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Joyce, Kelsey E., Catherine A. Campbell, Arthur R. Bradwell, Samuel J.E. Lucas, Christopher T. Lewis, Rebekah A.I. Lucas, and Mark Edsell; for the Birmingham Medical Research Expeditionary Society (BMRES). The environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition. High Alt Med Biol. 26:140–147, 2025. Introduction: Scientists must begin examining the environmental cost(s) of their research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a component of the environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition by totaling the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions calculated from as many direct and indirect sources as possible. Methods: Eighteen individuals flew from London to Bagdogra (via Delhi), and then drove onward to Lachung (via Gangtok) where they began their ascent on foot to 4,800 m (Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim). Several research experiments were conducted throughout the expedition, which required use of a laboratory centrifuge, solid CO 2 (specimen storage), rechargeable laptop computers and battery-powered oximeters. International Civil Aviation Organization calculators estimated aviation CO 2 production. Land emissions were calculated for Mahindra vehicles. Solid waste was weighed and CO 2 emissions estimated for its incineration. Results : Total CO 2 emissions equated to ∼16.7 tonnes from the following sources: air and land transportation of expedition team (87.3%); sublimation and transportation of solid CO 2 (7.7%), waste incineration (0.58%), generator transportation and gasoline (12 l) combustion (0.48%), and battery transportation (3.3%). Conclusions : Air travel contributed the most to the overall environmental cost of the research expedition. Further investigation is required to contextualize these findings in relation to lab-based alternative(s).

AbstractIntroductionAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains one of the deadliest hematopoietic malignancies. A better understanding of the molecular biology governing AML may lead to improved risk stratification and facilitate the development of novel therapies. Proteins are responsible for much of the biology of cells. Several studies have examined the global proteome in bulk mononuclear cells (MNCs) from AML specimens, which are comprised a heterogenous population of cells at various stages of differentiation.MethodsGiven the potential impact of the nonleukemic cells on protein expression profiles, we applied an integrative proteogenomic approach utilizing next‐generation sequencing and mass spectrometry‐based proteomics to identify novel protein biomarkers in unsorted MNCs and viable leukemic blasts (VLBs) isolated from blood and bone marrow specimens obtained at the time of AML diagnosis.ResultsWe identified significant differences in protein expression between VLBs and MNCs. Subsequent studies (N = 27) focused on proteomic profiling of VLBs that identified novel candidate biomarkers associated with mutational genotypes and clinical outcome, some of which were recapitulated in an independent cohort of patients. Using mass spectrometry, we also detected mutated protein products, some of which were predicted via in silico analyses to be potential neoantigens amenable to adoptive immunotherapy. As previously described, analyses comparing transcript and protein expression showed an overall modest correlation between mRNA and protein dataset, but enriching for genes associated with mutations significantly improved the protein–RNA correlation.ConclusionTogether, the results provide insight into the biology of VLBs and demonstrate the gains derived from examining the proteome in addition to genome and transcriptome.

AbstractBackgroundCochlear implants (CIs) are used to rehabilitate moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss and stimulate the auditory system via a multichannel electrode array positioned in the scala tympani. Imaging evaluation of CIs is substantially degraded by metallic artifacts. Photon‐counting detector (PCD)‐CT has the potential to minimize such artifacts, though this has not been convincingly established in prior studies. This study compared the visualization of CI electrodes on PCD‐CT to conventional energy integrating detector (EID)‐CT.Materials and MethodsFive patients with CIs were prospectively recruited to undergo temporal bone imaging on both EID‐CT and PCD‐CT scanners yielding 2D and 3D Volume Rendering Technique (VRT) images. Three nonblinded neuroradiologists reviewed 2D and 3D VRT images for the ability to resolve CI electrode leads using a Likert scale. The average Likert scores of PCD‐CT versus EID‐CT were calculated for each reader for both 2D and 3D VRT images. (Likert scores 1–5 based on inferior to superior rating of PCD‐CT compared to EID‐CT). Inter‐rater agreement was assessed using Krippendorff's alpha with ordinal weights. ResultsFive patients underwent temporal bone CT for CI array evaluation. As evidenced by 5‐point Likert scales that were independently used by the three reviewers, this study demonstrated superior resolution of CI electrode array using PCD‐CT as compared to EID‐CT with an average score of 4.2 ± 0.8 for 2D images and 4.9 ± 0.4 for 3D VRT images.ConclusionsPCD‐CT is superior to EID‐CT in the visualization of CI electrodes, particularly in 3D VRT imaging.

Abstract Context Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) have both increased risk of cardiovascular disease and adverse outcomes with many medical emergencies. However, limited data exist specifically regarding ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the context of AI. Objective To evaluate associations between AI and in-hospital outcomes of patients with STEMI. Methods Admissions for STEMI were identified in the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample. In-hospital outcomes were compared between patients with and without AI. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), intervention, acute kidney injury (AKI), vasopressor use, mechanical circulatory support (MCS), mechanical ventilation, ventricular tachycardia (VT), hospital length of stay (LOS), and total charges. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders. Results Among 690 430 STEMI hospitalizations, 1382 (0.2%) had a diagnosis of AI. AI was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.51, 95% CI 1.03-2.2), lower odds of PCI (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.98), higher odds of CABG (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.89-4.2) and, AKI (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.72-3.3), VT (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.1-2.2), need for vasopressors (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.33-4.1), mechanical ventilation (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.54-2.89), and MCS (aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.57-3.03). Patients with AI also had a longer LOS (10 days vs 4.2 days, P < .001) and higher charges ($258 475 vs $115 505, P < .001). Conclusion Patients with AI admitted for STEMI had higher in-hospital mortality, nonfatal adverse outcomes, and resource utilization than patients without AI.

Background Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) outcomes have been previously linked to demographic and social factors. The social vulnerability index (SVI) is a measure of social vulnerability in the United States. We explored PPCM disparities and the impact of SVI on PPCM mortality. Methods and Results Mortality from 1999 to 2020, SVI, and demographic data were obtained from CDC databases. County‐specific SVI rankings were linked to PPCM age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), allowing for a comparative analysis of AAMRs across both cumulative populations and subpopulations to identify disparities. All US counties were then stratified into low‐ and high‐SVI groups, facilitating comparison of SVI rankings by estimation of excess‐deaths per 1 000 000 person‐years attributable to greater social vulnerability and rate ratios (RR) through univariable Poisson regression. We identified a total of 1026 deaths related to PPCM between 1999 and 2020. Overall AAMR increased from 0.180 in 1999 to 0.326 in 2020. Black populations (AAMR: 1.081) and Southern US counties (AAMR: 0.444) had the highest AAMRs compared with other racial and US census groups, respectively. Higher SVI accounted for 0.172 excess deaths per 1 000 000 person‐years (RR=1.800). Among Black and White populations, higher SVI also accounted for 0.248 and 0.071 excess deaths per 1 000 000 person‐years, respectively. Similar impacts of greater social vulnerability were observed when comparing the US census regions (Northeast RR=1.609, Midwest RR=1.819, South RR=1.934, West RR=1.776). Conclusions PPCM mortality disparities exist across racial and geographic populations in the United States. A greater burden of social vulnerability is associated with higher PPCM mortality on a national level.

Objective Epilepsy surgery is vital in managing of children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Noninvasive and invasive testing modalities allow for evaluation and treatment of children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Evidence-based algorithms for this process do not exist. This study examines expert response to a vignette of pediatric nonlesional epilepsy to assess associations in evaluation and treatment choices. Methods We analyzed annual report data and an epilepsy practice survey reported in 2020 from 135 pediatric epilepsy center directors in the United States. Characteristics of centers along with noninvasive and invasive testing and surgical treatment strategies were collected. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed. Results The response rate was 100% with 135 responses included in the analyses. Most used noninvasive testing modalities included Neuropsychology evaluation (90%), interictal brain fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (85%), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (72%) with nearly half obtaining genetic testing. Choosing functional MRI was associated with stereo electroencephalography (EEG) ( P = .025) and selecting Wada with subdural grid/strips ( P = .038). Directors from pediatric-only centers were more likely to choose stereo EEG as opposed to combined centers ( P = .042). Laser interstitial thermal therapy was almost 7 times as likely to be chosen as a treatment modality compared with open resection in dedicated pediatric centers (OR 6.96, P = .002). Significance In a vignette of nonlesional childhood drug-resistant epilepsy, epilepsy center directors’ patterns of noninvasive testing, invasive testing, and treatment were examined. Management choices were associated with pediatric versus combined pediatric/adult center characteristics. Expert opinions demonstrated equipoise in evaluation and management of children with drug-resistant epilepsy and the need for evidence-based management strategies.

Background: Patients with skin lesions suspicious for skin cancer or atypical melanocytic nevi of uncertain malignant potential often present to dermatologists, who may have variable dermoscopy triage clinical experience. Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of a digital dermoscopy image-based artificial intelligence algorithm (DDI-AI device) on the diagnosis and management of skin cancers by dermatologists. Methods: Thirty-six United States board-certified dermatologists evaluated 50 clinical images and 50 digital dermoscopy images of the same skin lesions (25 malignant and 25 benign), first without and then with knowledge of the DDI-AI device output. Participants indicated whether they thought the lesion was likely benign (unremarkable) or malignant (suspicious). Results: The management sensitivity of dermatologists using the DDI-AI device was 91.1%, compared to 84.3% with DDI, and 70.0% with clinical images. The management specificity was 71.0%, compared to 68.4% and 64.9%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity of dermatologists using the DDI-AI device was 86.1%, compared to 78.8% with DDI, and 63.4% with clinical images. Diagnostic specificity using the DDI-AI device increased to 80.7%, compared to 75.9% and 73.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of the DDI-AI device may quickly, safely, and effectively improve dermoscopy performance, skin cancer diagnosis, and management when used by dermatologists, independent of training and experience.

Objectives To identify Reddit users’ viewpoints and inquiries about spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic back pain using Reddit databases. Methods We performed a qualitative analysis of public, anonymous threads and comments from targeted subreddits within the Reddit community. We used the Python Reddit API Wrapper to extract relevant data. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, using natural language processing to identify and categorize common questions, concerns, and opinions shared by patients regarding SCS. Results Our analysis included 112 posts and 448 comments. The tone of comments was neutral (n=231), followed by negative (n=121) and positive (n=96). 13 users actively encouraged other users to try the procedure, while 25 advised against it. The main topics of discussions revolved around pain relief expectations and adverse events. Almost half of users commenting about pain relief expectations reported experiencing considerably lower improvement than anticipated. Pocket pain, lead fracture/migration, infection risk, and scars were common topics of discussion among users. Furthermore, users shared strategies to mitigate postoperative discomfort and offered insights into device selection based on MRI conditionality, reprogramming need, and charging prerequisites. Conclusion Our Reddit analysis identified potential targets for enhanced dialog between physicians and patients around anticipated pain relief, complications, and postoperative care. Reddit and other social media platforms may offer valuable opportunities for healthcare professionals to improve engagement with patients.