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This study aimed to compare the effects of two extraction techniques (conventional n-hexane and supercritical CO2) on the oil extraction yields, fatty acids profile, anti-hyaluronidase activity, oxidative stability, and in vitro bioactivities of oils from Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis). Higher oil extraction yield (99 %) was achieved using the SC-CO2, although similar fatty acids profiles were depicted between both treatments (p < 0.05). The SC-CO2 oil presented higher anti-hyaluronidase (31 %) activity, but lower oxidative stability (5.05 h) compared to the solvent extraction (10 %, and 5.3 h, respectively). In vitro assays further revealed that the best human normal colon cells (FHC) cell viability (100 %), anti-inflammatory (50 % lower NO production), and antioxidant (20 % ROS reduction) activities were consistently observed in both extraction treatments at concentrations of 50 µg/mL and higher. These findings highlight the potential of supercritical CO2 extraction in yielding Sacha Inchi oil with enhanced bioactive properties without the disadvantages of the use of organic solvents extraction.
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Cromatografía con Fluido Supercrítico , Aceites de Plantas , Cromatografía con Fluido Supercrítico/métodos , Humanos , Aceites de Plantas/química , Aceites de Plantas/farmacología , Aceites de Plantas/aislamiento & purificación , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/aislamiento & purificación , Ácidos Grasos/química , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Oxidación-ReducciónRESUMEN
Temperature and nutrition are suggested as the primary factors affecting larval survival during the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding in fish. However, little is known about its simultaneous impact during this period. In this study, Seriola rivoliana eggs were subjected to a constant 24 °C (CTE) and a daily temperature fluctuation (DTF) between 22.8 and 25.2 °C until oil droplet exhaustion (5.5 days after hatching). On the other hand, marine fish larvae mostly rely on live feed, with certain nutritional deficiencies such as poor long-chain fatty acids. Thus, rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis enrichment was simultaneously evaluated with temperature using three enrichment diets: Ori-green, S.presso, and a Domestic emulsion. For this purpose, the five experimental groups were established in triplicate using six 100-L tanks with three 10-L containers inside (18 experimental units in total). One hundred eggs were incubated, using a green water system, and 10 rotifers mL-1 were offered at mouth opening. After oil droplet exhaustion, survival was only affected by temperature (P < 0.01), being higher at DTF compared to CTE. At the same stage, Domestic emulsion resulted in bigger larvae than Ori-green. In a further assay at 3.7 DAH, the relative expression of the trypsin gene was higher at Domestic emulsion compared to S.presso and Ori-green. This study indicates that daily temperature fluctuation can improve larval performance and low levels of EPA and DHA in Domestic emulsion enriched rotifers were not critical for Seriola rivoliana at first feeding.
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Biofuels offer significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy sustainability, but their efficient purification remains a significant challenge. In this study, the performance of a hydrophobic zeolitic imidazolate framework, ZIF-71(ClBr)-SE, in the adsorptive separation of butanol from single- and ternary-component systems (acetone, butanol, and ethanol) was investigated and compared with ZIF-8 and ZIF-71. Physicochemical characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, BET, TGA, and DVS, confirmed that the modified ZIF-71 is hydrophobic, isostructural with ZIF-71, and has a higher surface area. Adsorption tests in aqueous solutions revealed that ZIF-71(ClBr)-SE unexpectedly showed a higher affinity for acetone over butanol. DFT molecular simulations provided insights into solute-ZIF interactions, highlighting preferential sites for ZIF interaction.
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The Atlantic Forest Biome (AFB) creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of vector mosquitoes, such as Haemagogus and Sabethes species, which transmit the Yellow Fever virus (YFV) to both human and non-human primates (NHP) (particularly Alouatta sp. and Callithrix sp.). From 2016 to 2020, 748 fatal cases of YF in humans and 1,763 in NHPs were reported in this biome, following several years free from the disease. This underscores the imminent risk posed by the YFV. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of YF cases in both NHPs and humans across the entire AFB during the outbreak period, using a generalized linear mixed regression model (GLMM) at the municipal level. Our analysis examined factors associated with the spread of YFV, including environmental characteristics, climate conditions, human vaccination coverage, and the presence of two additional YFV-affected NHP species. The occurrence of epizootics has been directly associated with natural forest formations and the presence of species within the Callithrix genus. Additionally, epizootics have been shown to be directly associated with human prevalence. Furthermore, human prevalence showed an inverse correlation with urban areas, temporary croplands, and savannah and grassland areas. Further analyses using Moran's Index to incorporate the neighborhoods of municipalities with cases in each studied host revealed additional variables, such as altitude, which showed a positive correlation. Additionally, the occurrence of the disease in both hosts exhibited a spatio-temporal distribution pattern. To effectively mitigate the spread of the virus, it is necessary to proactively expand vaccination coverage, refine NHP surveillance strategies, and enhance entomological surveillance in both natural and modified environments.
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Bosques , Mosquitos Vectores , Fiebre Amarilla , Virus de la Fiebre Amarilla , Fiebre Amarilla/epidemiología , Fiebre Amarilla/transmisión , Animales , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiología , Mosquitos Vectores/virología , Clima , Brotes de Enfermedades , EcosistemaRESUMEN
The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and masked hypertension (MH) in ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring is established, but its relationship with home BP monitoring (HBPM) remains uncertain. This web-based database study compared BP phenotypes in individuals using (n = 51,194; 6.05% with DM) and not using (n = 55,320; 0.63% with DM) antihypertensive medications (AH) undergoing HBPM. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed similar MH and white-coat hypertension (WCH) prevalence in individuals with or without DM, irrespective of AH use. However, among AH non-users, DM was associated with a higher likelihood of normotension (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.09-1.66; p = 0.006) and a lower likelihood of sustained hypertension (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.60-0.99; p = 0.039) compared to individuals without DM. These findings suggest that while DM does not significantly impact MH and WCH in HBPM, it may influence normotension and sustained hypertension rates in AH non-users. Likelihood of diabetes mellitus according to blood pressure phenotypes. AH - antihypertensive medications; CH - controlled hypertension; MH - masked hypertension; MUCH - masked uncontrolled hypertension; NT - normotension; SH - sustained hypertension; SUCH - sustained uncontrolled hypertension; WCH - white-coat hypertension; WUCH - white-coat uncontrolled hypertension.
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Spine disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. To promote social inclusion, it is essential to ensure that people can participate in their societies by improving their ability, opportunities, and dignity, through access to high-quality, evidence-based, and affordable spine services for all.To achieve this goal, SPINE20 recommends six actions.- SPINE20 recommends that G20 countries deliver evidence-based education to the community health workers and primary care clinicians to promote best practice for spine health, especially in underserved communities.- SPINE20 recommends that G20 countries deliver evidence-based, high-quality, cost-effective spine care interventions that are accessible, affordable and beneficial to patients.- SPINE20 recommends that G20 countries invest in Health Policy and System Research (HPSR) to generate evidence to develop and implement policies aimed at integrating rehabilitation in primary care to improve spine health.- SPINE20 recommends that G20 countries support ongoing research initiatives on digital technologies including artificial intelligence, regulate digital technologies, and promote evidence-based, ethical digital solutions in all aspects of spine care, to enrich patient care with high value and quality.- SPINE20 recommends that G20 countries prioritize social inclusion by promoting equitable access to comprehensive spine care through collaborations with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations.- SPINE20 recommends that G20 countries prioritize spine health to improve the well-being and productivity of their populations. Government health systems are expected to create a healthier, more productive, and equitable society for all through collaborative efforts and sustained investment in evidence-based care and promotion of spine health.
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The abuse of synthetic steroids, such as nandrolone decanoate (ND), is often associated with violent behavior, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). After a TBI, proteins like APP, ß-amyloid peptide-42 (Aß42), and phosphorylated tau (pTau) accumulate and trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress associated with an unfolded protein response (UPR). The involvement of mitochondrial bioenergetics in this context remains unexplored. We interrogate whether the abuse of ND before TBI alters the responses of ER stress and mitochondrial bioenergetics in connection with neurodegeneration and memory processing in mice. Male CF1 adult mice were administered ND (15 mg/kg) or vehicle (VEH) s.c. for 19 days, coinciding with the peak day of aggressive behavior, and then underwent cortical controlled impact (CCI) or sham surgery. Spatial memory was assessed through the Morris water maze task (MWM) post-TBI. In synaptosome preparations, i) we challenged mitochondrial complexes (I, II, and V) in a respirometry assay, employing metabolic substrates, an uncoupler, and inhibitors; and ii) assessed molecular biomarkers through Western blot. TBI significantly increased APP, Aß42, and pTauSer396 levels, along with ER-stress proteins, GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP, implying it primed apoptotic signaling. Concurrently, TBI reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux in exchange with Na+, disturbed the formation/dissipation of membrane potential, increased H2O2 production, decreased biogenesis (PGC-1⺠and TOM20), and ATP biosynthesis coupled with oxygen consumption. Unexpectedly, ND abuse before TBI attenuated the elevations in APP, Aß42, and pTauSer396, accompanied by a decrease in GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP levels, and partial normalization of mitochondrial-related endpoints. A principal component analysis revealed a key hierarchical signature featuring mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux, CHOP, GRP78, TOM20, H2O2, and bioenergetic efficiency as a unique variable (PC1) able to explain the memory deficits caused by TBI, as well as the preservation of memory fitness induced by prior ND abuse.
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Aims: Aortic elongation can result from age-related changes, congenital factors, aneurysms, or conditions affecting blood vessel elasticity. It is associated with cardiovascular diseases and severe complications like aortic aneurysms and dissection. We assess qualitatively and quantitatively explainable methods to understand the decisions of a deep learning model for detecting aortic elongation using chest X-ray (CXR) images. Methods and results: In this study, we evaluated the performance of deep learning models (DenseNet and EfficientNet) for detecting aortic elongation using transfer learning and fine-tuning techniques with CXR images as input. EfficientNet achieved higher accuracy (86.7% ± 2.1), precision (82.7% ± 2.7), specificity (89.4% ± 1.7), F1 score (82.5% ± 2.9), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (92.7% ± 0.6) but lower sensitivity (82.3% ± 3.2) compared with DenseNet. To gain insights into the decision-making process of these models, we employed gradient-weighted class activation mapping and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations explainability methods, which enabled us to identify the expected location of aortic elongation in CXR images. Additionally, we used the pixel-flipping method to quantitatively assess the model interpretations, providing valuable insights into model behaviour. Conclusion: Our study presents a comprehensive strategy for analysing CXR images by integrating aortic elongation detection models with explainable artificial intelligence techniques. By enhancing the interpretability and understanding of the models' decisions, this approach holds promise for aiding clinicians in timely and accurate diagnosis, potentially improving patient outcomes in clinical practice.
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The relationship between diet and behavior is essential to understanding an animal's strategies to obtain food, considering ontogenical changes. In reptiles, there is a relationship between the length of the individual and the size of the prey it consumes. Studies have focused on the ontogenetic changes in reptile diets from hatchling to adult, but only a few studies have focused on the transition from hatchling to juvenile. We aimed to describe and analyze the composition, variation, diversity, and overlap in the diet of hatchling Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) for three size intervals during the hatchling-juvenile transition. We captured 31 hatchling Morelet's crocodiles in an urbanized lagoon in Tabasco. We performed stomach-flushing to determine the diet. Additionally, we estimated the volume, frequency of occurrence, and relative importance of diet items and analyzed the relationship between prey type and the total length of the individuals. The diversity of the hatchling prey suggests a generalist diet. We observed two items not previously described in the diet of hatchling crocodiles. In addition, we found differences in diet between the initial and final size intervals, as increases in the length of prey appeared that they did not consume when they were hatchlings. Our results contribute new information to the dietary changes that occur during the hatchling-juvenile transition.
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The success of using active restoration in Mediterranean-type climate zones mostly depends on an appropriate matching of plant species and specific management prescriptions upon establishment. In this study, we assessed the early growth and short-term physiological acclimation of seven common species found in the sclerophyllous forests in central Chile to water restriction and shading. We established a nursery experiment that included three treatments (T0: sun-exposed and water-restricted, T1: sun-exposed and fully irrigated, and T2: shaded and fully irrigated) and seven tree species differing in their shade and drought tolerance (Quillaja saponaria Molina, Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, Peumus boldus Molina, Lithraea caustica (Mol.) Hook. and Arn, Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret, Colliguaja odorifera Molina, and Escallonia pulverulenta (Ruiz and Prav.) Pers). We measured the increment in seedling height and different leaf morpho-physiological traits during two months in the dry season. Based on the measured traits, none of the species took advantage of the higher water availability in T1 relative to T0, but most of the species responded to the shade in T2, regardless of their shade or drought tolerance. Height increments due to shade varied from 0% in P. boldus to 203% in L. apiculata. Overall, all the species responded similarly to the treatments in specific leaf area, chlorophyll content index, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intrinsic water use efficiency. This suggests that the species exhibited similar acclimation patterns of these parameters to shade and drought, even regarding the variation in midday xylem water potential found in the water-restricted treatment T0 (from -1.5 MPa in P. boldus to -3.1 MPa in E. pulverulenta). In this study, shading had a higher positive effect on the seedling performance of sclerophyllous species than watering, which at operational level highlights the need for investing in tree shelters when using these species in restoration programs.
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INTRODUCTION: Iodine is an essential mineral for fetal growth and brain development. The aim of this research was to evaluate goiter, iodine deficiency and intrauterine growth restriction in pregnant women of minority ethnic groups in Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in six non-metropolitan areas of Colombia. RESULTS: A total of 318 Indigenous and Afro-descendant pregnant women were invited to participate: 248 (83.2%) Indigenous and 50 (16.8%) Afro-descendants were studied. The mean age was 24 years (range 13-44 years). Of the women, 130 (43.5%) were from the department of Cauca, 72 (24.1%) were from Córdoba, 28 (9.4%) were from Guajira, 26 (8.8%) were from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, 22 (7.4%) were from Amazonas, 16 (5.4%) were from Meta and 4 (1.3%) were from the department of Cesar. A total of 244 (81.8%) were illiterate and 291 (97.7%) were of very low socioeconomic level. Goiter was observed in 69 (23.3%) pregnant women (38 (41.7%) from the department of Cauca, 10 (35.7%) from Guajira, 5 (31.2%) from Meta, 6 (27.2%) from Amazonas and 10 (13.8%) from Córdoba). Iodine deficiency (<100 µg/L) was observed in 42 (14.9%) pregnant women (16 (11.6%) mild (50-99 µg/L), 19 (13.8%) moderate (20-49 µg/L) and 7 (5.1%) severe (<20 µg/L)). Being literate was a protective factor for iodine deficiency (odds ratio (OR)=0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.84, p=0.016). Being illiterate and iodine deficient was only a risk factor for goiter (OR=6.72, 95%CI 3.9-9.5, p=0.038) in the department of Cauca. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of goiter, iodine deficiency and intrauterine growth restriction was observed in minority ethnic groups of Colombia. The highest prevalence and risk was observed in the department of Cauca.
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Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal , Bocio , Yodo , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Embarazo , Adulto Joven , Colombia/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal/epidemiología , Retardo del Crecimiento Fetal/etnología , Bocio/epidemiología , Bocio/etnología , Yodo/deficiencia , Yodo/administración & dosificación , Minorías Étnicas y RacialesRESUMEN
Background: Over the past decade, 3D printing technology has revolutionized various fields, including dentistry. Provisional restorations play a crucial role in prosthetic rehabilitation, necessitating the evaluation of their bond strength with different provisional cement agents. Aims: This study is aimed at assessing the immediate and long-term bond strength of 3D-printed dental crowns using three provisional cement agents. Materials and Methods: Provisional crowns (N = 36) were manufactured using 3D modeling software and cemented in dentin analogues (G10 Nema resin). After the crowns' fabrication, they were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12) for cementation with Relyx Temp 3M ESPE, Provicol-VOCO, and Meron-VOCO. Tensile strength tests were conducted using a universal testing machine, with half of the specimens subjected to 2000 thermal cycles before testing. Finite element analysis was employed to assess tensile stress distribution. Results: Statistical analysis (two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at a 95% confidence level) revealed significant effects of cement type (p = 0.006) and thermal aging (p = 0.001) on bond strength. Glass ionomer cement exhibited the highest immediate resistance, while all types of cement were adversely affected by thermal aging, resulting in decreased bond strength. Conclusion: Thermal aging significantly alters the properties of 3D printing resin and affects the bond strength of provisional cement with 3D-printed crowns. Despite the adverse effects of thermal aging, glass ionomer cement demonstrated the highest immediate resistance. Clinicians should carefully consider these findings when selecting provisional cements for 3D-printed crowns.
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Coronas , Impresión Tridimensional , Resistencia a la Tracción , Humanos , Ensayo de Materiales , Análisis de Elementos Finitos , Cementos de Ionómero Vítreo/química , Cementos Dentales/química , Recubrimiento Dental Adhesivo/métodosRESUMEN
The effect of peptide toxins on voltage-gated ion channels can be reliably assessed using electrophysiological assays, such as the patch-clamp technique. However, much of the toxinological research done in Central and South America aims at purifying and characterizing biochemical properties of the toxins of vegetal or animal origin, lacking electrophysiological approaches. This may happen due to technical and infrastructure limitations or because researchers are unfamiliar with the techniques and cellular models that can be used to gain information about the effect of a molecule on ion channels. Given the potential interest of many research groups in the highly biodiverse region of Central and South America, we reviewed the most relevant conceptual and methodological developments required to implement the evaluation of the effect of peptide toxins on mammalian voltage-gated ion channels using patch-clamp. For that, we searched MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO databases with different combinations of these descriptors: "electrophysiology", "patch-clamp techniques", "Ca2+ channels", "K+ channels", "cnidarian venoms", "cone snail venoms", "scorpion venoms", "spider venoms", "snake venoms", "cardiac myocytes", "dorsal root ganglia", and summarized the literature as a scoping review. First, we present the basics and recent advances in mammalian voltage-gated ion channel's structure and function and update the most important animal sources of channel-modulating toxins (e.g. cnidarian and cone snails, scorpions, spiders, and snakes), highlighting the properties of toxins electrophysiologically characterized in Central and South America. Finally, we describe the local experience in implementing the patch-clamp technique using two models of excitable cells, as well as the participation in characterizing new modulators of ion channels derived from the venom of a local spider, a toxins' source less studied with electrophysiological techniques. Fostering the implementation of electrophysiological methods in more laboratories in the region will strengthen our capabilities in many fields, such as toxinology, toxicology, pharmacology, natural products, biophysics, biomedicine, and bioengineering.
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Background: The coexistence of aortic stenosis (AS) and neoplastic pathology are common due to shared risk factors with atherosclerotic disease, such as diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and smoking. Severe AS in patients with cancer requires careful assessment in order to select the appropriate therapeutic choices and their timing (i.e. valve treatment first vs. cancer treatment first). Case summary: A 66-year-old woman with a history of smoking was admitted to our centre due to heart failure (HF). During her hospitalization, severe AS with severe ventricular dysfunction and cancer were documented. Because of her severe heart disease, she was unable to receive antineoplastic treatment. Therefore, she underwent percutaneous surgery to treat the aortic valve. After that, the management of cancer became possible, which included bilateral radical mastectomy and chemotherapy.We are presenting a case of cancer coexisting with aortic stenosis and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction. In this case, we performed Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) with the aim of improving the ejection fraction, followed by chemotherapy. Discussion: Cancer patients may be further disadvantaged by AS if it interferes with their treatment by increasing the risk associated with oncologic surgery and compounding the risks associated with cardiotoxicity and HF. Clinical trials and guidelines on TAVR exclude cohorts with limited life expectancy. Hence, the correct and optimal care for cancer patients with severe AS is complex. The TAVR, for cancer patients with severe AS, can more frequently be the best clinical choice by avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass, minimal invasiveness, and therefore, shorter recovery time.
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CONTEXT: The evaluation of quadriceps muscle inhibition with the interpolated twitch technique is usually performed by stimulating the femoral nerve (FN). However, there are some problems related to the use of this stimulation site, which may be partially overcome by delivering the stimulation over the motor point (MP). This study sought to compare MP to FN stimulation at different joint angles for the evaluation of quadriceps muscle inhibition, resting peak torque, and discomfort in healthy women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Sixteen healthy women (age: 28 [4] y; body mass: 60 [5] kg; height: 162 [5] cm) participated in this study. Supramaximal paired stimuli were delivered to the FN and to the rectus femoris MP before and during maximal voluntary contractions at different knee angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion) to assess muscle inhibition and resting peak torque. Discomfort was also recorded for each stimulation site and knee angle. RESULTS: Muscle inhibition was similar between the 2 stimulation sites (P > .05) and was higher at 45° than at 90° (P = .03). MP stimulation evoked lower resting peak torque at 30° (P = .004), 60° (P = .006), and 90° (P = .006) and higher discomfort at 30° (P = .008) and 90° (P = .027) compared to FN stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite lower resting peak torque and higher discomfort at some angles, MP stimulation provided similar muscle inhibition to FN stimulation at all knee angles and is therefore a valid method to evaluate quadriceps muscle inhibition in healthy women. MP stimulation can be used as an alternative to FN stimulation for the evaluation of quadriceps muscle inhibition with no added discomfort at the angles where muscle inhibition is the highest.
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Nervio Femoral , Músculo Cuádriceps , Torque , Humanos , Femenino , Músculo Cuádriceps/fisiología , Adulto , Nervio Femoral/fisiología , Estudios Transversales , Estimulación Eléctrica/métodos , Adulto Joven , Contracción Muscular/fisiología , Articulación de la Rodilla/fisiología , Voluntarios SanosRESUMEN
To evaluate the fracture load of bilayer ceramic crowns manufactured by Rapid Layer Technology (RLT) after different cementation protocols of the veneering ceramic to the zirconia infrastructures. Sixty epoxy resin preparations simulating a molar tooth were obtained and 60 zirconia infrastructures and feldspathic crowns were manufactured by RLT and divided into 6 groups according to the cementation protocol at the interface to veneering ceramic (n=10): Ctr- control: conventional resin cement; Al- Al2O3 sandblasting 50µm + conventional resin cement; Al/MDP- Al2O3 sandblasting (50µm) + resin cement with MDP; Sil- silicatization 30µm + conventional resin cement; Gl/HF- glaze + hydrofluoridric acid (5%,60s) + silane + conventional resin cement; Gl- glazing as bonding agent. The feldspathic ceramic internal surface was etched with fluoridric acid (5%) + silane followed by cementation according to respective protocols. All samples were mechanically cycled (200N and 4.5x105 Pa, 37°C, 2x106 cycles, 3.4Hz) and submitted to axial compressing fracture load test (10kN, 0.5mm/min). The results(N) were submitted to descriptive and analytical statistical analysis with 1-way ANOVA, Weibull, and the Tukey test (α=0.05). ANOVA revealed that there was a significant difference among the tested groups (p<0.0001). The group Al/MDP presented the higher resistance to fracture (1972.46A N), followed by the Ctr group (1584.41B N). The characteristic strength(σ0) was significantly different (p=0.000). The crack and chipping were the predominant failures. The air-abrasion at the external surface of zirconia with Al2O3 followed by cementation with MDP resin cement, should be selected to Rapid Layer Technique when felspathic ceramic is used as veneer ceramic.
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Cementación , Cerámica , Coronas , Análisis del Estrés Dental , Ensayo de Materiales , Cerámica/química , Cementación/métodos , Circonio/química , Fracaso de la Restauración Dental , Cementos Dentales/químicaRESUMEN
Achieving more sustainable adaptation to social-environmental change demands the transformation of the narratives that provide the rationale for risk governance. These narratives often reflect long-standing beliefs about social and political relationships, ascribe actions and responsibilities, and specify solutions to risk. When such solutions are implemented through material investments in landscapes, these narratives become embedded in physical infrastructure with long legacies. Dominant narratives can mask a range of divergent problem framings. By masking alternatives, narratives can contribute to the persistence of unsustainable governance trajectories. Decision-support tools have begun to represent narratives as drivers of system dynamics; making narratives visible can reveal opportunities for more sustainable governance. We present the results of the project "The Dynamics of Multi-Scalar Adaptation in the Megalopolis", a dynamic, exploratory model of socio-hydrological risks in Mexico City that was designed to both endogenize and simultaneously challenge the dominant narratives that characterize water-risk governance in the city. Qualitative data characterize dominant narratives at city and borough scales. An agent-based model, informed by multicriteria decision analysis and coupled with hydrological, urbanization, and climatic model inputs, permitted the development of exploratory governance scenarios designed to challenge dominant narratives. Scenarios revealed how dominant narratives may contribute to the persistence of vulnerability "hotspots" in the city, despite stated goals of equity and vulnerability alleviation. Participatory workshops with representatives of the city government illustrate how making such narratives visible through exploratory modeling can lead to a questioning of prior assumptions and causal relations, recognition of a need for intersectoral collaboration, and insights into potential management strategies.
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Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS) are a set of genetic diseases that affect the neuromuscular transmission causing muscular weakness. The standard pharmacological treatment aims at ameliorating the myasthenic symptom by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Most patients respond well in the short and medium term, however, over time the beneficial effects rapidly fade, and the efficacy of the treatment diminishes. Increasing evidence shows that ß2-adrenergic agonists can be a suitable choice for the treatment of neuromuscular disorders, including CMS, as they promote beneficial effects in the neuromuscular system. The exact mechanism on which they rely is not completely understood, although patients and animal models respond well to the treatment, especially over extended periods. Here, we report the use of the long-lasting specific ß2-adrenergic agonist formoterol in a myasthenic mouse model (mnVAChT-KD), featuring deletion of VAChT (Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter) specifically in the α-motoneurons. Our findings demonstrate that formoterol treatment (300 µg/kg/day; sc) for 30 days increased the neuromuscular junction area, induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy and altered fibre type composition in myasthenic mice. Interestingly, ß2-adrenergic agonists have shown efficacy even in the absence of ACh (acetylcholine). Our data provide important evidence supporting the potential of ß2-adrenergic agonists in treating neuromuscular disorders of pre-synaptic origin and characterized by disruptions in nerve-muscle communication, through a direct and beneficial action within the motor unit.
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Agonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2 , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Fumarato de Formoterol , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos , Unión Neuromuscular , Proteínas de Transporte Vesicular de Acetilcolina , Animales , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndromes Miasténicos Congénitos/genética , Fumarato de Formoterol/farmacología , Fumarato de Formoterol/uso terapéutico , Agonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/farmacología , Unión Neuromuscular/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Proteínas de Transporte Vesicular de Acetilcolina/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte Vesicular de Acetilcolina/genética , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , MasculinoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To determine the inflammatory profile of CRSwNP in Brazil and characterize the subgroups of CRSwNP patients in this population through cluster analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional study involving 15 centers representing different regions of Brazil. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Clinical data of 166 patients and 80 controls, aged 18 to 70 years old, number of surgeries for CRS, history of asthma and aspirin sensitivity, and Lund-Mackay scores on CT scans. During nasal endoscopy, we obtained the Lund-Kennedy scores and collected 2 samples of nasal polyps: one for eosinophil and neutrophil tissue counts and one to quantify different cytokines. RESULTS: 79.6% of our patients had 10 or more eosinophils/HPF. CRSwNP groups exhibited significantly lower concentrations of TNF-alpha and significantly higher concentrations of IFN-gamma, CCL11/Eotaxin, CCL24/Eotaxin-2/MPIF-2, and CCL26/Eotaxin-3 versus the control group (Kruskal-Wallis test). Comparison between CRSwNP groups (≥10 vs <10 eosinophils/HPF) showed no difference in cytokine concentration (Mann-Whitney test). Hierarchical clustering and PCA according to cytokine concentrations revealed 2 main Clusters, with a significantly higher concentration of all cytokines in Cluster 1 (n = 35) than in Cluster 2 (n = 121), except IL-6 and IL-33 (Mann-Whitney test). According to ROC curve analysis the best cut-off to differentiate the 2 clusters was 43 eosinophils/HPF. The group with ≥43 presented a higher prevalence of men and a higher Lund-Mackay score (Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSIONS: CRSwNP patients in Brazil present mixed inflammation, with 2 distinct groups (high and low inflammatory pattern) that can be distinguished by tissue eosinophilia of ≥43 eosinophils/HPF cut-off in nasal polyps.
Asunto(s)
Pólipos Nasales , Rinitis , Sinusitis , Humanos , Pólipos Nasales/complicaciones , Sinusitis/complicaciones , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Masculino , Estudios Transversales , Brasil/epidemiología , Femenino , Rinitis/complicaciones , Enfermedad Crónica , Anciano , Adolescente , Citocinas , Adulto Joven , Eosinófilos , Análisis por Conglomerados , RinosinusitisRESUMEN
Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause considerable morbidity worldwide and, depending on the specific pathogen, may lead to serious complications in the female reproductive tract. Incarcerated women are particularly vulnerable to health problems with a disproportionate high rate of STIs, including infections with human papillomavirus (HPV). Methods: Here, cervical swab samples collected from 299 women (18 to 64 years) living in one of the women's prisons of São Paulo, Brazil were submitted for liquid-based cytology to determine the prevalence of precancerous lesions. Furthermore, direct detection of 30 genital HPV genotypes (18 high-risk and 12 low-risk types) and 11 additional STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus ducreyi, Mycoplasma genitalium and hominis, Treponema pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma parvum and urealyticum) were performed by molecular typing using two PCR-based DNA microarray systems, i.e., EUROArray HPV and EUROArray STI (EUROIMMUN), respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of cytological abnormalities was 5.8%, including five women with low-grade and five women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The overall prevalence of HPV was 62.2, and 87.1% of the HPV-positive women were infected with oncogenic high-risk (HR) HPV types. HPV types 16 (24.1%), 33 and 52 (both 10.4%) were the most frequently detected. The prevalence of the other STIs was 72.8%. Up to four different pathogens were found in the infected women, the most frequent being Ureaplasma parvum (45.3%), Mycoplasma hominis (36.2%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (24.8%). Conclusion: The high number of HR-HPV infections and other STIs described here highlights the fact that the Brazilian female prison population requires more attention in the country's health policies. The implementation of screening programs and treatment measures might contribute to a decrease in the incidence of STIs and cervical cancer in this vulnerable population. However, for such measures to be effective, further studies are needed to investigate the best practice to get more women to engage in in-prison prevention programs, e.g., through offering further sexual health education and self-sampling.