Recent publications
Background: A substantial portion of the genetic predisposition for breast cancer is explained by multiple common genetic variants of relatively small effect. A subset of these variants, which have been identified mostly in individuals of European and Asian ancestry, have been combined to construct a polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict breast cancer risk, but the prediction accuracy of existing PRSs in Hispanic/Latinx individuals (H/L) remain relatively low. We assessed the performance of several existing PRS panels with and without addition of H/L specific variants among self-reported H/L women. Methods: PRS performance was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Both European and Asian PRSs performed worse in H/L samples compared to original reports. The best European PRS performed better than the best Asian PRS in pooled H/L samples. European PRSs had decreased performance with increasing Indigenous American (IA) ancestry while Asian PRSs had increased performance with increasing IA ancestry. The addition of 2 H/L SNPs increased performance for all PRSs, most notably in the samples with high IA ancestry and did not impact the performance of PRSs in individuals with lower IA ancestry. Conclusions: A single PRS that incorporates risk variants relevant to the multiple ancestral components of individuals from Latin America, instead of a set of ancestry specific panels, could be used in clinical practice. Impact: Results highlight the importance of population-specific discovery and suggest a straightforward approach to integrate ancestry specific variants into PRS for clinical application.
Background
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represents a global health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality rates. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical course and practices of CCA in Latin America.
Methods
This observational cohort study investigated individuals diagnosed with CCA between 2010 and 2023 at five referral centres across Latin America. Demographic, biochemical, and clinical data were analysed.
Findings
A total of 309 patients were enrolled, demonstrating a balanced distribution of CCA subtypes (intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal), with Hispanics and Caucasians as the predominant ethnic groups, followed by Africans. Major risk factors identified included age, diabetes, obesity, MASLD, bile duct stones, and cholecystitis. Disparities in overweight/obesity prevalence were noted among CCA subtypes and ethnicities, with higher rates in extrahepatic CCA and among Hispanics and Caucasians. At diagnosis, 72% of patients had ECOG-PS scores of 0–1, with disease presentations ranging from localized (47%) to locally advanced (19%) and metastatic (34%). Patients who did not receive any anti-cancer therapy exhibited a median survival of 2.3 months. Survival rates significantly improved across treatment modalities, with surgery yielding the longest (34 months), followed by chemotherapy (8 months). Notably, Africans presented with worse ECOG-PS scores and more advanced disease, while Hispanics were less frequently treated with chemotherapy for advanced disease, contributing to lower survival rates (8.3 and 6 months, respectively) compared to Caucasians (12.6 months).
Interpretation
The high prevalence of late-stage CCA diagnosis in Latin America, particularly among individuals of African ethnicity, coupled with a significant proportion of Hispanic patients not receiving chemotherapy, underscores the dismal prognosis for these patients. These findings reveal structural challenges in cancer screening and healthcare access among diverse ethnic backgrounds and lower socioeconomic statuses in the region. Urgent measures are needed, including the identification of preventable risk factors, raising awareness among high-risk populations, and establishing equitable health coverage to address these disparities.
Funding
European Union’s Horizon 2020 R&I Program, Incyte Bioscience International Sàrl, and 10.13039/501100009253European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL).
Aim: To determine the clinical association between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus through an umbrella review. Materials and Methods: A search for publications up to August 2023 was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Database, Scopus, SciELO, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey. We included systematic reviews (SRs) with or without meta-analysis evaluating primary studies that investigated the association between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus, and there were no time or language restrictions. Literature or narrative reviews, rapid reviews, intervention studies, observational studies, preclinical and basic research, abstracts, comments, case reports, protocols, personal opinions, letters, and posters were excluded. The AMSTAR-2 tool was used to determine the methodological quality of the included studies. Results: The preliminary search yielded a total of 577 articles, of which only 17 remained after discarding those that did not meet the selection criteria. Following their analysis, an association between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus) was found. Conclusions: The findings and conclusions of this umbrella review indicate with high confidence that periodontal disease is associated with the onset of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes.
Background
Robotic surgical procedures continue to increase both in the United States (US) and worldwide. Several novel robotic surgical platforms are under development or undergoing regulatory approval. This review explores robotic platforms that are expected to reach US consumers within the next 2–3 years.
Methods
The SAGES Robotic Platforms Working Group identified robotic surgery platforms in various stages of development and selected multi-visceral systems nearing or completing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process. We outline key system components including architecture, unique features, development status, regulatory approval, and expected markets.
Results
We identified twenty robotic platforms that met our selection criteria. Ten companies were based in North America, and ten were based in Europe or Asia. Each system is described in detail and key features are summarized in table form for easy comparison.
Conclusion
The emergence of novel robotic surgical platforms represents an important evolution in the growth of minimally invasive surgery. Increased competition has the potential to bring value to surgical patients by stimulating innovation and driving down cost. The impact of these platforms remains to be determined, but the continued growth of robotic surgery seems to be all but assured.
Introduction
Research on gaming and gaming habits has predominantly focused on younger populations, particularly males. The main objective of this study was to analyze gender-based differences in gamer profiles, considering variables related to gaming habits and the gaming community.
Methods
A total of 180 Spanish university students currently engaged in video gaming (M = 21.51 years, SD = 3.09, 57.4% male) participated in the study by completing an online questionnaire addressing gaming characteristics such as the age of onset, gaming hours, motives of gaming, and perceived toxicity in the video gaming community.
Results
The results revealed statistically significant gender differences in the age of gaming initiation, weekly gaming hours, community toxicity, and several gaming motivations, including customization, cognitive challenge, violent gratification, and social interaction. Linear discriminant analysis identified that higher scores in the age of initiation and customization, along with lower scores in violent gratification and community toxicity, formed the combination of predictor variables that most strongly distinguished between genders.
Conclusion
Understanding these gender differences is essential for capturing current gaming trends and addressing the needs of diverse gamers. Finally, the potential clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Objectives
To determine the clinical, laboratory, and hospital factors associated with preoperative complications in older adults with hip fractures.
Methodology
Analytical observational retrospective cohort study, whose population was older adults with a diagnosis of hip fracture treated in a hospital in northern Peru, during 2017–2019.
Results
432 patients with a median age of 83 years (RIC: 77–88) were evaluated, with the female gender being the most prevalent (60.9%). The most common comorbidities included cardiovascular disease (68%) and diabetes (17.6%), and multimorbidity was observed in 47.2% of cases. The median number of geriatric syndromes was 2 (RIC: 1–5). The overall mortality rate was 3.2% (1.7–5.3). Analysis with the Poisson regression model found a significant association with MRC scale 3–5 degree (RR = 1.60), glucose on admission (RR = 1.01), and minimally significantly female sex (RR = 2.41).
Conclusions
The most commonly observed complications were infectious in nature, including pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. The MRC scale from 3 to 5 degrees increases the risk of developing a preoperative complication; the glucose levels upon admission show a clinically irrelevant association; and in females, there is a minimally significant association in older adults with hip fractures.
Currently, the integration of organic fibers for the production of eco-friendly concrete is being studied as an ecological solution without compromising the characteristic properties of conventional concrete. Therefore, this research aims to study the influence of maguey fiber on the mechanical and microstructural properties of concrete within the Peruvian context. The ACI 211.1 design standard was used for a required strength of 21 MPa, with maguey fiber added in varying proportions of 0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.5% by weight of cement. The organic material was cut to a length of 50 mm and treated for 24 h with a calcium oxide (CaO) solution in a 3:1 ratio of water to CaO, placed in the mixtures with random orientation. Key findings showed reduced workability, temperature, and unit weight as the proportion of maguey fiber (MF) increased in the fresh concrete mixes. However, the air content slightly increased, remaining within standard parameters. Mechanical properties improved by 13.41%, 17.37%, 1.48%, and 53.84% in compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity, respectively, after 28 days with the optimal addition of 0.9% MF. Additionally, crystalline phases such as quartz (28.76%), portlandite (24.22%), albite (37.18%), and ettringite (4.44%) were observed, along with an amorphous phase (5.40%). Moreover, the fiber showed no signs of decomposition in the microstructural analysis. In conclusion, maguey fiber is a highly promising option for producing eco-friendly concrete and is recommended for use in the production of curbs, sports slabs, sidewalks, and light-traffic paving stones.
The accurate determination of an individual’s unique human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele holds important significance in evaluating the risk associated with autoimmune and infectious diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Several allelic variants within the HLA system have been linked to either increased protection or susceptibility in the context of infectious and autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to determine the frequency and association of HLA alleles between people living with HIV (PLHIV) as the case group and Peruvian individuals without HIV with high-risk behaviors of sexually transmitted diseases as the control group. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to determine high-resolution HLA allelotypes using the OptiType and arcas HLA tools. The HLA alleles present in HLA classes I (A, B, and C loci) and II (DPB1, DQA1, DQB1, and DRB1 loci) were determined in a cohort of 59 PLHIV (cases) and 44 individuals without HIV (controls). The most frequent HLA alleles were A*02:01, DPB1*04:02, and DQB1*03:419 at 36%, 30%, and 28% prevalence in general population. We found that C*07:01 (p = 0.0101; OR = 10.222, 95% IC: 1.40–74.55), DQA1*03:02 (p = 0.0051; OR = 5.297, 95% IC: 1.48–19.02), and DRB1*09:01 (p = 0.0119; OR = 4.788, 95% IC: 1.39–16.44) showed an association with susceptibility to HIV infection, while DQB1*03:419 (p = 0.0478; OR = 0.327, 95% IC: 0.11–0.96) was associated with protection from HIV infection. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of HLA allele diversity in the Peruvian population (around 70% South American indigenous ancestry) lays the groundwork for further valuable large-scale use of HLA typing and offers a novel association with HIV infection that is relevant to vaccine studies.
Background
Periodontal disease (PD) is an infectious and inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It has been suggested that PD may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Our study aimed to investigate the association between PD and CVD through an umbrella review.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted until April 2024 across various electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and OpenGrey. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis were considered for inclusion, without any limitations on time or language, provided they examined primary studies linking PD with CVD. The AMSTAR-2 tool was employed to assess the quality and overall confidence of the included studies.
Results
After the initial search, a total of 516 articles were identified. Following the application of selection criteria, 41 articles remained for further consideration. All these studies indicated an association between PD and CVD, with odds ratios and risk ratios ranging from 1.22 to 4.42 and 1.14 to 2.88, respectively.
Conclusions
Systematic reviews with high overall confidence support the association between PD, tooth loss, and cardiovascular diseases. However, it is crucial to interpret these results with caution due to methodological limitations. The potential public health relevance justifies preventive and corrective oral health strategies. Additionally, the need for rigorous future research is highlighted to strengthen the evidence and guide effective public health strategies.
Background
Toxoplasmosis is a chronic protozoan parasitic infection that affects nearly one-third of the global population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases were observed in patients with COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii exposure in patients with COVID-19.
Methods
A literature search was conducted in six databases or search tools (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) until March 3, 2024. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by three investigators. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3, applying a random-effects model. The quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the “JBI-MAStARI”.
Results
A total of 5,936 studies were retrieved, 13 of which were included in the final meta-analysis. The sample included a total of 2,947 patients with COVID-19 from four countries, of whom approximately 43.3% were men and 49.4% were women. Among the patients, 1,323 showed evidence of exposure to T. gondii through IgG detection, while 1,302 COVID-19 patients were explicitly examined for T. gondii by IgM detection, and 36 positive cases were identified. The frequency of exposure to T. gondii, determined by the presence of IgG in patients with COVID-19, reached 49% (95% CI: 34–63%; 2,947 participants; 13 studies; I² = 98%, p < 0.01). In addition, the frequency of exposure to T. gondii, evaluated by IgM presence in patients with COVID-19, was 2% (95% CI: 0–6%; 1,302 participants; 6 studies; I² = 94%, p < 0.01).
Conclusion
It was shown that almost half of COVID-19 patients had previous exposure to T. gondii through the presence of IgG, and a small percentage, 2%, showed active infection through IgM detection. Although the results indicate a possible correlation between exposure to T. gondii and the presence of COVID-19, it is essential to note that this study is based on observational research, which precludes establishing a causal relationship. Consequently, further research is required to deepen understanding of the interaction between the two conditions.
Terms used
The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).
The clinical and financial implications of induction of labor (IOL) in comparison to elective cesarean sections and expectant management are examined in this review. IOL is frequently used to avoid complications such as hypertensive disorders and stillbirth, but is can be expensive, particularly if a failed induction is followed by a cesarean. The cost-effectiveness of IOL varies based on factors such as gestational age, maternal obesity, and prior cesareans. Misoprostol has proven to be a more cost-effective induction method than oxytocin, with higher success rates for vaginal delivery and shorter hospital stays. However, spontaneous labor remains the most cost-efficient option, requiring fewer interventions and reducing costs. Membrane sweeping is one alternative that reduces costs and promotes unplanned labor. Although high-risk situations may necessitate elective IOL, routine use of these devices without a medical necessity raises expenditures without enhancing outcomes. It is recommended that healthcare professionals implement careful labor management techniques, utilizing cost-effective approaches whenever feasible, particularly in resource-limited settings. More randomized trials are required to evaluate the long-term effects of IOL on costs and health, thus shaping future labor management strategies.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading global health challenge, being a highly prevalent cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of CRC varies significantly between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with higher rates of incidence but lower mortality in HICs. Factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and dietary habits play significant roles in CRC development, with the Western diet and limited access to screening contributing to increased incidence. This review highlights disparities in CRC screening, management, and outcomes between HICs and LMICs, with HICs benefiting from advanced screening methods like colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, while LMICs face challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure and resources. Tailored strategies, including low-cost screening options and community-based initiatives, are critical in LMICs to improve early detection and outcomes. Future directions for improving CRC care globally include telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and mobile health technologies to bridge access gaps, as well as personalized medicine to enhance treatment efficacy. Global collaboration and investment in healthcare infrastructure are necessary to reduce CRC-related mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Este artículo tiene como objetivo realizar una revisión bibliográfica del impacto de los costos estratégicos en la sostenibilidad empresarial de las PYMEs. Se basó en una búsqueda exhaustiva en bases de datos de Web of Science (WoS), Scopus y SciELO (Colombia, Chile, Perú, Cuba y Argentina). Se hizo énfasis en la revisión de artículos publicados en inglés, español y portugués entre los años 2010-2022, obteniendo un total de 17 artículos. Los hallazgos más relevantes fueron: se destaca que la sostenibilidad empresarial es una meta a la que muy pocas pymes tienen acceso, debido a la falta de recursos monetarios, una gran competencia y la escasez de financiamiento. Se concluye que los costos estratégicos tienen un impacto significativo en la sostenibilidad empresarial de las pymes. Este impacto toma como base las innovaciones tecnológicas, capacitaciones, incentivos monetarios gubernamentales, adaptabilidad en el mercado y los cambios de enfoque en los planes de gestión.
Background
The Surpass Evolve (SE) has emerged as a promising alternative treatment from the flow diverter series. The utilization of the SE has gradually increased, however, there is a scarcity of comprehensive data on the solidity of this technology in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the SE flow diverter.
Methods
A systematic literature search from inception to April 2024 was conducted across five databases for studies involving IAs treated with the SE. The primary effectiveness outcome was the proportion of complete aneurysm occlusion at the final follow-up, and the primary safety outcome comprised a composite of early and delayed complications. Subgroup analyses based on aneurysm size, anatomical location, and rupture status were also conducted.
Results
Our analysis included nine studies with 645 patients and 722 IAs. Effectiveness outcomes revealed an overall complete aneurysm occlusion rate of 69% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 58%–78%; I 2 = 72%) and a favorable aneurysm occlusion rate of 91% (95% CI = 82%–96%; I 2 = 49%). Safety outcomes demonstrated an overall complications rate of 6% (95% CI = 3%–12%; I 2 = 66%), with an early complications rate of 6% (95% CI = 4%–11%; I 2 = 0%), and a delayed complications rate of 0% (95% CI = 0%–7%; I 2 = 0%).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest a favorable outcome with a high rate of complete aneurysm occlusion at the last follow-up, with acceptable rates of neurological complications. Future research efforts should focus on larger, prospective studies with standardized outcome measures to further elucidate the clinical utility of the SE flow diverter in the management of IAs.
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly prevalent chronic infectious disease in developing countries, with Peru being one of the most affected countries in the world. The variants of the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene are related to xenobiotic metabolism and have potential usefulness in TB studies.
Aim
To determine whether NAT2 gene variants and acetylator phenotypes are associated with active TB in Peruvian patients.
Methods
This study included cases (patients with TB) and controls (population-based data). First, DNA isolation and the rs1799929, rs1799930, and rs1799931 variants of the NAT2 gene were identified using sequencing methods. Subsequently, the acetylator phenotypes, namely slow (SA), intermediate (IA), and rapid acetylation (RA), were also analyzed.
Results
The comparison of the frequencies of the rs1799931 variant in the cases and controls revealed significant differences. Risk factors were found for both the A allele (p = 0.00; odds ratio [OR] = 3.04, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.88–4.9) and AG genotype (p = 0.00; OR = 5.94, 95 % CI: 3.17–11.09). In addition, the non-rapid acetylator phenotype (SA + IA) was also found to be a risk factor (p = 0.016; OR = 3.16, 95 % CI: 1.29–7.72).
Conclusion
The A allele, GA heterozygous genotype of the rs1799931 variant of the NAT2 gene, and SA + IA acetylator phenotype showed an association with increased risk for the development of TB. In addition to xenobiotic metabolism, other metabolic and immunological functions of NAT2 have also been postulated to confer susceptibility to TB in the Peruvian population owing to its characteristic high Native American component.
Background
The prevalence of frailty and activities of daily living (ADL) disability may be higher in high-altitude Andean regions, due to chronic hypoxia, malnutrition, and physical challenges. and their association is relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and ADL disability among older adults residing in the Totos district in Peru during the year 2022.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Totos district (mean altitude: 3286 m above sea level), located in Ayacucho, Peru, during 2022. A complete census was employed including residents aged 60 and above. The exposure variable was frailty, defined by fulfilling 3 or more criteria of the Fried phenotype. The outcome variable was ADL disability, defined as a score below 95 on the Barthel index. Generalized linear models with a Poisson family, logarithmic link function, and robust variances were employed to estimate crude prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs), along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
We evaluated 272 older adults with a mean age of 74 years, of whom 59.9% were female, 62.1% were cohabiting or married and 83.1% had not completed primary education. We found that 19.5% were frail, while 51.1% had ADL disability. In the adjusted regression model, we found frailty increased the prevalence of ADL disability (aPR = 1.77; 95%CI: 1.44–2.16; p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Frailty was associated with an increased prevalence of ADL disability. These findings could contribute to establishing government intervention plans to manage disability and frailty within the high-risk group comprising older adults living at high altitudes.
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