Regional differences in fatal drug overdose deaths among Black and White individuals in the United States, 2012-2021.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current study examines regional differences in Black/White fatal drug overdoses. METHODS: Black/White overdose mortality data (2012-2021; N = 537,085) were retrieved from CDC WONDER. We used death counts and corresponding Census Bureau population estimates by the decedent's age and race/ethnicity to calculate mortality rate ratios. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2021, there were 537,085 reported overdose deaths among White (85%) and Black (15%) individuals in the United States. In the South, Black individuals had lower fatal drug overdose deaths than their same-aged White counterparts. In the Northeast, Midwest, and West regions, Black individuals had around 10%-60% lower likelihood of overdoses among younger ages (15-24, 25-34, 35-44) but about 60%-300% higher likelihood of overdoses among older adults (55-64). Increases in overdose deaths during the pandemic (2020-2021) led to changes in Black/White overdose death patterns, whereas Black individuals of all ages in the Midwest and West regions had approximately 15%-425% higher likelihood of fatal overdoses than their same-aged White counterparts. Sex-stratified analysis suggests that Black females in the South had overdose death rates around 50% lower than same-aged White females, and overdose deaths were relatively equal for Black and White females in the Midwest-patterns not seen among males. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The findings indicate that the Black/White overdose mortality gap changed after the COVID-19 pandemic across all regions and age cohorts, with state and regional variations in magnitude. Behavioral interventions and policies to curb drug overdose deaths among populations most impacted should consider regional, sex, and age-related differences.

The under-representation of minority ethnic groups in UK medical research.

Objectives . The paper investigates differences in engagement with medical research between White British and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups in the UK, using data from the Wellcome Trust Monitor (WTM). DESIGN: The study used two waves of the WTM (n = 2575) to examine associations between ethnic group and participation in medical research, and willingness to participate (WP) in medical research. Logistic regression models controlled for socio-economic and demographic factors, and relevant outlooks and experiences that are assumed to be markers of engagement. RESULTS: Respondents from the BAME group were less likely to have participated in medical research compared to those from the White British group, but there was only patchy evidence of small ethnic group differences in WP. Influences on engagement with medical research varied somewhat between the White British and BAME groups, in particular in relation to occupation, education, health, attitudes to medical science and belief. CONCLUSIONS: These findings consolidate previously context-specific evidence of BAME group under-representation in the UK, and highlight heterogeneity in that group. Efforts to address the under-representation of those from BAME groups might benefit from targeted strategies for recruitment and advocacy, although improved data sets are required to fully understand ethnic differences in engagement with medical research.

Cardio-Oncology Training: A Proposal From the International Cardioncology Society and Canadian Cardiac Oncology Network for a New Multidisciplinary Specialty.

There is an increasing awareness and clinical interest in cardiac safety during cancer therapy as well as in optimally addressing cardiac issues in cancer survivors. Although there is an emerging expertise in this area, known as cardio-oncology, there is a lack of organization in the essential components of contemporary training. This proposal, an international consensus statement organized by the International Cardioncology Society and the Canadian Cardiac Oncology Network, attempts to marshal the important ongoing efforts for training the next generation of cardio-oncologists. The necessary elements are outlined, including the expectations for exposure necessary to develop adequate training. There should also be a commitment to local, regional, and international education and research in cardio-oncology as a requirement for advancement in the field.

Impact of Cowpea-Based Food Containing Fish Meal Served With Vitamin C-Rich Drink on Iron Stores and Hemoglobin Concentrations in Ghanaian Schoolchildren in a Malaria Endemic Area.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional anemia is a public health problem among Ghanaian schoolchildren. There is need to employ dietary modification strategies to solve this problem through school and household feeding programs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of cowpea-based food containing fish meal served with vitamin C-rich drink to improve iron stores and hemoglobin concentrations in Ghanaian schoolchildren. METHODS: The study involved cross-sectional baseline and nutrition intervention phases. There were 150 participants of age 6 to 12 years. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups, fish meal -vitamin C (n = 50), vitamin C (n = 50), and control (n = 50), and given different cowpea-based diets for a 6-month period. Height and weight measurements were done according to the standard procedures, dietary data were obtained by 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire, hemoglobin concentrations were determined by Hemocue Hemoglobinometer, and serum ferritin and complement-reactive protein (CRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants' blood samples were examined for malaria parasitemia and stools for helminthes using Giemsa stain and Kato-Katz techniques, respectively. RESULTS: Mean ferritin concentration was not significantly different among groups. End line mean or change in hemoglobin concentrations between fish meal-vitamin C group (128.4 ± 7.2/8.3 ± 10.6 g/L) and control (123.1 ± 6.6/4.2 ± 10.4 g/L) were different, P < .05. Change in prevalence of anemia in fish meal-vitamin C group (19.5%) was different compared to those of vitamin C group (9.3%) and the control (12.2%). Levels of malaria parasitemia and high CRP among study participants at baseline and end line were 58% and 80% then 55% and 79%, respectively. Level of hookworm infestation was 13%. CONCLUSION: Cowpea-based food containing 3% fish meal and served with vitamin C-rich drink improved hemoglobin concentration and minimized the prevalence of anemia among the study participants.

Pregnancy- and parenting-related barriers to receiving medication for opioid use disorder: A multi-paneled qualitative study of women in treatment, women who terminated treatment, and the professionals who serve them.

BACKGROUND: Women face unique barriers when seeking treatment for substance use disorders, often related to pregnancy and parenting. OBJECTIVES: This study adds to the extant literature by elucidating the pregnancy- and parenting-related barriers women face when initiating or continuing medication for opioid use disorder, specifically. DESIGN: This study is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews. METHODS: Three subgroups participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences (N = 42): women with current or past opioid use disorders who have used or were presently using medication for opioid use disorder, professionals working in substance use disorder treatment programs, and criminal justice professionals. RESULTS: Three parenting-related subthemes were identified: (1) insufficient access to childcare to navigate appointments and meetings, (2) fear of losing custody of, or access to, one's children, and (3) prioritizing one's children's needs before one's own. Three subthemes were identified with regard to pregnancy as a barrier: (1) hesitancy among physicians to prescribe medication for opioid use disorder for pregnant patients, (2) limited access to resources in rural areas, and (3) difficulty navigating a complex, decentralized health system. CONCLUSION: Systemic changes are needed to reduce pregnant and parenting women's barriers to seeking medication for opioid use disorder. These include improved childcare support at both in-patient and outpatient treatment programs, which would assuage women's barriers related to childcare, as well as their fears of losing access to their children if they spend time away from their children for treatment. An additional systemic improvement that may reduce barriers for these women is access to comprehensive, integrated care for their prenatal care, postpartum care, pediatric appointments, and appropriate substance use disorder treatment.

Pregnancy and parenting-related barriers to receiving medication for opioid use disorder: Interview themes from multiple perspectivesWomen face unique barriers when seeking treatment for substance use disorders, often related to pregnancy and parenting. This study used one-on-one interviews to learn more about the pregnancy- and parenting-related barriers women face when initiating or continuing medication for opioid use disorder, specifically. Three different groups were interviewed: women with current or past opioid use disorders who have used or were presently using medication for opioid use disorder, professionals working in substance use disorder treatment programs, and criminal justice professionals (N = 42). Three parenting-related themes emerged from the interviews: (1) insufficient access to childcare to navigate appointments and meetings, (2) fear of losing custody of, or access to, one's children, and (3) prioritizing one's children's needs before one's own. Three pregnancy-related themes emerged from the interviews: (1) hesitancy among physicians to prescribe medication for opioid use disorder for pregnant patients, (2) limited access to resources in rural areas, and (3) difficulty navigating a complex health system. Systemic changes are needed to reduce pregnant and parenting women's barriers to seeking medication for opioid use disorder. These include improved childcare support at treatment programs, which would assuage women's barriers related to childcare, as well as their fears of losing access to their children if they spend time away from their children for treatment. An additional systemic improvement that may reduce barriers for these women is access to comprehensive, integrated care for their prenatal care, postpartum care, pediatric appointments, and appropriate substance use disorder treatment.

Women and Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Contributors to Treatment Success From the Perspectives of Women in Recovery, Women With Past Attempts in Drug Treatment, and Health and Criminal Justice Professionals.

Introduction: The disproportionate incidence of opioid use disorder (OUD) and the alarming increases in opioid-related overdose deaths among women highlight a clear need for the expansion of effective harm reduction and treatment practices. Research supports medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) as an effective intervention; however, with low rates of utilization of such, there is a need to identify factors that facilitate MOUD treatment uptake and retention for women. Thus, the current study examines contributors to treatment success through the triangulation of perspectives from affected women as well as health and criminal justice professionals. Methods: Interviews (N = 42) were conducted from May to July 2022 with women in recovery who previously used or currently use MOUD (N = 10), women who currently use opioids who terminated a MOUD program previously (N = 10), SUD treatment professionals (N = 12), and criminal justice professionals who work with women who use opioids (N = 10). Interviews for all participants centered around their backgrounds, perceived barriers and facilitators to MOUD treatment, and issues specific to women in treatment for substance use disorder. We used a thematic qualitative data analysis process to analyze transcripts. Results: Participants highlighted contributors to treatment success from 3 domains: (1) internal processes (including promoting self-efficacy and setting realistic goals), (2) access to resources (including material resources, such as food and shelter, educational resources and social support), and (3) treatment structure (such as treatment type and protocol). Conclusion: Internal processes, access to resources, and treatment structure contribute to MOUD treatment success for women with OUD. Structured support where experiences are shared, and realistic goals are set, may promote feelings of acceptance and empowerment, thereby bolstering chances of treatment success. Additionally, the court system can promote evidence-based and trauma-informed substance use treatment and provide accessible educational resources related to substance use to extend these benefits to more women.

Coronary anomalies: cardiac CT evaluation of the symptomatic adult athlete.

Cardiac CT has become widely available as a diagnostic test. It is noninvasive, low risk (for contrast allergies), quick, and highly sensitive for identifying the coronary origins and course. Two coronary anomalies, the left main artery from the right sinus of Valsalva, and the right coronary artery originating from the left sinus, have been associated both with myocardial ischemia and sudden cardiac death when they course between the aorta and pulmonary arteries. These anomalies can go undetected into adulthood. The yield of noninvasive exercise testing is low. In the past, the ability to demonstrate these anomalies depended on a high index of suspicion and an aggressive invasive work-up with cardiac catheterization. Now cardiac CT can demonstrate these anomalies with ease and facilitate appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis Using CCTA and Management of Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Opposite Sinus.

Coronary anomalies can be observed in 1-1.2% of all angiograms performed. Majority of coronary anomalies are benign and do not lead to cardiac ischemia; however anomalous coronary arteries from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) are often associated with sudden cardiac deaths, typically in 0.11-0.35% of individuals who participate in vigorous physical activity (Peñalver et al., 2012). Left and right ACAOS have an incidence of 0.15% and 0.92%, respectively. Left ACAOS are often associated with higher incidence of sudden cardiac death; this could be secondary to greater territory of myocardial perfusion by the left coronary artery. ACAOS are often asymptomatic and initially present as sudden death following exertion in young athletes. The management of left ACAOS is clear and surgery is usually indicated. However there is a lack of consensus on the management of certain cases of right ACAOS. In this paper a case of 20 yo M with right coronary artery from left sinus is going to be presented with a discussion on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.

Special Operations Soldier With Cardiac Family History: Use of CCTA and Protein Biomarker Testing to Detect Risk of Heart Attack From Noncalcified Plaque.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize the risk of a heart attack in a 48-year-old asymptomatic US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Soldier without known coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: CAD continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among most age groups in the United States. Much research is dedicated to establishing new techniques to predict myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, also known as CCTA, along with 7-protein serum biomarker risk assessment was performed for risk evaluation. RESULTS: A 48-year-old SOCOM Soldier with a family history of heart disease had skeletal chest pain from war injuries and a 5-fold higher risk of heart attack over the next 5 years on the basis of protein markers. A nonobstructive left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) plaque with a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap (i.e., vulnerable plaque) was detected by CCTA. The patient was warned about his risk and prescribed four cardiac medications and scheduled for angioplasty even though he fell outside the guidelines by not having a severe obstructive blockage. Four days later, unfortunately, he had a heart attack before starting his medications and before angioplasty. CONCLUSION: CCTA with biomarker testing may have an important role in predicating acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Special Operations Forces (SOF) Soldiers with at least one risk factor. Conventional stress testing and nuclear scanning would not detect non-flow-limiting vulnerable plaques in vulnerable patients. In order to collect more data, the PROTECT Registry has been started to evaluate asymptomatic Soldiers with at least one risk factor referred to the clinic by military physicians.

A review of the use of early hypothermia in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an assault to the brain that disrupts neurological activity. Known as the signature wound of combat during Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduing Freedom (OEF), it has become one of the most common injuries to American Soldiers. While affected Soldiers may remain stable after the primary injury, progressing secondary mechanisms can produce neurological degeneration. Hypothermic medicine is the treatment of injuries by cooling the core body temperature below normal physiological levels. Such treatment may be indicated to improve neurological outcomes after traumatic brain injuries by reducing the evolving secondary deterioration. To date, clinical trials have reached mixed conclusions. Trials have used unique temperature goals for treatment, different methods and times to reach such goals, and different durations at therapeutic temperature. Such variances in procedure and experimental populations have made it difficult to assess significance. In the article written by Markgraf et al. in 2001, research in animals showed the effect of hypothermic treatment within rats. Their results suggest that early initiation of hypothermic medicine after an induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) improved neurological outcomes when the body was cooled to 30 degrees Celsius (C) within four hours. An ongoing study by Clifton et al., on adults diagnosed with TBI, is examining the neurological outcome of early hypothermic medicine by centrally cooling the body to 33 degrees C and maintaining that temperature for 48 hours. While previous hypothermic devices were unable to cool rapidly, new technology allows achievement of the goal temperature within 20 minutes. Implementation of such new treatment may show an improvement in neurological outcomes for patients when treatment target temperature is reached within a four-hour window. We recommend that the use of hypothermic medicine should be re-evaluated for its indication in TBI due to the capabilities of a new extremely rapid cooling device.