Publications by authors named "I D Becker"

The Trypanosomatidae family encompasses around 24 genera of unicellular protozoans, many of which are transmitted by various hematophagous arthropods, particularly members of the Orders Diptera and Hemiptera. Fleas and ticks-an understudied group of ectoparasites-have been shown to be hosts of a wide and crescent variety of trypanosomatid species. Further, fleas and ticks of companion animals have been particularly neglected in trypanosomatid surveillance despite the proximity to human populations and the anthropophagous habits of many of these arthropods, which can potentially act as vectors of zoonotic trypanosomatids.

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Unlabelled: Megakaryocytes (MKs) are large, polyploid cells that contribute to bone marrow homeostasis through the secretion of cytokines such as transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). During neoplastic transformation, immature MKs accumulate in the bone marrow where they induce fibrotic remodeling ultimately resulting in myelofibrosis. Current treatment strategies aim to prevent MK hyperproliferation, however, little is understood about the potential of targeting dysregulated cytokine secretion from neoplastic MKs as a novel therapeutic avenue.

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Hemoplasmas (HM) infect a wide range of mammals and may cause hemolytic anemia. We detected HM in a melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) stranded in Veracruz, Mexico. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 16S and 23S rDNA indicated the presence of a HM that was previously detected in cetaceans from South America.

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Article Synopsis
  • Cutaneous leishmaniasis accounts for 99% of leishmaniasis cases in Mexico and typically affects people in rural areas, but a case in Campeche State marks a first for urban transmission.* -
  • A 75-year-old man was misdiagnosed with a bacterial infection before a skin lesion on his ear was identified as leishmaniasis, confirmed through tissue testing that detected Leishmania amastigotes.* -
  • The case highlights the need for awareness of leishmaniasis in urban settings and signals a shift in understanding its transmission in non-endemic areas of Mexico.*
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Background: Anticipating a doubling of older adults in Europe by 2050, healthcare systems face substantial challenges, particularly in critical care units. However, there is still a lack of evidence-based knowledge for treating and assessing mortality risk in older patients. This study compared the predictive accuracy of two assessment tools for long-term outcomes among older patients: the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA).

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