Guidelines to minimize risk when dry needling the rectus capitus posterior major muscle.

Background: Headache disorders are prevalent often leading to disability. The rectus capitus posterior major muscle (RCPMaj) may contribute to headache symptoms via nociceptive convergence and myodural bridging.

Objectives: To establish guidelines for needle length and needle angle to mitigate risks during dry needling RCPMaj.

Fabrication of hierarchical sapphire nanostructures using ultrafast laser induced morphology change.

Sapphire is an attractive material in photonic, optoelectronic, and transparent ceramic applications that stand to benefit from surface functionalization effects stemming from micro/nanostructures. Here we investigate the use of ultrafast lasers for fabricating nanostructures in sapphire by exploring the relationship between irradiation parameters, morphology change, and selective etching. In this approach an ultrafast laser pulse is focused on the sapphire substrate to change the crystalline morphology to amorphous or polycrystalline, which is characterized by examining different vibrational modes using Raman spectroscopy.

Development of a rapid antigen-based lateral flow assay for tick-borne spotted fever rickettsioses.

Tick-borne spotted fever rickettsioses (SFRs) continue to cause severe illness and death in otherwise-healthy individuals due to lack of a timely and reliable diagnostic laboratory test. We recently identified a diagnostic biomarker for SFRs, the putative N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase RC0497. Here, we developed a prototype laboratory test that targets RC0497 for diagnosis of SFRs.

Redefining the limits of actuating fibers via mesophase control: From contraction to elongation.

The development of fibrous actuators with diverse actuation modes is expected to accelerate progress in active textiles, robotics, wearable electronics, and haptics. Despite the advances in responsive polymer-based actuating fibers, the available actuation modes are limited by the exclusive reliance of current technologies on thermotropic contraction along the fiber axis. To address this gap, the present study describes a reversible and spontaneous thermotropic elongation (~30%) in liquid crystal elastomer fibers produced via ultraviolet-assisted melt spinning.

Derivation and Validation of D-RISK: An Electronic Health Record-Driven Risk Score to Detect Undiagnosed Dysglycemia in Clinical Practice.

Objective: We derive and validate D-RISK, an electronic health record (EHR)-driven risk score to optimize and facilitate screening for undiagnosed dysglycemia (prediabetes + diabetes) in clinical practice.

Research Design And Methods: We used retrospective EHR data (derivation sample) and a prospective diabetes screening study (validation sample) to develop D-RISK. Logistic regression with backward selection was used to predict dysglycemia (HbA1c ≥5.

Collagen turnover during cervical remodeling involves both intracellular and extracellular collagen degradation pathways.

Reproductive success requires accurately timed remodeling of the cervix to orchestrate the maintenance of pregnancy, the process of labor, and birth. Prior work in mice established that a combination of continuous turnover of fibrillar collagen and reduced formation of collagen cross-links allows for the gradual increase in tissue compliance and delivery of the fetus during labor. However, the mechanism for continuous collagen degradation to ensure turnover during cervical remodeling is still unknown.

Effectiveness of behavioural and psychological interventions for managing obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis framed using minimal important difference estimates based on GRADE guidance to inform a clinical practice guideline.

Objective: Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioural and psychological interventions for managing paediatric obesity.

Methods: Eligible studies, published between 1985 and 2022, included 0 to 18 year olds with outcomes reported ≥3 months post-baseline, including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), cardiometabolic and anthropometric outcomes, and adverse events (AEs). We pooled data using a random effects model and assessed certainty of evidence (CoE) related to minimally important difference estimates for outcomes using GRADE.

Efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation in refractory postamputation pain: A narrative review.

The management of postamputation pain remains a significant clinical challenge, with existing therapeutic approaches often yielding inconsistent outcomes. Neuromodulation techniques, particularly peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), have emerged as promising interventions. However, the evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating phantom limb pain (PLP) and residual limb pain (RLP) remains limited.

The Role of Complicated Grief in Health Inequities in American Indian Communities.

Complicated grief is both a cause and a consequence of health inequities in Native (American Indian/Alaska Native [AI/AN]) communities. Given disproportionately high rates of physical (e.g.

Electronic health Literacy gaps among adults with diabetes in the United States: Role of socioeconomic and demographic factors.

Background: Digital health technologies hold promises for enhancing healthcare and self-management in diabetes. However, disparities in Electronic Health Literacy (EHL) exist among diabetes populations. This study investigates EHL trends and demographic differences among adults with diabetes in the United States from 2011 to 2018.

Design and validation of cell-based potency assays for frataxin supplementation treatments.

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a multisystem, autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the frataxin () gene. As FRDA is considered an FXN deficiency disorder, numerous therapeutic approaches in development or clinical trials aim to supplement FXN or restore endogenous expression. These include gene therapy, protein supplementation, genome editing or upregulation of transcription.

Estimating disease onset distribution functions in mutation carriers with censored mixture data.

We consider non-parametric estimation of disease onset distribution functions in multiple populations by using censored data with unknown population identifiers. The problem is motivated from studies aiming at estimating the age-specific disease risk distribution in deleterious mutation carriers for genetic counselling and design of therapeutic intervention trials to modify disease progression (i.e.

Chimeric Osteocutaneous Free Flap Solution to Variation in Vascular Anatomy.

When squamous cell carcinoma necessitates mandibular resection, the resultant defect can be complex. An osteocutaneous fibula free flap is an effective reconstruction option, typically supplied by the peroneal artery for both the fibula and skin flap. In this case report, an anatomical variation was found: the skin paddle was supplied by soleus musculocutaneous perforators of the posterior tibial artery, whereas the fibula was supplied by the peroneal artery.

Motivators and Barriers to Seeking Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Among Adolescents: A Qualitative Study.

Background: The prevalence of severe obesity among adolescents has increased the use of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) as a therapeutic option. Understanding factors influencing adolescent MBS choice and the support needed to undergo MBS is crucial for improving health outcomes. This study examines the motivations and support needs of a diverse sample of adolescents seeking MBS via the patient voice.

Medical researchers' perception of sharing of metadata from case report forms.

Introduction: Publishing medical metadata stored in case report forms (CRFs) is a prerequisite for the development of a learning health system (LHS) by fostering reuse of metadata and standardization in health research. The aim of our study was to investigate medical researchers' (MRs) willingness to share CRFs, to identify reasons for and against CRF sharing, and to determine if and under which conditions MRs might consider sharing CRF metadata via a public registry.

Methods: We examined CRF data sharing commitments for 1842 interventional trials registered on the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS) from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021.

Control of metalloenzyme activity using photopharmacophores.

Metalloenzymes are responsible for numerous physiological and pathological processes in living organisms; however, there are very few FDA-approved metalloenzyme-targeting therapeutics (only ~ 67 FDA-approved metalloenzyme inhibitors as of 2020, less than ~ 5 % of all FDA-approved therapeutics). Most metalloenzyme inhibitors have been developed to target the catalytic metal centers in metalloenzymes the incorporation of metal-binding groups. Light-controlled inhibition of metalloenzymes has been used as a means to specifically activate and inactivate inhibitor engagement at a desired location and time light irradiation, allowing for precise spatiotemporal control over metalloenzyme activity.

Radiate & Educate: Empowering Future Physicians through an International Radiation Oncology Student Newsletter.

Background: The field of radiation oncology (RO) is frequently overlooked by medical students due to limited exposure during traditional medical school curricula. Initiatives aimed at increasing exposure while creating opportunities for medical student engagement are vital. Here, we present the inception, 1.

Prenatal Identification of Intracardiac Mass Expedites Surgical Management of Capillary-Venous Malformation.

Fetal and neonatal cardiac tumors are rare and often benign. Clinical presentation is primarily related to mass effect, pericardial effusion or arrhythmia. Prenatal detection can assist with risk assessment and inform optimal delivery plan and postnatal management.

The Efficacy of Lubiprostone in Patients of Constipation: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aim: Lubiprostone increases chloride and water secretion in the intestines, and several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of lubiprostone in treating functional constipation. Several new clinical trials have emerged since the previous meta-analysis conducted in 2020. We conducted this updated meta-analysis to assess clinical efficacy of lubiprostone in these patients.

Using Social Media for More Engaged Users and Enhanced Health Communication in Diabetes Care.

Background: Recent literature identified social media message features predictive of user engagement. Desired information from a patient perspective and use of social media information from a provider perspective in diabetes care is less clear.

Purpose: Our study analyzed diabetes patients' desired information from social media and how such information could be used in conjunction with doctor-patient communication to enhance compliance with recommended care.

Is Engagement in Physical Activity Related to Its Perceived Mental Health Benefits Among People With Depression and Anxiety? A Population-Scale Survey Study.

Objective: To examine the prevalence of awareness of PA (physical activity) benefits among those with mental disorders and explore how this is related to actual PA levels in this population.

Methods: We queried data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 2019. A sample of 1,139 adults with self-reported depression and anxiety (61% female; mean age of 52.