Network interventions for managing the COVID-19 pandemic and sustaining economy.

Sustaining economic activities while curbing the number of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases until effective vaccines or treatments become available is a major public health and policy challenge. In this paper, we use agent-based simulations of a network-based susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) model to investigate two network intervention strategies for mitigating the spread of transmission while maintaining economic activities. In the simulations, we assume that people engage in group activities in multiple sectors (e.g., going to work, going to a local grocery store), where they interact with others in the same group and potentially become infected. In the first strategy, each group is divided into two subgroups (e.g., a group of customers can only go to the grocery store in the morning, while another separate group of customers can only go in the afternoon). In the second strategy, we balance the number of group members across different groups within the same sector (e.g., every grocery store has the same number of customers). The simulation results show that the dividing groups strategy substantially reduces transmission, and the joint implementation of the two strategies could effectively bring the spread of transmission under control (i.e., effective reproduction number ≈ 1.0).

An unusually encountered folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma clinically resembling an epidermal inclusion cyst.

Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (FSCH) is a rare cutaneous hamartoma comprising epithelial and mesenchymal components. It typically appears as slow-growing, skin-coloured nodules on the face and scalp. We report a case of a mid-forties male with a 4 mm nodule on his left temple, initially thought to clinically represent an epidermal inclusion cyst (EIC). Excisional biopsy results identified the lesion as FSCH, characterised by its unique dilated infundibulocystic configuration with radiating sebaceous lobules and associated mesenchymal elements. FSCH can be misdiagnosed for EIC due to similar clinical presentations but has distinct histological features. Surgical excision is the standard treatment, and the patient has remained recurrence-free since the procedure. This case underscores the importance of considering FSCH in the differential diagnosis of particularly facial and scalp nodules.

Age-Appropriate Cancer Screenings Through a Dermatology Len.

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians are often the first to identify signs and symptoms concerning for cancer. An important aspect of cancer screening is thorough skin examinations and subsequent referral to a dermatologist for atypical cutaneous presentations, which may be associated with an underlying visceral malignancy. Diagnostic considerations for pruritus without dermatitis ("itch without rash") in adults include senile pruritus, medication reaction, and paraneoplastic syndrome. Recognition of cutaneous manifestations of cancer should prompt cancer screening by primary care providers. OBJECTIVE: To update practicing physicians on current cancer screening guidelines with a specific focus on cutaneous clues to prompt further workup. METHODS: American Cancer Society and United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines were systematically reviewed using PubMed and organizational websites during August and September, 2021, with review of Task Force Guidelines during October, 2022. RESULTS: Colorectal, cervical, breast, lung, skin, prostate, ovarian, hematologic, pancreatic, thyroid, testicular, bladder, oral, and gastric cancer screening guidelines are summarized. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians can recognize atypical cutaneous conditions and facilitate referral to a dermatologist for evaluation and/or directly order tests themselves to initiate appropriate cancer screening.

Reduced rate of postpartum readmissions among homeless compared with non-homeless women in New York: a population-based study using serial, cross-sectional data.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in rates of postpartum hospitalisations among homeless women compared with non-homeless women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional secondary analysis of readmissions and emergency department (ED) utilisation among postpartum women using hierarchical regression models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, insurance type during delivery, delivery length of stay, maternal comorbidity index score, other pregnancy complications, neonatal complications, caesarean delivery, year fixed effect and a birth hospital random effect. SETTING: New York statewide inpatient and emergency department databases (2009-2014). PARTICIPANTS: 82 820 and 1 026 965 postpartum homeless and non-homeless women, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postpartum readmissions (primary outcome) and postpartum ED visits (secondary outcome) within 6 weeks after discharge date from delivery hospitalisation. RESULTS: Homeless women had lower rates of both postpartum readmissions (risk-adjusted rates: 1.4% vs 1.6%; adjusted OR (aOR) 0.87, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.00, p=0.048) and ED visits than non-homeless women (risk-adjusted rates: 8.1% vs 9.5%; aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.90, p<0.001). A sensitivity analysis stratifying the non-homeless population by income quartile revealed significantly lower hospitalisation rates of homeless women compared with housed women in the lowest income quartile. These results were surprising due to the trend of postpartum hospitalisation rates increasing as income levels decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Two factors likely led to lower rates of hospital readmissions among homeless women. First, barriers including lack of transportation, payment or childcare could have impeded access to postpartum inpatient and emergency care. Second, given New York State's extensive safety net, discharge planning such as respite and sober living housing may have provided access to outpatient care and quality of life, preventing adverse health events. Additional research using outpatient data and patient perspectives is needed to recognise how the factors affect postpartum health among homeless women. These findings could aid in lowering readmissions of the housed postpartum population.