Deep learning-based malaria parasite detection: convolutional neural networks model for accurate species identification of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.

Accurate malaria diagnosis with precise identification of Plasmodium species is crucial for an effective treatment. While microscopy is still the gold standard in malaria diagnosis, it relies heavily on trained personnel. Artificial intelligence (AI) advances, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have significantly improved diagnostic capabilities and accuracy by enabling the automated analysis of medical images.

Gender-specific effects of delay in cardiology consultation following primary care physician referral in atrial fibrillation patients: Impact on one-year outcomes.

Background And Objectives: Over the last two decades, reductions in cardiovascular (CV) and cerebrovascular events for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been observed, but the non-cardiovascular rates have increased. Early initiation of oral anticoagulation helps reduce AF complications; however, the impact of delayed cardiology care after referral by a Primary Care Physician (PCP) is unknown. The aim of our study is to investigate the association between the elapsed time to cardiology care following a PCP referral and one-year outcomes among patients with AF and analyses gender-specific differences in these outcomes.

GOLD Science Committee recommendations for the use of pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry for the diagnosis of COPD.

The Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report states that the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be considered in individuals with chronic respiratory symptoms and / or exposure to risk factors. Forced spirometry demonstrating airflow obstruction after bronchodilation is required to confirm the diagnosis using a threshold of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV) / forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio<0.7.

The second Latin American catheter ablation registry ("II LAHRS EP registry").

Background: Patient's clinical characteristics, technical resources, center and operator volume, and operator experience and training are known variables impacting outcomes. Although international standards have been agreed to maximize the benefits of this therapy, regional and global differences still exist. Latin American information has not been updated in the last 10 years.

Factors predictive of severe thrombocytopenia and its impact on poor outcomes in Latin American patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort.

Objective: To examine the predictors of the occurrence of severe thrombocytopenia and its impact on damage accrual and mortality in SLE patients.

Methods: Factors associated with time to severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤20,000/mm) occurring from the onset of SLE symptoms were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regressions. The association of severe thrombocytopenia with mortality was evaluated by logistic regression analyses while its impact on damage was by negative binomial regression.

[Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organization (PANCCO) and the Interamerican Society of Endoscopy (SIED) consensus on endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease].

Introduction: Endoscopy plays a fundamental role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and becomes essential in diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and detection and management of complications.

Materials And Methods: The Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organization (PANCCO) and the Inter-American Society of Endoscopy (SIED) appointed 22 Latin American experts in IBD to develop a consensus study using the modified Delphi method, based on the best available evidence. A working group of 22 members from 9 countries identified 15 topics and formulated 98 statements, who participated in 2 rounds of voting.

Understanding the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Venezuela.

Background: Despite nearly a quarter of Venezuelans remaining unvaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the country have not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 15 to 30, 2022, using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Results: The study analyzed data from 1,930 participants from all 24 states of Venezuela.

Enhancing patient outcomes: Integrating electronic cardiology consultation in primary care for cancer patients.

Background: The prevalence of cancer patients with concomitant cardiovascular (CV) disease is on the rise due to improved cancer prognoses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of cancer patients referred to a cardiology department (CD) via primary care using e-consultation.

Methods: We analysed data from cancer patients with prior referrals to a CD between 2010 and 2021 (n = 6889) and compared two care models: traditional in-person consultations and e-consultations.

Follow-up for 3 years of a pediatric population diagnosed in 2018 with mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 8 Latin American countries in the PLANTAIDS cohort.

Introduction: The frequency of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Latin America has decreased considerably. However, new infections continue to be recorded, and the pediatric population remains one of the most vulnerable groups in this region. The main objective of the study was to describe the clinical, epidemiological and psychosocial characteristics of new diagnoses of HIV MTCT in 2018 in the PLANTAIDS network (Paediatric Network for Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of HIV in Children) during the 3 years following diagnosis.

Impact of a clinician-to-clinician electronic consultation in heart failure patients with previous hospital admissions.

Aims: To evaluate the impact of an outpatient care management programme that includes a clinician-to-clinician e-consultation on delay time in care, hospital admissions, and mortality in a high-risk group of patients with heart failure (HF) and previous episodes of HF hospitalization (HFH).

Methods And Results: We selected 6444 HF patients who visited the cardiology service at least once between 2010 and 2021. Of these, 4851 were attended in e-consult, and 2230 had previous HFH.

Sleep and cardiometabolic risk. Narrative revision.

Objectives: Sleep disturbances, including disrupted sleep and short sleep duration, are highly prevalent and are prospectively associated with an increased risk for various chronic diseases, including cardiometabolic, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases.

Material And Methods: This is a narrative review of the literature based on numerous articles published in peer-reviewed journals since the beginning of this century.

Results: The relationship between sleep disorders and metabolic dysregulation has been clearly established, mainly in the setting of modern epidemic of cardiometabolic disease, a cluster of conditions include obesity, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, all of them considered as main risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) and its clinical expression such as ischemic ictus, myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes.

COPD and multimorbidity: recognising and addressing a syndemic occurrence.

Most patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have at least one additional, clinically relevant chronic disease. Those with the most severe airflow obstruction will die from respiratory failure, but most patients with COPD die from non-respiratory disorders, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancer. As many chronic diseases have shared risk factors (eg, ageing, smoking, pollution, inactivity, and poverty), we argue that a shift from the current paradigm in which COPD is considered as a single disease with comorbidities, to one in which COPD is considered as part of a multimorbid state-with co-occurring diseases potentially sharing pathobiological mechanisms-is needed to advance disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.

Cost Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in Cardiology: A Case Study of a University Hospital Complex in the Euro Region.

Introduction: In recent years, several hospitals have incorporated MRI equipment managed directly by their cardiology departments. The aim of our work is to determine the total cost per test of both CT and MRI in the setting of a Cardiology Department of a tertiary hospital.

Materials And Methods: The process followed for estimating the costs of CT and MRI tests consists of three phases: (1) Identification of the phases of the testing process; (2) Identification of the resources consumed in carrying out the tests; (3) Quantification and assessment of inputs.

Trajectories of Spirometric Patterns, Obstructive and PRISm, in a Population-Based Cohort in Latin America.

Background: Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) has been associated with adverse outcomes and increased transition to other spirometric categories over time. We aimed to examine its prevalence, trajectories over time, and outcomes in a population-based sample from Latin America.

Methods: Data were obtained from two population-based surveys of adults from three cities in Latin America (PLATINO study), conducted on the same individuals 5-9 years after their baseline examination.

GOLD 2023 Update: Implications for Clinical Practice.

In 2022, over 3 million people died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the global burden of the disease is expected to increase over the coming decades. Recommendations for the treatment and management of patients with COPD are published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, and updated annually with scientific evidence-based recommendations. The 2023 updates, published in November 2022, contain key changes to recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of COPD that are anticipated to have a significant impact on clinical practice for patients with COPD.

A clinician-to-clinician universal electronic consultation programme at the cardiology department of a Galician healthcare area improves healthcare accessibility and outcomes in elderly patients.

Aims: We aimed to assess longer-term results (accessibility, hospital admissions, and mortality) in elderly patients referred to a cardiology department (CD) from primary care using e-consultation in outpatient care.

Methods And Results: We included 9963 patients >80 years from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019. Until 2012, all patients attended an in-person consultation (2010-2012).

Air pollution and COPD: GOLD 2023 committee report.

Exposure to air pollution is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of COPD worldwide. Indeed, most recent estimates suggest that 50% of the total attributable risk of COPD may be related to air pollution. In response, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Scientific Committee performed a comprehensive review on this topic, qualitatively synthesised the evidence to date and proffered recommendations to mitigate the risk.

Smoking cessation and vaccination.

A significant proportion of COPD patients (∼40%) continue smoking despite knowing that they have the disease. Smokers with COPD exhibit higher levels of nicotine dependence, and have lower self-efficacy and self-esteem, which affects their ability to quit smoking. Treatment should be adapted to the needs of individual patients with different levels of tobacco dependence.

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 Report: GOLD Executive Summary.

https://bit.ly/3KCaTGe