Publications by authors named "Blair B"

Endemic in over 45 countries globally, recent reports of locally acquired melioidosis in novel geographical areas, such as the Southern US, have highlighted the expanding geographical range of . Climate change and severe weather events have been linked to an increase in cases of melioidosis, which follows environmental exposure to the bacterium. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the possibility of the disease, with its diverse and often delayed presentations, even in areas not previously known to have risk.

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The physiologic sequelae of the atypical vasculature in patients with congenital heart disease can result in potentially fatal lymphatic complications, especially after corrective cardiac surgery. Transcatheter embolization of the thoracic duct or lymphatic collaterals can reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients. While typically performed transabdominally via an antegrade approach, retrograde embolization may be preferable in cases where this is not feasible, including in rare variants of thoracic duct anatomy.

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Small molecule probes exist for only ∼2% of human proteins because most lack functional binding pockets or cannot be assayed for high-throughput screening. Selective translation modulation circumvents canonical druggability and assay development constraints by using in vitro transcription-translation (IVTT) as a universal biochemical screening assay. We developed an IVTT activity assay by fusing a GFP reporter to various target gene sequences and screened the target sequences for inhibitors in microfluidic picoliter-scale droplets using a 5,348-member translation inhibitor DNA-encoded library (DEL).

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Article Synopsis
  • Organizations today are complex and constantly evolving, with the Military Health System undergoing significant changes to improve healthcare delivery, including a transition to the Air Force Medical Command (AFMEDCOM) structure.
  • In February 2024, a diverse group of stakeholders convened to explore medical education and training for the Air Force using systems theory and ecosystem mapping, aiming to create a more resilient organizational model.
  • The paper discusses the ecosystem approach's theoretical framework and its application in restructuring the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) for better stakeholder relationships and re-optimization in response to challenges like Great Power Competition.
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Bloodstream infections (BSIs) account for 18% of bacterial infections in the first year after solid organ transplantation (SOT). Enterococcus accounts for up to 20% of BSIs in this population, with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) posing a particular risk. This is a retrospective, case-control study of adult liver and kidney transplant recipients between 01/01/2016 and 06/30/2021 that characterizes the epidemiology and outcomes of enterococcal BSIs in liver and kidney transplantations at a single institution.

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Background: Immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation (SOT) increases the risk of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNAemia, which may herald development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Few studies have characterized the incidence, risk factors, and clinical impact of EBV DNAemia in adult SOT recipients (SOTR).

Methods: A single-center, retrospective review of adult (≥18 years) SOTR between 01 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 was conducted.

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are some of the most commonly encountered infections in clinical practice. Accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of UTIs will lead to better clinical care for many patients and limit unnecessary antibiotic use. Urinalysis and urine cultures are helpful tools in the diagnosis of UTIs; however, it is important to recognize their limitations.

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Turicella otitidis belongs to the Corynebacteriaceae family and is a normal inhabitant of the ear and exists in a commensal relationship with its host. In children, T. otitidis is frequently associated with otitis media.

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Cellular senescence is a state of exiting the cell cycle, resisting apoptosis, and changing phenotype. Senescent cells (SCs) can be identified by large, distorted morphology and irreversible inability to replicate. In early development, senescence has beneficial roles like tissue patterning and wound healing, where SCs are cleared by the immune system.

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Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Tixagevimab/cilgavimab monoclonal antibodies were previously authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis for immunocompromised individuals. We aimed to determine if tixagevimab/cilgavimab could prevent breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in SOT recipients.

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Background: Drug-related deaths in Scotland are the highest in Europe. Half of all deaths in people experiencing homelessness are drug related, yet we know little about the unmet health needs of people experiencing homelessness with recent non-fatal overdose, limiting a tailored practice and policy response to a public health crisis.

Methods: People experiencing homelessness with at least one non-fatal street drug overdose in the previous 6 months were recruited from 20 venues in Glasgow, Scotland, and randomised into PHOENIx plus usual care, or usual care.

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Aims And Objectives: To explore the rigour of nurse-led quality improvement projects involving education, training or continuing professional development, and examine evaluation frameworks contained within.

Background: Healthcare organisations invest significantly in quality improvement in the pursuit of cost-effective, safe, evidence-based and person-centred care. Consequently, efforts to examine the success of investment in quality improvement activities are prominent, against a backdrop of rising healthcare expenditure, reforms, consumer expectations and feedback.

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Introduction: The number of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) is increasing worldwide. Systematic reviews show high levels of multimorbidity and mortality. Integrated health and social care outreach interventions may improve outcomes.

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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to significantly impact the global population, thus countermeasure platforms that enable rapid development of therapeutics against variants of SARS-CoV-2 are essential. We report use of a phage display human antibody library approach to rapidly identify neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrate the binding and neutralization capability of two nAbs, STI-2020 and STI-5041, against the SARS-CoV-2 WA-1 strain as well as the Alpha and Beta variants.

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Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare autosomal recessive disease due to mutations in the thymidine phosphorylase gene, leading to mitochondrial alterations and dysfunctions in oxidative phosphorylation. MNGIE is a multisystem disorder with gastrointestinal symptoms arising in large part from gut dysmotility and neurological manifestations including peripheral neuropathy. We discuss a patient with chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss with a prior unrevealing extensive workup who was hospitalized for severe protein-calorie malnutrition.

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: Describe the emotional support animal (ESA) experience of college students detailing the process of obtaining an ESA, as well as the benefits and obstacles. : Nine students who had an ESA at college provided preliminary information while an additional four offered insights into their COVID experience with their ESA. Archived records from the Accessibility Resource Center added detail on the ESA process.

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To investigate a potential role for galectins as biomarkers that enable diagnosis or prognostication of breast or non-small cell lung cancer, the serum levels of galectins -1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 of cancer patients determined by ELISA assays were compared to the mutation status of 50 known cancer-critical genes, which were determined using multiplex PCR in tumors of the same patients. Mutations in the proto-oncogene, which codes for the c-Kit protein, a receptor tyrosine kinase, correlated with higher levels of galectins -1, -3, -8, and -9 in breast cancer patients and galectin-1 in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Mutations in the gene were more likely found in brain metastases from both of these primary cancers.

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Infants at high risk for developing a food allergy have either an atopic condition (such as eczema) themselves or an immediate family member with such a condition. Breastfeeding should be promoted and supported regardless of issues pertaining to food allergy prevention, but for infants whose mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed, using a specific formula (i.e.

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We present a unique case of a 24-year-old male who was admitted for intractable nausea, emesis, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort. The patient underwent an extensive workup and was diagnosed with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy. Early diagnosis is critical to proper management of this disease process.

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Un nourrisson est à haut risque d'allergie alimentaire si lui ou un membre de sa famille immédiate présente une affection atopique (comme l'eczéma). Il faut promouvoir et soutenir l'allaitement, quels que soient les enjeux reliés à la prévention des allergies alimentaires, mais chez les nourrissons dont la mère ne peut pas allaiter ou choisit de ne pas le faire, il n'est pas recommandé d'utiliser une préparation en particulier (p. ex.

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Infants at high risk for developing a food allergy have either an atopic condition (such as eczema) themselves or an immediate family member with such a condition. Breastfeeding should be promoted and supported regardless of issues pertaining to food allergy prevention, but for infants whose mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed, using a specific formula (i.e.

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The visual analysis of graphically displayed data is an essential skill for behavior analysts across a range of settings. Although there are several computer-based applications that facilitate the production of simple, consistent, and visually coherent graphs, these applications have several limitations, including cost. An alternative to using these applications is using free and widely available Google Sheets and Google Slides to produce high-quality clinical and research graphs.

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Kayexalate has been used in the USA since 1975 for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Prior case reports have shown that sorbitol added to kayexalate has been known to cause rare side effects of colonic necrosis. We present a unique case report of gastric pneumatosis as a complication of kayexalate.

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