LSU Health Digital Scholar (Louisiana State Univ.)
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Design Optimization of a Sensor-Integrated Occlusal Splint Using Finite Element Analysis
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Monoclonal antibodies targeting Candida disrupt biofilms and inhibit growth across global clinical isolates
Get PDFCandida species are a major cause of severe fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and hospitalized patients. Among these, Candida auris stands out as an emerging “superbug”, responsible for life-threatening bloodstream infections with mortality rates up to 60%. This multidrug-resistant, hospital-acquired pathogen has been declared a serious global health threat, complicating effective treatment and increasing mortality risks. Our research has identified universal monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting Candida albicans cell wall epitopes, which are highly homologous to those in other pathogenic Candida species, including C. auris. Passive transfer of mAbs—C3.1 (anti-β-1,2-mannotriose) and 9F2 (anti-phosphoglycerate kinase 1)—significantly extended survival and improved fungal clearance in a complement C5-deficient A/J murine model. Additionally, C3.1 and 9F2 mAbs show direct fungicidal effects against C. auris isolates, presenting a promising therapeutic option against this critical threat
Exploring HIV Risk Among Sexual Minority Women by Identity and Behavior in a Population-Based Sample of Low-Income Heterosexually Active Women
No full textResearch suggests that sexual minority women (SMW) face elevated HIV risk compared with their heterosexual counterparts. This study examined the association between sexual minority status-defined by identity and behavior-and HIV-related vulnerabilities among heterosexually active low-income women. This analysis used National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data (n = 5542) collected in 2019 from heterosexually active low-income women in 23 U.S. urban areas. We examined sexual minority identity and behavior and a set of substance use, sexual behavior, health and health care, and social determinants of health indicators commonly associated with heightened HIV transmission risk. Log-linked Poisson regression models generated adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among women who reported sexual minority identity (22.2%; n = 1231), 34.6% (n = 426) reported past-year sex with only men. Of women who reported past-year sex with both women and men (17.8%; n = 985), 18.3% (n = 180) identified as heterosexual. In adjusted models, SMW had significantly higher prevalence of nearly every HIV risk-associated factor examined than their heterosexual counterparts. Risk profiles by identity and behavior were similar. Notably, SMW defined by behavior had similar or higher prevalence of nearly every risk factor than those defined by identity. This study demonstrates disproportionate HIV-related vulnerabilities among SMW compared with their heterosexual counterparts. The findings underscore the importance of measuring multiple dimensions of sexual orientation (identity and behavior), as SMW and their associated risks show important nuances. Implications include tailoring HIV prevention and health promotion interventions to meet the needs of low-income SMW
Strengthening the US Health Workforce to End the HIV Epidemic: Lessons Learned From 11 Ending the HIV Epidemic Jurisdictions
No full textBACKGROUND: Supplements were awarded under the National Institutes of Health, ending the HIV epidemic (EHE) initiative to foster implementation science through community-engaged research. The objective of this study was to synthesize lessons learned, identify areas of research sufficiently studied, and present an agenda for future research on HIV health workforce development from a collaboration across 9 EHE projects in 11 jurisdictions in the United States. METHODS: EHE supplement recipients completed a semistructured questionnaire to identify shared lessons learned about common themes of workforce development using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change frameworks. Data were synthesized to identify shared lessons learned, topic areas no longer in need of research, and next steps. RESULTS: Project teams emphasized several strategies including clarifying roles and responsibilities, the need for dynamic training, and stigma mitigation as strategies to enhance the implementation of HIV prevention and treatment services. Strengthening organizational support through supportive supervision structures, ensuring sustainable funding, preventing turnover, addressing salary constraints, and establishing clear promotion and educational pathways were identified as useful workplace development strategies. Supplements identified lessons learned about deploying community engagement strategies to ensure communities were aware of HIV prevention and treatment services. Several areas sufficiently studied that can be deprioritized were identified and discussed. CONCLUSION: A research agenda for workplace development moving forward is discussed with several recommendations to improve the implementation of HIV prevention and treatment programs
Care Pathway- and Guideline-Consistent Care in Pediatric Cancer Symptom Management
No full textPURPOSE: Ten pediatric cancer treatment sites previously implemented site-specific symptom management care pathways for 15 symptoms, which were based upon clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The primary objective of this analysis was to describe the prevalence of care pathway- and CPG-consistent care for symptom management. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with care pathway-consistent care. METHODS: Participants were patients age 8-18 years diagnosed with cancer within the previous 4 weeks. We identified any intervention to manage each of 15 symptoms during a 3-day period 8 weeks after enrollment. We determined whether the intervention appeared in that site\u27s care pathway and whether it was recommended in the CPG. We determined whether type of symptom (observable v nonobservable) or patient characteristics were associated with care pathway-consistent care. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty participants were analyzed. The prevalence of care pathway-consistent care for each symptom ranged from 0% (problems thinking, body or face changes, and diarrhea) to 52.3% (throwing up) and was \u3c 27% for 14 of 15 symptoms. Similarly, the prevalence of CPG-consistent care was \u3c 50% across all symptoms. Participants received significantly more care pathway-consistent interventions for observable symptoms compared with nonobservable symptoms (difference 30% [95% CI, 3 to 54]). Factors associated with receipt of at least one care pathway-consistent intervention were age group, race, ethnicity, and cancer type. CONCLUSION: Care pathway- and CPG-consistent care were surprisingly uncommon. Care pathway-consistent interventions were more common for observable than nonobservable symptoms and were associated with patient characteristics. Future work should identify approaches to improve care pathway-consistent care delivery
Thromboembolism Risk of JAK inhibitors with Concurrent Oral Contraceptive Use: A Global Multicenter Cohort Study
No full textChronic alcohol withdrawal-associated increases in VTA Hcrtr1 expression are associated with heightened nociception and anxiety-like behavior in female rats
Get PDFAlcohol withdrawal is characterized by various symptoms that include pain and negative affect in the absence of the drug. The neural underpinnings of these behaviors are not entirely understood, but orexin has emerged as a candidate target for the treatment of substance use disorders. Here, we explored changes in orexin system-related gene expression in brain regions important for mediating reward and stress, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and extended amygdala (including the central amygdala, nucleus accumbens shell, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis), in adolescent and adult female Wistar rats following chronic alcohol exposure. We observed higher numbers of Hcrtr1- (orexin receptor 1)-expressing neurons in the VTA of adolescent and adult female rats during withdrawal from chronic alcohol exposure. The number of Hcrt1+ VTA neurons was negatively correlated with thermal sensitivity in adolescent female rats and anxiety-like behavior in adult female rats. These data suggest that chronic alcohol effects on orexin receptor expression in the VTA are related to specific behaviors that manifest during withdrawal, highlighting potential avenues for targeting alcohol withdrawal-associated behaviors across development
Artificial intelligence in breast reconstruction
No full textBreast reconstruction is a critical component of breast cancer treatment. With the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare, its potential to revolutionize breast reconstruction has become increasingly evident. This narrative review examines the latest AI developments across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of breast reconstruction. In preoperative consultations, AI and augmented reality (AR)-driven simulations help both the surgeons and the patients visualize reconstruction outcomes. Imaging analysis and predictive modeling enhance the precision and efficiency of autologous procedures such as deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap-based reconstruction. Within the operating room, AI applications such as real-time perforator mapping and AR modeling offer plastic surgeons improved control and visualization, which helps to reduce postoperative complications. Furthermore, AI models help surgeons design and deliver more personalized and value-based postoperative care, thereby improving patient satisfaction and overall cost-effectiveness. While AI applications demonstrate promising utility, challenges such as high costs, reliability, and the need for extensive clinical validation remain. Ongoing research and large-scale clinical trials are crucial to fully harness AI’s potential in improving breast reconstruction outcomes