The distribution of triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in Illinois and Missouri: historical records and specimen submissions from community science programs.

Triatomine species (kissing bugs) infected with Trypanosoma cruzi are found across the southern United States. The northern limits of Trypanosoma cruzi infected kissing bugs are less understood. The objective of this work was to describe the locations of kissing bugs from Illinois and Missouri based on historical records, submissions to Texas A&M University's (TAMU) Kissing Bug Community Science Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and records from online platforms (iNaturalist, BugGuide, and GBIF) up to and including 2022.

Examining Student Motivation to Use a Gamified System in an Immunology and Immunization Training Course.

Background: Gamification is the process of adding game elements into classroom activities to encourage student participation and motivation. Classcraft is a gamified learning system designed to integrate easily with normal classroom activities and to enhance collaboration and teamwork.

Educational Activity And Setting: This study explored the use of the Classcraft system in an Immunology and Immunization Training course, specifically examining students' motivation to use the system and potential impacts on their motivation.

Pharmacists' Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices Regarding Herbal Medicine.

Introduction: With the increase of herbal medicine sales and a lack of reliable information available to consumers, it is important for pharmacists to be knowledgeable about these products and have the ability to effectively counsel on their uses and risks. The purpose of this study was to: 1) assess community pharmacists' knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding herbal medicines, 2) understand the impact pharmacists may have on their patients' herbal medicine use, and 3) gauge what practices could be improved.

Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed to community pharmacists through email, social media, and in-person at local pharmacies.

Assessing Pharmacists' Knowledge of Halal Medications to Support the Health Beliefs of Patients.

Objectives: The purpose if this study was to explore the knowledge of pharmacists' on Halal medications. In addition, it was a review of Halal medications in order to understand which resources need to be implemented to make this information readily available to support the health beliefs of patients and improve medication adherence.

Methods: Self-administered, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to pharmacists via Qualtrics by email, text message, and social media.

Spotted fever group Rickettsiae in Ticks from Missouri.

Tick-borne rickettsioses pose a major health threat among vector-borne infections in Missouri but there are some uncertainties regarding the vector competence and range of tick species, as well as the virulence of certain bacterial species. A survey was developed and implemented to assess local healthcare practitioners' awareness of the prevalence and diagnosis of tick-borne diseases. In addition, ticks collected from rural areas of St.