Weight-Based Health Care Discrimination and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Black Sexual and Gender Minoritized Assigned Female at Birth Adults in the United States.

Introduction: Black sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) people assigned female at birth (AFAB) face notable barriers to cervical cancer screening, including racism, heterosexism, and cisgenderism. Although weight-based discrimination is prevalent in the United States and may compound other forms of discrimination, no study has examined the association between weight-based discrimination in health care settings and Pap test use among Black SGM AFAB.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among Black SGM AFAB adults aged 18-45 years ( = 135) and used multivariable logistic modeling to analyze the association between weight-based health care discrimination and Pap test use, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health care factors.

Noninvasive assessment of volume status in patients with end-stage kidney disease using a wearable monitor and cutaneous hydration sensor.

Background: Fluid volume overload is a frequent cause of hospitalization for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and disproportionately occurs during the 2-day hemodialysis gap when patients are most susceptible to poor volume control. Noninvasive, wearable devices may hold potential for at-home volume status monitoring to prevent hospitalization but clinical validation in ESKD populations is limited.

Methods: A total of 17 study participants (41% female, 76% Black, median age = 68 years) were recruited for in-center testing of hydration status pre- and post-hemodialysis.

A Temporal Single-Cell Multi-Omics Atlas of Murine Pancreatic Islet Remodeling During Hyperglycaemia Progression.

Pancreatic islets undergo coordinated cellular remodeling during obesity-induced insulin resistance (IR). However, the associated molecular changes across endocrine and non-endocrine compartments remain largely unexplored. Here, using longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-seq) on islets from C57BL/6 mice subjected to high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 8, 16, and 24 weeks, along with age-matched controls on regular chow, we mapped dynamic changes in islet cell composition and transcriptional states.

Differentiation and classification of Australian single botanical origin honeys using spatially offset Raman spectroscopy.

Food authentication has gained significant interest in recent years due to the rising incidence of fraud in the food industry. Honey is frequently subjected to fraudulent practises and is currently one of the most adulterated food items. As a result, authentication methods are essential to ensure the integrity and authenticity of honey products.

A comprehensive spatiotemporal map of dystrophin isoform expression in the developing and adult human brain.

Mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD) cause the severe muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Additionally, there is a high incidence of intellectual disability and neurobehavioural comorbidities in individuals with DMD. Similar behavioural abnormalities are found in mdx dystrophic mouse models.

Faster Amylin Aggregation on Fibrillar Collagen I Hastens Diabetic Progression through β-Cell Death and Loss of Function.

Amyloid deposition of the neuroendocrine peptide amylin in islet tissues is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), leading to β-cell toxicity through nutrient deprivation, membrane rupture, and apoptosis. Though accumulation of toxic amylin aggregates in islet matrices is well documented, the role of the islet extracellular matrix in mediating amylin aggregation and its pathological consequences remains elusive. Here, we address this question by probing amylin interaction with collagen I (Col)─whose expression in the islet tissue increases during diabetes progression.

Vocal Cord Disorders.

Vocal cord disorders present with a variety of symptoms including dysphonia, respiratory symptoms, and stridor. When evaluating symptoms, a complete history and through head, neck, and neurologic examinations are necessary. If dysphonia persists for greater than 4 w or there is associated smoking, then larngoscopy is necessary to evaluate the vocal folds.

Evaluation of the impact of acidic medications and fluoride-containing mouthwash on the enamel surface using quantitative light-induced fluorescence, microhardness, and scanning electron microscopy: an in vitro study.

Background: Due to their acidic nature, certain medications can have deleterious effects on tooth enamel. Fluoride is a popular method for reversing these effects. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of acidic medications, specifically anti-asthmatic drugs and vitamin C tablets, on enamel surfaces and to investigate the effects of fluoride following drug exposure.

The role of dystrophin isoforms and interactors in the brain.

Dystrophin is a protein crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of skeletal muscle. So far, attention has been focused on the role of dystrophin in muscle, in view of the devastating progression of weakness and early death that characterizes Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, in the last few years, the role of shorter dystrophin isoforms, including development and adult expression-specific mechanisms, has been a greater focus.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults With Congenital Heart Disease in the Congenital Heart Initiative Registry.

Importance: In the US, there are more than 1.5 million adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD). The Congenital Heart Initiative (CHI) is a digital, online, patient-empowered registry that was created to advance multicenter research and improve clinical care by gathering patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in adults with CHD.

Making Work for Fishing Cat Conservation: A Blueprint for Connecting Populations across an Interactive Wild Ex Situ Spectrum.

The One Plan Approach advocates for a hybrid species management framework, wherein captive-bred populations are considered metapopulations nested within a broader network of zoos and wild populations Additionally, the Opportunities to Thrive framework aims to enhance animal welfare by addressing the physiological, psychological, and emotional needs of captive individuals, thereby improving conservation outcomes. Here, we present an integrated framework for the conservation of a globally threatened wetland wild cat species, the fishing cat, by synthesizing optimal ex situ management practices and in situ conservation strategies. Further, we examined the genetic constitution of the founder population in a fishing cat captive breeding program that was recently initiated by the West Bengal Zoo Authority, India and conducted a population viability analysis to suggest how best to maintain the genetic diversity of the population.

A review on inflammation modulating venom proteins/peptide therapeutics and their delivery strategies: A review.

Inflammation is an initial biological reaction that occurs in response to infection caused by foreign pathogens or injury. This process involves a tightly controlled series of signaling events at the molecular and cellular levels, with the ultimate goal of restoring tissue balance and protecting against invading pathogens. Malfunction in the process of inflammation can result in a diverse array of diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurological, and autoimmune disorders.

ISCCM Position Statement on the Management of Severe Malaria in Intensive Care Unit.

Unlabelled: Malaria is a worldwide health concern, but a great majority of cases occur in tropical countries like India. With almost 95% of Indian population living in malaria endemic regions, India contributes to most of the global malaria cases and deaths, outside of African countries. Despite significant advances towards malaria control and eradication, mortality associated with severe malaria remains particularly high.

ISCCM Position Statement for Improving Gender Balance in Critical Care Medicine.

Unlabelled: Gender disparity in Critical Care Medicine (CCM) persists globally, with women being underrepresented. Female Intensivists remain a minority, facing challenges in academic and leadership positions at the workplace and within academic societies. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) recognized the need for addressing issues related to gender parity and constituted its first Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in 2023.

Evaluation of an Automated Ultrafiltration System for Concentrating a Range of Viruses from Saline Waters.

Pathogenic viruses in environmental water are usually present in levels too low for direct detection and thus, a concentration step is often required to increase the analytical sensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate an automated filtration device, the Innovaprep Concentrating Pipette Select (CP Select) for the rapid concentration of viruses in saline water samples, while considering duration of process and ease of use. Four bacteriophages (MS2, P22, Phi6, and PhiX174) and three animal viruses (adenovirus, coronavirus OC43, and canine distemper virus) were seeded in artificial seawater, aquarium water, and bay water samples, and processed using the CP Select.

Polyphenols mediated attenuation of diabetes associated cardiovascular complications: A comprehensive review.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic metabolic disorder that is characterized by increased levels of glucose for prolonged periods of time. Incessant hyperglycemia leads to diabetic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications such as ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetic cardiomyopathy, stroke, etc. There are many studies that suggest that various polyphenols affect glucose homeostasis and can help to attenuate the complications associated with diabetes.

An Updated Analysis of Body Contouring Malpractice Cases.

Introduction: Body contouring procedures are commonly performed in the United States for patients seeking to sculpt specific areas of their bodies. The aim of this study was to provide an updated analysis of the factors that influence medical malpractice litigation surrounding body contouring surgery.

Methods: The following terms were used to search the Westlaw Campus Legal research Database for cases with earliest documentation after January 2013: ("contouring" OR "abdominoplasty" OR "liposuction" OR "tummy tuck" OR "body lift" OR "thigh lift" OR "arm lift" OR "brachioplasty" OR "thighplasty" OR "lipectomy" OR "panniculectomy") AND "surgery" AND "medical malpractice.

2023 Update in ambulatory general internal medicine.

The practice of outpatient medicine is demanding, encompasses a wide scope of practice, and leaves little time for internists to stay up to date with the current literature. This article reviews 5 studies published in 2022 and 2023 that have the potential to change the practice of outpatient medicine. Topics covered include chronic kidney disease, secondary cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, obesity, and lipid management.

Patient and Health Care Provider Perspectives on Patient Access to Test Results via Web Portals: Scoping Review.

Background: A frequently used feature of electronic patient portals is the viewing of test results. Research on patient portals is abundant and offers evidence to help portal implementers make policy and practice decisions. In contrast, no comparable comprehensive summary of research addresses the direct release of and patient access to test results.

Evaluation of adherence with lung-protective ventilator strategies in moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in a tertiary care setup in India: A prospective observational study.

Background: Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of mechanical ventilation settings is a cornerstone of the early phase of the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study aimed to evaluate the adherence to currently recommended lung-protective ventilator strategies (tidal volume, plateau pressure, driving pressure, prone positioning, and positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP]) for adults with moderate-to-severe ARDS in a tertiary care setup, thereby evaluating if lung-protective ventilation is associated with improved outcomes.

Methods: This was an observational study over 1 year in ventilated moderate-to-severe ARDS participants.

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in a Patient With Autoimmune Hepatitis and Chronic Hepatitis C: A Case Report Highlighting Typical Echo Findings.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare complication of liver disease characterized by intrapulmonary vascular dilatations leading to arterial hypoxemia. We present the case of a 59-year-old female with a past medical history of bilateral breast cancer status post mastectomy who presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. A comprehensive diagnostic workup was conducted to exclude other cardiac, pulmonary, and systemic etiologies.