Reimagining Integrative Medicine Fellowship Core Competencies with a Health Equity Lens.

Integrative medicine (IM) fellowships have grown significantly over the past decade. This review examines gaps in the original IM competencies and key revisions aligned with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) domains, informed by a multi-phase stakeholder engagement process. A task force from the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health conducted a systematic review of existing IM competencies, ACGME core competencies, and relevant Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks.

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A disrupts RNA splicing in the prefrontal cortex and promotes behaviors related to autism in offspring.

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a common endocrine disruptor, has been increasingly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. This study explores the molecular mechanisms by which prenatal BPA exposure affects alternative RNA splicing in the prefrontal cortex and investigates the potential link between alternative RNA splicing and autism-related behaviors in rat offspring. Using RNA sequencing and high-resolution melting real-time PCR, we identified differentially alternative splicing events associated with autism candidate genes.

Immunomodulatory therapy of chikungunya arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection can lead to chronic musculoskeletal complications, including persistent arthritis that resembles autoimmune inflammatory conditions. These symptoms have been reported both in endemic populations and in international travellers, with substantial functional and economic consequences.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of immunomodulatory therapies in chikungunya-related arthritis.

Effect of 3-HBI on Liver Fibrosis via the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 Pathway on the Human Hepatic Stellate Cell Model.

Liver fibrosis can progress to irreversible cirrhosis if the underlying causes remain, and this can in turn develop into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite these adverse outcomes, liver fibrosis can be reversed. Consequently, research has focused on substances that target liver fibrosis to prevent or reduce its progression.

The role of thymectomy during parathyroidectomy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-associated hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Current guidelines recommend transcervical thymectomy (TCT) during parathyroidectomy (PTX) for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1)-associated primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) despite limited evidence substantiating efficacy. We aimed to determine the role of TCT in disease control and safety outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on comparative observational studies exploring the efficacy of PTX with or without concomitant TCT for managing PHPT in patients with MEN1.

EXPECTANT MANAGEMENT OF PRE-TERM PRE-LABOR RUPTURE OF FETAL MEMBRANES IN A WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA ().

This case describes successful expectant management of pre-term pre-labor rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) in a 20-year-old female western lowland gorilla (). Rupture of fetal membranes occurred at estimated day 231 of gestation, prior to the birthing window (days 237-285) for this species. Expectant management consisted of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, and monitoring of the dam and fetus via serial ultrasonography, vital signs, and behavioral observation.

Anticoagulation for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of the Literature and Current Guidelines.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide, characterized by uncoordinated atrial activation leading to a loss of effective atrial contraction and increased risk for atrial thrombi formation, promoting an increased risk of cardioembolic strokes and mortality, and associated increased healthcare expenditure. Therefore, stroke prevention represents a key focus in managing patients with atrial fibrillation, and strategies to achieve this aim have drastically evolved over the years. Previously, aspirin and warfarin were the cornerstone of stroke prophylaxis.

Institutional animal care and use committees and the challenges of evaluating animal research proposals.

Background: In the U.S. and many other countries, animal use in research, testing, and education is under the purview of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees or similar bodies.

Reduction of neuronal activity mediated by blood-vessel regression in the adult brain.

The brain vasculature supplies neurons with glucose and oxygen, but little is known about how vascular plasticity contributes to brain function. Using longitudinal in vivo imaging, we report that a substantial proportion of blood vessels in the adult mouse brain sporadically occlude and regress. Their regression proceeds through sequential stages of blood-flow occlusion, endothelial cell collapse, relocation or loss of pericytes, and retraction of glial endfeet.

Variable and interactive effects of Sex, APOE ε4 and TREM2 on the deposition of tau in entorhinal and neocortical regions.

The canonical Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathological cascade posits that the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) is the initiating event, accelerating the accumulation of tau in the entorhinal cortex (EC), which subsequently spreads into the neocortex. Here in a multi-cohort study (ADNI, A4, HABS-HD) of 1354 participants with multimodal imaging and genetic information we queried how genetic variation affects these stages of the AD cascade. We observed that females and APOE-ε4 homozygotes are more susceptible to the effects of Aβ on the primary accumulation of tau, with greater EC tau for a given level of Aβ.

Trachoma prevalence surveys in 15 indigenous and non-indigenous evaluation units in Brazil, 2018-2023.

Background: To provide the groundwork for a future declaration of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Brazil, we conducted house-to-house surveys following WHO methodological guidance.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 non-indigenous and five indigenous evaluation units (EUs) from 2018 to 2023; data on six EUs are reported here for the first time. Two-stage cluster sampling was used: 30 clusters per EU, and 30 households per cluster.

An Assessment of Surgical Outcomes in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Interventions.

Background/objectives: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive malignancies with a challenging prognosis, especially for patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Their low incidence necessitates comprehensive studies to investigate the survival outcome.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, including data from 16 studies and 4265 patients, to explore surgical outcomes and survival rates, focusing on time-related outcomes, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and recurrence rate.

Effects of front-of-package nutrition labelling systems on objective understanding and purchase intention in El Salvador: results from a multi-arm parallel-group randomised controlled trial.

Purpose: Front-of-package labelling (FOPL) schemes have been developed to provide more useful information to consumers and facilitate more critical and healthier food choices. This single-blinded multi-arm parallel-group randomised controlled trial aimed at assessing the effect of different FOPL schemes on the objective understanding of the nutritional content and intention to purchase products, in El Salvador.

Methods: Participants (n = 1204) were exposed to two-dimensional images of 15 mock-up products presented at random and balanced orders.

Recommended measurement protocols for sickle cell disease in the PhenX toolkit: psychosocial factors and social determinants of health.

Objectives: Consensus Measures for Phenotypes and eXposures (PhenX) Toolkit (https://www.phenxtoolkit.org/) is a web-based catalog of recommended measurement protocols and associated bioinformatics tools to assist with study design and facilitate cross-study data integration and analyses.

Health-related SDGs in the national science agendas of Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review.

Background: The national science and technology agendas (NSTAs) of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are crucial for formulating and implementing public policies by providing a strategic framework that guides state actions and priorities. The objective of this scoping review is to examine health-related targets from the national science and technology agendas (NSTA) of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), in accordance with the United Nations' third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3), as well as within the frameworks of innovation and risk management and emergencies.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted, including policy documents issued between 2013 and 2023 by governmental science and technology authorities.

Developing and sustaining inclusive language in biomedical informatics communications: an AMIA Board of Directors endorsed paper on the Inclusive Language and Context Style Guidelines.

Objectives: In 2023, AMIA's Inclusive Language and Context Style Guidelines (the "Guidelines") were approved by the Board of Directors and made a publicly available resource. This work began in 2021 through AMIA's DEI Task Force and subsequent DEI Committee; many members provided input, feedback, and time to create the Guidelines. In this paper, the authors provide a transparent account of the origin, development, contents, and dissemination of the Guidelines and share plans for their future development and use.

Targeted expansion of cytotoxic T cells using IL-12 and CD137L supplementation enhances antitumor efficacy.

The increasing success of allogenic Vδ2 T cell immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer has been demonstrated in recent studies. Vδ2 T cells recognize phosphoantigens, intermediates of the mevalonate pathway, through butyrophilin molecules, and they are not major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted. Allogeneic transfer of expanded Vδ2 T cells has shown more promising results than autologous strategies, although the clinical benefit remains limited.

Increased Expression and m6A Methylation in Myoblasts of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by the aberrant expression of the double homeobox 4 () gene. In this study, an analysis of human FSHD muscle biopsies revealed differential expressions of six m6A regulators, including writers, readers and eraser proteins. In immortalized human FSHD myoblasts, we found higher levels of mRNA and protein expression of a major m6A regulator, methyltransferase-like protein 3 (), in comparison with myoblasts from unaffected siblings (UASbs).

Metastatic Squamous Cell Epiretinal Membrane Diagnosed with Surgical Biopsy.

Purpose: To describe an exceedingly rare presentation of vitreoretinal involvement of metastatic tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma and illustrate the utility of therapeutic and diagnostic epiretinal membrane biopsy.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 57-year-old male presented with new vitreous opacities in the left eye.

Impact of educational video on cervical cancer knowledge in hispanic patients: A randomized trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a cervical cancer screening and prevention educational video on patient knowledge and appointment satisfaction.

Methods: An educational video focused on cervical cancer screening and prevention was created. Individuals who self-identified as Hispanic/Latina and planned to receive a Pap smear during their office visit were invited to participate.

Part 1: Assessing Treatment Effectiveness and Recovery in Patients With Unilateral Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis Using Measures of Acoustic Glottal Stop Production.

Objectives/hypothesis: A group of patients with unilateral vocal fold paresis/paralysis (UVFP) were studied following surgery after a year's observation to assess treatment effectiveness. A second group was studied following no intervention for up to 12 months to assess spontaneous recovery. Novel acoustic measures of glottal stop production (GSP) were used to assess changes in laryngeal function.

Development and Validation of the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) for Children 24 to 59 Months of Age.

Objectives: To develop the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) for children aged 24-59 months and evaluate its performance in predicting outcomes related to nutrient adequacy and diet-related noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk.

Background: The GDQS is a food-based metric developed and validated for capturing diets' contributions to nutrient adequacy and NCD risk among adult men and nonpregnant and nonlactating women aged ≥15 years globally. Despite the importance of ensuring healthy diets in preschool children and the need for systematic monitoring, no food-based metrics exist that holistically measure diet quality among children aged 24-59 months in diverse populations.

Association Between Change in the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and Adiposity Change From 2 to 7 Years of Age Among Mexicans.

Overweight and obesity affects approximately 20%-30% of preschool- and school-aged children in Mexico. The GDQS has been proposed as a global metric for monitoring nutrient adequacy in populations, but data for its association with adiposity measures in Mexican children are scarce. We evaluated the association between the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and changes in adiposity outcomes in Mexican children between ages 2 years to 4-5 years, 2 years to 6-7 years, and 4-5 years to 6-7 years.

Development and Validation of the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) for Children 5 to 9 Years of Age.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) for children aged 5-9 years adapted from the existing GDQS developed for adults.

Background: Diet quality is important for nutrient adequacy and risk of nutrition-related chronic disease. A diet quality metric for global use with children is needed.