain much lower levels of known carcinogens than tobacco smoke.

Fear of Childbirth Among Pregnant People Facing Anti-Fat Bias.

Explicit and implicit anti-fat biases are widespread among healthcare providers, leading to significant negative consequences for pregnant people, including poorer health outcomes. Fear of childbirth (FOC) can affect the length of labor, increase the risk of cesarean delivery, and negatively influence a new parent's perception of infant bonding. This study investigated the impact of perceived anti-fat bias on FOC among pregnant people.

Effect of Group Antenatal Care on Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices Among Pregnant Women in Ghana: Findings from a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth to ensure child health and survival. Antenatal care provides an opportunity to educate pregnant women on optimal breastfeeding practices. A cluster-randomized control trial in Ghana examined the impact of group antenatal care on breastfeeding knowledge and practice.

Empirical Insights into Eye-Tracking for Design Evaluation: Applications in Visual Communication and New Media Design.

(1) Background: As digital technology continues to reshape visual landscapes, understanding how design elements influence customer experience has become essential. Eye-tracking technology offers a powerful, quantitative approach to assessing visibility, aesthetics, and design components, providing unique insights into visual engagement. (2) Methods: This paper presents a systematic review of eye-tracking methodologies applied in design research.

Emotion Regulation Difficulties as a Mediator Between Relationship Satisfaction Predicting Depressive Symptom Trajectories Among Couples in Couple Therapy.

Although adults with depression struggle to effectively emotionally regulate themselves, these findings are limited to one partner in a romantic relationship, community samples, and cross-sectional designs. Hence, we aimed to address these gaps in the literature by investigating emotion regulation difficulties as a predictor of change in depression among couples in couple therapy. Additionally, we aimed to investigate whether emotion regulation difficulties mediated the well-established association between relationship satisfaction and changes in depression of couples in couple therapy.

Genomic Landscape of Chromosome X Factor VIII: From Hemophilia A in Males to Risk Variants in Females.

Background: Variants within factor VIII (F8) are associated with sex-linked hemophilia A and thrombosis, with gene therapy approaches being available for pathogenic variants. Many variants within F8 remain variants of uncertain significance (VUS) or are under-explored as to their connections to phenotypic outcomes.

Methods: We assessed data on F8 expression while screening the UniProt, ClinVar, Geno2MP, and gnomAD databases for F8 missense variants; these collectively represent the sequencing of more than a million individuals.

A 15-Year Observational Cohort of Acute Empyema at a Single-Center in Japan.

Despite the advancements in diagnostic methods and antibiotic treatment, empyema is a critical respiratory infection, showing a high mortality rate of 10-25%. To evaluate the bacterial etiology and prognostic factors of acute empyema, we conducted this long-term retrospective cohort study at our institute between 2008 and 2022. A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this cohort.