Preliminary Physical and Chemical Characterization of By-Products from Cuban Coffee Production.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Its production generates a large amount of waste, and its use is of vital importance to prevent it from becoming a source of environmental pollution. Cuba is a country with a well-known coffee-growing tradition.

Hispanic Cancer Survivors Exposed to Multiple Natural Disasters: Pre-Post-Disaster Changes in Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Perceived Stress, and Physical Symptom Burden.

Background: Studies evaluating the effects of natural disasters on cancer outcomes are scarce, especially among USA ethnic minority groups, and none have focused on the effects of concurrent natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this secondary data analysis is to explore the impact of concurrent exposure to COVID-19 and earthquakes on psychological distress and symptom burden among Puerto Rican cancer survivors.

Methods: This secondary data analysis ( = 101) was part of a longitudinal case-control cohort study ( = 402) aimed at describing unmet psychological needs among Puerto Rican cancer patients and non-cancer subjects previously exposed to Hurricane María in 2017.

Understanding Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Its Impact on Quality of Life: A Systematic Review.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. Despite its short duration, BPPV significantly impacts the quality of life. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, was performed to gather peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and review articles published between 2014 and 2024.

Childhood severe asthma: relationship among asthma control scores, FeNO, spirometry and impulse oscillometry.

Introduction: The evaluation of the asthmatic patient is usually based on clinical and functional parameters that do not necessarily evidence the degree of airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze whether clinical scores (CS) correlate with spirometry (S), impulse oscillometry (IO) and FeNO, in severe asthmatic children.

Material And Methods: A multicentric, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted over a 12-month period.

Assessing the implementation of a multi-component hypertension program in a Guatemalan under-resourced dynamic context: an application of the RE-AIM/PRISM extension for sustainability and health equity.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid changes in healthcare delivery in Guatemala's public primary care settings. A new hypertension program, implemented as part of a type 2 hybrid trial since 2019, exemplifies an implementation effort amidst a changing context in an under-resourced setting. We assessed the implementation of an evidence-based intervention (EBI; protocol-based hypertension treatment) and one of its main implementation strategies (team-based collaborative care), raising implications for health equity and sustainability.

Antioxidant Capacity of Free and Peptide Tryptophan Residues Determined by the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Assay Is Modulated by Radical-Radical Reactions and Oxidation Products.

The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay is commonly employed for determining the antioxidant capacity of bioactive peptides. To gain insights into the meaning of this index for peptides containing a single Trp, we studied the consumption of this residue and fluorescein (FLH, the probe of ORAC method), induced by radicals generated by AAPH (2,2'-Azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride) thermolysis. ORAC values were rationalized from kinetics and computational calculations of bond dissociation energies (BDE) of the N-H bond (indole ring of Trp).

Application of pressurized steam and forced hot air for cleaning broiler transport container flooring.

In the United States, cleaning poultry transport containers prior to arrival at the broiler grow-out farm is not currently a widely adopted practice in the industry. However, previous studies have shown that transport containers have an important role in cross-contamination before the broilers arrive at the processing plant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pressurized steam followed by forced hot air to clean transport container flooring and compare it to conventional cleaning procedures.

Quantification of Salmonella Infantis transfer from transport drawer flooring to broiler chickens during holding.

Transportation is a potential point of cross-contamination before broiler chickens arrive at the processing plant for slaughter. Previous studies have associated the use of uncleaned transport containers with the introduction of pathogenic bacteria onto uncontaminated broilers. The objective of this study was to quantify the transfer of Salmonella from transport drawer perforated flooring to broiler chickens during different holding times.

Follow-up of children diagnosed with severe asthma before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care strategies were explored to ensure the follow-up of children with severe asthma. This was a prospective, observational, and comparative study. Patients in the severe asthma program of a tertiary care children's hospital were included (n: 74).

The enzymes of the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway as targets of reactive species: consequences for NADPH production.

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is a key metabolic pathway. The oxidative phase of this process involves three reactions catalyzed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6PGL) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) enzymes. The first and third steps (catalyzed by G6PDH and 6PGDH, respectively) are responsible for generating reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAPDH), a key cofactor for maintaining the reducing power of cells and detoxification of both endogenous and exogenous oxidants and electrophiles.

In vitro Effect of Photoactive Compounds Curcumin and Chlorophyllin Against Single Strains of Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Salmonella and Campylobacter are two of the most common foodborne pathogens associated with poultry meat. Regulatory restrictions and consumer concerns have increased the interest for plant-derived antimicrobials and emerging novel technologies. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of photoactive compounds curcumin (CUR) and chlorophyllin (CH) followed by activating light exposure for the reduction of Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Early career acute care surgeons' priorities and perspectives: A mixed-methods analysis to better understand full-time employment.

Background: Understanding the expectations of early career acute care surgeons will help clarify the practice and employment models that will attract and retain high-quality surgeons, thereby sustaining our workforce. This study aimed to outline the clinical and academic preferences and priorities of early career acute care surgeons and to better define full-time employment.

Methods: A survey on clinical responsibilities, employment preferences, work priorities, and compensation was distributed to early career acute care surgeons in the first 5 years of practice.

The efficacy of various Enoxaparin dosing regimens in general surgery patients: A systematic review.

Background: Patients undergoing surgical procedures are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism events. A fixed Enoxaparin dosing regimen is the standard of care for chemoprophylaxis in most institutions; however, breakthrough venous thromboembolism events are still reported. We aimed to systematically review the literature to determine the ability of various Enoxaparin dosing regimens to achieve adequate prophylactic anti-Xa levels for venous thromboembolism prevention in hospitalized general surgery patients.

Predictive Factors for the Application of Pelvic Binders in the Prehospital Setting.

Objectives: Early pelvic binder placement in the field stabilizes pelvic fractures and tamponades potential hemorrhage within the pelvis. Despite known risk factors for pelvic fracture, it remains challenging to quickly triage and correctly apply a pelvic binder. We aim to develop a prediction model that exclusively uses prehospital criteria to inform the decision to place a pelvic binder.

Nanoporous Amorphous Carbon with Exceptional Ultra-High Strength.

Nanoporous materials show a promising combination of mechanical properties in terms of their relative density; while there are numerous studies based on metallic nanoporous materials, here we focus on amorphous carbon with a bicontinuous nanoporous structure as an alternative to control the mechanical properties for the function of filament composition.Using atomistic simulations, we study the mechanical response of nanoporous amorphous carbon with 50% porosity, with sp3 content ranging from 10% to 50%. Our results show an unusually high strength between 10 and 20 GPa as a function of the %sp3 content.

Anti-Factor Xa Monitoring of Enoxaparin Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Emergency General Surgery Patients.

Background: Rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remain high in emergency general surgery (EGS) patients despite chemical VTE prophylaxis. Emerging literature supports anti-factor Xa (AFXa) monitoring for patients on enoxaparin (LMWH), although a significant knowledge gap remains regarding the optimal dosing and monitoring in EGS patients. We hypothesize that standard dose VTE prophylaxis regimens provide inadequate VTE prophylaxis in EGS patients.

Explanatory models of hypertension in Guatemala: recognizing the perspectives of patients, family members, health care providers and administrators, and national-level health system stakeholders.

Background: Uncontrolled hypertension is a major public health burden and the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in Guatemala and other low- and middle-income countries. Prior to an initial trial that evaluated a hypertension intervention in rural Guatemala, we collected qualitative information on the needs and knowledge gaps of hypertension care within Guatemala's public healthcare system. This analysis applied Kleinman's Explanatory Models of Illness to capture how patients, family members, community-, district-, and provincial-level health care providers and administrators, and national-level health system stakeholders understand hypertension.

Implications of differential peroxyl radical-induced inactivation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase for the pentose phosphate pathway.

Escherichia coli glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) are key enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway, responsible for the NADPH production in cells. We investigated modification of both enzymes mediated by peroxyl radicals (ROO) to determine their respective susceptibilities to and mechanisms of oxidation. G6PDH and 6PGDH were incubated with AAPH (2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride), which was employed as ROO source.

Mechanical Ventilation Does Not Predict Pneumothorax Observation Failure in the Severely Injured.

Background: Observative management of small traumatic pneumothoraces (PTX) has been shown to decrease chest tube utilization in non-mechanically ventilated patients without compromising outcomes. This approach could be used in mechanically ventilated (MV) patients, though many feel these patients are at increased risk of observation failure.

Methods: A single center retrospective study of all adults undergoing observation of a computed tomography (CT) diagnosed PTX from 2015-2019.

Role of amino acid oxidation and protein unfolding in peroxyl radical and peroxynitrite-induced inactivation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

The mechanisms underlying the inactivation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) induced by peroxyl radicals (ROO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO), were explored. G6PDH was incubated with AAPH (2,2' -azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride), used as ROO source, and ONOO. Enzymatic activity was assessed by NADPH generation, while oxidative modifications were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence and mass detection.

Comparative Analysis of the Chloroplast Genomes of and the Presumptive Parents and (Fagaceae) from California.

Here, we present the complete chloroplast genomes of , , and from California. The genomes are 161,119 to 161,130 bp and encode 132 genes. and are identical in sequence but differ from by three indels and eight SNPs.

Predicting outcomes after traumatic brain injury: A novel hospital prediction model for a patient reported outcome.

Background: Estimation of long-term quality of life in patients sustaining Traumatic brain injuries is a difficult but important task during the early hospitalization. There are very limited tools to assess these outcomes, therefore we aimed to develop a predictive model for quality-of-life that could be used in hospitalized adults with TBIs.

Methods: The TRACK-TBI dataset was used to identify adult patients with TBI from 2014 to 2018.

The 35-mm rule to guide pneumothorax management: Increases appropriate observation and decreases unnecessary chest tubes.

Introduction: Axial imaging has allowed for more precise measurement and, in-turn, more objective guidelines related to the management of traumatic pneumothoraces (PTXs). In 2017, our trauma center used a guideline to observe any PTX ≤35 mm in stable patients. We hypothesize that this guideline would decrease unnecessary chest tubes without affecting failure rates.

Trauma surgeon-performed peripheral arterial repairs are associated with equivalent outcomes when compared with vascular surgeons.

Background: Civilian extremity trauma with vascular injury carries a significant risk of morbidity, limb loss, and mortality. We aim to describe the trends in extremity vascular injury repair and compare outcomes between trauma and vascular surgeons.

Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of patients 18 years or older with extremity vascular injury requiring surgical intervention between January 2009 and December 2019.