Synthetic rational design of live-attenuated Zika viruses based on a computational model.

Many viruses of the Flaviviridae family, including the Zika virus (ZIKV), are human pathogens of significant public health concerns. Despite extensive research, there are currently no approved vaccines available for ZIKV and specifically no live-attenuated Zika vaccine. In this current study, we suggest a novel computational algorithm for generating live-attenuated vaccines via the introduction of silent mutation into regions that undergo selection for strong or weak local RNA folding or into regions that exhibit medium levels of sequence conservation.

"Listening to understand," exploring postpartum women's perceptions of their social networks and social support in relation to their health behaviors and weight: A qualitative exploratory study.

Background: Postpartum is a critical period to interrupt weight gain across the lifespan, decrease weight-related risk in future pregnancies, promote healthy behaviors that are often adopted during pregnancy, and improve long-term health. Because the postpartum period is marked by unique challenges to a person's ability to prioritize healthy behaviors, a multi-level/domain approach to intervention beyond the individual-level factors of diet and activity is needed.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand postpartum people's perceptions about the relationship between their social networks and support, and their health behaviors and weight.

Injectable Estradiol Use in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals in the U.S.: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Context: Guidelines for use of injectable estradiol esters (valerate [EV] and cypionate [EC]) among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals designated male at birth vary considerably, with many providers noting supraphysiologic serum estradiol concentrations based on current dosing recommendations.

Objectives: 1. Determine dose of injectable estradiol (subcutaneous [SC] and intramuscular [IM]) needed to reach guideline-recommended estradiol concentrations for TGD adults using EC/EV.

Aggressive Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of the Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes of a Rare Hand Tumor.

Background: Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPA) is a rare skin adnexal tumor with a predilection for the hand. The presentation, treatment, and outcomes of ADPA remain poorly defined due to the scarcity of reports and low-level evidence of published findings.

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines with the intent to provide hand surgeons a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Collegiate Marching Band Artists Self-Report Previous Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is commonly observed in endurance athletes, where prolonged physical exertion combined with being unaware of personal hydration needs can lead to excessive water consumption or inadequate sodium intake. Marching band (MB) is an emerging setting for sports medicine professionals. However, there is little research on non-musculoskeletal illnesses among these performing artists.

Comparison of Three Chimeric Zika Vaccine Prototypes Developed on the Genetic Background of the Clinically Proven Live-Attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine SA-14-2.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a medically important mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus, but no vaccines are currently available to prevent ZIKV-associated disease. In this study, we compared three recombinant chimeric viruses developed as candidate vaccine prototypes (rJEV/ZIKV, rJEV/ZIKV, and rJEV/ZIKV), in which the two neutralizing antibody-inducing prM and E genes from each of three genetically distinct ZIKV strains were used to replace the corresponding genes of the clinically proven live-attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine SA-14-2 (rJEV). In WHO-certified Vero cells (a cell line suitable for vaccine production), rJEV/ZIKV exhibited the slowest viral growth, formed the smallest plaques, and displayed a unique protein expression profile with the highest ratio of prM to cleaved M when compared to the other two chimeric viruses, rJEV/ZIKV and rJEV/ZIKV, as well as their vector, rJEV.

Investigation of Active Components of (Maxim.) Franch in Mitigating Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has rapidly emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, representing a significant and escalating public health challenge. (Maxim.) Franch, a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb used for treating hepatitis, remains largely unexplored regarding its therapeutic potential and active components in combating NAFLD.

Hypoxia Promotes Osteoclast Differentiation by Weakening USP18-Mediated Suppression on the NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Osteoporosis, a prevalent metabolic bone disorder, is characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture risk. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis is closely associated with an imbalance in bone remodeling, in which the resorption function of osteoclasts exceeds the formation function of osteoblasts. Hypoxia has been implicated in the promotion of osteoclast differentiation and the subsequent development of osteoporosis.

Dynamic Prediction of Physical Exertion: Leveraging AI Models and Wearable Sensor Data During Cycling Exercise.

: This study aimed to explore machine learning approaches for predicting physical exertion using physiological signals collected from wearable devices. : Both traditional machine learning and deep learning methods for classification and regression were assessed. The research involved 27 healthy participants engaged in controlled cycling exercises.

Recent Advances in the Tunable Optoelectromagnetic Properties of PEDOTs.

Conducting polymers represent a crucial class of functional materials with widespread applications in diverse fields. Among these, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its derivatives have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive optical, electronic, and magnetic properties, as well as their exceptional tunability. These properties often exhibit intricate interdependencies, manifesting as synergistic, concomitant, or antagonistic relationships.

Illicit drug use among adolescents and young adults with impairments in the US: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use And Health.

Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis is to compare the degree to which adolescents and adults with and without impairments in the US engage in illicit drug use.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2022 National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Impairment status (mobility, cognitive, hearing, vision, self-care, and communication impairments), illicit drug use (cocaine, crack, heroin, hallucinogens, LSD, ecstasy and molly, inhalants, and methamphetamine), and demographic variables were measured using self-report.

Advanced therapies in US veterans with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a retrospective, active-comparator, new-user, cohort study.

Background: Uncertainty exists regarding patient outcomes when using TNF inhibitors versus other biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD). We compared survival and respiratory hospitalisation outcomes following initiation of TNF-inhibitor or non-TNF inhibitor biological or targeted synthetic DMARDs for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis-associated ILD.

Methods: We did a retrospective, active-comparator, new-user, observational cohort study with propensity score matching following the target trial emulation framework using US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic and administrative health records.

Activity of Platinum Chemotherapy in Men With Prostate Cancer With and Without DNA Damage Repair Mutations.

Introduction: Alterations in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes occur in 20%-30% of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) which may increase sensitivity to platinum chemotherapy. Specifically, exceptional responses to platinum chemotherapy have been reported among patients with BRCA mutations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of platinum chemotherapy in patients with mCRPC with and without HRR.

Thoracic Surgery Outcomes Research Network (ThORN) Consensus Document on Defining a High Quality Wedge Resection for Early Stage Lung Cancer.

With the publication of CALGB 140503, an increase in wedge resections for small, peripheral non-small cell lung cancer is expected; however, a relative paucity of data exists as to what defines a high quality oncologic wedge resection. The Thoracic Surgery Outcomes Research Network (ThORN), through expert discussion, guided by review of what limited data does exist, and through use of a modified Delphi process, provides these consensus statements defining an oncologically sound, high quality wedge resection. The statements are classified into five categories: 1) Preoperative Considerations 2) Technical Aspects 3) Lymph Node Assessment 4) Margin Assessment and 5) Tissue Handling by Pathology.

Nurse Leader Perspectives and Experiences on Caregiver Support Following a Serious Medical Error.

Objective: This study explored nurse leaders' perspectives and experiences in supporting nurses following a serious medical error.

Background: Appropriate support is crucial for nurses following an error. Authentic leadership provides an environment of psychological safety and establishes a patient safety culture.

Patient-reported outcome trajectories the first 24 months after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a Quality Outcomes Database study.

Objective: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) shows varying levels of improvement after surgical treatment. While some patients improve soon after surgery, others may take months to years to show any signs of improvement. The goal of this study was to evaluate postoperative improvement, patient-reported outcomes, and patient satisfaction up to 2 years after surgical treatment for CSM, which will help optimize the current treatment strategies and effectively manage patient expectations.

Redesigning protonic ceramic electrochemical cells to lower the operating temperature.

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) can operate at intermediate temperatures (450° to 600°C) for power generation and hydrogen production. However, the operating temperature is still too high to revolutionize ceramic electrochemical cell technology. Lowering the operating temperature to <450°C will enable a wider material choice and reduce system costs.

Reduced circulating sphingolipids and activity are linked to T2D risk and impaired insulin secretion.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a transient form of diabetes that resolves postpartum, is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in women. While the progression from GDM to T2D is not fully understood, it involves both genetic and environmental components. By integrating clinical, metabolomic, and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we identified associations between decreased sphingolipid biosynthesis and future T2D, in part through the allele of the gene in Hispanic women shortly after a GDM pregnancy.

Radon Exposure and Gestational Diabetes.

Importance: Understanding environmental risk factors for gestational diabetes (GD) is crucial for developing preventive strategies and improving pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: To examine the association of county-level radon exposure with GD risk in pregnant individuals.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This multicenter, population-based cohort study used data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b) cohort, which recruited nulliparous pregnant participants from 8 US clinical centers between October 2010 and September 2013.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Children with Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Ventricular Septum: Mortality and Associated Outcomes.

Data on outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are limited in patients with pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum (PAIVS). The objective of this study was to describe the use of ECMO and the associated outcomes in patients with PAIVS. We retrospectively reviewed neonates with PAIVS who received ECMO between 2009 and 2019 in 19 US hospitals affiliated with the Collaborative Research for the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (CoRe-PCICS).