Exposure to Gulf war illness-related chemicals exacerbates alcohol-induced liver damage in rodents.

Gulf War Illness (GWI) describes a series of symptoms suffered by veterans of the Gulf war, consisting of cognitive, neurological and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Two chemicals associated with GWI are the insecticide permethrin (PER) and the nerve gas prophylactic pyridostigmine-bromide (PB). In this study we assessed the effects of PER and PB exposure on the pathology and subsequent alcohol (EtOH)-induced liver injury, and the influence of a macrophage depletor, PLX3397, on EtOH-induced liver damage in PER/PB-treated mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected daily with vehicle or PER/PB for 10 days, followed by 4 months recovery, then treatment with PLX3397 and a chronic-plus-single-binge EtOH challenge for 10 days. PER/PB exposure resulted in the protracted increase in liver transaminases in the serum and induced chronic low-level microvesicular steatosis and inflammation in GWI vs Naïve mice up to 4 months after cessation of exposure. Furthermore, prior exposure to PER/PB also resulted in exacerbated response to EtOH-induced liver injury, with enhanced steatosis, ductular reaction and fibrosis. The enhanced EtOH-induced liver damage in GWI-mice was attenuated by strategies designed to deplete macrophages in the liver. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to GWI-related chemicals may alter the liver's response to subsequent ethanol exposure.

Bacteria of healthy periodontal tissues as candidates of probiotics: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The use of probiotics could promote the balance of the subgingival microbiota to contribute to periodontal health. This study aimed to identify the potential of bacteria commonly associated with healthy periodontal tissues as probiotic candidates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Ovid databases as well as the combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and non-MeSH terms. Based on the selection criteria, original studies published in English and identifying the microorganisms present in the periodontium of healthy individuals and patients with periodontitis using the high-throughput 16S ribosomal gene sequencing technique were included. RESULTS: Out of 659 articles, 12 met the criteria for this review. These articles were published from 2012 to 2020 and mainly originated from the United States, China, and Spain. Most of these studies reported adequate criteria for selecting participants, using standardized clinical criteria, and compliance with quality based on the tools used. In periodontal healthy tissue were identified species like Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Rothia dentocariosa, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus intermedius, and Prevotella nigrescens which have recognized strains with a capacity to inhibit periodontopathogens. CONCLUSIONS: S. sanguinis, S. oralis, S. mitis, and S. gordonii are among the bacterial species proposed as potential probiotics because some strains can inhibit periodontopathogens and have been reported as safe for humans.

Vascular complications secondary to resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta placement at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVE: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is designed to manage severe hemorrhagic shock. Popularized in medical care during military conflicts, the concept has emerged as a lifesaving technique that is utilized around the United States. Literature on risks of REBOA placement, especially vascular injuries, are not well-reported. Our goal was to assess the incidence of vascular injury from REBOA placement and the risk factors associated with injury and death among these patients at our institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent REBOA placement between September 2017 and June 2022 at our Level 1 Trauma Center. The primary outcome variable was the presence of an injury related to REBOA insertion or use. Secondary outcomes studied were limb loss, the need for dialysis, and mortality. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2, and t-tests as appropriate for the variable type. RESULTS: We identified 99 patients who underwent REBOA placement during the study period. The mean age of patients was 43.1 ± 17.2 years, and 67.7% (67/99) were males. The majority of injuries were from blunt trauma (79.8%; 79/99). Twelve of the patients (12.1%; 12/99) had a vascular injury related to REBOA placement. All but one required intervention. The complications included local vessel injury (58.3%; 7/12), distal embolization (16.7%; 2/12), excessive bleeding requiring vascular consult (8.3%; 1/12), pseudoaneurysm requiring intervention (8.3%; 1/12), and one incident of inability to remove the REBOA device (8.3%; 1/12). The repairs were performed by vascular surgery (75%; 9/12), interventional radiology (16.7%; 2/12), and trauma surgery (8.3%; 1/12). There was no association of age, gender, race, and blunt vs penetrating injury to REBOA-related complications. Mortality in this patient population was high (40.4%), but there was no association with REBOA-related complications. Ipsilateral limb loss occurred in two patients with REBOA-related injuries, but both were due to their injuries and not to REBOA-related ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Although vascular complications are not unusual in REBOA placement, there does not appear to be an association with limb loss, dialysis, or mortality if they are addressed promptly. Close coordination between vascular surgeons and trauma surgeons is essential in patients undergoing REBOA placement.

Exposure to Gulf war illness-related chemicals exacerbates alcohol- induced liver damage in rodents.

Gulf War Illness (GWI) describes a series of symptoms suffered by veterans of the Gulf war consisting of cognitive, neurological and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Two chemicals associated with GWI are the insecticide permethrin (PER) and the nerve gas prophylactic pyridostigmine-bromide (PB). In this study we assessed the effects of PER and PB exposure on pathology and subsequent alcohol (EtOH)-induced liver injury, and the influence of a macrophage depletor, PLX3397, on EtOH-induced liver damage in PER/PB- treated mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected daily with vehicle or PER/PB for 10 days, followed by 4 months recovery, then treatment with PLX3397 and a chronic-plus-single-binge EtOH challenge for 10 days. PER/PB exposure resulted in the protracted increase in liver transaminases in the serum and induced chronic low-level microvesicular steatosis and inflammation in GWI vs Naïve mice up to 4 months after cessation of exposure. Furthermore, prior exposure to PER/PB also resulted in exacerbated response to EtOH-induced liver injury, with enhanced steatosis, ductular reaction and fibrosis. The enhanced EtOH-induced liver damage in GWI-mice was attenuated by strategies designed to deplete macrophages in the liver. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to GWI-related chemicals may alter the liver's response to subsequent ethanol exposure.

Acute myeloid leukemia with neutrophilic differentiation in a 12-year-old African lion (Panthera leo).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, progression, and diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with neutrophilic differentiation in an African lion (Panthera leo). ANIMAL: A 12-year-old male African lion kept at a zoological institution in Colombia. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The lion presented for anorexia, pale mucous membranes, and a hind limb lameness of acute onset. Feline leukemia virus testing was negative, and repeated blood samples revealed severe anemia, intermittent thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia. Coinfection with Anaplasma and Mycoplasma spp and chronic kidney disease were diagnosed based on clinicopathological findings. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The lion received symptomatic treatment, doxycycline, and methylprednisolone or prednisolone. Euthanasia was elected due to clinical deterioration and unresponsive anemia, despite the resolution of Anaplasma and Mycoplasma spp infections. AML with neutrophilic differentiation was diagnosed based on bone marrow cytology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AML is a rare, aggressive hematopoietic disorder in domestic cats, although it has not yet been reported in nondomestic cats. This is the first description of the clinicopathological, histological, and immunohistochemical features of AML with neutrophilic differentiation in an FeLV-negative African lion that lacked circulating blasts.

Stories of a water-table: anomalous depressions, aquitard breaches and seasonal implications, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA.

An extensive water level survey of the water-table aquifer (i.e., shallow aquifer) within Shelby County, Tennessee, was conducted in the dry (fall 2020) and wet (spring 2021) seasons. Water-table surfaces were generated using cokriging to observe seasonal differences to identify anomalous water-table depressions, indicative of an underlying aquitard breach. Seasonal differences were attributed to non-coincident control and timing between the surveys and when optimum dry (fall) and wet (spring) conditions existed, as observed through comparisons with continuous historical water levels from 12 shallow monitoring wells. Additionally, data from fall 2020 were compared to previous studies in 2005 and 2015 to determine decadal changes in levels and shape of the water-table surface which were mostly attributed to changes in data control and potential climate variations. A prediction error map was generated from the 2020 dataset to identify areas of the county with high-prediction error (>7.0 m) to offer guidance on where future well control would be optimal.

Genomic analysis of two phlebotomine sand fly vectors of Leishmania from the New and Old World.

Phlebotomine sand flies are of global significance as important vectors of human disease, transmitting bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens, including the kinetoplastid parasites of the genus Leishmania, the causative agents of devastating diseases collectively termed leishmaniasis. More than 40 pathogenic Leishmania species are transmitted to humans by approximately 35 sand fly species in 98 countries with hundreds of millions of people at risk around the world. No approved efficacious vaccine exists for leishmaniasis and available therapeutic drugs are either toxic and/or expensive, or the parasites are becoming resistant to the more recently developed drugs. Therefore, sand fly and/or reservoir control are currently the most effective strategies to break transmission. To better understand the biology of sand flies, including the mechanisms involved in their vectorial capacity, insecticide resistance, and population structures we sequenced the genomes of two geographically widespread and important sand fly vector species: Phlebotomus papatasi, a vector of Leishmania parasites that cause cutaneous leishmaniasis, (distributed in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa) and Lutzomyia longipalpis, a vector of Leishmania parasites that cause visceral leishmaniasis (distributed across Central and South America). We categorized and curated genes involved in processes important to their roles as disease vectors, including chemosensation, blood feeding, circadian rhythm, immunity, and detoxification, as well as mobile genetic elements. We also defined gene orthology and observed micro-synteny among the genomes. Finally, we present the genetic diversity and population structure of these species in their respective geographical areas. These genomes will be a foundation on which to base future efforts to prevent vector-borne transmission of Leishmania parasites.

Patients from distressed communities are more likely to be symptomatic at endovascular aneurysm repair and have an increased risk of being lost to long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the preferred modality to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, the effect of the distressed communities index (DCI) on the outcomes of EVAR is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of DCI on the postoperative outcomes after EVAR. METHODS: The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database was used for the present study. Patients who had undergone EVAR from 2003 to 2021 were selected for analysis. The study cohort was divided into two groups according to their DCI score. Patients with DCI scores ranging from 61 to 100 were assigned to group I (DCI >60), and those with DCI scores ranging from 0 to 60 were assigned to group II (DCI ≤60). The primary outcomes included the 30-day and 1-year mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events at 30 days. Regression analyses were performed to study the postoperative outcomes. P values ≤ .05 were deemed statistically significant for all analyses in the present study. RESULTS: A total of 60,972 patients (19.5% female; 80.5% male) had undergone EVAR from 2003 to 2021. Of these patients, 18,549 were in group I (30.4%) and 42,423 in group II (69.6%). The mean age of the study cohort was 73 ± 8.9 years. Group I tended to be younger (mean age, 72.6 vs 73.7 years), underweight (3.5% vs 2.5%), and African American (10.8% vs 3.5%) and were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (3.6% vs 1.9%; P < .05 for all). Group I had had more smokers (87.3% vs 85.3%), a higher rate of comorbidities, including hypertension (84.5% vs 82.9%), diabetes (21.7% vs 19.7%), coronary artery disease (30.3% vs 28.6%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (36.9% vs 31.8%), and moderate to severe congestive heart failure (2.6% vs 2%; P < .05 for all). The group I patients were more likely to undergo EVAR for symptomatic AAAs (11.1% vs 7.9%; P < .001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.37; P < .001) with a higher risk of mortality at 30 days (aOR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.23-5.44; P < .001) and 1 year (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.43-2.13; P < .001). A higher risk of being lost to follow-up (28.9% vs 26.3%; P < .001) was also observed in group I. CONCLUSIONS: Patients from distressed communities who require EVAR tended to have multiple comorbidities. These patients were also more likely to be treated for symptomatic AAAs, with a higher risk of mortality. An increased incidence of lost to long-term follow-up was also observed for this population. Surgeons and healthcare systems should consider these outcomes and institute patient-centered approaches to ensure equitable healthcare.

Utilizing student-led contact tracing initiative to alleviate COVID-19 disease burden in central Pennsylvania.

PURPOSE: Contact tracing elicits probable contacts from COVID-19 cases. Our student-led contact tracing initiative promoted isolation of both confirmed and probable cases and quarantine of contacts to reduce disease in Central Pennsylvania. METHODS: Close contacts of COVID-19 cases were contacted by tracers, advised to quarantine, and monitored for 14 days for symptoms. Symptomatic contacts were classified as probable cases and advised to isolate. Data was collected from March 24, 2020 to May 26, 2020. Poisson regression and linear regression were utilized to examine the relationships between case and number of contacts and proportion of symptomatic contacts. RESULTS: Study sample comprised of 346 confirmed and 157 probable cases. Our results indicate a significant difference in percent of household contacts who became symptomatic between confirmed and probable cases (22% vs. 3%; adjusted P<.01). Similarly, probable cases had significantly fewer non-household contacts compared to confirmed cases (0.87 vs. 0.55; adjusted P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Timely notification of exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual by student contact tracers allowed for probable cases to quarantine early in the disease process. Our data suggests that early quarantine and/or isolation may have directly contributed to probable cases having fewer non-household contacts and a smaller proportion of symptomatic household-contacts compared to confirmed cases.

Revising the diversity within the Dwarf Dog-faced Bat, Molossopstemminckii (Chiroptera, Molossidae), with the revalidation of the endangered Molossopsgriseiventer.

The genus Molossops includes two monotypic species of insectivore bats distributed in South America: Molossopsneglectus and Molossopstemminckii. Both can be differentiated, based on sizes, M.temminckii being smaller (forearm less than 33 mm). Despite being monotypic, at least two additional subspecies have been described for M.temminckii, of which M.temminckiigriseiventer from the inter-Andean Valley of the Magdalena River in Colombia might represent a valid taxon. To test the taxonomic status of M.t.griseiventer, we reviewed specimens of M.temminckii from cis- and trans-Andean localities in Colombia. We used Cytochrome-b and Cytochrome Oxidase I comparisons to test the phylogenetic position of cis- and trans-Andean samples and compared qualitative morphology, morphometric and bioacoustics. Our results show that M.t.griseiventer is differentiated from cis-Andean specimens, providing further evidence of its validity at the species level. Furthermore, M.temminckii (sensu stricto) is also distributed in Colombia, but both M.griseiventer and M.temminckii are allopatric, with the Andes acting as a barrier. The specific identity of the specimens from the Caribbean Region of Colombia needs a new evaluation, but our results clearly show that the diversity of Molossops is underestimated.

Radiographic appearance of a caudal vertebral chordoma in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

A 7-year-old spayed female ferret was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for a slow-growing mass involving the base of the tail. Radiographs revealed a large, irregularly marginated mineralized mass centered on the fifth to seventh caudal vertebrae with osteolysis of the affected caudal vertebrae. A partial caudectomy was performed, and histopathology was consistent with a chordoma. This is the first case report describing the radiographic appearance of a chordoma in the proximal tail and only the second report to describe radiographic findings in a ferret.

Implementation of Transitional Care Planning is Associated with Reduced Readmission Rates in Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Bypass Surgery for Peripheral Arterial Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing lower extremity bypasses (LEB) are at a high risk of developing post-discharge complications requiring readmission. Health systems have developed several strategies to mitigate this risk. One such measure is developing comprehensive Transitional Care Program (TCP), which includes phone calls to patients after being discharged from the hospital. Our study aimed to assess short-term readmission, mortality, and amputation rates of patients who participated in TCP by completing at least one post-discharge follow-up phone call after undergoing LEB for revascularization of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: A retrospective review was completed for patients who underwent LEB surgery between January 2010 and January 2020 to treat PAD at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Immediate discharge follow-up was done via telephone calls using a standardized script. Patients were then divided into two groups, those who did not have a successful follow-up call (Group I) and those who had at least one successful follow-up call within seven days after discharge (Group II). Univariate analysis was used to compare preoperative demographics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes. The probability of readmission and risk factors contributing to it were computed using multiple stepwise forward regression analyses. Epidemiological analysis was done to evaluate the risk of readmission in the group receiving post-discharge follow-up calls. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients underwent LEB from 2010 to 2020 and qualified for inclusion in the study. Among these patients, 126 (27.6%) did not have a successful post-discharge follow-up call (Group I), whereas, 331 (72.4%) patients did complete a successful call (Group II). The mean age of patients was 66.7 years. There were no significant differences in preoperative baseline patient characteristics or intraoperative factors. Patients who completed a successful call had lower readmission rates within thirty days of the operation (8.8 vs. 17.5%, P = 0.008), and this was sustained in multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio AOR: 0.18, [confidence interval CI: 0.05-0.66], P = 0.009). However, no differences were observed for thirty-day mortality (Group-I: 3.2% versus Group-II: 1.2%, P = 0.152) or amputation (Group-I: 9.6% versus Group II 5.9%, P = 0.162). Among those who had a successful call, patients with a history of smoking (AOR: 4.05 [CI: 1.21, 17.12] P = 0.025), diabetes mellitus (AOR: 3.42 [CI: 1.35, 8.7] P = 0.01) and myocardial infarction (AOR: 7.15 [CI: 1.76, 20.1] P = 0.006) had a much higher chances of readmission. Risk analysis using epidemiological methods showed that by receiving a call, the risk of readmission could be dropped to half (RR: 0.50 [CI: 0.30, 0.84]), with an attributable risk reduction of -8.7% (CI: -15.9%, -1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This single-institution retrospective study demonstrates the importance of immediate discharge follow-up phone calls in patients who undergo open lower extremity revascularization to reduce thirty-day readmissions. Our analysis showed patients who received immediate follow-up phone calls were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The development of reliable and efficient systems to enhance immediate discharge follow-up in vascular surgery patients is pivotal to improving quality of care, preventing readmissions, and reducing healthcare costs.

Severe conservation risks of roads on apex predators.

The global expansion of road networks threatens apex predator conservation and ecosystem functioning. This occurs through wildlife-vehicle collisions, habitat loss and fragmentation, reduced genetic connectivity and increased poaching. We reviewed road impacts on 36 apex predator species and assessed their risk from current roads based on road exposure and species vulnerability. Our findings reveal all apex predators are exposed to road impacts. Eight of the ten species with the highest risk occur in Asia, although other high-risk species are present in the Americas, Africa and Europe. The sloth bear suffers the highest risk of all apex predators, followed by the tiger and dhole. Based on species risk from roads, we propose a widely applicable method to assess the potential impact of future roads on apex predators. We applied this method to proposed road developments in three areas: the Brazilian Amazon, Africa, and Nepal, to locate high-impact road segments. Roughly 500 protected areas will be intersected by these roads, threatening core apex predator habitats. We advocate the need for rigorous road development planning to apply effective mitigation measures as an urgent priority and to avoid construction in wilderness areas and predator strongholds.

Preoperative Statin Use is Associated With Lower Incidence of Limb Loss After Lower Extremity Endovascular Interventions.

BACKGROUND: Statin therapy is the primary lipid-lowering agent used in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. Although the benefits of statins have been described in the literature, most studies have focused on postoperative statin use and outcomes in major upper body vasculature. Our study aimed to assess the impact of statin therapy on postoperative outcomes of lower extremity endovascular interventions including mortality and amputation rates. METHODS: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2012 to 2019 was utilized for this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those on preoperative statins (Group I) and those not on statins (Group II). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess statin's effect on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 12,217 patients (72.7%) were in Group I and 4599 patients (27.3%) were in Group II. The distribution of primary outcomes was as follows: Amputation (Group I: 3% vs Group II: 3.9%, P <.05) and Mortality (Group I: 1.6% vs Group II: 1.9%, P = .086). Statin use was associated with decreased amputation rates. Patients with tissue loss were 5 times more likely to undergo amputations (AOR: 5.58 [CI 2.29-13.63] P < .01) within 30-days postoperatively as compared to those whose presenting symptoms were claudication. CONCLUSION: Statin therapy was associated with a decreased limb loss within 30-days after intervention at the time of lower extremity endovascular intervention. Patients presenting with rest pain and tissue loss had a higher incidence of limb loss than claudicants.

Fenestrated endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians is associated with higher mortality and an increased incidence of nonhome discharge.

OBJECTIVE: Fenestrated endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has been increasingly becoming the endovascular treatment of choice for patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms with an infrarenal neck, not suitable for traditional endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Older patients are at a high risk of developing complications after elective procedures. A review of the literature showed mixed results for FEVAR in the elderly patient population. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of mortality (both short and long term), discharge destination, and other postoperative outcomes in the octogenarian population who had undergone FEVAR for the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms in a large, national surgical database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone FEVAR in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database was performed from July 2010 to June 2019. The study cohort excluded patients aged <18 years and concomitant procedures for snorkeling of visceral branches of the aorta. The final selected cohort was divided into two patient groups: group I, patients aged <80 years (nonoctogenarians); and group II, patients aged ≥80 years (octogenarians). The primary outcomes were mortality at 30 days (short term), 6 months, and 1 year (long term) and the discharge destination. The secondary outcomes included postoperative length of stay, intensive care unit stay, postoperative major cardiac events, and the need for intervention. Computation of models to measure the outcomes and identify the risk factors contributing to mortality at 30 days and discharge to a nonhome destination was performed using multiple logistic regression analyses. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to study the long-term mortality in the patient groups. RESULTS: A total of 5507 patients had undergone FEVAR in the 9-year period in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database (group I, nonoctogenarians, n = 4424 [80.3%]; group II, octogenarians, n = 1156 [19.7%]). Octogenarians were more likely to be women, white, Medicare insured, and hypertensive. This group also had lower rates of former or current smokers, a lower glomerular filtration rate, a lower incidence of late-stage chronic kidney disease, and an aneurysm diameter >5.5 cm. Greater estimated blood loss and longer procedures were also noted in the octogenarian group compared with the nonoctogenarian group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that octogenarians had had greater mortality at 30 days (7.3%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.45; P = .044), 6 months (13.7%; aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.24-1.81; P < .001), and 1 year (17.5%; aOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.34-2.07; P < .001). The present analysis to measure the discharge destination showed that octogenarians had a greater risk of discharge to nonhome destinations (26.7%; aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.24-1.81; P < .001). Octogenarians had a lower risk of ≥2 days of an intensive care unit stay (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67-0.91; P < .001) but a greater risk of experiencing dysrhythmia (10.1%; aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-7.1; P = .036) following the procedure compared with the nonoctogenarians. CONCLUSIONS: In our retrospective analysis of a large, national surgical database, we found that of the patients undergoing FEVAR to manage juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, octogenarians had greater mortality and a greater risk of being discharged to nonhome locations compared with nonoctogenarians.

Percepción del comportamiento alimentario en los hogares de Cali para el primer trimestre de la cuarentena por COVID-19 en 2020 / Perception of feeding behavior in Cali homes during the first trimester of quarantine due to COVID-19 in 2020

Resumen Introducción: En 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró la emergencia de salud pública por SARS-CoV-21; el 11 de marzo de 2020 se notificó la pandemia global por COVID-19 y el gobierno colombiano decretó para todas las ciudades el aislamiento preventivo obligatorio2. Para el mes de mayo, Cali reportó 1635 casos de COVID confirmados y 85 fallecidos por un virus con un 4,95% de letalidad3. Lo anterior influenció de forma importante las rutinas alimentarias de las familias durante el primer trimestre del periodo de confinamiento. Considerando que esta situación era atípica en el país, era necesario describir la percepción del comportamiento alimentario durante este primer trimestre de aislamiento preventivo obligatorio en la ciudad de Cali, considerando las normas de bioseguridad establecidas para el periodo mencionado. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento alimentario de 1814 familias en Cali durante el primer trimestre de aislamiento preventivo obligatorio. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo transversal, con técnica de encuesta. Se aplicó un instrumento virtual compuesto por 28 ítems, que indagó el comportamiento alimentario de las familias. Discusión: Se encontró que el 95,1% de los hogares percibió escasez y aumento de precios en alimentos que componen la canasta alimentaria familiar, y el 67,2% de las familias estuvieron preocupadas por la alimentación. Hubo un aumento en el consumo de alimentos y se modificó el número de tiempos de comida/día. Los hábitos alimentarios, ingesta de refrescos y consumo de alcohol también se modificaron durante confinamiento. Conclusiones: Se puede afirmar que durante el primer trimestre de cuarentena por COVID-19 en Cali se modificó el comportamiento alimentario de las familias encuestadas, una de las razones estuvo relacionada con un cambio en los ingresos económicos, que afectó la cantidad de dinero disponible para alimentos. Durante este periodo se modificaron también los tiempos de comida y la variedad en la ingesta de alimentos. En general, se describieron aspectos que afectaron la seguridad alimentaria de las familias.

Abstract Introduction: In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency due to SARS-CoV-21. On March 11, 2020, the global pandemic due to COVID-19 was declared, with which the Colombian government decreed mandatory preventive isolation in the country2. In May, Cali reported 1,635 confirmed COVID cases and 85 deaths from a virus with a 4.95 % case fatality rate3. This situation affected families eating routines during this period. Considering that this situation was atypical in the country, it was necessary to describe the perception of feeding behavior during this first trimester of mandatory preventive isolation in the city of Cali, considering the biosafety standards established by the national government. Objetive: To describe the feeding behavior of 1,814 families in Cali during the first trimester of mandatory preventive isolation. Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study. A virtual instrument composed of 28 items was applied, which investigated the feeding behavior of the families. Convenience sampling. Results: The results show that the economic income of families, as well as the distribution of expenses within the home, were affected in the evaluated period. In addition, it was found that 95.1 % of households perceived shortages and price increases in foods that make up the family food basket; 67.2% of families were concerned about food. There was an increase in food consumption and the number of perhaps consider, meals per day was modified. Eating habits, soft drink intake and alcohol consumption also changed during confinement in the evaluated time. Conclusions: It can be affirmed families modified their feeding behaviors during the first quarter of quarantine due to COVID-19. Because the economic income of families was affected, the money available for food purchases was affected as well. During this time, perhaps consider: meal frequencies and, in general, the variety in food intake was also modified. Finally, the results suggest perhaps consider: a negative effect in the food security of families.

Prevención, manejo y seguimiento de las lesiones de la arteria vertebral. Conocimiento actual de los cirujanos de columna de la Argentina / Prevention, management and monitoring of vertebral artery injuries. Current state of knowledge of spine surgeons in Argentina

Introducción: La lesión de la arteria vertebral es un evento grave. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el grado de conocimiento de los cirujanos de columna en la Argentina sobre las medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas de la lesión de la arteria vertebral. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional mediante una encuesta difundida a través de la AANC y la SAPCV. Resultados: Se recibieron 157 respuestas. El 47,4% considera relevante evaluar la anatomía de la arteria vertebral en todo tipo de patología mediante métodos angiográficos. La mitad de los encuestados diagnosticó una variante anatómica de la arteria. El 29,2% manifestó haber tenido en su práctica una lesión de la arteria. Solo el 35% tiene un protocolo de acción para el manejo de este evento adverso. El 77% adopta como primera medida el taponamiento. En el seguimiento posquirúrgico, la mayoría estudia el estado final mediante métodos angiográficos. Alrededor del 10% procuraría instaurar alguna medida de profilaxis antitrombótica. El 76,6% dispone de Servicio de Hemodinamia con cirujano endovascular. Conclusión: Esta complicación está subestimada. Menos de la mitad de los cirujanos utiliza, como rutina, herramientas de diagnóstico de posibles alteraciones anatómicas. No se han observado protocolos de manejo ni seguimiento de estas lesiones. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Vertebral artery injury is a serious event. The objective of this work is to evaluate the degree of knowledge of spinal surgeons in Argentina regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic measures of vertebral artery injury. Materials and methods: An observational descriptive study was carried out through a survey transmitted through AANC and SAPCV. Results: Of 157 responses, 47.4% consider it relevant to evaluate the anatomy of the vertebral artery in all types of pathology by angiographic methods. Half of those surveyed diagnosed an anatomical variant of the artery, 29.2% reported having encountered an artery injury during their practice and only 35% had an action protocol for the management of this adverse event. 77% adopted tamponade as their first measure. In the postoperative follow-up, the majority of surgeons studied the final state of the situation using angiographic methods. Around 10% would try to establish some measure of antithrombotic prophylaxis. 76.6% have an hemodynamics service with an endovascular surgeon. Conclusion: We found an underestimation of this complication. Less than half of surgeons routinely use diagnostic tools for possible anatomical changes. Management or monitoring protocols for these injuries have not been observed. Level of Evidence: IV

Completitud de inventarios rápidos de diversidad de mamíferos medianos y grandes en la Amazonía noroccidental colombiana / Completeness of rapid assessments of medium and large mammal diversity in the northwestern Amazon in Colombia

Las evaluaciones rápidas de biodiversidad son la fuente de información más común sobre biodiversidad en el noroccidente amazónico en Colombia debido a que los recursos y la logística son limitados. Estas evaluaciones son esenciales para tomar decisiones ambientales en esta área que ha sido impactada por la transformación de sus ecosistemas naturales. Diferentes evaluaciones locales rápidas con cámaras trampa de mamíferos medianos y grandes (MMG) se han realizado en el noroccidente Amazónico en Colombia, pero estas son difícilmente comparables. Nosotros recolectamos la información de 16 evaluaciones rápidas de MMG para proporcionar la primera lista de MMG del noroccidente amazónico en Colombia. Adicionalmente, evaluamos la precisión de cuatro estimadores (ICE, Chao 2, Jackknife 1 y Jackknife 2) y el esfuerzo mínimo de muestreo para la estimación de la riqueza de MMG en estudios locales en esa región. Reportamos 26 especies de MMG para la Amazonía colombiana (entre cinco y 13 especies por localidad), lo que es uns subestimación de la riqueza de MMG en la región. El mejor estimador para este tipo de estudios fue Jackknife 1, debido a su precisión y la baja influencia de singletons. Recomendamos un esfuerzo mínimo de muestreo de 350 cámaras trampa-día. Aunque las evaluaciones rápidas no proveen una estimación robusta de la riqueza de MMG, estas evaluaciones registran las especies más comunes (especies core) y la variación en su abundancia por localidad. Es necesario un mayor esfuerzo de muestreo para evaluar el efecto de la transformación del hábitat sobre los MMG, en especial sobre los parámetros poblacionales de las especies raras. (AU)

Trends in Positive, Negative, and Neutral Themes of Popular Music From 1998 to 2018: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Across the United States, the incidence of adolescent depression and suicide cases has risen in the past 10 years. Despite the risk factors and causes being multifactorial, the influence of popular culture on society and adolescents in this media-driven generation cannot be mitigated. Although the impact of social media and its effect on shaping self-identity in adolescents have been observed, the impact of music and its potential for subliminal negative messages to adolescents remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the lyrics and music videos of the most popular music of multiple genres to quantify the frequencies of varying music theme trends. METHODS: The frequencies of themes of 1052 total American and Latin songs were collected from the Nielsen Music and Billboard's top 100 chart performance from 1998 to 2018 for hip hop/rhythm and blues (R&B), pop, Latin, country, and rock/metal genres. Themes from songs were identified, quantified, and categorized with a rubric into negative, neutral, and positive themes by 3 different reviewers. Analysis was performed using 2-tailed t tests and a generalized linear model. RESULTS: Popular songs were reviewed for positive, negative, and neutral themes in the following 3-year intervals for ease of analysis purposes: 1998 to 2000 (n=148), 2001 to 2003 (n=150), 2004 to 2006 (n=148), 2007 to 2009 (n=156), 2010 to 2012 (n= 150), 2013 to 2015 (n=150), and 2016 to 2018 (n=150). There was a significant 180% increase in the percentage of songs with negative themes between all the interval years and across all genres (P<.001), while there was no significant difference in the frequency of songs with positive (P=.54) or neutral (P=.26) themes by year. There were significant differences in the number of negative themes found across genres (P<.001), with hip hop/R&B having the highest frequency of 130 out of 208 (62.5%) of the negative themes when compared to each of the individual genres (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows there is an increase in the frequency of negative themes over the span of 20 years across all genres, with hip hop/R&B having the highest frequency among the genres. These findings point to the potential impact that music may have in popular culture and on society. Furthermore, these results can help shape discussions between caregivers and their adolescent dependents and between primary care providers and their adolescent patients.

Evaluation of Factors Associated with, and Outcomes for Patients with Nonhome Discharge Destinations Following Carotid Endarterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Following a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedure, patients are discharged to their homes or other locations than home such as an acute care facility or skilled nursing facility based on their functional status and level of medical attention needed. Decision-making for discharge destination following a CEA to home or nonhome locations is important due to the differences in survival and postoperative complications. While primary outcomes such as mortality and occurrence of stroke following CEA have been extensively studied, there is a paucity of information characterizing outcomes of discharge destination and the factors associated. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors associated with discharge to nonhome destinations after CEA, and outcomes after discharge. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, we identified patients who underwent CEA from 2011 to 2018. Patients were divided into two groups based on their discharge destination (home versus nonhome). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with different discharge destinations. Postoperative complications associated with discharge to nonhome destinations were analyzed and mortality after discharge from hospital was compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 25,094 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study, of which 39% were females and 61% were males; median age was 71 years. Twenty four thousand one hundred twenty-five patients (93.13%) were discharged to home (Group I) and 1,779 (6.87%) were discharged to nonhome destinations (Group II). Following preoperative and intraoperative factors were associated with discharge to nonhome locations: older age, diabetes mellitus, functional independent status, transfer from other hospitals, symptomatic status, need for preoperative blood transfusions, severe ipsilateral carotid stenosis, elective CEA, need for intraoperative shunt and general anesthesia (all P< 0.05). Following postoperative complications had statistically significant association with discharge to nonhome destinations: postoperative blood transfusion, pneumonia, unplanned intubation, longer than 48 hours on ventilator, development of stroke, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, and sepsis (all P< 0.05). Mortality after discharge from hospital was 0.39% (n = 100). Mortality among those who were discharged to home was 0.29% vs. 1.63% for those who were discharged to nonhome locations (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the patients after CEA are discharged back to their homes. This study identifies the factors which predispose patients discharged to locations, other than home. Patients who are not discharged home have higher mortality as compared to those who are discharged to their homes.