Título del artículo:

Carbonated Beverage, Fruit Drink, and Water Consumption and Risk of Acute Stroke: the INTERSTROKE Case-Control Study

Background and Purpose Cold beverage intake (carbonated drinks, fruit juice/drinks, and water) may be important population-level exposures relevant to stroke risk and prevention. We sought to explore the association between intake of these beverages and stroke. Methods INTERSTROKE is an international matched case-control study of first stroke. Participants reported beverage intake using food frequency questionnaires or were asked “How many cups do you drink each day of water?” Multivariable conditional logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with stroke. Results We include 13,462 cases and 13,488 controls; mean age was 61.7±13.4 years and 59.6% (n=16,010) were male. After multivariable adjustment, carbonated beverages were linearly associated with ischemic stroke (OR 2.39 [95% CI 1.64–3.49]); only consumption once/day was associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.23–2.03]). There was no association between fruit juice/drinks and ischemic stroke, but increased odds of ICH for once/day (OR 1.37 [95% CI 1.08–1.75)] or twice/day (OR 3.18 [95% CI 1.69–5.97]). High water intake (>7 cups/day) was associated ischemic stroke (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.68–0.99]) but not ICH. Associations differed by geographical region—increased odds for carbonated beverages in some regions only; opposing directions of association of fruit juices/drinks with stroke in selected regions. Conclusion Carbonated beverages were associated with increased odds of ischemic stroke and ICH, fruit juice/drinks were associated with increased odds of ICH, and high water consumption was associated with reduced odds of ischemic stroke, with important regional differences. Our findings suggest optimizing water intake, minimizing fruit juice/drinks, and avoiding carbonated beverages.

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Journal of Stroke

Título del artículo:

Neonatal pneumothorax and denitrogenization. Reflections on the intervention. Case report

INTRODUCTION: The pneumothorax is consequence of the most frequent air leak in the neonatal period and its treatment is based mainly on severity of clinical manifestations. Oxygen treatment at high concentrations (Nitrogen washout) to those with mild to moderate clinical manifestations has been a therapy used to achieve its rapid resolution; However, its usefulness is controversial. CLINICAL CASES: 36-week neonates that presented spontaneous pneumothorax of 30-45%, associated with mild to moderate respiratory distress. Therefore, oxygen was indicated at high concentrations with adequate clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: The use of oxygen at high concentrations for the treatment of pneumothorax has not generated advantages by recent studies. On the contrary, there may be side effects from hyperoxia and other unfavorable clinical outcomes. In spite of this, there is likely to exist trends for use, with apparent good results. However, for recently studies, this intervention should be avoided and must follow up on the results of pneumothorax in each unit.

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Acta Pediatrica de Mexico

Título del artículo:

Two-time Parranda. The Slow Death of the Matachín of Capitanejo

This article analyzes how the parranda of matachines in Capitanejo, Santander, is transformed after the paramilitary incursion at the beginning of 2000, finding a simulation of the real party. This research has been carried out through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, from the prolonged field work carried out in December 2014 and the uninterrupted participation in the parranda of matachines of Capitanejo during the last eleven years. I conclude that the parranda of matachines are in a moment of crisis in which they can take two opposite directions: merge into a generic costume party, losing their meaning and therefore assuming the risk of disappearing, or recovering their vocation as world upside down, breaking institutional dependency. This analysis contributes to the studies of festivals and carnivals in Colombia, understanding their depth in the social dynamics of the present.

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Revista Colombiana de Antropologia

Título del artículo:

Interaction between Plants and Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for Sustainable Development

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Bacteria

Título del artículo:

RESILIENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED IN COLOMBIAN FAMILY FARMING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: A health crisis exposes people to food vulnerability by restricting the mobilization and commercial exchange of food. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an ample food supply was available to ensure the basic consumption of the population, prompting two questions: What resilient practices did farmers adopt to produce under conditions of high sanitary restriction, and what lessons did they derive to confront future crises? Objective: The article presents and collects the experiences of 59 small family farmers in Colombia in implementing good practices for economic and financial resilience and the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, constituting a new source of knowledge to understand human behaviors and actions in the face of adversity and the experiential learnings gained to act in future crisis scenarios. Methodology: To characterize the resilient practices of agricultural producers in the department of Norte de Santander, Colombia, amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, researchers conducted interviews with 59 smallholder farmers from 12 municipalities. The study encompassed 11 agricultural products and 6 animal products, ultimately identifying three overarching categories: economic resilience, financial resilience, and lessons learned. Main Results: The results indicate strategies for diversification of production, use of local resources, solidarity-based family work, short marketing chains and an economy of scarcity in family spending. Implications: These lessons can inform future policies and practices to better prepare for and respond to similar challenges. Conclusion: The study\'s findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and small farmers, emphasizing the importance of local resource utilization, community cooperation, and adaptive strategies to enhance resilience and sustain livelihoods during crises.

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Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems

Título del artículo:

Selective oxidation of glycerol mediated by surface plasmon of gold nanoparticles deposited on titanium dioxide nanowires

This paper describes an alternative method for the in situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a particle size of less than 3 nm, using nanoreactors formed by reverse micelles of 1,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate sodium (AOT) and nanoparticle stabilization with L-cysteine, which favor the preparation of nanoparticles with size and shape control, which are homogeneously dispersed (1% by weight) on the support of titanium dioxide nanowires (TNWs). To study the activity and selectivity of the prepared catalyst (AuNPs@TNWs), an aqueous solution of 40 mM glycerol was irradiated with a green laser (λ = 530 nm, power = 100 mW) in the presence of the catalyst and O2 as an oxidant at 22 °C for 6 h, obtaining a glycerol conversion of 86% with a selectivity towards hydroxypyruvic acid (HA) of more than 90%. From the control and reactions, we concluded that the Ti–OH groups promote the glycerol adsorption on the nanowires surface and the surface plasmon of the gold nanoparticles favors the selectivity of the reaction towards the hydroxypyruvic acid.

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Chemosphere

Título del artículo:

Removal of As(V) in the presence of Cr(VI) in contaminated water from the Bajio region of Mexico using ferrihydrite-functionalized graphene oxide (GOFH): A case study

The presence of heavy metals such as arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) can be considered one of the most toxic heavy metals. This study aims to develop and evaluate a graphene oxide (GO) based material functionalized with ferrihydrite for the removal of As(V) in the presence of Cr(VI). The adsorbent ferrihydrite-functionalized graphene oxide (GOFH) was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, surface charge, BET and TGA. Individual adsorption capacities for As(V) and Cr(VI) were 160 and 66 mg g−1 respectively at pH 4 and 298 K, fitting the Langmuir model. In binary systems, GOFH adsorbed As(V) with an adsorption capacity of 137 mg g−1 in the presence of 20 mg L−1 Cr(VI) at room temperature. Thermodynamic analysis revealed an exothermic and spontaneous process. Additionally, GOFH effectively removed several coexisting anions from groundwater, including SO42−, CO32− and Cl−. This work evidences the potential of GOFH for competitive adsorption of priority pollutants from complex matrices. The GOFH material represents a technically and economically viable technology for application in groundwater decontamination, as it requires inexpensive precursors and ambient conditions during synthesis and operation.

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Emerging Contaminants

Título del artículo:

A more thorough analysis of the countermovement jump demonstrates changes in neuromuscular performance during pre and early competitive season in elite futsal players

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the variations on vertical jump and sprint performance during the first weeks of a futsal season. Methods: Eleven elite futsal players, competing in Spain’s 1st division over the season 2019–2020, performed two countermovement jumps (CMJ) on a force platform and a sprint test of 10-m at three different timepoints: before the pre-season; immediately after the pre-season; and early in-season. A one-way repeated measure ANOVA with post-hoc pairwise comparisons and effect sizes (ESs) were used. Results: Non-significant and trivial changes were observed in CMJ height (p = 0.830; ES = 0.12) among the three timepoints. However, significant and moderate positive changes among seasons were found in specific CMJ kinetic variables such as: modified reactive strength index (p = 0.011; ES = 0.60), eccentric (Ecc) peak force (p = 0.011; ES = 0.65), Ecc deceleration rate of force development (p = 0.008; ES = 0.60), Ecc duration (p = 0.040; ES = 0.89), and concentric (p = 0.030; ES = 0.45) and landing peak force (p = 0.012; ES = 0.68). A significant time interaction was observed in sprint performance (p = 0.038; ES = 0.58); however, non-significant and small-moderate changes were detected in sprint time when compared among periods. Conclusion: In conclusion, CMJ kinetic variables should be incorporated and analyzed alongside more standard measures (CMJ height) to monitor performance in elite futsal players, as changes of substantial magnitude were observed in phase-specific metrics during the pre-season and the initial stages of the competitive calendar.

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Sport Sciences for Health

Título del artículo:

General and abdominal adiposity and hypertension in eight world regions: a pooled analysis of 837 population-based studies with 7·5 million participants

Background: Adiposity can be measured using BMI (which is based on weight and height) as well as indices of abdominal adiposity. We examined the association between BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) within and across populations of different world regions and quantified how well these two metrics discriminate between people with and without hypertension. Methods: We used data from studies carried out from 1990 to 2023 on BMI, WHtR and hypertension in people aged 20–64 years in representative samples of the general population in eight world regions. We graphically compared the regional distributions of BMI and WHtR, and calculated Pearson\'s correlation coefficients between BMI and WHtR within each region. We used mixed-effects linear regression to estimate the extent to which WHtR varies across regions at the same BMI. We graphically examined the prevalence of hypertension and the distribution of people who have hypertension both in relation to BMI and WHtR, and we assessed how closely BMI and WHtR discriminate between participants with and without hypertension using C-statistic and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Findings: The correlation between BMI and WHtR ranged from 0·76 to 0·89 within different regions. After adjusting for age and BMI, mean WHtR was highest in south Asia for both sexes, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean and the region of central Asia, Middle East and north Africa. Mean WHtR was lowest in central and eastern Europe for both sexes, in the high-income western region for women, and in Oceania for men. Conversely, to achieve an equivalent WHtR, the BMI of the population of south Asia would need to be, on average, 2·79 kg/m2 (95% CI 2·31–3·28) lower for women and 1·28 kg/m2 (1·02–1·54) lower for men than in the high-income western region. In every region, hypertension prevalence increased with both BMI and WHtR. Models with either of these two adiposity metrics had virtually identical C-statistics and NRIs for every region and sex, with C-statistics ranging from 0·72 to 0·81 and NRIs ranging from 0·34 to 0·57 in different region and sex combinations. When both BMI and WHtR were used, performance improved only slightly compared with using either adiposity measure alone. Interpretation: BMI can distinguish young and middle-aged adults with higher versus lower amounts of abdominal adiposity with moderate-to-high accuracy, and both BMI and WHtR distinguish people with or without hypertension. However, at the same BMI level, people in south Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the region of central Asia, Middle East and north Africa, have higher WHtR than in the other regions. Funding: UK Medical Research Council and UK Research and Innovation (Innovate UK).

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Core outcome sets for trials of interventions to prevent and to treat multimorbidity in adults in low and middle-income countries: The COSMOS study

Introduction The burden of multimorbidity is recognised increasingly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), creating a strong emphasis on the need for effective evidence-based interventions. Core outcome sets (COS) appropriate for the study of multimorbidity in LMICs do not presently exist. These are required to standardise reporting and contribute to a consistent and cohesive evidence-base to inform policy and practice. We describe the development of two COS for intervention trials aimed at preventing and treating multimorbidity in adults in LMICs. Methods To generate a comprehensive list of relevant prevention and treatment outcomes, we conducted a systematic review and qualitative interviews with people with multimorbidity and their caregivers living in LMICs. We then used a modified two-round Delphi process to identify outcomes most important to four stakeholder groups (people with multimorbidity/caregivers, multimorbidity researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers) with representation from 33 countries. Consensus meetings were used to reach agreement on the two final COS. Registration: https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/1580. Results The systematic review and qualitative interviews identified 24 outcomes for prevention and 49 for treatment of multimorbidity. An additional 12 prevention and 6 treatment outcomes were added from Delphi round 1. Delphi round 2 surveys were completed by 95 of 132 round 1 participants (72.0%) for prevention and 95 of 133 (71.4%) participants for treatment outcomes. Consensus meetings agreed four outcomes for the prevention COS: (1) adverse events, (2) development of new comorbidity, (3) health risk behaviour and (4) quality of life; and four for the treatment COS: (1) adherence to treatment, (2) adverse events, (3) out-of-pocket expenditure and (4) quality of life. Conclusion Following established guidelines, we developed two COS for trials of interventions for multimorbidity prevention and treatment, specific to adults in LMIC contexts. We recommend their inclusion in future trials to meaningfully advance the field of multimorbidity research in LMICs. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020197293.

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BMJ Global Health

Título del artículo:

Effects of Ti substitution by Zr, on the microstructure and hydrogen storage properties OF Ti2-xZrxCrV (x = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) alloys

The effect of the substitution of Ti by Zr on the crystal structure, microstructure, and first hydrogenation behavior of Ti2-xZrxCrV where X = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 have been investigated. The samples were synthesized by arc-melting and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The hydrogenation capacity was measured using a home-made Sieverts apparatus. Pure-Ti2CrV crystallizes in a body-centered cubic structure (BCC). Substitution of Ti by Zr leads to the appearance of a secondary phase, namely a C15 Laves phase for the Ti-containing samples, and C15 Laves phase plus a Zr-rich phase for the X = 2.0 sample. The substitution of Ti by Zr increased the lattice parameters in both phases for all samples. Increasing Zr content made the first hydrogenation faster but reduced the hydrogen capacity.

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Heliyon

Título del artículo:

Optimization of the Photo-Fenton process for the effective removal of chemical oxygen demand and phenols in portable toilet wastewater: A treatment study under real world conditions

Wastewater from portable toilets (WWPT) is characterized by a high content of organic matter and a variety of chemical compounds that retain bad odors, especially phenols, a type of pollutant that is difficult to degrade by conventional treatments; in addition, it is persistent, toxic, and accumulates in the aquatic environment. Although different successful experiences with the use of Photo-Fenton are reported in the scientific domain, its application in WWPT is scarce and warrants study due to the wide use of portable toilets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Photo-Fenton oxidation process in the removal of organic matter expressed as COD in a WWPT, as well as the reduction of phenols and BOD5. The experimental runs were carried out in a 0.50 L batch reactor to evaluate the effect of the factors (H2O2: 0.019, 25.56, 40.67, 87.24, 148.91, 174.45 g L−1 and pH: 2.80, 3.00, 3.27, 4.40, 5.53, 6.00 UNT) on COD removal and sludge production. It was found that the optimum operating conditions of pH 4.72 and H2O2 dosage of 174.45 g L−1 reduced the concentration of phenols by 97.83 % and 95.49 % of COD. In addition, 98.01 % of BOD5 was reduced, resulting in a biodegradability ratio (BOD5/COD) of 0.23 compared to the untreated wastewater of 0.53. From a cost perspective, the use of Photo-Fenton to treat wastewater under these conditions would be US$ 1.15 per liter.

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Heliyon

Título del artículo:

Photo-assisted selective oxidation of monoterpenes by a covalently supported dioxo-molybdenum complex on TiO2: Effect of electron donor ligands

High-valent dioxo-Mo species have demonstrated the ability to catalyze industrially interesting alkene-to-epoxide transformations via oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions. The impact of electron donor ligands of dioxo-molybdenum complexes [MoO2Ln] covalently supported on TiO2 nanotubes (MoO2Ln/TiO2[sbnd]NT) on OAT to α-pinene, β-pinene, (R)-limonene and camphene has been investigated through the use of UV–vis radiation and molecular oxygen. Molybdenum complexes with electron donor ligands, such as bipyridine, bispyrazole, and terpyridine, exhibited high conversion and selectivity towards epoxide formation. This suggests that electron donation enhances the efficiency of photostimulated OAT. The photonic efficiency (ξ) demonstrates a linear correlation between the ligand structure and the OAT activity, indicating that the electron donation of the ligands enhances electron mobility towards the Mo=O bond. This correlation is evident in the position of the IR and Raman νsym(O=Mo=O) and vasym(O=Mo=O) vibrations of the complex Mo.

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Molecular Catalysis

Título del artículo:

Activity limitations, use of assistive devices, and mortality and clinical events in 25 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: an analysis of the PURE study

Background: The focus of most epidemiological studies has been mortality or clinical events, with less information on activity limitations related to basic daily functions and their consequences. Standardised data from multiple countries at different economic levels in different regions of the world on activity limitations and their associations with clinical outcomes are sparse. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of activity limitations and use of assistive devices and the association of limitations with adverse outcomes in 25 countries grouped by different economic levels. Methods: In this analysis, we obtained data from individuals in 25 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study (175 660 participants). In the PURE study, individuals aged 35–70 years who intended to continue living in their current home for a further 4 years were invited to complete a questionnaire on activity limitations. Participant follow-up was planned once every 3 years either by telephone or in person. The activity limitation screen consisted of questions on self-reported difficulty with walking, grasping, bending, seeing close, seeing far, speaking, hearing, and use of assistive devices (gait, vision, and hearing aids). We estimated crude prevalence of self-reported activity limitations and use of assistive devices, and prevalence standardised by age and sex. We used logistic regression to additionally adjust prevalence for education and socioeconomic factors and to estimate the probability of activity limitations and assistive devices by age, sex, and country income. We used Cox frailty models to evaluate the association between each activity limitation with mortality and clinical events (cardiovascular disease, heart failure, pneumonia, falls, and cancer). The PURE study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03225586. Findings: Between Jan 12, 2001, and May 6, 2019, 175 584 individuals completed at least one question on the activity limitation questionnaire (mean age 50·6 years [SD 9·8]; 103 625 [59%] women). Of the individuals who completed all questions, mean follow-up was 10·7 years (SD 4·4). The most common self-reported activity limitations were difficulty with bending (23 921 [13·6%] of 175 515 participants), seeing close (22 532 [13·4%] of 167 801 participants), and walking (22 805 [13·0%] of 175 554 participants); prevalence of limitations was higher with older age and among women. The prevalence of all limitations standardised by age and sex, with the exception of hearing, was highest in low-income countries and middle-income countries, and this remained consistent after adjustment for socioeconomic factors. The use of gait, visual, and hearing aids was lowest in low-income countries and middle-income countries, particularly among women. The prevalence of seeing close limitation was four times higher (6257 [16·5%] of 37 926 participants vs 717 [4·0%] of 18 039 participants) and the prevalence of seeing far limitation was five times higher (4003 [10·6%] of 37 923 participants vs 391 [2·2%] of 18 038 participants) in low-income countries than in high-income countries, but the prevalence of glasses use in low-income countries was half that in high-income countries. Walking limitation was most strongly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1·32 [95% CI 1·25–1·39]) and most consistently associated with other clinical events, with other notable associations observed between seeing far limitation and mortality, grasping limitation and cardiovascular disease, bending limitation and falls, and between speaking limitation and stroke. Interpretation: The global prevalence of activity limitations is substantially higher in women than men and in low-income countries and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries, coupled with a much lower use of gait, visual, and hearing aids. Strategies are needed to prevent and mitigate activity limitations globally, with particular emphasis on low-income countries and women. Funding: Funding sources are listed at the end of the Article.

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Enhancing Selectivity and Inhibitory Effects of Chemotherapy Drugs Against Myelogenous Leukemia Cells with Lippia alba Essential Oil Enriched in Citral

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is one of the most lethal cancers, lacking a definitive curative therapy due to essential constraints related to the toxicity and efficacy of conventional treatments. This study explores the co-adjuvant potential of Lippia alba essential oils (EO) for enhancing the effectiveness and selectivity of two chemotherapy agents (cytarabine and clofarabine) against AML cells. EO derived from L. alba citral chemotype were produced using optimized and standardized environmental and extraction protocols. Rational fractionation techniques were employed to yield bioactive terpene-enriched fractions, guided by relative chemical composition and cytotoxic analysis. Pharmacological interactions were established between these fractions and cytarabine and clofarabine. The study comprehensively evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic, oxidative stress, and cell death phenotypes induced by therapies across AML (DA-3ER/GM/EVI1+) cells. The fraction rich in citral (F2) exhibited synergistic pharmacological interactions with the studied chemotherapies, intensifying their selective cytotoxic, genotoxic, and pro-oxidant effects. This shift favored transitioning from necrosis to a programmed cell death phenotype (apoptotic). The F2-clofarabine combination demonstrated remarkable synergistic anti-leukemic performance while preserving cell integrity in healthy cells. The observed selective antiproliferative effects may be attributed to the potential dual prooxidant/antioxidant behavior of citral in L. alba EO.

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International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Título del artículo:

Comprehensive Analysis of Kisspeptin Signaling: Effects on Cellular Dynamics in Cervical Cancer

Kisspeptin, a key neuropeptide derived from the KISS1R gene, is renowned for its critical role in regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and reproductive hormone secretion. Beyond its primary function in reproductive biology, emerging research has illuminated its influence in various cancers, mediating significant effects through its interaction with the G protein-coupled receptor, kisspeptin receptor. This interaction has been implicated in modulating cellular processes such as proliferation and metastasis, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Our study initially screened ten kisspeptin-10 analogs through cytotoxic effects of kisspeptin-10 (KP10) and its analogs in several cancer types, including cervical, prostate, breast, and gastric cancers, with a particular focus on cervical cancer, where the most profound effects were observed. Further exploration using kinase array assays revealed that these analogs specifically alter key kinases involved in cancer progression. Migration assays demonstrated a substantial decrease in cell motility, and Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer assays confirmed these analogs’ strong interactions with the kisspeptin receptor. Overall, our results indicate that these KP10 analogs not only hinder cervical cancer cell proliferation but also curtail migration through targeted modulation of kinase signaling, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents in managing cervical cancer progression. This comprehensive approach underscores the therapeutic promise of exploiting kisspeptin signaling in cancer treatment strategies.

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Biomolecules

Título del artículo:

Microstructure and First Hydrogenation Properties of Individual Phases in TiFe + 12 wt.% ZrV2 Alloy

This study investigates the microstructure and first hydrogenation properties of Fe52Ti40Zr3V5 and Fe37Ti44Zr9V10 alloys, which are individual phases present in the as-cast TiFe + 12 wt.% ZrV2 alloy (parent alloy). The parent alloy exhibited fast first hydrogenation kinetics due to the interplay of these two phases. Our objective is to study the hydrogen storage behavior of these individual phases. The samples were synthesized by arc melting and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The results show that when these alloys are melted separately, they do not exhibit the same phase composition as in the parent alloy, indicating a metastable state under our synthesis conditions, which significantly impacts their hydrogen storage behavior. Hydrogenation capacity was measured using a homemade Sieverts apparatus. Both alloys demonstrated excellent first hydrogenation kinetics, with an absorption capacity of 0.9 wt.% for the Fe52Ti40Zr3V5 alloy and 2.3 wt.% for Fe37Ti44Zr9V10 alloy. Our key finding is that the final crystal structure of multi-element alloys is highly dependent on the synthesis method.

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ChemEngineering

Título del artículo:

Tracing the Scientific Legacy: Bibliometric Analysis of LATAM Research in Bariatric Surgery for 33 Years

Introduction: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has experienced considerable growth, addressing the challenges of obesity and its complications. The lack of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in Latin America motivates this study, highlighting the need to understand the evolution of research in this area and its impact on clinical decision-making and health policies. Methodology: A cross-sectional bibliometric study was carried out using the Scopus database. A structured search strategy was designed to identify articles related to bariatric surgery with authors affiliated with Latin American countries. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, followed by a descriptive and bibliometric analysis of the scientific production found. Results: A total of 3553 documents published between 1991 and 2024 were included. There was an annual growth of 11%, with an average age of documents of 7.5 years. A concentration was observed in some countries, notably Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Although scientific output increased, the average number of citations per article showed a downward trend since 2003. Discussion: Despite the growth in scientific production, the quality and relevance of research is questioned, especially given the decrease in the impact received. It highlights the lack of meaningful regional collaboration, which could limit the sharing of knowledge and resources. Questions are raised about gaps in research capacity and the economic and development implications are discussed. Conclusions: This study provides valuable information to strengthen future research in bariatric surgery in Latin America. It highlights the importance of promoting regional and international collaboration and improving research training in countries with less participation. Clinical intervention strategies can benefit from better understanding research trends and adopting evidence-based practices in a more informed manner. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)

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Obesity Surgery

Título del artículo:

Complications and adverse events in lymphadenectomy of the inguinal area: worldwide expert consensus

Background: Inguinal lymph node dissection plays an important role in the management of melanoma, penile and vulval cancer. Inguinal lymph node dissection is associated with various intraoperative and postoperative complications with significant heterogeneity in classification and reporting. This lack of standardization challenges efforts to study and report inguinal lymph node dissection outcomes. The aim of this study was to devise a system to standardize the classification and reporting of inguinal lymph node dissection perioperative complications by creating a worldwide collaborative, the complications and adverse events in lymphadenectomy of the inguinal area (CALI) group. Methods: A modified 3-round Delphi consensus approach surveyed a worldwide group of experts in inguinal lymph node dissection for melanoma, penile and vulval cancer. The group of experts included general surgeons, urologists and oncologists (gynaecological and surgical). The survey assessed expert agreement on inguinal lymph node dissection perioperative complications. Panel interrater agreement and consistency were assessed as the overall percentage agreement and Cronbach’s α. Results: Forty-seven experienced consultants were enrolled: 26 (55.3%) urologists, 11 (23.4%) surgical oncologists, 6 (12.8%) general surgeons and 4 (8.5%) gynaecology oncologists. Based on their expertise, 31 (66%), 10 (21.3%) and 22 (46.8%) of the participants treat penile cancer, vulval cancer and melanoma using inguinal lymph node dissection respectively; 89.4% (42 of 47) agreed with the definitions and inclusion as part of the inguinal lymph node dissection intraoperative complication group, while 93.6% (44 of 47) agreed that postoperative complications should be subclassified into five macrocategories. Unanimous agreement (100%, 37 of 37) was achieved with the final standardized classification system for reporting inguinal lymph node dissection complications in melanoma, vulval cancer and penile cancer. Conclusion: The complications and adverse events in lymphadenectomy of the inguinal area classification system has been developed as a tool to standardize the assessment and reporting of complications during inguinal lymph node dissection for the treatment of melanoma, vulval and penile cancer.

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BJS Open

Título del artículo:

Efficacy of Afoxolaner (NexGard®) in the treatment of furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis fly (Diptera: Cuterebridae) in naturally infested dogs

Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis is the second most common skin diseases in dogs that live in tropical climates in Central and South America, causing discomfort and injuring in the connective tissue of the affected dog. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Afoxolaner (Nexgard®) in the treatment of canine furuncular myiasis. Twenty-five dogs naturally infested with D. hominis were selected and received a single oral dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight of Afoxolaner (NexGard®). Larval infestations were classified as light (< 2 larvae), moderate (2 to 5 larvae) and severe (> 5 larvae), according to the number of larvae found in the wound. Twenty-four hours post-treatment, infested lesions were inspected, and all larvae were mechanically removed from the lesion site. All removed larvae were identified as D. hominis larvae and were found dead within 24 h after treatment, demonstrating 100% larvicidal efficacy of Afoxolaner against D. hominis larvae.

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Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports

Título del artículo:

Deep-seated crustal faults and their role in the thermo-tectonic evolution of an active mountain belt: New evidence from the Northern Andes

Deep-seated structures can exhume deep crustal rocks (>20 km), transmitting the signal of geodynamic processes from the subduction zone to the interiors of the continents. The role of deep-seated structures can be analyzed with low-temperature thermochronological dating techniques. However, studies coupling low-temperature thermochronology with structural geological analyses of the deformational style are not common in the Northern Andes. In this contribution, we present new apatite (AFT) and zircon (ZFT) fission-track data coupled with meso- and microstructural analyses to reveal the deformational and exhumation history of the Santander Massif (SM; Northern Andes) and the related cortical Bucaramanga strike-slip fault (BF). Samples for thermochronological analyses were collected along an elevation profile with a significant elevation difference of 2.4 km across the western flank of the SM, crossing the BF. The time-temperature history modeling of ZFT data reveals phases of prolonged residence in the zircon partial annealing zone from ∼125 to 94 Ma and a cooling phase related to an exhumation episode at around 25 Ma based on samples collected near the BF. Inverse modeling of AFT data reveals structurally-controlled Pliocene exhumation rates of 0.6–0.7 km/Myr mediated by the action of secondary faults. A shift in the deformation style resulting from the oblique interaction of the SM and Mérida Andes domain is interpreted as the main driver of the Pliocene exhumation. This deformation phase is observed in the fault damage zone, where evidence of brittle-ductile deformation was exhumed. Finally, we discuss the geodynamic implications of our thermochronological and structural analyses, contrasting local and more regional competing hypotheses (Pamplona Indenter vs. slab break-off of the Caribbean plate), which may explain the tectonic evolution of the northern part of the Eastern Cordillera and the SM in the Colombian Northern Andes.

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Journal of Structural Geology

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Single-pill combination for treatment of hypertension: Just a matter of practicality or is there a real clinical benefit?

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is the largest contributor to the incident cardiovascular disease worldwide. Despite explicit guideline recommendations for the diagnosis and management of hypertension, a large proportion of patients remain undiagnosed, untreated, or treated but uncontrolled. Inadequate BP control is associated with many complex factors including patient preference, physician\'s inertia, health systems disparities, and poor adherence to prescribed antihypertensive drug treatment. The primary driver for reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is lowering of BP ‘‘per se’’ and not class effects of specific pharmacotherapies. The recent ESH guidelines recommend the use of four major classes of drugs including renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAS) blockers (angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)), calcium channel blockers (CCB), thiazide and thiazide‐like diuretics, and betablockers. Initiation of treatment for hypertension with a two-drug regimen, preferably in a single pill combination (SPC), is recommended for most patients. Preferred combinations should comprise a RAS blocker (either an ACEi or an ARB) with a CCB or thiazide/thiazide-like diuretic. These strategies are supported by robust evidence that combination therapy produces greater BP reductions than monotherapy, reduces side effects of the individual components, improves therapeutic adherence and long-term persistence on treatment, and permits achievement of earlier BP control.

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European Journal of Internal Medicine

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SARS-CoV-2 Mu variant in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in Eastern Colombia

The global presence of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets is acknowledged, yet documentation remains scarce, leaving many regions unexplored. Thus, our study sought to fill this gap by investigating SARS-CoV-2 presence in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in eastern Colombia. We collected and analyzed 43 oropharyngeal and rectal swabs using real-time PCR assays targeting the Envelope Gene of SARS-CoV-2. Out of these, two dogs tested positive, indicating an infection rate of 4.7%. Further examination through complete sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the lineage B.1.621 for the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Consequently, our study unveils the first documented cases of Canis lupus familiaris infected with the Mu variant of SARS‐CoV‐2, the variant with the most death burden during the whole pandemic in Colombia. Remarkably, these cases presented mild and reversible respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, or no clinical manifestations at all. This sheds light on the virus\'s interaction with our four-legged companions, offering valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential effects on animal health.

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Veterinary Research Communications

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Biochar production from palm kernel shell, coffee husk and bovine rumen content via pyrolysis and its use in the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution

Introduction: The large amount of residual biomass derived from agricultural activity is an ongoing environmental issue that requires efficient strategies to transform these biowastes into value-added products within the framework of responsible production and consumption. Objective: In this study, biochar was produced by pyrolysis of a mixture of palm kernel shell (40%), coffee husk (40%), and bovine rumen content (20%) to evaluate its capacity to remove methylene blue from aqueous solution. Materials and Methods: The pyrolysis was carried out at a temperature of 750°C, with a heating rate of 15°C/min, for 2 h. The pyrolysis product, namely biochar FT-750, was characterized in terms of its elemental composition, ash content, and surface area. The biochar FT-750 was evaluated as adsorbent of methylene blue from aqueous solution (250 mg/L) at different pH values (2-10). Results and Discussion: The FT-750 biochar had a carbon content of 73.6%, an ash content of 16.1%, and a surface area of 0.88 m2/g. With these characteristics, a methylene blue removal of 37% (53.9 mg/g) was achieved at pH 10. The results from the adsorption process were correlated with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Fre-undlich isotherm. Conclusions: Pyrolysis is an effective strategy for the transformation of palm kernel shell, coffee husk, and bovine rumen content into a value-added biochar useful for the removal of contaminants from aqueous solutions.

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Innovaciencia

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Performance of the First-Trimester Cervical Consistency Index to Predict Preterm Birth

Background/Objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant global health challenge. Previous attempts to predict preterm birth in the first trimester using cervical length have been contradictory. The cervical consistency index (CCI) was introduced to quantify early cervical changes and has shown promise across various clinical scenarios in the mid-trimester, though testing in the first trimester is lacking. This study aims to assess the cervical consistency index performance in predicting preterm birth during the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, focused exclusively on research, women with singleton pregnancies, both with and without a history of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), were included. The primary outcome was sPTB before 37 weeks, with a secondary outcome of sPTB before 34 weeks. CCI measurements were taken between 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated for the optimal cut-off and for the 5th, 10th, and 15th percentile. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Among the 667 patients analyzed, the rates of sPTB before 37 and 34 weeks were 9.2% (61/667) and 1.8% (12/667), respectively. The detection rates (DRs) for CCI predicting PTB before 37 and 34 weeks were 19.7% (12/61) and 33.3% (4/12). Negative predictive values were 91.8% (546/595) and 98.7% (588/596), while the areas under the curve (AUC) for sPTB before 37 and 34 weeks were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.54–0.69) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.89), respectively. Of the 61 patients with preterm birth, 13 (21.3%) had a preterm birth history; in this group, the CCI percentile 10th identified 39% (5/13). Intraobserver ICC was 0.862 (95% CI: 0.769–0.920), and interobserver ICC was 0.833 (95% CI: 0.722–0.902). Conclusions: This study suggests that utilizing CCI in the first trimester of pregnancy could serve as a valuable tool for predicting preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation, demonstrating robust intraobserver and interobserver reliability.

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Journal of Clinical Medicine