Association of Step Count with Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Results from the Virtual 2-Minute Step Test.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that step count based on a virtual 2-minute step test (2MST) predicts cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Veteran Affairs Medical Centers participating in a randomized trial of functional exercise training delivered by videoconferencing.

Stabilizing milk-derived extracellular vesicles (mEVs) through lyophilization: a novel trehalose and tryptophan formulation for maintaining structure and Bioactivity during long-term storage.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are widely investigated for their implications in cell-cell signaling, immune modulation, disease pathogenesis, cancer, regenerative medicine, and as a potential drug delivery vector. However, maintaining integrity and bioactivity of EVs between Good Manufacturing Practice separation/filtration and end-user application remains a consistent bottleneck towards commercialization. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (mEVs), separated from bovine milk, could provide a relatively low-cost, scalable platform for large-scale mEV production; however, the reliance on cold supply chain for storage remains a logistical and financial burden for biologics that are unstable at room temperature.

Virtual Monitoring Technician Performance in High-Fidelity Simulations of Remote Patient Monitoring: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Virtual Monitor Technicians (VMTs) are crucial in remotely monitoring inpatient telemetry. However, little is known about VMT workload and intratask performance changes, and their potential impact on patient safety. This exploratory study used a high-fidelity simulation aimed to evaluate VMTs' workload and performance changes over time in telemetry monitoring and identify future research directions for performance improvement.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM) versus flexible endoscopic septotomy (FES) for treatment of Zenker's diverticulum: does either make the cut? A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes.

Background: Endoscopic treatments of symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) include flexible endoscopic septotomy (FES) and, more recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM). Data comparing these techniques are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis evaluating FES vs.

An exploration of the relationship between ineffective modes of mentalization and difficulties related to borderline personality disorder: A network approach.

Background: The mentalization-based perspective of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) underscores fluctuating interpersonal functionality, believed to arise from suboptimal mentalization modes, including hyper- and hypomentalizing. The connection between ineffective mentalizing and specific BPD challenges remains ambiguous. Network theory offers a unique means to investigate the hypothesis that distinct yet interconnected mental challenges ('symptoms') construct 'disorders' through their continuous mutual interactions.

Molecular Basis of Oncogenic PI3K Proteins.

The dysregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling plays a pivotal role in driving neoplastic transformation by promoting uncontrolled cell survival and proliferation. This oncogenic activity is primarily caused by mutations that are frequently found in PI3K genes and constitutively activate the PI3K signaling pathway. However, tumorigenesis can also arise from nonmutated PI3K proteins adopting unique active conformations, further complicating the understanding of PI3K-driven cancers.

Gastric and Esophageal Cancer in Pregnancy: A Review.

Importance: Upper gastrointestinal cancers such as gastric and esophageal cancers are rare malignancies with poor prognosis because it is usually diagnosed in latter stages. Presenting symptoms are frequently presumed pregnancy related rather than malignancy related. This review will raise awareness to consider these aggressive cancers in evaluating gastrointestinal complaints during pregnancy.

Percutaneous Thrombovegectomy as an Alternative to Surgery for Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis.

Background: Undergoing an urgent valve surgical procedure to treat patients with tricuspid valve endocarditis carries a high risk of operative morbidity and mortality. Use of a percutaneous vacuum-assisted system to treat tricuspid valve endocarditis is an alternative to surgical procedures.

Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed data from 187 transcatheter vacuum-assisted aspiration procedures performed in 177 patients with tricuspid valve vegetations at 3 different centers between 2017 and April 2022.

Emotional words evoke region- and valence-specific patterns of concurrent neuromodulator release in human thalamus and cortex.

Words represent a uniquely human information channel-humans use words to express thoughts and feelings and to assign emotional valence to experience. Work from model organisms suggests that valence assignments are carried out in part by the neuromodulators dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Here, we ask whether valence signaling by these neuromodulators extends to word semantics in humans by measuring sub-second neuromodulator dynamics in the thalamus (N = 13) and anterior cingulate cortex (N = 6) of individuals evaluating positive, negative, and neutrally valenced words.

Modifications to the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Complications after Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: Preoperative malnutrition is a known risk factor for postoperative complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA), however, there is scant literature comparing which nutritional index is best at predicting these outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of the Maastricht Index (MI), Onodera's Prognostic Index (OPNI), the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and a novel, modified Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (mGNRI) in predicting periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), wound complications (WC), readmission, and reoperation rates after TJA.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who underwent primary TJA from January 2016 to December 2021.

EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy for Benign Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a clinical manifestation of mechanical obstruction at the antropyloric region or proximal small bowel. The goal of endoscopic management is to relieve the obstruction so patients can resume per oral intake. Most studies have focused on malignant causes of GOO; yet only a handful have explored outcomes related to benign etiologies.

Impact of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy on Mental Health and Multidimensional Outcome and Quality of Life: An NIDILRR TBIMS Study.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subsequent post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) often impair daily activities and mental health (MH), which contribute to long-term TBI-related disability. PTE also affects driving capacity, which impacts functional independence, community participation, and satisfaction with life (SWL). However, studies evaluating the collective impact of PTE on multidimensional outcomes are lacking.

Quantifying the Diagnostic Odyssey Burden Among Persons with Inborn Errors of Immunity.

Purpose: Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) have lifelong health complications including severe infections and physical impairments. Previous studies show that a patient's perception of their health is an important predictor of health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand factors related to patient reported health status.

Clinical Outcomes for Postinfarct Ventricular Septal Defect Repair in a Large State-Wide Surgical Registry.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a life-threatening complication occurring after delayed presentation of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We assessed clinical characteristics based on mortality following surgical repair of post-AMI VSD and evaluated trends of mortality, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device use, and surgical approach. We included all patients who had surgical VSD repair following AMI who were included in a regional quality collaborative from May 2008 through January 2020.

Herpes simplex virus presenting as an oropharyngeal mass.

Objectives: Present a clinically challenging case of an immunocompetent 74-year-old male who presented with marked dyspnea and hemoptysis. After the airway was secured, direct laryngoscopy revealed a large, fungating, hemorrhagic mass of the left lateral pharyngeal wall and surrounding structures.

Methods: Chart review of a single patient.

The Role of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluating Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Partially-Blinded Retrospective Study of a Prostatectomy Patient Cohort With Whole Gland Histopathology Correlation and Application of PI-RADS or TNM Staging.

Background: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the current Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PI-RADS v2.1) is considered optional, with primary scoring based on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).

Modern Treatment of Hallux Rigidus by Cheilectomy: A Systematic Review of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Techniques.

Background: Minimally invasive cheilectomy is becoming a more prominent surgical approach in the management of mild to moderate hallux rigidus. This systematic review aims to analyze and present the current literature on patient-reported outcomes following minimally invasive (MIS) cheilectomy for mild to moderate hallux rigidus.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus databases were searched in April 2024.

Mentalizing, epistemic trust and interpersonal problems in emotion regulation: A sequential path analysis across common mental health disorders and community control samples.

Background: Emotion regulation is a crucial function implicated in multiple mental health disorders; understanding the mechanisms by which emotion regulation has such impact is essential. Mentalizing has been posited as a prerequisite for effective emotion regulation. The current study aims to examine the roles of epistemic trust and interpersonal problems in driving the association between mentalizing and emotion regulation, contrasting clinical and non-clinical populations.

Preoperative Physical Therapy Is Protective From Construct Failure in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) construct failure have been studied extensively. However, while some studies account for variables such as activity level, construct types, preoperative physical therapy, or patient demographics individually, comprehensive studies that control for all these factors simultaneously are scarce.

Hypothesis: By utilizing a robust multivariable analysis, the factors associated with an increased risk of ACLR construct failure can be determined.

Cannabidiol prescribing in the United States: An analysis of real-world data.

Background: Off-label prescribing of Epidiolex® (pharmaceutical cannabidiol) comes with both potential benefits and risks for patients. The aims of this study were to: (1) identify the percentage of people prescribed Epidiolex® who do not have diagnostic indications for Epidiolex® (Lennox Gastaut Syndrome [LGS], Dravet Syndrome [DS], and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC]) and (2) examine potential co-prescribing of medications that may interact with Epidiolex®.

Method: Using TriNetX analytics, a web-based database of de-identified electronic health records spanning >110 million people in the United States, we analyzed 4214 people receiving Epidiolex® in 2022.

The Reporting of Race and Ethnicity in the Conduct Disorder Literature: A Time-Sensitive Review.

Background: Among presenting conditions in pediatric acute care settings, conduct disorder (CD) is a potentially stigmatizing yet common diagnosis in the setting of behavioral dysregulation requiring psychiatric admission. Concerns exist about over-diagnosis of CD in non-Hispanic Black children relative to White peers and the potential for the CD diagnosis to obfuscate manifestations of co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

Methods: We evaluated the number of manuscripts on CD diagnoses that report race and ethnicity and co-occurring mental health characteristics (i.