Diagnosing sickle cell disease and iron deficiency anemia in human blood by Raman spectroscopy.

This work proposed the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and sickle cell disease (SCD) in human blood caused by iron deficiency and hemoglobin S (HbS), which are among the most common anemias, by means of Raman spectroscopy. Whole blood samples from patients diagnosed with IDA and HbS, as well as from normal subjects (HbA), were obtained and submitted to Raman spectroscopy (830 nm, 150 mW, 400-1800 cm-1 spectral range, 4 cm-1 resolution). Difference spectra of IDA-HbA showed spectral features of hemoglobin with less intensity in the IDA, whereas the difference spectra of SCD-HbA showed spectral features of deoxyhemoglobin increased and of oxyhemoglobin decreased in SCD. An exploratory analysis by principal components analysis (PCA) showed that the peaks referred to oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin markedly differentiated SCD and HbA, as well as the increased amount of hemoglobin features in the SCD group, suggesting increased erythropoiesis. The IDA group showed hemoglobin features with lower intensities as well as peaks referred to the iron bonding to the porphyrin ring with reduced intensities when compared to the HbA. Discriminant analysis based on partial least squares (PLS-DA) and PCA (PCA-DA) showed that the IDA and SCD anemias could be discriminated from the HbA spectra with 95.0% and 93.8% of accuracy, for the PLS and PCA respectively, with sensitivity/specificity of 93.8%/95.7% for the PLS-DA model. The iron depletion and the sickling of erythrocytes could be identified by Raman spectroscopy and a spectral model based on PLS accurately discriminated these IDA and SCD samples from the normal HbA.

The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Medicinal Plants on Fungi Isolated From Toilet and Nursery Surfaces in a Daycare Center: An In Vitro Study.

Background Brazil has the most extensive plant genetic biodiversity in the world. Knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants obtained through popular medicine has been accrued over centuries. Such empirical knowledge often symbolizes the only therapeutic resource for various ethnic communities and groups. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extracts of medicinal plants in controlling isolated fungi found in bathrooms and nurseries of a daycare center in the northwestern region of São Paulo state. Methodology This is an in vitro study carried out in the microbiology laboratory. The analyzed fungi were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum, and Candida albicans. These fungi were exposed to the hydroalcoholic extracts of rosemary, citronella, rue, neem, and lemon. Results Rue extract was more effective against Candida albicans at a concentration of 12.5%. Citronella was effective against Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton mentagrophytes at a concentration of 6.25%. Lemon was effective against Fusarium spp. at a concentration of 6.25%. Conclusions The hydroalcoholic extracts showed antifungal activity. The in vitro evaluation of medicinal plants showed that the extracts of rue, citronella, and lemon showed a fungicide effect.

Postmortem Retrograde Contrasted Infusion in Thoracic Duct Outflow: Imaging Effectiveness Analysis.

Background Thoracic duct (TD) anomaly can be quite variable and dangerous in surgical interventions in the neck region as there are numerous variations in its formation and topography. This highlights the importance of full knowledge about the TD and its anatomical variations. Thus, it is important to emphasize that the lack of anatomical-clinical knowledge or surgical skill during an intervention can significantly hamper successful results. The present study aimed to perform radiopaque contrast infusion into the TD of intact cadavers, either formalinized or refrigerated, to evaluate possible lymphatic architecture patterns via reverse lymphography. Methodology TD dissection was performed on 13 cadaveric specimens. After isolating the lymphatic vessel, it was cannulated with an nº 4 urethral probe fixed with cordonnet cotton. Then, a 10 mL syringe was attached to the urethral probe and the radiopaque iodinated contrast was injected into the TD under constant and gradual manual pressure. Results TD outflow was detected on the posterior surface of the junction between the internal jugular and the left subclavian veins, either as direct outflow (in 10 cases) or as an arc (in three cases). Reverse contrast progression was impossible in each of the attempts, probably due to valvular resistance and lumen obliteration, which completely prevented pressure infusion into the thoracic and abdominal parts of the TD. Conclusions We emphasize the impracticality of obtaining postmortem radiopaque images via retrograde contrast injection into the TD in formalinized or refrigerated bodies.