Persistence of aerodigestive symptoms after vascular ring repair.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular rings are often associated with respiratory and swallowing difficulties due to tracheal or esophageal compression. While the results of a vascular ring repair are considered excellent, the long-term effect of tracheal and esophageal remodeling and the persistence of symptoms have scarcely been reported. Our study aims to evaluate the respiratory and swallowing outcomes of vascular ring repair. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent vascular ring repair between 2010 and 2022 in a tertiary-care children's hospital. RESULTS: There were 108 patients enrolled: sixty-three patients (57.41 %) with a right aortic arch, 42 patients (38.89 %) with a double aortic arch, and 3 patients (2.78 %) with other vascular rings. Forty-three (39.81 %) patients were diagnosed prenatally. Of the 65 patients (60.19 %) diagnosed postnatally, 35/65 (53.85 %) had either respiratory or swallowing symptoms as the indication for diagnostic workup. Persistent respiratory and swallowing symptoms were noted in 34/108 (31.48 %) and 30/108 (27.78 %) patients, respectively, within a year of surgical repair. Fourteen patients underwent repeated laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy that demonstrated residual tracheomalacia; however, only 2/14 (1.9 %) patients required tracheostomy tube placement, and 6-out-of-7 patients were weaned off positive pressure airway support. Persistent respiratory symptoms were significantly more common in patients with a double aortic arch compared to a right aortic arch. No differences were noted in demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative aerodigestive symptoms between patients with residual symptoms and patients with no residual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent respiratory and swallowing symptoms after vascular ring repair are not uncommon. Postoperative evaluation should be pursued by a dedicated team, and treatment considered as appropriate.

Evaluation of a Type 2 diabetes risk reduction online program for women with recent gestational diabetes: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of the 3-month Body Balance Beyond (BBB) online program among Australian women with overweight/obesity and recent gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Women were randomised into either: 1) High Personalisation (HP) (access to 'BBB' website, video coaching sessions, text message support); 2) Medium Personalisation (MP) (website and text message support); or 3) Low Personalisation (LP) (website only). Generalised linear mixed models were used to evaluate preliminary efficacy, weight, diet quality, physical activity levels, self-efficacy and quality of life (QoL) at baseline and 3-months. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and retention metrics and acceptability determined via online process evaluation survey at 3-months. RESULTS: Eighty three women were randomised, with 76 completing the study. Self-efficacy scores showed significant improvements in confidence to resist eating in a variety of situations from baseline to 3-months in HP compared to MP and LP groups (P=.03). The difference in mean QoL scores favoured the HP compared to MP and LP groups (P=.03). Half of the women (HP n=17[81%], MP n=12[75%], LP n=9[56%]) lost weight at 3-months. No significant group-by-time effect were reported for other outcomes. Two-thirds of women in the HP group were satisfied with the program overall and 86% would recommend it to others, compared with 25% and 44% in the MP group, and 14% and 36% in the LP group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Video coaching sessions were associated with improvements in QoL scores and self-efficacy, however further refinement of the BBB website and text messages support could improve program acceptability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12619000162112 , registered 5 February 2019.

Community Health Worker Intervention in Subsidized Housing: New York City, 2016-2017.

From April 2016 to June 2017, the Health + Housing Project employed four community health workers who engaged residents of two subsidized housing buildings in New York City to address individuals' broadly defined health needs, including social and economic risk factors. Following the intervention, we observed significant improvements in residents' food security, ability to pay rent, and connection to primary care. No immediate change was seen in acute health care use or more narrowly defined health outcomes.

Impact of Early Tranexamic Acid Administration on Overall Blood Product Utilization at 24 Hours.

Antifibrinolytics have demonstrated a mortality benefit in trauma patients when utilized early after injury. In line with recent literature, the authors hypothesize that early tranexamic acid (TXA) administration will decrease overall blood product administration at 24 hr. This is a retrospective cohort evaluation of 65 trauma patients admitted and discharged between May 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017, who received packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and TXA within 3 hr following injury. The primary outcome was overall PRBC utilization at 24 hr when TXA was administered less than 1 hr of injury compared with 1-3 hr of injury. A subgroup analysis compared PRBC usage at 24 hr when PRBC to TXA administration time was less than 30 min compared with 30 min or more. During the study time, 15 patients received TXA early, less than 1 hr from injury, and 50 patients received TXA within 1-3 hr of injury. Patients received a median of 7 units of PRBCs in the early group and 8 units in the standard group (p = .64) at 24 hr. Patients who received TXA less than 30 min after first PRBC received a median of 6 units at 24 hr compared with 9 units when PRBC to TXA time was 30 min or more (p = .014). There was no difference in PRBCs at 24 hr in patients who received TXA early compared with 1-3 hr from injury. There was a significant increase in PRBC requirement at 24 hr when patients received TXA 30 min or more from first PRBC. Further inquiry into the optimal timing of TXA administrated is needed.

Between-Session Reliability of Isometric Midthigh Pull Kinetics and Maximal Power Clean Performance in Male Youth Soccer Players.

Dos'Santos, T, Thomas, C, Comfort, P, McMahon, JJ, Jones, PA, Oakley, NP, and Young, AL. Between-session reliability of isometric midthigh pull kinetics and maximal power clean performance in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3373-3381, 2018-The aim of the study was to determine the between-session reliability of isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) kinetics and maximal weight lifted during the power clean (PC) in male youth soccer players, and to identify the smallest detectable differences between sessions. Thirteen male youth soccer players (age: 16.7 ± 0.5 years, height: 1.80 ± 0.08 m, and mass: 70.5 ± 9.4 kg) performed 3 IMTP trials, whereas only 10 soccer players performed maximal PCs. These were performed twice, separated by 48 hours to examine the between-session reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficient of variation (CV) demonstrated high levels of within-session (ICC = 0.84-0.98, CV = 4.05-10.00%) and between-session reliability (ICC = 0.86-0.96, CV = 3.76-7.87%) for IMTP kinetics (peak force [PF] and time-specific force values 30-250 ms) and maximal PC (ICC = 0.96, CV = 3.23%), all meeting minimum acceptable reliability criteria. No significant differences (p > 0.05, effect size ≤0.22) were revealed between sessions for IMTP kinetics and maximal PC performance. Strength and conditioning coaches and practitioners should consider changes of >6.04% in maximal PC and changes in IMTP kinetics of >14.31% in force at 30 ms, >14.73% in force at 50 ms, >12.36% in force at 90 ms, >12.37% in force at 100 ms, >14.51% in force at 150 ms, >11.71% in force at 200 ms, >7.23% in force at 250 ms, and >8.50% in absolute PF as meaningful improvements in male youth soccer players. Decrements in the IMTP kinetics greater than the aforementioned values could possibly be used as an indicator of neuromuscular fatigue and preparedness for training or competition.

Analysis of heat-labile sites generated by reactions of depleted uranium and ascorbate in plasmid DNA.

The goal of this study was to characterize how depleted uranium (DU) causes DNA damage. Procedures were developed to assess the ability of organic and inorganic DNA adducts to convert to single-strand breaks (SSB) in pBR322 plasmid DNA in the presence of heat or piperidine. DNA adducts formed by methyl methanesulfonate, cisplatin, and chromic chloride were compared with those formed by reaction of uranyl acetate and ascorbate. Uranyl ion in the presence of ascorbate produced U-DNA adducts that converted to SSB on heating. Piperidine, which acted on DNA methylated by methyl methanesulfonate to convert methyl-DNA adducts to SSB, served in the opposite fashion as U-DNA adducts by decreasing the level of SSB. The observation that piperidine also decreased the gel shift for metal-DNA adducts formed by monofunctional cisplatin and chromic chloride was interpreted to suggest that piperidine served to remove U-DNA adducts. Radical scavengers did not affect the formation of uranium-induced SSB, suggesting that SSB arose from the presence of U-DNA adducts and not from the presence of free radicals. A model is proposed to predict how U-DNA adducts may serve as initial lesions that convert to SSB or AP sites. The results suggest that DU can act as a chemical genotoxin that does not require radiation for its mode of action. Characterizing the DNA lesions formed by DU is necessary to assess the relative importance of different DNA lesions in the formation of DU-induced mutations. Understanding the mechanisms of formation of DU-induced mutations may contribute to identification of biomarkers of DU exposure in humans.

Comparison of prospective and retrospective measurements of frequency of sexual intercourse.

Measurements of sexual intercourse frequency are informative for research on pregnancy, contraception, and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections; however, efficiently collecting data on this sensitive topic is complex. The purpose of this study was to determine whether retrospective recall of sexual intercourse frequency was consistent with information obtained through the use of prospective daily diary methods corresponding to the same time period in a diverse sample of women. A total of 185 women participated in a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of oral contraceptive users and 98 of these women provided complete information on sexual intercourse frequency on diaries (prospective) and postcards (retrospective). Linear mixed models were used to test for variation in response within categories of demographic and other variables. The mean number of days women had sexual intercourse per week was 1.5 days using prospective diary information versus 2.0 days when using 3-month retrospective recall (p < 0.001). Mean differences for the various sociodemographic subgroups were positive for all groups indicating that women consistently reported a higher frequency of sexual intercourse on the retrospective postcards than they recorded on their prospective diaries; however, these mean differences did not vary significantly. If confirmed in other samples, the use of retrospective methods may be adequate to accurately collect data on sexual intercourse frequency-and may be preferable. Using only retrospective measurements could decrease study costs, the burden to participants, and have a higher response rate.

14-3-3sigma regulates B-cell homeostasis through stabilization of FOXO1.

14-3-3σ regulates cytokinesis and cell cycle arrest induced by DNA damage but its role in the immune system is unknown. Using gene-targeted 14-3-3σ-deficient (i.e., KO) mice, we studied the role of 14-3-3σ in B-cell functions. Total numbers of B cells were reduced by spontaneous apoptosis of peripheral B cells. Upon B-cell antigen receptor engagement in vitro, KO B cells did not proliferate properly or up-regulate CD86. In response to T cell-independent antigens, KO B cells showed poor secretion of antigen-specific IgM. This deficit led to increased lethality of KO mice after vesicular stomatitis virus infection. KO B cells showed elevated total FOXO transcriptional activity but also increased FOXO1 degradation. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that endogenous 14-3-3σ protein formed a complex with FOXO1 protein. Our results suggest that 14-3-3σ maintains FOXO1 at a consistent level critical for normal B-cell antigen receptor signaling and B-cell survival.

Transtracheal Pressure for Evaluation of Decannulation Readiness.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric tracheostomy decannulation protocols vary among institutions and may include toleration of Passy Muir Valve (PMV), microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (MLB) findings, and polysomnography evaluation. Transtracheal pressure (TTP) is an objective measurement utilized to evaluate PMV toleration. We aimed to investigate the role of TTP in decannulation candidates and compare TTP measurements with polysomnography and MLB findings. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent TTP measurement during PMV trial between December 2012 and November 2022. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients underwent TTP measurement and MLB evaluation; of these, 16 (20.3%) patients had a capped polysomnography. Twenty-eight (35.4%) patients had TTPs ≤10 cm H2O, and 51 (64.6%) patients had TTPs >10 cm H2O. The most common indication for tracheostomy was upper airway obstruction (n = 41, 51.9%), followed by a need for mechanical ventilation (n = 24, 30.4%). Twenty-five (31.6%) patients were decannulated. Patients with TTPs ≤10 cm H2O had a mean Apnea-Hypopnea Index of 0.17 ± 0.26/h compared with 6.93 ± 7.67/h in those with TTPs >10 cm H2O, p = 0.0365. Patients with TTPs >10 cm H2O were found to have a significantly higher occurrence of airway obstruction (96.1% vs. 46.4%, p < 0.0001) and multilevel airway obstruction (70.6% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.0001) on MLB. Neither TTP measured at time of PMV assessment nor capped polysomnography was associated with successful decannulation. CONCLUSIONS: TTP measurements at time of PMV evaluation are associated with polysomnography and MLB findings. One-time PMV measurements were not indicative of decannulation success. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:3377-3383, 2024.

Flexible and Rigid Bronchoscopy for Critically Ill Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: We aim to describe our experience with bronchoscopy to diagnose and relieve tracheobronchial obstruction in anticipation of decannulation in children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children on ECMO between 1/2018 and 12/2022. RESULTS: A total of 107 children required ECMO support during the study period for cardiac (n = 48, 45%), pulmonary (n = 38, 36%), or cardiopulmonary dysfunction (n = 21, 20%). Thirty-seven (35%) patients underwent 99 bronchoscopies while on ECMO. Most (76%, n = 75) experienced no improvement or worsening of chest radiography 24 hours following bronchoscopy. Clinical improvement in tidal volumes 48 hours after the first bronchoscopy was noted in 13/25 patients with available data (p = 0.05). Adverse events were seen in 18 (49%) patients who underwent bronchoscopy, including pneumothorax (n = 8, 22%), pneumonia (n = 7, 19%), pulmonary hemorrhage (n = 6, 16%), and sepsis (n = 5, 14%). ECMO courses were longer (25.4 ± 37.2 vs 6.1 ± 8.8 days, p < 0.0001) and more likely to be complicated by pneumonia (p = 0.0004) and sepsis (p = 0.047) in patients who underwent bronchoscopy compared with those who did not. Adverse events following bronchoscopy were associated with the number of bronchoscopies (p = 0.0003) and the presence of obstructive materials but not with the type of bronchoscopy or indication for ECMO. Mortality rates were similar between patients who underwent bronchoscopy and those who did not. CONCLUSION: Children requiring bronchoscopy represent a subset of the sickest children on ECMO. Bronchoscopy may provide benefit in children with persistent cardiopulmonary failure who could not otherwise be decannulated. Adverse events are associated with the number of bronchoscopies and the presence of obstructive material. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Swallowing Function After Epiglottopexy in Children.

OBJECTIVE: Epiglottopexy has been an increasingly utilized intervention in children with epiglottic prolapse and airway obstruction. Given the role of the epiglottis in protecting the airway during swallowing and the potential effect of repositioning the epiglottis on the passage of the bolus, we aimed to compare swallowing outcomes before and after epiglottopexy in children. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. METHODS: Data were extracted from charts of children who underwent epiglottopexy and had a subsequent instrumental swallowing evaluation between January 2018 and September 2022. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients underwent epiglottopexy. Of these, 38 patients met inclusion requirements. The mean age at surgery was 41 ± 47 months. Most patients (n = 37, 97.4%) had significant comorbidities such as secondary airway lesions (n = 33, 91.7%), a genetic or syndromic disorder (n = 25, 69.4%), and dysphagia (n = 29, 76.3%). All patients had a concurrent procedure at the time of epiglottopexy with supraglottoplasty (n = 24, 63.2%) and lingual tonsillectomy (n = 16, 42.1%) being the most common. No changes in initiation or patterns of swallowing were noted postoperatively. A total of 7 (18.4%) patients had worsening swallow function: 2 had new-onset dysphagia, and 5 had worsening pre-existing dysphagia. Liquid or food textures penetrated remained unchanged or improved in most cases. No risk factors for worsening dysphagia were identified in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Children with medical comorbidities undergoing epiglottopexy with additional airway interventions may experience new or worsening dysphagia. However, the procedure is generally safe without notable patterned changes in the swallowing mechanism.

Fibrous food and particle size influence electromyography and the kinematics of oral processing.

Structure-sensory relationships are essential for understanding food perception. Food microstructure impacts how a food is comminuted and processed by the human masticatory system. This study investigated the impact of anisotropic structures, explicitly the structure of meat fibers, on the dynamic process of mastication. For a general understanding of texture-structure relationships, the three typically used deformation-tests: Kramer shear cell-, Guillotine cutting- and texture-profile-analyses were conducted. 3D jaw movements and muscle activities of the masseter muscle were additionally tracked and visualized using a mathematical model. Particle size had a significant effect on jaw movements and muscle activities for both the homogeneous (isotropic) and fibrous (anisotropic) meat-based samples with the same composition. Mastication was described using jaw movement and muscle activity parameters determined for each individual chew. The adjusted effect of fiber length was extracted from the data, suggesting that longer fibers induce a more strenuous chewing in which the jaw undergoes faster and wider movements requiring more muscle activity. To the authors' knowledge, this paper presents a novel data analysis approach for identifying oral processing behavior differences. This is an advancement on previous studies because a holistic overview of the entire mastication process can be visualized.

Comparison of subjective cognitive complaints with neuropsychological tests in individuals with mild vs more severe traumatic brain injuries.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the complex inter-relationship between subjective reports of cognitive impairments and neuropsychological performances in compensation-seeking individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) of differing severities. Specifically, this study examined: (a) the participants' neuropsychological test scores and self-reported ratings according to TBI severity; (b) whether there was a predictive relationship between self-report and cognitive test scores; and (c) the influence of emotional functioning on self-reported cognitive functioning. RESEARCH DESIGN: A multi-group comparative research design was employed. METHODS AND PROCEDURE: An outpatient sample of 61 patients with TBIs using neuropsychological testing, RNBI (Ruff Neurobehavioral Inventory) and clinical interviews. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The mild TBI group exhibited greater attentional impairments, while the moderate-to-severe group exhibited greater memory and learning impairments on neuropsychological tests. The mild group reported more cognitive symptoms than their more severely damaged counterparts. The mild TBI participants reported significantly more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI were more accurate when reporting their memory and learning difficulties, whereas individuals with mild TBI were more accurate when reporting attentional difficulties. It is likely that the occurrence of PTSD worsens the outcome of a mild TBI. There likely is a cumulative effect between the PTSD symptoms and the emotional residuals in the mild TBI population.

A chalcone-related small molecule that induces methuosis, a novel form of non-apoptotic cell death, in glioblastoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Methuosis is a unique form of non-apoptotic cell death triggered by alterations in the trafficking of clathrin-independent endosomes, ultimately leading to extreme vacuolization and rupture of the cell. RESULTS: Here we describe a novel chalcone-like molecule, 3-(2-methyl-1H- indol-3-yl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one (MIPP) that induces cell death with the hallmarks of methuosis. MIPP causes rapid accumulation of vacuoles derived from macropinosomes, based on time-lapse microscopy and labeling with extracellular fluid phase tracers. Vacuolization can be blocked by the cholesterol-interacting compound, filipin, consistent with the origin of the vacuoles from non-clathrin endocytic compartments. Although the vacuoles rapidly acquire some characteristics of late endosomes (Rab7, LAMP1), they remain distinct from lysosomal and autophagosomal compartments, suggestive of a block at the late endosome/lysosome boundary. MIPP appears to target steps in the endosomal trafficking pathway involving Rab5 and Rab7, as evidenced by changes in the activation states of these GTPases. These effects are specific, as other GTPases (Rac1, Arf6) are unaffected by the compound. Cells treated with MIPP lose viability within 2-3 days, but their nuclei show no evidence of apoptotic changes. Inhibition of caspase activity does not protect the cells, consistent with a non-apoptotic death mechanism. U251 glioblastoma cells selected for temozolomide resistance showed sensitivity to MIPP-induced methuosis that was comparable to the parental cell line. CONCLUSIONS: MIPP might serve as a prototype for new drugs that could be used to induce non-apoptotic death in cancers that have become refractory to agents that work through DNA damage and apoptotic mechanisms.

Clarifying debates in invasion biology: a survey of invasion biologists.

Invasion biology is a relatively new field, so there are ongoing debates about foundational issues regarding terminology and assessment of the causes and consequences of invasive species. These debates largely reflect differing views about the extent to which invasion biologists should advocate on behalf of native species. We surveyed reviewers of the journal Biological Invasions to obtain a better sense of how invasion biologists evaluate several foundational issues. We received 422 replies, which represented a very good response rate for an online survey of 42.5% of those contacted. Responses to several debates in the field were distributed bimodally, but respondents consistently indicated that contemporary biological invasions are unprecedented. Even still, this was not seen as justification for exaggerated language (hyperbole). In contrast to prevalent claims in the literature, only 27.3% of respondents ranked invasive species as the first or second greatest threat to biodiversity. The responses also highlighted the interaction of invasive species with other threats and the role of human activity in their spread. Finally, the respondents agreed that they need to be both more objective and better at communicating their results so that those results can be effectively integrated into management.

Food Oral Processing-An Industry Perspective.

We illustrate how scientific understanding of Food Oral Processing enables food product development with specific benefits for several target populations. in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches are discussed in the context of their ability to quantify oral processing from the molecular to the macroscopic scale. Based on this understanding, food structures with enhanced performance in terms of hedonic and nutritional properties as well as appropriateness for age and certain medical conditions can be developed. We also discuss current gaps and highlight development opportunities from an industry perspective.

The Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an eHealth Lifestyle Program in Women with Recent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study.

Self-administered eHealth interventions provide a potential low-cost solution for reducing diabetes risk. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the feasibility, including recruitment, retention, preliminary efficacy (primary outcome) and acceptability (secondary outcome) of the "Body Balance Beyond" eHealth intervention in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with overweight/obesity who had recent GDM (previous 24 months) were randomised into one of three groups: 1) high personalisation (access to "Body Balance Beyond" website, individual telehealth coaching via video call by a dietitian and exercise physiologist, and text message support); 2) low personalisation (website only); or 3) waitlist control. To evaluate preliminary efficacy, weight (kg), glycosylated hemoglobin, type A1C (HbA1c), cholesterol (total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)), diet quality and moderate-vigorous physical activity were analysed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months using generalised linear mixed models. To investigate acceptability, process evaluation was conducted at 3 and 6 months. Of the 327 potential participants screened, 42 women (mean age 33.5 ± 4.0 years and BMI 32.4 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were randomised, with 30 (71%) completing the study. Retention at 6 months was 80%, 54% and 79% for high personalisation, low personalisation and waitlist control, respectively (reasons: personal/work commitments, n = 4; started weight-loss diet, n = 1; pregnant, n = 1; resources not useful, n = 1; and not contactable, n = 5). No significant group-by-time interactions were observed for preliminary efficacy outcomes, with the exception of HDL cholesterol, where a difference favoured the low personalisation group relative to the control (p = 0.028). The majority (91%) of women accessed the website in the first 3 months and 57% from 4-6 months. The website provided useful information for 95% and 92% of women at 3 and 6 months, respectively, although only a third of women found it motivating (30% and 25% at 3 and 6 months, respectively). Most women agreed that the telehealth coaching increased their confidence for improving diet (85%) and physical activity (92%) behaviours, although fewer women regarded the text messages as positive (22% and 31% for improving diet and physical activity, respectively). The majority of women (82% at 3 months and 87% at 6 months) in the high personalisation group would recommend the program to other women with GDM. Recruiting and retaining women with a recent diagnosis of GDM is challenging. The "Body Balance Beyond" website combined with telehealth coaching via video call is largely acceptable and useful for women with recent GDM. Further analysis of the effect on diabetes risk reduction in a larger study is needed.

Executive functions and health behaviors associated with the leading causes of death in the United States: A systematic review.

Research indicates that executive functioning may predict health behavior. This systematic review provides an overview of the relationship between domains of executive functioning and health behaviors associated with the leading causes of death in the United States. A total of 114 articles met the inclusion criteria (adult sample, published in English between 1990 and November 2016) and were reviewed and synthesized. Results indicated that although many studies had mixed findings, at least one executive function component was associated with every health behavior. Based on these results, health professionals should consider the role of executive functions in behavior change interventions.

Physical properties and biological activity of poly(butyl acrylate-styrene) nanoparticle emulsions prepared with conventional and polymerizable surfactants.

Recent efforts in our laboratory have explored the use of polyacrylate nanoparticles in aqueous media as stable emulsions for potential applications in treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. These emulsions are made by emulsion polymerization of acrylated antibiotic compounds in a mixture of butyl acrylate and styrene (7:3 wt/wt) using sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant. Prior work in our group established that the emulsions required purification to remove toxicity associated with extraneous surfactant present in the media. This article summarizes our investigations of poly(butyl acrylate-styrene) emulsions made using anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and noncharged (amphiphilic) surfactants, as well as attachable surfactant monomers (surfmers), comparing the cytotoxicity and microbiological activity levels of the emulsion both before and after purification. Our results show that the attachment of a polymerizable surfmer onto the matrix of the nanoparticle neither improves nor diminishes cytotoxic or antibacterial effects of the emulsion, whether or not the emulsions are purified, and that the optimal properties are associated with the use of the nonionic surfactants versus those carrying anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic charge. Incorporation of an N-thiolated beta-lactam antibacterial agent onto the nanoparticle matrix via covalent attachment endows the emulsion with antibiotic properties against pathogenic bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, without changing the physical properties of the nanoparticles or their emulsions. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: Emulsions of polyacrylate nanoparticles, antibiotics and surfactants were studied using surfactant monomers as controls. Nonionic surfactants resulted in the most optimal properties. Incorporation of a beta-lactam antibacterial agent onto the nanoparticle matrix endowed the emulsion with antibiotic properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a leading cause of hospital acquired, treatment-resistant infections including sepsis.

Theory-Based Predictors of Mindfulness Meditation Mobile App Usage: A Survey and Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness meditation has become increasingly popular over the last few years, due in part to the increase in mobile apps incorporating the practice. Although studies have demonstrated the potential of mindfulness meditation to positively impact health, little has been uncovered about what predicts engagement in mindfulness meditation. Understanding the predictors of mindfulness meditation may help practitioners and phone app developers improve intervention strategies and app experience. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use the Theory of Planned Behavior and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory to determine factors predicting mindfulness meditation mobile app use. METHODS: The sample consisted of 85 undergraduate students with no prior mindfulness meditation experience. During their first laboratory visit, participants completed tasks to measure their executive functioning and a survey to measure Theory of Planned Behavior constructs about mindfulness meditation. Over the following 2 weeks, participants logged the days and minutes that they practiced mindfulness meditation using a phone app. Hierarchical regression modeling was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After controlling for demographic factors, participant subjective norms (beta=14.51, P=.001) and intentions (beta=36.12, P=.001) were predictive of the number of minutes practicing mindfulness. Participant executive functioning did not predict mindfulness meditation practice, nor did it moderate the link between intentions and mindfulness meditation practice. Participant attitudes (beta=0.44, P<.001) and perceived control (beta=0.42, P=.002) were positively associated with intentions to practice mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that among college student populations, the Theory of Planned Behavior may be useful in predicting the use of mindfulness meditation phone apps. However, participant executive functioning was not a predictor or moderator of mindfulness practice, and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory may be less useful for explaining mindfulness meditation behaviors using phone apps over a short period of time among college students. The results have implications for public health professionals, suggesting that a focus on subjective norms and intentions may promote mindfulness meditation practice using phone apps.