Toxoplasma gondii from Gabonese forest, Central Africa: First report of an African wild strain.

The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous and highly prevalent parasite that can theoretically infect all warm-blooded vertebrates. In humans, toxoplasmosis causes infections in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients, congenital toxoplasmosis, and ocular lesions. These manifestations have different degrees of severity.

Iliac Crest Bone Graft and Fascia Lata Free Flap for Rescue of Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis.

Objective: Describe the use, indications, and outcomes of iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) with concomitant anterolateral thigh fascia lata (ALTFL) rescue flap for the management of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN).

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Single institution.

Transthoracic Echocardiography for Central Venous Catheter Tip Positioning in Children: An Observational Study Using Transesophageal Echocardiography as Reference Method.

Background: Children who need to have major surgery or are critically ill often require the insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC). To avoid serious complications, it is important to correctly position the CVC tip at the junction of the distal superior vena cava and the right atrium (cavoatrial junction). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be used to confirm the correct position of the CVC tip.

Use of Occipital Vessels in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Preclinical Evaluation.

Objectives: To assess the use of occipital vessels for microvascular anastomosis in head and neck free tissue transfer reconstruction.

Methods: A literature search was undertaken to identify studies utilizing the occipital vessels for microvascular anastomosis in free tissue transfer. Following literature review, 30 anatomic cadaveric dissections on 15 fresh unfixed cadavers were performed to evaluate the occipital artery and identify a reliable vein within reasonable proximity.

Serving Those Who Served: Enhancing Colorectal Surgery Care for Veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest provider of integrated health care services in the United States and its mission is to honor veterans by providing timely, effective, and high-quality health care that improves individuals' health and functionality. The VA provides comprehensive primary and specialty care, including colorectal surgery services, to eligible veterans who suffer from a disproportionately high burden of medical comorbidities and often belong to vulnerable populations, including individuals of low socioeconomic status, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning, racial minorities, and those suffering from severe mental health illness. There are many challenges to caring for a population of veterans with benign and malignant colorectal disease due to both patient and system level factors.