Validation of the Back-table Graft Arterial Anastomosis between the Splenic Artery and Superior Mesenteric Artery: Arterial Complications after a 21-year Single-center Experience of Pancreas Transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of the arterial splenomesenteric anastomosis (ASMA) vascular reconstruction technique in terms of arterial vascular complications in pancreas transplant (PT) recipients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The ASMA technique was first described in 1992 by Hospital Clínic Barcelona group. Regardless that the iliac Y-graft technique is the most frequently used worldwide, evidence of arterial complications and implications of using a different back-table reconstruction is conspicuously absent in the literature. METHODS: Descriptive review of 407 PTs performed at a single center (1999-2019) by analyzing the type of arterial reconstruction technique, focusing on ASMA. The endpoints were the management of arterial complications and long-term patient and graft survival. RESULTS: ASMA was performed in 376 cases (92.4%) and a Y-graft in 31 cases (7.6%). A total of 34 arterial complications (8.3%) were diagnosed. In the ASMA group (n=30, 7.9%) they comprised: 15 acute thrombosis; 4 stenosis; 1 pseudoaneurysm and 10 diverse chronic arterial complications while in the Y-graft group (n=4, 12.9%) 3 acute thrombosis and 1 chronic artery-duodenal fistula occurred. Graft salvage was achieved in 16 patients (53.3%) from the ASMA group and in 2 (50%) from the Y-graft. After a median follow-up of 129.2 (IQR 25-75%, 77.2 -182) months the overall graft and patient survival for the whole cohort at 1, 5, and 10 years was 86.7%, 79.5%, 70.5%, and 98.5%, 95.3%, 92.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ASMA proves to be a safe and more easily reproducible technique and should therefore be considered for first-line back-table reconstruction in the PT population.

Current Trends in Organ Preservation Solutions for Pancreas Transplantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Due to the high vulnerability of the pancreas to ischemia-reperfusion injury, choices regarding preservation solution markedly affect pancreas transplant success. A retrospective single-center analysis of 380 pancreas transplants (2000-2019) was performed to correlate current preservation solutions with transplant outcomes. Early graft failure requiring transplantectomy within 30 days post-transplant occurred in 7.5% for University of Wisconsin (UW) group (n = 267), 10.8% of Celsior (CS) group (n = 83), 28.5% of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) group (n = 7), and none for Institut Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) group (n = 23). The most common causes of technical failures in this cohort included abdominal hemorrhage (8.4%); graft pancreatitis (3.7%); fluid collections (2.6%); intestinal complications (6.6%); and vascular thrombosis (20.5%). Although IGL-1 solution provided lower surgical complication rates, no significant differences were found between studied groups. Nevertheless, HTK solution was associated with elevated pancreatitis rates. The best graft survival was achieved at 1 year using UW and IGL-1, and at 3 and 5 years using IGL-1 (p = 0.017). There were no significant differences in patient survival after a median follow-up of 118.4 months. In this setting therefore, IGL-1 solution appears promising for perfusion and organ preservation in clinical pancreas transplantation, compared to other commonly used solutions.

Laparoscopic Right Adrenalectomy in a Large Right Adrenal Oncocytic Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical carcinomas are rare and aggressive tumors. The recently described oncocytic subtype has been reported approximately 40 times in the literature.1 In this video, we describe an unusual case of a large adrenal oncocytic carcinoma, its minimally invasive approach, and its anatomopathological features. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 43-year-old male presented to the emergency room with acute abdominal pain and fever. Blood tests showed 20,000 white blood cells and a reactive C-protein of 25. Tomography showed a large right adrenal tumor with necrosis. Antibiotics were started at the intensive care unit. A complete study showed normal tests, including hormones, cortisol, and metanephrines. At the multidisciplinary team meeting it was decided to perform a right transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The tumor was approached from the medial side to the lateral side, always controlling the inferior vena cava. Indocyanine green was used to identify vascular structures. Anatomical pathology revealed a 15 cm lesion corresponding to a malignant adrenal oncocytic carcinoma according to the modified Lin-Weis-Bisceglia criteria.2 The patient was discharged without complications on the fifth day. He is receiving mitotane and is disease-free 5 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Oncocytic subtype is a rare entity described only a few times in the literature. Surgical treatment is of choice due to its curative potential, and the open versus laparoscopic approach will be chosen depending on the size of the tumor and the surgeon's experience. It is believed that this subtype may have a less aggressive behavior than the typical adrenal carcinoma,1 therefore its better understanding may help to define therapeutic decisions and prognosis in the future.

Early intestinal complications following pancreas transplantation: lessons learned from over 300 cases - a retrospective single-center study.

Enteric complications remain a major cause of morbidity in the post-transplant period of pancreas transplantation despite improvements surgical technique. The aim of this single-center study was to analyze retrospectively the early intestinal complications and their potential relation with vascular events. From 2000 to 2016, 337 pancreas transplants were performed with systemic venous drainage. For exocrine secretion, intestinal drainage was done with hand-sewn anastomosis duodenojejunostomy. Twenty-three patients (6.8%) had early intestinal complications. Median age was 39 years (male: 65.2%). Median cold ischemia time was 11 h [IQR: 9-12.4]. Intestinal complications were intestinal obstruction (n = 7); paralytic ileus (n = 5); intestinal fistula without anastomotic dehiscence (n = 3); ischemic graft duodenum (n = 3); dehiscence of duodenojejunostomy (n = 4); and anastomotic dehiscence in jejunum after pancreas transplantectomy (n = 1). Eighteen cases required relaparotomy: adhesiolysis (n = 6); repeated laparotomy without findings (n = 1); transplantectomy (n = 6); primary leak closure (n = 3); re-positioning of the graft (n = 1); and intestinal resection (n = 1). Of the intestinal complications, 4 were associated with vascular thrombosis, resulting in two pancreatic graft losses. Enteric drainage with duodenum-jejunum anastomosis is safe and feasible, with a low rate of intra-abdominal complications. Vascular thrombosis associated with intestinal complications presents a risk factor for the viability of pancreatic grafts, so prevention and early detection is vital.

Effects of a Brief Case Management Intervention Linking People With HIV to Oral Health Care: Project SMILE.

Objectives. Although people with HIV experience significant oral health problems, many consistently identify oral health as an unmet health care need. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a dental case management intervention on dental care use. Methods. We evaluated the intervention according to self-reported dental care use at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-ups. Multivariable logistic models with generalized estimating equations were used to assess the effects of the intervention over time. Results. The odds of having a dental care visit were about twice as high in the intervention group as in the standard care group at 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58, 4.08) and 12 months (adjusted OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.17, 3.35), but the odds were comparable in the 2 groups by 18 months (adjusted OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.62, 1.86). Factors significantly associated with having a dental care visit included frequent physician visits and dental care referrals. Conclusions. We demonstrated that a dental case management intervention targeting people with HIV was efficacious but not sustainable over time. Barriers not addressed in the intervention must be considered to sustain its use over time.

Qualitative and quantitative return-to-sport test battery and second anterior cruciate ligament injury risk factors.

Objective: To determine risk factors for second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury following primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using return-to-sport (RTS) tests consisting of qualitative and quantitative measures in young athletes. Methods: A case-control study design was used, and a retrospective review of adolescent athletes after primary ACLR was performed. All athletes completed an RTS test consisting of qualitative and quantitative assessments and psychological assessments with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Athlete demographics, surgical characteristics and sports participation were also examined. A binary logistic regression was performed to verify an independent association between risk factors and second ACL injury using adjusted OR (aORs), 95% CI and p<0.05. Results: In 72 eligible athletes, 12 (16.7%) suffered a second ACL injury. The mean Tegner activity level was 8.4+1.1, and the mean time from ACLR to RTS test completion was 10.4+2.9 months. One variable that showed the lowest p-value in the preliminary analysis was entered into the binary logistic regression model, which resulted in that qualitative assessment of knee valgus during the sidestep cut was associated with second ACL injury (aOR=4.64, 95% CI: 1.18 to 18.23, p=0.03). Conclusion: Athletes who demonstrated excessive dynamic knee valgus on the involved limb during the sidestep cut were approximately 4.6 times more likely to suffer a second ACL injury.

The glenoid track concept is insufficient to predict Bankart failures: a computed tomography scan study.

Background: The glenoid track concept identifies patients with "off-track" (engaging) Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs) as poor candidates for arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) due to the high risk of shoulder instability recurrence. Purpose: To retrospectively calculate the glenoid track index, using preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, in a cohort of patients with failed ABR. We hypothesized that all patients with a failed ABR would have engaging ("off-track") HSLs on preoperative CT scan. Type of Study: CT scan study. Methods: Preoperative CT scan of 45 patients, seen in our facility for failed ABR, was used to retrospectively calculate the glenoid track index. The risk of recurrence was also calculated for each patient using Instability Severity Index Score (ISI-Score) and Glenoid Track Instability Management Score (GTIMS). There were 37 failed isolated ABRs and 8 associated HS remplissage. The mean t age at surgery was 24 years (range, 15-52) and instability recurred at a mean of 29 months postoperative (range, 3-167). Results: Preoperative CT scan imaging identified "off-track" bony lesions in 85% of patients (38/45) and "on-track" lesions in 15% (7/45). No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups (off-track vs. on-track) regarding patient age, hyperlaxity, sports participation, size of HS lesion, or ISI-Score. The mean glenoid bone loss was 15.7% (range, 4-36%) with mean HS width was greater than 20 mm in 66% of CT scans. The preoperative ISI-Score was predictive of failures (>3 points in all patients) with no difference between on-track and off-track patients (6.3 ± 1.7 vs. 6.6 ± 1.7, P = .453). By contrast, the GTIMS did not predict failures as there was a significant difference between GTIMS for on-track and off-track patients (2.1 ± 1.3 vs. 6.6 ± 1.7). Conclusions: The glenoid track concept alone is insufficient to predict Bankart failures: in the present series of failed ABR, 15% of shoulders had "on-track" (non-engaging) lesions on preoperative CT scan. In patients, with "on-track" bony lesions, the ISI-Score is a useful predictive tool to detect patients at risk of failure, while the GTIMS is not.

Similar teleconnection patterns of ENSO-NAO and ENSO-precipitation in Colombia: linear and non-linear relationships.

The Central-Pacific (CP) and Eastern-Pacific (EP) types of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and their ocean-atmosphere effect cause diverse responses in the hydroclimatological patterns of specific regions. Given the impact of ENSO diversity on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), this study aimed to determine the relationship between the ENSO-NAO teleconnection and the ENSO-influenced precipitation patterns in Colombia during the December-February period. Precipitation data from 1981 to 2023, obtained from the Climate Hazards Group (CHIRPS), were analyzed using nine ENSO and NAO indices spanning from 1951 to 2023. Using Pearson's correlation and mutual information (MI) techniques, nine scenarios were devised, encompassing the CP and EP ENSO events, neutral years, and volcanic eruptions. The results suggest a shift in the direction of the ENSO-NAO relationship when distinguishing between the CP and EP events. Higher linear correlations were observed in the CP ENSO scenarios (r > 0.65) using the MEI and BEST indices, while lower correlations were observed when considering EP events along with the Niño 3 and Niño 1.2 indices. MI show difference in relationships based on the event type and the ENSO index used. Notably, an increase in the non-linear relationship was observed for the EP scenarios with respect to correlation. Both teleconnections followed a similar pattern, exhibiting a more substantial impact during CP ENSO events. This highlights the significance of investigating the impacts of ENSO on hydrometeorological variables in the context of adapting to climate change, while acknowledging the intricate diversity inherent to the ENSO phenomenon.

Classification of SARS-CoV-2 Pediatric Hospitalizations: Delta vs Omicron Variant.

OBJECTIVES: To classify COVID-19 pediatric hospitalizations based on reason for admission ("for COVID" or "with COVID") and to compare disease severity and age between the delta and omicron variant predominant time frames. METHODS: This was a retrospective study in patients aged ≤18 years who were hospitalized at a large, tertiary care pediatric hospital for COVID-19 from July 2021 to February 2022. Disease severity was determined based on length of stay, PICU admission, and Remdesivir receipt. A χ2 analysis and a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test were used to analyze relationships between presumed variant type with admission reason, disease severity, and age. RESULTS: There were 492 patients included with more admissions during the omicron variant predominant time frame (n = 307). More patients were admitted "for COVID" during the delta variant predominant time frame compared with the omicron variant predominant time frame (P < .001) with interrater reliability testing indicating substantial agreement between reviewers. PICU admissions (P < .001), receipt of remdesivir (P < .001), and length of stay (P < .001) were greater during the delta variant predominant time frame. Hospitalizations "for COVID" were more common in patients aged <5 years during both the delta (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.7) and omicron (odds ratio, 5.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-9.4) predominant time frames compared with older patients. CONCLUSIONS: There was a higher proportion of symptomatic COVID-19 hospitalizations with higher disease severity during the delta variant predominance, indicating greater disease severity during earlier periods of the pandemic despite lower hospitalization rates.

Assessing HIV Care Outcomes Among Persons Who Use Drugs in Puerto Rico Before and After Hurricane Maria.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the health impacts of Hurricane Maria (HM) on HIV care outcomes among people living with HIV who use drugs. METHODS: Using data from an ongoing cohort study in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Proyecto PACTo), we measured differences in HIV care outcomes (viral load, viral suppression, and CD4 counts) before and after HM using assessments conducted at 6-month intervals. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess factors associated with HIV care outcomes. RESULTS: All HIV care outcomes showed a deterioration from pre-HM values to post-HM values (mean viral load increased, CD4 counts decreased, and rate of viral suppression decreased) after controlling for pre-HM sociodemographic and health characteristics. In addition to HM, age (aIRR = 1·01), being homeless (aIRR = 0·78) and having health insurance (aIRR = 1·6) were independently associated with viral suppression. PARTICIPANTS: 219 participants completed follow-up visits between April 2017 and January 2018, before and after HM. CONCLUSIONS: People living with HIV who use drugs in Puerto Rico experienced poorer HIV outcomes following HM. Socio-environmental factors contributing to these outcomes is discussed in the context of disaster response, recovery, and program planning.

HIV prevention and transmission myths among heterosexually active adults in low-income areas of South Florida.

Misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention may inhibit individuals' accurate assessment of their level of risk. We used venue-based sampling to conduct a cross-sectional study of heterosexually active adults (N = 1,221) within areas exhibiting high poverty and HIV/AIDS rates in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in 2007. Two logistic regression analyses identified correlates of holding inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission and prevention. Belief in incorrect HIV prevention methods (27.2%) and modes of transmission (38.5%) was common. Having at least one incorrect prevention belief was associated with being Hispanic compared to white (non-Hispanic), being depressed, and not knowing one's HIV status. Having at least one incorrect transmission belief was associated with being younger, heavy alcohol use, being depressed, not having seen a physician in the past 12 months, and not knowing one's HIV status. Among low-income heterosexuals, HIV prevention and transmission myths are widespread. Debunking them could have HIV prevention value.

Diel activity patterns of two distinct populations of Aedes aegypti in Miami, FL and Brownsville, TX.

The diel biting activity of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L) populations was extensively investigated in the early 1900s to gain more information on the biology of Ae. aegypti, and this information was used to devise effective approaches to controlling populations of this species and protect the human population from widespread arbovirus outbreaks. However, few contemporary studies are available regarding the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti. To assess the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti in southern Florida and Texas, we conducted 96-h uninterrupted mosquito collections once each month from May through November 2019 in Miami, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas, using BG-Sentinel 2 Traps. The overall diel activity pattern in both cities was bimodal with morning and evening peak activity between 7:00 and 8:00 and between 19:00 and 20:00. There were significant daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific differences in activity patterns, but these differences did not affect the overall peak activity times. These differences suggest daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific variations in human exposure to Ae. aegypti. Our observations can be used in planning and executing Ae. aegypti vector control activities in southern Florida and southern Texas, specifically those targeting the adult mosquito populations.

HIV seropositivity and correlates of infection among heterosexually active adults in high-risk areas in South Florida.

The U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic disproportionately impacts lower-income populations. We conducted a cross-sectional study of heterosexually active adults (N = 1076) in areas with high poverty and HIV/AIDS rates in South Florida in 2007. Using venue-based sampling, anonymous interviews and HIV tests were conducted at randomly selected venues (primarily retail businesses not associated with risk behaviors). The sample's HIV infection rate was 7.1%. Half (52.2%) of the infections were previously undiagnosed. Our findings underscore the impact of social and environmental factors on HIV risk, as well as the need to increase and optimize HIV testing and other prevention services.

Single-Stage Bilateral Stemless Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty using a Subscapularis-Sparing Approach for Bilateral Dysbaric Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head in a Diver: A Case Report.

Introduction: Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) is a specific type of atraumatic osteonecrosis that has been shown to occur mainly in deep-sea divers and workers exposed to increased air pressure environments. The pathophysiology is not entirely understood but is thought to be due to subclinical decompression sickness resulting in arterial gas emboli. This leads to vascular occlusion and subsequent bone death. Case Report: An active 56-year-old male diver presented with progressive bilateral shoulder pain and dysfunction due to bilateral DON of the humeral head and associated posterosuperior rotator cuff tearing. The diagnosis was confirmed by physical examination, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging. Due to failure of conservative treatment, a single-stage bilateral, subscapularis-sparing, stemless shoulder hemiarthroplasty with concomitant rotator cuff repair was performed. At 24-month follow-up, the patient showed satisfactory functional outcomes in both shoulders without complication. Conclusion: This single-stage surgical treatment is an exceptional indication for a bilateral dysbaric humeral head osteonecrosis that can be considered in selected cases because may reduce the total recovery time and can be safe and effective at 24 months postoperatively.

Direct gallbladder indocyanine green injection technique to achieve critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injury is one of the most severe complications after cholecystectomy. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how with a simple technique, an optimal critical view may be achieved by injecting indocyanine green directly into the gallbladder. METHODS: Twenty-three patients were prospectively studied in which direct gallbladder injection of indocyanine green during laparoscopy was administered with a fine needle using an easily reproducible technique. RESULTS: Biliary tree identification was reported before and after injection. Critical view of safety was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of direct gallbladder injection of indocyanine green is simple, efficient and shows a real time fluorescent cholangiography and an optimal critical view of safety decreasing the risk for bile duct injury.

Direct gallbladder Indocyanine Green injection technique to achieve critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. / Técnica de punción de verde de indocianina intravesicular para conseguir una visión crítica de seguridad durante la colecistectomía por laparoscopia.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injury is one of the most severe complications after cholecystectomy. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how with a simple technique, an optimal critical view may be achieved by injecting indocyanine green directly into the gallbladder. METHODS: Twenty-three patients were prospectively studied in which direct gallbladder injection of indocyanine green during laparoscopy was administered with a fine needle using an easily reproducible technique. RESULTS: Biliary tree identification was reported before and after injection. Critical view of safety was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of direct gallbladder injection of indocyanine green is simple, efficient and shows a real time fluorescent cholangiography and an optimal critical view of safety decreasing the risk for bile duct injury.

Urbanization favors the proliferation of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus in urban areas of Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Urbanization processes are increasing globally. Anthropogenic alterations in the environment have profound effects on biodiversity. Decreased biodiversity due to biotic homogenization processes as a consequence of urbanization often result in increased levels of mosquito vector species and vector-borne pathogen transmission. Understanding how anthropogenic alterations in the environment will affect the abundance, richness, and composition of vector mosquito species is crucial for the implementation of effective and targeted mosquito control strategies. We hypothesized that anthropogenic alterations in the environment are responsible for increasing the abundance of mosquito species that are adapted to urban environments such as Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Therefore, our objective was to survey mosquito relative abundance, richness, and community composition in Miami-Dade County, Florida, in areas with different levels of urbanization. We selected 24 areas, 16 remote areas comprised of natural and rural areas, and 8 urban areas comprised of residential and touristic areas in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Mosquitoes were collected weekly in each area for 24 h for 5 consecutive weeks from August to October 2020 using BG-Sentinel traps baited with dry ice. A total of 36,645 mosquitoes were collected, from which 34,048 were collected in the remote areas and 2,597 in the urban areas. Our results show a clear and well-defined pattern of abundance, richness, and community composition according to anthropogenic modifications in land use and land cover. The more urbanized a given area the fewer species were found and those were primary vectors of arboviruses, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Invasion, establishment, and spread of invasive mosquitoes from the Culex coronator complex in urban areas of Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Species from the Culex coronator complex are Neotropical species and potential vectors of Saint Louis and West Nile viruses. Culex coronator was first described in Trinidad and Tobago in the early twentieth century and since then it has invaded and has been reported established in most countries of the Americas. Species from the Culex coronator complex were first detected in the United States in the state of Louisiana in 2004 and were subsequently detected in Florida in 2005, reaching Miami-Dade County in 2008. We hypothesize that species from the Cx. coronator complex are adapting to urban environments in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and are becoming more present and abundant in these areas. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the patterns of the presence and abundance of species from the Cx. coronator complex in the urban areas of Miami-Dade County. Here we used weekly data comprised of 32 CDC traps from 2012 to 2020 and 150 BG-Sentinel traps from 2016 to 2020. A total of 34,146 female mosquitoes from the Cx. coronator complex were collected, 26,138 by CDC traps and 8008 by BG-Sentinel traps. While the number of CDC traps that were positive was relatively constant at 26-30 positive traps per year, the number of positive BG-Sentinel traps varied substantially from 50 to 87 positive traps per year. Furthermore, the heat map and logistic general linear model for repeated measures analyses showed a significant increase in both the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes from the Cx. coronator complex, indicating that these species are becoming more common in anthropized habitats being able to thrive in highly urbanized areas. The increase in the distribution and abundance of species from the Cx. coronator complex is a major public health concern. The ability of species from the Cx. coronator complex to benefit from urbanization highlights the need to better understand the mechanisms of how invasive vector mosquito species are adapting and exploiting urban habitats.