Researchers at UC San Diego have confirmed the presence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply at the U.S.-Mexico border. While xylazine remains less common in the Western U.S., border cities serve as key trafficking hubs and may have higher rates of emerging substances.

About The Study: In this study, lifestyle changes after the pandemic were associated with an increase in the prevalence and severity of child astigmatisms, likely associated with changes in the developing cornea. The potential impact of higher degrees of astigmatism may warrant dedicated efforts to elucidate the relationship between environmental and/or lifestyle factors, as well as the pathophysiology of astigmatism.

About The Study: In this cohort study of patients with ovarian cancer, American Indian and Black patients were 23% less likely to have an elevated cancer antigen (CA)-125 level at diagnosis. Current CA-125 thresholds may miss racially and ethnically diverse patients with ovarian cancer. International guidelines use CA-125 thresholds to recommend which patients with pelvic masses should undergo evaluation by gynecologic oncologists for ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 thresholds were developed from white populations. Work is needed to develop inclusive CA-125 thresholds and diagnostic guidelines and not compound disparities in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A large scale study by researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine has found that patient pain upon arrival to the Emergency Department (ED) as well as the use of hallway beds and radiology studies in the ED are associated with patient experience, although not in the same ways.