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BACKGROUND: In previous studies, exposures to heavy metals such as Pb and Cd have been associated with adverse birth outcomes; however, knowledge on effects at low levels of exposure and of other elements remain limited. METHOD: We examined individual and mixture effects of metals and metalloids on birth outcomes among 812 pregnant women in the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) cohort. We measured 16 essential and non-essential metal(loid)s in maternal blood collected at 16-20 and 24-28 weeks gestation. We used linear and logistic regression to independently examine associations between geometric mean (GM) concentrations of each metal across visits and gestational age, birthweight z-scores, preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). We evaluated effect modification with infant sex*metal interaction terms. To identify critical windows of susceptibility, birth outcomes were regressed on visit-specific metal concentrations. Furthermore, average metal concentrations were divided into tertiles to examine the potential for non-linear relationships. We used elastic net (ENET) regularization to construct Environmental Risk Score (ERS) as a metal risk score and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to identify individual metals most critical to each outcome, accounting for correlated exposures. RESULTS: In adjusted models, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in GM lead (Pb) was associated with 1.63 higher odds of preterm birth (95%CI = 1.17, 2.28) and 2 days shorter gestational age (95% CI = -3.1, -0.5). Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth and shorter gestational age; the associations were strongest among the highest tertile for Mn and among females for Zn. Mercury (Hg) was associated with higher risk of preterm birth at the later window of pregnancy. Ni measured later in pregnancy was associated with lower odds of SGA. ENET and BKMR models selected similar metals as "important" predictors of birth outcomes. The association between ERS and preterm birth was assessed and the third tertile of ERS was significantly associated with an elevated odds ratio of 2.13 (95% CI = 1.12, 5.49) for preterm birth compared to the first tertile. CONCLUSION: As the PROTECT cohort has lower Pb concentrations (GM = 0.33 µg/dL) compared to the mainland US, our findings suggest that low-level prenatal lead exposure, as well as elevated Mn and Zn exposure, may adversely affect birth outcomes. Improved understanding on environmental factors contributing to preterm birth, together with sustainable technologies to remove contamination, will have a direct impact in Puerto Rico and elsewhere.

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Given the potential adverse health effects related to toxic trace metal exposure and insufficient or excessive levels of essential trace metals in pregnant women and their fetuses, the present study characterizes biomarkers of metal and metalloid exposure at repeated time points during pregnancy among women in Puerto Rico. We recruited 1040 pregnant women from prenatal clinics and collected urine, blood, and questionnaire data on demographics, product use, food consumption, and water usage at up to three visits. All samples were analyzed for 16 metal(loid)s: arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn). Urine samples were additionally analyzed for molybdenum (Mo), platinum (Pt), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), and tungsten (W). Mean concentrations of most metal(loid)s were higher among participants compared to the general US female population. We found weak to moderate correlations for inter-matrix comparisons, and moderate to strong correlations between several metal(loid)s measured within each biological matrix. Blood concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Hg, and Pb were shown to reflect reliable biomarkers of exposure. For other metals, repeated samples are recommended for exposure assessment in epidemiology studies. Predictors of metal(loid) biomarkers included fish and rice consumption (urinary As), fish and canned food (blood Hg), drinking public water (blood Pb), smoking (blood Cd), and iron/folic acid supplement use (urinary Cs, Mo, and Sb). Characterization of metal(loid) biomarker variation over time and between matrices, and identification of important exposure sources, may inform future epidemiology studies and exposure reduction strategies.

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OBJECTIVES: We measured carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios in a contemporary population, and tested how the isotopic variability relates to measures of socioeconomic status (e.g., household wealth) and anthropometric measures (e.g., standardized height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores). METHODS: Hair samples from individuals living in the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in Nicaragua were analyzed for δ13 C and δ15 N, and these data were examined in relation to individual (e.g., age, sex, anthropometrics) and household (e.g., household size, wealth) variables. RESULTS: We found through mixed-effects modeling that δ13 C and δ15 N varied predictably with individual age and household wealth. δ13 C and δ15 N did not, however, improve models predicting variation in individual anthropometric measures. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that, although there is a relationship between diet (δ13 C and δ15 N) and socioeconomic variables, these dietary differences are not the main cause of health differences in this population.

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Las restricciones en el tiempo de instrucción y limitado acceso a procedimientos durante la residencia urológica, originado entre otros factores, por la heterogeneidad de los centros formadores y búsqueda de mejores capacidades asistenciales, calidad y acreditación hospitalarias, han derivado en un entrenamiento a veces insuficiente, sobre todo en técnicas complejas y de prolongada curva de aprendizaje, como la Nefrolitotomía percutánea (PCNL). Esto puede derivar en una formación dispar entre residentes, y en un ambiente de inseguridad para el paciente. En este video demostramos un modelo físico inanimado, de alta fidelidad y bajo costo para el entrenamiento en PCNL, que permite una experiencia realista y reproducible de todos los aspectos del procedimiento. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se construyeron modelos renales anatómicamente correctos incluyendo parénquima, vasos hiliares, sistema pielocaliciliar, litiasis coraliforme y estructuras pararrenales relevantes. Los tejidos fueron creados usando hidrogel de poli-vinyl alcohol en distintas concentraciones, ciclos de congelación/descongelación y coloración, a partir de moldes rígidos creados con impresora 3D. Estos fueron diseñados previamente por computador, utilizando reconstrucciones de tomografías axiales de pacientes reales. El diseño incluye la instilación de "orina" y "sangre" artificialmente fabricadas, para obtener dichos fluidos al interactuar con los modelos, los que fueron ensamblados para ser sometidos a simulación en pabellón. RESULTADOS: Utilizando el modelo, residentes y expertos realizaron simulaciones quirúrgicas de todos los pasos de la PCNL en posición prono, incluyendo acceso bajo fluoroscopía y ecografía, dilatación, nefroscopía y litotripsia intrarrenal, logrando extracción de fragmentos, salida de "orina" durante la punción y "sangramiento" parenquimatoso. Se utilizó instrumental quirúrgico acorde con lo empleado en un procedimiento real. CONCLUSIONES: Demostramos la metodología y factibilidad para crear un modelo de entrenamiento realista y de bajo costo para PCNL. Este permite la realización de todos los pasos críticos de la cirugía, con excelente realismo y precisión, sin necesidad de instalaciones especiales ni modelos animales. A pesar de que la cirugía en pacientes reales bajo supervisión sigue siendo vital en la formación urológica, esta experiencia física podría se una excelente herramienta para la preparación integral de residentes y especialistas, previa a la exposición a pacientes durante una técnica de alta complejidad.(AU)

he restrictions on instructional time and limited access to procedures during urological residency -originated among other factors by the heterogeneity of the training centers and the search for better care capacities, hospital quality and accreditation- have sometimes resulted in insufficient training, especially in complex techniques and long learning curve, as is percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This can lead to a dissimilar formation among residents, and in an environment of insecurity for the patient. In this video, we demonstrate a high fidelity, low-cost, inanimate physical model for PCNL training, which enables a realistic and reproducible experience in all aspects of the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anatomically correct renal models were constructed, including parenchyma, hilar vessels, pyelocaliceal system, staghorn lithiasis and relevant pararenal structures. The tissues were created using polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel in different concentrations, freezing / thawing cycles and coloring, from rigid molds created with 3D printer. These were previously designed by a computer, using reconstructions of axial tomographies of real patients. The design includes the instillation of "urine" and "blood" artificially manufactured, to obtain the mentioned fluids when interacting with the models. They were assembled to be submitted to a simulation in the operating room. RESULTS: Using the model, residents and experts performed surgical simulations of all the steps of the PCNL in prone position, including access under fluoroscopy and ultrasound, dilatation, nephroscopy and intrarenal lithotripsy, achieving fragment extraction, exiting of "urine" during the puncture and parenchymal " bleeding " . Surgical instruments were used according to what was used in a real procedure. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the methodology and feasibility to create a realistic and low cost training model for PCNL. This allows the participants to carry out all the critical steps of surgery, with excellent realism and precision, without the need for special facilities or animal models. Although surgery -in real patients and under supervision- is still vital in urological training, this physical experience could be an excellent tool for the comprehensive preparation of residents and specialists, prior to exposure to patients when approaching a highly complex technique.(AU)

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BACKGROUND: Economic transitions expose indigenous populations to a variety of ecological and cultural challenges, especially regarding diet and stress. These kinds of challenges are predicted by evolutionary ecological theory to have fitness consequences (differential reproduction) and, indeed, are often associated with changes in fertility dynamics. It is currently unclear whether international immigration might impact the nature of such an economic transition or its consequences for fertility. AIM: To examine measures of fertility, diet and stress in two economically transitioning Maya villages in Guatemala that have been differentially exposed to immigration by Westerners. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study compared Maya women's ages at first birth and birth rates between villages and investigated whether these fertility indicators changed through time. It also explored whether the villages differed in relation to diet and/or a proxy of stress. RESULTS: It was found that, in the village directly impacted by immigration, first births occurred earlier, but birth rate was slower. In both villages, over the sampled time window, age at first birth increased, while birth rate decreased. The villages do not differ significantly in dietary indicators, but the immigration-affected village scored higher on the stress proxy. CONCLUSION: Immigration can affect fertility in host communities. This relationship between immigration and fertility dynamics may be partly attributable to stress, but this possibility should be evaluated prospectively in future research.

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BACKGROUND: Care quality continues to be a focal point within US health care. One quality innovation is the Magnet recognition program for hospitals, which is a nurse-driven initiative emphasizing care and patient-safety improvements. To date, Magnet hospitals have been associated with better outcomes, but their distribution is highly uneven. Relatedly, little research has characterized what factors drive Magnet adoption (eg, competitive pressure from other hospitals). OBJECTIVE: To examine if hospitals respond to more competing hospitals becoming Magnets by also becoming Magnet institutions. RESEARCH DESIGN: We use longitudinal data from the American Hospital Association, 1997-2012, and estimate hospital-level fixed-effect regressions to capture the association between Magnet adoption among competitors and a hospital's own likelihood of becoming a Magnet. We also explore heterogeneity in the relationships according to a hospital's standing within its market. RESULTS: Having more competitors become Magnets strongly predicts that a given hospital seeks Magnet recognition; yet, a hospital's market position and prevailing competition levels are moderating influences. CONCLUSIONS: A large literature links Magnet hospitals with better outcomes for patients and nurses, and more recent evidence suggests a business case for becoming a Magnet. We find evidence that hospitals seem motivated by competitive pressure, which suggests economic considerations in the decision to invest in costly care improvements.

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OBJECTIVE: To examine the willingness to accept new Medicaid patients among certified rural health clinics (RHCs) and other nonsafety net rural providers. DATA SOURCES: Experimental (audit) data from a 10-state study of primary care practices, county-level information from the Area Health Resource File, and RHC information from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. STUDY DESIGN: We generate appointment rates for rural and nonrural areas by patient-payer type (private, Medicaid, self-pay) to then motivate our focus on within-rural variation by clinic type (RHC vs. non-RHC). Multivariate linear models test for statistical differences and assess the estimates' sensitivity to the inclusion of control variables. DATA COLLECTION: The primary data are from a large field study. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Approximately 80 percent of Medicaid callers receive an appointment in rural areas-a rate more than 20 percentage points greater than nonrural areas. Importantly, within rural areas, RHCs offer appointments to prospective Medicaid patients nearly 95 percent of the time, while the rural (nonsafety net) non-RHC Medicaid rate is less than 75 percent. Measured differences are robust to covariate adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that RHC status, with its alternative payment model, is strongly associated with new Medicaid patient acceptance. Altering RHC financial incentives may have consequences for rural Medicaid enrollees.

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We present here evidence for an early Holocene case of decapitation in the New World (Burial 26), found in the rock shelter of Lapa do Santo in 2007. Lapa do Santo is an archaeological site located in the Lagoa Santa karst in east-central Brazil with evidence of human occupation dating as far back as 11.7-12.7 cal kyBP (95.4% interval). An ultra-filtered AMS age determination on a fragment of the sphenoid provided an age range of 9.1-9.4 cal kyBP (95.4% interval) for Burial 26. The interment was composed of an articulated cranium, mandible and first six cervical vertebrae. Cut marks with a v-shaped profile were observed in the mandible and sixth cervical vertebra. The right hand was amputated and laid over the left side of the face with distal phalanges pointing to the chin and the left hand was amputated and laid over the right side of the face with distal phalanges pointing to the forehead. Strontium analysis comparing Burial 26's isotopic signature to other specimens from Lapa do Santo suggests this was a local member of the group. Therefore, we suggest a ritualized decapitation instead of trophy-taking, testifying for the sophistication of mortuary rituals among hunter-gatherers in the Americas during the early Archaic period. In the apparent absence of wealth goods or elaborated architecture, Lapa do Santo's inhabitants seemed to use the human body to express their cosmological principles regarding death.

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INTRODUCTION: Few emergency medical services (EMS) interventions in New Mexico have been assessed for efficacy, potential harm, or potential benefit. There is concern that many interventions added over the years may be outdated, harmful, or ineffective in the EMS setting. A formal process for reviewing the state EMS scope of practice using literature review and expert consensus is discussed. In Phase One of the project, interventions in the New Mexico EMS scope of practice were prioritized for further review by surveying a national cadre of EMS experts to evaluate EMS interventions using a utilitarian harm/benefit metric. METHODS: An electronic survey based on the 2010 New Mexico EMS Scope of Practice statute was administered from March through June, 2011. A national cadre of 104 respondents was identified. Respondents were either State EMS medical directors or EMS fellowship directors. Respondents were asked to rate the potential harm and the potential benefit of specific EMS interventions on a 5-point ordinal scale. Median harm and benefit scores were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 88 completed surveys were received following 208 emailed invitations to 104 respondents (43% response rate). Twenty-two (22) highest-priority interventions (those with a harm/benefit median score ratio of >1) were identified. Seven additional second-priority interventions were also identified. These interventions will be advanced for formal literature review and expert consensus. CONCLUSIONS: The New Mexico EMS Interventions Project offers a novel model for assessing a prehospital scope of practice.

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