Impact of Bariatric Surgery on metabolic health in a Uruguayan cohort and the emerging predictive role of FSTL1.

Obesity poses significant challenges, necessitating comprehensive strategies for effective intervention. Bariatric Surgery (BS) has emerged as a crucial therapeutic approach, demonstrating success in weight loss and comorbidity improvement. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of BS in a cohort of 48 Uruguayan patients and investigate the interplay between BS and clinical and metabolic features, with a specific focus on FSTL1, an emerging biomarker associated with obesity and inflammation. We quantitatively analyzed BS outcomes and constructed linear models to identify variables impacting BS success. The study revealed the effectiveness of BS in improving metabolic and clinical parameters. Importantly, variables correlating with BS success were identified, with higher pre-surgical FSTL1 levels associated with an increased effect of BS on BMI reduction. FSTL1 levels were measured from patient plasma using an ELISA kit pre-surgery and six months after. This research, despite limitations of a small sample size and limited follow-up time, contributes valuable insights into understanding and predicting the success of BS, highlighting the potential role of FSTL1 as a useful biomarker in obesity.

Efficacy and safety of drugs in residual cardiovascular risk: A systematic review of the literature.

Background: The objective of this research is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of drugs in the residual risk in any of its three components: lipid, inflammatory and thrombotic risk. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of randomized clinical trials that included as a primary outcome, at least one of the conditions related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The databases used were PUBMED/MEDLINE, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Results: and discussion: 18 studies were included in the analysis. Half of the studies had low risk of bias or some concerns. Several drugs were effective in reducing the primary outcome: ethyl eicosapentaenoeic acid (17.2 % E-EPA versus 22 % placebo HR: 0.75; 95 % CI 0.68-0.83; p < 0.001), colchicine in stable coronary artery disease (6.8 % vs placebo 9.6 %, HR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.57-0.83; p < 0.001), Canakinumab (150 mg vs placebo ARR 15 %, HR 0.85, 95 % CI 0.74-0.98; p = 0.021) and Rivaroxaban with Aspirin in stable atherosclerotic disease (4.1 % versus aspirin 5.4 %, HR 0.76, 95 % CI 0.66-0.86, P < 0.001). Serious adverse events did not differ between study groups, except for a higher rate of bleeding with the use of combination antithrombotic therapy. Conclusion: The residual risk can be reduced through the use of different drugs that act by modifying atherogenic lipid levels, modulating inflammatory pathways and the risk of thrombosis, with an acceptable safety profile in most studies.

Molecular Markers, Immune Therapy, and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-State-of-the-Art Review for Surgeons.

Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. An increasing understanding of relevant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biomarkers has led to the recent development of molecular-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors that have revolutionized treatment for patients with advanced and metastatic disease. The purpose of this review is to provide surgeons with a state-of-the-art understanding of the current medical and surgical treatment trends and their implications in the future of management of NSCLC. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed was conducted to identify English language articles published between January 2010 and March 2024 focusing on molecular markers, tumor targeting, and immunotherapy in the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC. Case series, observational studies, randomized trials, guidelines, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Results: There is now increasing data to suggest that molecular-targeted therapies and immune therapies have a role in the neoadjuvant setting. Advances in intraoperative imaging allow surgeons to perform increasingly parenchymal-sparing lung resections without compromising tumor margins. Liquid biopsies can noninvasively detect targetable mutations in cancer cells and DNA from a blood draw, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis, personalized therapy, and long-term monitoring for disease recurrence. Conclusions: The management of NSCLC has advanced dramatically in recent years fueled by a growing understanding of the cancer biology of NSCLC. Advances in medical therapies, surgical techniques, and diagnostic and surveillance modalities continue to evolve but have already impacted current treatment strategies for NSCLC, which are encompassed in this review.

Minimally Invasive with Maximal Yield: A Narrative Review of Current Practices in Mediastinal Lymph Node Staging in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States despite declining incidence and improved outcomes because of advancements in early detection and development of novel therapies. Accurate mediastinal lymph node staging is crucial for determining prognosis and guiding treatment decisions, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed was conducted to identify English language articles published between January 2010 and January 2024 focusing on preoperative lymph node staging in adults with NSCLC. Case series, observational studies, randomized trials, guidelines, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Results: Various imaging modalities, surgical and nonsurgical procedures for mediastinal lymph node staging were reviewed, including positron emission tomography with computed tomography, cervical mediastinoscopy, video-assisted cervical mediastinoscopy, anterior mediastinotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA), transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), and computed tomography-guided percutaneous lymph node biopsy. EBUS-FNA emerged as the preferred initial staging procedure because of its high sensitivity and low complication rate. Combining it with other procedures or confirmatory testing may be helpful in determining appropriate treatment. Conclusions: Although cervical mediastinoscopy remains a valuable confirmatory procedure in select cases, its role as a first-line staging modality is diminishing with the widespread adoption of EBUS-FNA and EUS-FNA. The combination of EBUS-FNA and EUS-FNA allows access to nearly all mediastinal lymph node stations with high diagnostic accuracy. Future research may further refine the selection criteria for invasive mediastinal staging procedures, ultimately optimizing patient outcomes in the management of NSCLC.

[Traversing the path to success in bariatric surgery: the fundamental role of bariatric endoscopy]. / Recorriendo el camino hacia el éxito en cirugía bariátrica: el rol fundamental de la endoscopia bariátrica.

Obesity has become a growing global epidemic, demanding effective solutions for its management. Bariatric-metabolic surgery is currently the best therapeutic option for patients with morbid obesity and associated comorbidities. This review article addresses the importance of endoscopy in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation, as well as in the detection and management of complications associated with bariatric surgery.

The karyometric signature is altered in fallopian tubes with serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence suggests that the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube harbors the precursor cells for many high-grade ovarian cancers, opening the door for development of better screening methods that directly assess the fallopian tube in women at risk for malignancy. Previously we have shown that the karyometric signature is abnormal in the fallopian tube epithelium in women at hereditary risk of ovarian cancer. In this study, we sought to determine whether the karyometric signature in serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) is significantly different from normal, and whether an abnormal karyometric signature can be detected in histologically normal tubal epithelial cells adjacent to STIC lesions. METHODS: The karyometric signature was measured in epithelial cells from the proximal and fimbriated portion of the fallopian tube in fallopian tube specimens removed from women at: 1) average risk for ovarian cancer undergoing surgery for benign gynecologic indications (n = 37), 2) hereditary risk of ovarian cancer (germline BRCA alterations) undergoing risk-reducing surgery (n = 44), and 3) diagnosed with fimbrial STICs (n = 17). RESULTS: The karyometric signature in tubes with fimbrial STICs differed from that of tubes with benign histology. The degree of karyometric alteration increased with increasing proximity to fimbrial STICs, ranging from moderate in the proximal portion of the tube, to greatest in both normal appearing fimbrial cells near STICs as well as in fimbrial STIC lesions. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate an abnormal karyometric signature in STICs that may extend beyond the STIC, potentially providing an opportunity for early detection of fallopian tube neoplasia.

Patient engagement in designing and publishing research in prostate cancer: a scoping review.

Patients with cancer have the unique ability of being able to offer valuable insights into how cancer therapeutics may impact the overall patient experience and improve clinical outcomes. Patient engagement could therefore contribute to tailoring treatment strategies and research design according to patient needs. This study evaluated patient engagement in prostate cancer research by identifying patient input in the prostate cancer literature. We performed a keyword cluster analysis of articles from multiple databases and congresses in which patients provided input on disease management or were involved in study design, manuscript authorship or presentation of results (patient voice). In total, 112 studies were included. Patients were involved in the design of 11 studies and were credited as authors in four studies. This review suggests a lack of meaningful patient involvement in prostate cancer research and publications.

Patients with cancer have first-hand knowledge of what does and does not work for their care. Therefore, their voice is valuable to help improve treatment and guide research. Our goal was to find prostate cancer articles with patient input. We searched databases using keywords related to patient voice. We looked for articles involving patients in designing, writing or presenting the study. Only four out of the 112 articles we identified were published in journals focused on involving patients. Eleven articles involved patients in designing the study. Four articles involved patients in writing the published work. Overall, we did not find many articles where patients had a meaningful role in the study. Prostate cancer treatment and research will likely benefit from more patient input.

Oncology nursing specialty across Latin America: struggle and achievements past and present.

BACKGROUND: Latin America (LATAM) is a large region from Mexico to southern Patagonia in Chile and includes most islands in the Caribbean where Spanish is an official language. Efforts to address nursing specialization in the care of patients with cancer throughout the cancer continuum are described in narratives of oncology nursing struggles and achievements from eight Latin American countries. METHODS: Contributions by authors from Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil and Chile are complemented by interview data (in Spanish by a bilingual medical anthropologist) to share the history and present status in the Dominican Republic, Peru and Argentina. RESULTS: We present stories of the pioneers of oncology nursing and a brief description of health systems in several of the included countries to show the disparate approaches towards cancer control and the context in which the oncology nurses work. We include key demographics and cancer data from the highlighted countries. We follow with descriptions of the formation and importance of oncology nursing associations/societies and share the history of oncology nursing education efforts, scopes of practice and recommendations for improvement in oncology nursing. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the challenges, oncology nurse leaders across LATAM are determined to raise the standards of care with structured specialization education/training, and to create advanced practice oncology nursing roles. It is critical that the achievements of oncology nurses are nationally acknowledged and appropriately compensated by governments and national and local authorities. The future is now for oncology nursing to be recognized as a critical specialized healthcare workforce to effectively address the growing threat of cancer and to ensure optimal control of this public health crisis across the region.

Is There a Relationship between Anthropometric Indices and Muscular, Motor, and Cardiorespiratory Components of Health-Related Fitness in Active European Older Adults?

The aging process induces alterations in the body, resulting in changes in both health-related fitness and specific anthropometric measures. These changes often pose health risks for older adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an association between anthropometric indices and muscular, motor, and cardiorespiratory components of health-related fitness in active European older adults. This study included 2687 European older adults, comprising 1999 women and 688 men, with an average age of 70.05 ± 5.5 years. The assessment included health-related fitness using the Senior Fitness Test and anthropometric indices, such as the body adiposity index, body mass index, conicity index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio, among others. The results indicated that gender significantly influences the values of physical performance and anthropometric parameters, making them incomparable. The degree of correlation between anthropometric indices and muscular, motor, and cardiorespiratory components of fitness depends on each anthropometric index analysed. The anthropometric index most correlated with physical fitness performance parameters is the waist-to-height ratio (WHR), followed by the body mass index (BMI). Cardiorespiratory endurance and balance are the two physical parameters most correlated with anthropometric indices.

Water quality trends of streams in Puerto Rico: Evaluating 50 years of the Clean Water Act.

Water quality regulations entail a substantial commitment of resources from governments and private entities. It is important to continually evaluate the effectiveness of these regulations to ensure they are having the intended impact. In this paper, we evaluated nutrient data as indicators of primary productivity and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations and pH as response variables to assess historical water quality trends from 55 stations of Puerto Rico. The stations were divided into impaired versus non-impaired categories based on their historical total phosphorus (TP) mean concentration. Mean TP and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations were significantly higher in the impaired stations relative to the non-impaired stations. In contrast, DO mean concentrations and mean pH values were significantly lower in the impaired stations. A generalized additive mixed model was used to demonstrate temporal trends. A significant decrease in TP and TN concentrations was observed with time at the impaired stations. This was accompanied by significant increases in DO concentrations and pH. The non-impaired stations showed a marginal (statistically nonsignificant) decreasing trend with time. The large reductions in nutrient concentrations observed at the impaired stations seem to be related to the closure of several primary wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across the island. The conversion of abandoned crop agricultural lands into secondary forest in recent decades has resulted in small but significant decreases in TN (not TP) in receiving streams. We conclude that the Clean Water Act has promoted improvements in water quality in Puerto Rico by advancing upgrades in sanitary infrastructure and the regulation of point sources of pollution.

Recorriendo el camino hacia el éxito en cirugía bariátrica: el rol fundamental de la endoscopia bariátrica / Traversing the path to success in bariatric surgery: the fundamental role of bariatric endoscopy

RESUMEN La obesidad se ha convertido en una creciente epidemia de alcance global, exigiendo soluciones efectivas para su manejo. Actualmente, la cirugía bariátrica-metabólica es la mejor opción terapéutica en los pacientes con obesidad mórbida y comorbilidades asociadas. Este artículo de revisión aborda la importancia de la endoscopia en la evaluación pre y post operatoria, así como en la detección y manejo de las complicaciones asociadas a la cirugía bariátrica.

ABSTRACT Obesity has become a growing global epidemic, demanding effective solutions for its management. Bariatric-metabolic surgery is currently the best therapeutic option for patients with morbid obesity and associated comorbidities. This review article addresses the importance of endoscopy in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation, as well as in the detection and management of complications associated with bariatric surgery.

Nueva herramienta semiológica para el diagnóstico de la tendinitis de De Quervain: prueba de sinergia del primer compartimento / A new physical diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. First compartment synergy test

Introducción: Existen dos maniobras de provocación principales que pueden ayudar a identificar una tenosinovitis de De Quervain, más reconocidas como prueba de Finkelstein y prueba de Eichhoff. Ambas maniobras son pasivas buscando la elongación de los tendones comprometidos. Siguiendo el principio de sinergia muscular, decidimos describir una nueva maniobra activa que permita diagnosticar la tendinitis de De Quervain y así incorporar una nueva herramienta semiológica para llegar a un diagnóstico más preciso. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo que evaluó a todos los pacientes esqueléticamente maduros que acudieron con dolor mecánico en el borde radial de la muñeca entre abril y julio de 2023. Se les realizaron las maniobras para tendinitis de De Quervain, así como para otros cuadros del borde radial, y se solicitaron estudios diagnósticos por imágenes para confirmar la enfermedad. Se determinó la especificidad y sensibilidad de las pruebas semiológicas. Resultados: Se incluyó a 38 pacientes (43 muñecas), 29 mujeres y 9 hombres. El promedio de edad era de 47 años. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la prueba de sinergia fueron del 94,87% y 100%, respectivamente, con un valor predictivo positivo del 100%. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que las maniobras activas son superiores a las pasivas para llegar al diagnóstico correcto; en este caso, la prueba de sinergia propuesta fue la más específica. Esta maniobra no debería reemplazar a las existentes. Nivel de Evidencia: II

Introduction: There are two main provocative tests that can help us identify De Quervain's tenosynovitis. These are better known as the Finkelstein and Eichhoff tests. Both maneuvers are passive and attempt to elongate the affected tendons. Following the notion of muscle synergy, we decided to describe a new active maneuver for diagnosing De Quervain's tenosynovitis, thus incorporating a new physical diagnostic tool for a more precise diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted, evaluating all skeletally mature patients who presented with mechanical pain on the radial border of the wrist between April and July 2023. Tests for De Quervain's tenosynovitis were performed, as well as assessments for other radial border diseases. Diagnostic imaging studies were requested to confirm the diagnosis. The specificity and sensitivity of the physical tests were determined. Results: A total of 38 patients were included, and 43 wrists were evaluated (29 females, 9 males). The average age was 47 years. The sensitivity and specificity of the synergy test were 94.87% and 100%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 100%. Conclusion: The findings reveal that active maneuvers outperform passive maneuvers for reaching the correct diagnosis; in this case, the proposed synergy test is the most specific. However, this maneuver should not replace existing ones. Level of Evidence: II

A systematic review on the assessment of cerebral autoregulation in patients with Large Vessel Occlusion.

As the majority of large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients are not treated with revascularization therapies or efficiently revascularized, complementary management strategies are needed. In this article we explore the importance of cerebral autoregulation (CA) assessment in the prediction and/or modification of infarct growth and hemorrhagic transformation. In patients with LVO, these are important factors that affect prognosis. A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE databases and a targeted Google search was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 34 relevant articles. There is an agreement that CA is impaired in patients with LVO; several factors have been identified such as time course, revascularization status, laterality, disease subtype and location, some of which may be potentially modifiable and affect outcomes. The personalized CA assessment of these patients suggests potential for better understanding of the inter-individual variability. Further research is needed for the development of more accurate, noninvasive techniques for continuous monitoring and personalized thresholds for CA.

Hipopotasemia no medicamentosa como biomarcador de nefropatía crónica temprana en adultos del sur de Honduras / Non-drug Hypokalemia as Biomarker of Early Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults from Southern Honduras

Introducción: La hipopotasemia es un trastorno hidroelectrolítico frecuente, asociado a enfermedades sistémicas y multifactoriales, cuya forma aguda puede complicarse y causar la muerte, pero en su presentación crónica puede ser un marcador de nefropatía. Objetivo: Caracterizar el perfil del paciente con hipopotasemia no medicamentosa atendidos de emergencia. Métodos: Se revisaron los registros de pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de hipopotasemia, ingresados en el hospital en el período de junio 2018 a diciembre de 2019. Se colectaron datos demográficos, antecedentes médicos y evolución postratamiento. Se comparó con 108 pacientes sin hipopotasemia atendidos en el período de estudio. Resultados: Se encontraron 87 casos con edad media de 38,5 años. El 90,8 por ciento eran hombres menores de 50 años, de oficio agricultor (29,9 por ciento), con historia de exposición a plaguicidas y a altas temperaturas ambientales. La mayoría de ellos no tenía historia de enfermedad cardiometabólicas o renal previa. El 48,3 por ciento de todos los pacientes con hipopotasemia (n = 42) tenía creatinina mayor a 1,2 mg/dL y 63 por ciento tenía hiponatremia. La hipopotasemia fue moderada en 39 por ciento y severa en 12 por ciento, los hombres 4,7 veces más afectados que las mujeres. Respecto al grupo sin hipopotasemia y creatinina anormal, tenían mayor frecuencia de enfermedad crónica (92,5 por ciento versus 8 por ciento). Conclusiones: Se encontró hipopotasemia no medicamentosa en varones agricultores, sin enfermedad crónica, pero con datos de nefropatía temprana e hiponatremia, se sugirió la posibilidad de nefropatía mesoamericana. Debe establecerse una alerta epidemiológica regional y un programa de prevención y control(AU)

Introduction: Hypokalemia is a frequent hydroelectrolytic disorder, associated with systemic and multifactorial diseases, whose acute form can be complicated and cause death, but in its chronic presentation it can be a marker of nephropathy. Objective: To characterize the profile of the patient with non-drug hypokalemia seen in an emergency. Methods: The records of patients older than 18 years diagnosed with hypokalemia, admitted to the hospital from June 2018 to December 2019, were reviewed. Demographic data, medical history, and post-treatment evolution were collected. It was compared with 108 patients without hypokalemia seen in the same period. Results: 87 cases with mean age of 38.5 years were studied. 90.8% were men under 50 years of age, who worked as farmers (29.9percent), with history of exposure to pesticides and high ambient temperatures. Most of them had no history of previous cardiometabolic or renal disease. 48.3percent of all patients with hypokalemia (n = 42) had creatinine higher than 1.2 mg/dL and 63percent had hyponatremia. Hypokalemia was moderate in 39% and severe in 12percent, and it was found that men were affected 4.7 times more than women. Regarding the group without hypokalemia and abnormal creatinine, they had higher frequency of chronic disease (92.5percent versus 8percent). Conclusions: Non-drug hypokalemia was found in male farmers, without chronic disease, but with evidence of early nephropathy and hyponatremia. The possibility of Mesoamerican nephropathy was suggested. A regional epidemiological alert and a prevention and control program should be established(AU)

Environmental DNA-based biomonitoring of Cuban Crocodylus and their accompanying vertebrate fauna from Zapata Swamp, Cuba.

Crocodylians globally face considerable challenges, including population decline and extensive habitat modification. Close monitoring of crocodylian populations and their habitats is imperative for the timely detection of population trends, especially in response to management interventions. Here we use eDNA metabarcoding to identify the Critically Endangered Crocodylus rhombifer and the Vulnerable C. acutus, as well as vertebrate community diversity, in Cuba's Zapata Swamp. We tested four different primer sets, including those used previously in Crocodylus population genetic and phylogenetic research, for their efficiency at detecting crocodylian eDNA. We detected C. rhombifer eDNA in 11 out of 15 sampled locations within its historical geographic distribution. We found that data analyses using the VertCOI primers and the mBRAVE bioinformatics pipeline were the most effective molecular marker and pipeline combination for identifying this species from environmental samples. We also identified 55 vertebrate species in environmental samples across the four bioinformatics pipelines- ~ 85% known to be present in the Zapata ecosystem. Among them were eight species previously undetected in the area and eight alien species, including known predators of hatchling crocodiles (e.g., Clarias sp.) and egg predators (e.g., Mus musculus). This study highlights eDNA metabarcoding as a powerful tool for crocodylian biomonitoring within fragile and diverse ecosystems, particularly where fast, non-invasive methods permit detection in economically important areas and will lead to a better understanding of complex human-crocodile interactions and evaluate habitat suitability for potential reintroductions or recovery programs for threatened crocodylian species.

Redesigning the tomato fruit shape for mechanized production.

Crop breeding for mechanized harvesting has driven modern agriculture. In tomato, machine harvesting for industrial processing varieties became the norm in the 1970s. However, fresh-market varieties whose fruits are suitable for mechanical harvesting are difficult to breed because of associated reduction in flavour and nutritional qualities. Here we report the cloning and functional characterization of fs8.1, which controls the elongated fruit shape and crush resistance of machine-harvestable processing tomatoes. FS8.1 encodes a non-canonical GT-2 factor that activates the expression of cell-cycle inhibitor genes through the formation of a transcriptional module with the canonical GT-2 factor SlGT-16. The fs8.1 mutation results in a lower inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation of the ovary wall, leading to elongated fruits with enhanced compression resistance. Our study provides a potential route for introducing the beneficial allele into fresh-market tomatoes without reducing quality, thereby facilitating mechanical harvesting.