The adolescent health network: A unique approach to sustained adolescent stakeholder engagement.

At least 70% of premature adult deaths result from behaviors starting and reinforced in adolescence. The use of adolescent-centered outcomes and the necessity of creating space for the adolescent voice regarding research that directly impacts them is often overlooked. These omissions result in proposals and solutions that lack consideration of adolescent ingenuity, preferences, and needs. In 2021, Penn State PRO Wellness was awarded a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Engagement Award with the goal of addressing the gap in the inclusion of adolescents in research focused on teenage health. The resultant Adolescent Health Network (AHN) was developed in partnership with a stakeholder advisory board comprised of adolescents, parents, health researchers, and school staff. The AHN currently consists of 12 schools and 43 adolescents who have completed stakeholder training. For adolescents, the AHN simulates a school club or career enrichment activity with incoming freshmen replacing graduating seniors over time. For health researchers, the AHN provides rapid, easy access to a pool of adolescents with stakeholder training who are available to provide input on various aspects of a study from recruitment plans, to survey tools to dissemination strategies. This manuscript details the development, execution, and data from this novel program.

A cell-free DNA colorectal cancer screening test promising enhanced accessibility and early detection.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, with approximately 1.9 million new cases and 930,000 deaths reported in 2020. The highest incidence rates are observed in Australia/New Zealand and Europe, while lower rates are found in Africa and Southern Asia. Projections for 2040 indicate a rise to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths, particularly in high development index regions, underscoring the need for improved prevention and detection. Despite advancements in screening methods and polyp removal, CRC mortality remains high in the United States due to non-adherence to recommended tests. Barriers such as cost and lack of insurance contribute to this issue. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) blood-based testing offers a promising alternative, with studies showing 83.1% sensitivity for CRC and 89.6% specificity for advanced neoplasia, comparable to traditional screening methods but with reduced risk of adverse events. The recent FDA approval of the Shield blood test, which has demonstrated 83% efficacy in detecting late-stage CRC, represents a significant advancement. Incorporating cfDNA testing into screening protocols could improve accessibility and compliance, especially for those unwilling or unable to undergo more invasive procedures. Regular evaluation of cfDNA testing, including Shield, is essential for enhancing CRC screening strategies and patient outcomes.

Design, Synthesis, In Silico Testing, and In Vitro Evaluation of Thiazolidinone-Based Benzothiazole Derivatives as Inhibitors of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase.

In this study, a stepwise reaction afforded thiazolidinone-based benzothiazole derivatives 1-15, and the synthesized derivatives were then screened for biological significance and found to be the leading candidates against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Almost all derivatives showed excellent to good activity ranging against α-amylase, IC50 = 2.10 ± 0.70 to 37.50 ± 0.70 µM, and α-glucosidase, IC50 = 3.20 ± 0.05 to 39.40 ± 0.80 µM. Some analogues such as 4 (2.40 ± 0.70 and 3.50 ± 0.70 µM), 5 (2.30 ± 0.05 and 4.80 ± 0.10 µM), and 6 (2.10 ± 0.70 and 3.20 ± 0.70 µM) were found with folds better activity than that of the standard drug acarbose (9.10 ± 0.10 and 10.70 ± 0.10 µM), respectively. Moreover, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) has been established for all compounds. A molecular docking study has been carried out to explore the binding interactions against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.