HBM4EU chromates study: the Portuguese integrated and harmonized study on exposure to hexavalent chromium and related early effects.

In the scope of the European Union (EU) human biomonitoring initiative, a multicentric study on different occupational settings from several European countries was performed, to provide information on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a known lung carcinogen. Biomonitoring approaches were used to obtain exposure data to support the implementation of new risk management measures and policy actions at the national and European levels. This work describes the Portuguese contribution to the study, which aimed to assess workers' exposure to Cr, by using exposure biomarkers (urinary chromium [U-Cr]), and industrial hygiene samples (air and hand wipes) and to link exposure to potential long-term health effects by using effect biomarkers.

A standard procedure for constructing a multi-level social vulnerability index using CLSA and SOS data as working examples.

Background: The construct of social vulnerability attempts to understand social circumstances not merely as a descriptor, but as a predictor of adverse health events. It can be measured by aggregating social deficits in a social vulnerability index (SVI). We describe a standard procedure for constructing a multi-level SVI using two working examples.

Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Revealed by Diffusion-Tensor MRI.

Objectives: Detecting premalignant lesions for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, mainly pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), is critical for early diagnosis and for understanding PanIN biology. Based on PanIN's histology, we hypothesized that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and T2* could detect PanIN.

Materials And Methods: DTI was explored for the detection and characterization of PanIN in genetically engineered mice (KC, KPC).

Effects of climate change on the distribution of Molossus molossus and the potential risk of Orthohantavirus transmission in the Neotropical region.

Molossus molossus is a widely distributed neotropical bat species in the Americas, often found in urban areas. This study evaluated climate change effects on the potential geographic distribution of M. molossus, a natural host of zoonotic pathogens such as Orthohantavirus, in the Neotropical region.

Quality of reporting on psychological interventions in psychedelic treatments: a systematic review.

Although studies of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy are accumulating, there is no consensus regarding best practice of the psychotherapeutic component. In this systematic review, we summarised the quality of reporting on psychological interventions in research about psychedelic treatments. The design followed PRISMA guidelines and was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42022319221).

[High blood pressure and associated lifestyles in an urban population in Argentina].

Introduction: The American Heart Association (AHA/ACC) sets as a goal for blood pressure (BP) control not to exceed values of 130/80 mmHg, both in individuals with and without a diagnosis of hypertension (HT), standards not evaluated so far in the Argentine population. The objective was to determine the prevalence of high BP (HBP) in individuals with and without a diagnosis of HT taking into account the AHA/ACC criteria and to evaluate its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Materials And Methods: Cross-sectional populationbased study in 911 persons >18 years of age in Córdoba, Argentina (period 2020-2022).

Misinformation and Readability of Social Media Content on Pediatric Ankyloglossia and Other Oral Ties.

Importance: Diagnosis of pediatric ankyloglossia and other oral ties is increasing in part due to social media, leading to more frenotomies and excess medicalization of often normal anatomy.

Objective: To assess the accuracy and readability of social media content on pediatric ankyloglossia and other oral ties.

Design, Setting, And Participants: In this cross-sectional study, the top 200 posts on an image-based social media platform tagged with #tonguetie, #liptie, or #buccaltie were collected using a de novo account on March 27, 2023.

Tract-specific spinal damage in SCA2, SCA3 and SCA6.

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive ataxia. Although previous studies have focused on cerebral and cerebellar damage, spinal cord involvement in SCAs remains underexplored.

Objectives: This study aims to characterize spinal cord abnormalities in SCA2, SCA3, and SCA6 and to identify its phenotypic correlates.

Finerenone, Obesity, and Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced/Preserved Ejection Fraction: Prespecified Analysis of FINEARTS-HF.

Background: Obesity is associated with excessive adipocyte-derived aldosterone secretion, independent of the classical renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may be more effective in patients with heart failure (HF) and obesity.

Objectives: This study sought to examine the effects of the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone compared with placebo, according to body mass index (BMI) in FINEARTS-HF (FINerenone trial to investigate Efficacy and sAfety superioR to placebo in paTientS with Heart Failure).

Methods: A total of 6,001 patients with HF with NYHA functional class II, III, and IV, a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥40%, evidence of structural heart disease, and elevated natriuretic peptide levels were randomized to finerenone or placebo.

The BSSO Foundry: A community of practice for ontologies in the behavioural and social sciences.

There has been a rapid expansion in the quantity and complexity of data, information and knowledge created in the behavioural and social sciences, yet the field is not advancing understanding, practice or policy to the extent that the insights warrant. One challenge is that research often progresses in disciplinary silos and is reported using inconsistent and ambiguous terminology. This makes it difficult to integrate and aggregate findings to produce cumulative bodies of knowledge that can be translated to applied settings.

Drivers of consumption of plant-based meat alternatives and their nutritional contributions: A mixed methods approach.

Background: Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) are considered an alternative to animal products. We aimed to understand the patterns and drivers of consumption of PBMA and their nutritional contributions using dietary modelling, whilst also considering the relevance of processing.

Methods: This study used a mixed methods exploratory sequential approach.

Bio-Interventional Cyclodialysis and Allograft Scleral Reinforcement for Uveoscleral Outflow Enhancement in Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients: One-Year Clinical Outcomes.

Background: To evaluate the one-year safety and effectiveness of bio-interventional cyclodialysis and scleral reinforcement in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Methods: An ab-interno approach was used to create a sectoral cyclodialysis in OAG patients who were prospectively followed in a consecutive case series. Subsequent visco-cycloplasty with scleral reinforcement using homologous minimally modified allograft scaffold was completed to maintain patency of the cyclodialysis reservoir and increase uveoscleral outflow.

mRNA COVID-19 vaccine safety among children and adolescents: a Canadian National Vaccine Safety Network cohort study.

Background: The Canadian National Vaccine Safety Network conducted active safety surveillance for COVID-19 vaccines. This study aimed to characterize the short-to-medium term safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines across the pediatric age spectrum.

Methods: In this cohort study, vaccinated and unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 6 months to 19 years from eight Canadian provinces and territories were invited to participate.

Vertebral Column Decancellation for Correcting Cervicothoracic Kyphotic Deformity in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Objective: Surgery to correct the cervicothoracic kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be associated with serious neurovascular risks. According to the literature, there are no clinical reports documenting the use of vertebral column decancellation (VCD) in the treatment of cervicothoracic kyphotic deformity in patients with AS. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively analyze and evaluate the effect of VCD on cervicothoracic kyphotic deformity in patients with AS.

Acute endothelial stresses identify microRNA let-7b-5p and non-coding SLC11A2 (NRAMP2/DMT1) exon as biomarkers that overlap with those detected in malignant and non-malignant diseases.

Background: Disease biomarkers are often identified long after initiating pathologies, hampering mechanistic understanding and development of preventative strategies. We hypothesised that aberrant cellular responses to normally-encountered stresses may be relevant to later disease states.

Aim: To model two under-explored acute cellular stresses for blood-exposed cells, and cross-reference to known biomarkers of disease.

Sex-based differences in risk of revision for infection after hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle arthroplasty in osteoarthritis patients: a multinational registry study of 4,800,000 implants.

Background And Purpose:  We aimed to determine sex differences for periprosthetic joint infections after primary arthroplasty of the hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder in osteoarthritis patients in an international perspective.

Methods:  This is a multinational combined arthroplasty registry study. Each arthroplasty registry performed Cox-regression analysis of their data and reported the crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with an a priori designed data form.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: International Results from Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study.

Key Points: CKD-associated pruritus is highly prevalent among peritoneal dialysis patients. Pruritus is associated with reduced health-related quality of life, and the composite of mortality and transfer to hemodialysis for peritoneal dialysis patients. Efforts to better identify and manage pruritus in this population are needed.

Loop Ileostomy With Colonic Lavage: Case Report of an Alternative to Total Colectomy in the Setting of Fulminant Clostridium difficile Colitis.

Fulminant colitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of associated bacterial disease leading to inflammation and damage to the colon. Complications such as toxic megacolon, sepsis, and multi-organ failure commonly occur in individuals with compromised immune systems and recent antibiotic use. Management of colitis involves optimization of fluid and electrolyte balance, and elimination of bacteria commonly by administering vancomycin or fidaxomicin.

Lupus Anticoagulant-Hypoprothrombinemia Syndrome: A Duality Between Thrombosis and Hemorrhage.

Lupus anticoagulant-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) is an uncommon but significant hematological disorder characterized by the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and reduced levels of prothrombin (factor II). This syndrome presents a unique clinical paradox where patients may experience both a bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia and a prothrombotic state associated with LA. This syndrome should be suspected in the presence of increased coagulation times (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time) in association with the presence of LA.

Height and weight reference charts for Brazilians with intellectual disabilities aged 7-17.

Objective: It was to develop smoothed height and weight percentiles for boys and girls with IDs between 7 and 17 years old.

Methods: The sample consisted of 1,047 young people (645 boys and 402 girls; 7-17 years old) with ID. A total of 4,059 measurements (height: n = 2,041; weight: n = 2,018) were retrospectively obtained from the period between 2013 and 2018.