Mechanism and Kinetics of HIV-1 Protease Activation.

The HIV-1 protease is a critical enzyme for viral replication. Because protease activity is necessary to generate mature infectious virions, it is a primary target of antiretroviral treatment. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms regulating protease activation and the methods available to assess protease activity.

Post-COVID-19 Vaccination and Long COVID: Insights from Patient-Reported Data.

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccinations reduce the severity and number of symptoms for acute SARS-CoV-2 infections and may reduce the risk of developing Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Limited and heterogenous data exist on how these vaccinations received after COVID-19 infection might impact the symptoms and trajectory of PASC, once persistent symptoms have developed.

Methods: We investigated the association of post-COVID-19 vaccination with any SARS-CoV-2 vaccine(s) on PASC symptoms in two independent cohorts: a retrospective chart review of self-reported data from patients ( = 128) with PASC seen in the Stanford PASC Clinic between May 2021 and May 2022 and a 2023 multinational survey assessment of individuals with PASC ( = 484).

Vitamin B, B, and B Intakes and Risk of Gastric Cancer: Findings from a Case-Control Study.

Background/objectives: Gastric cancer is one of the leading malignancies worldwide. B vitamins play important roles in DNA synthesis and methylation because they are considered co-enzymes in one-carbon metabolism. There is inconclusive evidence regarding the associations between dietary vitamins B, B, and B with the risk of gastric cancer in different epidemiologic studies.

An Azomethine Derivative, BCS3, Targets XIAP and cIAP1/2 to Arrest Breast Cancer Progression Through MDM2-p53 and Bcl-2-Caspase Signaling Modulation.

: Breast cancer influences more than 2 million women worldwide annually. Since apoptotic dysregulation is a cancer hallmark, targeting apoptotic regulators encompasses strategic drug development for cancer therapy. One such class of apoptotic regulators is inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) which are a class of E3 ubiquitin ligases that actively function to support cancer growth and survival.

Evaluating the Diagnostic Efficacy of Using Pooled Samples for Chronic Wasting Disease Testing and Surveillance.

Disease monitoring informs the opportunities for intervention by natural resource agencies tasked with managing chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild cervids. However, allocating funds toward testing can reduce those available for education, outreach, and disease reduction. Implementation of more efficient testing strategies can help meet both an expanding need by resource managers and a burgeoning demand from the hunting public in North America.

Epidemiology of Rounding Error.

This work represents a significant contribution to understanding the importance of appropriately rounding numbers with minimal error. That is, to reduce inexact rounding and data truncation error and simultaneously eliminate unintentional misleading findings in epidemiological studies. The rounding of numbers represents a compromise solution that attempts to find a balance between the loss of information from reporting too few significant digits versus retaining more digits than necessary.

A Practical Clinical Approach to Navigate Pulmonary Embolism Management: A Primer and Narrative Review of the Evolving Landscape.

Advances in imaging, pharmacological, and procedural technologies have rapidly expanded the care of pulmonary embolism. Earlier, more accurate identification and quantification has enhanced risk stratification across the spectrum of the disease process, with a number of clinical tools available to prognosticate outcomes and guide treatment. Direct oral anticoagulants have enabled a consistent and more convenient long-term therapeutic option, with a greater shift toward outpatient treatment for a select group of low-risk patients.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Multi-Strain Postbiotics on Human CD14 Monocytes.

The ability of probiotics, comprising live microbiota, to modulate the composition of intestinal microbiomes has been connected to modulation of the central nervous system (Gut-Brain axis), neuroendocrine system (Gut-Skin axis), and immune response (Gut-Immune axis). Less information is known regarding the ability of postbiotics (cell wall components and secreted metabolites derived from live organisms) to regulate host immunity. In the present study, we tested postbiotics comprising single strains of bacteria and yeast ( 16axg, 18fx, 16mxg) as well as combinations of multiple strains for their ability to stimulate cytokine production by human CD14 monocytes.

The Gut-Lung Axis During Ethanol Exposure and a Bacterial Challenge.

Susceptibility to and severity of pulmonary infections increase with ethanol consumption. We have previously shown that ethanol-induced changes in the gut microbiome disrupt gut homeostasis, allowing for the translocation of proinflammatory mediators into the circulation and eliciting an immune response in the lung. Additionally, targeting the gut with butyrate supplementation not only rescues ethanol-induced disruptions to gut health but also reverses aspects of immune dysregulation in the lungs.

Clinical Utility of Broad-Range PCR Testing and Impact on Outcomes in Adults with Suspected Infection.

: The development of broad-range polymerase chain reaction (BR-PCR) and next-generation sequencing techniques has significant implications for antimicrobial stewardship by increasing clinicians' ability to provide a tailored antimicrobial regimen. We sought to explore the clinical utility of BR-PCR testing and its impact on antimicrobial treatment among an adult cohort in a large hospital system. : We retrospectively evaluated samples that underwent BR-PCR testing between 2017 and 2021 and summarized their clinical characteristics and impact on antimicrobial therapy.

Cannabis use before and after metabolic and bariatric surgery: literature review.

As accessibility and legalization of cannabis rise throughout the United States (US), programs have sought guidance about whether its use should be considered a contraindication or, if not a contraindication, what recommendations patients should receive regarding appropriate use before and after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). In this review, medical, nutritional, pharmacological, and psychological considerations are presented by a multidisciplinary group of members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Research suggests several risks associated with long-term cannabis use in the general population, but research in the MBS population, specifically, is limited.

Impact of preoperative pes planus on orthopaedic implant removal following first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: A retrospective analysis.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion is a frequently employed surgical treatment option for hallux rigidus and hallux valgus. Implant-related complications are common, necessitating further investigation into predisposing factors. The altered mechanics of pes planus may influence surgical outcomes; however, its direct impact on implant removal rates post-fusion remains unclear.

Hepcidin modifies the relationship between anemia, erythrocyte indices, and neurocognitive performance in virally suppressed people with HIV.

Objective: Neurocognitive (NC) impairment in people with HIV (PWH) is associated with erythrocyte indices, which may serve as indicators of iron metabolism, inflammation, and related factors. Erythropoiesis requires iron, regulated by a multifaceted system of peptide hormones, including hepcidin. This study postulated that hepcidin might modify the relationship between erythrocyte indices and NC performance in PWH.

Diagnostic and Management Challenges in Interferon-γ Release Assay-Positive Patient with Sarcoid Panuveitis from a Non-Endemic Tuberculosis Region.

Purpose: To report a case of biopsy-proven sarcoidosis in a patient with panuveitis and a positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) from a non-endemic tuberculosis (TB) country.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 26-year-old male from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presented with granulomatous panuveitis characterized by mutton-fat keratic precipitates, anterior chamber and vitreous cells, and retinal vasculitis.

The role of brainstem biopsy and targeted therapies in pediatric diffuse midline glioma/diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

Pediatric diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), are aggressive brainstem tumors with a dire prognosis, traditionally diagnosed based on MRI characteristics. The recognition that molecular characteristics may determine prognosis and response to therapy has led to a reevaluation of biopsy necessity. This comprehensive review addresses the evolving role of brainstem biopsies in diagnosing and managing these tumors - both within the context of a clinical trial and in routine clinical care.

A concept analysis of the recurrence-related to diabetic foot ulcers.

Background And Purpose: There is inconsistency and lack of conceptual clarity regarding the concept of "recurrence" in diabetes-related foot ulcers. Therefore, the purpose of this concept analysis is to analyze the concept of recurrence-related to diabetes-related foot ulcer after the healing of a previous foot ulcer.

Method: The Rodger's evolutionary concept analysis method was employed to analyze the concept of recurrence in diabetes-related foot ulcers.

Spatial transcriptomics unveils estrogen-modulated immune responses and structural alterations in the ectocervical mucosa of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate users.

The injectable contraceptive, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), is associated with compromised cervical mucosal barriers. High-resolution spatial transcriptomics is applied here to reveal the spatial localization of these altered molecular markers. Ectocervical tissue samples from Kenyan sex workers using DMPA, or non-hormonal contraceptives, underwent spatial transcriptomics and gene set enrichment analyses.

Insufficient LGBTQ+ education across disciplines suggested by national survey of health professionals in training.

Health professionals often feel underprepared to treat patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+). Additionally, lack of access to professionals who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ inclusive care contributes to the myriad of health disparities experienced by LGBTQ+ communities. This cross-sectional survey study explores the preparedness of healthcare profession trainees for caring for LGBTQ+ patients by quantifying the hours and quality of training health profession trainees receive in LGBTQ+ education across disciplines.

Outpatient dermatology appointment wait times for United States military veterans, 2014-2021.

Trends in outpatient dermatology appointment wait times for United States (US) veterans are poorly characterized. Given concerns surrounding prolonged wait times at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical facilities, the federal government introduced the Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Outside Networks (MISSION) Act in 2018, allowing veterans to receive VHA-reimbursed community care if VHA specialty care appointments cannot be scheduled within 28 days. Considering this expanded access to community care, we characterized among US veterans the (1) overall demand for dermatology appointments, (2) trends in average wait times, and (3) facility/geographic variation in wait times.

Atypical Fibroxanthoma and Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma: A Retrospective Review and Survival Analysis at a Single Academic Institution.

Background: Prognostication of atypical spindle cell neoplasms, including atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS), is challenging; outcomes vary widely, and further identification of prognostic features is crucial.

Objective: To evaluate prognostic factors that may portend worse outcomes in patients with AFX and PDS.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with AFX and PDS was conducted.

The Exposome and Cardiovascular Health: Webcast December 12 2024.

This 61-minute webcast features a conversation about "The Exposome and Cardiovascular Health"-the focus of Issue 20.5. Led by the issue's editors, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned while researching and writing the articles.

What Are the Trends in Women's Representation Among Principal Investigators of US Clinical Trials in the Field of Genetics?

Introduction: Despite progress in the representation of women in the medical profession, substantial gender disparities persist in leadership roles, particularly in clinical trials. Clinical trials are crucial to evidence-based medicine, offering visibility, career advancement, and future funding opportunities for principal investigators (PIs). However, women remain underrepresented in these roles, especially in genetics.

The role of MEK inhibition in pediatric low-grade gliomas.

Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs) are the most common brain tumors in children. Many patients with unresectable tumors experience recurrence or long-term sequelae from standard chemotherapeutics. This mini-review explores the emerging role of MEK inhibitors in the management of pLGGs, highlighting their potential to transform current treatment paradigms.