Social and Structural Influences on Multiracial Identification and Health: a Public Health Mandate to Precisely Measure, Theorize, and Better Understand Multiracial Populations.

There is a growing group of adolescents and young adults in the USA who identify as multiracial. However, very little research, especially health research, focuses on understanding multiracial identification and health and behavioral outcomes for multiracial populations in comparison to their single-race counterparts. Understanding the intersectional influences on this identification process is critical to updating the literature on racial and ethnic identity and health with more accurate identifications and categories. It is especially critical that there is an explicit focus on understanding the impact of structural racism and discrimination when studying the process of racial identification and the impact on health. This review takes an interdisciplinary approach relying on a review of multiple research literatures: the historical literature on race, racism and categorization, psychological and adolescent medicine literatures on adolescent development, the sociological literature on racial and ethnic identification, and the limited public health research beginning to disentangle multiracial health outcomes. An empirically testable conceptual framework is offered to frame the organization of this review-demonstrating the multiple spheres of influence on racial and ethnic identification and the implication for health outcomes.

Temporomandibular disc displacement with reduction treated with anterior repositioning splint: a 2-year clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up.

Clicking may appear in the initial, middle, or final phase of mandibular opening. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most appropriate diagnostic imaging for diagnosing disc position. With anterior repositioning splint (ARS), disc recapture is achieved through a change in the position of the condyle to encourage adaptation of the retrodiscal tissues. Three patients reported pain and sounds during movement and clicking in the final phases; also, the MRI confirmed anteriorized disc position and the treatments consisted of an ARS. The post-treatment examination confirmed a normal opening without deviations and deflections. After 2 years, the conditions were stable, and the MRI showed thickening of the retrodiscal tissues, including extra fibrous tissue, resulting in a pseudodisc. Treatment using ARS can stimulate tissue fibrosis and the formation of a pseudodisc. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment planning of disc displacement cases.

Decision-making process as guide to the management of non-carious cervical lesions with and without painful symptomatology.

The aim of this study is to develop a decision-making path for the management of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) associated with or without dentin hypersensitivity (DH) This will allow to limit or delay invasive approaches identifying the causes that produced them. The need for this review is because there are no clear guidelines in the current literature for the treatment of NCCLs. Usually, the selection of the best therapy option is postponed to clinical judgment which can be influenced by a patient's demands (aesthetic, symptomatologic reasons or worsening of pre-existing NCCL). To establish a therapeutic plan the young dentist should be able to distinguish the NCCLs that need to be monitored over time from those in need of early treatment. Indeed, the experience of the dentist and the compliance of the patient play a decisive role for the success of the therapy.

Giant Pressure Dependence and Dimensionality Switching in a Metal-Organic Quantum Antiferromagnet.

We report an extraordinary pressure dependence of the magnetic interactions in the metal-organic system [CuF_{2}(H_{2}O)_{2}]_{2}pyrazine. At zero pressure, this material realizes a quasi-two-dimensional spin-1/2 square-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet. By high-pressure, high-field susceptibility measurements we show that the dominant exchange parameter is reduced continuously by a factor of 2 on compression. Above 18 kbar, a phase transition occurs, inducing an orbital re-ordering that switches the dimensionality, transforming the quasi-two-dimensional lattice into weakly coupled chains. We explain the microscopic mechanisms for both phenomena by combining detailed x-ray and neutron diffraction studies with quantitative modeling using spin-polarized density functional theory.

An innovative pick-up impression technique.

Precision of impression is one of the keys for the success of implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. The choice of correct techniques, performance materials, and operator skills, can improve the accuracy of impression. The proposed technique describes a modified pick-up impression technique, both for single and multiple implants, aiming to combine the advantages of direct technique (open-tray or pick-up impression) with those of indirect technique (closed-tray or transfer type impression technique) in order to improve the accuracy of implant impression.

Dexmedetomidine: Current Role in Burn ICU.

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a relativelyrecent a2-adrenergic agonist which provides sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia with much less respiratory depression than other sedatives. These characteristics have implemented the use of the drug in the ICUs in order to achieve the target of a "arousable sedation", thanks to its significant manageability. Its sedative-analgesic properties are also particularly suitable for use in burn ICUs, both adult and pediatric, which is why the current Guidelines have recognized a central role in the management of these categories of patients. Finally, DEX has showed significant anti-inflammatory effect both in animal models and in preliminary clinical trials, reducing vasopressor requirements and main mediators levels of the systemic inflammatory response involved in sepsis and similar processes, suggesting its use for improved outcome in ICU septic patients.

Safety of new DAAs for chronic HCV infection in a real life experience: role of a surveillance network based on clinician and hospital pharmacist.

BACKGROUND: Direct Antiviral Agents (DAAs) for HCV therapy represents a step ahead in the cure of chronic hepatitis C. Notwithstanding the promising results in several clinical trials, few data are available on adverse effects in real life settings. METHODS: We have evaluated 170 patients with persistent infection and on those eligible to treatment we have followed up them through a network managed by clinician and hospital pharmacist. RESULTS: According to our data we have found that 41% (32 out of 78) of enrolled patients experienced adverse reactions, of these 40% were in those under 65 years while 60% was in patients older than 65 years, SVR was achieved in 88% of the patients (including drop-out). We had 4 drop-out treatment due to major adverse reaction (heart and lung related). CONCLUSION: Even if new antiviral drugs seem to be promising, according to SVR, they require careful follow-up, possibly managed by clinician and hospital pharmacist, to avoid unrecognized side effects which may affect adherence and the real impact of these drugs on chronically infected subjects.

A crystal structure prediction enigma solved: the gallic acid monohydrate system - surprises at 10 K.

The seemingly unpredictable structure of gallic acid monohydrate form IV has been investigated using accurate X-ray diffraction measurements at temperatures of 10 and 123 K. The measurements demonstrate that the structure is commensurately modulated at 10 K and disordered at higher temperatures. Aided by charge-density modeling and periodic DFT calculations we show that the disorder gives a substantial stabilization of the structure.

A case of advanced second-degree atrioventricular block in a ferret secondary to lymphoma.

A female ferret was referred as an emergency for severe respiratory distress symptoms. At presentation, the patient was listlessness, dyspnoeic, and hyper-responsive. The clinical examination evidenced dyspnea with cyanosis, altered cardiac rhythm, and hepatomegaly. Electrocardiography showed an advanced second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. The liver aspirate was diagnostic for lymphoma. The patient did not respond to supportive therapy and rapidly died. Post-mortem exams confirmed the presence of lymphoma with hepatic involvement. Moreover, a pericardial lymphocytic infiltration and a widespread myocardial nodular localization of lymphoma were evidenced as well. This condition was probably the cause of the cardiac arrhythmia. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first report of cardiac lymphoma causing heart block in ferrets.

A Strengths-Based Approach to Prisoner Reentry: The Fresh Start Prisoner Reentry Program.

Scholars have called for a strengths-based approach to prisoner reentry, yet there are few available program models that outline how to integrate this approach into the current reentry program landscape. The present article highlights a strengths-based prisoner reentry program that provided services to men both pre- and post-release from prison to the community in the United States. Qualitative findings from focus groups provide preliminary support for the strengths-based approach and highlight men's strengths and needs as well as challenges related to the program's implementation. The reentry program then drew from participants' reports to inform program development activities. Implications and recommendations for integrating strengths-based approaches into prisoner reentry interventions are discussed.

Electroporation Enhances Bleomycin Efficacy in Cats with Periocular Carcinoma and Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head.

BACKGROUND: Advanced carcinoma of the head represents a substantial health problem in cats for local control and overall survival. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the capability of electrochemotherapy (ECT) to improve bleomycin efficacy in cats with periocular carcinoma and advanced carcinoma of the head. ANIMALS: Twenty-one cats with periocular carcinoma (17 squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] and 4 anaplastic carcinoma) and 26 cats with advanced SCC of the head. METHODS: Nonrandomized prospective controlled study. Periocular carcinoma cohorts: 12 cats were treated with bleomycin (15 mg/m(2) i.v.) coupled with ECT under anesthesia; 9 cats were treated with bleomycin alone. Advanced head SCC cohorts: 14 cats were treated with bleomycin (15 mg/m(2) i.v.) coupled with ECT administered under sedation; 12 control cats were treated with bleomycin alone. ECT treatments (2-8) were performed every other week until complete remission (CR) or tumor progression occurred. RESULTS: Toxicities were minimal and mostly treated symptomatically. Overall response rate in the ECT treated animals was 89% (21 Complete Response [CR] and 2 Partial Response [PR]) whereas controls had response rate of 33% (4 CR and 3 PR). Median time to progression in ECT group was 30.5 months, whereas in controls it was 3.9 months (P < .0001). Median time to progression for ECT cohorts was 24.2 months for periocular cohort and 20.6 in advanced head SCC cohort, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Electrochemotherapy is well tolerated for advanced SCC of the head in cats; its use may be considered among loco-regional strategies for cancer therapy in sensitive body regions such as periocular region.

New magnetic frameworks of [(CuF2(H2O)2)(x)(pyz)].

Pressure-driven orbital reordering in the quantum magnet [CuF2(H2O)2(pyz)], (pyz = pyrazine), dramatically affects its magnetic exchange interactions. The crystal chemistry of this system is enriched with a new phase above 3 GPa, surprisingly concomitant with other polymorphs. Moreover, we discovered an unprecedented compound with a different stoichiometry, [(CuF2(H2O)2)2(pyz)], featuring magnetic bi-layers.

Telbivudine prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation improves renal function.

INTRODUCTION: Renal impairment after liver transplantation represents an important issue in the management of transplantation patients, particularly when those subjects may need prophylaxis for fungal or viral infection. Herein we report our experience with 12 transplantation patients receiving telbivudine 600 mg/d while on the waiting list, followed by treatment for 18 months after liver transplantation, showing an improvement on their renal function during the follow-up period. METHODS: Our series consisted of men with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related end-stage liver disease. The viral load decreased rapidly while on the waiting list once the patient was started on antiviral treatment. Those subjects were compared with 12 patients on lamivudine prophylaxis. All patients were evaluated for liver and renal function, immunosuppression trough levels, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) before liver transplantation (T0) and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (T3, T6, T12, T18). RESULTS: All patients received a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppression-based regimen. Creatinine clearance (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) was 67 mL/min at T0, with a statistically significant improvement after month 6 compared with those on lamivudine and with the value at the beginning of the prophylaxis (Mann-Whitney U test P<.05). Neither CPK nor transaminase serum levels increased throughout the study period. Once HBV DNA was cleared while on the waiting list, it remained negative throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Telbivudine prophylaxis for HBV is safe and effective, without any significant deleterious effect on the liver; on the contrary, it seems to improve renal function after liver transplantation through 18 months. Further studies and larger series are warranted to confirm these findings.

The role of prevention in promoting continuity of health care in prisoner reentry initiatives.

Most incarcerated individuals will return to the community, and their successful reentry requires consideration of their health and how their health will affect their families and communities. We propose the use of a prevention science framework that integrates universal, selective, and indicated strategies to facilitate the successful reentry of men released from prison. Understanding how health risks and disparities affect the transition from prison to the community will enhance reentry intervention efforts. To explore the application of the prevention rubric, we evaluated a community-based prisoner reentry initiative. The findings challenge all involved in reentry initiatives to reconceptualize prisoner reentry from a program model to a prevention model that considers multilevel risks to and facilitators of successful reentry.

Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous hepatitis B immunoglobulin after liver transplantation: an open single-arm prospective study.

Life-long hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) administration is a main component of prophylactic strategy to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection after liver transplantation (LT). Long-term effects of HBIG treatment are known only for intravenous (IV) and intramuscular formulations. To evaluate safety and efficacy of self-administered SC HBIG, 135 LT patients receiving a 48-week treatment were analyzed. The dose of HBIG was 500 IU or 1000 IU if body weight was <75 kg or ≥75 kg, respectively. Patients were switched from the monthly IV HBIG treatment to weekly SC HBIG 2-3 weeks after the last IV dosage. All patients were able to SC self-injection after a single training. The treatment was effective in maintaining trough anti-HBs levels >100 IU/L. No severe drug-related side effects occurred. Fifteen injection-site small hematomas and four cases of mild itch occurred. At the end of the study, anti-HBs median titer was 232 IU/L (115-566 IU/L) and 97.8% of patients had an anti-HBs level >150 IU/L. Due to high mean level of anti-HBs titers observed during this study, individualized treatment schedules should be further investigated. In conclusion, SC HBIG for long-term prophylaxis of post-LT HBV reinfection resulted safe, well accepted, and effective in maintaining adequate anti-HBs levels.