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SARS-CoV-2’s rapid global spread caused the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. Alongside humans, domestic dogs and cats are also susceptible to infection. However, limited reports on pet infections in Chile prompted a comprehensive study to address this knowledge gap. Between March 2021 and March 2023, the study assessed 65 pets (26 dogs and 39 cats) from 33 COVID-19+ households alongside 700 nasal swabs from animals in households with unknown COVID-19 status. Using RT-PCR, nasal, fecal, and environmental samples were analyzed for the virus. In COVID-19+ households, 6.06% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, belonging to 3 dogs, indicating human-to-pet transmission. Pets from households with unknown COVID-19 status tested negative for the virus. We obtained 2 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from animals, that belonged to Omicron BA.4.1 variant, marking the first report of pets infected with this lineage globally. Phylogenetic analysis showed these sequences clustered with human sequences collected in Chile during the same period when the BA.4.1 variant was prevalent in the country. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Chilean pets was relatively low, likely due to the country’s high human vaccination rate. Our study highlights the importance of upholding and strengthening human vaccination strategies to mitigate the risk of interspecies transmission. It underscores the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing emerging zoonotic diseases, calling for further research on infection dynamics and risk factors for a comprehensive understanding.

Objective:. To assess the 5-year recurrence rate of incisional hernia repair in Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) 3 hernia with a slowly resorbable mesh. Summary Background Data:. Incisional hernia recurs frequently after initial repair. In potentially contaminated hernia, recurrences rise to 40%. Recently, the biosynthetic Phasix mesh has been developed that is resorbed in 12–18 months. Resorbable meshes might be a solution for incisional hernia repair to decrease short- and long-term (mesh) complications. However, long-term outcomes after resorption are scarce. Methods:. Patients with VHWG grade 3 incisional midline hernia, who participated in the Phasix trial (Clinilcaltrials.gov: NCT02720042) were included by means of physical examination and computed tomography (CT). Primary outcome was hernia recurrence; secondary outcomes comprised of long-term mesh complications, reoperations, and abdominal wall pain [visual analogue score (VAS): 0–10]. Results:. In total, 61/84 (72.6%) patients were seen. Median follow-up time was 60.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 55–64] months. CT scan was made in 39 patients (68.4%). A recurrence rate of 15.9% (95% confidence interval: 6.9–24.8) was calculated after 5 years. Four new recurrences (6.6%) were found between 2 and 5 years. Two were asymptomatic. In total, 13/84 recurrences were found. No long-term mesh complications and/or interventions occurred. VAS scores were 0 (IQR: 0–2). Conclusions:. Hernia repair with Phasix mesh in high-risk patients (VHWG 3, body mass index >28) demonstrated a recurrence rate of 15.9%, low pain scores, no mesh-related complications or reoperations for chronic pain between the 2- and 5-year follow-up. Four new recurrences occurred, 2 were asymptomatic. The poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh is a safe mesh for hernia repair in VHWG 3 patients, which avoids long-term mesh complications like pain and mesh infection.

Introduction and aims: Surgery is the main treatment for gastric cancer. D2 radical gastrectomy is associated with a variable postoperative morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors associated with the postoperative morbidity and mortality of D2 radical gastrectomy, with curative intent, for gastric cancer. Materials and methods: A retrospective case series was conducted, in which the medical records were reviewed of patients with gastric cancer that underwent D2 radical gastrectomy, within the time frame of January 2014 and December 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify the risk factors related to postoperative morbidity and mortality within 90 days. Results: The percentages of postoperative morbidity and mortality in 691 patients were 23.3% and 3.3%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥70 years (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.25−2.76), ASA III-IV (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.28−3.34), total gastrectomy (OR = 1.96, 95% CI:1.19−3.23), and pancreatosplenectomy (OR = 5.41, 95% CI: 1.42−20.61) were associated with greater postoperative morbidity, and age ≥70 years (OR = 4.92, 95% CI:1.78−13.65), lower BMI (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71−0.92), and hypoalbuminemia (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85−0.98) were associated with greater mortality in distal and total D2 radical gastrectomy. Conclusions: D2 radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer was shown to be a safe treatment, with low postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Age ≥70 years, ASA III-IV, total gastrectomy, and pancreatosplenectomy were factors associated with a higher complication rate. Age ≥70 years, lower BMI, and hypoalbuminemia were mortality predictors in distal and total radical gastrectomy. Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: La cirugía es el tratamiento principal para el cáncer gástrico. La gastrectomía radical D2 está asociada a morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria variable a nivel mundial. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria de la gastrectomía radical D2 con intención curativa por cáncer gástrico. Material y métodos: En este estudio de serie de casos retrospectivo, se revisó las historias clínicas de los pacientes con cáncer gástrico operados de gastrectomía radical D2 desde enero del 2014 a diciembre del 2018. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado para identificar los factores de riesgo relacionados con la morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria a los 90 días. Resultados: En 691 pacientes, el porcentaje de morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria fue del 23.3% y 3.3%, respectivamente. En el análisis multivariado, la edad ≥70 años (OR = 1.85, IC 95%:1.25-2.76), ASA III-IV (OR = 2.06, IC 95%:1.28-3.34), la realización de gastrectomía total (OR = 1.96, IC 95%:1.19-3.23) y pancreatosplenectomía (OR = 5.41, IC 95%:1.42-20.61) se asociaron con mayor morbilidad postoperatoria. Por otro lado, la edad ≥70 años (OR = 4.92, IC 95%:1.78-13.65), un menor IMC (OR = 0.81, IC 95%:0.71-0.92) e hipoalbuminemia (OR = 0.91, IC 95%:0.85-0.98) se asociaron a una mayor mortalidad en la gastrectomía radical D2 distal y total. Conclusiones: La gastrectomía radical D2 por cáncer gástrico es un tratamiento seguro con una baja morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria. La edad ≥70 años, ASA III-IV, la gastrectomía total y la realización de pancreatosplenectomía fueron factores asociados con una mayor tasa de complicaciones. La edad ≥70 años, un menor IMC e hipoalbuminemia son predictores de mortalidad en la gastrectomía radical distal y total.

Abstract Background Risky media use in terms of accumulating too much time in front of screens and usage before bedtime in early childhood is linked to developmental delays, reduced sleep quality, and unhealthy media use in later childhood and adulthood. For this reason, we examine patterns of media use in pre-school children and the extent to which child and family characteristics contribute to media use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study of digital media use by Canadian preschool-aged children (mean age = 3.45, N = 316) was conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic between April and August of 2020. Parents completed a questionnaire and 24-h recall diary in the context of an ongoing study of child digital media use. From these responses we estimated hours of average daily screen time, screen time in the past 24 h, average daily mobile device use, and media use before bedtime. Parents also answered questions about their child (i.e., age, sex, temperament), family characteristics (parental mediation style, parental screen time, education, income), and contextual features of the pandemic (ex., remote work, shared childcare). Daycare closures were directly assessed using a government website. Results Our results indicate that 64% of preschoolers used more than 2 h of digital media hours/day on average during the pandemic. A majority (56%) of children were also exposed to media within the hour before bedtime. Logistic and multinomial regressions revealed that child age and temperament, restrictive parental mediation, as well as parent digital media use, education, satisfaction with the division of childcare, remote work, and number of siblings and family income were all correlates of risky digital media use by preschoolers. Conclusions Our results suggest widespread risky media use by preschoolers during the pandemic. Parenting practices that include using more restrictive mediation strategies may foster benefits in regulating young children’s screen time.

Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: La cirugía es el tratamiento principal para el cáncer gástrico. La gastrectomía radical D2 está asociada a morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria variable a nivel mundial. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria de la gastrectomía radical D2 con intención curativa por cáncer gástrico. Material y métodos: En este estudio de serie de casos retrospectivo, se revisó las historias clínicas de los pacientes con cáncer gástrico operados de gastrectomía radical D2 desde enero del 2014 a diciembre del 2018. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado para identificar los factores de riesgo relacionados con la morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria a los 90 días. Resultados: En 691 pacientes, el porcentaje de morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria fue del 23.3% y del 3.3%, respectivamente. En el análisis multivariado, la edad ≥ 70 años (OR = 1.85, IC 95%: 1.25-2.76), ASA III-IV (OR = 2.06, IC 95%: 1.28-3.34), la realización de gastrectomía total (OR = 1.96, IC 95%:1.19-3.23) y pancreatoesplenectomía (OR = 5.41, IC 95%:1.42-20.61) se asociaron con mayor morbilidad postoperatoria. Por otro lado, la edad ≥70 años (OR = 4.92, IC 95%:1.78-13.65), un menor IMC (OR = 0.81, IC 95%:0.71-0.92) e hipoalbuminemia (OR = 0.91, IC 95%:0.85-0.98) se asociaron a una mayor mortalidad en la gastrectomía radical D2 distal y total. Conclusiones: La gastrectomía radical D2 por cáncer gástrico es un tratamiento seguro con una baja morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria. La edad ≥ 70 años, ASA III-IV, la gastrectomía total y la realización de pancreatoesplenectomía fueron factores asociados con una mayor tasa de complicaciones. La edad ≥ 70 años, un menor IMC e hipoalbuminemia son predictores de mortalidad en la gastrectomía radical distal y total. Abstract: Introduction and aims: Surgery is the main treatment for gastric cancer. D2 radical gastrectomy is associated with a variable postoperative morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors associated with the postoperative morbidity and mortality of D2 radical gastrectomy, with curative intent, for gastric cancer. Materials and methods: A retrospective case series was conducted, in which the medical records were reviewed of patients with gastric cancer that underwent D2 radical gastrectomy, within the time frame of January 2014 and December 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify the risk factors related to postoperative morbidity and mortality within 90 days. Results: The percentages of postoperative morbidity and mortality in 691 patients were 23.3% and 3.3%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 70 years (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.25-2.76), ASA III-IV (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.28-3.34), total gastrectomy (OR = 1.96, 95% CI:1.19-3.23), and pancreatosplenectomy (OR = 5.41, 95% CI: 1.42-20.61) were associated with greater postoperative morbidity, and age ≥ 70 years (OR = 4.92, 95% CI:1.78-13.65), lower BMI (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71-0.92), and hypoalbuminemia (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85-0.98) were associated with greater mortality in distal and total D2 radical gastrectomy. Conclusions: D2 radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer was shown to be a safe treatment, with low postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Age ≥ 70 years, ASA III-IV, total gastrectomy, and pancreatosplenectomy were factors associated with a higher complication rate. Age ≥ 70 years, lower BMI, and hypoalbuminemia were mortality predictors in distal and total radical gastrectomy.

IntroductionComparable indicators on complete cancer prevalence are increasingly needed in Europe to support survivorship care planning. Direct measures can be biased by limited registration time and estimates are needed to recover long term survivors. The completeness index method, based on incidence and survival modelling, is the standard most validated approach.MethodsWithin this framework, we consider two alternative approaches that do not require any direct modelling activity: i) empirical indices derived from long established European registries; ii) pre-calculated indices derived from US-SEER cancer registries. Relying on the EUROCARE-6 study dataset we compare standard vs alternative complete prevalence estimates using data from 62 registries in 27 countries by sex, cancer type and registration time.ResultsFor tumours mostly diagnosed in the elderly the empirical estimates differ little from standard estimates (on average less than 5% after 10-15 years of registration), especially for low prognosis cancers. For early-onset cancers (bone, brain, cervix uteri, testis, Hodgkin disease, soft tissues) the empirical method may produce substantial underestimations of complete prevalence (up to 20%) even when based on 35-year observations. SEER estimates are comparable to the standard ones for most cancers, including many early-onset tumours, even when derived from short time series (10-15 years). Longer observations are however needed when cancer-specific incidence and prognosis differ remarkably between US and European populations (endometrium, thyroid or stomach).DiscussionThese results may facilitate the dissemination of complete prevalence estimates across Europe and help bridge the current information gaps.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been improving the prognosis of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but there are still large differences in survival among European countries. This raises questions on the added value of results from population-based studies, which use real-world data, compared to results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with CML. There are also questions about the extent of the findings on RCTs effectiveness for patients in the general population. We compare survival data extracted from our previous systematic review and meta-analysis of CML RCTs with the latest updated population-based survival data of EUROCARE-6, the widest collaborative study on cancer survival in Europe. The EUROCARE-6 CML survival estimated in patients (15–64 years) diagnosed in 2000–2006 vs. 2007–2013 revealed that the prognostic improvement highlighted by RCTs was confirmed in real-world settings, too. The study shows, evaluating for the first time all European regions, that the optimal outcome figures obtained in controlled settings for CML are also achievable (and indeed achieved) in real-world settings with prompt introduction of TKIs in daily clinical practice. However, some differences still persist, particularly in Eastern European countries, where overall survival values are lower than elsewhere, probably due to a delayed introduction of TKIs. Our results suggest an insufficient adoption of adequate protocols in daily clinical practice in those countries where CML survival values remain lower in real life than the values obtained in RCTs. New high-resolution population-based studies may help to identify failures in the clinical pathways followed there.

BackgroundVentral hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. To reduce the risk of complications, pre- and intra-operative strategies have received increasing focus in recent years. To assess possible preventive surgical strategies, this European Hernia Society endorsed project was launched. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current literature focusing on pre- and intra-operative strategies for surgical site occurrences (SSO) and specifically surgical site infection (SSI) in ventral hernia repair.MethodsA systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Databases used were Pubmed and Web of Science. Original retrospective or prospective human adult studies describing at least one intra-operative intervention to reduce SSO after ventral hernia repair were considered eligible.ResultsFrom a total of 4775 results, a total of 18 papers were considered suitable after full text reading. Prehospital chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) scrub appears to increase the risk of SSO in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair, while there is no association between any type of surgical hat worn and the incidence of postoperative wound events. Intraoperative measures as prophylactic negative pressure therapy, surgical drain placement and the use of quilt sutures seem beneficial for decreasing the incidence of SSO and/or SSI. No positive effect has been shown for antibiotic soaking of a synthetic mesh, nor for the use of fibrin sealants.ConclusionThis review identified a limited amount of literature describing specific preventive measures and techniques during ventral hernia repair. An advantage of prophylactic negative pressure therapy in prevention of SSI was observed, but different tools to decrease SSIs and SSOs continuously further need our full attention to improve patient outcomes and to lower overall costs.

Forecasting the thermosphere (the atmosphere's uppermost layer, from about 90 to 800 km altitude) is crucial to space-related applications, from space mission design to re-entry operations, space surveillance and more. Thermospheric dynamics is directly linked to the solar dynamics through the solar UV (ultraviolet) input, which is highly variable, and through the solar wind and plasma fluxes impacting Earth's magnetosphere. The solar input is non-periodic and non-stationary, with long-term modulations from the solar rotation and the solar cycle and impulsive components, due to magnetic storms. Proxies of the solar input exist and may be used to forecast the thermosphere, such as the F10.7 radio flux and the Mg II EUV (extreme-ultraviolet) flux. They relate to physical processes of the solar atmosphere. Other indices, such as the Ap geomagnetic index, connect with Earth's geomagnetic environment. We analyse the proxies' time series comparing them with in situ density data from the ESA (European Space Agency) GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) gravity mission, operational from March 2009 to November 2013, therefore covering the full rising phase of solar cycle 24, exposing the entire dynamic range of the solar input. We use empirical mode decomposition (EMD), an analysis technique appropriate to non-periodic, multi-scale signals. Data are taken at an altitude of 260 km, exceptionally low for a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite, where density variations are the single most important perturbation to satellite dynamics. We show that the synthesized signal from optimally selected combinations of proxy basis functions, notably Mg II for the solar flux and Ap for the plasma component, shows a very good agreement with thermospheric data obtained by GOCE, during periods of low and medium solar activity. In periods of maximum solar activity, density enhancements are also well represented. The Mg II index proves to be, in general, a better proxy than the F10.7 index for modelling the solar flux because of its specific response to the UV spectrum, whose variations have the largest impact over thermospheric density.

Background Rare locations of hernias, as well as primary ventral hernias under certain circumstances (cirrhosis, dialysis, rectus diastasis, subsequent pregnancy), might be technically challenging. The aim was to identify situations where the treatment strategy might deviate from routine management. Methods The guideline group consisted of surgeons from the European and Americas Hernia Societies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used in formulating the recommendations. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) critical appraisal checklists were used to evaluate the quality of full‐text papers. A systematic literature search was performed on 1 May 2018 and updated 1 February 2019. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument was followed. Results Literature was limited in quantity and quality. A majority of the recommendations were graded as weak, based on low quality of evidence. In patients with cirrhosis or on dialysis, a preperitoneal mesh repair is suggested. Subsequent pregnancy is a risk factor for recurrence. Repair should be postponed until after the last pregnancy. For patients with a concomitant rectus diastasis or those with a Spigelian or lumbar hernia, no recommendation could be made for treatment strategy owing to lack of evidence. Conclusion This is the first European and American guideline on the treatment of umbilical and epigastric hernias in patients with special conditions, including Spigelian and lumbar hernias. All recommendations were weak owing to a lack of evidence. Further studies are needed on patients with rectus diastasis, Spigelian and lumbar hernias.

This paper presents the project Comprehensive spAce wEather Studies for the ASPIS prototype Realization (CAESAR), which aims to tackle the relevant aspects of Space Weather (SWE) science and develop a prototype of the scientific data centre for Space Weather of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) called ASPIS (ASI SPace Weather InfraStructure). To this end, CAESAR involves the majority of the SWE Italian community, bringing together 10 Italian institutions as partners, and a total of 92 researchers. The CAESAR approach encompasses the whole chain of phenomena from the Sun to Earth up to planetary environments in a multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and unprecedented way. Detailed and integrated studies are being performed on a number of well-observed “target SWE events”, which exhibit noticeable SWE characteristics from several SWE perspectives. CAESAR investigations synergistically exploit a great variety of different products (datasets, codes, models), both long-standing and novel, that will be made available in the ASPIS prototype: this will consist of a relational database (DB), an interface, and a wiki-like documentation structure. The DB will be accessed through both a Web graphical interface and the ASPIS.py module, i.e., a library of functions in Python, which will be available for download and installation. The ASPIS prototype will unify multiple SWE resources through a flexible and adaptable architecture, and will integrate currently available international SWE assets to foster scientific studies and advance forecasting capabilities.

Abstract Background This study assessed clinical outcomes, including safety and recurrence, from the two-year follow-up of patients who underwent open ventral primary hernia repair with the use of the Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch (PCO-VP). Methods A prospective single-arm, multicenter study of 126 patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair for umbilical and epigastric hernias with the PCO-VP was performed. Results One hundred twenty-six subjects (110 with umbilical hernia and 16 with epigastric hernia) with a mean hernia diameter of 1.8 cm (0.4–4.0) were treated with PCO-VP. One hundred subjects completed the two-year study. Cumulative hernia recurrence was 3.0% (3/101; 95%CI: 0.0–6.3%) within 24 months. Median Numeric Rating Scale pain scores improved from 2 [0–10] at baseline to 0 [0–3] at 1 month (P

Abstract Background Incisional heia is a frequent complication of midline laparotomy. The use of mesh in hernia repair has been reported to lead to fewer recurrences compared to primary repair. However, in Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) Grade 3 hernia patients, whose hernia is potentially contaminated, synthetic mesh is prone to infection. There is a strong preference for resorbable biological mesh in contaminated fields, since it is more able to resist infection, and because it is fully resorbed, the chance of a foreign body reaction is reduced. However, when not crosslinked, biological resorbable mesh products tend to degrade too quickly to facilitate native cellular ingrowth. Phasix™ Mesh is a biosynthetic mesh with both the biocompatibility and resorbability of a biological mesh and the mechanical strength of a synthetic mesh. This multi-center single-arm study aims to collect data on safety and performance of Phasix™ Mesh in Grade 3 hernia patients. Methods A total of 85 VHWG Grade 3 hernia patients will be treated with Phasix™ Mesh in 15 sites across Europe. The primary outcome is Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO) including hematoma, seroma, infection, dehiscence and fistula formation (requiring intervention) through 3 months. Secondary outcomes include recurrence, infection and quality of life related outcomes after 24 months. Follow-up visits will be at drain removal (if drains were not placed, then on discharge or staple removal instead) and in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th month after surgery. Conclusion Based on evidence from this clinical study Depending on the results this clinical study will yield, Phasix™ Mesh may become a preferred treatment option in VHWG Grade 3 patients. Trial registration The trial was registered on March 25, 2016 on clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02720042.