Development of a diagnostic multivariable prediction model of a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result in healthcare workers with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital settings.

Background: Despite declining COVID-19 incidence, healthcare workers (HCWs) still face an elevated risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We developed a diagnostic multivariate model to predict positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results in HCWs with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on episodes involving suspected SARS-CoV-2 symptoms or close contact among HCWs in Bogotá, Colombia.

Enhancing functional properties of compostable materials with biobased plasticizers for potential food packaging applications.

The demand of non-toxic and biobased plasticizers is substantially growing, particularly in biodegradable thermoplastics-based packaging applications. Herein, a derivative of citric acid (CITREM-LR10), usually used as food additive, was evaluated for the first time as plasticizer in PLA and Ecovio® biopolymers. Films containing 10 %(w/w) of CITREM-LR10 were prepared and compared with films plasticized with another biobased compound, SOFT-NSAFE, derived from acetic acid.

Changes in reasons for visits to primary care after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic: An international comparative study by the International Consortium of Primary Care Big Data Researchers (INTRePID).

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped healthcare delivery worldwide.

Objective: To explore potential changes in the reasons for visits and modality of care in primary care settings through the International Consortium of Primary Care Big Data Researchers (INTRePID).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study from 2018-2021.

Polyaniline-Coated NaV(PO)F Cathode Enables Fast Sodium Ion Diffusion and Structural Stability in Rechargeable Batteries.

NaV(PO)F (NVPF), a typical sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) type structure, has attracted much interest as a potential positive electrode in sodium-ion battery. However, the inherently poor electronic conductivity of phosphates compromises the electrochemical properties of this material. Here, we develop a general strategy to improve the electrochemical performance by preparing a new composite material "polyaniline (PANI)@NVPF" using a Pickering emulsion method.

Cultural stress among immigrants in the workforce.

Objectives: Previous research has investigated cultural stress and well-being among individuals such as Hispanic college students and immigrants from other countries. However, there is a need to explore the impact of cultural stress among immigrants with a focus on the workforce.

Method: Drawing from cultural stress theory, we present a theoretical framework that considers workplace context while exploring strategies that may mitigate the impact of cultural stress in the workplace, such as promoting diversity and inclusion, addressing biases and discrimination, and supporting employee mental health.

Changes in primary care visits for respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multinational study by the International Consortium of Primary Care Big Data Researchers (INTRePID).

Objectives: The majority of patients with respiratory illness are seen in primary care settings. Given COVID-19 is predominantly a respiratory illness, the INTernational ConsoRtium of Primary Care BIg Data Researchers (INTRePID), assessed the pandemic impact on primary care visits for respiratory illnesses.

Design: Definitions for respiratory illness types were agreed on collectively.

Immunization against nucleus pulposus antigens to accelerate degenerative disc disease in a rabbit model.

Low back pain poses a significant societal burden, with progressive intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) emerging as a pivotal contributor to chronic pain. Improved animal models of progressive IDD are needed to comprehensively investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to managing IDD. Recent studies underscore the immune system's involvement in IDD, particularly with regards to the role of immune privileged tissues such as the nucleus pulposus (NP) becoming an immune targeting following initial disc injury.

Sex-dependent regulation of mucin gene transcription and airway secretion and mechanics following intra-airway IL-13 in mice with conditional loss of club cell Creb1.

Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is an important effector molecule in allergic asthma. IL-13-mediated mucin hypersecretion requires conversion of secretoglobin-positive club cells into goblet cells through suppression of () and induction of (). IL-13-mediated mucin hypersecretion may also include modulation of purinergic and muscarinic receptors that control basal and stimulated mucin secretion.

Fifteen Years of Experience with Surgical Management of Bilateral Non-familial Carotid Body Tumors.

Background: Bilateral carotid body tumors (CBTs) clinical manifestation is infrequent. We conducted this work to describe our experience in the surgical treatment of bilateral CBT and to analyze our results.

Methods: A retrospective, observational study.

The investigation of dose rate and photon beam energy dependence of optimized PASSAG polymer gel dosimeter using magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: It seems that dose rate (DR) and photon beam energy (PBE) may influence the sensitivity and response of polymer gel dosimeters. In the current project, the sensitivity and response dependence of optimized PASSAG gel dosimeter (OPGD) on DR and PBE were assessed.

Materials And Methods: We fabricated the OPGD and the gel samples were irradiated with various DRs and PBEs.

Assessing Primary Care Blood Pressure Documentation for Hypertension Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Patient and Provider Groups.

Background: Primary care electronic medical record (EMR) data can be used to identify, manage, and screen hypertension cases. However, this approach relies on completeness and accessibility of documented blood pressure (BP) values. With the large switch to virtual care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed BP documentation in primary care EMRs during the pandemic, across patient and physician groups.

Club cell CREB regulates the goblet cell transcriptional network and pro-mucin effects of IL-1B.

Club cells are precursors for mucus-producing goblet cells. Interleukin 1β (IL-1B) is an inflammatory mediator with pro-mucin activities that increases the number of mucus-producing goblet cells. IL-1B-mediated mucin production in alveolar adenocarcinoma cells requires activation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB).

Minimally invasive ultrasound-assisted cutting thread tenotomy of the deep digital flexor tendon in horses: An ex vivo study.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and limitations associated with a minimally invasive ultrasound-assisted cutting thread technique for tenotomy of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in horses.

Study Design: Ex vivo study.

Sample Population: Twenty cadaveric forelimbs.

Causes of Malfunction of Bioprostheses Inserted Percutaneously in the Aortic Valve Position in Patients Whose Native Aortic Valve Was Congenitally Bicuspid and Stenotic.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has brought in recent years relief of cardiac-induced symptoms to a large number of patients with aortic stenosis. Whether it is better to use TAVI for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis superimposed on a congenitally bicuspid valve has been debated in contrast to its proved usefulness in aortic valve stenosis involving a tricuspid aortic valve. From January 2020 to March 2023, surgical aortic valve replacement of TAVI valve and native aortic valve was done in 6 patients.

Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

The global prevalence of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC) stands at approximately 43 % among individuals who have previously had acute COVID-19. In contrast, in the United States, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) estimates that around 11 % of individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 go on to experience long COVID. The underlying causes of PASC remains under investigation, and there are no currently established FDA-approved therapies.

Active cancer as the main predictor of mortality for COVID-19 in oncology patients in a specialized center.

The role of the type, stage and status of cancer in the outcome of COVID-19 remains unclear. Moreover, the characteristic pathological changes of severe COVID-19 reveled by laboratory and radiological findings are similar to those due to the development of cancer itself and antineoplastic therapies. To identify potential predictors of mortality of COVID-19 in cancer patients.

Unusual presentation of antisynthetase syndrome: a case series and review of the literature.

Background: Antisynthetase syndrome is an inflammatory myopathy that is characterized by the presence of anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies. Only 30% of those who suffer from the disease can be identified. We present three Hispanic cases of antisynthetase syndrome with unusual clinical pictures were extended myositis panel results enable disease diagnosis and treatment.

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using a resorbable self-locking loop device in dorsally recumbent horses.

Objective: To report the use and feasibility of a self-locking resorbable loop device for cryptorchidectomy.

Study Design: Clinical prospective study.

Population: Twenty horses.

Professional development and academic satisfaction from a wound programme in Latin America: 10 years of experience.

Objective: Latin America had only one Spanish-speaking postgraduate academic programme on managing wounds and ostomies until 2021. Since then, two more programmes have been developed; one in Colombia and another in Mexico. Therefore, studying alumni outcomes becomes highly relevant.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is common in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC): Results from a post-COVID-19 multidisciplinary clinic.

Background: The global prevalence of PASC is estimated to be present in 0·43 and based on the WHO estimation of 470 million worldwide COVID-19 infections, corresponds to around 200 million people experiencing long COVID symptoms. Despite this, its clinical features are not well-defined.

Methods: We collected retrospective data from 140 patients with PASC in a post-COVID-19 clinic on demographics, risk factors, illness severity (graded as one-mild to five-severe), functional status, and 29 symptoms and principal component symptoms cluster analysis.

Muscarinic cholinergic modulation of cardiovascular variables in spinal cord injured rats.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads not only to major impairments in sensorimotor control but also to dramatic dysregulation of autonomic functions including major cardiovascular disturbances. Consequently, individuals with SCI endure daily episodic hypo/hypertension and are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Several studies have suggested that an intrinsic spinal coupling mechanism between motor and sympathetic neuronal networks exist and that propriospinal cholinergic neurons may be responsible for a synchronized activation of both somatic and sympathetic outputs.

Standing Surgical Management of Splint Bone Fractures in 13 Horses: A Comparison to Management Under General Anaesthesia.

Objective:  The aim of this article was to describe the technique and outcomes of standing surgical management of splint bone fractures and to compare outcome variables and hospitalization cost to a group with similar fractures treated under general anaesthesia.

Study Design:  It is a single-institution retrospective study. Surgical technique, surgical time, hospitalization cost and complications were retrieved from the medical records of horses treated surgically for splint bone fractures (2008-2020).

Interatrial septum dissection, severe aortic stenosis, and paravalvular mitral regurgitation: A rare combination and their hemodynamic interrelationship.

Left atrial wall dissection is a rare entity with controversial management approaches. We report the case of an 85-year-old woman with a mitral bioprosthetic admitted for heart failure. Diagnosis of atrial septum dissection, severe aortic stenosis, and paravalvular mitral regurgitation was established.