Burden of disease and direct costs to the health system attributable to high body mass index in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Excess weight, measured by a high body mass index (BMI), is associated with the onset of many diseases, which can, in turn, lead to disability and premature death, subsequently placing a significant burden on healthcare services. This study analysed the burden of disease and the direct costs to the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde [SUS]) attributable to high BMI in the Brazilian population. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological study. METHODS: This ecological study had two components: (1) a time-series assessment to analyse the burden of diseases attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2019 in Brazil; and (2) a cross-sectional design to estimate the direct costs of SUS hospitalisations and outpatient procedures attributable to high BMI in 2019. Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study and the costs of hospital admissions and outpatient procedures from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System were used. Deaths, years of life lost to premature death (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost adjusted for disability (DALYs) were analysed. The direct health cost was obtained in Brazilian Real (R$) and converted in international Dollars (INT$). RESULTS: The current study found a reduction in the number of DALYs, YLLs, and deaths per 100,000 population of cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributable to high BMI and an increase in YLD due to diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, high BMI resulted in 2404 DALYs, 658 YLDs, 1746 YLLs, and 76 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In the same year, INT$377.30 million was spent on hospitalisations and high- and medium-complexity procedures to control non-communicable diseases attributable to high BMI. The states in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil presented the highest total cost per 10,000 inhabitants. CVDs and chronic kidney disease showed the highest costs per hospital admission, whereas neoplasms and CVDs presented the highest costs for outpatient procedures. CONCLUSIONS: High BMI causes significant disease burden and financial costs. The highest expenses observed were not in locations with the highest burden of disease attributable to high BMI. These findings highlight the need to improve current public policies and apply cost-effective intervention packages, focussing on equity and the promotion of healthier lifestyles to reduce overweight/obesity, especially in localities with low socioeconomic status.

An atlas of human vector-borne microbe interactions reveals pathogenicity mechanisms.

Vector-borne diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide and pose a substantial unmet medical need. Pathogens binding to host extracellular proteins (the "exoproteome") represents a crucial interface in the etiology of vector-borne disease. Here, we used bacterial selection to elucidate host-microbe interactions in high throughput (BASEHIT)-a technique enabling interrogation of microbial interactions with 3,324 human exoproteins-to profile the interactomes of 82 human-pathogen samples, including 30 strains of arthropod-borne pathogens and 8 strains of related non-vector-borne pathogens. The resulting atlas revealed 1,303 putative interactions, including hundreds of pairings with potential roles in pathogenesis, including cell invasion, tissue colonization, immune evasion, and host sensing. Subsequent functional investigations uncovered that Lyme disease spirochetes recognize epidermal growth factor as an environmental cue of transcriptional regulation and that conserved interactions between intracellular pathogens and thioredoxins facilitate cell invasion. In summary, this interactome atlas provides molecular-level insights into microbial pathogenesis and reveals potential host-directed targets for next-generation therapeutics.

Burden of non-communicable diseases attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019 for the Brazilian Unified Health System.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the health and economic burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019 for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) stratified by states. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, descriptive, and ecological study. METHODS: We used population attributable fractions (PAFs) of NCDs due to alcohol consumption from the Global Burden of Disease study. We applied the PAFs to the costs of hospitalizations and outpatient procedures of medium to high complexity paid by SUS for each outcome, obtained from official databases. We also calculated the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality caused by alcohol-related NCDs. We converted the costs into international dollars (Int$) using the purchasing parity power in 2019. RESULTS: Alcohol-related NCDs accounted for 8.48% of deaths and 7.0% of DALYs among men, and 1.33% of deaths and 1.6% of DALYs among women. The main diseases were substance use, digestive, and neoplastic diseases. The SUS spent Int$202.0 million on alcohol-related NCDs, mostly on hospitalizations. The highest health burden was observed in the states of the Northeast region, and the highest expenses in the states from the South. The burden and cost values varied by sex, age group, and state. CONCLUSION: The study showed that alcohol consumption has a significant impact on Brazilian population morbidity and mortality and SUS expenditures, especially among men. These results can support policies for the prevention and control of alcohol consumption and health promotion at the subnational level, prioritizing strategies that are more appropriate to local realities.

Beyond pulmonary rehabilitation: can the PICk UP programme fill the gap? A randomised trial in COPD.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a fundamental intervention to manage COPD, however, maintaining its benefits is challenging. Engaging in physical activity might help to prolong PR benefits. This study assessed the efficacy and effectiveness of a personalised community-based physical activity programme to sustain physical activity and other health-related PR benefits, in people with COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicentre, assessor blinded, randomised controlled trial. Following 12-weeks of PR, people with COPD were assigned to a six-months personalised community-based physical activity programme (experimental group), or to standard care (control group). Physical activity was assessed via: time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activities per day (primary outcome measure), steps/day and the brief physical activity assessment tool. Secondary outcomes included sedentary behaviour, functional status, peripheral muscle strength, balance, symptoms, emotional state, health-related quality of life, exacerbations and healthcare utilization. Assessments were performed immediately post-PR and after three- and six-months. Efficacy and effectiveness were evaluated using intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis with linear mixed models. RESULTS: Sixty-one participants (experimental group: n = 32; control group: n = 29), with balanced baseline characteristics between groups (69.6 ± 8.5 years old, 84 % male, FEV1 57.1 ± 16.7 %predicted) were included. Changes in all physical activity outcomes and in one-minute sit-to-stand were significantly different (P < 0.05) between groups at the six-month follow-up. In the remaining outcomes there were no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The community-based physical activity programme resulted in better physical activity levels and sit-to-stand performance, six-months after completing PR, in COPD. No additional benefits were observed for other secondary outcomes.

Tick hemocytes have a pleiotropic role in microbial infection and arthropod fitness.

Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here we use and develop advanced techniques to describe immune cells (hemocytes) from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis at a single-cell resolution. We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon feeding and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We reveal hemocyte clusters exhibiting defined signatures related to immunity, metabolism, and proliferation. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, two I. scapularis hemocyte markers, impacting blood-feeding, molting behavior, and bacterial acquisition. Mechanistically, astakine alters hemocyte proliferation, whereas hemocytin affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in I. scapularis. Altogether, we discover a role for tick hemocytes in immunophysiology and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.

Undernutrition, and overweight and obesity: the two faces of malnutrition in Brazil, analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, 1990 to 2019.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyse the global burden of disease attributable to undernutrition and high body mass index (BMI) in Brazil and its 27 states, as well as its association with the socio-demographic index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019. STUDY DESIGN: This is an epidemiological time-series study. METHODS: This study analysed the undernutrition and high BMI estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study conducted from 1990 to 2019 for Brazil and its states, using the following metrics: absolute number of deaths, standardised mortality rate, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). This study also analysed the correlation between the percentage variation of mortality rates and SDI. RESULTS: A decrease in the number of deaths (-75 %), mortality rate (-75.1 %), and DALYS (-72 %) attributable to undernutrition was found in Brazil and in all regions. As regarding the high BMI, an increase in the number of deaths was found (139.6 %); however, the mortality rate (-9.7) and DALYs (-6.4 %) declined in all regions, except in the North and Northeast regions, which showed an increase. A strong correlation was identified between undernutrition and high BMI with SDI. CONCLUSION: Our study observed a double burden of malnutrition in Brazil, with a reduction in the burden of diseases due to malnutrition in Brazil and variation in the burden due to high BMI according to the socioeconomic status of the region. Public policies are necessary in order to guarantee the human right to a healthy and sustainable diet, together with food and nutrition security and a diminishing of social inequality.

Integrating palliative care education in pulmonary rehabilitation: a randomized controlled study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care addresses multiple unmet needs of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and their family and/or friend caregivers, but it remains highly underused. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) may provide a key opportunity to introduce palliative care. We aim to explore the effects of palliative care education as part of PR on knowledge about this field in people with COPD or ILD and their family and/or friend caregivers. METHODS: A randomized controlled study will compare PR with palliative care education (experimental) with traditional PR (control) in people with COPD or ILD and their family and/or friend caregivers. Family and/or friend caregivers will be invited to take part in education and psychosocial support sessions. In addition to the usual educational content, the experimental group will have a session on palliative care, a "Peer-to-peer session", two "Get-apart sessions" and online sessions. The "Peer-to-peer session" and the "Get-apart sessions" will be discussions about topics suggested by participants. The "Get-apart sessions" will be dedicated to people with COPD or ILD apart from their family and/or friend caregivers and vice versa. The online sessions will be zoom meetings to discuss any health-related issues raised by participants, at a flexible time. A mixed-methods approach will be used to evaluate the outcomes. The primary outcome will be knowledge about palliative care. Secondary outcomes will include attitude towards palliative care referral, symptoms, disease impact, health-related quality of life, needs, knowledge about the disease, burden of providing care, adherence, adverse events and referral to a specialist palliative care team. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected at baseline and end of PR. At 6-months post-PR, only patient-reported outcomes will be collected. For the primary outcome, time*group interaction will be analyzed with mixed analysis of variance. DISCUSSION: This study aims to demonstrate the impact of integrating palliative care into the PR education program. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov U.S. National Library of Medicine, on 1st September, 2023 (NCT06046547).

Economic burden for the Unified Health System attributable to excessive sodium consumption in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the economic costs of excessive sodium consumption in terms of hospitalizations and outpatient procedures of medium and high complexity (OPMHC) for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and its states in 2019. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological study. METHOD: This study used population attributable fractions (PAFs) of excessive sodium consumption estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study based on the theoretical minimum risk exposure level (3 g of sodium per day), the average population consumption, and relative risks of sodium-outcome pairs. PAFs were applied to the total costs of hospitalizations and OPMHC paid by SUS for each outcome obtained from the Outpatient and Hospital Information Systems. The costs per 10,000 inhabitants in all the Brazilian states were calculated and converted into international dollars (Int$), considering the purchasing parity power in the year 2019. RESULTS: Excessive sodium consumption resulted in Int$ 98,882,386.36 (95% uncertainty interval: Int$ 3,398,343.53-312,065,319.80) in hospitalizations and OPMHC costs in Brazil in 2019. Males and the 55- to 69-year-old age group had the highest expenditures attributable to excessive sodium consumption. Cardiovascular diseases were the most significant contributors to the costs associated with the risk factor. Southern and southeastern states had the highest costs of diseases attributable to sodium. CONCLUSION: Excessive sodium consumption has a significant economic burden on SUS, particularly among men and more developed states. This underscores the inequalities in socio-economic factors and access to health services throughout the country. Economic analyses at the subnational level can provide evidence for public policy planning to define the most appropriate actions for the population's sociodemographic reality.

Mortality by avoidable causes in Brazil from 1990 to 2019: data from the Global Burden of Disease Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the trends of avoidable mortality in Brazil from 1990 to 2019 and its correlation with sociodemographic indexes (SDIs). STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological mortality trends. METHODS: This study analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease database. The list of causes of avoidable death, as proposed by Nolte and McKee, was applied and included 32 causes. The current study used age-standardised mortality rates and the rates of change, in addition to a correlation analysis between avoidable death and the SDI. RESULTS: Mortality rates decreased from 343.90/100,000 inhabitants in 1990 to 155.80/100,000 inhabitants in 2019. Infectious diseases showed the largest decline in mortality rates, but notable decreases were also found for diarrhoeal diseases (-94.9%), maternal conditions (-66.5%) and neonatal conditions (-60.5%). Mortality rates for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also decreased (-48%) but maintained a similar absolute number of deaths in 2019 compared with 1990. Decreased mortality rates were also found for ischaemic heart disease (-49.1%), stroke (-61.4%) and deaths due to adverse effects caused by medical treatments (-26.2%). Avoidable mortality rates declined in all of the 27 Brazilian states, and a high correlation was found between deaths and SDI (R = -0.74; P < 0.000001). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in avoidable deaths was found throughout Brazil over the study period, although major regional inequalities were revealed. Richer states presented the best overall reduction in mortality rates. The biggest decreases in mortality were seen in maternal and paediatric infectious diseases in the poorest states due to the expansion of the Primary Health System and improvements in sanitation. Today, NCDs predominate and efforts should be made to formulate public policies for the prevention and control of NCDs.

Tick extracellular vesicles impair epidermal homeostasis through immune-epithelial networks during hematophagy.

Hematophagous ectoparasites, such as ticks, rely on impaired wound healing for skin attachment and blood feeding. Wound healing has been extensively studied through the lens of inflammatory disorders and cancer, but limited attention has been given to arthropod-borne diseases. Here, we used orthogonal approaches combining single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), flow cytometry, murine genetics, and intravital microscopy to demonstrate how tick extracellular vesicles (EVs) disrupt networks involved in tissue repair. Impairment of EVs through silencing of the SNARE protein vamp33 negatively impacted ectoparasite feeding and survival in three medically relevant tick species, including Ixodes scapularis. Furthermore, I. scapularis EVs affected epidermal γδ T cell frequencies and co-receptor expression, which are essential for keratinocyte function. ScRNAseq analysis of the skin epidermis in wildtype animals exposed to vamp33-deficient ticks revealed a unique cluster of keratinocytes with an overrepresentation of pathways connected to wound healing. This biological circuit was further implicated in arthropod fitness when tick EVs inhibited epithelial proliferation through the disruption of phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity and keratinocyte growth factor levels. Collectively, we uncovered a tick-targeted impairment of tissue repair via the resident γδ T cell-keratinocyte axis, which contributes to ectoparasite feeding.

A dataset of criteria on the use of thermal insulation solutions in building facades located in Norway, Portugal and Italy.

The building sector is responsible for a significant percentage of the energy consumption in Europe. The level of thermal insulation of the building envelope leads to decrease energy consumption, thus contributing towards a sustainable and efficient built environment. As a result, the choice of the most suitable thermal insulation solution to be applied both in new construction and in retrofitting of building facades is fundamental for a satisfactory thermal performance of the building. Nevertheless, the thermal insulation solution should not be chosen considering only the thermal performance, but rather based on a set of performance parameters (i.e., water resistance, fire performance, impact on the environment and human health, among others) and climate-related requirements. This data article includes a dataset on criteria adopted in three European countries (namely Norway, Portugal, and Italy) considering a PESTE analysis (i.e., criteria related to Political, Economic, Social, Technological, and Environmental questions). The main objective was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of people living and/or working in these countries about the use and the performance of thermal insulation solutions in building facades. To this aim a questionnaire was developed within the scope of the EEA Granted EFFICACY research project (November 2022 - February 2023), whose overall objective is to create a database that serves as a reference for the choice of thermal insulation solutions to be applied in building facades for thermal and energy performances optimization. This database contributes to systemize criteria and can be extended by other researchers or professionals in the area, as well as in other countries.

Sub-Bandgap Sensitization of Perovskite Semiconductors via Colloidal Quantum Dots Incorporation.

By taking advantage of the outstanding intrinsic optoelectronic properties of perovskite-based photovoltaic materials, together with the strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption and electronic confinement in PbS quantum dots (QDs), sub-bandgap photocurrent generation is possible, opening the way for solar cell efficiencies surpassing the classical limits. The present study shows an effective methodology for the inclusion of high densities of colloidal PbS QDs in a MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead iodide) perovskite matrix as a means to enhance the spectral window of photon absorption of the perovskite host film and allow photocurrent production below its bandgap. The QDs were introduced in the perovskite matrix in different sizes and concentrations to study the formation of quantum-confined levels within the host bandgap and the potential formation of a delocalized intermediate mini-band (IB). Pronounced sub-bandgap (in NIR) absorption was optically confirmed with the introduction of QDs in the perovskite. The consequent photocurrent generation was demonstrated via photoconductivity measurements, which indicated IB establishment in the films. Despite verifying the reduced crystallinity of the MAPbI3 matrix with a higher concentration and size of the embedded QDs, the nanostructured films showed pronounced enhancement (above 10-fold) in NIR absorption and consequent photocurrent generation at photon energies below the perovskite bandgap.

Tick hemocytes have pleiotropic roles in microbial infection and arthropod fitness.

Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here, we describe immune cells or hemocytes from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis using bulk and single cell RNA sequencing combined with depletion via clodronate liposomes, RNA interference, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats activation (CRISPRa) and RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon tick infestation of mammals and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We predict distinct hemocyte lineages and reveal clusters exhibiting defined signatures for immunity, metabolism, and proliferation during hematophagy. Furthermore, we perform a mechanistic characterization of two I. scapularis hemocyte markers: hemocytin and astakine. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, which impacts blood feeding and molting behavior of ticks. Hemocytin specifically affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, whereas astakine alters hemocyte proliferation in I. scapularis. Altogether, we uncover the heterogeneity and pleiotropic roles of hemocytes in ticks and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.

Croquemort elicits activation of the immune deficiency pathway in ticks.

The immune deficiency (IMD) pathway directs host defense in arthropods upon bacterial infection. In Pancrustacea, peptidoglycan recognition proteins sense microbial moieties and initiate nuclear factor-κB-driven immune responses. Proteins that elicit the IMD pathway in non-insect arthropods remain elusive. Here, we show that an Ixodes scapularis homolog of croquemort (Crq), a CD36-like protein, promotes activation of the tick IMD pathway. Crq exhibits plasma membrane localization and binds the lipid agonist 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol. Crq regulates the IMD and jun N-terminal kinase signaling cascades and limits the acquisition of the Lyme disease spirochete B. burgdorferi. Additionally, nymphs silenced for crq display impaired feeding and delayed molting to adulthood due to a deficiency in ecdysteroid synthesis. Collectively, we establish a distinct mechanism for arthropod immunity outside of insects and crustaceans.

Lifestyle integrated functional exercise for people with interstitial lung disease (iLiFE): A mixed-methods feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: People with interstitial lung disease (ILD) present low levels of physical activity (PA) and spend most of their time at home, especially in advanced stages of the disease. The Lifestyle Integrated Functional Exercise for people with ILD (iLiFE) embedding PA in patients' daily routines was developed and implemented. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of iLiFE. METHODS: A pre/post mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted. Feasibility of iLiFE was determined by participant recruitment/retention, adherence, feasibility of outcome measures and adverse events. Measures of PA, sedentary behaviour, balance, muscle strength, functional performance/capacity, exercise capacity, impact of the disease, symptoms (i.e., dyspnoea, anxiety, depression, fatigue and cough) and health-related quality of life were collected at baseline and post-intervention (12-weeks). Semi-structured interviews with participants were conducted in-person immediately after iLiFE. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed by deductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Ten participants (5♀, 77±3y; FVCpp 77.1 ± 4.4, DLCOpp 42.4 ± 6.6) were included, but only nine completed the study. Recruitment was challenging (30%) and retention high (90%). iLiFE was feasible, with excellent adherence (84.4%) and no adverse events. Missing data were associated with one dropout and non-compliance with the accelerometer (n = 1). Participants reported that iLiFE contributed to (re)gain control in their daily life, namely through improving their well-being, functional status and motivation. Weather, symptoms, physical impairments and lack of motivation were identified as threats to keep an active lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: iLiFE seems to be feasible, safe and meaningful for people with ILD. A randomised controlled trial is needed to strengthen these promising findings.

The Silent Threat-Alkali Foot Burn: A Case Report.

Despite current workplace protection measures, chemical burn accidents are not uncommon. Among these, alkali burn is the most challenging due to its silent behaviour and aggressive mechanism. Characterized by its initial painless onset, allowing a prolonged exposure, it tends to result in deeper and more destructive burns, creating major reconstructive and therapeutic challenges. This case concerns a 53-year-old male who sustained a full thickness burn of his left instep foot after prolonged contact with an alkali substance. The wound was submitted to several surgical debridement procedures, with preservation of the major tendinous and vascular-nervous structures. The skin defect was then repaired with skin graft. Early recognition and prompt management with copious and prolonged wound irrigation is paramount. As in this type of burn it is difficult to initially assess its true depth, even after initial surgical debridement, a more cautious approach is recommended. Chronic pain is associated with chemical burns and it should be treated early in the process with the use of multimodal analgesia in order to prevent future complications. No matter the absence of major complaints in the 4 week-postoperative evaluation, the possible long-term consequences are still unknown. Despite the prolonged exposure time and the initial presentation with a deep burn, after several surgical debridement procedures, preservation of major tendon and neurovascular structures was assured, which allowed a plain approach for reconstruction of the wound with a skin graft. The case illustrates different challenges associated with evaluation and treatment of patients with deep alkali burns. Also, usage auditing and awareness of regular users appear to be essential.

Les brûlures chimiques au travail restent relativement fréquentes malgré les mesures de protection. Les atteintes par agent alcalin sont particulièrement problématiques car elles sont insidieuses bien que très destructrices. Le temps de contact est prolongé et les destructions sont majeures, posant de difficiles problèmes de reconstruction, en raison de leur caractère initialement indolore. Nous présentons le cas d'un homme de 53 ans victime d'une brûlure du cou de pied gauche après contact prolongé avec un agent alcalin. Les excisions successives ont permis de préserver les éléments nobles et de greffer secondairement la zone touchée. Il est indispensable de diagnostiquer précisément l'atteinte et de laver la région atteinte à grande eau. La profondeur réelle est difficile à apprécier initialement si bien que les excisions doivent être prudentes. Les douleurs chroniques ne sont pas rares dans ces cas et peuvent être prévenues par la qualité de l'analgésie initiale, multimodale. A un mois, le patient ne se plaint de rien, ce qui ne préjuge pas de complications plus tardives. Malgré un temps de contact prolongé et un aspect initial profond, les éléments nobles on pu être préservés, permettant une couverture par simple greffe. Ce cas illustre les difficultés dans le diagnostic et le traitement des brûlures profondes par base. Il est essentiel d'éduquer et surveiller les usagers réguliers de ces produits.

Triphenylboroxine stability under low-energy-electron interactions.

Triphenylboroxine (TPB) has chemical properties of great interest in organic synthesis, enabling the development of promising molecular architectures. Based on the possibility of the geometric arrangement of N-coordinated boron atoms, the dynamic interconversion ability of boroxine cages enables the optimization of relevant pharmacological properties in drug delivery, such as guest recognition and porosity. In addition, the synthesis of a novel 2D boroxine framework showed distinctive electronic and morphological properties that can be used in the design of new electronic devices. In the present study, the electron-driven fragmentation pathways from electron interactions with TPB using a gas-phase crossed-beam experiment have been investigated. The abundance of the molecular parent cation in the mass spectrum at 70 eV reflects the stability of TPB. The appearance energies of three fragment cations were reported, and the experimental first ionization potential was found at 9.12 ± 0.10 eV. Only the parent cation is formed in the energy range (∼9-16 eV) between the first ionization potential and the remaining thresholds. Regarding negative ion formation, four low-abundant anions in the electron energy range of 0-15 eV are discussed. These results indicate an interesting energy selectivity and stability of TPB upon electron interaction, which may justify the development of recent molecular architectures containing TPB used in a wide range of applications. These results are supported by quantum chemical calculations based on bound state techniques, electron ionization models and thermodynamic thresholds.

Myelin imaging measures as predictors of cognitive impairment in MS patients: A hybrid PET-MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is one of the concerns of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has been related to myelin loss. Different neuroimaging methods have been used to quantify myelin and relate it to cognitive dysfunctions, among them Magnetization Transfer Ratio (MTR), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and, more recently, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with 11C-PIB. OBJECTIVE: To investigate different myelin imaging modalities as predictors of cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty-one MS patients and 24 healthy controls underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessment and MTR, DTI (Axial Diffusion-AD and Fractional Anisotropy-FA maps), and 11C-PIB PET images in a PET/MR hybrid system. RESULTS: MTR and DTI(FA) differed in patients with or without cognitive impairment. There was an association of DTI(FA) and DTI(AD) with cognition and psychomotor speed for progressive MS, and of 11C-PIB uptake and MTR for relapsing-remitting MS. MTR in the Thalamus (ß= -0.51, p = 0.021) and Corpus Callosum (ß= -0.24, p = 0.033) were predictive of cognitive impairment. DTI-FA in the Caudate (ß= -26.93, p = 0.006) presented abnormal predictive result. CONCLUSION: Lower myelin content by 11C-PIB uptake was associated with worse cognitive status. MTR was predictive of cognitive impairment in MS.

DRESS syndrome: an unlikely diagnosis with an unlikely cause.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome is a rare and severe adverse drug reaction which is potentially life-threatening. We report a case of a 66-year-old male, with no prior history of allergies, who went to the emergency department with fever, headache and a rash, 12 days following receiving metronidazole for 7 days. He had no recent trips, contact with sick people or animals. The authors aim to alert to an uncommon and serious syndrome caused by an unlikely drug.