Novel Approach to Vascular Thymic Tissue Transplantation in Humans: A Case Report.

Background: Vascular thymus transplantation has been explored in animal models but remains untested in humans. Current approaches to congenital athymia involve avascular transplantation of allogeneic thymic tissue, which may delay immune recovery. Building on animal studies, we propose revascularization of thymic tissue in a human model.

Extreme droughts in the Amazon Basin during cyclic ENSO events coupled with Indian Ocean Dipole modes and Tropical North Atlantic warming.

The teleconnections between El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Tropical North Atlantic warming (+TNA) play a critical role in characterizing extreme drought events in the Amazon Basin (AB). This study examines the seven most recent drought extreme events up to 2023, using seasonal composites of the sea surface temperature and atmospheric variables over a five-quarter period starting at the austral spring(-1) of the year preceding that when the lowest water level at Manaus port was recorded. Two distinct patterns emerge, driven by consecutive ENSO events with opposite phases, referred to as cyclic La Niña-El Niño and cyclic El Niño-La Niña drought events.

The burden of dengue in South American countries, 1990-2019: Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

Objectives: To describe the main dengue metrics generated by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 for South American countries between 1990 and 2019.

Study Design: A descriptive study was carried out using the metrics obtained by the GBD Study 2019.

Methods: The metrics of incidence, years of life lost due to premature death (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were evaluated, grouped by sex and country, between 1990 and 2019.

Risk of sarcopenia: A red flag for cognitive decline in postmenopause?

Objective: To determine if the SARC-F tool, used to screen for sarcopenia risk, can also predict mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool.

Methods: This is a sub-analysis of data from a cross-sectional study carried out in postmenopausal women from Latin America (nine countries) in which sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were collected, and the SARC-F and MoCA tools administered. From the original sample of 1185 women, analysis was performed only among the 772 with natural menopause.

Recommendations on NMOSD treatment in Latin America: Utilizing consensus-based RAND/UCLA methodology.

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a serious condition affecting people worldwide, including Latin America (LATAM). Healthcare disparities and economic limitations make effective treatment access challenging. It is crucial to consider the best practice therapeutic decision-making, including emerging long-term preventive therapies, to ensure patients in LATAM and elsewhere can effectively manage their disease all over the world.

Reservoir-Type Subcutaneous Implantable Devices Containing Porous Rate Controlling Membranes for Sustained Delivery of Risperidone.

Implantable drug delivery systems are crucial for achieving sustained delivery of active compounds to specific sites or systemic circulation. In this study, a novel reservoir-type implant combining a biodegradable rate-controlling membrane with a drug-containing core prepared using direct compression techniques is developed. The membrane is composed of poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and risperidone (RIS) served as the model drug.

Incidence of bleeding during and after two non-surgical periodontal therapy schemes in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome on dual antiplatelet therapy: A pilot study.

Background: This study aimed to compare the incidence of bleeding using two periodontal treatment protocols in patients with recent Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).

Material And Methods: This is an interim analysis of a double-blind controlled clinical trial evaluating two periodontal treatment schemes in patients with recent ACS treated with different dual antiplatelet regimens: Clopidogrel+ASA, Prasugrel+ASA and Ticagrelor+ASA. After randomisation six patients (22 quadrants) were treated with Scheme A (scaling and root planning-SRP) and six patients (21 quadrants) with Scheme B (ultrasonic scaling-US).

Graph Neural Networks-Based Prediction of Drug Gene Interactions of RTK-VEGF4 Receptor Family in Periodontal Regeneration.

Background: The RTK-VEGF4 receptor family, which includes VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration by promoting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and recruiting stem cells and immune cells. Machine learning, particularly graph neural networks (GNNs), has shown high accuracy in predicting these interactions. This study aims to predict drug-gene interactions of the RTK-VEGF4 receptor family in periodontal regeneration using graph neural networks.

Vaping: A Safe Alternative to Counteract Smoking? Case Report.

The respiratory impact of e-cigarette usage, also known as vaping, emerged as a significant healthcare issue in 2019. This concern arose due to the sharp rise in cases of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) among adolescents and young adults. Now, systemic manifestations have been described.

Labia Majora Approach to Aesthetic and Functional Complaints. A Standardized Topographic Labia Majora Classification.

Functional and aesthetic aberrations of labia majora are poorly described in scientific literature, and there is a lack of standardization and algorithms for treatment. The labia majora differs from the labia minora in that it has transitional epithelium, fascia, erectile tissue, and adipose components connected to crural, pelvic, and perineal structures. Non-surgical treatments, such as radiofrequency and light-based therapy, must match the symptoms and target these unique structures to have an effect.

Self-reported experiences and perspectives on using psychedelics to manage opioid use among participants of two Reddit communities.

Background And Aims: The opioid crisis continues to exert a tremendous toll in North America, with existing interventions often falling short of addressing ongoing needs. Psychedelics are emerging as a possible alternative therapy for mental health and substance use disorders. This study aimed to gather insights on how people use or are considering using psychedelics to manage opioid use disorder (OUD), how these experiences are perceived to impact opioid use and what these lessons imply for future research and practice.

Comparison of different characterization approaches for monoelemental calibration solutions at two national metrology institutes.

Monoelemental calibration solutions are the most common reference in elemental analysis, linking measurement results to the International System of Units (SI). National Metrology Institutes (NMI) prepare these solutions as certified reference materials (CRM) and determine their elemental mass fraction with high accuracy. Characterization with high accuracy is one of the most critical steps in CRM production.

Sustainable development through eco-innovation: A focus on small and medium enterprises in Colombia.

This study examines the impact of eco-innovation on the economic, social, and environmental performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Colombia. SMEs are pivotal to Colombia's economic landscape, contributing significantly to job creation, economic growth, and regional development. The research utilizes structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data collected from 568 SMEs through an electronic survey.

Long-term safety and efficacy of Oleogel-S10 (birch bark extract) in epidermolysis bullosa: 24-month results from the Phase III EASE Study.

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare, severe, genetic disorders characterised by persistent skin fragility and open wounds. EB manifests as cutaneous and mucosal blistering, erosions and impaired wound healing.

Objectives: To determine the long-term efficacy, tolerability and safety of Oleogel-S10 (birch bark extract) in dystrophic (DEB) and junctional (JEB) EB in the 24-months open-label phase (OLP) of the EASE study.

Exploring the boundaries of anastomotic leak: experience in a high-volume center.

Background: Gastric cancer remains a major global health challenge, ranking fourth in cancer-related deaths. Total gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy is the standard treatment, with advancements in surgery shifting towards minimally invasive techniques to reduce surgical trauma and metabolic response. Esophagojejunal anastomotic leak is a frequent complication of gastrectomy, significantly increasing morbidity and mortality rates by up to 64%.

Cross-sectional seroprevalence study of bovine herpesvirus 1, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus 3 in cattle from Villavicencio, Colombia.

Background: Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a widely distributed and multifactorial syndrome, leading to significant economic losses to the cattle industry. Many viruses are considered causative agents of BRDC, including bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and parainfluenza virus 3 (PI-3). This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of BoHV-1, BRSV, and PI-3 in serum samples collected from cattle in Villavicencio, Colombia.

Reviewing manuscripts for scientific journals: recommendations for early career scientists.

Publication of articles in international scientific journals has been one of the main strategies for the communication of scientific findings and ideas. Prepublication peer review is a fundamental aspect of the publishing process in indexed scientific journals and, associated with the large growth in journals and articles, there has been a recent challenge in having adequate peer reviewers for international journals. In this article, we provide a short overview of the publishing process, give recommendations to early career researchers about writing peer reviews of adequate quality, and discuss some possibilities for the future.

Factors Associated with the Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients on VV-ECMO: A Case-Control Study.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) receiving VV-ECMO support, carrying a high risk of progression to Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT). Both AKI and RRT are linked to an increased risk of mortality. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with the need for RRT in patients undergoing VV-ECMO.

Proposals for the Implementation of a Multidimensional Platform That Allows the Advancement of Oncology Nursing in the Latin American Environment (The INCREASE Proposal).

Purpose: Cancer constitutes a significant global health challenge, with projections indicating a continued increase in its prevalence in the foreseeable future. This trend is particularly pronounced in Latin America (LATAM), where the cancer burden has increased substantially over the coming decades. Concurrently, nursing, which represents the largest segment of the health care workforce globally, is important for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Assessment of Rare Cancers and Sarcoma Policy and Sarcoma Drug Approvals in Latin America: A Report From the LACOG Sarcoma Group.

Purpose: The availability of drugs and national public policies for patients with rare cancers, including sarcomas, varies in different parts of the world.

Methods: In this manuscript, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate rare cancer policies in Latin American countries' national policy documents. Additionally, we have reviewed the approvals for sarcoma drugs in selected Latin American countries and compared them with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approvals.

Evaluating the quality of Spanish-language information for patients with type 2 diabetes on YouTube and Facebook.

Spanish speakers rely on social media for health information, with varying quality of its content. This study evaluates the reliability, completeness, and quality of type 2 diabetes (T2D) information available in Spanish-language videos on YouTube and Facebook. Analytical observational study that included Spanish-language videos on TD2 available on Facebook and YouTube.

Healthcare Costs and Early Complications in Liver-Transplanted Patients With Portal Vein Thrombosis: Experience From a Colombian Reference Center.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the direct healthcare costs and early complications associated with pretransplant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhotic patients undergoing their first orthotopic liver transplant (LT) at a hospital in Colombia from 2013 to 2021.

Methods: A registry-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on cirrhotic patients aged 14 years or older who underwent their first LT at the San Vicente Fundación Rionegro Hospital between January 2013 and April 2021. The primary outcomes were early (30-day) vascular and biliary complications and direct healthcare costs.

Leveraging Ergonomics and Human Factors (E/HF) for community impact: what have we learned about how to make a difference.

Ergonomics and Human Factors (E/HF) practitioners are increasingly engaged in projects meant to centre underserved communities and reduce inequities. The subdiscipline of E/HF that has emerged to explore the application of E/HF in this way is called community ergonomics. In this qualitative-descriptive study, we reflect on the progress made in the field of community ergonomics since its original conceptualisation in 1994.

Longitudinal Follow-Up of the Specific Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Colombia.

A total of 5011 adult volunteers attending vaccination centers in different regions of Colombia were enrolled in a 1-year prospective observational cohort study to evaluate the immunogenicity and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2-based vaccines as part of a National Vaccine Program established to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Following informed consent, 5,011 participants underwent a sociodemographic survey and PCR testing to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection. Blood samples were collected, and serum fractions were obtained from a participant subsample (n = 3441) at six-time points to assess virus-specific IgG responses to the Spike protein, its Receptor Binding Domain, and the Nucleoprotein by ELISA.

Cardio-Obstetrics Practice in Latin America: A Regional Survey of General Cardiologists.

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a leading cause of death in pregnant women globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries including Latin America (LATAM), where there is lack of data on how cardiologists are trained in cardio-obstetrics (CO) and the practice patterns in the care of pregnant patients.

Objectives: The authors aimed to identify CO competency and practice patterns among LATAM general cardiologists.

Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional Google-based electronic survey was sent via email to clinical cardiologists through local American College of Cardiology chapters and CV societies.