Prevalence, characteristics, and adverse birth outcomes of teen births in West Virginia: A population-based study.

Study Objective: Despite falling teen birth rates in the United States, there is a disproportionate burden of teen births in rural regions. The study aims to investigate the characteristics of teenage mothers and examine the relationships between teen birth and adverse birth outcomes in the rural Appalachian state of West Virginia (WV).

Methods: Data was obtained from a population-based cohort (Project WATCH) of all singleton live births in WV between May 2018 and April 2023.

Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation: Exploring a Novel Treatment for Severe Opioid Use Disorder.

Background: Opioid use disorder remains a critical healthcare challenge as current therapeutic strategies have limitations resulting in high recurrence and deaths. We evaluated safety and feasibility of focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation to reduce substance cravings and use in severe opioid- and co-occurring substance use disorders.

Methods: This prospective, open-label, single-arm study enrolled 8 participants with severe, primary opioid use disorder with co-occurring substance use.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Clinical Practice Guideline on Surgical Management of Oligometastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: The use of local consolidative therapy (LCT) in patients with oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is rapidly evolving, with a preponderance of data supporting the benefits of such therapeutic approaches incorporating pulmonary resection for appropriately selected candidates. However, practices vary widely institutionally and regionally, and evidence-based guidelines are lacking.

Methods: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons assembled a panel of thoracic surgical oncologists to evaluate and synthesize the available evidence regarding the role of pulmonary resection as LCT.

Administration of AICAR, an AMPK Activator, Prevents and Reverses Diabetic Polyneuropathy (DPN) by Regulating Mitophagy.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes in both Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 (T2D). While there are no specific medications to prevent or treat DPN, certain strategies can help halt its progression. In T1D, maintaining tight glycemic control through insulin therapy can effectively prevent or delay the onset of DPN.

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.

Quantitative LC-MS/MS Analysis of Endogenous Isomeric Metabolites Biliverdin IX Alpha, Beta, and Delta in Cell Culture Supernatant, Cell Pellet, and Lung Tissue.

() utilizes heme as an iron source from the host during infection. Biliverdin beta and delta (BVIXβ and BVIXδ) are generated by HemO, specific to , while biliverdin alpha is generated from the bacterial BphO system and by mammalian heme oxygenases. Here, we have developed and characterized a quantitative LC-MS/MS assay for the separation of three endogenous isomers, BVIXα, BVIXβ, and BVIXδ.

Methylation of foreign DNA overcomes the restriction barrier of and allows efficient genetic manipulation.

Unlabelled: causes bacterial cold-water disease (BCWD) in salmonids and other fish, resulting in substantial economic losses in aquaculture worldwide. The mechanisms uses to cause disease are poorly understood. Despite considerable effort, most strains of have resisted attempts at genetic manipulation.

Medicaid Policy and Hepatitis C Treatment Among Rural People Who Use Drugs.

Background: Restrictive Medicaid policies regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment may exacerbate rural health care disparities for people who use drugs (PWUD). We assessed associations between Medicaid restrictions and HCV treatment among rural PWUD.

Methods: We compiled state-specific Medicaid treatment policies across 8 US rural sites in 10 states and merged these with participant survey data.

Non-Genetic Biomarkers in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Prognostic Implications and Predictive Utility for Response to Anti-PD-(L)1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a skin cancer that arises due to either Merkel cell polyomavirus infection (MCPyV) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, presenting primarily in the head and neck region of fair-skinned males. The recent success of PD-(L)1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in locally advanced/metastatic MCC, with an objective response rate (ORR) around 50% and improved survival, as a first-line treatment has moved ICIs to the forefront of therapy for MCC and generated interest in identifying biomarkers to predict clinical response. The MCC tumour microenvironment (TME) contains various components of the adaptive and innate immune system.

Artificial intelligence can help individualize Wilms tumor treatment by predicting tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy.

Purpose: To create a computer-aided prediction (CAP) system to predict Wilms tumor (WT) responsiveness to preoperative chemotherapy (PC) using pre-therapy contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT).

Materials And Methods: A single-center database was reviewed for children <18 years diagnosed with WT and received PC between 2001 and 2021. Patients were excluded if pre- and post-PC CECT were not retrievable.

Applying Techniques From Precision Medicine to Predict Challenging Behavior and Inform Clinical Resource Allocation.

The identification of behavioral markers that predict the trajectory of behavior could guide the allocation of limited clinical resources to improve efficacy, efficiency, and safety. As a preliminary exploration of this possibility, we conducted a retrospective records review of incident reports for aggression displayed by residents at a secure juvenile detention center. Our purpose was to evaluate latency to first aggression as a candidate behavioral marker for predicting subsequent high-rate aggression.

Undergraduate Students' Onlooker Response Prior to Arrival of Emergency Medical Services: An Assessment of Willingness to Respond.

Objectives: This study sought to assess undergraduate students' knowledge and attitudes surrounding perceived self-efficacy and threats in various common emergencies in communities of higher education.

Methods: Self-reported perceptions of knowledge and skills, as well as attitudes and beliefs regarding education and training, obligation to respond, safety, psychological readiness, efficacy, personal preparedness, and willingness to respond were investigated through 3 representative scenarios via a web-based survey.

Results: Among 970 respondents, approximately 60% reported their university had adequately prepared them for various emergencies while 84% reported the university should provide such training.

Chronic cigarette smoke exposure masks pathological features of Helicobacter pylori infection while promoting tumor initiation.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Chronic infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is the most prominent gastric cancer risk factor, but only 1-3% of infected individuals will develop gastric cancer. Cigarette smoking is another independent gastric cancer risk factor, and H.

Platinum nanoparticles in cancer therapy: chemotherapeutic enhancement and ROS generation.

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) offer significant promise in cancer therapy by enhancing the therapeutic effects of platinum-based chemotherapies like cisplatin. These nanoparticles improve tumor targeting, reduce off-target effects, and help overcome drug resistance. PtNPs exert their anti-cancer effects primarily through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in cancer cells.

Phase Level Assessment of Ergonomic Intervention Effectiveness in Reducing Knee Musculoskeletal Disorder Risks During Residential Roof Shingle Installation.

Background: This study aimed to assess how knee savers (KSs) and knee pads (KPs) alleviate risks of knee musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among roofers during various phases of shingle installation. These phases encompass (1) reaching for shingles, (2) placing shingles, (3) grabbing a nail gun, (4) moving to the first nailing position, (5) nailing shingles, (6) replacing the nail gun, and (7) returning to an upright position.

Methods: In a laboratory setting, nine male participants simulated the shingle installation task on a slope-adjustable roof platform (0°, 15°, and 30° slopes) under four intervention conditions: no intervention (NO); with KPs only (KP); with KSs only (KS); and with both KPs and KSs (BO).

Impact of water, sanitation, and hygiene indicators on enteric viral pathogens among under-5 children in low resource settings.

Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are the primary risks of exposure to enteric viral infection. Our study aimed to describe the role of WASH conditions and practices as risk factors for enteric viral infections in children under 5. Literature on the risk factors associated with all-cause diarrhea masks the taxa-specific drivers of diarrhea from specific pathogens, limiting the application of relevant control strategies.

Treatment of a Rare Case of Longitudinal Forearm Instability: A Case Report.

Case: A 41-year old man fell from height sustaining displaced radial shaft and ulnar styloid fractures underwent open reduction internal fixation of the radius with early recognition of a radiocapitellar dislocation and longitudinal forearm instability in the early postoperative period. Revision surgery was performed 13 days postoperatively involving annular ligament reconstruction, elbow spanning external fixation, and distal radioulnar joint stabilization. Favorable functional and radiographic outcomes are shown at 1-year follow-up.

Pain Coping Skills Training for Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: The HOPE Consortium Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Chronic pain is common among individuals with dialysis-dependent kidney failure.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of pain coping skills training (PCST), a cognitive behavioral intervention, on pain interference.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This multicenter randomized clinical trial of PCST vs usual care was conducted across 16 academic centers and 103 outpatient dialysis facilities in the US.

Role and Prognostic Implications of Venous Outflow Assessment in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Introduction: The venous outflow profile (VOP) is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect affecting stroke outcomes. It plays a major role in the physiopathology of acute cerebral ischemia, as it accounts for both the upstream arterial collaterals and cerebral microperfusion. This enables it to circumvent the limitations of various arterial collateral evaluation systems, which often fail to consider impaired autoregulation and its impact on cerebral blood flow at the microcirculatory levels.

Healthcare economic burden of unresolved slipping rib syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate the healthcare costs associated with unresolved slipping rib syndrome (SRS).

Methods: Data pertaining to patients who underwent operative repair for SRS at our academic institution were analyzed retrospectively. Duration of symptoms, previous management efforts, number of healthcare provider consultations, imaging studies, adjunctive surgical and pain management procedures performed to treat the symptoms, and prior unsuccessful SRS operations were catalogued.

Postpartum Remote Health Coaching Intervention for Individuals With a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy: Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in America. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) negatively impact acute and long-term cardiovascular health, with approximately 16% of all pregnancies affected. With CVD 2-4 times more likely after HDP compared to normotensive pregnancies, effective interventions to promote cardiovascular health are imperative.

Core temperature and mental status of two runners experiencing exertional heat stroke after a road race.

Prehospital management of exertional heat stroke (EHS) consists of monitoring rectal temperature (T) while aggressively cooling via cold water immersion. Recent recommendations suggest using central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction to determine cessation of cooling when T is not available. We examined cognitive responses of two runners with EHS after a road race.

Oxidative stress induces plasma membrane phosphatidylserine externalization in canine erythrocytes in vitro, mitigated by thiol antioxidants.

Objective: To determine if oxidative stress induces phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization in canine erythrocytes and if exposure to antioxidants prevents such changes.

Methods: This was an in vitro, experimental study using 5 healthy, adult, purpose-bred research Beagles. Fresh EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were collected from each dog, and erythrocytes were harvested.

Identification of Potentially Novel Mycobacterium Spp. In Freshwater Ornamental Fish in Trinidad and Tobago.

Potentially zoonotic Mycobacterium spp. are impacting freshwater ornamental fish in Trinidad and Tobago. Clinical cases presented at the Aquatic Animal Health Unit of The University of the West Indies, School of Veterinary Medicine, from September 2011 to September 2018 indicated the presence of piscine mycobacteriosis in freshwater ornamental fish from locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago.