Abstract: The epidemiology of Chagas disease in humans has markedly changed within the past several decades in the United States of America. This report discusses autochthonous cases of Chagas disease and disease in immigrants from Latin American countries. Directions for epidemiology research and medical care are discussed given the evolving epidemiology of the disease in the United States of America.

Abstract: The accumulation of lipofuscin, i.e., indigestible intracellular debris, might be the main cause of age-related diseases that we see today. However, without being able to replace mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and damaged and mutated nuclear DNA (nDNA), we will still eventually succumb to aging. Thus, we must save copies of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA at as young an age as possible, or at least from cell types with the lowest rates of mutation. MtDNA has a 10-100x higher rate of mutation than nDNA, as mitochondria are sites of free radical production. We may need to replace mtDNA before damaged and mutated nDNA. If so, we will need a strategy to deliver pristine mtDNA to cells around the the body and destroy the old mtDNA. A strategy for doing so is described herein.

Abstract: In 2022, an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) killed 60% of the largest breeding colony of Dalmatian pelican (DP) in the world, at Mikri Prespa Lake (Greece), prompting a multidisciplinary study on HPAI and other pathogens. This study determines the antimicrobial resistance rates of cloacal enterococci and Escherichia coli in DPs. Fifty-two blood and cloacal swab samples were collected from 31 nestlings (20 DP/11 great white pelicans) hatched after the H5N1 outbreak at the Prespa colony and 21 subadult/adult DPs captured at a spring migration stopover. Swabs were inoculated in non-selective and chromogenic selective media. Identification was performed by MALDI-TOF, and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested. The genetic content was characterized by PCR-sequencing and the clonality of extended-spectrum-betalactamase (ESBL)-producing-E. coli isolates by Multi-Locus-Sequence-Typing. Twenty-eight non-repetitive E. coli and 45 enterococci isolates were recovered in non-selective media; most of them were susceptible to all antibiotics tested (85.7% E. coli/91.1% enterococci). Three of 52 samples (6%, all adults) contained ESBL-E. coli isolates (detected in chromogenic ESBL plates), all carrying the bla_CTX-M-15 gene and belonging to the lineage ST69. Despite the susceptibility of most fecal E. coli and enterococci isolates to all antibiotics tested, the identification of E. coli of lineage ST69 carrying blaCTX-M-15 is of concern. This high-risk clone needs further investigation to elucidate its primary sources and address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance from an integrated 'One Health' perspective. Furthermore, it is imperative to further study the potential impacts of ESBL-E. coli on the endangered DP.

Abstract: Stress is recognized as an adaptive response to potentially harmful environmental stimuli. The primary physiological adaptation to stress is an increase in circulating cortisol levels, which, in excess, can be transferred and incorporated into the oocytes of maturing females, affecting the embryonic developmental program. Additionally, maternal energy availability is an essential environmental factor that modulates this program. Based on this background, we investigated the effects of maternal cortisol on the development of the somatotropic axis in the zebrafish offspring and juveniles. Zebrafish mothers were divided into two groups based on diet: Group 1 received a cortisol-enriched diet, to mimic maternal stress, while Group 2 (control) received a standard diet, for five days, followed by breeding on day three. Offspring were assessed at 0, 24, 48, 72-, 96-, 120, and 144 -hours post-fertilization (hpf). Morphological analyses were performed during embryonic development, including survival rate, body length, presence of pericardial edema, and heartbeat. We examined the gene expression of key somatotropic axis components, including mtor, foxO3a, mafbx, murf1, mstna, gh, igf1, igf2a, igf2b, 11hsdb2, and fkbp5. Our finding offers critical insights for aquaculture by elucidating the complex interaction between maternal factors and somatotropic axis development in offspring. The study demonstrated that cortisol-treated females significantly affected offspring survival, morphology, and cardiac structures, in addition to altering gene expression related to protein synthesis, and showed signs of accelerated development. At 30 days post-fertilization, juveniles exhibited a notable increase in muscle bundle size and cross-sectional diameter. This evidence underscores the importance of aquaculture and animal research regarding how maternal environments influence somatotropic axis development in fish, providing a foundation for improved breeding protocols and management practices.

Abstract: The report analyzes environmental monitoring data from two recently commissioned open-cycle regasification plants in Italian coastal waters: Porto Viro (Veneto region, in operation since Sep-tember 2009) and Livorno (Tuscany region, in operation since October 2013), two key infrastruc-tures for Italy's energy independence. The objective is to assess the effectiveness of the monitoring program and suggest improvements. Report’s reading indicates that some contaminant analyses are ineffective in understanding the terminal's impact, as concentrations are consistently low. Only specific indicators can effectively track pollutant distribution and biomarkers. Additional-ly, the concentration of oxidizing chlorination residuals (CPOs, TROs) has never been measured, despite its importance in assessing potential harm. Discussion points are provided, such as the relationship between analytical findings and actual wastewater flows, and the peer-reviewing of monitoring schemes and reports.

Abstract:

Background:Gastrointestinal tract cancers account for approximately one-third of cancer-related deaths. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are the most important ways to prevent cancer-related morbidity and mortality. ROMO1 has been shown to play an important role in many types of cancer. However, the biological function of ROMO1 is still poorly understood in gastrointestinal system cancers. The aim of this study is to reveal the expression change and oncogenic role of ROMO in gastrointestinal system cancers. Methods:Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), UALCAN, TIMER, GeneMANIA, TISIDB and STRING were applied to assess the biological function of ROMO1 in gastrointestinal cancers (Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), and Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD)). Results:ROMO1 is significantly increased in gastrointestinal cancers and overexpression of ROMO1 was associated with clinicopathological features. In addition, ROMO1 has been found to be closely associated with between tumor-infiltrating immune cells in gastrointestinal cancers. ROMO1 is closely related to the inner mitochondrial membrane proteins (TIMM) family. Conclusison: The study revealed that ROMO1 is of significant clinical importance for gastrointestinal cancers and may have potential clinical utility in treatment and prognosis.

Abstract:

We investigated whether microalgae or linseed supply during the early postpartum period affects ovarian restimulation and supports the first postpartum ovulation in lactating anovulatory goats. Thirty-eight An-glo-Nubian-crossbred adult goats were allocated into three groups: con-trol diet (n=12), fed a total mixed ration (TMR) comprising chopped elephant grass and concentrate; algal diet (n=13), fed TMR+green microalgae (1% dry matter); and linseed diet (n=13), TMR+linseed (12% dry matter). Supplements were furnished from the 2nd to 5th week (time of weaning). Goats were estrus synchronized on day 40 by insertion of an intravaginal CIDR device for 5 days, after which 0.075mg PGF2α was applied to in-duce ovulation, and estrus was monitored for 72 hours. From the 5th-15th day of ovulation induction, the corpus luteum (CL) area and progesterone rate were monitored. The algal and linseed groups showed lower feed intake (P<0.001) and higher (P<0.001) triglyceride levels/follicle numbers, respectively. After estrus induction, no differences were ob-served in estrus response; however, the linseed group showed more and larger growing follicles (P=0.016 and P<0.01), a higher ovulation rate (P<0.05), larger CL area (P<0.05), and higher progesterone levels (P<0.001). Linseed after delivery stimulates follicular growth before and after ovulation induction, favoring better CL quality during the first ovulation.

Abstract: Clinical reasoning is an essential competence of veterinary graduands. Unfortunately, clinical reasoning and, therefore, the quality of provided veterinary medical services, are prone to bias, difficulties, and errors. Literature on biases, difficulties, and errors in clinical reasoning in veterinary medical education is scarce or focused on theoretical rather than practical application. In this review, we address the practicality of learning and teaching biases, difficulties, and errors in clinical reasoning to veterinary learners utilizing a practical example of a cow with a prolapsed uterus, complicated by hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Learners should be guided through all of the stages of clinical reasoning as much as possible under direct supervision. The common clinical biases, difficulties, or errors in veterinary medical encounters may differ between stages of development of the learner, with more difficulties occurring in earlier stages (Observer, Reporter, ± Interpreter) but more heuristic biases occurring at later stages (Manager, Educator, ± Interpreter). However, clinical errors may occur at any learner development stage. Therefore, remediation of clinical biases, difficulties, and errors in veterinary medical encounters should use strategies that are tailored to the level of development of the learner, but also to the specific encounter (e.g., client, patient, and context).

Abstract:

Molecular biology is undergoing a transformative evolution through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics, which collectively empower researchers to analyze complex genomic datasets, uncover hidden patterns in genetic information, and advance the paradigm of precision medicine. Notable breakthroughs include AlphaFold’s revolutionary contribution to protein structure prediction, achieving near-experimental accuracy, and PolyPhen’s role in assessing the functional impact of genetic mutations, advancing precision diagnostics. These advancements demonstrate the potential of AI to accelerate discoveries in functional genomics and disease prediction models. However, the integration of these technologies also raises significant ethical concerns. For instance, issues related to genetic privacy have become increasingly critical, as the misuse of sensitive genomic data could lead to discrimination in healthcare and employment. This comprehensive review explores the dynamic intersection of AI and bioinformatics, emphasizing their roles in gene-disease association studies, protein structure prediction, and functional genomics. It also critically addresses challenges, including data quality issues, computational limitations, and the ethical implications of genetic privacy. Future research directions focus on enhancing AI model transparency, overcoming computational barriers, and developing robust ethical frameworks to ensure equitable benefits in clinical and research settings. By integrating cutting-edge AI technologies, such as explainable AI (XAI) and federated learning, with robust bioinformatics methodologies, this review highlights a roadmap for revolutionizing genetic research and fostering advancements in personalized medicine.

Abstract: Although the stifle joint of wild felines shares several characteristics observed in domestic cats, others are specific to each species. This study aimed to evaluate the stifle joints of eight Puma concolor, including two young and six adults, through different imaging examinations. All stifles were assessed using radiographs and computed tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the stifles of one animal using 7 Tesla equipment. In all imaging modalities, the four sesamoid bones were detected. Meniscal mineralization was identified in the stifles of three adult animals and one young animal. The cruciate ligaments and menisci were identified on CT, with MRI providing better visualization. The mean values of CT measurements (cm2) in the sagittal section included patella (2.475), medial fabella (0.481), lateral fabella (0.772), popliteal sesamoid (0.222), and medial meniscus (0.051). No differences were found in HU values between the central trabecular bone of the patella and popliteal sesamoid, cortical bone of the patella and lateral and medial fabellas, or cortical bone of the patella and popliteal sesamoid. In conclusion, the descriptions of the stifle of Puma concolor in the different imaging methods contribute to understanding the species and can serve as a basis for identifying alterations.