Suspected Transient Ischemic Attack Related to Dysfunctional Quadricuspid Aortic Valve.

We describe a 30-year-old Caribbean-Black woman with a clinical presentation suggestive of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) with no conventional cerebrovascular risk factors, albeit with a newly diagnosed quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) with moderate aortic regurgitation (AR). Although QAV is a recognized congenital cardiac defect, its association with TIA remains elusive. This case highlights the importance of considering potential atypical etiologies, such as QAV, in the evaluation and management of young patients presenting with cerebrovascular events.

Managing Arrhythmias in Cardiogenic Shock: Insights Into Milrinone and Dobutamine Therapy.

Shock is a state of inadequate perfusion that affects vital organs. Cardiogenic shock (CS) predisposes patients to various arrhythmias. The adverse effect depends on intervention and pharmacogenomics.

Occupational Dermatitis in a Paint Mixer: Impact of Symptom Neglect and Strategies for Early Intervention and Prevention.

A 34-year-old paint mixer presented with mild, localized dermatitis on the forearms, traced to low-level exposure to a paint additive. Immediate interventions, including improved personal protective equipment (PPE) and modified job tasks, led to rapid symptom resolution. This report highlights early identification, appropriate workplace controls, and follow-up measures that prevent long-term complications.

Lung function and onset of cardiometabolic diseases in the longitudinal Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study.

Introduction: Previous population-based studies, mainly from high-income countries, have shown that a higher forced vital capacity (FVC) is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the longitudinal association between spirometry measures and the onset of cardiometabolic diseases across sites in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries.

Methods: The study population comprised 5916 individuals from 15 countries participating in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease baseline and follow-up assessments.

Solitary plasmacytoma: an unusual presentation.

This case highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating incidental findings, particularly in patients with unexplained symptoms. Solitary plasmacytoma, though rare and accounting for 4-5% of plasma cell dyscrasias, can occur outside the spine and may present without systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis through imaging and biopsy is crucial for appropriate management, as these lesions can be effectively treated if identified early.

The Effect of Colchicine on Platelet Function Profiles in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: The ECLIPSE Pilot Study.

Introduction: This prospective, single-arm pharmacodynamic study assessed the effect of colchicine (COLC) [Strides Pharma UK Ltd, Watford, Hertfordshire, England] 0.5 mg administered orally once daily for 14 days on platelet reactivity with respect to aspirin reaction units (ARUs) and P2Y reaction units (PRUs).

Methods: Twenty-two patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with daily maintenance aspirin and clopidogrel were recruited.

Effect of growth dynamics on the structural, photophysical and pseudocapacitance properties of famatinite copper antimony sulphide colloidal nanostructures (including nanosheets).

Facile phase selective synthesis of copper antimony sulphide (CAS) nanostructures is important because of their tunable photoconductive and electrochemical properties. In this study, off-stoichiometric famatinite phase CAS (CAS) quasi-spherical and quasi-hexagonal colloidal nanostructures (including nanosheets) of sizes, 2.4-18.

Decoding the blueprint of receptor binding by filoviruses through large-scale binding assays and machine learning.

Evidence suggests that bats are important hosts of filoviruses, yet the specific species involved remain largely unidentified. Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) is an essential entry receptor, with amino acid variations influencing viral susceptibility and species-specific tropism. Herein, we conducted combinatorial binding studies with seven filovirus glycoproteins (GPs) and NPC1 orthologs from 81 bat species.

Development of an agenda for research and action on climate change and health in the Caribbean.

This paper delineates the development of the Caribbean Research for Action Agenda which aims to empower Caribbean Small Island Developing States to reduce their vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change on health. The Caribbean Research for Action Agenda emerged from collaboration between nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and multilateral agencies that organized a conference on climate change and health in the Caribbean. This Agenda was formulated by prioritizing research areas, synthesizing evidence from conference presentations and scientific literature, and holding consultations with stakeholders and experts.

Clinical presentation, imaging features and differential diagnoses of an Amyand hernia complicated by acute appendicitis.

Amyand hernias are unusual inguinal hernias that contain the vermiform appendix. Rarely, an Amyand hernia can be complicated by acute appendicitis and present a diagnostic dilemma. Herein, we present the case of a complicated Amyand hernia that was initially diagnosed as an incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Comparative Computational Study of Frequency Shifts and Infrared Intensity Changes in Model Binary Complexes with Red- and Blue-Shifting Hydrogen Bonds.

A computational study of X-H···Y binary hydrogen-bonded complexes was undertaken to examine the red- and blue-shifting behavior of three model X-H proton donors interacting with a series of Lewis bases: Y = NH, NCLi, NCH, NCF, CH, BF, CO, N and Ne. Two of these proton donors, FArH and FCH, have blue-shifting tendencies, while the third, FH, has red-shifting tendencies. A perturbation theory model for frequency shifts that was derived many years ago was employed to partition the predicted frequency shift into the sum of two components, one dependent on the second derivative of the interaction energy with respect to X-H displacement and the other dependent on the X-H bond length change in the binary complex.

Identification of Potentially Novel Mycobacterium Spp. In Freshwater Ornamental Fish in Trinidad and Tobago.

Potentially zoonotic Mycobacterium spp. are impacting freshwater ornamental fish in Trinidad and Tobago. Clinical cases presented at the Aquatic Animal Health Unit of The University of the West Indies, School of Veterinary Medicine, from September 2011 to September 2018 indicated the presence of piscine mycobacteriosis in freshwater ornamental fish from locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Bilateral avascular necrosis leading to hip fracture in pregnancy: A case report.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, a rare cause of pelvic pain in the third trimester of pregnancy, often presents with nonspecific symptoms that resemble common musculoskeletal conditions. This ambiguity, coupled with concerns about the safety of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during pregnancy, can hinder timely diagnosis. We report a unique case of a 32-year-old primigravida diagnosed with a hip fracture and bilateral AVN of the femoral head in the immediate postpartum period, a complication seemingly not previously documented in pregnant patients.

Electrocardiographic marker of ventricular action potential triangulation (the simulation study).

Background: The aim of this simulation was to examine the utility of a novel ECG-based index of cardiac action potential (AP) triangulation, the Tstart-to-Tpeak (TsTp) interval-to-JTstart (JTs) interval ratio, for assessment of changes in AP profile imposed through variations in the duration of the plateau phase and the phase 3 repolarization.

Methods: ECGs were simulated using a realistic rabbit model based on experimental data. The AP plateau was measured at APD30, and the phase 3 was assessed as APD90-to-APD30 difference (AP durations at 90 % and 30 % repolarization, respectively).

Religion and flourishing among Afro-Trinidadians: the influence of proneness to guilt/shame and forgiveness by God on the relationship between religious commitment and health.

Background: Religiousness has been consistently linked to positive health outcomes and flourishing, yet the underlying mechanisms are complex and not well-understood. The forgiveness and relational spirituality model offers a framework to explore the moderated mediation among religious commitment, health, and forgiveness by God. Understanding these relationships among university students and community residents in Trinidad and Tobago can provide valuable insights into the role of religiousness in promoting wellbeing.

Laptop and tablet use and their influence on total motile sperm count parameters: are laptops linked to infertility in Jamaican men?

Background: This study aims to determine the impact of laptop and tablet use on total motile sperm count (TMSC) in men being investigated for assisted reproduction.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 156 men attending a fertility clinic in Jamaica. Routine semen analyses were performed and parameters specific to TMSC assessed.

Outcome and Cost Evaluation of Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Caribbean.

Introduction Hip fractures in the elderly are considered one of the most common types of orthopedic injuries, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The incidence has been increasing over the years, and its management has also caused a significant economic burden for most countries worldwide. This study aimed to determine the outcomes and economic costs associated with hip fractures in elderly patients at a tertiary care institution in Trinidad and Tobago.

Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Altered Expression of Genes Involved in Metabolic and Immune Processes in NDV-Infected Chicken Embryos.

Objective: The poultry industry is significantly impacted by viral infections, particularly Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), which leads to substantial economic losses. It is essential to comprehend how the sequence of development affects biological pathways and how early exposure to infections might affect immune responses.

Methods: This study employed transcriptome analysis to investigate host-pathogen interactions by analyzing gene expression changes in NDV-infected chicken embryos' lungs.

Correction: Sebro et al. Implementation of Antigen-Based Diagnostic Assays for Detection of Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis among Patients with Advanced HIV in Trinidad and Tobago: A Cross-Sectional Study. 2024, , 695.

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The pharmaceutical suitcase trade and the need for multisectoral regulation-unproven COVID-19 (Ivermectin and HCQ remedies unmask an insidious health danger in a Caribbean Island).

This article seeks to highlight an aspect of the illegal pharmaceutical trade in the Caribbean. With the advent of COVID-19 there has been a shortage of a number of drugs in the formal sector. This is largely due to restrictions on foreign exchange, importation delays and sensationalized reporting of unrecommended drugs having a curative effect on COVID-19 patients.

Regression of Clinically Diagnosed Ocular Kaposi Sarcoma Post-Initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

Kaposi sarcoma is a low-grade vascular neoplasm linked to the human herpesvirus 8, with the AIDS-associated epidemic variant being the most common and aggressive. Although Kaposi sarcoma more commonly affects the cutaneous tissues, lymph nodes, and visceral organs, it can also be present in ocular and ocular adnexal tissues. We report a case of a 58-year-old Indo-Caribbean woman living with AIDS who presented with a large upper eyelid mass that was clinically diagnosed as Kaposi sarcoma.

vacA genes associated with gastric diseases in Trinidad and Tobago.

Objectives: To delineate and understand the genetic variations among strains from Trinidad and Tobago associated with gastric diseases.

Methods: One hundred (n = 100) patients who routinely presented with clinical features suggestive of peptic disease were enrolled in the study and underwent gastroscopy procedures. Biopsy specimens were analyzed using serological and molecular methods.

Implementing and evaluating a project to enable and encourage Caribbean data-sharing.

The CaribData project, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and implemented by The University of the West Indies, aims to enhance data-handling, -sharing and reuse capabilities in the Caribbean. The project focuses on four main objectives: developing an online data-handling platform, creating a sustainable training and mentoring program, launching a data communication initiative and conducting data availability audits. To evaluate its progress, CaribData integrates two implementation science frameworks, RE-AIM (for Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.