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Mental health and the role of social support in the lives of vulnerabilized sexual minority women
Get PDFIntroduction Sexual minority women (SMW; women who self-identify as lesbian, queer, etc., as well as heterosexually-identified women who experience attraction to romantic or sexual partnerships with women) and vulnerabilized women (those marginalized due to structural forces such as housing insecurity, violence, sex exchange, drug use, or HIV positive status) experience a range of mental health challenges compared to their heterosexual and general population counterparts. General populations studies show a positive relationship between social support and mental health; less is known about SMW experiencing intersecting multi-layered vulnerabilities. This study characterizes mental health stressors, identifies social support sources and forms, and explores the relationship between social support and mental health among vulnerabilized SMW in Baltimore, MD. Methods We conducted virtual, in-depth semi-structured interviews with vulnerabilized cisgender SMW (n=25) between June and October 2021. We utilized an inductive analytical approach to identify central themes and develop a categorization structure. Results are presented using narrative synthesis and illustrative quotes. To understand different forms of mental health-related social support provided across sources, data was sorted into a matrix and analyzed. Results Vulnerabilized SMW commonly self-reported depression and anxiety. Participants identified three primary mental health stressors: 1) managing identity-related stigma; 2) relationships, loss, and isolation; and 3) financial struggles. The most important type of social support for mental health was non-judgement related to sexual orientation and/or mental health struggles. Family, friends, and partners were providing similar amounts of support, primarily emotional support. Discussion Vulnerabilized SMW have unique mental health and social support-related experiences and needs, potentially attributed to experiences with multiple marginalization, compounded by struggles with intersecting structural vulnerabilities. More research is warranted to explore different sources and forms of social support as predictors of mental health. Findings indicate need for public health interventions that address sexual orientation and mental health stigma
Implementation of an OSA Screening Protocol in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Vagal Nerve Stimulator Implantation
No full textComparison of Inhalational Anesthesia Versus Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Endoscopic Tympanoplasty
No full textEyes-On: Artificial Intelligence Assisted Home Monitoring for Tracheostomy Dependent Children
No full textA hypoxia research-driven path led to identifying neuroprotection mediators: an interview with Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan
Get PDFCommon peroneal neuropathy following significant weight loss induced by tirzepatide therapy
No full textCircRNA-based AntimiR therapy: A novel approach to hypertension treatment
Get PDFThe increasing recognition of the types and functions of non-coding RNAs has opened new avenues for their use as novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension. While most preclinical and clinical studies on hypertension focus on prognosis and treatment, there are still no specific therapeutic approaches for primary and essential hypertension. Modest efficacy and reduced long-term adherence to treatment underscore the need for novel, mechanism-based strategies to address the underlying molecular mechanisms. AntimiRs, as synthetic RNA molecules, and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as naturally occurring RNA species that function as microRNA sponges, could play a crucial role in regulating the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). These non-coding RNAs hold significant potential as innovative approaches for managing primary and essential hypertension. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of circRNA-miRNA interactions involved in hypertension regulation via modulation of the RAS, their mechanisms of action, therapeutic advantages, and the major translational challenges, including delivery efficiency, off-target effects, and safety concerns. Optimization of the delivery systems, validating long-term efficacy, and navigating regulatory pathways to bring these promising ncRNA-based therapies closer to preclinical and clinical research of antimiR-based therapies are addressed. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential of these new RNA targets to fill the current therapeutic void and contribute to the advancement of precision medicine in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases treatment
Book Review: Forensic Audiology—A Guide for the Expert Witness , Robert M. Traynor and Krista B. Traynor, Plural Publishing, San Diego, 2024.
No full textInternational expert consensus on the current status and future prospects of artificial intelligence in metabolic and bariatric surgery
Get PDFArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of medicine, including surgical science and practice. The evolution of AI from rule-based systems to advanced machine learning and deep learning algorithms has opened new avenues for its application in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). AI has the potential to enhance various aspects of MBS, including education and training, decision-making, procedure planning, cost and time efficiency, optimization of surgical techniques, outcome and complication prediction, patient education, and access to care. However, concerns persist regarding the reliability of AI-generated decisions and associated ethical considerations. This study aims to establish a consensus on the role of AI in MBS using a modified Delphi method. A panel of 68 leading metabolic and bariatric surgeons from 35 countries participated in this consensus-building process, providing expert insights into the integration of AI in MBS. Of the 28 statements evaluated, a consensus of at least 70% was achieved for all, with 25 statements reaching consensus in the first round and the remaining three in the second round. Experts agreed that AI has the potential to enhance the evaluation of surgical skills in MBS by providing objective, detailed assessments, enabling personalized feedback, and accelerating the learning curve. Most experts also recognized AI’s role in identifying qualified candidates for MBS referrals, helping patient and procedure selection, and addressing specific clinical questions. However, concerns were raised about the potential overreliance on AI-generated recommendations. The consensus emphasized the need for ethical guidelines governing AI use and the inclusion of AI’s role in decision-making within the patient consent process. Furthermore, the results suggest that AI education should become an essential component of future surgical training. Advancements in AI-driven robotics and AI-integrated genomic applications were also identified as promising developments that could significantly shape the future of MBS
Clinicopathological study of squamoid morules in nineteen conventional colorectal adenomas
No full textSquamoid morules are an intriguing finding rarely seen in colorectal adenomas, mimicking foci of microinvasion or neuroendocrine differentiation. We identified nineteen colorectal adenomas with squamoid morules and collected clinicopathological data. A representative block was chosen for immunohistochemistry. The expression of p40, p63, CK5/6, beta-catenin, synaptophysin, chromogranin, and Ki-67 in squamoid morules were examined immunohistochemically. The nineteen patients comprised fifteen males (79%) and four females (21%) ranging in age from 45 to 85 years (average: 59.4 years old). Fourteen adenomas were tubulovillous adenomas (average: 3.4 cm, ranging 1.0 to 6.0 cm) and five were tubular adenomas (average: 2.6 cm, ranging 1.6 to 3.0 cm). All foci of squamoid morules showed beta-catenin nuclear positivity and CK5/6 expression. Squamoid morules were focally positive for p63 in four adenomas and focally positive for p40 in two adenomas. In two adenomas squamoid morules are focally positive for synaptophysin, and in one adenoma chromogranin was focally positive. In all nineteen adenomas squamoid morules were negative for Ki-67. Squamoid morules are characterized by strong male predominance, large adenoma size, beta-catenin nuclear positivity, CK5/6 expression, and no Ki-67 expression. Beta-catenin nuclear expression is helpful in distinguishing squamoid morules from foci of microinvasion and neuroendocrine differentiation