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BACKGROUND: Sleep disruption is linked with chronic disease, and aircraft noise can disrupt sleep. However, there are few investigations of aircraft noise and sleep in large cohorts. OBJECTIVES: We examined associations between aircraft noise and self-reported sleep duration and quality in the Nurses Health Study, a large prospective cohort. METHODS: Aircraft nighttime equivalent sound levels (Lnight) and day-night average sound levels (DNL) were modeled around 90 U.S. airports from 1995 to 2015 in 5-y intervals using the Aviation Environmental Design Tool and linked to geocoded participant residential addresses. Lnight exposure was dichotomized at the lowest modeled level of 45 A-weighted decibels [dB(A)] and at multiple cut points for DNL. Multiple categories of both metrics were compared with

The aging United States population, which includes the large Baby Boomer generation, is leading to an increasing number of middle-aged and older adults who engage in psychoactive substance use. Due to the size of this cohort, and their changing attitudes around psychoactive substance use, there has been a sharp increase in prevalence of past-month cannabis use among adults aged ≥50; however, little is understood about recent trends in the use of both cannabis and excess alcohol use, such as binge drinking, in this population. The current use of both alcohol and cannabis has important health implications for older adults, given their higher prevalence of chronic diseases and prescribed medications. This study aimed to 1) estimate national trends among older adults who report both past-month binge drinking and cannabis use, and 2) examine correlates of reporting both. We examined aggregated data from a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized adults aged ≥50 from the 2015 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. During the study period, there was an estimated 2.5% increase (a 64.1% relative increase) in past-month cannabis use (linear trend p

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine tumor in humans. Follicular adenoma/carcinoma is the second most common subtype. Multiple histological patterns have been identified. Follicular adenoma with bizarre nuclei is one of the patterns associated with p53 mutation and has an unclear clinical prognosis. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old female presented with incidental findings of elevated TSH levels and normal thyroid markers. Ultrasound was performed and revealed multiple bilateral thyroid nodules measuring up to 1.9 cm. Fine needle aspiration was performed, and cytology showed one Bethesda category 5 nodule. Total thyroidectomy with neck dissection was performed, and the pathology showed follicular adenoma with bizarre nuclei. Based on the results of immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells exhibited staining for wild-type p53 and low levels of the proliferation index Ki-67. CONCLUSIONS: We report a rare case of thyroid follicular adenoma with bizarre nuclei. In contrast to previous reports of this tumor, our patient showed a p53 wild-type pattern using immunohistochemistry. More studies are needed to better understand the etiology and clinical prognosis of this tumor.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare, aggressive form of thyroid carcinoma with a mean survival of less than 6 months. Ectopic thyroid tissue can be present in the mediastinum due to faulty embryogenesis with improper descent. Primary thyroid malignancies may arise from this ectopic tissue. A 90-year-old male with a history of prostatic adenocarcinoma, hypothyroidism, and occupational and therapeutic exposure to radiation presented with a rash on his chest. A review of the dermatopathology and excised mediastinal specimen revealed rare papillary foci that tested positive for thyroid markers from a background of poorly differentiated components. Molecular analysis confirmed a BRAF V600E mutation in the specimen. The final diagnosis was anaplastic thyroid carcinoma of the giant-cell type. Given the atrophic cervical thyroid tissue in the patient's neck with no evidence of previous surgery, this carcinoma was believed to arise from ectopic mediastinal tissue associated with cutaneous and bony metastasis. In conclusion, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is an aggressive and rare thyroid malignancy that can arise from ectopic thyroid tissue in the mediastinum and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary undifferentiated mediastinal malignancies with bony involvement.

BACKGROUND: Aircraft noise can affect populations living near airports. Chronic exposure to aircraft noise has been associated with cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. However, previous studies have been limited in their ability to characterize noise exposures over time and to adequately control for confounders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the association between aircraft noise and incident hypertension in two cohorts of female nurses, using aircraft noise exposure estimates with high spatial resolution over a 20-year period. METHODS: We obtained contour maps of modeled aircraft noise levels over time for 90 U.S. airports and linked them with geocoded addresses of participants in the Nurses Health Study (NHS) and Nurses Health Study II (NHS II) to assign noise exposure for 1994-2014 and 1995-2013, respectively. We used time-varying Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hypertension risk associated with time-varying noise exposure (dichotomized at 45 and 55 dB(A)), adjusting for fixed and time-varying confounders. Results from both cohorts were pooled via random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: In meta-analyses of parsimonious and fully-adjusted models with aircraft noise dichotomized at 45 dB(A), hazard ratios (HR) for hypertension incidence were 1.04 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.07) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.07), respectively. When dichotomized at 55 dB(A), HRs were 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.19) and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.15), respectively. After conducting fully-adjusted sensitivity analyses limited to years in which particulate matter (PM) was obtained, we observed similar findings. In NHS, the PM-unadjusted HR was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.14) and PM-adjusted HR was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.14); in NHS II, the PM-unadjusted HR was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.22) and the PM-adjusted HR was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.21). Overall, in these cohorts, we found marginally suggestive evidence of a positive association between aircraft noise exposure and hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Communities with lower socioeconomic status and higher prevalence of racial/ethnic minority populations are often more exposed to environmental pollutants. Although studies have shown associations between aircraft noise and property values and various health outcomes, little is known about how aircraft noise exposures are sociodemographically patterned. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe characteristics of populations exposed to aviation noise by race/ethnicity, education, and income in the United States. METHODS: Aircraft noise contours characterized as day-night average sound level (DNL) were developed for 90 U.S. airports in 2010 for DNL ≥45 dB(A) in 1-dB(A) increments. We compared characteristics of exposed U.S. Census block groups at three thresholds (≥45, ≥55, and ≥65 dB(A)), assigned on the basis of the block group land area being ≥50% within the threshold, vs. unexposed block groups near study airports. Comparisons were made across block group race/ethnicity, education, and income categories within the study areas (n=4,031-74,253). We performed both multinomial and other various multivariable regression approaches, including models controlling for airport and models with random intercepts specifying within-airport effects and adjusting for airport-level means. RESULTS: Aggregated across multiple airports, block groups with a higher Hispanic population had higher odds of being exposed to aircraft noise. For example, the multinomial analysis showed that a 10-percentage point increase in a block groups Hispanic population was associated with an increased odds ratio of 39% (95% CI: 25%, 54%) of being exposed to ≥65 dB(A) compared with block groups exposed to

Racial inequities in medicine have impacted health outcomes in various communities. These inequities have been documented in journals to highlight racial inequities in health status, racial inequities in clinical algorithms, and racial identity and health. We conducted a review of literature and selected 95 articles to analyze and summarize in an annotated bibliography. The annotated bibliography was sorted into four categories: racial inequality in health status, racial inequality in clinical algorithms, racial identity and health (ex. mental health, development, schooling, etc.) including biracial and multiracial individuals, and the impact of racism on health. These articles highlight a theme of racial inequities in policy making, racial perceptions which influence clinical decision making, and the use of race as a sole indicator for diagnosis and treatment options in clinical algorithms. Racist perceptions against non-white patients were found to negatively influence clinical decision making in emergency settings.

Many germ cells are eliminated during development, long before oogenesis or spermatogenesis. In mouse fetal testes, the majority of germ cell apoptosis coincides with the onset of male differentiation, suggesting coordination of these processes. We studied fetal germ-cell fates and discovered that both apoptosis and differentiation initiate in clonally related clusters. Lineage tracing confirmed that germ cells die as clones independent of intercellular bridges, suggesting that shared intrinsic properties are apoptotic determinants. We identified transcriptional heterogeneity among fetal germ cells that included an apoptosis-susceptible population characterized by failure to differentiate, whereas successful differentiation to prospermatogonia occurred through the expression of epigenetically regulated genes, including LINE1. Our results indicate that the fetal germ-cell fate is based on discrete cell-heritable identities. Elevated DNA methylation in the apoptosis-susceptible subpopulation supports our hypothesis that earlier errors in germ-cell epigenetic reprogramming derail differentiation in cellular progeny, leading to fetal apoptotic selection that ultimately improves the gamete quality.

Combined elevated sputum eosinophils+neutrophils in asthma associated with lowest lung function, greater healthcare utilization, and longitudinally, further spirometric loss, implicating cell-cell interactions or overlapping inflammatory pathways while increased eosinophils or neutrophils alone show less effect.

Understanding the selectivity of a small molecule for its target(s) in cells is an important goal in chemical biology and drug discovery. One powerful way to address this question is with dominant negative (DN) mutants, in which an active site residue in the putative target is mutated. While powerful, this approach is less straightforward for allosteric sites. Here, we introduce tryptophan scanning mutagenesis as an expansion of this idea. As a test case, we focused on the challenging drug target, heat shock cognate protein 70 (Hsc70), and its allosteric inhibitor JG-98. Structure-based modelling predicted that mutating Y149W in human Hsc70 or Y145W in the bacterial ortholog DnaK would place an indole side chain into the allosteric pocket normally occupied by the compound. Indeed, we found that the tryptophan mutants acted as if they were engaged with JG-98. We then used DnaK Y145W to suggest that this protein may be an anti-bacterial target. Indeed, we found that DnaK inhibitors have minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values

Dental implants constitute the standard of care to replace the missing teeth, which has led to an increase in the number of patients affected by peri-implant diseases (PIDs). Here, we report the development of an antimicrobial bioadhesive, GelAMP, for the treatment of PIDs. The hydrogel is based on a visible light-activated naturally-derived polymer (gelatin) and an antimicrobial peptide (AMP). The optimized formulation of GelAMP could be rapidly crosslinked using commercial dental curing systems. When compared to commercial adhesives, the bioadhesives exhibited significantly higher adhesive strength to physiological tissues and titanium. Moreover, the bioadhesive showed high cytocompatibility and could efficiently promote cell proliferation and migration in vitro. GelAMP also showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis. Furthermore, it could support the growth of autologous bone after sealing calvarial bone defects in mice. Overall, GelAMP could be used as a platform for the development of more effective therapeutics against PIDs.

Next-generation sequencing has revealed numerous genomic alterations that induce aberrant signaling activities in prostate cancer (PCa). Among them are pathways affecting multiple cancer types, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, p53, Rb, Ras/Raf/MAPK, Myc, FGF, and Wnt signaling pathways, as well as ones that are prominent in PCa, including alterations in genes of AR signaling, the ETS family, NKX3.1, and SPOP. Cross talk among the oncogenic pathways can confer PCa resistance to therapy, particularly in advanced tumors, which are castration-resistant or show neuroendocrine features. Various experimental models, such as cancer cell lines, animal models, and patient-derived xenografts and organoids have been utilized to dissect PCa progression mechanisms. Here, we review the current preclinical mouse models for studying the most commonly altered pathways in PCa, with an emphasis on their interplays. We highlight the power of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) in translating genomic discoveries into understanding of the functions of these oncogenic events in vivo. Developing and analyzing PCa mouse models will undoubtedly continue to offer new insights into tumor biology and guide novel rationalized therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal hypertension is defined as persistent systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures above the 95th percentile compared to other infants of similar gestational age and size. Neonatal hypertension is a rare condition, occurring in only 0.2-3.0% of neonates. The most common etiology of neonatal hypertension is renal vascular or parenchymal disease, and it is usually detected on routine examination in an asymptomatic child. However, it may present in a variety of manners, including acute heart failure, renal dysfunction, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, tachypnea, apnea, lethargy, irritability, or seizures. CASE PRESENTATION: A term female was born via repeat caesarean section with vacuum extraction. On day of life (DOL) 3, the baby presented to the emergency department with poor feeding and lethargy. Initial laboratory tests indicated severe metabolic acidosis and the patient was transferred to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). During the hospital stay, the patient had intermittently high blood pressures. An echocardiogram was ordered, which demonstrated a severely decreased ejection fraction of 33%, but no signs of coarctation of the aorta. The low ejection fraction and constellation of symptoms were consistent with the diagnosis of acute heart failure, so treatment with milrinone was initiated. Further labs demonstrated elevated renin and aldosterone, and a computed tomography scan showed right kidney hypoplasia with reduced perfusion. This suggested a renovascular etiology of hypertension causing the initial presentation of acute heart failure. The patient was started on enalapril and clonidine for blood pressure control and was discharged with a home blood pressure monitoring system. At 5 months of life, this patient was still on enalapril and amlodipine as well as home blood pressure monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Acute heart failure is a rare presentation of neonatal hypertension, and prompt recognition and treatment for the underlying systemic hypertension is necessary to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence, treatment of hypertension in newborns is often anecdotal in nature. Further awareness of neonatal hypertension and research determining ideal methods of diagnosis and treatment would benefit physicians and their affected patients.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) must complete a complex and dynamic developmental program during embryogenesis to establish the germline. This process is highly conserved and involves a diverse array of tasks required of PGCs, including migration, survival, sex differentiation, and extensive epigenetic reprogramming. A common theme across many organisms is that PGC success is heterogeneous: only a portion of all PGCs complete all these steps while many other PGCs are eliminated from further germline contribution. The differences that distinguish successful PGCs as a population are not well understood. Here, we examine variation that exists in PGCs as they navigate the many stages of this developmental journey. We explore potential sources of PGC heterogeneity and their potential implications in affecting germ cell behaviors. Lastly, we discuss the potential for PGC development to function as a multistage selection process that assesses heterogeneity in PGCs to refine germline quality.

Approximately 1500 RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) profoundly impact mammalian cellular function by controlling distinct sets of transcripts, often using sequence-specific binding to 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) to regulate mRNA stability and translation. Aside from their individual effects, higher-order combinatorial interactions between RBPs on specific mRNAs have been proposed to underpin the regulatory network. To assess the extent of such co-regulatory control, we took a global experimental approach followed by targeted validation to examine interactions between two well-characterized and highly conserved RBPs, Argonaute2 (AGO2) and Pumilio (PUM1 and PUM2). Transcriptome-wide changes in AGO2-mRNA binding upon PUM knockdown were quantified by CLIP-seq, and the presence of PUM binding on the same 3'UTR corresponded with cooperative and antagonistic effects on AGO2 occupancy. In addition, PUM binding sites that overlap with AGO2 showed differential, weakened binding profiles upon abrogation of AGO2 association, indicative of cooperative interactions. In luciferase reporter validation of candidate 3'UTR sites where AGO2 and PUM colocalized, three sites were identified to host antagonistic interactions, where PUM counteracts miRNA-guided repression. Interestingly, the binding sites for the two proteins are too far for potential antagonism due to steric hindrance, suggesting an alternate mechanism. Our data experimentally confirms the combinatorial regulatory model and indicates that the mostly repressive PUM proteins can change their behavior in a context-dependent manner. Overall, the approach underscores the importance of further elucidation of complex interactions between RBPs and their transcriptome-wide extent.