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Decoding Vitamin D Intake: How Much Is Too Much?
No full textVitamin D has long been accepted as a vital nutrient for bone health, with past guidelines supporting supplementation to maintain optimal levels. However, the recently updated 2024 Endocrine Society guidelines introduce a more conservative approach, shifting the focus away from widespread supplementation in healthy individuals and instead emphasizing use in high-risk populations. This chapter analyzes the key changes from the previous 2011 guidelines, including the removal of strict serum level thresholds for deficiency, revised daily intake recommendations, and screening criteria. The shift reflects growing evidence suggesting that excessive vitamin D supplementation may not provide additional health benefits and can contribute to risks such as hypercalcemia, kidney dysfunction, and eventual increased healthcare costs. The commentary explains the rationale behind said changes and the value for using evidence-based supplementation. Finally, we discuss the implications of these updated guidelines on paving clinicians’ decision-making for their patients while highlighting the need for increased awareness and adherence to ensure safe and effective vitamin D consumption
A Note on the Novel Passive Sampling in Environmental DNA (eDNA) Collection Technique to Detect Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens): Field and Laboratory Approaches in Turtle eDNA
No full textEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful and sensitive method for monitoring aquatic and terrestrial organisms, offering insights into their distribution. Usually, eDNA is collected using a filter membrane through water filtration. However, the passive eDNA method can simplify sampling and broaden its scope, offering new insights for ecological surveillance. This study examined the efficacy of six different membrane filters in detecting the yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) through a novel passive eDNA method. After being immersed in water for 12 h, only the mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane filter consistently demonstrated specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using gel electrophoretic and Sanger sequencing, indicating the presence of eDNA from the yellow mud turtle. Yellow mud turtles were detected in fall sampling using MCE filters; however, they were not detected in winter, despite multiple attempts at passive sampling. The observed changes in eDNA detection are likely due to several factors including the turtles\u27 overwintering behavior and varying environmental conditions. Our findings highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate membrane filters and considering seasonal dynamics when designing passive eDNA monitoring systems for turtles. Notably, the information in this study can help make eDNA-based surveys in aquatic environments more reliable, leading to better conservation and management approaches for aquatic organisms
Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview with Dr. Javier Saenz
No full textDr. Javier Saenz may not have grown up with the most opportunities, but he made what he could with what he had. Having lived in what was considered one of the poorest counties in America, the Saenz family knew the meaning of hard work, sacrifice, and having a community. Dr. Saenz strives to maintain a positive outlook on life while balancing compassion, empathy, and his faith in his work. To him, “Heroism” is the first responders who give immediate care to patients, and that first responders do not always get the credit they deserve. He does his best to provide his patients with first-class medicine and hopes to be remembered not only as a doctor, but as a person who always tries their best to do the best. Dr. Saenz one day wishes to write a book sharing his thoughts, opinions, and memories on medicine and help to shine a light on healthcare in our community.https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/rgvmedheroes/1004/thumbnail.jp
Spectroscopic Investigations on Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofibers
No full textThe production of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers by force-spinning from polymer solutions was confirmed by electron microscopy. The structural and phase characteristics of the resulting nanofiber mats were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction. Results from all these techniques consistently indicated that both the powder and the mats of polyvinylidene fluoride predominantly contain the α phase, with a small admixture of the β phase. Within experimental errors, no other phases were noticed both in the powder and in the as-obtained mats. The ratios of the areas of the Raman lines at 265 and 285 cm−1, as well as at 796 and 839 cm−1, support the enhancement of the β phase content from about 15% in the pristine polymer powder to over 75% in polymer mats. FTIR (in the ATR mode), Raman, and X-ray Scattering confirmed the presence of the β phase. It is concluded that the β-phase content increases with increasing spinning rate. The findings highlight the potential of force-spinning as an efficient, scalable method for producing PVDF nanofibers with tailored phase composition for applications in sensors, actuators, and energy-harvesting devices
Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and dysmenorrhea in nursing students: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and evidence-based recommendations
No full textIntroduction: Menstrual disorders—including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and dysmenorrhea—are highly prevalent among women of reproductive age and are associated with impaired academic performance, psychological distress, and reduced social functioning. Nursing students are particularly vulnerable due to the combined demands of intensive academic schedules and clinical training, yet prevalence estimates and institutional responses remain inconsistent.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251109363). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Ultimate, and APA PsycINFO were searched for studies published between 2016 and 2025. Eligible studies reported prevalence or impact of PMS, PMDD, or dysmenorrhea exclusively in nursing students. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies was used for quality appraisal. Random-effects meta-analysis was applied to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and thematic synthesis was used to evaluate academic, social, and psychosocial impacts, coping strategies, and interventions.
Results: Twenty studies involving 5,131 nursing students were included. The pooled prevalence was 62% for PMS, 21% for PMDD (including severe PMS), and 72% for dysmenorrhea, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 \u3e 80%). Reported impacts included absenteeism, reduced concentration, diminished clinical performance, and impaired quality of life. Coping strategies were largely self-directed, including analgesics, rest, and dietary modifications, while few students accessed formal healthcare or institutional support. Only a limited number of studies evaluated structured interventions such as exercise, yoga, or nutritional supplementation.
Conclusion: Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among nursing students and carry significant academic, social, and psychological consequences. Nursing education programs should integrate routine screening, structured wellness initiatives, and evidence-based interventions to improve student wellbeing, reduce academic disruption, and strengthen workforce preparedness.
Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251109363, PROSPERO CRD420251109363
Clarifying the ABA Comparison and Equivalence Claims in Schaaf et al. (2025)
No full textDear Editor,
I am writing to express concerns regarding Schaaf et al.\u27s article, “A Comparative Trial of Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration and Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions for Autistic Children” (Schaaf et al. 2025). Considering the potential impact this study has on service recommendations, I would like to discuss the concerns that, in my opinion, hinder the conclusions that can be drawn.
First, the “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)” arm appears to represent a brief, focused behavioral skills training (30 one-hour sessions over several months in a clinic room). This protocol, however, is not a comprehensive, high-intensity ABA model implemented in practice following contemporary practice guidelines (typically 20–40 h per week across settings and domains, Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) 2024). To extrapolate from this low-dose, limited protocol to what ABA normally enacts in practice is to risk overstating both the scope and the evidence for ABA.
Second, the trial was powered only to detect very large effects, yet the non-significant between-group difference on the pre-specified primary outcome (PEDI-CAT Daily Activities) is interpreted as evidence that OT-ASI and ABA achieved “comparable” improvements. According to the CONSORT guidance on noninferiority and equivalence trials (Piaggio et al. 2012), clearly stated, failure to show superiority in an underpowered study does not establish equivalence.
Third, the more positive finding in Schaaf et al. relies heavily on Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), an individualized, caregiver-reported outcome obtained post-treatment. Although valuable, GAS is more vulnerable to expectancy and allegiance effects than the blinded, standardized primary outcome, a limitation that is not emphasized in the discussion.
I appreciate the authors\u27 efforts to undertake a complex randomized trial. However, I would encourage a more cautious discussion of the equivalence between OT-ASI and ABA and a broader recognition that the ABA condition as administered in their study is not equivalent to how average ABA programs in clinical practice are delivered
Exploring the Role of Magnesium Deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
No full textInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders, including Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease. As of 2020, it was estimated that IBD significantly impacts the lives of approximately 2.39 million Americans. Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral involved in many bodily functions, including immune response and gut health. Recent studies suggest that Magnesium levels may be linked to IBD. Therefore, this review aims to explain how Magnesium might play a role in the development or progression of IBD. Additionally, this article discusses the overall role that Magnesium’s plays in gut health and whether Magnesium supplementation could be helpful in managing the disease
Emerging and Expanding Infections due to Climate Change of Concern to Rheumatologists
No full textClimate change is increasingly shaping the global landscape of infectious diseases. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are facilitating the spread of vector-borne illnesses. Extreme precipitation events are linked to waterborne disease outbreaks, while extended summers contribute to more foodborne illnesses. These environmental changes, combined with individual vulnerabilities, also influence the risk of developing rheumatic diseases. Among infectious agents, arboviruses emerge as the most strongly associated with rheumatic conditions and are particularly well-positioned to exploit global interconnectedness, urbanization, and climate change to further drive their worldwide proliferation and public health impact
Photograph of Ballet del Sur Performers
No full textColor photograph. Performers of Ballet del Sur pictured oudoors in Alice, Texas.https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/kikadelagarzaphotographs/1127/thumbnail.jp
Photograph of Kika de la Garza - 02
No full textBackside of color photograph.https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/kikadelagarzaphotographs/1142/thumbnail.jp