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1.
Curr Issues Mol Biol ; 46(6): 5744-5776, 2024 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38921015

ABSTRACT

In the SARS-CoV-2 lineage, RNA elements essential for its viral life cycle, including genome replication and gene expression, have been identified. Still, the precise structures and functions of these RNA regions in coronaviruses remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge points out the need for further research to better understand these crucial aspects of viral biology and, in time, prepare for future outbreaks. In this research, the in silico analysis of the cis RNA structures that act in the alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and deltacoronavirus genera has provided a detailed view of the presence and adaptation of the structures of these elements in coronaviruses. The results emphasize the importance of these cis elements in viral biology and their variability between different viral variants. Some coronavirus variants in some groups, depending on the cis element (stem-loop1 and -2; pseudoknot stem-loop1 and -2, and s2m), exhibited functional adaptation. Additionally, the conformation flexibility of the s2m element in the SARS variants was determined, suggesting a coevolution of this element in this viral group. The variability in secondary structures suggests genomic adaptations that may be related to replication processes, genetic regulation, as well as the specific pathogenicity of each variant. The results suggest that RNA structures in coronaviruses can adapt and evolve toward different viral variants, which has important implications for viral adaptation, pathogenicity, and future therapeutic strategies.

2.
J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech ; 10(3): 101456, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38510087

ABSTRACT

We present with full and proper consent of the patient, the case of a 64-year-old man with severe peripheral arterial disease and a known chronic infrarenal aortic occlusion causing severe short-distance claudication. Preoperative computed tomography angiography was significant for a new "cylindrical" calcified lesion. During the elective surgery, the lesion was confirmed to be a coronary stent. The coronary stent was confirmed to be from the patient's prior percutaneous coronary intervention to the left anterior descending artery 1 year prior. The stent was removed without complications by the surgical team. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case to be described in current literature. This patient is currently alive, and a revision of his left anterior descending artery intervention was found to be unwarranted on repeat coronary angiography.

3.
Viruses ; 16(2)2024 01 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38399957

ABSTRACT

In 2019-2020, dengue virus (DENV) type 4 emerged to cause the largest DENV outbreak in Paraguay's history. This study sought to characterize dengue relative to other acute illness cases and use phylogenetic analysis to understand the outbreak's origin. Individuals with an acute illness (≤7 days) were enrolled and tested for DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and viral RNA by real-time RT-PCR. Near-complete genome sequences were obtained from 62 DENV-4 positive samples. From January 2019 to March 2020, 799 participants were enrolled: 253 dengue (14 severe dengue, 5.5%) and 546 other acute illness cases. DENV-4 was detected in 238 dengue cases (94.1%). NS1 detection by rapid test was 52.5% sensitive (53/101) and 96.5% specific (387/401) for dengue compared to rRT-PCR. DENV-4 sequences were grouped into two clades within genotype II. No clustering was observed based on dengue severity, location, or date. Sequences obtained here were most closely related to 2018 DENV-4 sequences from Paraguay, followed by a 2013 sequence from southern Brazil. DENV-4 can result in large outbreaks, including severe cases, and is poorly detected with available rapid diagnostics. Outbreak strains seem to have been circulating in Paraguay and Brazil prior to 2018, highlighting the importance of sustained DENV genomic surveillance.


Subject(s)
Dengue Virus , Dengue , Humans , Dengue Virus/genetics , Dengue/diagnosis , Dengue/epidemiology , Paraguay/epidemiology , Phylogeny , Acute Disease , Genotype , Disease Outbreaks
4.
Ann Surg ; 279(6): 1062-1069, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38385282

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate how implementing a thoracic enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol impacted surgical outcomes after elective anatomic lung resection. BACKGROUND: The effect of implementing the ERAS Society/European Society of Thoracic Surgery thoracic ERAS protocol on postoperative outcomes throughout an entire health care system has not yet been reported. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study within one health care system (January 2019-March, 2023). A thoracic ERAS protocol was implemented on May 1, 2021 for elective anatomic lung resections, and postoperative outcomes were tracked using the electronic health record and Vizient data. The primary outcome was overall morbidity; secondary outcomes included individual complications, length of stay, opioid use, chest tube duration, and total cost. Patients were grouped into pre-ERAS and post-ERAS cohorts. Bivariable comparisons were performed using independent t -test, χ 2 , or Fisher exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for confounders. RESULTS: There were 1007 patients in the cohort; 450 (44.7%) were in the post-ERAS group. Mean age was 66.2 years; most patients were female (65.1%), white (83.8%), had a body mass index between 18.5 and 29.9 (69.7%), and were ASA class 3 (80.6%). Patients in the postimplementation group had lower risk-adjusted rates of any morbidity, respiratory complication, pneumonia, surgical site infection, arrhythmias, infections, opioid usage, ICU use, and shorter postoperative length of stay (all P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative outcomes were improved after the implementation of an evidence-based thoracic ERAS protocol throughout the health care system. This study validates the ERAS Society/European Society of Thoracic Surgery guidelines and demonstrates that simultaneous multihospital implementation can be feasible and effective.


Subject(s)
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery , Pneumonectomy , Postoperative Complications , Humans , Female , Male , Aged , Prospective Studies , Pneumonectomy/methods , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Middle Aged , Clinical Protocols , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data
5.
J Pediatr ; 266: 113877, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38135028

ABSTRACT

We evaluated changes in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) diagnosis and treatment from 2012 through 2021 in a network of US academic hospitals. PDA treatment decreased among infants born at 26-28 weeks but not among infants born at 22-25 weeks. Rates of indomethacin use and PDA ligation decreased while acetaminophen use and transcatheter PDA closure increased.


Subject(s)
Ductus Arteriosus, Patent , Infant, Newborn , Infant , United States , Child , Humans , Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/surgery , Infant, Premature , Ibuprofen/therapeutic use , National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.) , Indomethacin/therapeutic use
6.
J Cell Sci ; 136(22)2023 11 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37921359

ABSTRACT

The nucleolus is sensitive to stress and can orchestrate a chain of cellular events in response to stress signals. Despite being a growth factor, FGF2 has antiproliferative and tumor-suppressive functions in some cellular contexts. In this work, we investigated how the antiproliferative effect of FGF2 modulates chromatin-, nucleolus- and rDNA-associated proteins. The chromatin and nucleolar proteome indicated that FGF2 stimulation modulates proteins related to transcription, rRNA expression and chromatin-remodeling proteins. The global transcriptional rate and nucleolus area increased along with nucleolar disorganization upon 24 h of FGF2 stimulation. FGF2 stimulation induced immature rRNA accumulation by increasing rRNA transcription. The rDNA-associated protein analysis reinforced that FGF2 stimulus interferes with transcription and rRNA processing. RNA Pol I inhibition partially reversed the growth arrest induced by FGF2, indicating that changes in rRNA expression might be crucial for triggering the antiproliferative effect. Taken together, we demonstrate that the antiproliferative FGF2 stimulus triggers significant transcriptional changes and modulates the main cell transcription site, the nucleolus.


Subject(s)
Cell Nucleolus , Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 , Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/genetics , Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/pharmacology , Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism , Cell Nucleolus/metabolism , RNA, Ribosomal/genetics , RNA, Ribosomal/metabolism , Transcription, Genetic , DNA, Ribosomal/genetics , Chromatin/genetics , Chromatin/metabolism
7.
Microb Genom ; 9(7)2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37439781

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter baumannii is one the most worrisome nosocomial pathogens, which has long been considered almost mainly as a hospital-associated bacterium. There have been some studies about animal and environmental isolates over the last decade. However, little effort has been made to determine if this pathogen dwells in the grass. Here, we aim to determine the evolutionary relationships and antibiotic resistance of clones of A. baumannii sampled from grass to the major human international clones and animal clones. Two hundred and forty genomes were considered in total from four different sources for this study. Our core and accessory genomic epidemiology analyses showed that grass isolates cluster in seven groups well differentiated from one another and from the major human and animal isolates. Furthermore, we found new sequence types under both multilocus sequence typing schemes: two under the Pasteur scheme and seven for the Oxford scheme. The grass isolates contained fewer antibiotic-resistance genes and were not resistant to the antibiotics tested. Our results demonstrate that these novel clones appear to have limited antibiotic resistance potential. Given our findings, we propose that genomic epidemiology and surveillance of A. baumannii should go beyond the hospital settings and consider the environment in an explicit One Health approach.


Subject(s)
Acinetobacter baumannii , beta-Lactamases , Animals , Humans , beta-Lactamases/genetics , Acinetobacter baumannii/genetics , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Multilocus Sequence Typing , Clone Cells
8.
Ann Vasc Surg ; 97: 66-73, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37244482

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aortobifemoral bypass (ABF) remains an important treatment modality in the revascularization of aortoiliac occlusive disease. Despite ABF being performed for decades, questions remain regarding the preferred technique for the proximal anastomosis, specifically whether an end-to-end (EE) or an end-to-side (ES) configuration is superior. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of ABF based on proximal configuration. METHODS: We queried the Vascular Quality Initiative registry for ABF procedures performed between 2009 and 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare perioperative and 1-year outcomes between EE and ES configurations. RESULTS: Of the 6,782 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 60.0 [54-66 years]) who underwent ABF, 3,524 (52%) had an EE proximal anastomosis and 3,258 (48%) had an ES proximal anastomosis. Postoperatively, the ES cohort had a higher frequency of extubation in the operating room (80.3% vs. 77.4%; P < 0.01), lower change in renal function (8.8% vs. 11.5%; P < 0.01), and lower use of vasopressors (15.6% vs. 19.1%; P < 0.01), but higher rates of unanticipated return to the operating room (10.2% vs. 8.7%; P = 0.037) compared with the EE configuration. At 1-year follow-up, the ES cohort had a significantly lower primary graft patency rate (87.5% vs. 90.2%; P < 0.01) and higher rates of graft revision (4.8% vs. 3.1%; P < 0.01) and claudication symptoms (11.6% vs. 9.9%; P < 0.01). The ES configuration was significantly associated with a higher rate of 1-year major limb amputations in univariate (1.6% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.01) and multivariate (odds ratio, 1.95, confidence interval, 1.18-3.23, P=<0.01) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: While the ES cohort seemed to have less physiologic insult immediately postoperatively, the EE configuration appeared to have improved 1-year outcomes. To our knowledge, this study is one of the largest population-based studies comparing the outcomes of the proximal anastomotic configurations. Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine which configuration is optimal.


Subject(s)
Intermittent Claudication , Vascular Surgical Procedures , Humans , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Patency , Vascular Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Anastomosis, Surgical , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Femoral Artery/diagnostic imaging , Femoral Artery/surgery
9.
J Trauma Acute Care Surg ; 95(2): 276-284, 2023 08 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36872517

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: The US-Mexico border is the busiest land crossing in the world and faces continuously increasing numbers of undocumented border crossers. Significant barriers to crossing are present in many regions of the border, including walls, bridges, rivers, canals, and the desert, each with unique features that can cause traumatic injury. The number of patients injured attempting to cross the border is also increasing, but significant knowledge gaps regarding these injuries and their impacts remain. The purpose of this scoping literature review is to describe the current state of trauma related to the US-Mexico border to draw attention to the problem, identify knowledge gaps in the existing literature, and introduce the creation of a consortium made up of representatives from border trauma centers in the Southwestern United States, the Border Region Doing Research on Trauma Consortium. Consortium members will collaborate to produce multicenter up-to-date data on the medical impact of the US-Mexico border, helping to elucidate the true magnitude of the problem and shed light on the impact cross-border trauma has on migrants, their families, and the US health care system. Only once the problem is fully described can meaningful solutions be provided.


Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care , Trauma Centers , Humans , United States/epidemiology , Mexico/epidemiology , Multicenter Studies as Topic
10.
J Trauma Acute Care Surg ; 95(2): 220-225, 2023 08 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36972427

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: San Diego County's geographic location lends a unique demographic of migrant patients injured by falls at the United States-Mexico border. To prevent migrant crossings, a 2017 Executive Order allocated funds to increase the southern California border wall height from 10 ft to 30 ft, which was completed in December 2019. We hypothesized that the elevated border wall height is associated with increased major trauma, resource utilization, and health care costs. METHODS: Retrospective trauma registry review of border wall falls was performed by the two Level I trauma centers that admit border fall patients from the southern California border from January 2016 to June 2022. Patients were assigned to either "pre-2020" or "post-2020" subgroups based upon timing of completion of the heightened border wall. Total number of admissions, operating room utilization, hospital charges, and hospital costs were compared. RESULTS: Injuries from border wall falls grew 967% from 2016 to 2021 (39 vs. 377 admissions); this percentage is expected to be supplanted in 2022. When comparing the two subgroups, operating room utilization (175 vs. 734 total operations) and median hospital charges per patient ($95,229 vs. $168,795) have risen dramatically over the same time period. Hospital costs increased 636% in the post-2020 subgroup ($11,351,216 versus $72,172,123). The majority (97%) of these patients are uninsured at admission, with costs largely subsidized by federal government entities (57%) or through state Medicaid enrollment postadmission (31%). CONCLUSION: The increased height of the United States-Mexico border wall has resulted in record numbers of injured migrant patients, placing novel financial and resource burdens on already stressed trauma systems. To address this public health crisis, legislators and health care providers must conduct collaborative, apolitical discussions regarding the border wall's efficacy as a means of deterrence and its impact on traumatic injury and disability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.


Subject(s)
Hospitalization , Trauma Centers , Humans , United States/epidemiology , Mexico , Retrospective Studies , Hospital Costs
11.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 17(2): e0010750, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36848385

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most common vector-borne viral disease worldwide. Most cases are mild, but some evolve into severe dengue (SD), with high lethality. Therefore, it is important to identify biomarkers of severe disease to improve outcomes and judiciously utilize resources. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: One hundred forty-five confirmed dengue cases (median age, 42; range <1-91 years), enrolled from February 2018 to March 2020, were selected from an ongoing study of suspected arboviral infections in metropolitan Asunción, Paraguay. Cases included dengue virus types 1, 2, and 4, and severity was categorized according to the 2009 World Health Organization guidelines. Testing for anti-dengue virus IgM and IgG and serum biomarkers (lipopolysaccharide binding protein and chymase) was performed on acute-phase sera in plate-based ELISAs; in addition, a multiplex ELISA platform was used to measure anti-dengue virus and anti-Zika virus IgM and IgG. Complete blood counts and chemistries were performed at the discretion of the care team. Age, gender, and pre-existing comorbidities were associated with SD vs. dengue with/without warning signs in logistic regression with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.07 (per year; 95% confidence interval, 1.03, 1.11), 0.20 (female; 0.05,0.77), and 2.09 (presence; 1.26, 3.48) respectively. In binary logistic regression, for every unit increase in anti-DENV IgG in the multiplex platform, odds of SD increased by 2.54 (1.19-5.42). Platelet count, lymphocyte percent, and elevated chymase were associated with SD in a combined logistic regression model with ORs of 0.99 (1,000/µL; 0.98,0.999), 0.92 (%; 0.86,0.98), and 1.17 (mg/mL; 1.03,1.33) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple, readily available factors were associated with SD in this population. These findings will aid in the early detection of potentially severe dengue cases and inform the development of new prognostics for use in acute-phase and serial samples from dengue cases.


Subject(s)
Flavivirus , Severe Dengue , Adult , Female , Humans , Antibodies, Viral , Biomarkers , Chymases , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Immunoglobulin G , Immunoglobulin M , Severe Dengue/diagnosis , Male
12.
Chest ; 163(3): 650-661, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36521560

ABSTRACT

Chest radiography (CXR) continues to be the most frequently performed imaging examination worldwide, yet it remains prone to frequent errors in interpretation. These pose potential adverse consequences to patients and are a leading motivation for medical malpractice lawsuits. Commonly missed CXR findings and the principal causes of these errors are reviewed and illustrated. Perceptual errors are the predominant source of these missed findings. The medicolegal implications of such errors are explained. Awareness of commonly missed CXR findings, their causes, and their consequences are important in developing approaches to reduce and mitigate these errors.


Subject(s)
Emergency Service, Hospital , Radiography, Thoracic , Humans , Radiography, Thoracic/methods , Radiography , Retrospective Studies
13.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil ; 104(1): 11-17, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36202227

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of individuals receiving outpatient rehabilitation for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Further, to examine factors associated with variation in their psychological and cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Outpatient COVID-19 recovery clinic at a large, tertiary, urban health system in the US. PARTICIPANTS: COVID-19 survivors with persistent sequelae (N=324). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to examine factors associated with COVID survivors' experience of severe anxiety, severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cognitive impairment, and self-reported health-related quality of life. RESULTS: About 38% of survivors seeking care for their persistent COVID symptoms suffered from severe anxiety, 31.8% from severe depression, 43% experiencing moderate to severe PTSD symptomology, and 17.5% had cognitive impairment. Their health-related quality of life was substantially lower than that of the general population (-26%) and of persons with other chronic conditions. Poor and African American/Black individuals experienced worse psychological and cognitive sequelae after COVID19 infection, even after controlling for age, sex, initial severity of the acute infection, and time since diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of consistent disparities in outcomes by the patients' race and socioeconomic status, even among those with access to post-acute COVID rehabilitation care, are concerning and have significant implications for PASC policy and program development.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Outpatients , Quality of Life , Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome , SARS-CoV-2 , Cognition , Disease Progression
14.
Food Sci Technol Int ; 29(6): 573-585, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35549737

ABSTRACT

The immobilization of bacteria cells has shown to be an efficient technology to improve cell viability. This study used lyophilized and pulverized coffee pulp (LPC) and LPC functionalized with theobromine at two concentrations, 3.1 w/w and 2.4 w/w named as LPF1 and LPF2, respectively, to immobilize Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 cells (biomaterials) and increase the viability of the cell at storage and gastrointestinal conditions. To characterize the biomaterials, SEM, Dynamic Light Scattering, TGA, , FTIR and Isoeletrc Point measurements (or zeta potential measurements) were carried out. To evaluate the effectiveness of immobilization, cell viability as a function of storage time and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was evaluated. Regarding the characterization of the materials, the particle sizes were 21.7 to 334.4 nm and they experienced mass losses of less than 10% at 100 °C. The FTIR indicated the presence of functional groups related to caffeine, chlorogenic acid, sucrose, arabinogalactans, carbohydrates, and proteins in all biomaterials. The sorption kinetic parameters showed an adsorptive capacity between 3.0 × 109 and 8.0 × 109 CFU/g, being LPF1 the best materials to immobilize the cells, associated with LPF1 surface properties. The viability was higher for immobilized cells than for free cells, when left in storage and under simulated gastric conditions. Finally, the biomaterials could be used in the preparation of probiotic diets based on lactobacilli. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study regarding the use of waste from coffee agribusiness to develop probiotic biocarriers which opens up possibilities for future developments.


Subject(s)
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus , Probiotics , Lactobacillus , Kinetics , Microbial Viability
15.
Molecules ; 27(19)2022 Oct 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36235198

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of different storage temperatures (35-55 °C) on the bioactive substances and antioxidant properties of Hyeronima macrocarpa berries loaded on nanocellulose. NC was extracted from banana pseudo-stems and presented an interesting surface and porosity properties. The acidified ethanol extract showed better anthocyanin extraction (1317 mg C3G eq./100 g FW) and was used for the preparation of the powdered product, which presented an intense and uniform magenta color, with CIELAB parameters of L* = 59.16, a* = 35.61, and b* = 7.08. The powder exhibited significant stability at storage temperatures of 35 and 45 °C, in which there was no significant loss of anthocyanins or a decrease in antioxidant capacity. In addition, the color was stable for up to 4 months without adding any preservative agent. The anthocyanin-rich extract of H. macrocarpa reached an estimated shelf-life of 315 days (stored at 35 °C), as a result of the impregnation process between the extract and NC, with the ability to protect the bioactives from degradation, due to NC surface properties.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Fruit , Anthocyanins/metabolism , Antioxidants/metabolism , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Ethanol/metabolism , Fruit/metabolism , Plant Extracts/metabolism , Powders/metabolism , Rosaniline Dyes
16.
Rev Esc Enferm USP ; 56: e20220104, 2022.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36122362

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception of culture and experience of working in European health services of a purposive sample of qualified migrant and ethnic minority nurses currently living in Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. METHOD: A qualitative phenomenological method was chosen. Individual interviews took place with 8 qualified migrant and ethnic minority nurses currently living in four European countries. Thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clark's stages after qualitative data had been verbatim transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed. RESULTS: Four themes and 4 subthemes emerged from thematic analysis of the transcripts. CONCLUSION: Migrant and ethnic minority nurses working in the European Union experience and witness discrimination and prejudice from patients and colleagues due to cultural differences. European health services should closely monitor and address discrimination and prejudice towards migrant and ethnic minority staff and patients, and take initiatives to reduce and, eventually, eradicate them.


Subject(s)
Nurses , Transients and Migrants , Ethnic and Racial Minorities , Ethnicity , Health Services , Humans , Minority Groups
17.
PeerJ ; 10: e13855, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36032953

ABSTRACT

Drift macroalgae, often found in clumps or mats adjacent to or within seagrass beds, can increase the value of seagrass beds as habitat for nekton via added food resources and structural complexity. But, as algal biomass increases, it can also decrease light availability, inhibit faunal movements, smother benthic communities, and contribute to hypoxia, all of which can reduce nekton abundance. We quantified the abundance and distribution of drift macroalgae within seagrass meadows dominated by turtle grass Thalassia testudinum across the northern Gulf of Mexico and compared seagrass characteristics to macroalgal biomass and distribution. Drift macroalgae were most abundant in areas with higher seagrass shoot densities and intermediate canopy heights. We did not find significant relationships between algal biomass and point measures of salinity, temperature, or depth. The macroalgal genera Laurencia and Gracilaria were present across the study region, Agardhiella and Digenia were collected in the western Gulf of Mexico, and Acanthophora was collected in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Our survey revealed drift algae to be abundant and widespread throughout seagrass meadows in the northern Gulf of Mexico, which likely influences the habitat value of seagrass ecosystems.


Subject(s)
Hydrocharitaceae , Seaweed , Ecosystem , Gulf of Mexico , Biomass
19.
Ann Vasc Surg ; 87: 64-70, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35595205

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Strategies for the most effective treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remain controversial among clinicians. Several trials have shown improved primary patency of femoropopliteal interventions with the utilization of paclitaxel-coated balloons or stents compared to conventional balloons or stents. However, a 2018 meta-analysis suggested an increased mortality risk for patients receiving drug-coated balloons or stents (DCBS), resulting in an international pause in the use of DCBS. A 2021 meta-analysis by the same group suggested an increased risk of major amputation following DCBS use in peripheral arterial revascularization procedures. Here we report our long-term institutional outcomes comparing uncoated devices to DCBS. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent peripheral arterial angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, or a combination between 2011 and 2020 within a regional healthcare system was performed. Univariate, multivariate, and survival analyses were performed using standard statistical methods to assess the primary end points of overall survival, 5-year survival, and amputation-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 2,717 patients were identified, of whom 1,965 were treated with conventional uncoated devices and 752 were treated with DCBS. A univariate analysis showed that patients treated with non-DCBS had higher rates of overall mortality, major amputations, and mortality at 1, 3, and 5 years. A multivariable analysis demonstrated that the use of conventional devices, age, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack, warfarin use, and atrial fibrillation all significantly increased the risk of 5-year mortality, overall mortality, and combined mortality and/or amputation. CONCLUSIONS: DCBS are not associated with increased mortality or worse amputation-free survival in this real-world cohort of patients treated for PAD. Our data suggest that mortality is more closely linked with pre-existing patient comorbidities rather than device selection at the time of revascularization.


Subject(s)
Angioplasty, Balloon , Peripheral Arterial Disease , Humans , Paclitaxel/adverse effects , Popliteal Artery , Vascular Patency , Coated Materials, Biocompatible , Treatment Outcome , Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnostic imaging , Peripheral Arterial Disease/therapy , Femoral Artery/surgery
20.
Rev. Esc. Enferm. USP ; Rev. Esc. Enferm. USP;56: e20220104, 2022. tab, graf
Article in English, Spanish | LILACS, BDENF - Nursing | ID: biblio-1406762

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the perception of culture and experience of working in European health services of a purposive sample of qualified migrant and ethnic minority nurses currently living in Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. Method: A qualitative phenomenological method was chosen. Individual interviews took place with 8 qualified migrant and ethnic minority nurses currently living in four European countries. Thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clark's stages after qualitative data had been verbatim transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed Results: Four themes and 4 subthemes emerged from thematic analysis of the transcripts. Conclusion: Migrant and ethnic minority nurses working in the European Union experience and witness discrimination and prejudice from patients and colleagues due to cultural differences. European health services should closely monitor and address discrimination and prejudice towards migrant and ethnic minority staff and patients, and take initiatives to reduce and, eventually, eradicate them.


RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a percepção da cultura e experiência de trabalho em serviços de saúde europeus de uma amostra intencional de enfermeiros qualificados migrantes e de minorias étnicas que moram atualmente na Bélgica, Portugal, Espanha e Turquia. Método: Optou-se pelo método fenomenológico qualitativo. Realizaram-se entrevistas individuais com 8 enfermeiros qualificados migrantes e de minorias étnicas que moram atualmente em quatro países europeus. A análise temática foi realizada por meio das etapas de Braun e Clark após os dados qualitativos terem sido transcritos na íntegra, traduzidos para o inglês e analisados. Resultados: Quatro temas e 4 subtemas emergiram da análise temática das transcrições. Conclusão: Enfermeiros migrantes e de minorias étnicas que trabalham na União Europeia vivenciam e testemunham discriminação e preconceito de pacientes e colegas devido a diferenças culturais. Os serviços de saúde europeus devem acompanhar de perto e combater a discriminação e o preconceito contra os trabalhadores e pacientes migrantes e de minorias étnicas, e tomar iniciativas para os reduzir e, em seguida, erradicá-los.


RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la percepción de la cultura y la experiencia de trabajar en los servicios de salud europeos de una muestra intencional de enfermeros calificados de minorías étnicas y migrantes que actualmente viven en Bélgica, Portugal, España y Turquía. Método: Se decidió utilizar un método cualitativo fenomenológico. Se realizaron entrevistas individuales con 8 enfermeros calificados inmigrantes y de minorías étnicas que actualmente viven en cuatro países europeos. El análisis temático se realizó utilizando las etapas de Braun y Clark después de que los datos cualitativos fueran transcritos palabra por palabra, traducidos al inglés y analizados. Resultados: Del análisis temático de las transcripciones surgieron 4 temas y 4 subtemas. Conclusión: Los enfermeros de minorías étnicas y migrantes que trabajan en la Unión Europea experimentan y son testigos de la discriminación y de los prejuicios de los pacientes y colegas sobre la base de la diferencia cultural. Los servicios de salud europeos deben monitorear de cerca y abordar la discriminación y los prejuicios hacia el personal y los pacientes de minorías étnicas y migrantes, y tomar iniciativas para reducirlos y, eventualmente, erradicarlos.


Subject(s)
Nursing , Cultural Diversity , Europe , Ambulatory Care , Health Equity , Qualitative Research , Cultural Competency
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