Publications by authors named "McCall J"

Introduction: Previous guidelines considered body mass index (BMI) over 40 kg/m a relative contra-indication to liver transplantation (LT). The aims were to examine the selection process and study outcomes of patients with Class I-III obesity.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of outcomes of obese patients assessed for LT at our center between 2010 and 2023, divided into three groups: Class I (BMI30-34.

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Distinct excitatory synaptic inputs to the locus coeruleus (LC) modulate behavioral flexibility. Here we identify a novel monosynaptic glutamatergic input to the LC from the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We show robust VTA axonal projections provide direct glutamatergic transmission to LC.

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Multimodal neural interfaces open new opportunities in brain research by enabling more sophisticated and systematic neural circuit dissection. Integrating complementary features across distinct functional domains, these multifunctional neural probes have greatly advanced the interrogation of complex neural circuitry. However, introducing multiple functionalities into a compact form factor for freely behaving animals presents substantial design hurdles that complicate the device or require more than one device.

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Saline infusion sonohysterography/hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography is commonly used in the work-up of infertility. Overall, pelvic infection following these investigations is rare, but risk may be increased in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not professionally recommended in patients with advanced endometriosis, a point that requires reconsideration.

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Psychedelics hold therapeutic promise for mood disorders due to rapid, sustained results. Human neuroimaging studies have reported dramatic serotonin-2A receptor-(5-HT2AR)-dependent changes in functional brain reorganization that presumably reflect neuromodulation. However, the potent vasoactive effects of serotonin have been overlooked.

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The brainstem region, locus coeruleus (LC), has been remarkably conserved across vertebrates. Evolution has woven the LC into wide-ranging neural circuits that influence functions as broad as autonomic systems, the stress response, nociception, sleep, and high-level cognition among others. Given this conservation, there is a strong possibility that LC activity is inherently similar across species, and furthermore that age, sex, and brain state influence LC activity similarly across species.

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Background: Burnout in health care workers (HCWs) has serious ramifications for individual well-being, patients, organizations, and health systems. Global evidence demonstrates the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the risk of burnout. Scalable interventions to address burnout are critical to protect HCW well-being.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study looked at how safe and helpful it is to use nose sprays of certain medicines, fentanyl and midazolam, for kids in hospitals.
  • The study found that most kids received midazolam, and these medicines were often used when kids had to go through procedures like getting an IV or a lumbar puncture.
  • No serious side effects were reported, but the researchers say more studies should be done before using these medicines more widely in hospitals.
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Research over the past several decades has revealed that non-linguistic cognitive impairments can appear alongside language deficits in individuals with aphasia. One vulnerable cognitive domain is executive function, an umbrella term for the higher-level cognitive processes that allow us to direct our behavior towards a goal. Studies in healthy adults reveal that executive function abilities are supported by inner speech, the ability to use language silently in one's head.

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Background: Compliant pneumatic actuators possess many characteristics that are desirable for wearable robotic systems. These actuators can be lightweight, integrated with clothing, and accommodate uncontrolled degrees of freedom. These attributes are especially desirable for hand exoskeletons, where the soft actuator can conform to the highly variable digit shape.

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Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of pediatric LT with left liver grafts, obtained either from a living donor (LD) or a split deceased donor (sDD).

Methods: Retrospective single-center study from 2002 to 2022. All pediatric LT with left liver grafts (not including middle hepatic vein) from LD or sDD were included.

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We review the abnormal bone turnover that is the basis of idiopathic inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis and bone loss, with emphasis on Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα)-related mechanisms. We review selected data on idiopathic arthritis in juvenile human disease, and discuss mouse models focusing on induction of bone resorbing cells by TNFα and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa B Ligand (RANKL). In both humans and animal models, macrophage-derived cells in the joint, particularly in the synovium and periosteum, degrade bone and cartilage.

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Background: The concept of health equity by design encompasses a multifaceted approach that integrates actions aimed at eliminating biased, unjust, and correctable differences among groups of people as a fundamental element in the design of algorithms. As algorithmic tools are increasingly integrated into clinical practice at multiple levels, nurses are uniquely positioned to address challenges posed by the historical marginalization of minority groups and its intersections with the use of "big data" in healthcare settings; however, a coherent framework is needed to ensure that nurses receive appropriate training in these domains and are equipped to act effectively.

Purpose: We introduce the Bias Elimination for Fair AI in Healthcare (BE FAIR) framework, a comprehensive strategic approach that incorporates principles of health equity by design, for nurses to employ when seeking to mitigate bias and prevent discriminatory practices arising from the use of clinical algorithms in healthcare.

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Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent long-lived chemicals with global environmental contamination. The published literature is rife with confusing and sometimes contradictory effects of PFAS on animal and cell models, as well as epidemiological studies. Cytotoxicity studies are often used as an early indicator to guide safety requirements, regulation, and further studies and thus can be useful to understand important toxicity differences by various PFAS.

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Article Synopsis
  • The veterinary heartworm prevention market is worth billions and is increasingly focusing on alternative drug testing due to drug resistance in dogs and cats.
  • New research shows that specific genetically modified mice (like SCID and RAG2 γc) can be used for heartworm drug screening, reducing reliance on companion animals for testing.
  • The study compares different mouse strains and treatments, revealing promising results with oxfendazole and suggesting that these mice models could aid both academia and industry in developing more effective heartworm treatments.
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This study provides a detailed understanding of the preclinical pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ELP-004, an osteoclast inhibitor in development for the treatment of bone erosion. Current treatments for arthritis, including biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, are not well-tolerated in a substantial subset of arthritis patients and are expensive; therefore, new treatments are needed. Pharmacokinetic parameters of ELP-004 were tested with intravenous, oral, and subcutaneous administration and found to be rapidly absorbed and distributed.

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Selective manipulation of neural circuits using optogenetics and chemogenetics holds great translational potential but requires genetic access to neurons. Here, we demonstrate a general framework for identifying genetic tool-independent, pharmacological strategies for neural circuit-selective modulation. We developed an economically accessible calcium imaging-based approach for large-scale pharmacological scans of endogenous receptor-mediated neural activity.

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Background: In response to the devastating drug toxicity crisis in Canada driven by an unregulated opioid supply predominantly composed of fentanyl and analogues, safer supply programs have been introduced. These programs provide people using street-acquired opioids with prescribed, pharmaceutical opioids. We use six core components of safer supply programs identified by people who use drugs to explore participant perspectives on the first year of operations of a safer supply program in Victoria, BC, during the dual public health emergencies of COVID-19 and the drug toxicity crisis to examine whether the program met drug-user defined elements of an effective safer supply model.

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Background: This project aims to characterize the extent and nature of impostor phenomenon (IP) among women surgeons in Canada. IP is well documented among medical professionals and trainees. It is known to have significant impacts on mental health and career trajectory.

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  • * Vamorolone, a drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is metabolized by specific enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP3A5, UGT1A1), and this study looks at its pharmacokinetics in young boys with DMD.
  • * Analysis found that the pharmacokinetics of vamorolone were consistent across subjects, and genetic variations in the enzymes studied did not significantly affect how the drug was processed in their bodies.
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  • NexGard®PLUS is an oral medication for dogs that prevents heartworm, treats fleas and ticks, and addresses intestinal worm infections.
  • The safety of NexGard®PLUS was tested in three studies, including various dosages and specific breeds like ABCB1-deficient collies.
  • Results showed no significant side effects, with only mild and temporary symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea noted, confirming the product's safety for use in multiple dog populations.
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Background: Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are the only class of drugs currently commercially available that are effective for preventing heartworm disease. The data presented in this article provide information on the efficacy of oral moxidectin against JYD-34, a known ML-resistant Dirofilaria immitis isolate, when dogs are treated under various dosing regimens.

Methods: Fifty-two purpose-bred Beagle dogs were used in five laboratory studies.

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Background: North America has been in an unrelenting overdose crisis for almost a decade. British Columbia (BC), Canada declared a public health emergency due to overdoses in 2016. Risk Mitigation Guidance (RMG) for prescribing pharmaceutical opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepine alternatives to the toxic drug supply ("safer supply") was implemented in March 2020 in an attempt to reduce harms of COVID-19 and overdose deaths in BC during dual declared public health emergencies.

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