Morphological and molecular characterization of a Sarcocystis bovifelis-like sarcocyst in American beef.

Background: Parasites in the apicomplexan genus Sarcocystis infect cattle worldwide. Assessing the economic importance of each such parasite species requires proper diagnosis. Sarcocystis cruzi, a thin-walled species, infects virtually all cattle.

Distinct network patterns emerge from Cartesian and XOR epistasis models: a comparative network science analysis.

Background: Epistasis, the phenomenon where the effect of one gene (or variant) is masked or modified by one or more other genes, significantly contributes to the phenotypic variance of complex traits. Traditionally, epistasis has been modeled using the Cartesian epistatic model, a multiplicative approach based on standard statistical regression. However, a recent study investigating epistasis in obesity-related traits has identified potential limitations of the Cartesian epistatic model, revealing that it likely only detects a fraction of the genetic interactions occurring in natural systems.

Dietary quality, anaemia prevalence and their associated factors among rural school- going adolescents in Acholi sub -region of Uganda.

Background: Globally, iron deficiency anaemia is a widespread public health problem affecting vulnerable populations including adolescents. However, over the years, the Uganda Demographic Health Surveys mostly report the status of anaemia for women of reproductive age (15-49 years) and children up to 5 years, leaving out the focus on adolescents. Moreover, high prevalence of anaemia among children below five years could suggest that anaemia still persists at adolescence.

Impact of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion on the severity of ischemic stroke.

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (pLAAO) presents an alternative to anticoagulation (AC) for stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation (Afib) patients with high bleeding risk. pLAAO was associated with lower rates of disabling stroke which was mainly attributed to the reduction of hemorrhagic stroke (HS). Little is known about the impact of pLAAO on the severity of ischemic strokes which we sought to study.

Pregnancy and birth complications among women undergoing bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Background: Metabolic bariatric surgery is the most effective therapy for severe obesity, which affects the health of millions, most of whom are women of child-bearing age. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the most common bariatric procedures and are associated with durable weight loss and comorbidity resolution. Although obstetric outcomes broadly improve, the safety profile comparing the impact of RYGB and SG on obstetric outcomes is underexplored.

Robotic sleeve gastrectomy has higher complication rates compared to laparoscopic: 8-year analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic primary bariatric surgery.

Background: Robotic-assisted bariatric surgery is growing rapidly. The optimal approach to minimize complications remains unclear.

Objective: Assess robot utilization and compare 30-day outcomes for laparoscopic and robotic primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database.

Pharmacists as independent prescribers in community pharmacy: A scoping review.

Background: There has been a growing interest in granting prescribing rights to pharmacists as a strategy to improve healthcare access. Researchers continue to explore the impact and implementation of pharmacist prescribing. Given the recent international changes in this field, an overview of current territories allowing pharmacist independent prescribing would provide a comprehensive understanding for researchers and policymakers.

Polyneuropathy in Parkinson's Disease is Highly Prevalent and Not Related to Treatment.

Purpose: An increased prevalence of peripheral polyneuropathy (PN) in Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with greater functional impairment has previously been reported. A possible cause has been suggested as levodopa therapy. The aim of this real-world study was to assess the prevalence and the characteristics of PN in PD and to investigate the putative association between PN and oral levodopa.

Brain phosphoproteomic analysis identifies diabetes-related substrates in Alzheimer's disease pathology in older adults.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. Insulin signaling dysfunction exacerbates tau protein phosphorylation, a hallmark of AD pathology. However, the comprehensive impact of diabetes on patterns of AD-related phosphoprotein in the human brain remains underexplored.

Harvey Cushing: France Military Hospital Surgical Unit Head and World War I United States Army Medical Corps Commissioner.

Background: This historical account reviews the course and lasting impact of Dr. Harvey Cushing (1869-1939) in neurosurgery.

Methods: The writing of this project was sparked by the discovery of original scientific and bibliographical information about Cushing.

Molecular biomarkers associated with TBI outcome in individuals of Black racial identity or African ancestry: a narrative review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and a major global health concern. In the United States (US), individuals of Black or African American racial identity experience disproportionately higher rates of TBI and suffer from worse post-injury outcomes. Contemporary research agendas have largely overlooked or excluded Black populations, resulting in the continued marginalization of Black patient populations in TBI studies, thereby limiting the generalizability of ongoing research to patients in the US and around the world.

Age-related impact of phenobarbital in suppressing prenatal alcohol exposure-related seizures in developing rats.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) during pregnancy can increase the prevalence of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) in developing rats. However, it is unclear whether phenobarbital (PB) can suppress these PAE-related seizures. To explore this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of acute PB treatment on NMDA-induced seizures in postpartum rats, prenatally exposed to alcohol on gestational day 18 (GD18), at two developmental stages: day 7 (P7), the equivalent of pre-term neonates, and day 15 (P15), the equivalent of full-term neonates.

Prognostic impact of tumor cell nuclear size assessed by artificial intelligence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Tumor cell nuclear size (NS) indicates malignant potential in breast cancer; however, its clinical significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is unknown. Artificial intelligence (AI) can quantitatively evaluate histopathological findings. The aim was to measure NS in ESCC using AI and elucidate its clinical significance.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant osimertinib in stage IA-IIIA, EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NORA).

Introduction: Treatment with adjuvant osimertinib for three years is the standard-of-care for resected stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutations. The role of neoadjuvant osimertinib in the perioperative setting is yet to be elucidated in the NeoADAURA study (NCT04351555).

Methods: This is a single center, pilot study of patients with clinical stage IA-IIIA NSCLC (AJCC 8th edition) harboring an activating EGFR mutation (Exon 19 deletion, L858R) (NCT04816838).

Tacrolimus-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) after heart and lung transplantation successfully treated with eculizumab.

Introduction: Tacrolimus-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) causing acute kidney injury (AKI) without systemic features is a rare entity, particularly after non-renal solid organ transplantation.

Case Report: We describe the case of a patient with AKI after combined heart and lung transplantation. Renal biopsy revealed acute thrombotic microangiopathy which ultimately prompted initiation of eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeted against complement C5, with subsequent recovery in renal function.

Disability and the Dermatology Patient- Part 2: Supporting Patients with Disabilities.

Dermatologic disease can result in disability. In part two of this continuing medical education (CME) article, we highlight disabilities that may result from dermatologic conditions. We introduce guidelines for caring for patients with disabilities including how to identify, assess, and document patients' disabilities and provide patient-centered care and support.

Disability and the Dermatology Patient- Part 1: Improving Access to Dermatologic Care.

Disability is common amongst dermatologic patients. Herein, we review the epidemiology of disability and terminology used to refer to patients with disabilities. We discuss different forms of disability, including cognitive, motor, visual and hearing, and review how dermatology practices can better accommodate patients with disabilities to optimize care.

Predicting lack of clinical improvement following varicose vein ablation using machine learning.

Objective: Varicose vein ablation is generally indicated in patients with active/healed venous ulcers. However, patient selection for intervention in individuals without venous ulcers is less clear. Tools that predict lack of clinical improvement (LCI) following vein ablation may help guide clinical decision-making but remain limited.

Unique infrared thermographic profiles and altered hypothalamic neurochemistry associated with mortality in endotoxic shock.

Neonatal sepsis results in significant morbidity and mortality, but early detection is clinically challenging. In a neonatal rat model of endotoxic shock, we identified unique infrared thermographic (IRT) profiles in skin temperature that could identify risk of later mortality. Ten-day old rats were placed in a thermally stable isolette and IRT images of cranial (T), scapula (T) and rump (T) skin temperature were obtained continuously for 8 h following an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (or saline).

Mycovirome of Diaporthe helianthi and D. gulyae, causal agents of Phomopsis stem canker of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Diaporthe gulyae and D. helianthi cause Phomopsis stem canker, which is a yield-limiting fungal disease of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in the United States.

Exploring the neurotoxic effects of microbial metabolites: A potential link between p-Cresol and autism spectrum disorders?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology, including genetic and environmental factors. A growing body of evidence (preclinical and clinical studies) implicates a potential role of gut microbiome dysregulation in ASD pathophysiology. This review focuses on the microbial metabolite p-Cresol, produced by certain gut bacteria such as Clostridium, and its potential role in ASD.

Mouth Rinsing and Ingesting Unpleasant Salty or Bitter Solutions After Heavy-Intensity Cycling Does Not Influence Sprint Performance or Knee-Extensor Force in Trained Cyclists.

Purpose: The present study investigated the effect of unpleasant salty or bitter tastes on cycling sprint performance and knee-extensor force characteristics in different fatigue states.

Methods: Following a familiarization session, 11 trained male cyclists completed 3 experimental trials (salty, bitter, and water) in a randomized crossover order. In each trial, participants cycled at 85% of the respiratory compensation point for 45 minutes and then, after a 5-minute rest, completed a 1-minute sprint.

An online approach to teaching graduate nursing students to write integrative literature reviews: Examples from two published cases.

Aim/objective: To empower nursing graduate students, in master's or doctoral programs, through distance-accessible methods for conducting integrative reviews, enhancing their ability to transition from clinical to publication-oriented writing.

Background: Mastering literature review methods is vital for advancing evidence-based practice. Integrative reviews, inclusive of multiple research methodologies, offer a comprehensive approach suited for nursing students.

Adolescents' perceptions, experiences, and reactions to "fake" vaping devices.

Unlabelled: Use of electronic cigarette (vaping) devices, whether to inhale nicotine, cannabis, or other substances, may pose health risks to adolescents. Those risks could be heightened when a vaping device is "fake," a term we use to include inauthentic, knockoff, counterfeit, and/or adulterated devices, an issue exemplified by the Electronic Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak of 2019-2020.

Methods: Investigators completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews in 2020-2021 with 47 California adolescents (ages 13-17) who used nicotine products.