Assessing climate change and health provisions among staff in higher education institutions: A preliminary investigation.

Climate change can have direct and indirect effects on human health. Direct effects can include an increase in extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, as well as an increase in the spread of vector-borne and infectious diseases, which may lead to a set of health problems and diseases. Indirect effects can include changes in air quality, water availability, and food production and distribution. These changes can lead to an increase in respiratory problems, malnutrition, and increased food insecurity. There is a perceived need to investigate the extent to which Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are engaged in efforts to foster a greater understanding of the connections between climate change and health. In this context, this preliminary investigation offers an overview of the relationships between climate change and health. By means of a survey among teaching staff and researchers at HEIs from 42 countries across all continents working on the connection between climate change and health. The study has investigated the extent to which current provisions for education and training on the connection between climate change and health are being considered and how current needs in terms of policy development, research, and training are being met. A series of case studies illustrate how universities worldwide are actively developing strategies and implementing measures to address climate change and health. The study concludes by providing specific recommendations aimed at facilitating the handling of issues related to climate change and health in a higher education context.

An elderly patient's pancreatobiliary puzzle: unraveling diagnosis and treatment challenges.

Pancreatobiliary fistulas associated withntraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) are rare and present therapeutic challenges. The authors describe the clinical course of an 81-year-old woman presenting with acute cholangitis, ultimately diagnosed with IPMN involving secondary ducts with focal high-grade dysplasia. Initial manifestations included elevated inflammatory markers, cholestasis, and imaging findings of a pancreatic lesion. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed dilation of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, along a cystic cluster originating from the pancreas, fistulizing into the common bile duct. Despite initial endoscopic interventions, recurrent cholestasis persisted. Subsequent multidisciplinary evaluation led to a cephalic duodenopancreatectomy. This case underscores the rarity of pancreatobiliary fistulas associated with IPMNs and the subsequent therapeutic challenges. The absence of standardized treatment algorithms for such intricate cases emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches. The fluoroscopy image displaying a cystic cluster originating from the pancreas and showing fistulization into the common bile duct is a rare image presented in our report, unique to this case.

Testicular Seminoma Presenting as Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Rare Cause of Metastatic Disease in the Stomach.

Introduction: Gastric metastases are quite infrequent. When arising from testicular germ cell tumors, gastric metastases are usually associated with nonseminomas. Case Report: A 45-year-old man presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, severe anemia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Endoscopy revealed three atypical-looking gastric ulcers. Abdominal computed tomography showed an extensive heterogeneous retroperitoneal mass and a smaller one in the pelvis. Biopsies of both the ulcers and the retroperitoneal mass revealed a highly proliferative neoplasia of unknown origin. While the diagnostic work up was taking place, the patient complained of a testicular mass which was resected, after suspicious findings in the ultrasound. Histopathologic findings revealed a testicular seminoma. Revision of previous biopsies was compatible with metastatic seminoma to the stomach and the retroperitoneum. Discussion/Conclusion: Gastric metastasis arising from testicular seminoma is quite infrequent and usually diagnosed after the primary tumor is known. We report a rare case of a testicular seminoma presenting as upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastric metastases. This case highlights the importance of detailed anamnesis and physical examination in the differential diagnosis of atypical gastric ulcers with initial inconclusive work up and emphasizes an unusual manifestation of a germ cell malignancy.

Introdução: As metástases gástricas são bastante infrequentes. Quando são secundárias a tumores testiculares, geralmente as metástases gástricas associam-se a nãoseminomas. Caso Clínico: Um homem de 45 anos recorreu ao serviço de urgência por quadro de hemorragia digestiva alta, tendo-se detetado uma anemia grave e elevação da lactato desidrogenase. A endoscopia revelou três úlceras gástricas de aspeto atípico. A tomografia computorizada abdominal mostrou uma extensa massa heterogénea retroperitoneal e outra de menores dimensões na cavidade pélvica. Foram realizadas biópsias das úlceras gástricas e da massa retroperitoneal, sendo compatíveis com uma neoplasia altamente proliferativa de origem indeterminada. Durante a investigação etiológica, o doente referiu a deteção de uma massa testicular. Esta foi ressecada após a realização de ecografia com achados suspeitos. A histologia fez o diagnóstico de um seminoma testicular. A revisão das biópsias prévias foi compatível com metastização gástrica e retroperitoneal do seminoma. Discussão/Conclusão: A metastização gástrica com origem em seminomas do testículo é infrequente e geralmente é detetada após o diagnóstico do tumor primário. Apresenta-se um caso raro de manifestação inaugural de um seminoma testicular como hemorragia digestiva alta devido a metástases gástricas. Este caso evidencia a importância de uma anamnese e um exame objetivo detalhados no diagnóstico diferencial de úlceras gástricas atípicas com investigação inicial negativa, salientando também uma manifestação infrequente de uma neoplasia de células germinativas.

Gastric heterotopia in the rectum: a rare entity with potential pitfalls.

Gastric heterotopia (GHT) is a medical condition where the gastric mucosa is found at a non-phyysiological part of the body. GHT can present itself anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anorectal area, as well as in the hepatobiliary system. However, it is relatively rare to find GHT in the rectum, with only around 50 documented cases reported in medical literature. We present the case of a 51-year-old man who underwent average-risk screening colonoscopy. He had no clinically significant comorbidities and was otherwise asymptomatic, with no family history. Notable findings included a pseudopolypoid lesion in the distal rectum, adjacent to the dentate line, measuring approximately 15 mm with regular-appearing mucosa under narrow-band-imaging. Biopsy specimens showed histological characteristics of oxyntic-type gastric mucosa without inflammation or dysplasia. GHT has the potential to progress to malignancy, although the rate of malignancy is currently unknown. Awareness of this entity is important given its frequency and potential for misdiagnosis.

Isolation of Flaviviruses and Alphaviruses with Encephalitogenic Potential Diagnosed by Evandro Chagas Institute (Pará, Brazil) in the Period of 1954-2022: Six Decades of Discoveries.

Viruses with encephalitogenic potential can cause neurological conditions of clinical and epidemiological importance, such as Saint Louis encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, Dengue virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Mayaro virus and West Nile virus. The objective of the present study was to determine the number of arboviruses with neuroinvasive potential isolated in Brazil that corresponds to the collection of viral samples belonging to the Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute (SAARB/IEC) of the Laboratory Network of National Reference for Arbovirus Diagnosis from 1954 to 2022. In the analyzed period, a total of 1,347 arbovirus samples with encephalitogenic potential were isolated from mice; 5,065 human samples were isolated exclusively by cell culture; and 676 viruses were isolated from mosquitoes. The emergence of new arboviruses may be responsible for diseases still unknown to humans, making the Amazon region a hotspot for infectious diseases due to its fauna and flora species characteristics. The detection of circulating arboviruses with the potential to cause neuroinvasive diseases is constant, which justifies the continuation of active epidemiological surveillance work that offers adequate support to the public health system regarding the virological diagnosis of circulating arboviruses in Brazil.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma presenting with hematochezia due to metastases to the rectum.

An 84-year-old female, with history of endometrial and gallbladder adenocarcinomas, both submitted to curative surgeries, was admitted to the emergency room with obstructive jaundice. Computed tomography and subsequent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a common hepatic duct stenosis with intrahepatic biliary dilatation. She underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with successful biliary drainage. During the same admission, the patient experienced episodes of hematochezia. Rectosigmoidoscopy showed a 20 mm ulcer in the distal rectum and congestion of the rectal mucosa. Computed tomography revealed rectal wall circumferential thickening. Ulcer biopsies were compatible with a neoplasia of biliary origin.

Single-capsule bismuth-based quadruple therapy as a rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is highly prevalent in Portugal and its eradication is formally recommended. However, the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has led to a drastic rise in antibiotic resistance, with the failure of traditional eradication schemes. A single-capsule bismuth-based quadruple therapy became recently available in Portugal. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a bismuth-based quadruple therapy as a second-line or rescue therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicentric study. All consecutive patients that were treated with bismuth-based quadruple therapy, as second-line or salvage treatment between July 2017 and April 2019 were enrolled. Their medical records were reviewed and clinical and laboratorial parameters, as well as data on treatment efficacy and adverse events were retrieved. Patients were also contacted by phone after treatment to confirm compliance, adverse events, and global satisfaction with this specific therapy. RESULTS: A total of 151 subjects were included (female-68.9%; mean age-56 ± 13.5 years). Patients were previously submitted to 212 eradication schemes (Median-1; 1-5; IQR:4): 33.5% triple clarithromycin-based, 25% sequential, 7.5% concomitant, 5.2% others, and in 28.8% it was not possible to know the previous eradication scheme(s) followed by the patient. The PPI of choice was esomeprazole (39.7%), followed by omeprazole (27.8%). Compliance was achieved in 93.4% and the overall eradication rate was 90.1% (95% CI: 84.6-94.2). Treatment-related adverse effects were experienced by 63 patients (41.7%; 95% CI: 34-49.7), being mild in 29, moderate in 19, and severe in 15. The main drawbacks of the treatment, from the patient's perspective, were the high price (47%) and the adverse effects (16.6%). Failure to eradicate H. pylori was correlated with the following: previous rifabutin-based scheme (0 vs. 100%; p = 0.010) and a higher number of previous treatment schemes (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 2.3 ± 1.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this South-European country a single-capsule bismuth-based quadruple therapy is an excellent option as a second-line or rescue therapy, with acceptable compliance and side effects.

Adenoma Recurrence after Endoscopic Piecemeal Mucosal Resection of Colorectal Flat Lesions: Applicability of the Sydney EMR Recurrence Tool in a Non-Tertiary Centre.

Introduction: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the treatment of choice for non-invasive colorectal flat lesions. When endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection (EPMR) is performed, endoscopic surveillance is necessary due to the risk of recurrence. The Sydney EMR Recurrence Tool (SERT) is a 0-4 scale that classifies lesions according to size, occurrence of intraprocedural bleeding (IPB) and presence of high-grade dysplasia (HGD). Our goal is to evaluate the applicability of SERT in predicting adenoma recurrence (AR) after EPMR. Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre study with inclusion of lateral spreading lesions ≥20 mm, consecutively resected by EPMR from March 2010 to February 2018, with at least 1 endoscopic re-evaluation. Results: A total of 181 lesions were included, corresponding to 174 patients with a mean age of 68 years and male gender predominance (61%; n = 106). The most frequent location was the ascending colon (34%; n = 62). Lesions were assessed according to Paris Classification (PC): 0-IIa: 39% (n = 71); 0-IIb: 24% (n = 43); 0-IIa + Is: 23% (n = 42); 0-IIa + IIb: 6% (n = 11); 0-IIa + IIc: 2% (n = 3). The mean size of the lesions was 33 ± 11 mm, with 25 (14%) being ≥40 mm. IPB occurred in 9 cases (5%), and 44 lesions (24%) displayed HGD. Sixty-six lesions (36.5%) were classified as SMSA (size, morphology, site, and access score) level 4. Adjunctive therapy with argon plasma coagulation (APC) was used in 37% (n = 67) of cases. The 6-month AR rate was 16% (n = 29). According to SERT groups, the AR rate was: SERT 0: 12% (14/120); SERT 1: 17% (6/35); SERT 2: 25% (3/12); SERT 3: 30% (3/10); SERT 4: 75% (3/4). Two of the three SERT variables (size ≥40 mm and IPB) were associated with recurrence at 6 months (p < 0.05). HGD and the remaining tested variables (age, gender, localization, accessibility, PC, use of APC/biopsy forceps and occurrence of delayed bleeding) were not associated with AR. SERT 0 lesions showed an inferior risk of 6-month AR (adjusted OR = 2.62; p = 0.035), with a negative predictive value of 88%. SMSA correlated with SERT (p < 0.001) and SMSA level 4 was associated with 6-month AR (p = 0.007). Lesions classified both as SERT 0 and SMSA level <4 had the lowest 6-month recurrence rate (9.2%). The 24-month recurrence rate was 23% (n = 41). When applying the Kaplan-Meier method, cumulative recurrence was significantly lower in SERT 0 lesions (p = 0.006, log-rank test). Discussion/Conclusion: Resection of flat colorectal lesions by EPMR has a considerable risk of recurrence, mostly in SERT 1-4 lesions. SERT 0 lesions, especially with SMSA level <4, show a lower risk of recurrent adenoma, which might allow longer intervals to first endoscopic surveillance in the future.

Introdução: A mucosectomia endoscópica é a terapêutica de eleição nas lesões colorretais planas não invasivas e, quando fragmentada, obriga a vigilância endoscópica, dado o risco de recorrência. O Sydney Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Recurrence Tool (SERT) é uma escala de 0 a 4 que classifica as lesões em função da dimensão, ocorrência de hemorragia imediata na sua excisão (HI) e presença de displasia de alto grau (DAG). Pretende-se avaliar a aplicabilidade do SERT na predição de adenoma recorrente (AR) após mucosectomia fragmentada. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo unicêntrico com inclusão de todas as lesões planas ≥20 mm excisadas por mucosectomia fragmentada, entre Março/2010 e Fevereiro/2018, com pelo menos uma vigilância endoscópica. Resultados: Incluídas 181 lesões, correspondentes a 174 doentes com idade média de 68 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino (61%; n = 106). A localização mais frequente foi o cólon ascendente (34%; n = 62). As lesões foram avaliadas segundo a classificação de Paris (CP): 0-IIa: 39% (n = 71); 0-IIb: 24% (n = 43); 0-IIa + Is: 23% (n = 42); 0-IIa + IIb: 6% (n = 11); 0-IIa + IIc: 2% (n = 3). O tamanho médio foi 33 ± 11 mm, tendo 25 (14%) dimensões ≥40 mm. Verificou-se HI em 9 casos (5%) e DAG em 44 (24%). O nível SMSA (size, morphology, site, and access score) foi 4 em 66 lesões (36.5%). Realizou-se terapêutica com árgon plasma (APC) em 37% (n = 67) dos casos.A taxa de AR aos 6 meses foi: SERT 0: 12% (14/120); SERT 1: 17% (6/35); SERT 2: 25% (3/12); SERT 3: 30% (3/10); SERT 4: 75% (3/4); global: 16% (29/181). O AR aos 6 meses associou-se à dimensão ≥40 mm e à HI (p < 0.05). A DAG não mostrou relação com a recorrência, assim como a idade, sexo, localização, acessibilidade, CP, terapêutica adju-adjuvante (APC/pinça de biópsias) e ocorrência de hemorragia tardia. As lesões SERT 0 apresentaram menor risco de AR aos 6 meses (OR ajustado = 2.62; p = 0.035), com um valor preditivo negativo de 88%. O SMSA correlacionou-se com o SERT (p < 0.001), estando o nível SMSA 4 associado à recorrência aos 6 meses (p = 0.007). As lesões classificadas como SERT 0 e nível SMSA <4 apresentaram a menor taxa de AR (9.2%). A taxa de recorrência aos 24 meses foi 23% (n = 41). Aplicando o método de Kaplan Meier, a recorrência cumulativa foi menor nas lesões SERT 0 (p = 0.006, teste log-rank). Discussão/Conclusão: A excisão de lesões planas por mucosectomia fragmentada apresenta uma taxa de recorrência considerável, sobretudo em lesões SERT 1­4. As lesões SERT 0, particularmente se nível SMSA <4, apresentam menor risco de recidiva, o que poderá possibilitar um prolongamento do intervalo até à primeira vigilância endoscópica.

Appropriateness of Endoscopic Procedures: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Advances in endoscopy and open-access systems led to an increase in endoscopic procedures. However, overuse of endoscopy has been consistently reported. This study aims to assess the appropriateness of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy referral in the private and public setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study at 2 public and 5 private endoscopy units. Patients scheduled for elective EGD or colonoscopy were enrolled. Clinical data and endoscopy findings were recorded. Appropriateness of endoscopy was defined according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines (for EGD) and the European Panel on Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy II (for colonoscopy). RESULTS: Regarding EGD: 215 patients enrolled (43.7% were males) with a mean age of 61.0 ± 15.1 years; 54.0% (n = 116) were in public hospitals. Referral by a gastroenterologist was made for 34.9% (n = 75). Appropriate indications were made for 62.3% (n = 134): 42.4% in private versus 79.3% in public endoscopy units (odds ratio [OR] 5.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.85-9.49; p < 0.01). Rate of appropriate EGD was 74.7% for gastroenterologist referral and 56.1% for other specialties (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.24-4.28; p < 0.01). Diagnostic yield for relevant findings was 47.9%. No association between indication appropriateness, gastroenterologist referral, and relevant endoscopic findings was found. Regarding colonoscopy: 287 patients enrolled (49.1% were males) with a mean age of 60.4 ± 14.4 years; 48.1% (n = 138) were in public hospitals. Referral by a gastroenterologist was made for 20.6% (n = 59). Appropriate indications were made for 70.0% (n = 201): 53.0% in private vs. 88.4% in public endoscopy units (OR 6.75; 95% CI 3.66-12.47; p < 0.01). Diagnostic yield was 57.1%. Relevant endoscopic diagnosis was associated with indication: 63.2% in the appropriate vs. 43.0% in the nonappropriate indication group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: A significant percentage of endoscopies, mainly in the private setting, were performed without an appropriate indication. This influenced the diagnostic yield. The use of adequate criteria is fundamental for the rational use of an open-access system.

INTRODUÇÃO: O avanço em endoscopia digestiva e a existência de sistemas open-acess levaram a um aumento quantitativo de endoscopias. Porém, a sobreutilização da endoscopia tem sido reportada na literatura. Este estudo tem como objetivo aferir prospectivamente as indicações para endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) e endoscopia digestiva baixa (EDB) em unidades de saúde públicas e privadas. DOENTES E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospetivo, multicêntrico, que incluiu doentes submetidos a endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) ou baixa (EDB) com intuito não terapêutico em 2 unidades hospitalares públicas e 5 unidades privadas. Adequabilidade da indicação definida pelas recomendações da American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EDA) e do European Panel on Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy II (EDB). RESULTADOS: EDA: Incluídos 215 doentes (masculino ­ 43.7%; idade média ­ 61.0 ± 15.11 anos), 54.0% (n = 116) em unidades hospitalares públicas. Referenciação por gastrenterologista em 34.9% (n = 75). Indicação considerada adequada em 62.3% (n = 134): 42.4% em unidades privadas versus 79.3% em unidades públicas (odds ratio [OR] 5.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.85­9.49, p < 0.01). Indicação adequada em 74.7% com referenciação por gastrenterologista versus 56.1% por não-gastrenterologista (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.24­4.28; p < 0.01). Identificados achados endoscópicos relevantes em 47.9%. EDB: Incluídos 287 doentes (masculino ­ 49.1%; idade média ­ 60.4 ± 14.4 anos), 48,1% (n = 138) em unidades públicas. Referenciação por gastrenterologista em 20.6% (n = 59). A indicação foi considerada adequada em 70.0% (n = 201): 53.0% em unidade privada versus 88.4% em unidade pública (OR 6.75, 95% CI 3.66­12.47; p < 0.01). Achados endoscópicos relevantes em 57.1%: 77.7% (n = 129) em exames com indicação adequada vs 22.3% (n = 37) sem indicação adequada (p < 0.05). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, uma percentagem significativa dos procedimentos endoscópicos foi realizada sem indicação apropriada, especialmente no sector privado, o que influenciou a rentabilidade diagnóstica. A prescrição tendo por base critérios definidos é fundamental para o uso racional de um sistema de acesso livre.

Prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in a Southern European country: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Identification of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with the treatment of dysplasia is essential to prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Moreover, determination of BE prevalence is important to define subsequent management strategies. However, precise estimates on BE prevalence from several European countries are lacking. We aimed to determine BE prevalence in a Southern European country. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter study from November 2019 to February 2020 was performed defining BE as a columnar extent in the distal esophagus greater than or equal to 1 cm with intestinal metaplasia. RESULTS: A total of 1550 individuals, 51% male with a mean age of 62 (SD = 15) years undergoing upper endoscopy were included. The overall BE prevalence was 1.29% (95% confidence interval: 0.73-1.85); significantly higher in men [2.05% (1.06-3.04)] vs. women [0.53% (0.01-1.04)]. Of the 20 BE patients, eight were newly diagnosed and 12 were under surveillance. The median extent was C3 (min 0; max 16) M4.5 (min 2; max 16). One patient each had EAC (0.06%) and high-grade dysplasia (0.06%) at the time of endoscopy. There was no difference in prevalence between geographical regions, centers, use of sedation or experience of endoscopists. Considering all reports, 93% used standardized terminology, 23% accurate photodocumentation and 69% photodocumented the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Furthermore, 80% used Prague classification, 55% Seattle protocol, 60% distance to the squamocolumnar junction, 75% to the EGJ and 40% to the hiatal pinch. When considering only reports with EGJ photodocumentation or Prague classification, the prevalence was 1.78% (0.91-2.64) or 1.03% (0.53-1.53). CONCLUSION: We report for the first time BE prevalence in Southern Europe and report a low overall prevalence in an unselected population. Future studies need to determine progression rates and how to improve quality metrics.

Hedychium gardnerianum Sheph. ex Ker Gawl. from its discovery to its invasive status: a review.

Hedychium gardnerianum Sheph. ex Ker Gawl. is one of the 100 world's worst invasive alien species and the research target in areas as diverse as biological control, natural fibres uses, taxonomy or the biological activity of its compounds. This review aimed to clarify the taxonomic status and the native range of H. gardnerianum and bring accuracy to the history of its introduction and escape from cultivation through the analysis of the increasing number of accessible digitalized dry specimens and grey literature. The analysis of the available information allowed to conclude that: (a) Hedychium gardnerianum is a validly published name, the authority of the name is Sheph. ex Ker Gawl., the species holotype is the illustration published along with the species name, and the Natural History Museum BM000574691 specimen collected in 1815 is the first dried specimen of H. gardnerianum; (b) This species is native to the Central and Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Northeast India and North Myanmar; (c) The species was cultivated at Cambridge Botanical Garden since 1818 and the first known herbarium specimen collected in Europe dates back to 1821; (d) Kathmandu (Nepal) and Khasi Hills (India) specimens are considered two varieties of the same species and the BM000574691 specimen is the lectotype of H. gardnerianum var. speciosum; (e) Specimens, references, and/or pictures support that H. gardnerianum escaped from cultivation at Galicia (Spain), Azores archipelago, Madeira, Tenerife, Cuba, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, Ascension, Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Réunion, Mauritius, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, and Vietnam; and (f) H. gardnerianum is a serious pest in Azores, Madeira, Jamaica, Réunion, New Zealand and Hawaii and continues to expand its distribution area in South and Central America, Australia and Southern Africa. This review presents linear raw information compiled with precision, allowing the world databases updating their data but also gives the most detailed information possible to each country/region identifying new regions of concern and updating the invasiveness status in each region.

Biosensors for Biogenic Amines: A Review.

Biogenic amines (BAs) are well-known biomolecules, mostly for their toxic and carcinogenic effects. Commonly, they are used as an indicator of quality preservation in food and beverages since their presence in higher concentrations is associated with poor quality. With respect to BA's metabolic pathways, time plays a crucial factor in their formation. They are mainly formed by microbial decarboxylation of amino acids, which is closely related to food deterioration, therefore, making them unfit for human consumption. Pathogenic microorganisms grow in food without any noticeable change in odor, appearance, or taste, thus, they can reach toxic concentrations. The present review provides an overview of the most recent literature on BAs with special emphasis on food matrixes, including a description of the typical BA assay formats, along with its general structure, according to the biorecognition elements used (enzymes, nucleic acids, whole cells, and antibodies). The extensive and significant amount of research that has been done to the investigation of biorecognition elements, transducers, and their integration in biosensors, over the years has been reviewed.

Temperature Stability and Spectral Tuning of Long Period Fiber Gratings Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing.

Long period fiber gratings (LPFGs) were fabricated in a standard single mode fiber (SMF-28e) through femtosecond (fs) laser direct writing. LPFGs with longer and shorter periods were fabricated, which allows coupling from the fundamental core mode to lower and higher order asymmetric cladding modes (LP1,6 and LP1,12, respectively). For the grating periods of 182.7 and 192.5 µm, it was verified that the LP1,12 mode exhibits a TAP at approximately 1380 and 1448 nm in air and water, respectively. Characterization of the LPFGs subjected to high-temperature thermal treatment was accomplished. Fine-tuning of the resonance band's position and thermal stability up to 600 °C was shown. The temperature sensitivity was characterized for the gratings with different periods and for different temperature ranges. A maximum sensitivity of -180.73, and 179.29 pm/°C was obtained for the two resonances of the 182.7 µm TAP LPFG, in the range between 250 and 600 °C.

Syphilitic hepatitis: Case report of an overlooked condition.

Syphilis is an overlooked cause of hepatitis. Syphilitic hepatitis should be a differential diagnosis in all patients with abnormal liver biochemical marker levels. Syphilitic hepatitis has been defined as the combination of increased liver enzymes, positive serology for syphilis, the absence of alternative causes for hepatobiliary injury, and liver enzyme improvement with proper antibiotic therapy.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: how far should we go? A point of view.

N.A.