Discrimination in Multi-Phase Systems: Evidence from Child Protection.

We develop empirical tools for studying discrimination in multi-phase systems, and apply them to the setting of foster care placement by child protective services. Leveraging the quasi-random assignment of two sets of decision-makers-initial hotline call screeners and subsequent investigators-we study how unwarranted racial disparities arise and propagate through this system. Using a sample of over 200,000 maltreatment allegations, we find that calls involving Black children are 55% more likely to result in foster care placement than calls involving white children with the same potential for future maltreatment in the home.

Online patients questions regarding reverse total shoulder arthroplasty pertain to timeline of recovery, specific activities, and limitations.

Background: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) demonstrates favorable long-term data and has outpaced anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty as the most-performed shoulder arthroplasty procedure. As indications and outcomes continue to favor rTSA, patients may turn to the internet as an efficient modality to answer various questions or concerns. This study investigates online patient questions pertaining to rTSA and the quality of the websites providing information.

Recent Updates in the Diagnosis and Management of Kidney Diseases in Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) represents a difficult-to-treat plasma cell malignancy and the second most common hematologic malignancy in adults, significantly impacting kidney function. The spectrum of kidney involvement in MM is broad, encompassing electrolyte imbalances, tubular injury, and even rare glomerular diseases. The evolution of MM treatment modalities has led to notable improvements in the long-term survival of patients experiencing kidney-related complications.

Environment scan of generative AI infrastructure for clinical and translational science.

This study reports a comprehensive environmental scan of the generative AI (GenAI) infrastructure in the national network for clinical and translational science across 36 institutions supported by the CTSA Program led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the United States. Key findings indicate a diverse range of institutional strategies, with most organizations in the experimental phase of GenAI deployment. The results underscore the need for a more coordinated approach to GenAI governance, emphasizing collaboration among senior leaders, clinicians, information technology staff, and researchers.

Brain-Cognition Fingerprinting via Graph-GCCA with Contrastive Learning.

Many longitudinal neuroimaging studies aim to improve the understanding of brain aging and diseases by studying the dynamic interactions between brain function and cognition. Doing so requires accurate encoding of their multidimensional relationship while accounting for individual variability over time. For this purpose, we propose an unsupervised learning model (called ntrastive Learning-based ph Generalized nonical Correlation Analysis (CoGraCa)) that encodes their relationship via Graph Attention Networks and generalized Canonical Correlational Analysis.

Use of Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Sensory Nerve Injuries of the Head and Neck.

Background: Identification of peripheral nerve injuries of the head and neck can be challenging due to a broad spectrum of symptoms from neuropathic pain to headaches and migraine. This article aimed to present the clinical features and diagnostic workup of patients with acute and chronic peripheral nerve injuries of the head and neck using magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), to demonstrate potential advantages compared with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: Patients who presented with suspected peripheral nerve injury were either referred for a conventional MRI or MRN.

Supporting contraceptive self-care and reproductive empowerment with a digital health game in Barbados: Development and Pre-implementation study for What's My Method?

Effective contraceptive education is essential to reducing unwanted pregnancy, increasing uptake of modern contraceptive methods, and thoughtfully planning desired births. New World Health Organization (WHO) and family planning organization guidelines recommend situating contraceptive education and counseling within a broader context of self-care that emphasizes individual agency and reproductive empowerment. Digital health interventions, and games for health specifically, have been validated as effective and scalable tools for self-guided and interactive health education, especially among younger tech-savvy individuals.

Impact of liver cirrhosis on morbidity and mortality of patients admitted to the hospital with necrotizing fasciitis.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially fatal bacterial infection of the soft tissues. Liver cirrhosis appears to be a contributing factor to higher morbidity and mortality in patients with NF. This research article explores the relationship between these two conditions.

Key factors associated with oral health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate changes in oral health services from 2012 to 2021 and identify factors influencing the number of different types of services directly provided by all Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

Methods: Data from the 2012-2021 Uniform Data System were analyzed using multilevel mixed-effect negative binomial regression models. These models explored associations between oral health staffing, federal grant revenue, and state Medicaid dental policies for adults, and the number of different types of oral health services provided at FQHCs.

Population-Based Analysis of the Risk of Mycobacterial Infections Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

In this population-based study, we examined the risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors among people with cancer. Using a nested case-control design, we identified 184 cases and 714 matched controls; there was no significant association on conditional logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51 [95% confidence interval, .

A Decade of Oocyte Cryopreservation: New Horizons in Patients Accessing Care.

Utilization of fertility preservation treatments has increased since the American Society for Reproductive Medicine lifted the "experimental" label for oocyte cryopreservation in 2012. This study characterizes changes in insurance coverage, clinical outcomes, and live birth probabilities over a span of a decade (2012-2022) in patients who underwent planned oocyte cryopreservation. Retrospective analysis of planned oocyte cryopreservation cycles using vitrification from 2012 to 2022.

Supporting social justice through equity-based actions for a sustainable future in animal genetics (at the 39th International Society for Animal Genetics Conference).

The 39th International Society for Animal Genetics conference (ISAG) was held for the first time in Africa under the theme 'Animal genetics for a sustainable future' in 2023. The conference convened scientists, policy makers, industry professionals, and students from interdisciplinary fields to share and discuss the latest developments in the space of animal genetics. Since its inception as a society, ISAG has sought to provide a platform advocating for a just and equitable future in animal genetics.

Race and Ethnicity, Neighborhood Social Deprivation and Medicare Home Health Agency Quality for Persons Living With Serious Illness.

Objective: Examine the relationship between race and ethnicity and area-level social deprivation and Medicare home health care (HHC) agency quality for seriously ill older adults receiving HHC.

Methods: A linear probability fixed effects model analyzed the association between patient-level predictors and HHC agency quality (star-rating), controlling for neighborhood level fixed effects. Linear mixed regression modeled the relationship between area-level social deprivation and receiving care from a high-quality HHC agency.

Metallic Nanostructures: An Updated Review on Synthesis, Stability, Safety, and Applications with Tremendous Multifunctional Opportunities.

Metallic nanostructures play a vital role in technological advancement, providing exceptional performance and improved adaptability in comparison to their bulk equivalents. Conventional synthesis techniques frequently depend on dangerous reducing agents to transform metal ions into Nanoparticles (NPs), which presents considerable environmental and health issues. In contrast, the approach of green synthesis, which emphasizes the use of non-toxic reagents, has garnered significant interest as a sustainable method for the fabrication of Metallic Nanoparticles (MNPs).

A descriptive analysis of nurses' self-reported mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international study.

Aim: To describe the self-reported mental health of nurses from 35 countries who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: There is little occupationally specific data about nurses' mental health worldwide. Studies have documented the impact on nurses' mental health of the COVID-19 pandemic, but few have baseline referents.

Structural and evolutionary insights into the functioning of glycoprotein hormones and their receptors.

The neuroendocrine system that comprises the glycoprotein hormones (GpHs) and their receptors is essential for reproduction and metabolism. Each GpH hormone is an αβ heterodimer of cystine-knot proteins and its cognate receptor is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) distinguished by a large leucine-rich-repeat (LRR) extracellular domain that binds the hormone and a class A GPCR transmembrane domain that signals through an associating heterotrimeric G protein. Hence, the receptors are called LRR-containing GPCRs-LGRs.

Continuous risk monitoring and management of heart failure: Rationale and design of the ALLEVIATE-HF trial.

Aims: Early identification and management of worsening heart failure (HF) is necessary to prevent disease progression and hospitalizations. The ALLEVIATE-HF (Algorithm Using LINQ Sensors for Evaluation and Treatment of Heart Failure) trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial that aims to assess the safety and efficacy of using the Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) in patients with HF to continuously monitor and evaluate HF risk status and guide timely interventions.

Methods: The ICM algorithm uses parameters derived from electrocardiogram (atrial fibrillation [AF], ventricular rate during AF, heart rate variability, and night heart rate), three-axis accelerometer (patient activity duration), and subcutaneous bioimpedance (fluid volume, respiration rate).

Cultural Authority and (Non)Compliance with Public Health Directives: The Effect of Legitimacy and Values on Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the success of public health authorities' strategies to curb the spread of the virus hinged on individuals' voluntary compliance with their directives. This study considers how two components of the cultural authority of public health influenced compliance with health guidelines during the pandemic: (1) individuals' views of public health officials as legitimate and (2) the shared value of health. I also examine the influence of other basic values, alongside health, on pandemic behavior.

Health-related quality of life across heart failure categories: associations with clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Aims: The study aims to examine characteristics and outcomes associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved, mildly reduced and reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFpEF, HFmrEF and HFrEF).

Methods And Results: Data on HRQoL were collected in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF; 2000-2021) using the EuroQoL 5-dimensional visual analogue scale (EQ 5D-vas). Baseline EQ 5D-vas scores were categorized as 'best' (76-100), 'good' (51-75), 'bad' (26-50) and 'worst' (0-25).

Are More Adults Bleeding After Tonsillectomy Than in the Past?

Objective: Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) rates have increased in children over the last decade. This study aimed to determine whether PTH incidence in adults had also increased over the last 15 years.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Tau oligomers impair memory and synaptic plasticity through the cellular prion protein.

Deposition of abnormally phosphorylated tau aggregates is a central event leading to neuronal dysfunction and death in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Among tau aggregates, oligomers (TauOs) are considered the most toxic. AD brains show significant increase in TauOs compared to healthy controls, their concentration correlating with the severity of cognitive deficits and disease progression.

CARDIAC-STAR: prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with HR + /HER2 - metastatic breast cancer.

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities and concurrent medications with risk of heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation can impact treatment decisions and safety discussions for patients with breast cancer. However, limited data are available regarding their prevalence in patients with HR + /HER2- metastatic breast cancer (mBC). We evaluated the prevalence of CV comorbidities, the use of concurrent medications with risk of QTc prolongation, and treatment patterns in patients with newly diagnosed HR + /HER2 - mBC.