JMIR Research Protocols

Mental health conditions (MHC), particularly depression and anxiety, are the leading contributors to youth disability globally. In the United States, there has been a steep increase in diagnosed MHC cases over the last decade. Adolescents in rural areas are disproportionately affected by the combination of limited access to mental health professionals and stigma around seeking care. Current treatment options, mainly psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, have shown modest effects. Prior research suggests associations between slow-paced deep breathing and autonomic function, cerebral perfusion, and stress regulation, supporting further investigation of structured breathing as a potential adjunctive approach for MHC management.

Motherwort injection (MI) is a traditional Chinese medicine injection widely used for hemostasis and menstrual regulation in obstetrics and gynecology. Although clinical trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated its effectiveness for specific indications, comprehensive real-world evidence (RWE) regarding its safety, effectiveness, and use patterns across diverse clinical settings remains limited.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disorder characterized by hyperglycemia that is first recognized during pregnancy due to a mismatch between placental insulin production and increased maternal need, exacerbating insulin resistance. Few studies have systematically examined the metabolic markers and pathways underlying GDM from diagnosis through the postnatal period, including placental metabolic changes through metabolomics studies.

Distal third tibial fractures are difficult to treat owing to the subcutaneous anteromedial border of the tibia, its tenuous periosteal vascularity, and the proximity of the fracture to the ankle joint. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using a locking compression plate (LCP) preserves fracture biology by avoiding direct exposure of the fracture site.

Fixed orthodontic appliances create plaque-retentive niches that promote dental biofilm accumulation and are associated with enamel demineralization, periodontal inflammation, and ecological shifts in the oral microbiota. Previous orthodontic prevention studies have mainly focused on behavioral or clinical outcomes, with limited integration of longitudinal microbiological and host inflammatory assessments. Advances in saliva-based microbial and immunological profiling now provide opportunities to better characterize treatment-associated dysbiosis and related host inflammatory responses and to support more individualized preventive approaches during orthodontic care.

Climate change threatens population health through temperature extremes, air pollution, and altered infectious disease patterns. Emergency departments (EDs) are sensitive indicators of climate-related health impacts; however, comprehensive multicenter investigations integrating meteorological factors, air quality, and infectious disease surveillance across different health care provision levels remain scarce in Germany, particularly in maritime climate regions.

Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a neglected tropical disease with substantial morbidity and mortality. India accounts for nearly 50% of global snakebite deaths, yet the disease remains underreported due to a lack of standardized documentation and phenotypic classification. Current diagnosis is syndromic and lacks uniform data capture protocols.

Despite robust evidence supporting the efficacy of antiobesity medications (AOMs), their use remains limited and inequitable across populations. Patient, provider, and system-level barriers constrain equitable AOM use in eligible persons, limiting the cumulative health benefits realized by eligible patients.

Postmortem pink teeth are an uncommon finding resulting from color changes within dental tissues. They have been reported in several death contexts, including drowning, but neither their presence nor their intensity is specific to a cause of death. Inconsistent photographic, radiological, and histological methods have limited comparisons across studies.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may represent a prodromal stage of Alzheimer disease, but interventions to delay progression remain limited. Genistein is a phytoestrogenic isoflavone with potential effects on several pathways implicated in Alzheimer disease. We previously showed that genistein reverses cognitive decline and lowers brain amyloid β (Aβ) in the Aβ precursor protein/presenilin 1 double transgenic (AβPP/PS1) model of Alzheimer disease.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that can lead to multiorgan failure and death. Vasopressors are needed for the treatment of vasoplegic (distributive) shock. Angiotensin II (AT II) is a novel vasopressor. Approximately two-thirds of patients respond to AT II, and one-third do not. AT II is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Renin is the limiting enzyme of the RAAS, and among other mechanisms, its concentration is regulated by AT II concentration through a negative feedback loop. It might be an indicator of response to AT II therapy.

In Australian residential aged care, infection prevention and control (IPC) Lead nurses (IPC Leads) are a key part of the IPC program. IPC Leads are often the main IPC contacts and provide support to staff to improve IPC and resident outcomes. To enhance their competence and self-efficacy, IPC Leads need to engage in ongoing role development. Connecting with other IPC Leads, learning together, and sharing ideas and resources could also be beneficial. Communities of practice (CoPs) have been shown to improve self-efficacy and job satisfaction by fostering belonging, peer learning, and problem-solving. Drawing on social learning theory, CoPs encourage learning with and from one another to explore and iteratively develop practice. This study draws on the CoP literature and builds on our previous pilot of a CoP for IPC Leads in 1 state of Australia, which found promising impacts on confidence and practice change.