Hospitalization and Continuity of Care in Anti-MDA5 Dermatomyositis.

This cohort study describes the clinical features, patient characteristics, and treatment of anti-melanoma differentiation­associated gene 5 (MDA5) dermatomyositis.

Salivary Interleukin-1 Levels in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a significant impact on global health. The identification of non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of OSCC remains crucial. Methods: A total of 100 subjects, comprising 50 patients with histopathologically confirmed OSCC and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. Salivary samples were collected from all participants and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to measure IL-1 levels. Clinical data, including demographic information, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption, were obtained from patient records. Results: The mean salivary IL-1 level was significantly higher in OSCC patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, subgroup analysis demonstrated that advanced stages of OSCC correlated with significantly elevated IL-1 levels when compared to early-stage OSCC (P < 0.05). Additionally, high salivary IL-1 levels were associated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype and poorer prognosis, as reflected by tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival (P < 0.01). Conclusion: This case-control study provides compelling evidence that salivary Interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels are significantly elevated in patients with OSCC.

Clinical Characteristics of Erythema Nodosum and Associations With Chronicity and Recurrence.

This cohort study characterizes the presentation, causes, treatment, and disease course of erythema nodosum, as well as identifies associations with chronicity and recurrence.

Cardiovascular Risk Management in Patients Treated with JAK Inhibitors.

ABSTRACT: The Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Although Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are an effective treatment for several IMIDs, they have come under scrutiny as a class due to a potential risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and cardiovascular (CV) events, specifically noted with the oral JAKi, tofacitinib, as reported in the ORAL Surveillance Trial of a high CV risk rheumatoid arthritis population. This trial resulted in a black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency regarding risk of VTE and CV events that was extended across several types of JAKi (including topical ruxolitinib) when treating IMIDs, leading to considerable controversy. Included is an up-to-date review of the current and rapidly evolving literature on CV risk in patients with IMIDs on JAKi therapy, including identification of potential risk factors for future VTE and CV events on JAKi therapy. We suggest a comprehensive, multimodal, and systematic approach for evaluation of CV risk in patients considering taking JAKi and emphasize that cardiologists play an important role in risk stratification and mitigation for patients with high CV risk factors or on long-term JAKi therapies.

Decreased Expression of Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor in Platelets of Probable Alzheimer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD) patients experience progressive neurological and cognitive decline attributed to neurodegeneration. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has been identified to protect and rescue neurons in various preclinical neurodegeneration models. The expression of this protein occurs in both the central nervous system and peripheral blood. Blood platelets exhibit several biochemical impairments similar to the brain tissues of patients with neurological disorders. This study examines CDNF mRNA expression in human blood platelets in healthy subjects and Alzheimer-probable patients. METHODS: Platelets were extracted from whole blood from patients. mRNA was extracted to synthesize cDNA and quantify CDNF gene expression from 21 Alzheimer-probable patients and 73 healthy age-matched control subjects using real-time qPCR. Grouping analysis of the data with regard to sex was conducted. RESULTS: CDNF mRNA expression was significantly decreased in Alzheimer-probable patients relative to the control subjects (P<0.05). Further analysis demonstrated reduced CDNF expression in male Alzheimer-probable patients compared with their age and sex-matched controls (P<0.05). However, no change in female subjects was observed. Interestingly, there is a lower level of CDNF expression in the female control group relative to the control male group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Alzheimer-probable male patients demonstrated significant reductions in CDNF expression, suggesting that CDNF plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, it may assist in diagnosing male Alzheimer patients.

Bedside detection of intracranial midline shift using portable magnetic resonance imaging.

Neuroimaging is crucial for assessing mass effect in brain-injured patients. Transport to an imaging suite, however, is challenging for critically ill patients. We evaluated the use of a low magnetic field, portable MRI (pMRI) for assessing midline shift (MLS). In this observational study, 0.064 T pMRI exams were performed on stroke patients admitted to the neuroscience intensive care unit at Yale New Haven Hospital. Dichotomous (present or absent) and continuous MLS measurements were obtained on pMRI exams and locally available and accessible standard-of-care imaging exams (CT or MRI). We evaluated the agreement between pMRI and standard-of-care measurements. Additionally, we assessed the relationship between pMRI-based MLS and functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale). A total of 102 patients were included in the final study (48 ischemic stroke; 54 intracranial hemorrhage). There was significant concordance between pMRI and standard-of-care measurements (dichotomous, κ = 0.87; continuous, ICC = 0.94). Low-field pMRI identified MLS with a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.96. Moreover, pMRI MLS assessments predicted poor clinical outcome at discharge (dichotomous: adjusted OR 7.98, 95% CI 2.07-40.04, p = 0.005; continuous: adjusted OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.11-2.49, p = 0.021). Low-field pMRI may serve as a valuable bedside tool for detecting mass effect.

Portable, bedside, low-field magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Radiological examination of the brain is a critical determinant of stroke care pathways. Accessible neuroimaging is essential to detect the presence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) operates at high magnetic field strength (1.5-3 T), which requires an access-controlled environment, rendering MRI often inaccessible. We demonstrate the use of a low-field MRI (0.064 T) for ICH evaluation. Patients were imaged using conventional neuroimaging (non-contrast computerized tomography (CT) or 1.5/3 T MRI) and portable MRI (pMRI) at Yale New Haven Hospital from July 2018 to November 2020. Two board-certified neuroradiologists evaluated a total of 144 pMRI examinations (56 ICH, 48 acute ischemic stroke, 40 healthy controls) and one ICH imaging core lab researcher reviewed the cases of disagreement. Raters correctly detected ICH in 45 of 56 cases (80.4% sensitivity, 95%CI: [0.68-0.90]). Blood-negative cases were correctly identified in 85 of 88 cases (96.6% specificity, 95%CI: [0.90-0.99]). Manually segmented hematoma volumes and ABC/2 estimated volumes on pMRI correlate with conventional imaging volumes (ICC = 0.955, p = 1.69e-30 and ICC = 0.875, p = 1.66e-8, respectively). Hematoma volumes measured on pMRI correlate with NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) and clinical outcome (mRS) at discharge for manual and ABC/2 volumes. Low-field pMRI may be useful in bringing advanced MRI technology to resource-limited settings.

Myocarditis associated with Covid-19 disease: A systematic review of published case reports and case series.

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 is an extremely contagious illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The cardiac involvement in such a public health emergency disease has not been well studied and a conflicting evidence exists on this issue. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review article aimed to compile and illustrate clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings, management, and outcomes manifesting in myocarditis linked with Covid-19. METHODS: A literature search was accomplished for published eligible articles with MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases. All eligible case reports and case series were included from around the world without any language restrictions. For this review, inclusion criteria were laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection cases reporting a diagnosis of acute myocarditis. RESULTS: Data from 41 studies describing myocarditis in 42 Covid-19 patients was obtained. The median age of these patients was 43.4 years, with 71.4% of them being men. Fever was the most prevalent presenting symptoms seen in 57% of patients. Hypertension was the most pervasive comorbidity accompanying these patients. Cardiac biomarkers troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were raised in almost 90% and 87% of patients, respectively. Electrocardiogram findings were nonspecific and included ST-segment and T-wave changes. Echocardiogram commonly showed left ventricular systolic dysfunction with increased heart size. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) exhibited myocardial edema and injury. The most prevalent histopathological feature appreciated was diffuse lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates. Antivirals and corticosteroids were the most frequently used medications. About 38% of patients also needed vasopressor assistance. Out of 42 patients, 67% recovered, and eight died. CONCLUSION: Because of the risk of a sudden worsening of patients conditions and myocarditis association with considerable mortality and morbidity, a knowledge of this cardiac complication of Covid-19 disease is crucial for healthcare professionals.

Assessment of Brain Injury Using Portable, Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the Bedside of Critically Ill Patients.

IMPORTANCE: Neuroimaging is a key step in the clinical evaluation of brain injury. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems operate at high-strength magnetic fields (1.5-3 T) that require strict, access-controlled environments. Limited access to timely neuroimaging remains a key structural barrier to effectively monitor the occurrence and progression of neurological injury in intensive care settings. Recent advances in low-field MRI technology have allowed for the acquisition of clinically meaningful imaging outside of radiology suites and in the presence of ferromagnetic materials at the bedside. OBJECTIVE: To perform an assessment of brain injury in critically ill patients in intensive care unit settings, using a portable, low-field MRI device at the bedside. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a prospective, single-center cohort study of 50 patients admitted to the neuroscience or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care units at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, from October 30, 2019, to May 20, 2020. Patients were eligible if they presented with neurological injury or alteration, no contraindications for conventional MRI, and a body habitus not exceeding the scanner's 30-cm vertical opening. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was determined by positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction nasopharyngeal swab result. EXPOSURES: Portable MRI in an intensive care unit room. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Demographic, clinical, radiological, and treatment data were collected and analyzed. Brain imaging findings are described. RESULTS: Point-of-care MRI examinations were performed on 50 patients (16 women [32%]; mean [SD] age, 59 [12] years [range, 20-89 years]). Patients presented with ischemic stroke (n = 9), hemorrhagic stroke (n = 12), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 2), traumatic brain injury (n = 3), brain tumor (n = 4), and COVID-19 with altered mental status (n = 20). Examinations were acquired at a median of 5 (range, 0-37) days after intensive care unit admission. Diagnostic-grade T1-weighted, T2-weighted, T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences were obtained for 37, 48, 45, and 32 patients, respectively. Neuroimaging findings were detected in 29 of 30 patients who did not have COVID-19 (97%), and 8 of 20 patients with COVID-19 (40%) demonstrated abnormalities. There were no adverse events or complications during deployment of the portable MRI or scanning in an intensive care unit room. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This single-center series of patients with critical illness in an intensive care setting demonstrated the feasibility of low-field, portable MRI. These findings demonstrate the potential role of portable MRI to obtain neuroimaging in complex clinical care settings.

Healthcare provider knowledge regarding oral contraception effectiveness for women with a history of bariatric malabsorptive procedures.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines that recommend women avoid pregnancy immediately after bariatric surgery, highlighting the need for effective contraception. However, women with a history of malabsorptive bariatric procedures should generally not use oral contraceptives, as these procedures may decrease oral contraceptive effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: To identify provider characteristics associated with knowledge of combined oral contraceptive (COC) effectiveness. SETTING: United States. METHODS: We analyzed weighted survey data collected from national samples of public-sector health centers and office-based physicians who regularly provide family planning services (N = 2060). We asked providers about the effectiveness of COCs for women with a history of malabsorptive procedures compared with healthy women, giving them the response options of more/equally effective, less effective, and do not know. We used multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to identify characteristics associated with knowledge of COC effectiveness. RESULTS: Approximately 55% of providers correctly answered that COCs are less effective for women with malabsorptive procedures; 25% considered COCs more/equally effective, and 20% were uncertain. Among public-sector providers, the adjusted odds of uncertainty were significantly higher for those whose clinical focus was not reproductive health, for nurses versus advanced practice clinicians, and for providers working in clinics without Title X funding. For office-based physicians, adolescent medicine providers had higher odds of uncertainty versus obstetrician-gynecologists. Physicians practicing in settings classified as "other" (such as community health centers) had higher odds of considering COCs effective compared with those practicing in hospital or university clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial proportions of surveyed providers had inadequate knowledge of COC effectiveness for women with a history of malabsorptive procedures.

Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2014.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Since 1969, CDC has conducted abortion surveillance to document the number and characteristics of women obtaining legal induced abortions in the United States. PERIOD COVERED: 2014. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: Each year, CDC requests abortion data from the central health agencies of 52 reporting areas (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City). The reporting areas provide this information voluntarily. For 2014, data were received from 49 reporting areas. For trend analysis, abortion data were evaluated from 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014. Census and natality data, respectively, were used to calculate abortion rates (number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years) and ratios (number of abortions per 1,000 live births). RESULTS: A total of 652,639 abortions were reported to CDC for 2014. Of these abortions, 98.4% were from the 48 reporting areas that provided data every year during 2005-2014. Among these 48 reporting areas, the abortion rate for 2014 was 12.1 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years, and the abortion ratio was 193 abortions per 1,000 live births. From 2013 to 2014, the total number and rate of reported abortions decreased 2%, and the ratio decreased 3%. From 2005 to 2014, the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased 21%, 22%, and 18%, respectively. In 2014, all three measures reached their lowest level for the entire period of analysis (2005-2014). In 2014 and throughout the period of analysis, women in their 20s accounted for the majority of abortions and had the highest abortion rates; women in their 30s and older accounted for a much smaller percentage of abortions and had lower abortion rates. In 2014, women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years accounted for 32.2% and 26.7% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 21.3 and 18.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years, respectively. In contrast, women aged 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 years accounted for 17.1%, 9.7%, and 3.6% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 11.9, 7.2, and 2.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 30-34 years, 35-39 years, and ≥40 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the abortion rate decreased among women aged 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, and 35-39 years by 27%, 16%, 12%, and 5%, respectively, but increased 4% among women aged ≥40 years. In 2014, adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years accounted for 0.3% and 10.4% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 0.5 and 7.5 abortions per 1,000 adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the percentage of abortions accounted for by adolescents aged 15-19 years decreased 38%, and their abortion rate decreased 49%. These decreases were greater than the decreases for women in any older age group. In contrast to the percentage distribution of abortions and abortion rates by age, abortion ratios in 2014 and throughout the entire period of analysis were highest among adolescents and lowest among women aged 30-39 years. Abortion ratios decreased from 2005 to 2014 for women in all age groups. In 2014, the majority (64.9%) of abortions were performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation, and nearly all (91.0%) were performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation. Few abortions were performed between 14 and 20 weeks' gestation (7.7%) or at ≥21 weeks' gestation (1.3%). During 2005-2014, the percentage of all abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation remained consistently high (≥90.9%). Among abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation, there was a shift toward earlier gestational ages, as the percentage performed at ≤6 weeks' gestation increased 9%, and the percentage of all other gestational ages at ≤13 weeks' gestation decreased 0%-12%. In 2014, among reporting areas that included medical (nonsurgical) abortion on their reporting form, 22.5% of all abortions were performed by early medical abortion (a nonsurgical abortion at ≤8 weeks' gestation), 66.9% were performed by surgical abortion at ≤13 weeks' gestation, and 9.1% were performed by surgical abortion at >13 weeks' gestation; all other methods were uncommon (<1.5%). Among abortions performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation that were eligible for early medical abortion on the basis of gestational age, 33.3% were completed by this method. In 2014, women with one or more previous live births accounted for 59.5% of abortions, and women with no previous live births accounted for 40.4%. Women with one or more previous induced abortions accounted for 44.9% of abortions, and women with no previous abortion accounted for 55.1%. Women with three or more previous births accounted for 13.8% of abortions, and women with three or more previous abortions accounted for 8.6% of abortions. Deaths of women associated with complications from abortion for 2014 are being assessed as part of CDC's Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System. In 2013, the most recent year for which data were available, four women were identified to have died as a result of complications from legal induced abortion. INTERPRETATION: Among the 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014, the decreases in the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions that occurred during 2010-2013 continued from 2013 to 2014, resulting in historic lows for all three measures of abortion. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: The data in this report can help program planners and policymakers identify groups of women with the highest rates of abortion. Unintended pregnancy is the major contributor to induced abortion. Increasing access to and use of effective contraception can reduce unintended pregnancies and further reduce the number of abortions performed in the United States.

Perceptions of Alternative Tobacco Products, Anti-tobacco Media, and Tobacco Regulation among Young Adults: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives With increased alternative tobacco product (ATP) use and lagging public health action, we explored perceptions of ATPs, anti-tobacco messaging, and tobacco regulation among young adults. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 Georgia college students aged 18-25 using: (1) cigarettes, little cigars/cigarillos (LCCs), smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes ≥15 days of the past 30; or (2) hookah ≥10 of the past 30 days (due to lower frequency of use). Of 99 participants recruited, 80 consented, and 60 participated. Results Participants were on average 21.01 years old (SD = 2.07), 56.7% women, and 65.0% black; 56.7% reported current use of cigarettes, 43.3% LCCs, 26.7% smokeless tobacco, 45.0% e-cigarettes, and 41.7% hookah. Cigarettes were perceived as most harmful to health and most addictive. E-cigarettes and hookah were generally regarded as lowest risk. Many indicated that ATP risk information was limited or inaccessible and that most anti-tobacco campaigns were irrelevant to ATPs. Participants requested more research and dissemination of evidence regarding ATP risks and need for ATP regulation. Conclusions In light of low risk perceptions regarding ATPs among young adults, research, anti-tobacco campaigns, and regulation must address their known and potential risks.

Marijuana Use among Young Adults: Who Quits and Why?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined: (1) differences among never, current, and former young adult marijuana users; and (2) reasons for use and cessation. METHODS: We conducted interviews with 57 young adults (including 46 marijuana users) enrolled in a longitudinal study of 3418 young adults and a survey in this cohort (N = 2866). Participants reporting former but not current use on the survey (N = 607) completed the Reasons for Marijuana Cessation section. RESULTS: Interview data indicated reasons for initiating (or not initiating) use, continued use, and quitting. The Reasons for Marijuana Cessation scale included 2 factors: (1) Instrumentality and 2) Social/Legal reasons. CONCLUSIONS: These findings might inform theoretical frameworks upon which marijuana cessation occurs and direct future intervention studies.

Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2014.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Since 1969, CDC has conducted abortion surveillance to document the number and characteristics of women obtaining legal induced abortions in the United States. PERIOD COVERED: 2014. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: Each year, CDC requests abortion data from the central health agencies of 52 reporting areas (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City). The reporting areas provide this information voluntarily. For 2014, data were received from 49 reporting areas. For trend analysis, abortion data were evaluated from 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014. Census and natality data, respectively, were used to calculate abortion rates (number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years) and ratios (number of abortions per 1,000 live births). RESULTS: A total of 652,639 abortions were reported to CDC for 2014. Of these abortions, 98.4% were from the 48 reporting areas that provided data every year during 2005-2014. Among these 48 reporting areas, the abortion rate for 2014 was 12.1 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years, and the abortion ratio was 186 abortions per 1,000 live births. From 2013 to 2014, the total number and rate of reported abortions decreased 2%, and the ratio decreased 7%. From 2005 to 2014, the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased 21%, 22%, and 21%, respectively. In 2014, all three measures reached their lowest level for the entire period of analysis (2005-2014). In 2014 and throughout the period of analysis, women in their 20s accounted for the majority of abortions and had the highest abortion rates; women in their 30s and older accounted for a much smaller percentage of abortions and had lower abortion rates. In 2014, women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years accounted for 32.2% and 26.7% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 21.3 and 18.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years, respectively. In contrast, women aged 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 years accounted for 17.1%, 9.7%, and 3.6% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 11.9, 7.2, and 2.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 30-34 years, 35-39 years, and ≥40 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the abortion rate decreased among women aged 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, and 35-39 years by 27%, 16%, 12%, and 5%, respectively, but increased 4% among women aged ≥40 years. In 2014, adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years accounted for 0.3% and 10.4% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 0.5 and 7.5 abortions per 1,000 adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the percentage of abortions accounted for by adolescents aged 15-19 years decreased 38%, and their abortion rate decreased 49%. These decreases were greater than the decreases for women in any older age group. In contrast to the percentage distribution of abortions and abortion rates by age, abortion ratios in 2014 and throughout the entire period of analysis were highest among adolescents and lowest among women aged 30-39 years. Abortion ratios decreased from 2005 to 2014 for women in all age groups. In 2014, the majority (67.0%) of abortions were performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation, and nearly all (91.5%) were performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation. Few abortions were performed between 14 and 20 weeks' gestation (7.2%) or at ≥21 weeks' gestation (1.3%). During 2005-2014, the percentage of all abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation remained consistently high (≥91.4%). Among abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation, there was a shift toward earlier gestational ages, as the percentage performed at ≤6 weeks' gestation increased 21%, and the percentage of all other gestational ages at ≤13 weeks' gestation decreased 7%-20%. In 2014, among reporting areas that included medical (nonsurgical) abortion on their reporting form, 22.6% of all abortions were performed by early medical abortion (a nonsurgical abortion at ≤8 weeks' gestation), 67.4% were performed by surgical abortion at ≤13 weeks' gestation, and 8.6% were performed by surgical abortion at >13 weeks' gestation; all other methods were uncommon (<2%). Among abortions performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation that were eligible for early medical abortion on the basis of gestational age, 32.2% were completed by this method. In 2014, women with one or more previous live births accounted for 59.5% of abortions, and women with no previous live births accounted for 40.4%. Women with one or more previous induced abortions accounted for 44.9% of abortions, and women with no previous abortion accounted for 55.1%. Women with three or more previous births accounted for 13.8% of abortions, and women with three or more previous abortions accounted for 8.6% of abortions. Deaths of women associated with complications from abortion for 2014 are being assessed as part of CDC's Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System. In 2013, the most recent year for which data were available, four women were identified to have died as a result of complications from legal induced abortion. INTERPRETATION: Among the 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014, the decreases in the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions that occurred during 2010-2013 continued from 2013 to 2014, resulting in historic lows for all three measures of abortion. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: The data in this report can help program planners and policymakers identify groups of women with the highest rates of abortion. Unintended pregnancy is the major contributor to induced abortion. Increasing access to and use of effective contraception can reduce unintended pregnancies and further reduce the number of abortions performed in the United States.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2-mediated pain and inflammation in a rat model of posterolateral arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a pleiotropic, secreted molecule with diverse effects. The potent ability of BMP-2 to stimulate bone growth prompted its widespread clinical use for arthrodesis (spine fusion). However, elevated post-operative pain in patients treated with BMP-2 has been increasingly reported. Determining whether BMP-2 induces pain directly or whether it induces neuroinflammation, which could lower the threshold for pain, is important for developing therapeutic interventions. We therefore modeled the clinical use of BMP-2 for posterior lumbar fusion by implanting absorbable collagen sponges soaked with either recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) or vehicle above the L4-L5 transverse processes of rat spine. RESULTS: Using microarray analysis we found that implantation of rhBMP-2-soaked absorbable collagen sponges resulted in altered expression of numerous pro-inflammatory genes in the adjacent dorsal root ganglia (DRG) showing that implantation of rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponges triggers potent neuroinflammatory responses in the DRG-2. Interestingly, direct BMP-2 treatment of DRG explants resulted in changes in gene expression that were not specifically pro-inflammatory. Rats implanted with rhBMP-2 in absorbable collagen sponges also exhibited a transient change in thermal and mechanical sensitivity indicating that rhBMP-2 applied to the lumbar spine could increase pain sensitivity. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated macrophage infiltration in the DRG and spinal nerve in rats implanted with rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponges or absorbable collagen sponges alone, but not in rats that underwent surgery without implantation of the absorbable collagen sponges suggesting that the sponges contributed to the biological response. Indeed, analysis of DRGs taken from rats implanted with absorbable collagen sponges without rhBMP-2 showed a significant change in gene expression distinct from DRGs from rats undergoing surgery only. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that implantation of rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponges on the lumbar spine triggers potent neuroinflammatory responses in the DRG. Importantly, however, these BMP-2 effects may be partially mediated through a response to the absorbable collagen sponges.

Measurement of background gamma radiation in the northern Marshall Islands.

We report measurements of background gamma radiation levels on six islands in the northern Marshall Islands (Enewetak, Medren, and Runit onEnewetak Atoll; Bikini and Nam on Bikini Atoll; and Rongelap on Rongelap Atoll). Measurable excess radiation could be expected from the decay of (137)Cs produced by the US nuclear testing program there from 1946 to 1958. These recordings are of relevance to safety of human habitation and resettlement. We find low levels of gamma radiation for the settled island of Enewetak [mean = 7.6 millirem/year (mrem/y) = 0.076 millisievert/year (mSv/y)], larger levels of gamma radiation for the island of Rongelap (mean = 19.8 mrem/y = 0.198 mSv/y), and relatively high gamma radiation on the island of Bikini (mean = 184 mrem/y = 1.84 mSv/y). Distributions of gamma radiation levels are provided, and hot spots are discussed. We provide interpolated maps for four islands (Enewetak, Medren, Bikini, and Rongelap), and make comparisons to control measurements performed on the island of Majuro in the southern Marshall Islands, measurements made in Central Park in New York City, and the standard agreed upon by the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) governments (100 mrem/y = 1 mSv/y). External gamma radiation levels on Bikini Island significantly exceed this standard (P = <<0.01), and external gamma radiation levels on the other islands are below the standard. To determine conclusively whether these islands are safe for habitation, radiation exposure through additional pathways such as food ingestion must be considered.