Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Brett F. Sanders, Jochen E. Schubert, Daniel T. Kahl, Katharine J. Mach, David Brady, Amir AghaKouchak, Fonna Forman, Richard A. Matthew, Nicola Ulibarri, Steven J. Davis
Summary: Flood risks in the United States have historically been underestimated, particularly with respect to human well-being and within low-wealth and marginalized communities. In Los Angeles, flood risks are disproportionately high for historically disadvantaged populations and communities already facing social inequities.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. Dale Abel
Summary: Dr. E. Dale Abel has made significant contributions to the understanding of the connection between metabolic and cardiovascular disease. He is a leader, mentor, and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of science.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Karen Mulligan, Anders H. Berg, Marc Eckstein, Acacia Hori, Anna Rodriguez, Kimia Sobhani, Omar Toubat, Neeraj Sood
Summary: This study estimated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among firefighters in the Los Angeles Fire Department in October 2020 and compared demographic and contextual factors for seropositivity. The seroprevalence among firefighters was 8.8%, and there was no association between seropositivity and gender, age, or race/ethnicity. Firefighters who reported working near the LA International Airport had the highest seropositivity rate.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jemma Alarcon, Armine Sanosyan, Zuelma A. Contreras, Van P. Ngo, Ann Carpenter, Jill K. Hacker, William S. Probert, Dawn Terashita, Sharon Balter, Umme-Aiman Halai
Summary: Fleaborne typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, is a moderately severe but rarely fatal illness. Reported cases in Los Angeles County have been increasing since 2010, with the highest number reported in 2022. This report describes three fatal cases of fleaborne typhus, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment with doxycycline.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jemma Alarcon, Armine Sanosyan, Zuelma A. Contreras, Van P. Ngo, Ann Carpenter, Jill K. Hacker, William S. Probert, Dawn Terashita, Sharon Balter, Umme-Aiman Halai
Summary: The number of reported fleaborne typhus cases in Los Angeles County has been increasing since 2010, with the highest number (171) reported in 2022. Among these cases, three severe manifestations were observed, including hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, myocarditis, and septic shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Enhanced awareness among healthcare providers and public health authorities about the prevalence and severity of fleaborne typhus, as well as the importance of early doxycycline therapy, is crucial for prevention and treatment efforts.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cameron Ghafil, Kazuhide Matsushima, Li Ding, Reynold Henry, Kenji Inaba
Summary: Analyzing trauma admissions in Los Angeles County during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant changes in injury patterns and admission trends, especially in the types of traumas seen. The study showed a transient decrease in trauma volume at the beginning of the pandemic, followed by a quick return to baseline levels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jill E. Johnston, Arbor J. L. Quist, Sandy Navarro, Shohreh F. Farzan, Bhavna Shamasunder
Summary: This study investigated the association between proximity to oil and gas development sites and blood pressure in urban Los Angeles communities. The findings showed that for every 100-meter increase in distance from the sites, diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 0.73 mmHg. The impact was stronger among non-smokers and participants with a healthy BMI.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arbor J. L. Quist, Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne, Shohreh F. Farzan, Jill E. Johnston
Summary: Urban environmental justice communities are potentially exposed to multiple toxic metals, and their sources are identified using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) in this study. The findings suggest that these metals may originate from industrial activities, oil drilling, and dietary sources, which have different clustering patterns in the population near an urban oil drilling site.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Theodora Konstantinou, Christos Gkartzonikas, Konstantina Gkritza
Summary: This paper examines the importance of dynamic charging technology in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. Through a survey, it is found that factors such as innovativeness, lifestyle, and environmental consciousness significantly influence people's intention to purchase an EV and drive on electric roadways. Understanding the public acceptance of the technology and evaluating the value of travel time savings on electric roadways can assist policymakers and transport operators in devising appropriate strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hannah K. Brosnan, Karen W. Yeh, Padma S. Jones, Sohum Gokhale, Dalia Regos-Stewart, Hang Tran, Kathleen Poortinga, Phoebe Danza, Rebecca Fisher, Lauren E. Finn, Chelsea Foo, Alicia H. Chang
Summary: During July-September 2022, 118 cases of mpox were identified among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Los Angeles County, California, USA. The age and sex distribution of mpox cases among PEH were similar to that of the general population. Among PEH mpox case-patients, 60% were living with HIV, with 49% of them having viral suppression. Approximately 21% of case-patients required hospitalization due to severe disease. Sexual contact was likely the primary mode of transmission, as 84% of patients reported sexual contact less than 3 weeks before symptom onset. No secondary mpox cases were detected among PEH in congregate shelters or encampments through public health follow-up and contact tracing. Equitable efforts should be continued to identify, treat, and prevent mpox among PEH, who often face severe disease.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Khadije Ahmad, Vahid Rezvanizadeh, Suraj Dahal, April Kinninger, Ahmed K. Ghanem, Suvasini Lakshmanan, Sajad Hamal, Ferdinand Flores, Christopher Dailing, Sion K. Roy, Matthew J. Budoff
Summary: Evidence suggests that over 95% of all SARS-CoV-2 cases are asymptomatic or mild infections. Developing a test to indicate past infection and potential immunity is crucial. A study administering 244 antibody tests to high-risk populations found that moderate or severe symptom patients were no more or less likely to have positive antibody tests compared to those with no or mild symptoms.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Melissa Lucero Tanaka, Carolyn Jennifer Marentes Ruiz, Sanchi Malhotra, Lauren Turner, Ariana Peralta, Yesun Lee, Jaycee Jumarang, Stephanie E. Perez, Jocelyn Navarro, Jennifer Dien Bard, Aubree Gordon, E. Kaitlynn Allen, Paul G. Thomas, Pia S. Pannaraj
Summary: This study investigates the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in households with children in Los Angeles County, California. It finds that children play important roles as index cases and that household income and pets are significantly associated with the transmission rate.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ashley J. Malin, Howard Hu, E. Angeles Martinez-Mier, Sandrah P. Eckel, Shohreh F. Farzan, Caitlin G. Howe, William Funk, John D. Meeker, Rima Habre, Theresa M. Bastain, Carrie V. Breton
Summary: This study examined urinary fluoride levels in pregnant women in Los Angeles and their relation to sociodemographic variables and metal co-exposures. The results showed that urinary fluoride levels were higher among older participants, those with higher income, and White, non-Hispanic participants. The levels were also higher for White, non-Hispanic participants than for Black, non-Hispanic participants in the third trimester. Urinary fluoride levels were negatively associated with blood mercury in the first trimester and positively associated with blood lead in the third trimester. The levels were also positively associated with various urinary metals in both trimesters.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Savanna L. Carson, Alejandra Casillas, Yelba Castellon-Lopez, Lisa N. Mansfield, D'Ann Morris, Juan Barron, Ejiro Ntekume, Raphael Landovitz, Stefanie D. Vassar, Keith C. Norris, Steven M. Dubinett, Nanibaa' A. Garrison, Arleen F. Brown
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority communities, leading to lower vaccine confidence and uptake. Factors influencing vaccine decision-making in high-risk multiethnic communities were examined in a qualitative study, highlighting the need for policy implications to promote equitable vaccine distribution and increase vaccine confidence.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Valentin Meilinger, Jochen Monstadt
Summary: Cities worldwide are embracing integrated stormwater management to enhance urban sustainability. Los Angeles County has introduced a new stormwater tax to achieve sustainable stormwater futures. However, different actors have conflicting infrastructure designs. This paper explores shifting stormwater politics in Los Angeles by highlighting the social relations underlying technology. Technical disputes reflect uncertainties about the future stormwater system and engender the renegotiation of responsibility, knowledge orders, and stormwater management rationale.
Article
Surgery
Cara K. Black, Laurel D. Ormiston, Kenneth L. Fan, Vikas S. Kotha, Christopher Attinger, Karen Kim Evans
Summary: When deciding between amputation and salvage in lower extremity reconstruction, patient-specific factors such as age, comorbidities, and vascular health play a crucial role. Trauma patients, often young and without significant comorbidities, may benefit more from amputation for better functional recovery, while diabetic patients with higher comorbidities profile may benefit most from reconstruction to preserve limb length and improve survival.
JOURNAL OF RECONSTRUCTIVE MICROSURGERY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Jenna C. Bekeny, Caroline A. Schreeder, Peter Wirth, Kyle Luvisa, Idanis M. Perez-Alvarez, Cara K. Black, Aviram Giladi, David H. Song, Shawna C. Willey, Kenneth L. Fan
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Angel D. Pagan, David A. Sterling, Brian T. Andrews
Summary: This study compared cartilage grafting outcomes in intermediate versus definitive cleft rhinoplasties and found that cartilage grafting was more common in the definitive group. Intermediate cleft rhinoplasty during the 5- to 13-year age period was effective with a low-risk profile, and ear concha and nose were preferred cartilage donor sites in our experience.
CLEFT PALATE-CRANIOFACIAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Heather M. Minchew, Omar A. Karadaghy, Paul J. Camarata, Roukoz B. Chamoun, Donald David Beahm, Wojciech H. Przylecki, Brian T. Andrews
Summary: This study evaluated the outcomes and utility of using intracranial free tissue transfer as both primary and salvage surgical repair of reconstruction. The results indicate that free tissue transfer is an effective surgical technique for reconstruction of complex intracranial problems.
ANNALS OF OTOLOGY RHINOLOGY AND LARYNGOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Otorhinolaryngology
Melissa E. Cullom, Garth R. Fraga, Alan R. Reeves, Dhaval Bhavsar, Brian T. Andrews
Summary: This report presents a rare case of a giant congenital blue nevus with secondary cutis verticis gyrata, emphasizing the importance of clinical awareness and diagnostic methods for this condition. Surgical excision is advised due to potential rare malignant transformation.
ANNALS OF OTOLOGY RHINOLOGY AND LARYNGOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Otorhinolaryngology
Jacob C. Lucas, Omar A. Karadaghy, Brian Andrews, Elizabeth Friedman, Kiran Kakarala, Wojciech Przylecki, Jill Arganbright
Summary: Alveolar soft part sarcoma is rare and typically affects individuals between 15 and 35 years old, with few cases reported in children under 5 years old. Surgical resection and reconstruction have shown to be successful in treating this type of sarcoma, with this case presenting no recurrence 4 years post-operatively.
ANNALS OF OTOLOGY RHINOLOGY AND LARYNGOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Eric Heffern, Collin Nevil, Wojciech Przylecki, Brian T. Andrews
Summary: This study aims to evaluate successful composite reconstruction methods for different anatomical facial subunits following penetrating trauma. Through a retrospective chart review of 36 subjects, it was found that bone grafting, implants, free tissue transfer, and tissue expansion are all viable reconstruction options. The decisions on definitive reconstruction method should be based upon the anatomical subunit involved and the size/area of defects.
JOURNAL OF CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Priya Bhardwaj, Jenna C. Bekeny, Elizabeth G. Zolper, Richard Verstraete, Kenneth L. Fan, Karen K. Evans
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed patients who declined blood transfusions and underwent FTT procedures from 2017 to 2020. The study evaluated the outcomes and changes in hemoglobin measurements. The results showed a relatively high success rate of FTT procedures, even in a population with high comorbidity.
JOURNAL OF PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTIVE AND AESTHETIC SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Elizabeth G. Zolper, Meher A. Saleem, Kevin G. Kim, Mark D. Mishu, Sarah R. Sher, Christopher E. Attinger, Kenneth L. Fan, Karen K. Evans
Summary: This study investigated effective reconstructive interventions for post-spinal surgery wound dehiscence and found that the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) significantly reduced healing time.
ARCHIVES OF PLASTIC SURGERY-APS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Romina Deldar, Adaah A. Sayyed, Parhom Towfighi, Nathan Aminpour, Olutayo Sogunro, Jennifer D. Son, Kenneth L. Fan, David H. Song
Summary: This systematic review reveals the limited availability of research on postmastectomy chest reconstruction in males with breast cancer. Nevertheless, the available evidence suggests that reconstruction can restore a patient's body image and should be regularly considered and discussed with male patients. Larger studies are needed to further elucidate this population.
Article
Oncology
Abigail R. Tirrell, Jenna C. Bekeny, Eshetu A. Tefera, David H. Song, Kenneth L. Fan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of bacitracin in irrigation solutions on infection rates in implant-based breast surgery. The results showed that the recall of bacitracin did not have a detrimental effect on immediate complication rates. Further investigations are needed to optimize antibiotic combinations in irrigation solutions to improve surgical outcomes and long-term benefits.
Review
Oncology
Varsha Harish, Zoe K. Haffner, Jenna C. Bekeny, Adaah A. Sayyed, David H. Song, Kenneth L. Fan
Summary: This study evaluates the outcomes of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) sensation in breast cancer patients undergoing different types of breast cancer surgeries. The results show that nipple-sparing techniques are a viable option for preserving NAC sensation, although there may be a decrease in overall sensation. Neurotization during nipple-sparing mastectomies shows promising results in improving postoperative nipple sensitivity. The variations in study methodologies highlight the lack of standardization in sensory testing techniques for evaluating NAC sensation.
Article
Surgery
Kathleen M. Coerdt, Elizabeth G. Zolper, Amy G. Starr, Kenneth L. Fan, Christopher E. Attinger, Karen K. Evans
Summary: Mucormycosis is an invasive, rapidly progressive, life-threatening fungal infection, with a propensity for diabetic, immunosuppressed, and trauma patients. The classic rhinocerebral variation is most common in diabetic patients. Cutaneous mucormycosis manifests in soft tissue and risks involvement of underlying structures. Despite aggressive antifungal therapy and surgical debridement, amputation may still be required in some cases.
ARCHIVES OF PLASTIC SURGERY-APS
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Tae Hwan Park, Kenneth L. Fan, Elizabeth G. Zolper, David H. Song, Gabriel Del Corral
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN
(2020)
Article
Surgery
Cara K. Black, Kenneth L. Fan, James M. Economides, Rachel C. Camden, Gabriel A. Del Corral
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN
(2020)