Background: Attainment of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) metrics reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; yet, Black Americans have the lowest LS7 attainment among all communities, the highest rate of CVD mortality, and low clinical trial participation. Social support is positively correlated with chronic disease self-management. Here, we describe the role of social support in a single-arm pilot clinical trial of a community-based lifestyle intervention among Black American men. Methods: The 24-week intervention featured weekly team-based physical activity and LS7-themed education. Seventy-four Black men participated in the intervention; twenty agreed to participate in exit surveys via one of three semi-structured focus groups. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis framed by House’s social support framework. Results: Participants reported support from both peers and health coaches. The sub-themes of social support among peers were: (1) acknowledgement, understanding, and validation, (2) inspiration, (3) sense of community, (4) fear of disappointing fellow participants, and (5) group synergy. The sub-themes of social support from the health coaches and study team staff included: (1) contemplation of current health status, (2) racial concordance of health coaches and study team staff, (3) investment of the research team, (4) incentives, (5) access to healthcare providers, and (6) the COVID-19 pandemic. Emotional support was the most frequently discussed theme. Conclusions: Social support, especially emotional support, from peers and health coaches was a driver of clinical trial participation among participants. The intervention created a positive social environment and decreased medical mistrust. This intervention may provide a framework by which to facilitate clinical trial participation among Black men.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing currently does not have a significant role in PDA management: it is insufficient to diagnose PDA, and its use is primarily restricted to identifying targetable mutations (if tissue is insufficient or unavailable). cfDNA testing has the potential to address critical needs in PDA management, such as pre-operative risk stratification (POR), prognostication, and predicting (and monitoring) treatment response. Prior studies have focused primarily on somatic mutations, specifically KRAS variants, and have shown limited success in addressing prognosis and POR. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of other less prevalent mutations (ERBB2 and TP53), but no studies have provided reliable mutation panels for clinical use. Methylation aberrations in cfDNA (epigenetic markers) in PDA have been relatively less explored. However, early evidence has suggested they offer diagnostic and, to some extent, prognostic value. The inclusion of epigenetic markers of cfDNA adds another dimension to genomic testing and may open new therapeutic avenues beyond addressing critical areas of need in PDA treatment. For cfDNA to substantially influence PDA management, concerted efforts are required to include less frequent mutations and epigenetic markers. Furthermore, relying on KRAS mutations for PDA management will always be inadequate.

Black American men have worse cardiovascular health compared with their White counterparts, yet are highly underrepresented in clinical trials. In 2020, Black men were recruited to participate in Black Impact, a community-based lifestyle intervention to increase cardiovascular health. Due to the research pause during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a virtual community engagement (VCE) process was co-designed with community stakeholders and evaluated for its effect on retention for the clinical trial. VCE via weekly virtual video conference sessions occurred for 9 weeks as a run-in phase prior to in-person research activities. Data collected during sessions included attendance, anecdotes on acceptability, and topical requests for subsequent weeks. Content analysis was performed on scribe notes from sessions to ascertain themes describing the implementation and participant perceptions of the VCE. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The VCE provided opportunities to co-create a safe atmosphere in small groups, discuss mental health, foster trust, capitalize on the power of spirituality, and establish a brotherhood. Following the VCE run-in phase, 74 of 100 participants remained engaged for participation in the Black Impact study. The VCE described provides a framework that can be used to retain Black men during study delays or disruptions through fostering engagement and building community among participants and researchers.

Background: We present a rare case of complete rectal avulsion from the external anal sphincter complex associated with unstable pelvic ring disruption, including spinopelvic dissociation, following rollover by tractor. In the context of major pelvic trauma, evaluating for unstable bony, acute vascular, urethral and bladder injuries is essential. However, a detailed search for anorectal injury is also required by the reporting radiologist. Case Report: In this case report we highlight specific pelvic floor anatomy on CT, with a focus on gross morphology and the presence of peri-rectal free gas as primary evidence for injury. Secondary radiological evidence which should trigger the search for anorectal injury includes bony posterior pelvic ring disruption (sacrum or coccyx fractures) or associated Morel-Lavallee lesions. Conclusion: The presence of radiological abnormality should prompt direct clinical inspection for corroboration. Early recognition is crucial for joint colorectal and orthopaedic management and the avoidance of delayed pelvic sepsis, which may become intractable.