RESUMO

ABSTRACT Purpose: To characterize the extracellular vesicle protein cargo in the aqueous humor and plasma of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: Aqueous humor and plasma were collected from six patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis and six patients with cataract. Extracellular vesicles were isolated, and western blotting and mass spectrometry were performed for protein analysis. Results: All plasma samples from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract were positive for the tetraspanins CD63 and TSG101. However, the aqueous humor from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis was positive only for CD63. Sixty-seven new unreported proteins were identified in the aqueous humor and plasma of patients with the ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract. Of the 67 proteins, 10 and 7 were found only in the cataract and ocular toxoplasmosis groups, respectively. In general, these proteins were involved in immune system activation and retina homeostasis and were related to infections and retina-associated diseases. Conclusion: The distinct protein signatures between ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis. However, more studies are needed to better understand the role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis.

RESUMO

The indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture demands the development of devices capable of monitoring contaminations in food supplies, in the environment and biological fluids. Simplicity, easy handling, high sensitivities, and low limits-of-detection (LOD) and quantification are some of the required properties for these devices. In this work, we evaluated the effect of incorporating gold nanoparticles into indigo carmine-doped polypyrrole during the electropolymerization of films for use as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme-based biosensor. As proof of concept, the pesticide methyl parathion was tested towards the inhibition of AChE. The enzyme was immobilized simply by drop-casting a solution, eliminating the need for any prior surface modification. The biosensors were characterized with cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The assays for the detection of methyl parathion with films containing polypyrrole, indigo carmine and AChE (PPy-IC-AChE) presented a sensitivity of 5.7 µA cm-2 g-1 mL and a LOD of 12 nmol L-1 (3.0 ng L-1) with a linear range from 1.3 x 10-7 mol L-1 to 1.0 x 10-5 mol L-1. The introduction of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) into the film (PPy-IC-AuNP-AChE) led to remarkable improvements on the overall performance, such as a lower redox potential for the enzymatic reaction, a 145 % increase in sensitivity (14 µA cm-2 g-1 mL), a wider detection dynamic range (from 1.3x10-7 to 1.0x10-3 mol L-1), and a very low LOD of 24 fmol L-1 (64 ag mL-1). These findings underscore the potential of using AuNPs to improve the enzymatic performance of biosensor devices.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This contribution describes the development of a simple, fast, cost-effective, and sensitive impedimetric immunosensor for quantifying bovine tuberculosis (TB) in bovine serum samples. The construction of the immunosensor involved immobilizing the purified protein derivative (PPD) of M. bovis onto a screen-printed electrode that was modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a polypyrrole (pPy) film synthesized electrochemically. The immunosensor exhibited a linear range from 0.5 µg mL-1 to 100 µg mL-1 and achieved a limit of detection (LD) of 100 ng mL-1 for the detection of anti-M. bovis antibody. The recovery percentages obtained in bovine serum samples were excellent, ranging between 98 % and 103 %. This device presents several advantages over alternative methods for determining TB in bovine serum samples. These include direct, in situ measurement without the need for pre-treatment, utilization of small volumes, thus avoiding harmful solvents and expensive reagents, and portability. In addition, the immunosensor exhibits both physical and chemical stability, retaining effectiveness even after 30 days of modification. This allows simultaneous incubations and facilitates large-scale detection. Hence, this immunosensor presents itself as a promising diagnostic tool for detecting anti-M. bovis antibodies in bovine serum. It serves as a viable alternative to tuberculin and ELISA tests.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract: Studies have found that blood flow to the renal medulla is an important determinant of pressure-natriuresis and the long-term regulation of arterial pressure. First, a brief review of methods developed enabling the study of the medullary circulation is presented. Second, studies performed in rats are presented showing medullary blood flow plays a vital role in the pressure-natriuresis relationship and thereby in hypertension. Third, it is shown that chronic reduction of medullary blood flow results in hypertension and that enhancement of medullary blood flow reduces hypertension hereditary models of both salt-sensitive rats and salt-resistant forms of hypertension. The key role that medullary nitric oxide production plays in protecting this region from ischemic injury associated with circulating vasoconstrictor agents and reactive oxygen species is presented. The studies cited are largely the work of my students, research fellows, and colleagues with whom I have performed these studies dating from the late 1980s to more recent years.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introducción. El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) se caracteriza por dificultades de comunicación social y comportamientos repetitivos y estereotipados. Además de la categoría diagnóstica, las actividades que los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA) pueden realizar y la participación social son los aspectos principales por considerar desde el marco de la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, la Discapacidad y la Salud (CIF), propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, para describir los estados de salud. En una investigación previa, elaboramos la primera versión de una herramienta pediátrica basada en la CIF llamada TEA-CIFunciona para evaluación funcional de NNyA con diagnóstico de TEA, que permitió captar características funcionales adaptadas a nuestro contexto cultural. Se propuso como objetivo posterior aplicar TEA-CIFunciona en formato multicéntrico para evaluar NNyA de diferentes regiones, revisar y actualizar la herramienta, e identificar barreras y facilitadores. Población y métodos. Se administró TEA-CIFunciona versión 1.0 a NNyA con diagnóstico confirmado de TEA (según criterios del DSM-5), menores de 16 años, en seguimiento en cinco centros de atención pediátrica del país. Resultados. Se obtuvo la versión 2.0 de TEA-CIFunciona con 34 categorías (10 funciones corporales, 15 actividades y participación, y 9 factores ambientales). Se elaboró el perfil funcional de la muestra completa (n = 308). Conclusiones. La versión actualizada de TEA-CIFunciona contribuye a estandarizar y a sistematizar la obtención de información necesaria para adecuar el seguimiento de los NNyA con TEA a nivel nacional. Además, permite identificar barreras por superar y facilitadores para generalizar

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. In addition to the diagnostic category, the activities performed by children and adolescents and their social involvement are the main aspects to be considered according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) proposed by the World Health Organization to describe health status. In a previous study, we developed the first version of a pediatric tool based on the ICF called ICF-ASD for the functional assessment of children and adolescents with ASD to capture functional characteristics adapted to our cultural setting. Our subsequent objective was to apply the ICF-ASD in a multicenter format to assess children and adolescents from different regions, review, and update it, and identify barriers and facilitators. Population and methods. The ICF-ASD version 1.0 was administered to children and adolescents younger than 16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD (as per DSM-5 criteria), who were receiving follow-up at 5 children's health centers across Argentina. Results. Version 2.0 of the ICF-ASD was obtained, which included 34 categories (10 under body function, 15 under activities and participation, and 9 under environmental factors). A functional profile was developed for the whole sample (n = 308). Conclusions. The updated version of the ICF-ASD helps to standardize and systematize the collection of necessary data for an adequate follow-up of children and adolescents with ASD at a national level. It also allows to identify barriers to overcome and facilitators to be generalized

Assuntos

RESUMO

In early 2024, explosive outbreaks of Oropouche virus (OROV) linked to a novel lineage were documented in the Amazon Region of Brazil. We report the introduction of this lineage into Colombia and its co-circulation with another OROV lineage. Continued surveillance is needed to prevent further spread of OROV in the Americas.

Assuntos

RESUMO

We report experimental investigations of spin-to-charge current conversion and charge transfer (CT) dynamics at the interface of the graphene/WS2 van der Waals heterostructure. Pure spin current was produced by the spin precession in the microwave-driven ferromagnetic resonance of a permalloy film (Py=Ni81Fe19) and injected into the graphene/WS2 heterostructure through a spin pumping process. The observed spin-to-charge current conversion in the heterostructure is attributed to the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect (IREE) at the graphene/WS2 interface. Interfacial CT dynamics in this heterostructure was investigated based on the framework of the core-hole clock (CHC) approach. The results obtained from spin pumping and CHC studies show that the spin-to-charge current conversion and charge transfer processes are more efficient in the graphene/WS2 heterostructure compared to isolated WS2 and graphene films. The results show that the presence of WS2 flakes improves the current conversion efficiency. These experimental results are corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which reveal (i) Rashba spin-orbit splitting of graphene orbitals and (ii) electronic coupling between graphene and WS2 orbitals. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the design and performance of spintronic devices.

RESUMO

Introduction: Xylazine is a veterinary anesthetic increasingly present alongside illicit fentanyl in the US and Canada, presenting novel health risks. Although xylazine remains less common in the Western US, Mexican border cities serve as key trafficking hubs and may have higher prevalence of novel substances, but surveillance has been limited. Methods: We examined deidentified records from the Prevencasa harm reduction clinic in Tijuana, describing urine and paraphernalia testing from patients reporting using illicit opioids within 24 hr. Xylazine (two types), fentanyl, opiate, methamphetamine, amphetamine, benzodiazepine, and nitazene test strips were used to test urine and paraphernalia samples. Paraphernalia samples were also analyzed with mass spectrometry. Results: The study consisted of 23 participants that provided both urine and paraphernalia samples. Of the participants studied, 100 %, 91.3 %, and 69.6 % reported using China White/fentanyl, methamphetamine, and tar heroin, respectively. The mean age was 41.7 years, 95.7 % were male, 65.2 % were unhoused, and 30.4 % had skin wounds at the time of sample collection.Xylazine positivity in urine, for the two types used, was 82.6 % and 65.2 %. For paraphernalia testing, the xylazine positivity was 65.2 % and 47.8 %. Confirmatory testing of paraphernalia samples by mass spectrometry indicated a 52.2 % xylazine positivity. This testing also revealed positivity rates for fentanyl (73.9 %), fluorofentanyl (30.4 %), tramadol (30.4 %), and lidocaine (30.4 %).The mass spectrometry results suggest lidocaine triggered n = 3 and n = 0 false positives among the xylazine test strip types. A total of n = 0 and n = 1 false negatives were also observed. Discussion: Xylazine is present on the U.S.-Mexico border, requiring public health intervention. High lidocaine positivity complicates the clinical detection of xylazine via testing strips. Xylazine was found to be more prevalent in urine than in paraphernalia samples. Confirmatory urine studies are needed to better understand possible complications of using test strips for toxicological testing.

RESUMO

In the context of the virosphere, viral particles can compete for host cells. In this scenario, some viruses block the entry of exogenous virions upon infecting a cell, a phenomenon known as superinfection inhibition. The molecular mechanisms associated with superinfection inhibition vary depending on the viral species and the host, but generally, blocking superinfection ensures the genetic supremacy of the virus's progeny that first infects the cell. Giant amoeba-infecting viruses have attracted the scientific community's attention due to the complexity of their particles and genomes. However, there are no studies on the occurrence of superinfection and its inhibition induced by giant viruses. This study shows that mimivirus, moumouvirus, and megavirus, exhibit different strategies related to the infection of Acanthamoeba. For the first time, we have reported that mimivirus and moumouvirus induce superinfection inhibition in amoebas. Interestingly, megaviruses do not exhibit this ability, allowing continuous entry of exogenous virions into infected amoebas. Our investigation into the mechanisms behind superinfection blockage reveals that mimivirus and moumouvirus inhibit amoebic phagocytosis, leading to significant changes in the morphology and activity of the host cells. In contrast, megavirus-infected amoebas continue incorporating newly formed virions, negatively affecting the available viral progeny. This effect, however, is reversible with chemical inhibition of phagocytosis. This work contributes to the understanding of superinfection and its inhibition in mimivirus, moumouvirus, and megavirus, demonstrating that despite their evolutionary relatedness, these viruses exhibit profound differences in their interactions with their hosts.IMPORTANCESome viruses block the entry of new virions upon infecting a cell, a phenomenon known as superinfection inhibition. Superinfection inhibition in giant viruses has yet to be studied. This study reveals that even closely related viruses, such as mimivirus, moumouvirus, and megavirus, have different infection strategies for Acanthamoeba. For the first time, we have reported that mimivirus and moumouvirus induce superinfection inhibition in amoebas. In contrast, megaviruses do not exhibit this ability, allowing continuous entry of exogenous virions into infected amoebas. Our investigation shows that mimivirus and moumouvirus inhibit amoebic phagocytosis, causing significant changes in host cell morphology and activity. Megavirus-infected amoebas, however, continue incorporating newly formed viruses, affecting viral progeny. This research enhances our understanding of superinfection inhibition in these viruses, highlighting their differences in host interactions.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Aldosterone excess chronically induces oxidative stress and cell proliferation. Previously, a single study investigated primary aldosteronism (PA) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), albeit without a matched control group. METHODS: We conducted a propensity score matched case-control study to investigate the association between PA and PTC in individuals with arterial hypertension (HT). PA was investigated in 137 patients with PTC and HT. The control group included 137 (1:1) age, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched individuals with HT. We conducted a secondary analysis in which the controls were also matched according to HT stage. RESULTS: The prevalence of PA was 29.20% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.91%-37.68%) in the PTC group and 20.44% (95% CI, 14.22%-28.35%) in the controls not matched for HT stage (p = 0.093). Although the PA prevalence was similar in both groups, the frequency of severe HT (stage III or resistant) was significantly lower in the PTC group (23%) compared to the hypertensive controls (73%, p < 0.001). After matching the controls by HT stage, the prevalence of PA in the PTC group was significantly higher compared to the hypertensive controls (9.56%; 95% CI, 5.39%-16.1%, p < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, PTC was independently associated with PA in both unmatched hypertensive individuals (odds ratio [OR] 4.74; 95% CI, 2.26-10.55; p< 0.001) and in those matched for HT stage (OR 5.88, 95% CI, 2.79-13.37; p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: PTC was an independent variable associated with a diagnosis of PA in hypertensive individuals. Therefore, we propose the association between PTC and HT as a new recommendation for PA screening regardless of HT severity.

RESUMO

Disease-specific changes in tumors and other diseased tissues are an important target of research because they provide clues on the pathophysiology of the disease as well as uncovering potentially useful markers for diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report a new cyclic peptide, CESPLLSEC (CES), that specifically accumulated (homed) in intracranial U87MG and the WT-GBM model of glioblastoma from intravenous (IV) injection, associating with the vasculature. Affinity chromatography of U87MG tumor extracts on insolubilized CES peptide identified Synaptosomal Associated Protein 25 (SNAP25) as a candidate target molecule (receptor) for CES. Several results supported the identification of SNAP25 as the CES receptor. IV-injected FAM-CES colocalized with SNAP25 in the tumors, and direct binding studies showed specific CES peptide binding to recombinant human SNAP25. A CES peptide-drug conjugate designed for photodynamic therapy showed selective cytotoxicity to SNAP25+ glioblastoma cell lines. Specific accumulation of systemically injected anti-SNAP25 antibody in U87MG glioblastoma, and labeling of intact U87MG cells with anti-SNAP in flow cytometry showed that SNAP25 is available from the circulation but not in normal tissues and that it is present at the cell surface. Using an array of ECM proteins and surface plasmon resonance revealed that SNAP25 binds moderately to collagen V and strongly to collagen VI. Modeling studies suggested that CES and collagen VI compete for the same binding site on SNAP25. Our results introduce CES as a valuable targeting peptide for drug delivery, and its receptor SNAP25 as a possible molecular marker of interest for glioblastoma.

RESUMO

La electroencefalografía (EEG) siempre ha sido considerada una materia especializada, que amerita de entrenamiento para su aplicación e interpretación; esto ha provocado que el acceso a estos estudios quedara confinado a neurólogos y neurofisiólogos. El recién nacido ingresado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN) amerita de monitorización neurológica para establecer diagnóstico y pronóstico, por lo que se necesita una herramienta sencilla y accesible para el personal de la UCIN. Estas características han sido cubiertas por el electroencefalograma de amplitud integrada (aEEG) que, a través de patrones visuales simples de la actividad cerebral, permite el abordaje de la condición neurológica. El objetivo de este ensayo se orienta al manejo de mnemotecnias que faciliten la identificación de patrones visuales normales y patológicos en el aEEG. La nomenclatura empleada, aunque puede parecer simple, pretende crear una idea fácilmente asimilable de los conceptos básicos para la aplicación e interpretación de la neuromonitorización con aEEG.

An electroencephalography (EEG) has always been considered a specialized field, whose use and interpretation requires training. For this reason, access to these monitoring studies has been restricted to neurologists and neurophysiologists. Newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) require neurophysiological monitoring to establish their diagnosis and prognosis, so a simple and accessible tool is required for NICU staff. Such features have been covered by amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), which, through simple visual patterns of brain activity, allows to approach neurological conditions. The objective of this study is to help with the management of mnemonics that facilitate the identification of normal and pathological visual patterns in an aEEG. Although simple in appearance, this nomenclature is intended to create an easy-to-understand idea of basic concepts for the use and interpretation of neurophysiological monitoring with aEEG.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introducción: En Panamá el embarazo adolescente es un importante problema de salud pública, más que por sus cifras, por sus repercusiones biopsicosociales. Objetivo: Conocer las motivaciones y razones que llevan a una adolescente a convertirse en madre. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo. La muestra fue 204 adolescentes. Se utilizó cuestionario estructurado-tipo entrevista. Resultados: La edad media fue de 17.6 años. El 72.1% tiene madre/hermana con antecedentes de embarazo adolescente. El 57.4% atribuye su embarazo a la falta de control de los impulsos. El 30.4% revela que su embarazo fue deseado. El 38.2% de estos embarazos corresponden a sentimientos de invulnerabilidad frente al embarazo; 15.7% a una baja autoestima. Las razones del embarazo ligada a los anticonceptivos son las siguientes: 33.4% miedo a usarlo; 25% falta de conocimiento; 22.5% falta de dinero; 11.3% sentimientos de vergüenza al solicitarlo. Conclusiones: La copia de un patrón reproductivo intergeneracional se constituyó en la principal razón del embarazo. El deseo de maternidad para dar sentido a la vida, fue una de las más señaladas. Dentro de los embarazos no deseados, más de la mitad señaló la falta de control de los impulsos. Las razones de índole familiar, como escapar a los problemas del hogar, fueron los menos señalados. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: In Panama, adolescent pregnancy is an important public health problem, more than because of its numbers, because of its biopsychosocial repercussions. Objective: To determine the motivations and reasons that lead an adolescent to become a mother. Methods: Descriptive study. The sample consisted of 204 adolescents. A structured interview-type questionnaire was used. Results: The mean age was 17.6 years. The 72.1% had a mother/sister with a history of adolescent pregnancy. The 57.4% attributed their pregnancy to lack of impulse control. 30.4% disclose that their pregnancy was wanted. 38.2% of these pregnancies correspond to feelings of invulnerability to pregnancy; 15.7% to low self-esteem.The reasons for pregnancy linked to contraceptives are as follows: 33.4% fear of using it; 25% lack of knowledge; 22.5% lack of money; 11.3% feelings of embarrassment when requesting it. Conclusions: Copying an intergenerational reproductive pattern was constituted as the main reason for pregnancy. The desire for motherhood to give meaning to life was one of the most frequently mentioned. Among unwanted pregnancies, more than half pointed to lack of impulse control.Family reasons, such as escaping from problems at home, were the least reported. (provided by Infomedic International)

RESUMO

Introducción: El carcinoma de células escamosas de cabeza y cuello, es una malignidad rara en la población pediátrica. Su incidencia ha ido en aumento en las últimas décadas y los principales factores de riesgo descritos son inmunosupresión y transmisión vertical del virus del papiloma humano (VPH). Presentación del caso: presentamos a un paciente masculino de 14 años con historia de 2 años de disfonía intermitente que luego progreso a estridor laríngeo por lo cual se le realizo traqueostomía con micro laringoscopia directa, donde se evidenció una lesión de aspecto verrucoso y bordes irregulares comprometiendo hemilaringe derecha y paralizándola. Se le toma biopsia y se reporta carcinoma de células escamosas moderadamente invasor (p16 positivo). Luego de evaluación multidisciplinaria, tratándose de una enfermedad localmente avanzada, se decide tratamiento con quimio radioterapia definitiva con intención de preservación orgánica. Conclusión: debido a lo poco común del cáncer de laringe en la población pediátrica y la poca evidencia que hay en cuanto a opciones de tratamiento, limita nuestro conocimiento de esta patología solo a reporte de casos y revisiones de la literatura. consideramos necesario realizar este reporte de caso para agregar información sobre esta patología poco común (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a rare malignancy in the pediatric population. Its incidence has been increasing in the last decades and the main risk factors described are immunosuppression and vertical transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). Case presentation: we present a 14-year-old male patient with a 2-year history of intermittent dysphonia that later progressed to laryngeal stridor, for which he underwent tracheostomy with direct micro laryngoscopy, where a lesion of verrucous aspect and irregular borders was evidenced, compromising the right hemilaringeal region and paralyzing it. A biopsy was taken and a moderately invasive squamous cell carcinoma (p16 positive) was reported. After multidisciplinary evaluation, being a locally advanced disease, it was decided to treat with definitive chemo-radiotherapy with the intention of organ preservation. Conclusion: due to the rarity of laryngeal cancer in the pediatric population and the lack of evidence regarding treatment options, our knowledge of this pathology is limited to case reports and literature reviews. We consider it necessary to make this case report to add information on this uncommon pathology. (provided by Infomedic International)

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Outcomes in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are influenced by several race and ethnic factors, yet its natural history across the continuum of patients in different stages of the disease is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of U.S. adults from 2011 to 2018, using three nationally representative databases to examine potential disparities in relevant outcomes among racial and ethnic groups. Our analysis included logistic and linear regressions, along with competing risk analysis. RESULTS: Black individuals had the highest daily alcohol consumption (12.6 g/day) while Hispanic participants had the largest prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (33.5%). In a multivariable-adjusted model, Hispanic and Asian participants were independently associated with a higher ALD prevalence compared to Non-Hispanic White interviewees (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8 and OR: 1.5 95% CI:1.1-2.0, respectively), while Blacks participants had a lower ALD prevalence (OR: .7 95% CI: .6-.9), and a lower risk of mortality during hospitalization due to ALD (OR: .83 95% CI: .73-.94). Finally, a multivariate competing-risk analysis showed that Hispanic ethnicity had a decreased probability of liver transplantation if waitlisted for ALD (SHR: .7, 95% CI: .6-.8) along with female Asian population (HR: .40, 95% CI: .26-.62). CONCLUSIONS: After accounting for key social and biological health determinants, the Hispanic population showed an increased risk of ALD prevalence, even with lower alcohol consumption. Additionally, Hispanic and Asian female patients had reduced access to liver transplantation compared to other enlisted patients.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Novel open-chain merocytochalasans, perochalasins A-C (1-3), containing an unusual N-O six-membered heterocyclic moiety, were isolated from cultures of the marine-derived Peroneutypa sp. M16 fungus, along with cytochalasin Z27 (4), cytochalasin Z28 (5), [12]-cytochalasin (6), and phenochalasin B (7). The structures of compounds 1-3 were established by analysis of the spectroscopic data. Full genome sequencing of Peroneutypa sp. M16 enabled the identification of a cytochalasan biosynthetic gene cluster and a proposal for the biosynthetic assembly of perochalasins. The proposal is supported by the nonenzymatic conversion of phenochalasin B (7) into 1-3, based on isotope-labeled hydroxylamine (15NH2OH and ND2OD) feeding studies in vivo and in vitro. In contrast to other merocytochalasans, these are the first cytochalasans confirmed to arise via nucleophilic addition and at a distinct location from the reactive macrocycle olefin, potentially expanding further the range of merocytochalasans to be discovered or engineered. Cytochalasin Z27 (4) exhibited antiplasmodial activities in the low micromolar range against the chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain as well as against resistant strains of the parasite (Dd2, TM90C6B, and 3D7r_MMV848).

Assuntos

RESUMO

PURPOSE: There is an unmet clinical need for non-invasive imaging biomarkers that could replace liver biopsy in the management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). In this study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a simple uncorrected, non-contrast T1 mapping for detecting fibrosis and inflammation in AIH patients using histopathology as a reference standard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over 3 years, 33 patients with AIH were prospectively studied using a multiparametric liver MRI protocol which included T1 mapping. Biopsies were performed up to 3 months before imaging, and a standardized histopathological score for fibrosis (F0-F4) and inflammatory activity (PPA0-4) was used as a reference. Statistical analysis included independent t test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis. RESULTS: T1 mapping values were significantly higher in patients with advanced fibrosis (F0-2 vs. F3-4; p < 0.015), significant fibrosis (F0-1 vs. F2-4; p < 0.005), and significant inflammatory activity (PPA 0-1 vs. PPA 2-4 p = 0.048). Moreover, the technique demonstrated a good diagnostic performance in detecting significant (AUC 0.856) and advanced fibrosis (AUC 0.835), as well as significant inflammatory activity (AUC 0.763). CONCLUSION: A rapid, simple, uncorrected, non-contrast T1 mapping sequence showed satisfactory diagnostic performance in comparison with histopathology for detecting significant tissue inflammation and fibrosis in AIH patients, being a potential non-invasive imaging biomarker for monitoring disease activity in such individuals.

Assuntos

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Enhancing women's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) concerning urinary incontinence (UI) through diverse educational strategies has been a focal point for professionals in recent years. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of the educational application Continence App® on the KAP of postpartum women experiencing UI. We hypothesized that access to the app would lead to improved KAP among these women. METHODS: Postpartum women who had undergone vaginal birth, aged 18 years or above, literate, admitted in a maternity ward, delivered a full-term or large-for-gestational-age infant, and possessed a smartphone or compatible device for app usage were included. Changes in KAP were evaluated using a survey specifically designed for this purpose. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare KAP scores between control and intervention groups, as well as between baseline and post-intervention assessments. RESULTS: Among the 542 women screened for eligibility, 349 were enrolled in the study, with 138 completing post-intervention assessments. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of participants was 25.9 (5.8) years. Post-intervention scores for knowledge and practice demonstrated a decline among non-app users, whereas a significant increase was observed among those in the intervention group. Attitudinal changes remained insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the effectiveness of an app-based educational intervention in enhancing the knowledge and practice related to UI among postpartum women.

Assuntos