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Manjeet Kumar Goyal,1 Manisha Khubber,2 Varun Mehta2 1Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India; 2Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, IndiaCorrespondence: Manjeet Kumar Goyal, Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India, Tel +91-8285234620, Email manjeetgoyal@gmail.com

Background and Objective: Few studies have explored the relationship between social drivers of health and pediatric low-value care (LVC). We assessed the relationship between Childhood Opportunity Index (COI) 2.0 and LVC in children's hospitals., Methods: We applied the Pediatric Health Information System LVC Calculator to emergency and inpatient encounters from July 2021 through June 2022. Proportions with LVC in highest (greatest opportunity) and lowest COI quintiles were compared. Generalized estimating equation logistic regression models were used to analyze LVC trends across COI quintiles., Results: 842 463 encounters were eligible for 20 LVC measures. Across all measures, odds of LVC increased across increasing COI quintiles (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.08). For 12 measures, LVC was proportionally more common in highest versus lowest COI quintile, whereas the reverse was true for 4. Regression modeling revealed increasing LVC as COI increased across all quintiles for 10 measures; gastric acid suppression for infants had the strongest association (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17-1.27). Three measures revealed decreasing LVC across increasing COI quintiles; Group A streptococcal testing among children <3 years revealed the lowest OR (0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99). The absolute volume of LVC delivered was greatest among low COI quintiles for most measures., Conclusions: Likelihood of LVC increased across COI quintiles for 10 of 20 measures, whereas 3 measures revealed reverse trends. High volumes of LVC across quintiles support a need for broad de-implementation efforts; measures with greater impact on children with lower opportunity warrant prioritized efforts., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

A comprehensive approach is essential in India's ongoing battle against air pollution, combining technological advancements, regulatory reinforcement, and widespread societal engagement. Bridging technological gaps involves deploying sophisticated pollution control technologies and addressing the rural-urban disparity through innovative solutions. The review found that integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI&ML) in air quality forecasting demonstrates promising results with a remarkable model efficiency. In this study, initially, we compute the PM 2.5 concentration over India using a surface mass concentration of 5 key aerosols such as black carbon (BC), dust (DU), organic carbon (OC), sea salt (SS) and sulphates (SU), respectively. The study identifies several regions highly vulnerable to PM 2.5 pollution due to specific sources. The Indo-Gangetic Plains are notably impacted by high concentrations of BC, OC, and SU resulting from anthropogenic activities. Western India experiences higher DU concentrations due to its proximity to the Sahara Desert. Additionally, certain areas in northeast India show significant contributions of OC from biogenic activities. Moreover, an AI&ML model based on convolutional autoencoder architecture underwent rigorous training, testing, and validation to forecast PM 2.5 concentrations across India. The results reveal its exceptional precision in PM 2.5 prediction, as demonstrated by model evaluation metrics, including a Structural Similarity Index exceeding 0.60, Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio ranging from 28-30 dB and Mean Square Error below 10 μg/m 3 . However, regulatory challenges persist, necessitating robust frameworks and consistent enforcement mechanisms, as evidenced by the complexities in predicting PM 2.5 concentrations. Implementing tailored regional pollution control strategies, integrating AI&ML technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging international collaboration are essential policy measures to mitigate air pollution in India., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study focuses on understanding how aerosols are transported over long distances, especially during extreme events. Leveraging the integrated vapour transport (IVT) based atmospheric river (AR) algorithm to integrated aerosol transport (IAT) to detect the aerosol atmospheric rivers (AARs) for key aerosol species such as black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), dust (DU), sea salt (SS), and sulphate (SU). The present study also assesses the occurrence, intensity, and societal impacts of AARs globally during 2015-2022 on a spatiotemporal resolution of 1.5° × 1.5° and 6 h, respectively. The detection algorithm found a total number of 128,261 AARs found globally for key aerosol species. However, the availability of BC, OC, and SU AARs is most common and intense in densely populated areas like the Indus-Brahmaputra-Ganga (IBG) plains (~ 15-20 AAR days/year), Eastern China (~ 25-40 AAR days/year), and Japan (~ 20-30 AAR days/year), where human activities including agriculture burning contribute to their formation. DU AARs, on the other hand, are more prevalent in Northern Africa (~ 15 AAR days/year), the Gulf (~ 5-10 AAR days/year), the USA, and the Amazon rainforests. SS AARs share similar characteristics with atmospheric rivers and are more intense in higher latitudes and over the oceans (~ 30-40 AAR days/year). The study also validates its findings by analysing recent extreme events involving BC and DU worldwide. The potential applications of specific AARs could assist us in identifying the causes of snow darkening, reducing snow cover area, and accelerating melting rate. Moreover, AARs could aid in quantifying the health risks associated with severe air pollution., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Syphilitic hepatitis is a very rare presentation of syphilis infection, characterized by inflammation of the liver due to the invasion of hepatic tissue by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This review article provides an in-depth analysis of the existing body of information pertaining to syphilitic hepatitis. The article primarily concentrates on key aspects such as the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches associated with this condition. Despite its rarity, awareness of syphilitic hepatitis is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention. The clinical presentations frequently exhibit similarities with many liver illnesses, hence presenting difficulties in making an accurate diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. Diagnostic procedures encompass the use of serological assays, including rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS), in conjunction with imaging modalities to evaluate hepatic engagement. The primary therapeutic approach is the prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy, with a particular emphasis on penicillin, to eradicate the causative bacterial infection and facilitate the restoration of liver function. Failure to swiftly manage this condition may result in substantial morbidity. In summary, syphilitic hepatitis is a very uncommon but medically relevant manifestation of syphilis infection. The significance of increased clinical suspicion, precise diagnostic techniques, and prompt antibiotic administration is emphasized in this review since these are crucial in reducing the potentially severe outcomes associated with this illness., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Intravenous corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment of patients hospitalized with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). However, 30%-40% of the patients are refractory to corticosteroids. We investigated whether addition of tofacitinib to corticosteroids improved the treatment responsiveness in patients with ASUC., Methods: This single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized adult patients with ASUC (defined by the Truelove Witts severity criteria) to receive either tofacitinib (10 mg thrice daily) or a matching placebo for 7 days while continuing intravenous corticosteroids (hydrocortisone 100 mg every 6 hours). The primary end point was response to treatment (decline in the Lichtiger index by >3 points and an absolute score <10 for 2 consecutive days without the need for rescue therapy) by day 7. The key secondary outcome was the cumulative probability of requiring initiation of infliximab or undergoing colectomy within 90 days following randomization. All analyses were performed in the intention-to-treat population., Results: A total of 104 patients were randomly assigned to a treatment group (53 to tofacitinib and 51 to placebo). At day 7, response to treatment was achieved in 44/53 (83.01%) patients receiving tofacitinib vs 30/51 (58.82%) patients receiving placebo (odds ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval 1.37-8.48, P = 0.007). The need for rescue therapy by day 7 was lower in the tofacitinib arm (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.78, P = 0.01). The cumulative probability of need for rescue therapy at day 90 was 0.13 in patients who received tofacitinib vs 0.38 in patients receiving placebo (log-rank P = 0.003). Most of the treatment-related adverse effects were mild. One patient, receiving tofacitinib, developed dural venous sinus thrombosis., Discussion: In patients with ASUC, combination of tofacitinib and corticosteroids improved treatment responsiveness and decreased the need for rescue therapy., (Copyright © 2024 by The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Importance: Suicide is a leading cause of death among US youths, and mental health disorders are a known factor associated with increased suicide risk. Knowledge about potential sociodemographic differences in documented mental health diagnoses may guide prevention efforts., Objective: To examine the association of documented mental health diagnosis with (1) sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, (2) precipitating circumstances, and (3) mechanism among youth suicide decedents., Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, cross-sectional study of youth suicide decedents aged 10 to 24 years used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Violent Death Reporting System from 2010 to 2021. Data analysis was conducted from January to November 2023., Exposures: Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, precipitating circumstances, and suicide mechanism., Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was previously documented presence of a mental health diagnosis. Associations were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression., Results: Among 40 618 youth suicide decedents (23 602 aged 20 to 24 years [58.1%]; 32 167 male [79.2%]; 1190 American Indian or Alaska Native [2.9%]; 1680 Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander [4.2%]; 5118 Black [12.7%]; 5334 Hispanic [13.2%]; 35 034 non-Hispanic; 30 756 White [76.1%]), 16 426 (40.4%) had a documented mental health diagnosis and 19 027 (46.8%) died by firearms. The adjusted odds of having a mental health diagnosis were lower among youths who were American Indian or Alaska Native (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.39-0.51); Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52-0.64); and Black (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.58-0.66) compared with White youths; lower among Hispanic youths (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.82) compared with non-Hispanic youths; lower among youths aged 10 to 14 years (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65-0.76) compared with youths aged 20 to 24 years; and higher for females (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.56-1.73) than males. A mental health diagnosis was documented for 6308 of 19 027 youths who died by firearms (33.2%); 1691 of 2743 youths who died by poisonings (61.6%); 7017 of 15 331 youths who died by hanging, strangulation, or suffocation (45.8%); and 1407 of 3181 youths who died by other mechanisms (44.2%). Compared with firearm suicides, the adjusted odds of having a documented mental health diagnosis were higher for suicides by poisoning (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.62-1.78); hanging, strangulation, and suffocation (aOR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.55-3.03); and other mechanisms (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.47-1.72)., Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, 3 of 5 youth suicide decedents did not have a documented preceding mental health diagnosis; the odds of having a mental health diagnosis were lower among racially and ethnically minoritized youths than White youths and among firearm suicides compared with other mechanisms. These findings underscore the need for equitable identification of mental health needs and universal lethal means counseling as strategies to prevent youth suicide.

Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, represent a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the formation of calculi within the gallbladder. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complications associated with gallstones, with a focus on their pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methodologies, and management strategies. Gallstone-related complications encompass a broad spectrum, including biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, acute pancreatitis, and cholangitis. The pathogenesis of these complications primarily involves biliary obstruction and subsequent infection, leading to significant morbidity and potential mortality. Diagnostic evaluation of gallstone complications employs various imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), each with distinct advantages and limitations. Therapeutic approaches are discussed, ranging from conservative management with pharmacotherapy and bile acid dissolution agents to interventional procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous cholecystostomy. Surgical management, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy, remains the gold standard for definitive treatment. Additionally, advancements in endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and cholangioscopy, are highlighted. This review synthesizes current research findings and clinical guidelines, aiming to enhance the understanding and management of gallstone-related complications among healthcare professionals, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of this common ailment., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Gupta et al.)

Importance: Unintended pregnancy is a major health risk for adolescents in the US, and adolescents face many barriers to obtaining effective and reliable contraception., Objective: To measure and describe the use of contraception, pregnancy risk index (PRI), and emergency contraception (EC) prescriptions among female adolescents accessing the emergency department (ED) for care., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study is a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter trial from April 2021 through April 2022 that used a tablet-based, content-validated, confidential sexual health survey at 6 urban, pediatric tertiary care EDs affiliated with the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. Participants were individuals aged 15 to 21 years presenting to the ED who completed the confidential sexual health survey and indicated female sex assigned at birth and prior penile-vaginal sexual intercourse. Data analysis was performed from January 2023 to February 2024., Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were the type and proportion of contraception use, the PRI, and provision of EC. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify sociodemographic factors associated with these outcomes., Results: A total of 1063 participants (median [IQR] age, 17.5 [16.5-18.3] years) were included in this analysis; 219 (20.8%) identified as Hispanic, 464 (44.1%) identified as non-Hispanic Black, 308 (29.3%) identified as non-Hispanic White, and 61 (5.8%) identified as other races and ethnicities. In total, 756 participants (71.1%) reported contraception use during their last sexual encounter. Long-acting reversible contraception use (LARC) was the least used (164 participants [15.4%]), and 307 (28.9%) reported no contraception use. Sociodemographic factors associated with overall contraception use, and LARC use specifically, included insurance and race and ethnicity. The overall PRI was 7.89, or an expected 8 pregnancies per 100 female individuals per year. Although 108 participants (10.2%) were eligible for EC, EC was ordered for only 6 (5.6%) of those eligible., Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study of sexually active adolescents presenting to the ED, the majority of participants reported using at least 1 form of contraception; however, LARCs were the least used option, and 28.9% of participants reported no contraceptive use. The unintended pregnancy risk was almost 8% in the study population. Few patients eligible for EC received it. These data suggest a high need and potential opportunity for provision of contraception services in the ED setting.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been a significant contributor to mortality all across the globe. The most attributing factors to pathogenesis are metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and so on, but the indicators of its early detection are still elusive., Objective: The study aimed to compare the clinical, biochemical, and polysomnographic characteristics of type 2 diabetes patients with and without OSA., Design and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine and Endocrinology Unit of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. A total of 584 patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed using the Berlin questionnaire, with 302 fulfilling the criteria for a high risk of OSA. Out of 302 patients who met the criteria for the high-risk category, 110 patients underwent a sleep study., Results:  Three hundred and two patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. A total of 110 patients underwent a sleep study, of which 68 (61.8%) had evidence of OSA. The waist-to-hip ratio was considerably higher in the OSA patients than in the non-OSA group (1.09 vs 0.930, p = 0.001). HbA1c >7% was found in 58.8% of OSA patients contrary to 38.1% of non-OSA patients. Fasting plasma glucose levels (>126 mg/dl) were identified in a substantially larger proportion of OSA patients than the non-OSA patients (64.7% vs 45.2%, p = 0.04). Similarly, peripheral neuropathy was found more commonly in the OSA patients than in the non-OSA patients (47% vs. 26.1%, p = 0.02). Prevalence of retinopathy, nephropathy, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease did not differ significantly between the two groups., Conclusions: OSA frequently occurs among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prompt identification of OSA within this demographic is imperative to pinpoint those at an elevated risk of succumbing to conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, the exacerbation of glycemic control, and the onset of unmanaged hypertension. Moreover, there exists a positive correlation between the waist-to-hip ratio and the prevalence of OSA in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus, highlighting the critical role of waist-to-hip ratio assessments in this patient population., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Dhiman et al.)

Background: Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy R1 (LGMDR1) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the calpain-3 (CAPN3) gene. As clinical and pathological features may overlap with other types of LGMD, therefore definite molecular diagnosis is required to understand the progression of this debilitating disease. This study aims to identify novel variants of CAPN3 gene in LGMDR1 patients., Results: Thirty-four patients with clinical and histopathological features suggestive of LGMD were studied. The muscle biopsy samples were evaluated using Enzyme histochemistry, Immunohistochemistry, followed by Western Blotting and Sanger sequencing. Out of 34 LGMD cases, 13 patients were diagnosed as LGMDR1 by immunoblot analysis, demonstrating reduced or absent calpain-3 protein as compared to controls. Variants of CAPN3 gene were also found and pathogenicity was predicted using in-silico prediction tools. The CAPN3 gene variants found in this study, included, two missense variants [CAPN3: c.1189T > C, CAPN3: c.2338G > C], one insertion-deletion [c.1688delinsTC], one splice site variant [c.2051-1G > T], and one nonsense variant [c.1939G > T; p.Glu647Ter]., Conclusions: We confirmed 6 patients as LGMDR1 (with CAPN3 variants) from our cohort and calpain-3 protein expression was significantly reduced by immunoblot analysis as compared to control. Besides the previously known variants, our study found two novel variants in CAPN3 gene by Sanger sequencing-based approach indicating that genetic variants in LGMDR1 patients may help to understand the etiology of the disease and future prognostication., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) can generate catastrophic flash floods when the damming structure is breached or overtopped. Some of these glacial lakes are located in transboundary regions where floods originating from the lake in one country could inundate a neighboring country, devastating the population and infrastructure of both nations and influencing socio-political relationships. Therefore, assessing the lakes' hazard is crucial. This study investigates transboundary glacial lakes, considering their GLOF hazard, including potential mass movement intrusion, moraine's stability, upstream and downstream process cascades, downstream flood extents, and the exposure and vulnerability of the downstream infrastructure and affected population. GLOF exposure assessments were carried out to identify exposed buildings, bridges, and hydropower systems in transboundary regions. China currently has the highest number of transboundary lakes, with most of them potentially impacting India and Nepal. Most of the transboundary lakes in China, and many in India and Nepal, are susceptible to mass movements. Among the 230 transboundary glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush Karakoram Himalaya, 55 lakes can potentially impact other glacial lakes along their flow path, creating a cascade of events. Five transboundary lakes could potentially impact over 1000 buildings, and 16 lakes could impact over 500 buildings. A total of 35 lakes can impact at least one hydropower station along their flow path, and 4 lakes can impact two hydropower stations. This research emphasizes the critical importance of conducting comprehensive risk analyses of GLOFs in transboundary regions to inform policy-makers. It calls for investing in broad-scale assessments and data-driven decision-making for mitigating and adapting to GLOF risks effectively. Finally, by raising awareness among policy-makers, the study aims to drive actions that safeguard communities and infrastructure vulnerable to GLOF., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Umesh K. Haritashya reports financial support was provided by NASA. Saket Dubey reports financial support was provided by University of Dayton. Umesh K. Haritashya reports financial support was provided by University of Dayton. Jeffrey S. Kargel reports financial support was provided by NASA. Ashim Sattar reports financial support was provided by India Ministry of Science & Technology Department of Science and Technology., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: Health care disparities are pervasive, but little is known about disparities in pediatric safety. We analyzed a national sample of hospitalizations to identify disparities in safety events., Methods: In this population-based, retrospective cohort study of the 2019 Kids' Inpatient Database, independent variables were race, ethnicity, and payer. Outcomes were Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality pediatric safety indicators (PDIs). Risk-adjusted odds ratios were calculated using white and private payer reference groups. Differences by payer were evaluated by stratifying race and ethnicity., Results: Race and ethnicity of the 5 243 750 discharged patients were white, 46%; Hispanic, 19%; Black, 15%; missing, 8%; other race/multiracial, 7%, Asian American/Pacific Islander, 5%; and Native American, 1%. PDI rates (per 10 000 discharges) were 331.4 for neonatal blood stream infection, 267.5 for postoperative respiratory failure, 114.9 for postoperative sepsis, 29.5 for postoperative hemorrhage/hematoma, 5.6 for central-line blood stream infection, 3.5 for accidental puncture/laceration, and 0.7 for iatrogenic pneumothorax. Compared with white patients, Black and Hispanic patients had significantly greater odds in 5 of 7 PDIs; the largest disparities occurred in postoperative sepsis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55 [1.38-1.73]) for Black patients and postoperative respiratory failure (adjusted odds ratio, 1.34 [1.21-1.49]) for Hispanic patients. Compared with privately insured patients, Medicaid-covered patients had significantly greater odds in 4 of 7 PDIs; the largest disparity occurred in postoperative sepsis (adjusted odds ratios, 1.45 [1.33-1.59]). Stratified analyses demonstrated persistent disparities by race and ethnicity, even among privately insured children., Conclusions: Disparities in safety events were identified for Black and Hispanic children, indicating a need for targeted interventions to improve patient safety in the hospital., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Aerosol Atmospheric Rivers (AARs) are elongated and narrow regions that carry high concentrations of aerosols (tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere) across large distances, exerting effects on both air quality and human health (Chakraborty et al., 2021, 2022). Monitoring and modeling these aerosols present distinct challenges due to their dynamic nature and complex interactions within the atmosphere. In this context, the present study detects and predicts the AARs using MERRA-2 reanalysis datasets with their seasonal climatology of key aerosol species, including Black Carbon (BC), Dust (DU), Organic Carbon (OC), Sea Salt (SS), and Sulphates (SU). The study employs an innovative Integrated Aerosol Transport (IAT) based AAR algorithm from 2015 to 2022. A total count of 44,020 BC AARs, 13,280 DU AARs, 21,599 OC AARs, 17,925 SS AARs, and 31,437 SU AARs were detected globally. The seasonal climatology of BC and OC AARs intensifies in areas such as the Amazon rainforest and Congo during AMJJAS (April-September) due to forest fires. Similarly, DU AARs are more frequent in regions near the Saharan desert, primarily around the equator during AMJJAS. SS AARs tend to predominate over the oceans, while SU AARs are predominantly found in the northern hemisphere, primarily due to higher anthropogenic emissions. Furthermore, convolutional autoencoder-based models were developed for key aerosol species, strengthening predictive accuracy by effectively capturing complex data relationships and delivering precise predictions for the last 5-time frames. During validation, the model evaluation parameters for image prediction such as the Structural Similarity Index ranged from 0.86 to 0.94, Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio fluctuated between 1.14 and 42.25 dB, Root Mean Square Error varied from 2.39 to 296.4 mg/(m-sec), and Mean Square Error fell within the range of 1.55-17.22 mg/(m-sec). These collectively reflect image closeness, quality, dissimilarity, and accuracy in AAR prediction. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced machine and deep learning models in predicting AARs, offering the potential for advanced forecasting and enhancing resilience in high-aerosol concentration regions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Adolescent emergency department (ED) patients have unmet social needs that contribute to ED use. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of social needs navigation for adolescents on subsequent ED visits and community resource use and to identify characteristics associated with elevated social risk., Methods: Between July 2017 and August 2019, we used a random date generator to establish intervention and control group enrollment dates. All adolescents completed a social needs survey. Adolescents enrolled on intervention dates received in-person, risk-tailored social needs navigation. Those enrolled on control dates received a preprinted resource guide. We used chart review and follow-up calls to assess 12-month ED revisits and community resource use. Logistic regression was used to compare these outcomes between groups. We measured the association between ≥3 reported unmet needs and characteristics hypothesized a priori to be associated with elevated social risk (nonurgent visits, obesity, or any of nine "socially sensitive" chief complaints) using logistic regression., Results: A total of 399 adolescents were randomized. There was no difference between groups in the number of ED revisits. There was increased community resource use in the intervention group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.5 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.5, 8.2]). Adolescents with a socially sensitive chief complaint had increased odds of ≥3 unmet needs (aOR: 2.2 [95% CI: 1.3, 3.6]), as did those with food insecurity in a post hoc analysis (aOR: 9.9 [95% CI: 4.0, 24.6])., Discussion: Social needs navigation increased community resource use but not subsequent ED visits. Adolescents with socially sensitive chief complaints or food insecurity reported increased unmet needs., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: COVID-19 mitigation strategies resulted in changes in health care access and utilization, which could negatively impact adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We evaluated changes in STI diagnoses during adolescent visits at children's hospitals during COVID-19., Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System database comparing adolescent (11-18 years) hospital visits with an STI diagnosis by International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, code during COVID-19 (2020) to pre-COVID-19 (2017-2019). Data were divided into spring (March 15-May 31), summer (June 1-August 31), and fall (September 1-December 31). Median weekly visits and patient characteristics were compared using median regression., Results: Of 2 747 135 adolescent encounters, there were 10 941 encounters with an STI diagnosis from 44 children's hospitals in 2020. There was a decrease in overall median weekly visits for STIs in spring during COVID-19 (n = -18.6%, P = .001) and an increase in overall visits in summer (11%, P = .002) during COVID-19. There were significant increases in inpatient median weekly visits for STIs in summer (30%, P = .001) and fall (27%, P = .003) during COVID-19. We found increases in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (50%, P < .001) and other STI diagnoses (defined as other or unspecified STI by International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, code; 38%, P = .040) in fall COVID-19 (2020), and a decrease in pelvic inflammatory disease (-28%, P = .032) in spring COVID-19 (2020)., Conclusions: We found increases in median weekly adolescent inpatient visits with an STI diagnosis in summer and fall COVID-19 (2020). These findings were likely partially driven by changes in behaviors or health care access. Further work is needed to improve STI care and thus potentially improve related health outcomes., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)