Development of a health equity tool in resuscitation sciences and application to current research in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest.

Background: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is increasingly used for adults with cardiac arrest (CA) refractory to Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Concerns exist that adding ECPR could worsen health inequities, defined as differences in health outcomes that are unfair or unjust. Current guidelines do not explicitly address this issue.

Therapeutic novelties in acute heart failure and practical perspectives.

Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is a leading cause of death and represents the most frequent cause of unplanned hospital admission in patients older than 65 years. Since the past decade, several randomized clinical trials have highlighted the importance and pivotal role of certain therapeutics, including decongestion by the combination of loop diuretics, the need for rapid goal-directed medical therapies implementation before discharge, risk stratification, and early follow-up after discharge therapies. Cardiogenic shock, defined as sustained hypotension with tissue hypoperfusion due to low cardiac output and congestion, is the most severe form of AHF and mainly occurs after acute myocardial infarction, which can progress to multiple organ failure.

Cost Analysis of Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation.

Purpose: To compare costs of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation versus non-IVUS-guided TIPS creation, accounting for differences in procedure time and resource utilization.

Materials And Methods: This single institution retrospective study estimated procedure time and resource utilization from 157 consecutive elective TIPS creation procedures, of which 91 were IVUS-guided and 66 were non-IVUS-guided. Differences in procedure costs were derived using time-driven activity-based costing.

Embracing the Future of Clinical Trials in Radiotherapy: An NRG Oncology CIRO Technology Retreat Whitepaper on Pioneering Technologies and AI-Driven Solutions.

This white paper examines the potential of pioneering technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions in advancing clinical trials involving radiotherapy. As the field of radiotherapy evolves, the integration of cutting-edge approaches such as radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, FLASH radiotherapy, image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and AI promises to improve treatment planning, patient care, and outcomes. Additionally, recent advancements in quantum science, linear energy transfer/relative biological effect (LET/RBE), and the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy create new avenues for innovation in clinical trials.

Robotic versus manual disinfection of global priority pathogens at COVID-19 dedicated hospitals.

Background: Twelve bacterial families were identified as global priority pathogens by the World Health Organization in 2017, recognizing the greatest threat they pose to human health and the declining antibiotic efficacy. Robotics has emerged as a swift and contactless tool for disinfecting bacterial surface contamination in healthcare facilities, however, head-to-head comparison of disinfection efficacy of robotic versus manual disinfections is limited. This study aimed at comparing how robotic disinfection performs over manual disinfection against the global priority pathogens in the healthcare setting.

Semaglutide in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and type 2 diabetes across baseline HbA levels (STEP-HFpEF DM): a prespecified analysis of heart failure and metabolic outcomes from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: About half of patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have type 2 diabetes. In the STEP-HFpEF DM trial of adults with obesity-related HFpEF and type 2 diabetes, subcutaneous once weekly semaglutide 2·4 mg conferred improvements in heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations, bodyweight, and other heart failure outcomes. We aimed to determine whether these effects of semaglutide differ according to baseline HbA.

Massively parallel reporter assay investigates shared genetic variants of eight psychiatric disorders.

A meta-genome-wide association study across eight psychiatric disorders has highlighted the genetic architecture of pleiotropy in major psychiatric disorders. However, mechanisms underlying pleiotropic effects of the associated variants remain to be explored. We conducted a massively parallel reporter assay to decode the regulatory logic of variants with pleiotropic and disorder-specific effects.

Research note: Protective effects of compound mycotoxin detoxifier in broiler chicken fed aflatoxins-contaminated diets.

This study was planned and executed to investigate the effects of two levels of compound toxin binder (CTB) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and the ileal selected microflora population in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into four treatments and six replicates (10 chickens per replicate). Experimental groups included; 1, negative control (NC; no aflatoxins (AFs) and no additives); 2, positive control (PC; 490 µg/kg AFs); 3, low levels of compound toxin binder (LCTB), PC + 1 g/kg available CTB (Navacidox); and 4, high levels of compound toxin binder (HCTB), PC + 2 g/kg Navacidox.

Risk of carcinomas among children and adolescents with birth defects.

Background: Birth defects are associated with childhood cancer, but little is known regarding pediatric carcinomas, a group of especially rare tumors.

Methods: We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) for any carcinoma, as well as thyroid, hepatocellular, and renal carcinoma specifically, up to 18 years of age among children with major, non-syndromic anomalies or chromosomal/genetic syndromes, relative to unaffected children.

Results: Our registry-linkage study included nine states and 21,933,476 children between 1990 and 2018: 641,827 with non-syndromic anomalies, and 49,619 with syndromes.

Magnetite nanoparticles (FeONPs) promote drought tolerance and improve plant health, grain quality and yield in kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

As a primary abiotic constraint for bean cultivation in semi-arid regions, drought stress significantly impacts both the yield and quality of beans. Foliar application of nanofertilizer has been shown to effectively improve crop yield and nutritional quality while mitigating environmental pollution associated with fertilizer runoff. In this study, we conducted a semi-field study using magnetite nanoparticles (FeONPs) to evaluate its effects on the growth, yield, nutrient quality, photosynthetic parameters, and physiological traits in kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the Movement Disorder Society non-motor rating scale (MDS-NMS) in Parkinson's disease.

Background: The Movement Disorder Society Non-Motor Rating Scale (MDS-NMS) serves as a comprehensive clinical assessment tool for non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) OBJECTIVES: This study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the MDS-NMS, addressing the critical need for culturally adapted rating scales in Portuguese-speaking populations.

Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study engaged native Portuguese-speaking PD patients from 16 Movement Disorders Centers across Portugal and Brazil. We conducted a meticulous translation process into Portuguese, including forward-backward translation and cognitive pretesting.

Non-competitive immunoassay for zearalenone based on phage display developed recombinant antibody and anti-immunocomplex peptide.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a widely distributed mycotoxin with potent estrogenic activity. Detecting ZEN is crucial for assessing its potential health risks. This study developed a highly sensitive non-competitive magnetic phage anti-immunocomplex immunoassay (Nc-MPHAIA) for ZEN detection, utilizing the anti-ZEN single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) and anti-immunocomplex peptide (AIcP), both of which were screened using phage display technology.

Tiaogeng decoction improves mild cognitive impairment in menopausal APP/PS1 mice through the ERs/NF-κ b/AQP1 signaling pathway.

People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) carry a considerable risk of developing dementia. Studies have shown that female sex hormones have long-lasting neuroprotective and anti-aging properties, and the increased risk of MCI and AD is associated with the lack of estrogen during menopause. Previous studies have shown that Tiao Geng Decoction (TGD) may have antioxidant and anti apoptotic properties, which may prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Harmonizing excellence: Crafting the nexus of competencies, standards, and degree demands in nurse practitioner education.

Nurse practitioner (NP) programs have a long history of producing safe and competent NPs; however, bold, transformative leadership is needed to set a minimum standard for quality NP education to support a 21st-century healthcare system. This paper is a call to action for leaders in NP education to transition NP education to the DNP degree utilizing the 2022 National Task Force Standards for Quality NP Education and a competency-based approach as defined in the 2021 AACN Essentials. There is now an opportunity to redesign healthcare systems with quality and equity as a primary consideration and DNP-prepared NPs are positioned to lead this redesign.

Association of Prehabilitation in the Precystectomy Pathway in Patients With Bladder Cancer on Postoperative Outcomes.

Purpose: Prehabilitation in patients with bladder cancer recommended for cystectomy has the potential to improve functional status and outcomes after cystectomy. Prior research has shown that increasing exercise preoperatively can improve strength and quality of life, but research has not yet investigated the impact on length of stay, readmissions, complications and mortality.

Methods: We compared historical controls (2021-2022) for patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy at a major academic center to those referred for prehabilitation consultation (2023) on postoperative outcomes, namely hospital length of stay, 30 and 90 day readmission rates, postoperative complications and 90-day mortality.

High-intensity home-based rehabilitation in a Medicare accountable care organization.

Objectives: Patients are often discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for postacute rehabilitation. Functional outcomes achieved in SNFs are variable, and costs are high. Especially for accountable care organizations (ACOs), home-based postacute rehabilitation offers a high-value option if outcomes are not compromised.

Development and Implementation of Oral Anticancer Agent Tools for a Thematic Quality Improvement Program: A Collaboration Between Hematology Oncology Pharmacist Association and ASCO Quality Training Program.

Purpose: The Hematology Oncology Pharmacist Association Oral Chemotherapy Collaborative (HOPA OCC) developed practice-based tools to use in program development and improvement for the management of patients receiving oral anticancer agents (OAAs).

Methods: These tools include a baseline OAA program assessment, clinical OAA adherence tool, and OAA dashboard. HOPA OCC distributed these tools to teams participating in the 6-month HOPA ASCO Quality Training Programs (QTPs).

The interaction between antithrombin and endothelial heparan sulfate mitigates pulmonary thromboinflammation after trauma and hemorrhagic shock.

Introduction: Trauma and hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) are associated with multiple organ injury. Antithrombin (AT) has anti-inflammatory and organ protective activity through its interaction with endothelial heparan sulfate containing a 3-O-sulfate modification. Our objective was to examine the effects of T/HS on 3-O-sulfated (3-OS) heparan sulfate expression and determine whether AT-heparan sulfate interactions are necessary for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Characteristics influencing COVID-19 testing and vaccination among Spanish-speaking Latine persons in North Carolina.

Background: Latine populations in the United States continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 with high rates of infection and mortality. Our community-based participatory research partnership examined factors associated with COVID-19 testing and vaccination within a particularly hidden, underserved, and vulnerable population: Spanish-speaking Latines.

Methods: In 2023, native Spanish-speaking Latine interviewers conducted phone-based structured individual assessments with 180 Spanish-speaking, predominantly immigrant Latines across North Carolina.

Influence of birthplace and age at migration on cognitive aging among Hispanic/Latino populations in the U.S.: Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA).

Background And Objectives: While Hispanic/Latino populations in the U.S. are remarkably diverse in terms of birthplace and age at migration, we poorly understand how these factors are associated with cognitive aging.

Violence against women and girls research: Leveraging gains across disciplines.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, linked to numerous health, economic, and human rights outcomes. Target 5.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for elimination of all forms of VAWG; however, progress toward achieving this goal has been inadequate.

Aberrant DNA methylation of EDNRB, MGMT and TIMP3 gene promoters in saliva of head and neck carcinoma patients as a diagnostic tool.

Background: Differential DNA methylation in the promoter region of tumour suppressor genes leads to gene function silencing.

Materials And Methods: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the salivary promoter methylation of EDNRB, MGMT and TIMP3 genes in H&NC patients (n = 100), premalignant lesions patients (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 50). Blood and saliva samples were collected from all three groups and 20 concomitant tumour tissues were collected from the H&NC patients.

Judaism, Women's Health and COVID-19.

This issue commences with a review of the top 100 most cited papers in the Journal of Religion and Health. This is followed by Part 2 of a series examining Judaism and health related research, which is subsequently followed by an extensive collection of research specifically connected to women's health. Finally, research continues to present the unique and ongoing effects of COVID-19.