Molecular dynamics simulations of perforin mutations associated with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 2 among Indian patients.

Cytotoxic lymphocyte pore-forming protein termed perforin-1 (PFP) produced by NK and CD8 T cells plays a critical role in viral and tumor-related immunity. Deleterious mutations in the gene encoding PFP lead to its dysfunction and impaired cytotoxic activity, causing hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 2 is a rare, life-threatening, hyperinflammatory disorder that predominantly affects infants and children.

The Role of Radiology in Community Engagement.

Health disparities represent a significant and growing concern in the United States, largely due to recent recognition of worse outcomes experienced by historically underserved groups. Radiologists have an opportunity to address these disparities by using community engagement (CE) to deepen their knowledge about patient and community-level barriers and inform the development of programs focused on improving patient access to timely radiology care. Various established frameworks, such as the socioecologic model and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities research framework, can be adapted and leveraged by radiology practices to promote CE and advance health equity.

Mammography Screening Utilization in Female Veterans Using Cross-Sectional Survey Results from the National Health Interview Survey.

Purpose: Although women are the fastest growing group of veterans across all military branches, there are limited data about mammography screening utilization in female veterans. Using a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, we evaluated the association between veteran status and mammography screening.

Methods: Female survey respondents aged 40 to 74 in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey without history of breast cancer were included.

Assessing Radiology Utilization in an Academic Center Partnership With a Federally Qualified Health Center Using A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) serve medically underserved populations. In 2013, UW Health, the health system of the University of Wisconsin, partnered with Access Community Health Centers (ACHC), the FQHC network in Madison, Wisconsin, to provide on-site outpatient imaging. This study characterized radiography utilization associated with the UW Health-ACHC partnership compared with other UW Health outpatient imaging sites.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Screening Mammography During COVID-19 in the Upper Midwest.

Objective: Studies conducted prior to COVID-19 suggested that racial and ethnic disparities in mammographic screening have reduced over time. COVID-19 has had devastating effects on racial and ethnic minority populations, resulting in delays in preventive screening. Our purpose was to determine if racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive mammographic screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Six Steps to Improving Health Equity Using Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Tools.

Health equity is a foundational principle for providing high-quality care. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency of health systems and regulatory agencies to address longstanding health disparities. Imaging disparities have been documented in the imaging literature for decades, but there is paucity of published interventions to successfully reduce disparities in imaging.

TDP-43 Cryptic RNAs in Perry Syndrome: Differences across Brain Regions and TDP-43 Proteinopathies.

Background: Perry syndrome (PS) is a rare and fatal hereditary autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in dynactin (DCTN1). PS brains accumulate inclusions positive for ubiquitin, transactive-response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), and to a lesser extent dynactin.

Objectives: Little is known regarding the contributions of TDP-43, an RNA binding protein that represses cryptic exon inclusion, in PS.

'Nomadic' Hematopoietic Stem Cells Navigate the Embryonic Landscape.

Hematopoietic stem cells are a unique population of tissue-resident multipotent cells with an extensive ability to self-renew and regenerate the entire lineage of differentiated blood cells. Stem cells reside in a highly specialized microenvironment with surrounding supporting cells, forming a complex and dynamic network to preserve and maintain their function. The survival, activation, and quiescence of stem cells are largely influenced by niche-derived signals, with aging niche contributing to a decline in stem cell function.

Access to Breast Cancer Screening: Disparities and Determinants- Expert Panel Narrative Review.

Although breast cancer screening reduces mortality, disparities in access continue to limit equitable care. Medically underserved groups-including individuals who are American Indian or Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, disabled, and LGBTQ+-face significant barriers in accessing screening mammography services. This Expert Panel Narrative Review leverages the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework to analyze persistent inequities in screening, focusing on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disabilities, health insurance, and geography.

Framework for Successful Integration of Health Services Research Into a Breast Imaging Career.

Health services research (HSR) is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry that examines how health care is structured, providing valuable data on health care outcomes and delivery. Over the past few decades, a shift in the U.S.

Fostering Organizational Excellence through Inclusive Leadership: Practical Guide for Radiology Leaders.

Inclusive leadership styles value team members, invite diverse perspectives, and recognize and support the contributions of employees. The authors provide guidance to radiology leaders interested in developing inclusive leadership skills and competencies to improve workforce recruitment and retention and unlock the potential of a rapidly diversifying health care workforce. As health care organizations look to attract the best and brightest talent, they will be increasingly recruiting millennial and Generation Z employees, who belong to the most diverse generations in American history.

Differential Access to Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compared with Mammography and Ultrasound.

Introduction: For high-risk women, breast magnetic resonance (MR) is the preferred supplemental imaging option, but spatial access differences may exacerbate disparities in breast care.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study examining distance between ZIP codes and the nearest breast imaging facility (MR, mammography, ultrasound) using 2023 data from the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiology. Linear regression was used to assess distance differences controlling for Area Deprivation Index (ADI), urbanicity, and population size.

Methodological Considerations in Evaluating Breast Cancer Screening Studies.

In evidence-based medicine frameworks, the highest level of evidence is derived from quantitative synthesis of double-masked, high-quality, randomly assigned controlled trials. Meta-analyses of randomly assigned controlled trials have demonstrated that screening mammography reduces breast cancer deaths. In the United States, every major guideline-producing organization has recommended screening mammography in average-risk women; however, there are controversies about age and frequency.

The Association Between Food Security and Mammography Screening: Cross-Sectional Survey Results From the National Health Interview Survey.

Objective: There are limited data about food insecurity within the cancer screening setting. To inform the potential need for food insecurity interventions, our study evaluated the association between food security and mammographic screening among eligible participants.

Methods: Female respondents aged 40 to 74 years in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey without history of breast cancer were included.

Understanding Health-Related Social Risks.

Because of the established contribution of social factors to health outcomes, approaches that address upstream determinants of health have increasingly been recognized as cost-effective means to improve population health. Understanding and usage of precise terminology is important to facilitate collaboration across disciplines. Social determinants of health affect everyone, not just the socially and economically disadvantaged, whereas health-related social risks (HRSR) are specific adverse conditions at the individual or family level that are associated with poor health and related to the immediate challenges individuals face.

Prevalence of Modifiable Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Potential Opportunities for Primary Prevention Among Women Engaged in Screening Mammography: National Health Interview Survey Results.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of modifiable breast cancer risk factors among women engaged in screening mammography using nationally representative cross-sectional survey data and to inform potential opportunities for breast facilities to contribute to primary prevention.

Methods: 2018 National Health Interview Survey respondents who were women ages 40-74 years without history of breast cancer were included and then categorized based on whether they reported screening mammography within the prior two years. Proportions of these women reporting evidence-based modifiable breast cancer risk factors, including elevated body mass index (BMI), lack of physical activity, or moderate or heavy alcohol consumption were calculated and stratified by demographics.

Assessing the Relationship between Radiology Department Research Funding and Institutional Community Inclusion and Investment.

Background Health care access disparities and lack of inclusion in clinical research have been well documented for marginalized populations. However, few studies exist examining the research funding of institutions that serve historically underserved groups. Purpose To assess the relationship between research funding awarded to radiology departments by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Lown Institute Hospitals Index rankings for inclusivity and community benefit.