Generalized knemidokoptic mange (Micnemidocoptes sp.) in a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from Arkansas, USA.

This report describes a case of generalized knemidokoptic mange caused by Micnemidocoptes sp. in a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In June 2024, an adult male eagle from Polk County, Arkansas, presented with severe skin disease and in a moribund state.

Ursicoptes americanus infestation of American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Virginia, USA.

American black bears (Ursus americanus) admitted to a Virginia rehabilitation center were tested for Ursicoptes americanus. From 2014 to 2023, 23 of 150 (15.3 %) bears were positive with higher prevalence in juveniles and females.

Multi-season survey of ixodid tick species collected from domestic dogs in Chad, Africa.

Ticks are medically important vectors of pathogens, many of which are zoonotic or impact domestic animal and/or wildlife health. Climate change, landuse modifications, and increasing interactions between domestic animals, wildlife, and humans have resulted in changes in tick-host dynamics and the emergence of novel pathogens worldwide. Therefore, describing the host and geographic ranges of vector species is essential in assessing disease risk, especially in understudied areas, and should be conducted in a One Health context.

Characteristics of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and their association with treatment outcomes: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: There are few data on the treatment of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis, especially with more recently available drugs and regimens. We aimed to describe the clinical and treatment characteristics and their associations with treatment outcomes in this susceptible population.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Physiologic Pulmonary Phenotyping of Infants Born Preterm and Post-Discharge Respiratory Morbidity.

Objectives: To determine whether airway and parenchymal function identifies subgroups of infants born preterm according to the predominant pulmonary pathophysiology, and whether these subgroups have different risks for respiratory disease during infancy.

Study Design: We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 125 infants born preterm with planned clinical follow-up after NICU discharge. The study included monthly questionnaires for wheeze and visits to a physician or care provider for any respiratory illness.

Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Consortium RESILIENT Conference on Pediatric Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Survivorship after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Part II. Organ Dysfunction and Immune Reconstitution Considerations for children with chronic GVHD after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

While highly morbid forms of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) and severe late effects of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) can impact children and adults alike, unique considerations arise in pediatric cases regarding diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and likelihood of resolution. As children can present with atypical features of cGVHD, and with more significant disease due to inability to communicate symptoms, they may be at increased risk for highly morbid forms of cGVHD and incur greater subsequent late effects, which may be more pronounced in those with underlying chromosomal breakage syndromes, with higher prevalence in pediatric HCT recipients. The long-term effects of cGVHD and its therapies include impaired immune reconstitution, leading to increased risks of infection and secondary malignant neoplasms.

Enhanced storage and gastrointestinal stability of spray-dried whey protein emulsions with chitosan and gum Arabic.

Protein-based emulsions are widely utilized for delivering bioactives but suffer from thermodynamic instability, microbial spoilage, and gastrointestinal instability, necessitating enhancement strategies. This study explores the improvement of whey protein isolate (WPI) emulsions through chitosan (CS) coating and spray drying with maltodextrin (MD) or gum Arabic (GA). Canola oil droplets were stabilized with WPI, electrostatic coated with CS, and spray-dried.

Chondroitin sulfate-based dissolvable microneedles loaded with NIR-II photothermal and natural anticancer agents for synergistic melanoma therapy.

Melanoma is characterized by its aggressiveness, high metastatic potential, and numerous mutations, which limit the effectiveness of current treatments. To address this issue, we developed a dissolvable microneedle (MN) system composed of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOz) and chondroitin sulfate (CS). This MN system was loaded with liposomes containing both a NIR-II photothermal small molecule (IRLy) and the natural anticancer agent Gambogic acid (GA), forming Lip(IRLy + GA) MNs.

Advanced flame-retardant biocomposites: Polylactic acid reinforced with green gallic acid‑iron‑phosphorus coated flax fibers.

This study introduces a sustainable approach for enhancing the fire retardancy and smoke suppression of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites, contributing to addressing one of the major challenges in biocomposites that limits their application in various engineering fields, as automotive and construction sectors. Flax fibers (FF) were surface functionalized with a novel organic-inorganic hybrid flame retardant (FR), offering a sustainable bioinspired approach that mitigates potential mechanical properties impairment and FR leaching, which can cause environmental concerns and reduced composite durability. The process involves a three-step coating procedure.

The Determinants of Toxicity in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer with a Focal, Intraprostatic "Microboost".

Purpose: A single phase III trial has demonstrated that prostate radiotherapy with a focal, intra-prostatic "microboost" can improve disease control without an overall increase in toxicity. It is unclear how these results generalize to other treatment schedules and protocols.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and the Cochrane Review was performed for studies published on or before September 1, 2023.

A single RBM20 missense variant is a potential contributor to dilated cardiomyopathy and/or isolated left ventricular dilatation in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.

Background: non-syndromic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is found to correlate with a genetic cause in 30-40 % of cases. The identification of a causative gene variant can guide treatment options and cascade testing of at-risk family members. Cardiomyopathy multigene panels are routinely used to identify the genetic cause, but often detect variants of uncertain significance (VUS).

Consensus statement on the treatment of proximal humerus fractures: a Delphi approach by the Neer Circle of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

Background: The treatment of patients who suffer a proximal humeral fracture (PHF) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to find consensus among experts using a validated iterative process in the treatment of patients after a PHF.

Methods: The Neer Circle is an organization of shoulder experts recognized for their service to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

Prevalence estimates and nature of online child sexual exploitation and abuse: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) is a global health issue. The aim of this global systematic review and meta-analysis was to better understand the prevalence and nature of OCSEA on a global scale.

Methods: Comprehensive literature searches were done in six UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) and multiple databases, for records published between Jan 1, 2010, and Sept 30, 2023.

Comparison of statistical evaluation approaches for log-removal validation according to European water reuse regulations.

In 2020, the European Union published ordinance EU 2020/741, establishing minimum requirements for water reuse in agriculture. The ordinance differentiates between several water quality classes. For the highest water quality class (Class A), the ordinance mandates analytical validation of the treatment performance of new water reuse treatment plants (WRTP) related to the removal of microbial indicators for viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens.

Neural connectivity underlying core language functions.

Introduction: Although many white matter tracts underlying language functions have been identified, even in aggregate they do not provide a sufficiently detailed and expansive picture to enable us to fully understand the computational processes that might underly language production and comprehension. We employed diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) with a tensor distribution model to more extensively explore the white matter tracts supporting core language functions. Our study was guided by hypotheses stemming largely from the aphasia literature.

Detection of aflatoxin B level and revelation of its dynamic accumulation process using visible/near-infrared hyperspectral and microscopic imaging.

Understanding and controlling the dynamic process of aflatoxin B (AFB) accumulation by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) remains challenging. In this study, the A.

Assessing riparian functioning condition for improved ecosystem services: A case study of the Back Creek watershed (Virginia, USA).

Riparian functioning condition refers to a rating and description of the current ecological status of a reach of a riparian ecosystem in consideration of its potential hydrology, vegetation, and geomorphology. Reach rating options are Proper Functioning Condition (PFC), Functional-At-Risk (FAR), Non-Functional, and apparent or monitored trends. We assessed the functioning condition of flowing riverbank areas of Back Creek located in Virginia (USA) following a PFC protocol developed by the U.

The influence of patient gender on exercise prescription in ACL reconstruction rehabilitation.

Objective: To assess differences in physical therapists' exercise prescription and confidence in return-to-sport readiness between girl and boy patients undergoing rehabilitation post-ACLR.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Methods: 115 physical therapist responses were collected in an electronic survey.

Molecular classification of endometrial cancers (EC) and association with relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes: Ancillary analysis of GOG-0258.

Purpose: Determine if molecular classification using mismatch repair (MMR) and p53 protein expression predicts recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in endometrial cancer (EC) patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation (CRT) versus chemotherapy (CT).

Methods: GOG-0258, a phase III randomized trial (NCT00942357), compared CRT to CT. Immunohistochemistry assessed MMR and p53 status.

Validation of a Single Item Measure for Financial Toxicity Screening in Patients With Breast Cancer.

Purpose: Financial toxicity (FT) has been linked to higher symptom burden and poorer clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. Despite the availability of validated tools to measure FT, a simple screen remains an unmet need. We evaluated item 12 ("My illness has been a financial hardship to my family and me") of the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) measure as a single-item FT screening measure.

Machine Learning to Predict Mortality in Older Patients With Cancer: Development and External Validation of the Geriatric Cancer Scoring System Using Two Large French Cohorts.

Purpose: Establishing an accurate prognosis remains challenging in older patients with cancer because of the population's heterogeneity and the current predictive models' reduced ability to capture the complex interactions between oncologic and geriatric predictors. We aim to develop and externally validate a new predictive score (the Geriatric Cancer Scoring System [GCSS]) to refine individualized prognosis for older patients with cancer during the first year after a geriatric assessment (GA).

Materials And Methods: Data were collected from two French prospective multicenter cohorts of patients with cancer 70 years and older, referred for GA: ELCAPA (training set January 2007-March 2016) and ONCODAGE (validation set August 2008-March 2010).

Community and familial dynamics influencing risk behavior for HIV acquisition among adolescent girls and young women in Uganda: Qualitative analysis using Protective Motivation Theory.

Background: In Uganda, adolescent girls', and young women's (AGYW-15-24 years) current HIV prevalence is fourfold compared with their male counterparts due to compounded social, economic, and environmental factors. Using the Protective Motivation Theory (PMT), we explored HIV-acquisition risk sources and perceived protective factors from AGYW and caregivers' perspective.

Materials And Methods: During 2018, we conducted a qualitative study guided by PMT to explore factors influencing HIV acquisition among AGYW.

Insulin therapy adherence and its associated factors among diabetic patients in a Ghanaian primary care hospital.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health problem. Adherence to intensive insulin therapy is necessary to achieve better glycemic control in types 1 and 2 DM. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of adherence to insulin therapy, its predictors and to identify barriers to its adherence.

Tumor localization strategies of multi-cancer early detection tests: a quantitative assessment.

Background: Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests may expand cancer screening. Characterizing diagnostic resolution approaches following positive MCED tests is critical. Two trials employed distinct resolution approaches: a molecular signal to predict tissue of origin (TOO) and an imaging-based diagnostic strategy.

Functional profiling of the sequence stockpile: a protein pair-based assessment of in silico prediction tools.

Motivation: In silico functional annotation of proteins is crucial to narrowing the sequencing-accelerated gap in our understanding of protein activities. Numerous function annotation methods exist, and their ranks have been growing, particularly so with the recent deep learning-based developments. However, it is unclear if these tools are truly predictive.