Structural, morphological, compositional, thermal, pasting, and functional properties of isolated Achira (Canna indica L.) starch: Review.

The aim of this study was to analyze the physicochemical properties of native Colombian Achira starch (Canna indica L.). Achira starch, with an amylose content of 49.07 % is classified as high amylose starch. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed grains with an average size of 54.34 µm in length and 34.93 µm in width, with spherical, ellipsoidal, and ovoid shapes. Mineral analysis identified phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) as the most important elements. For the first time, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of nanocrystals with a length of 23.95 nm, a width of 6.44 nm, and a hexagonal crystal structure (B-type starch). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed mass losses associated with water, lipids, and protein carbohydrates. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed gelatinization at 61.17 °C. The pasting profile indicated hydrogel behavior with a high peak viscosity of 13,690 cP due to the amylose content. The water absorption index (WAI) was 2.07 g/g, the water solubility index (WSI) was 3.04 g/g, and swelling power (SP) was 2.19 g/g. The presence of nanocrystals and the high amylose content indicate potential in the food industry.

Cardiometabolic effects of sacubitril/valsartan in a rat model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

The promising results obtained in the PARADIGM-HF trial prompted the approval of sacubitril/valsartan (SAC/VAL) as a first-in-class treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. The effect of SAC/VAL treatment was also studied in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and, although improvements in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, HF hospitalizations, and cardiovascular deaths were observed, these results were not so promising. However, the demand for HFpEF therapies led to the approval of SAC/VAL as an alternative treatment, although further studies are needed. We aimed to elucidate the effects of a 9-week SAC/VAL treatment in cardiac function and metabolism using a preclinical model of HFpEF, the Zucker Fatty and Spontaneously Hypertensive (ZSF1) rats. We found that SAC/VAL significantly improved diastolic function parameters and modulated respiratory quotient during exercise. Ex-vivo studies showed that SAC/VAL treatment significantly decreased heart, liver, spleen, and visceral fat weights; cardiac hypertrophy and percentage of fibrosis; lipid infiltration in liver and circulating levels of cholesterol and sodium. Moreover, SAC/VAL reduced glycerophospholipids, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters while increasing triglyceride levels in cardiac tissue. In conclusion, SAC/VAL treatment improved diastolic and hepatic function, respiratory metabolism, reduced hypercholesterolemia and cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, and was able to modulate cardiac metabolic profile. Our findings might provide further insight into the therapeutic benefits of SAC/VAL treatment in obese patients with HFpEF.

Echocardiographic Phenotype in Severe Aortic Stenosis With and Without Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: The AMY-TAVI Study.

AIM: The relative apical sparing pattern of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (RELAPS]>1) has been described as a typical sign of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). The objective was to validate this pattern in concomitant CA and aortic stenosis (AS) and to identify new echocardiographic variables suggestive of CA in the presence of AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: 324 consecutive patients (age 81.5±5.8 years, 51% women) with AS who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were prospectively included. 2D-Speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed. Following TAVI, 99mTc-DPD-scintigraphy and protein electrophoresis were performed to screen for CA. 38 patients (11.7%) showed cardiac uptake in scintigraphy: 14 patients (4.3%) with grade 1, 13 (4%) with grade 2, and 11 (3.4%) with grade 3. Patients with grades 2 and 3 (AS-CA group) had more LV hypertrophy (LV mass index: 188 vs.172 g/m2, p=0.032), lower transvalvular aortic pressure gradient (p<0.003), and higher prevalence of low-gradient AS (50% vs.19%, p=0.001), as well as greater diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Strain analysis was limited to 243 patients due to poor acoustic window and COVID-19 restrictions (81 lost: 79 in AS alone, 1 each in AS-DPD1 and AS-CA groups). RELAPS>1 was more prevalent in AS-CA group (74% vs.44%, p=0.006). An echocardiographic prediction model (GRAM score) for CA in the presence of AS, that is more sensitive and specific than RELAPS>1 alone, is proposed using the LV mass, maximum aortic gradient, and RELAPS>1, in addition to age (AUC:0.85, 95%CI: 0.77-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: RELAPS>1 is more prevalent in AS-CA but can occur in almost half of AS patients without CA, which reduces its value as a screening tool. A more sensitive and specific prediction score for CA in patients with severe AS is proposed.

Delay in cardiology consultation after primary care physician referrals in heart failure: Clinical implications.

AIMS: To investigate the association between the elapsed time to cardiology care following a primary care physician (PCP) referral and 1 year outcomes among patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: Data from electronic medical records at our institution encompassing all PCP referrals to cardiology consultation from 2010 to 2021 (N = 68 518) were analysed. Of these, 6379 patients had a prior diagnosis of HF. Using a Cox regression model for hospitalization and mortality outcomes, the association between delay time in cardiology care post-PCP referral and 1 year outcomes was examined, adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities. RESULTS: A significant increase in 1 year mortality rates with delayed cardiology care was observed for each day: all-cause (0.25%), cardiovascular (CV) (0.13%) and HF (0.11%). In multivariate analysis, continuous delay to consultation was independently associated with higher risk of all-cause [hazard ratio (HR): 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.01-1.02); P < 0.01], CV [1.01 (1.00-1.02); P < 0.01] and HF mortality (HR: 1.01; 95% CI 1.00-1.03; P < 0.01). Patients attended in the 25th quartile of time delay (<2 days) had significantly lower mortality and HF readmission rates [1.21 (1.10-1.33); P < 0.01] as compared with patients in the 75th quartile (>14 days). CONCLUSIONS: Delay in cardiology assistance following a PCP referral among patients previously diagnosed with HF was associated with increased in all-cause, CV, and HF mortality at 1 year.

Latin American adults who regularly use macrodoses of psychedelics: a cross-sectional study.

Psychedelics have a complex history marked by traditional use among indigenous cultures, early scientific interest, and subsequent prohibition. Despite their classification as controlled substances, recent decades have witnessed a resurgence of research into their therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions. However, most studies have focused on controlled clinical settings, leaving a significant gap in understanding how these substances are used in naturalistic contexts, particularly in Latin America. This study investigates the regular use of macrodoses of psychedelics among Latin American adults. We aimed to characterize the sociodemographic profiles, consumption practices, and subjective effects experienced by individuals who use psychedelics regularly. Data were collected via an online survey from 4,270 participants across several Latin American countries. Results indicated a diverse user base with varied motivations, predominantly psychological and spiritual well-being. The most frequently used substance was psilocybin mushrooms, with significant associations found between demographic variables and specific psychedelics used. The study provides new insights into the naturalistic use of psychedelics in Latin America, highlighting the need for informed, safe, and legal use frameworks.

Unusual case of liver cirrhosis presenting as a mass compressing the inferior vena cava: A case report.

Liver cirrhosis is a significant global health burden, accounting for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. The underlying etiologies of cirrhosis include viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, and D), toxins (such as alcohol and drugs), autoimmune diseases, cholestatic conditions (including primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis), vascular disorders (such as Budd-Chiari syndrome, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and cardiac cirrhosis), and metabolic disorders (including hemochromatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency). Patients with liver cirrhosis typically present with symptoms such as jaundice, scleral icterus, nausea, and vomiting, accompanied by abnormal liver enzyme levels. Other defining features include spider angiomas, caput medusa, and esophageal and/or rectal varices. Abdominal imaging often reveals fibrotic changes within the liver. In this article, we present a case of a 38-year-old female presenting with signs and symptoms of cirrhosis, with subsequent imaging revealing a Porta hepatis mass compressing the inferior vena cava (IVC). The patient underwent a biopsy consistent with liver cirrhosis. This case is unique in the presentation of her liver cirrhosis as a compressive mass rather than the usual fibrotic changes within the liver parenchyma.

Gender Differences in Prefrontal Cortex Response to Negative Emotional Stimuli in Drivers.

BACKGROUND: Road safety improvement is a governmental priority due to driver-caused accidents. Driving style variation affects safety, with emotional regulation being pivotal. However, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) studies show inconsistent prefrontal cortex activity during emotion processing. This study examines prefrontal cortex response to negative emotional stimuli, particularly traffic accident images, across drivers diverse in age and gender. METHOD: The study involved 118 healthy males (44.38 ± 12.98 years) and 84 females (38.89 ± 10.60 years). The Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI) was used to assess driving behavior alongside fNIRS recordings. Participants viewed traffic accident and neutral images while prefrontal oxygenation was monitored. RESULTS: Women rated traffic accidents (t-test = 2.43; p < 0.016) and neutral images (t-test = 2.19; p < 0.030) lower in valence than men. Arousal differences were significant for traffic accident images (t-test = -3.06; p < 0.002). correlational analysis found an inverse relationship between Dissociative scale scores and oxygenation (all p-values ≤ 0.013). Greater prefrontal oxygenation occurred with neutral images compared to traffic accidents. Left hemisphere differences (t-test = 3.23; p < 0.001) exceeded right hemisphere differences (t-test = 2.46; p < 0.015). Subgroup analysis showed male participants to be driving these disparities. Among adaptive drivers, significant oxygenation differences between neutral and accident images were evident in both hemispheres (left: t-test = 2.72, p < 0.009; right: t-test = 2.22, p < 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Male drivers with maladaptive driving styles, particularly dissociative ones, exhibit reduced prefrontal oxygenation when exposed to neutral and traffic accident images. This response was absent in female drivers, with no notable age-related differences.

Sleep debt-induced anxiety and addiction to substances of abuse: A narrative review.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) has been conceptualized as an outcome of a dysregulated reward system. However, individuals with SUD suffer from anxiety with an intensity depending on the abstinence period length. This review discusses the role of anxiety as a major contributor to the initiation and perpetuation of SUD, and its dependence on an up-regulated defense-antireward system. In addition, it is discussed that sleep debt, and its psychosocial consequences, promote anxiety, contributing to SUD generation and maintenance. Healthy sleep patterns can be disrupted by diverse medical conditions and negative psychosocial interactions, resulting in accumulated sleep debt and anxiety. Within this narrative review, we discuss the interplay between the motivation-reward and defense-antireward systems, framing the progression from recreational drug use to addiction. This interplay is nuanced by sleep debt-induced anxiety and its psychosocial consequences as contributory vulnerability factors in the genesis of addiction.

Activity-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Male Rats Underlies Resilience-Related Behaviors to Social Adversity.

Individuals considered resilient can overcome adversity, achieving normal physical and psychological development, while those deemed vulnerable may not. Adversity promotes structural and functional alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. Moreover, activity-dependent synaptic plasticity is intricately linked to neuronal shaping resulting from experiences. We hypothesize that this plasticity plays a crucial role in resilience processes. However, there is a notable absence of studies investigating this plasticity and behavioral changes following social adversity at different life stages. Consequently, we evaluated the impact of social adversity during early postnatal development (maternal separation [MS]), adulthood (social defeat [SD]), and a combined exposure (MS + SD) on behavioral outcomes (anxiety, motivation, anhedonia, and social interaction). We also examined cFos expression induced by social interaction in mPFC and hippocampus of adult male rats. Behavioral analyses revealed that SD-induced anhedonia, whereas MS + SD increased social interaction and mitigated SD-induced anhedonia. cFos evaluation showed that social interaction heightened plasticity in the prelimbic (PrL) and infralimbic (IL) cortices, dentate gyrus (DG), CA3, and CA1. Social interaction-associated plasticity was compromised in IL and PrL cortices of the MS and SD groups. Interestingly, social interaction-induced plasticity was restored in the MS + SD group. Furthermore, plasticity was impaired in DG by all social stressors, and in CA3 was impaired by SD. Our findings suggest in male rats (i) two adverse social experiences during development foster resilience; (ii) activity-dependent plasticity in the mPFC is a foundation for resilience to social adversity; (iii) plasticity in DG is highly susceptible to social adversity.

Effect of non-thermal acidic and alkaline modifications on the structural, pasting, rheological, and functional properties of cassava (Manihot esculenta) starch.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of acid or alkali modification of isolated cassava starch (ICS) on its physicochemical properties. Acetic acid concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v (0.87, 1.73, and 3.46 M, respectively) and calcium hydroxide concentrations of 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.30% w/w (0.02, 0.025, and 0.04 M, respectively) were tested independently and compared with untreated isolated starch. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows starches with polyhedral and semispherical shapes; these modifications do not change the surface of the starch granules. Nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure were extracted from ICS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows crystallites with a size (two-dimensional) of 20 ± 5 nm in length and 10 ± 2 nm in width and reveals that this starch contains nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure. The X-ray patterns show that these nanocrystals are unaffected by acidic or alkaline treatments. The Ca+2 and CH3COO- ions do not interact with these nanocrystals. The alkaline treatment only affects the gelatinization temperature at a Ca(OH)2 concentration of 0.30%. Low concentrations of acidic and alkaline treatments affect the ability of cassava starch to absorb water and reduce the peak and final viscosity. The infrared spectra show that the modifications lead to C-H and C═C bond formations. ICS-B 0.30 can modify the amorphous regions of the starch, and the acid treatment leads to acetylation, which was confirmed by the presence of an IR band at 1740 cm-1.

Donor-derived bartonellosis in solid organ transplant recipients from unhoused donors in Alberta.

Bartonella quintana infection is rarely described to be transmitted through solid organ transplant (SOT). We report a cluster of using donor-derived B quintana infection and the attack rate from Bartonella seropositive donors. In this retrospective study of SOT recipients that received an organ from an unhoused deceased donor (UDD) in Alberta in 2022-2023, serology testing for Bartonella was performed indirect immunofluorescent assay on UDDs and recipients of UDDs with positive serology. Titers ≥1:64 were considered positive. During the study period, 31/32 UDDs were tested for immunoglobulin G to Bartonella (20 negative, 11 positive for B quintana and/or B henselae). Thirty-two organs were transplanted from the 11 seropositive donors. Six SOT recipients developed bartonellosis secondary to B quintana (4 SOT recipients received organs from 3 seropositive donors, and 2 SOT recipients from 1 UDD with no stored sample for testing). The attack rate for clinical disease from positive donors was 12.5% (4/32). The main presentation was skin nodules/papules (median 5.5 months) with bacillary angiomatosis in 4/6. Bartonella serology was positive in 5/6 SOT recipients (initially negative in 2) and blood B quintana quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 1. None had visceral involvement. All donors had history of substance use. This outbreak of bartonellosis reinforces the potential for unexpected donor-transmitted infections. Clinicians should be aware of high transmission of B quintana through transplant from infected UDDs.

Sugar assimilation underlying dietary evolution of Neotropical bats.

Dietary specializations in animals lead to adaptations in morphology, anatomy and physiology. Neotropical bats, with their high taxonomic and trophic diversity, offer a unique perspective on diet-driven evolutionary adaptations. Here we assess the metabolic response to different dietary sugars among wild-caught bats. We found that insectivorous bats had a pronounced metabolic response to trehalose, whereas bats with nectar and fruit-based diets showed significantly higher blood glucose levels in response to glucose and sucrose, reaching levels over 750 mg dl-1. The genomic analysis of 22 focal species and two outgroup species identified positive selection for the digestive enzyme trehalase in insect eaters, while sucrase-isomaltase showed selection in lineages with omnivorous and nectar diets. By examining anatomical and cellular features of the small intestine, we discovered that dietary sugar proportion strongly impacted numerous digestive traits, providing valuable insight into the physiological implications of molecular adaptations. Using hybridization chain reaction (HCR) RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, we observed unusually high expression in the glucose transporter gene Slc2a2 in nectar bats, while fruit bats increased levels of Slc5a1 and Slc2a5. Overall, this study highlights the intricate interplay between molecular, morphological and physiological aspects of diet evolution, offering new insights into the mechanisms of dietary diversification and sugar assimilation in mammals.

Executive functions and their relationship with age: Insights from a novel neuropsychological Assessment Battery in Children-a pilot study.

Executive functions (EFs) are a set of cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage and coordinate their thoughts and actions toward achieving specific goals. EFs include planning, organizing, initiating, and monitoring actions, and have been found to improve with age due to the maturation of the brain, especially during childhood. Therefore, our correlational study sought to determine the relationship between the performance in executive functions and age in 79 children (36 girls, 45.6%) throughout development, between the ages of 6 and 12 (mean = 9.25; SD = 2.05), using a battery designed in Chile: BEFE (Batería de Evaluación de las Funciones Ejecutivas: Executive Function Assessment Battery) based on traditional neuropsychological tests to evaluate Working Memory, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Planning skills. Our results showed various correlations between the variables age and performance in various behavioral parameters, demonstrating an increase in the number of correct responses (positive correlation) and/or a decrease in errors (negative correlation) with age (6-12) in the subtests that correspond to dimensions of Cognitive Flexibility (Semantic and Phonological Fluency, Card Sorting Game, and Tracing Tasks), Inhibitory Control (ENA-F and Sentence Completion), Working Memory (Audio-verbal WM Forward and Ordering, and Visuospatial WM Forward and Backward), and Planning (La Portada de Antofagasta and FISA Maps). These results are consistent with previous empirical evidence and support the notion of a developmental relationship between EF performance and age. Additionally, this study contributes to understanding EF development in culturally specific contexts, highlighting the importance of contextually relevant assessment tools in evaluating cognitive development.

Identification of Peripheral Fatigue through Exercise-Induced Changes in Muscle Contractility.

The aim of this study was to assess whether tensiomyography is a tool sensitive enough to detect peripheral fatigue. Twenty-six strength-trained men were split into two groups: 1) a fatigued group (FG), who performed a full-squat (SQ) standardized warm-up plus 3 x 8 SQs with 75% 1RM with a 5-min rest interval, and 2) a non-fatigued group (NFG), who only did the SQ standardized warm-up. The countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal isometric force (MIF) in the SQ at 90º knee flexion, and TMG in vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles were assessed pre- and post-protocols. Data were analyzed through mixed ANOVA, logistic regression analysis, and receiver-operating curves. There were significant group x time interactions (p < 0.01) for CMJ height, MIF, maximal radial displacement (Dm), and radial displacement velocity (Vrd90) since the FG acutely decreased in these variables, while no significant changes were observed for the NFG. The logistic regression showed a significant model for detecting fatigue, whether it used the CMJ or MIF, with only the relative change in VL-Vrd90 as a fatigue predictor. The determination of the area under the curve showed that Dm and Vrd90 had good to excellent discriminative ability. Dm and Vrd90 are sensitive to detect fatigue in VL and VM muscles in resistance training contexts.

[Association between induced abortion and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Asociación entre aborto inducido y depresión: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

This article is a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) whose objective was to identify the association between induced abortion and the development of depression, based on the Cochrane guidelines for SRs. A systematic search was carried out in the WoS, PubMed and Scopus databases. Retrospective and prospective cohort studies, carried out until November 2020, that evaluated a population of women in childbearing age (12 to 46 years) with at least 1 induced and/or provoked abortion, including pharma-cological and surgical abortion. Only studies with healthy women at the beginning of the research were included, i.e., with absence of psychiatric pathology prior to induced abor-tion. The quality of the included studies was measured with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and for the MA random-effects models were specified using the DerSimonian & Laird method, grouping them into follow-up after abortion before and after one year. The results of the SR were measured with relative risk (RR), hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR), and the chi-square test, which assessed the intensity of the statistical relationship between population and exposure. Systematic review demonstrated an OR of 1.38 (95% CI 1.14-1.68) of depression after induced abortion. Meta-analysis demonstrated a statis-tically significant association between depression and induced abortion when the as-sessment after one year was performed OR: 1.37 (95% CI 1.09-1.71). The risks, harms and mental health consequences of induced abortion, such as depression, should be in-vestigated and warned.

El presente artículo es una revisión sistemática (RS) y metaanálisis (MA) cuyo objetivo fue identificar la asociación entre el aborto inducido y el desarrollo de depresión, con base en los lineamientos Cochrane para RS. Se hizo la búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos WoS, PubMed y Scopus. Se incluyeron estudios de cohorte retrospectivos y prospectivos, hasta noviembre de 2020, que evaluaron una población de mujeres en edad fértil (12 a 46 años) con al menos un aborto inducido o provocado, incluido el aborto farmacológico y el quirúrgico. Solo se incluyeron estudios con mujeres sanas al inicio de la investigación, es decir, con ausencia de patología psiquiátrica previa al aborto inducido. La calidad de los estudios incluidos se midió con la Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) y para el MA se especificaron modelos de efectos aleatorios con el método de DerSimonian & Laird y se agruparon en seguimiento posterior al aborto antes y después de un año. Los resultados de la RS fueron medidos con riesgo relativo (RR), hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR) y la prueba de chi cuadrado, que valoraron la intensidad de la relación estadística entre la población y la exposición. La RS demostró un OR 1.38 (IC 95% 1.14-1.68) de depresión tras el aborto inducido. El MA demostró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la depresión y el aborto inducido cuando se hizo la evaluación posterior a un año OR: 1.37 (IC 95% 1.09-1.71). Se deberían investigar y advertir los riesgos, daños y consecuencias en la salud mental, como la depresión, tras el aborto inducido.

Canalicular obstructions after monkeypox infection.

We report two cases of lacrimal obstruction after ocular infection with monkeypox virus (MPX) in the 2022 outbreak. One of them was a distal canalicular obstruction and the other was a proximal canalicular obstruction. In the first days of MPX they presented with conjunctivitis and periocular skin vesicles. Several months after the ophthalmic condition was cured, they showed persistence of epiphora, and the lacrimal problem was diagnosed. The photographs taken during the inflammation of the anterior pole were reviewed and vesicles located in the same area as the canalicular damage were observed. One patient underwent a canaliculodacryorhinostomy and the other an exploratory punctoplasty. Both surgical operations failed to restore normal tear flow. Lacrimal drainage disorders related to ocular MPX have not yet been described. And, in addition, these cases are the first relation of viral vesicular skin lesions and canalicular obstructions.

Population genetic data for 23 STR loci (PowerPlex Fusion 6C™ kit) genetic markers in the Lenca ethnic group in Honduras.

We have studied the allele frequencies for 23 STR autosomal loci (CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, vWA, D1S1656, D2S1338, D2S441, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D10S1248, D12S391, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11; with the purpose to increase the power of discrimination, the markers Penta D, Penta E, D22S1045, TPOX and SE33 were included), from a sample of 100 unrelated individuals of Lenca ethnic group in Honduras, Central America.

Donor-Derived Bartonella quintana Infection in Solid Organ Transplantation: An Emerging Public Health Issue With Diagnostic Challenges.

Bartonella quintana is a louse-borne intracellular bacterium that remains a neglected cause of bacteremia, bacillary angiomatosis, and infective endocarditis among individuals experiencing poverty. In October 2023, Health Canada notified Canadian organ transplantation programs of an outbreak of donor-derived B quintana infection. From March to August 2023, 5 cases of donor-derived B quintana disease were acquired in Alberta, Canada, from 3 deceased donors who had experienced homelessness. Similar cases recently occurred in the United States. In this article, we discuss strategies to screen organ donors and monitor transplant recipients for B quintana infection using epidemiologic risk factors, physical examination signs, and laboratory diagnostic tests. We review the limitations of existing diagnostic tests for B quintana and describe how these problems may be magnified in the organ transplantation context.

Deformity correction from the convexity of the curve in neuromuscular scoliosis.

Background: "Convex Pedicle Screw Technique" reduces the theoretical risk of neurovascular injury. Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of this technique in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). Methods: Retrospective study of 12 patients who underwent a Convex Pedicle Screw Technique and were diagnosed with NMS. Patients who had undergone previous spinal surgery were excluded. The minimum follow-up required was 24 months. Demographic data, intraoperative data, neurovascular complications and neurophysiological events requiring implant repositioning, as well as pre- and postoperative radiological variables were collected. Results: Twelve patients diagnosed with NMS underwent surgery. The median operative time was 217 minutes. Mean blood loss was 3.8±1.1 g/dL hemoglobin (Hb). The median postoperative stay was 8.8±4 days. A reduction of the Cobb angle in primary curve of 49.1% (from 52.8°±18° to 26.5°±12.6°; P<0.001) and in secondary curve of 25.2% (from 27.8°±18.9° to 18.3°±13.3°; P=0.10) was achieved. Coronal balance improved by 69.4% (7.5±46.2 vs. 2.3±20.9 mm; P=0.72) and sagittal balance by 75% (from -14.1±71.8 vs. -3.5±48.6 mm; P=0.50). There were no neurovascular complications. There were no intraoperative neurophysiological events requiring implant repositioning, nor during reduction maneuvers. No infections were reported. Conclusions: The correction of the deformity from convexity in NMS achieves similar results to other techniques, and a very low complication rate.