Citations

Background Traumatic injury is the fourth leading cause of death nationally; rural residents are twice as likely to die from injury as urban counterparts. On-scene mortality coverage gaps across regional trauma systems remain poorly characterized. Objective To identify geographic blind spots and time-critical, spatially advantageous on-scene deaths (2019-2023) that fall outside modeled 10-minute drive-time service areas across seven North Central state trauma regions. Methods This retrospective analysis geocoded death certificate records to ZIP Code Tabulation Areas and modeled 10-minute drive-time service areas in ArcGIS Online. EMS agency headquarters and staffing classification (volunteer, mixed, paid) were obtained from the DHS EMS Service Map. Candidate sites were identified by maximizing coverage of weighted, uncovered death centroids per region. Results Of 11,868 decedents (60.7% male; mean age 64.4 years [SD 25.6]; 49.9% fall, 26.4% firearm), 7815 had geocodable addresses. Coverage ranged from 53.5% (Western) to 87.0% (North Central); 5492 (70.3%) fell within a 10-minute service area. One candidate site per region could extend modeled coverage to 4-321 additional death locations (480 combined). Volunteer-dominant regions, where 63% of agencies reported scheduling gaps, had the lowest coverage, suggesting headquarters presence overstates availability. Conclusion Geospatial analysis identified actionable blind spots where one additional EMS resource per region could extend modeled coverage to hundreds of death locations. Because these are modeled coverage gains, not demonstrated mortality reductions, and depend in volunteer-dominant regions on staffing reliability that placement alone cannot resolve, the identified locations warrant further evaluation, not presumed survival benefit.

Background Compassionate extubations (CEs) can be categorized as stressful clinical events that have potential to trigger a second victim response. The Second Victim Experience and Support Tool-Revised (SVEST-R) is a survey used by healthcare organizations to evaluate second victim experiences of their staff. The purpose of this study was to quantify the level of agreement among respiratory therapists (RTs) who participate in CEs resulting in the perception of being a second victim, as well as various desired forms of support. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional, non-experimental survey design. The SVEST-R was disseminated via an anonymous electronic survey posted to a private social media site for RTs. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for demographic variables, exploratory factor analysis, measures of reliability for the SVEST-R instrument, and comparison of responses across demographic variables. Results There were 146 survey responses. The majority of respondents were female (92%), between the ages of 25–40 (49%), had between 11 and 20 years of RT experience (27%), and practiced primarily in adult critical care (87%). Up to 51.4% of the sample reported that physical distress had occurred due to participation in CEs. The majority of respondents (80.8%) agree that colleague support is present. There was general agreement that supervisor (>60%) and organization (>50%) support are present. Perception of professional self-efficacy was preserved, and resilience remained high for the majority of RTs in this sample. There was general disagreement that involvement in CEs resulted in absenteeism from work or turnover intentions. The most frequently desired form of support was a peaceful location to recover and recompose after the event (85.8%). Conclusions RTs experience marginal yet meaningful distress as a result of participating in CEs. Respondents desire more opportunities to exist in terms of institutional support. Participating in CEs rarely impacts perceptions of self-efficacy. Respondents identify as resilient and feel the experiences with CEs have promoted professional growth.

Abstract Background Opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy (OBS), the removal of fallopian tubes during hysterectomy or instead of tubal ligation, is recommended to reduce ovarian cancer risk. However, data on the effectiveness of prophylactic OBS is limited. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort included individuals aged 18–80 in Ontario, Canada, who underwent OBS or comparator surgeries (hysterectomy with ovarian and tubal conservation or tubal ligation) from 2011 to 2023. Individuals with gynecologic cancer before or within six months of surgery were excluded. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Sensitivity analyses varied the time between surgery and cancer diagnosis to account for pre-existing serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas. Results Among 196,839 individuals, 57,941 underwent OBS and 138,898 underwent comparator surgeries. 142 epithelial ovarian cancers were diagnosed (19 in the OBS group and 123 in the comparator surgery group). OBS was associated with reduced risk of any ovarian carcinoma, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.60 (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.98). For serous ovarian carcinoma (high- and low-grade combined due to missing grade data), the aHR was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.22 to 0.99). Sensitivity analyses with 12- and 18-month intervals showed aHRs of 0.59 (95% CI, 0.35 to 0.99) and 0.60 (95% CI, 0.35 to 1.01) for all ovarian carcinomas, and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.23 to 1.01) and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.22 to 0.99) for serous ovarian carcinoma, respectively. Conclusions OBS was associated with reduced risk of ovarian carcinoma, supporting its role as a primary prevention strategy.

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain a challenge in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs); central line days have been directly correlated with risk of CLABSI. The Mayo Clinic PICU is a 23-bed multidisciplinary unit including dedicated bone marrow transplant beds with an average of 1048 admissions annually. In 2024, the unit’s CLABSI rate was 0.82 per 1,000 central line days or approximately 1–3 CLABSIs per year. Weekly multidisciplinary CLABSI Prevention Rounds were piloted from August 2024 to March 2025 with the aim of reducing central line device utilization rate as a method to reduce CLABSI risk. Methods: A multidisciplinary team of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Nurse Managers, and off-service PICU physicians conducted weekly CLABSI rounds on PICU beds (excluding 4 BMT beds), meeting with each bedside nurse as well as the on-service providers. The CLABSI team assessed central line necessity using a standard questionnaire and provided education to physicians and nurses regarding central line care and CLABSI prevention. Monthly data were compared for the same 8 calendar months pre versus post intervention for central line days, patient days, and device utilization rate (DUR; central line days/patient days), both unadjusted and adjusted for PRISM (Pediatric Risk of Mortality) 3 severity of illness score. Pre- and post-implementation staff surveys assessed confidence in line management and interdisciplinary communication using Likert scales. Results: Thirty-two CLABSI rounds with a total of 118 individual patients and 45 discrete interventions were noted over 8 months and compared to the 8 pre-intervention corresponding months. Pre versus post monthly DUR was 0.42 [0.32–0.57] vs 0.46 [0.30–0.55], p = 0.49 (PRISM 3–adjusted p = 0.97). Nursing confidence in ‘discussing central line need’ significantly improved post-implementation, 5 [4–5] vs 5 [5–5], p = 0.035. Nurses also positively perceived third-party involvement in need assessment, 4 [3–4] vs 4 [3–4], p = 0.06. All surveyed clinicians trended toward being less likely to think a central line was left in too long, 3 [3–4] vs 3 [2–4], p = 0.06. Conclusion: Structured weekly multidisciplinary CLABSI rounds are a feasible intervention that empowers bedside nurses and improves confidence in line maintenance and interdisciplinary communication. Median DUR was not significantly altered by the intervention, but nursing perception of central line management improved qualitatively in pre- versus post-implementation surveys. Continued expansion of multidisciplinary initiatives addressing central line necessity and management is needed to further evaluate overall effects on DUR and CLABSI incidence.

Glioblastoma is the most common form of brain cancer in adults and remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer. Treating glioblastoma is uniquely challenging due to its aggressive nature and its critical location, the brain, which must remain largely undamaged. Due to these difficulties, there is a lack of effective treatment options. Computer models simulating tumors and their response to therapy, known as digital twins, provide a promising new strategy. These model systems are mathematical equations that capture the biological knowledge of how cells interact during tumor growth and in response to treatment. By solving these equations, we can create virtual patients that provide accurate predictions of real patients’ tumor progression. This approach has the potential to improve outcomes by designing therapies for the specific needs of each patient, moving beyond the limitations of the “one-size-fits-all” approach that is currently used.

Most genetic variants associated with complex traits are hypothesized to regulate gene expression. To understand the genetics underlying gene expression variability, we characterized 14,324 RNA-sequencing samples from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine program and performed expression and splicing quantitative trait locus (e/sQTL) analyses in six tissues and cell types, including whole blood ( n = 6454) and lung ( n = 1291). We detected tens of thousands of secondary cis-e/sQTLs, showing that secondary cis-e/sQTL discovery remains unsaturated. We fine-mapped UK Biobank–derived genome-wide association study (GWAS) signals from 164 traits and identified e/sQTL colocalizations for 10,611 GWAS signals, including 7096 that colocalize with secondary e/sQTLs. Our results suggest that even larger e/sQTL analyses will uncover additional secondary e/sQTLs, further benefiting GWAS interpretation.

Abstract Objectives To describe and compare anorectal manometry findings in constipated adolescents with and without dyssynergic defecation (DD). Methods We retrospectively reviewed adolescents ≤18 years who underwent anorectal manometry (ARM) and/or balloon expulsion testing (BET) between 2015 and 2022. Patients with prior pelvic floor therapy, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon surgery were excluded. DD was defined by abnormal ARM (paradoxical anal contraction or inadequate anal relaxation ≤20% during simulated evacuation) and/or abnormal BET (>60 s). Manometric parameters were compared between patients with and without DD and between those with abnormal versus normal BET. Diagnostic performance of rectoanal pressure gradient cutoffs were assessed. Results A total of 170 adolescents were included; 69 (40.6%) met criteria for DD. Median age was 17 years (interquartile range [IQR] 16–18), and 80.7% were female. Gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ between groups. Patients with DD demonstrated significantly more negative rectoanal pressure gradients compared with those without DD (median [IQR]: −49.0 mmHg [−73.9 to −31.4] vs. −25.2 mmHg [−40.2 to −9.8]; p < 0.001). Rectal sensory thresholds did not differ significantly between groups. A rectoanal pressure gradient cutoff of −45 mmHg demonstrated the best balance of sensitivity (58%) and specificity (86%) for identifying DD. Depression was more prevalent among adolescents with DD ( p = 0.007). Conclusions Rectoanal pressure gradient is a useful manometric parameter for identifying DD in constipated adolescents, particularly when BET is unavailable. Psychological factors such as depression may be more prevalent in this population.

ABSTRACT Objective To provide expert recommendations for the development of a specialty bipolar clinic that promotes best clinical practices for the delivery of safe and effective care. Methods Members of the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) Bipolar Clinics Work Group met in a series of 1‐h monthly video calls over 18 months to discuss all aspects of their respective institution's bipolar clinics, including services provided, administrative processes, staffing models, characteristics of patients treated, patient volumes, finances, and research. The group also invited psychiatrists from outside of the NNDC who ran large bipolar clinics to contribute their thoughts and experiences on the subject. In addition, the NNDC sent a 20‐question survey to all 27 sites asking clinic directors specific questions about their bipolar clinics, if applicable. Further meetings and discussions incorporating results from the survey took place to produce a comprehensive set of recommendations. Results Twenty‐one of 27 NNDC sites (81%) responded to the survey. Twelve of 21 (57%) sites had a specific bipolar clinic, and another 4 (19%) were looking to start one. Clinics were based in university settings. The meetings, clinic survey, and discussions resulted in 10 recommendations describing services and operations for bipolar specialty clinics. Conclusions Given the complexity of bipolar disorder, specialty clinics are important to enhance care. Clinics with a wide array of services that include consultation, medication management, bipolar‐specific psychotherapies, and patient/family psychoeducation provide the most comprehensive care. Challenges to these clinics include maintaining ongoing patient access as well as ensuring long‐term financial stability.

ABSTRACT Clinical pharmacists are increasingly recognized as vital contributors to acute stroke care, yet their role remains inconsistently defined and underutilized across health care systems. This consensus statement explores the expanding presence of clinical pharmacists within interdisciplinary stroke teams, particularly in the management of both acute ischemic stroke ( AIS ) and hemorrhagic stroke. This consensus statement panel was composed of clinical pharmacists, emergency medicine physicians, and a vascular neurologist. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation ( GRADE ) approach was used to assess the level of certainty and strength of recommendations. We focused on two questions regarding the clinical pharmacist's role in caring for adult patients presenting to the emergency department ( ED ) with AIS or hemorrhagic stroke. Despite the very low level of evidence, a consensus was reached for the following recommendations: (1) clinical pharmacist involvement in AIS care for adult patients presenting to the ED and (2) clinical pharmacist involvement in hemorrhagic stroke care for adult patients presenting to the ED . Based on the available literature, we believe optimizing the clinical pharmacist role is a critical factor in improving time‐sensitive treatment and equity in care delivery.