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Plastic additives, such as phthalates, are ubiquitous contaminants that can have detrimental impacts on marine organisms and overall ecosystems' health. Valuable information about the status and resilience of marine ecosystems can be obtained through the monitoring of key indicator species, such as cetaceans. In this study, fatty acid profiles and phthalates were examined in blubber biopsies of free-ranging individuals from two delphinid species (short-finned pilot whale - Globicephala macrorhynchus, n=45; common bottlenose dolphin - Tursiops truncatus, n=39) off Madeira Island (NE Atlantic). This investigation aimed to explore the relations between trophic niches (epipelagic vs. mesopelagic), contamination levels, and the health status of individuals within different ecological and biological groups (defined by species, residency patterns and sex). Multivariate analysis of selected dietary fatty acids revealed a clear niche segregation between the two species. Di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the most prevalent among the seven studied phthalates, with the highest concentration reached by DEHP in a bottlenose dolphin (4697.34 ± 113.45 ng/g). Phthalates concentrations were higher in bottlenose dolphins (Mean ∑ PAEs: 947.56 ± 1558.34) compared to pilot whales (Mean ∑ PAEs: 229.98 ± 158.86 ng/g). In bottlenose dolphins, DEHP was the predominant phthalate, whereas in pilot whales, DEP and DBP were more prevalent. Health markers suggested pilot whales might suffer from poorer physiological conditions than bottlenose dolphins, although high metabolic differences were seen between the two species. Phthalate levels showed no differences by ecological or biological groups, seasons, or years. This study is the first to assess the extent of plastic additive contamination in free-ranging cetaceans from a remote oceanic island system, underscoring the intricate relationship between ecological niches and contaminant exposure. Monitoring these chemicals and their potential impacts is vital to assess wild population health, inform conservation strategies, and protect critical species and habitats.
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The high prevalence of dormant disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) persisting systemically in patients with metastatic cancer is a major threat to long-lasting cure (Aguirre-Ghiso, Nat Rev Cancer 7:834-846, 2007; Klein, Nat Rev Cancer 20(11):681-694, 2020; Lyden et al. Cancer Cell 40:787-791, 2022). Despite its clinical significance, the study of what drives DTCs in and out of dormancy while they linger in distant sites has been challenged by the lack of tools to find and follow dormant DTCs inside a living organism. Here, leveraging the fact that dormant DTCs are mostly quiescent, we describe a live cell reporter to distinguish dormant from cycling DTCs (Correia, Nat Rev Cancer 22(7):379, 2022; Correia et al. Nature 594(7864):566-571, 2021). Cancer cell lines are engineered to coexpress a luciferase-tdTomato reporter and a fluorescent fusion protein of mVenus with a mutant form of the cell cycle inhibitor p27 (mVenus-p27K-) that identifies quiescent cells. When implanted in animal models or assembled in cocultures in vitro, labeled cells can be imaged longitudinally over time or retrieved alive alongside their surrounding microenvironment for downstream gene, protein, and metabolite profiling, allowing the mapping of tissue-specific determinants of cancer dormancy and metastasis.
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Rastreo Celular , Humanos , Animales , Ratones , Línea Celular Tumoral , Rastreo Celular/métodos , Neoplasias/patología , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Células Neoplásicas Circulantes/metabolismo , Células Neoplásicas Circulantes/patología , Proteínas Luminiscentes/metabolismo , Proteínas Luminiscentes/genética , Genes ReporterosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The success of haemodialysis (HD) critically depends on the effective use of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). The precise needling technique is vital to minimise complications and ensure functional vascular access. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the effectiveness of a nursing consultation protocol, which integrates physical examination (PE) with Doppler Ultrasound (DUS), in preparing patients for the first AVF needling. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional analysis at a Portuguese National Health Service Hospital engaged thirty new HD patients, four HD needling experienced nurses and one HD vascular access nurse. This study examines the accuracy of PE in assessing the matured AVF by the four nurses compared to a trained vascular access nurse encompassing systematic PE and DUS. MEASUREMENTS: The primary data incorporated AVF characteristics derived from PE (inspection, palpation, and auscultation) and DUS findings (vein depth, diameter, and blood flow). A secondary focus was evaluating the change in nurses' perceived needling complexity following the nursing consultation. RESULTS: The nursing consultation significantly enhanced the identification of crucial AVF features, such as accessory veins (p = 0.002), and improved the accuracy of AVF morphology assessments. This led to identifying longer needling tracks (p = 0.031) and a higher number of safe needling points (p = 0.016). Nurses reported a notable reduction in perceived complexity and potential adverse events following this method (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating structured PE with DUS in a nursing consultation framework significantly improves the preparation for AVF needling. This approach enhances the efficiency and safety of AVF needling and boosts nurse confidence and patient care in HD settings.
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The literature unequivocally acknowledges the numerous health benefits that physical activity (PA) provides. However, in other variables, such as cognitive performance (CP), the PA characteristics required to elicit favorable benefits remain controversial, particularly among adolescents. The aim was to investigate the evolution of CP in adolescents over the school year, as well as the role of regular PA levels. The study included 366 adolescents (boys n = 154), between 12 and 20 years old (15.46 ± 1.63), from middle school (n = 123) and high school (n = 243). CP was assessed through a face-to-face interview employing the Cognitive Telephone Screening Instrument. The variation in CP (∆CP) was determined by the difference between the value of the final assessment (end of the school year) and the initial assessment (start of the school year). PA was assessed using accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X+). The CP score improved from the initial to the final assessment (37.80 ± 9.26 vs. 40.45 ± 10.05) (t = -6.135; p < 0.001; Glass's Delta = 0.37. Multiple linear regression revealed that age (ß = -0.332; t = -4.255; p < 0.001) and high-intensity PA (ß = 0.283; t = 3.627; p < 0.001) accounted for 17.2% of the variation in ∆CP. CP improved significantly over the school year, emphasizing the significance of age and vigorous PA in ∆CP in adolescents.
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The study addressed two main objectives: (i) to investigate disparities in motivation dimensions regarding extracurricular physical activity and (ii) to identify the influence of motivation on time spent in formal and informal physical activity. A sample of 704 adolescents (56% girls) from middle (46%) and high school (54%), with an average age of 14.88 ± 2.52, was assessed for different motivation dimensions using the Questionnaire of Motivation for Sports Activities (QMSA). Additionally, participants were categorized based on extracurricular physical activity practice. Multivariate analyses and multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the effect of physical activity type on motivation dimensions and identify predictors of time spent in formal and informal physical activities, respectively. Results indicated that motivation varied significantly with extracurricular physical activity practice (p < 0.05), with students involved in extracurricular activities being more motivated. Sex and age differences were observed, with boys showing higher motivation in certain dimensions (achievement status (p < 0.001); group activity (p = 0.027); contextual (p = 0.004); technical improvement (p = 0.012) and older participants having lower scores in all dimensions. The influence of family and friends was a significant predictor only for boys in formal physical activity (p = 0.039). In terms of time spent in physical activity, group activity was a predictor for informal activities (p < 0.001), while technical improvement was a predictor for formal activities (p < 0.001), with notable sex differences. These findings underscore the importance of considering sex- and age-specific motivations when promoting physical activity among adolescents.
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The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of bacterial cellulose hydrogel produced by Zoogloea sp. (HYDROGEL) containing vancomycin (VAN) against bacterial strains that cause wound infections, such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Initially, HYDROGEL was obtained from sugar cane molasses, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to determine morphological characteristics. Then, VAN was incorporated into HYDROGEL (VAN-HYDROGEL). The antibacterial activity of VAN, HYDROGEL, and VAN-HYDROGEL was assessed using the broth microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) ATCC 25923, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 33591, S. epidermidis INCQS 00016 (ATCC 12228), five clinical isolates of MRSA, and nine clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of VAN, HYDROGEL, and VAN-HYDROGEL was studied using the time-kill assay. Subsequently, the antibiofilm activity of VAN, HYDROGEL, and VAN-HYDROGEL was evaluated using crystal violet and Congo red methods, as well as SEM analysis. VAN and VAN-HYDROGEL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against MRSA and methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis strains. HYDROGEL did not show any antibacterial activity. Analysis of the time-kill assay indicated that HYDROGEL maintained the antibacterial efficacy of VAN, highlighting its efficiency as a promising carrier. Regarding antibiofilm activity, VAN and HYDROGEL inhibited biofilm formation but did not demonstrate biofilm eradication activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains. However, it was observed that the biofilm eradication potential of VAN was enhanced after incorporation into HYDROGEL, a result also proven through images obtained by SEM. From the methods carried out in this study, it was possible to observe that HYDROGEL preserved the antibacterial activity of vancomycin, aside from exhibiting antibiofilm activity and enhancing the antibiofilm effect of VAN. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of HYDROGEL as a candidate and/or vehicle for antibiotics against MDR bacteria that cause wound infections.
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Epithelioid angiosarcoma is a rare high-grade vascular neoplasm with a poor prognosis. We present an anticoagulated 77-year-old man, with a history of popliteal/soleal vein thrombosis in the previous month, complaining of ipsilateral persistent lower limb pain and claudication. Absent popliteal/distal pulses prompted an arterial doppler ultrasound (DUS), revealing thrombosis of the distal superficial femoral artery and a popliteal mass. As the arterial wall's integrity could not be appropriately evaluated by DUS, adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery was suspected. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging findings were also suggestive. Due to refractory pain, he was submitted to a popliteal mass excision along with a femoral-posterior tibial bypass. Pathology revealed an epithelioid angiosarcoma. He was referred to a Sarcoma Center, requiring hospitalization for agitation and fever. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed extensive lower limb disease persistence and distant metastases. He died on the 56th day after surgery. To our knowledge, there are only 15 cases of angiosarcoma of the popliteal artery described in the literature. Ours stands out as the first one unrelated to a popliteal aneurysm. Being a highly-aggressive tumor, an early diagnosis is challenging but essential to a successful treatment, warranting the need for suspicion of this neoplasm. An early core biopsy or surgical sample may expedite the diagnosis.
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Hemangiosarcoma , Arteria Poplítea , Neoplasias Vasculares , Humanos , Masculino , Anciano , Hemangiosarcoma/patología , Hemangiosarcoma/cirugía , Hemangiosarcoma/diagnóstico , Hemangiosarcoma/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Vasculares/cirugía , Neoplasias Vasculares/patología , Neoplasias Vasculares/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Vasculares/diagnóstico por imagen , Arteria Poplítea/patología , Arteria Poplítea/cirugía , Arteria Poplítea/diagnóstico por imagen , Resultado Fatal , Angiografía por Tomografía ComputarizadaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Anti-SSA autoantibodies can be differentiated according to their antigenic target proteins as anti-Ro60 (60 kDa) or anti-Ro52 (52 kDa). Anti-SSA(Ro60) antibodies are clearly associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD), but the clinical significance of anti-SSA(Ro52) antibodies remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyse the disease phenotype of patients with anti-Ro52 and/or anti-Ro60 antibodies. METHODS: A multicentre, cross-sectional study was carried out of positive anti-Ro52 and/or Ro60 antibodies patients followed at 10 Rheumatology centres from January 2018 until December 2021. Patients were categorised into 3 groups: group 1 (Ro52+/Ro60-); group 2 (Ro52-/Ro60+); group 3 (Ro52+/Ro60+). Antinuclear antibodies were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay and further screened for anti-extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) antibodies. Demographicsand clinical data were compared between the 3 groups, by patients' medical chart review. Univariate analysis was performed and subsequently logistic regression was used to identify intergroup differences and calculate the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: We included 776 patients [female: 83.1%; median age: 59 (46-71) years]. Groups 1, 2, and 3 comprised 31.1%, 32.6%, and 36.3% of the patients, respectively. Anti-Ro52 antibody alone was more frequently associated with non-rheumatic diseases, older age, and men (p<0.05). Among patients with CTD, the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus is 3 and 2 times more prevalent in groups 2 and 3, respectively, than in group 1 [OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.60, 4.97), p<0.001; OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.28, 3.86), p<0.01]. In group 2, the diagnosis of undifferentiated CTD is more frequent than in the other groups. Group 1 was more frequently associated with inflammatory myositis than group 2 [OR 0.09 (95% CI 0.01, 0.33), p<0.001] or group 3 [OR 0.08 (95% CI 0.01, 0.29), p<0.001]. Group 1 was also more frequently associated with arthritis (p<0.01), interstitial lung disease (p<0.01), and myositis (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Ro52+ antibody alone is frequently found in patients with non-rheumatic diseases. In addition, anti-Ro52+ antibody is also prevalent in patients with CTD and associated with clinical phenotypes that are different from anti-Ro60+ antibody.
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Anticuerpos Antinucleares , Fenotipo , Ribonucleoproteínas , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Transversales , Ribonucleoproteínas/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antinucleares/sangre , Anticuerpos Antinucleares/inmunología , Anciano , Autoanticuerpos/sangre , Adulto , Enfermedades del Tejido Conjuntivo/inmunología , Enfermedades del Tejido Conjuntivo/diagnóstico , Enfermedades del Tejido Conjuntivo/sangre , Biomarcadores/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/diagnóstico , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/sangre , ARN Citoplasmático Pequeño/inmunología , AutoantígenosRESUMEN
A Consensus of Psychoimmunology Experts (Pollak et al., 2019) established a set of red flags and proposed diagnostic criteria for psychosis of autoimmune origin (AIP). Previous studies on AIP are limited by the scarcity of CSF analysis, preventing the valorization of blood anti-neuronal antibodies (Ab). The aims of this study are to determine the relative frequency and characterize AIP in a cohort of psychotic patients that underwent CSF workup. This work is a retrospective study in a tertiary psychiatric hospital. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected from medical records, and patients were classified according to Pollak et al. (2019) criteria. From 68 patients, ten (14.7%) had positive anti-neuronal antibodies (Ab): n = 5 in CSF and blood (n = 4 anti-NMDAr, n = 1 -GAD65), and n = 5 in blood only (n = 1 anti-GABAb, n = 1 -GAD65, n = 1 -SOX1, n = 1 -NMDAr, n = 1 -zic4). After 5- (2-10)-year follow-up, n = 6/68 (8.8%) had AIP diagnosis in context of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), and the remaining (n = 4/10, blood-only Ab) alternative diagnoses (n = 2 dementia, n = 1 schizophrenia, n = 1 intellectual disability). Ten of the 13 patients that fulfilled criteria for possible AIP were mimics, and only three AE had criteria for probable AIP. All AIP developed neurological manifestations (mostly cognitive dysfunction); EEG was usually abnormal (66.7%), and all had normal MRI. We found statistically significant associations between AIP/AE and systemic autoimmune disease, presentation with seizures and EEG abnormalities. All AE developed neurological symptoms alongside psychosis. Ab positivity occurred predominantly in AE but also in other neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical suspicion based on the knowledge of the described presentations of established Ab is crucial in the psychotic patient approach.
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OBJECTIVE: to map the existing knowledge on nursing ethical decision making in the physical restraint of hospitalised adults. (1) Background: physical restraint is a technique that conditions the free movement of the body, with risks and benefits. The prevalence of physical restraint in healthcare suffers a wide variation, considering the environment or pathology, and it raises ethical issues that hinders decision making. This article intends to analyse and discuss this problem, starting from a literature review that will provoke a grounded discussion on the ethical and legal aspects. Inclusion criteria are: studies on physical restraint (C) and ethical nursing decision making (C) in hospitalized adults (P); (2) methods: a three-step search strategy was used according to the JBI. The databases consulted were CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE Full Text (EBSCOhost), Nursing and Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (by Cochrane Library, RCAAP and Google Scholar. All articles were analysed by two independent reviewers; (3) results: according to the inclusion criteria, 18 articles were included. The categories that influence ethical decision in nursing are: consequence of the decision, the context, the nature of the decision in terms of its complexity, the principles of the ethical decision in nursing, ethical issues and universal values; (4) conclusions: the findings of this review provide evidence that there is extensive knowledge regarding nursing ethical decision making in adult physical restriction, also, it is considered an ethical issue with many associated assumptions. In this article we aim to confront all these issues from a legal perspective.
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Equipo Médico Durable , Restricción Física , Adulto , Humanos , Bases de Datos Factuales , Toma de Decisiones , Revisiones Sistemáticas como AsuntoRESUMEN
Four new nitrogen-containing heterocyclic derivatives (acridine, quinoline, indole, pyridine) were synthesized and their biological properties were evaluated. The compounds showed affinity for DNA and HSA, with CAIC and CAAC displaying higher binding constants (Kb) of 9.54 × 104 and 1.06 × 106, respectively. The fluorescence quenching assay (Ksv) revealed suppression values ranging from 0.34 to 0.64 × 103 M-1 for ethidium bromide (EB) and 0.1 to 0.34 × 103 M-1 for acridine orange (AO). Molecular docking confirmed the competition of the derivatives with intercalation probes at the same binding site. At 10 µM concentrations, the derivatives inhibited topoisomerase IIα activity. In the antiproliferative assays, the compounds demonstrated activity against MCF-7 and T47-D tumor cells and nonhemolytic profile. Regarding toxicity, no acute effects were observed in the embryos. However, some compounds caused enzymatic and cardiac changes, particularly the CAIC, which increased SOD activity and altered heart rate compared to the control. These findings suggest potential antitumor action of the derivatives and indicate that substituting the acridine core with different cores does not interfere with their interaction and topoisomerase inhibition. Further investigations are required to assess possible toxicological effects, including reactive oxygen species generation.
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Antineoplásicos , Inhibidores de Topoisomerasa , Inhibidores de Topoisomerasa/farmacología , Inhibidores de Topoisomerasa/química , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Antineoplásicos/química , ADN/química , Sustancias Intercalantes/farmacología , Acridinas/farmacología , Acridinas/química , Proliferación Celular , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Estructura MolecularRESUMEN
A healthy young woman with a sizeable lumbar tattoo was admitted to the delivery room in active labour at full-term gestation. She was experiencing strong, painful contractions and anxiety, concerned about the possible risks of receiving an epidural through a tattoo. Although there is little published evidence to suggest complications of performing an epidural through a tattoo, some studies report 'tissue coring phenomenon'. The anaesthesiology team informed the patient of the risks inherent in a traditional epidural and the potential long-term risks of receiving an epidural through the tattoo. Upon signing the informed consent form, the modified epidural technique was performed, and its administration proceeded without complications. A healthy boy was born 3.5 hours later in a vacuum-assisted delivery. This article describes the modified epidural technique designed to minimise tissue coring, and the results of 18 months of uneventful patient follow-up.
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Analgesia Epidural , Tatuaje , Femenino , Humanos , Analgesia Epidural/métodos , DolorRESUMEN
Indole-3-acetonitrile, a compound produced by bacteria and plants as a defense and survival signal in response to attacks, has been recently discovered as a metabolite produced by human cancer cells. This discovery suggests a potential association between IAN and cancer progression in patients. Consequently, the aim of this work was to study the effects of IAN on a specific cancer cell line, SH-SY5Y, and elucidate its connection to the serotonin and dopamine pathways by examining the precursors of these neurotransmitters. To achieve this, a cellular viability assay was conducted, along with a morphological evaluation of the cells under both normal and stress conditions. Our results demonstrated that for the highest concentrations in our study, IAN was able to reduce the cellular viability of the cells. Furthermore, when IAN was combined with the amino acids that originate the neurotransmitters, it was possible to observe that in both combinations there was a decrease in the viability of the cells. Thus, IAN may in fact have some influence on both the serotonin and dopamine pathways since changes in cell viability were observed when it was added together with the amino acids. This preliminary study indicates the presence of an interaction between IAN and neuroblastoma cells that justifies further exploration and study.
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The Arthur and Sandra Irving Cancer Immunology Symposium has been created as a platform for established cancer immunologists to mentor trainees and young investigators as they launch their research career in the field. By sharing their different paths to success, the senior faculty mentors provide an invaluable resource to support the development of the next generation of leaders in the cancer immunology community. This Commentary describes some of the key topics that were discussed during the 2022 symposium: scientific and career trajectory, leadership, mentoring, collaborations, and publishing. For each of these topics, established investigators discussed the elements that facilitate success in these areas as well as mistakes that can hinder progress. Herein, we outline the critical points raised in these discussions for establishing a successful independent research career. These points are highly relevant for the broader scientific community.