Transparent, flexible, and eco-friendly starch-based films for reversible optoelectronic noses for food spoilage monitoring in smart packaging.

A reversible optoelectronic nose is presented consisting of ten acid-base indicators incorporated into a starch-based film, covering a wide pH range. The starch substrate is odorless, biocompatible, flexible, and exhibits high tensile resistance. This optical artificial olfaction system was used to detect the early stages of food decomposition by exposing it to the volatile compounds produced during the spoialge process of three food products (beef, chicken, and pork). A smartphone was used to capture the color changes caused by intermolecular interactions between each dye and the emitted volatiles over time. Digital images were processed to generate a differential color map, which uses the observed color shifts to create a unique signature for each food product. To effectively discriminate among different samples and exposure times, we employed chemometric tools, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). This approach detects food deterioration in a practical, cost-effective, and user-friendly manner, making it suitable for smart packaging. Additionally, the use of starch-based films in the food industry is preferable due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability characteristics.

The association of spirometric small airways obstruction with respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and quality of life: results from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study.

BACKGROUND: Spirometric small airways obstruction (SAO) is common in the general population. Whether spirometric SAO is associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and quality of life (QoL) is unknown. METHODS: Using data from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study (N = 21,594), we defined spirometric SAO as the mean forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% of the FVC (FEF25-75) less than the lower limit of normal (LLN) or the forced expiratory volume in 3 s to FVC ratio (FEV3/FVC) less than the LLN. We analysed data on respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and QoL collected using standardised questionnaires. We assessed the associations with spirometric SAO using multivariable regression models, and pooled site estimates using random effects meta-analysis. We conducted identical analyses for isolated spirometric SAO (i.e. with FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN). RESULTS: Almost a fifth of the participants had spirometric SAO (19% for FEF25-75; 17% for FEV3/FVC). Using FEF25-75, spirometric SAO was associated with dyspnoea (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.77-2.70), chronic cough (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 2.08-3.15), chronic phlegm (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.77-4.05), wheeze (OR = 2.87, 95% CI 2.50-3.40) and cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.11-1.52), but not hypertension or diabetes. Spirometric SAO was associated with worse physical and mental QoL. These associations were similar for FEV3/FVC. Isolated spirometric SAO (10% for FEF25-75; 6% for FEV3/FVC), was also associated with respiratory symptoms and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Spirometric SAO is associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and QoL. Consideration should be given to the measurement of FEF25-75 and FEV3/FVC, in addition to traditional spirometry parameters.

Patient-centered digital biomarkers for allergic respiratory diseases and asthma: The ARIA-EAACI approach - ARIA-EAACI Task Force Report.

Biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with rhinitis and/or asthma are urgently needed. Although some biologic biomarkers exist in specialist care for asthma, they cannot be largely used in primary care. There are no validated biomarkers in rhinitis or allergen immunotherapy (AIT) that can be used in clinical practice. The digital transformation of health and health care (including mHealth) places the patient at the center of the health system and is likely to optimize the practice of allergy. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) and EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) developed a Task Force aimed at proposing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as digital biomarkers that can be easily used for different purposes in rhinitis and asthma. It first defined control digital biomarkers that should make a bridge between clinical practice, randomized controlled trials, observational real-life studies and allergen challenges. Using the MASK-air app as a model, a daily electronic combined symptom-medication score for allergic diseases (CSMS) or for asthma (e-DASTHMA), combined with a monthly control questionnaire, was embedded in a strategy similar to the diabetes approach for disease control. To mimic real-life, it secondly proposed quality-of-life digital biomarkers including daily EQ-5D visual analogue scales and the bi-weekly RhinAsthma Patient Perspective (RAAP). The potential implications for the management of allergic respiratory diseases were proposed.

Circulating oxidative stress and acute phase protein levels in horses infested with ticks.

Ticks have saliva rich in immunoregulatory molecules that interfere with the host's physiology in order to feed. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of acute phase proteins and circulating oxidative stress in response to infestation by Amblyomma sculptum and Dermacentor nitens in two breed horses, Mangalarga Marchador and Breton Postier, to define resistance or susceptibility to ticks. Among the oxidative stress markers, we observed lower malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in horses with tick infestation, consequently not altering the antioxidant enzymes. Breton Postier with tick infestation showed a reduction in the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), which may be due to lower feeding of the host due to the stress caused by the infestation or even to sequestration of components induced by the tick during blood feeding. The alpha-1-antitrypsin, an acute phase protein, showed an increase in Mangalarga Marchador with tick infestation; curiously it is related to a protective action against tissue damage, pathogens and parasites. We could assume that Mangalarga Marchador showed a better response to ticks when compared to Breton Postier. However, it is still early to define the resistance or susceptibility to ticks, as we did not observe significant changes in most of the analyzed variables. Further studies are needed to understand the compounds and mechanisms of action of the tick saliva in the acute phase proteins and the possible relationships of oxidative stress in the host and the tick during blood feeding.

Impact of collaborative actions of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis subpopulations on the infection profile.

This study focuses on the role of the population structure of Leishmania spp. on the adaptive capacity of the parasite. Herein, we investigate the contribution of subpopulations of the L. (V.) braziliensis Thor strain (Thor03, Thor10 and Thor22) in the profile of murine macrophages infection. Infection assays were performed with binary combinations of these subpopulations at stationary phases. The initial interaction time showed major effects on the combination assays, as demonstrated by the significant increase in the infection rate at 5 h. Based on the endocytic index (EI), Thor10 (EI = 563.6) and Thor03 (EI = 497) showed a higher infection load compared to Thor22 (EI = 227.3). However, the EI decreased in Thor03 after 48 h (EI = 447) and 72 h (EI = 388.3) of infection, and showed changes in the infection level in all Thor10/Thor22 combinations. Assays with CellTrace CFSE-labelled Thor22 promastigotes indicated an increase (~1.5 fold) in infection by this subpopulation in the presence of Thor10 when compared to the infection profile of Thor03/Thor22 combinations in the same proportions. In addition, the potential of these subpopulations, alone or in binary combinations, to modulate the expression of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in vitro was investigated. Lower NO and tumour necrosis factor-α production levels were observed for all Thor10/Thor22 combinations at 24 h compared to these subpopulations alone. In contrast, Thor03/Thor22 combination assays increased IL-10 production at this time. Collectively, these results provide in vitro evidence on the potential of L. (V.) braziliensis population structure to play a relevant role in a host infection by this parasite.

Prevalence and Population-Attributable Risk for Chronic Airflow Obstruction in a Large Multinational Study.

Rationale: The Global Burden of Disease program identified smoking and ambient and household air pollution as the main drivers of death and disability from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: To estimate the attributable risk of chronic airflow obstruction (CAO), a quantifiable characteristic of COPD, due to several risk factors. Methods: The Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study is a cross-sectional study of adults, aged ≥40, in a globally distributed sample of 41 urban and rural sites. Based on data from 28,459 participants, we estimated the prevalence of CAO, defined as a postbronchodilator FEV1-to-FVC ratio less than the lower limit of normal, and the relative risks associated with different risk factors. Local relative risks were estimated using a Bayesian hierarchical model borrowing information from across sites. From these relative risks and the prevalence of risk factors, we estimated local population attributable risks. Measurements and Main Results: The mean prevalence of CAO was 11.2% in men and 8.6% in women. The mean population attributable risk for smoking was 5.1% in men and 2.2% in women. The next most influential risk factors were poor education levels, working in a dusty job for ≥10 years, low body mass index, and a history of tuberculosis. The risk of CAO attributable to the different risk factors varied across sites. Conclusions: Although smoking remains the most important risk factor for CAO, in some areas, poor education, low body mass index, and passive smoking are of greater importance. Dusty occupations and tuberculosis are important risk factors at some sites.

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Organokines: What Is Now and What Will Be in the Future.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, and enlargement of the diameter of hepatocytes (ballooning hepatocytes), with or without fibrosis. It affects 20% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Due to liver dysfunction and the numerous metabolic changes that commonly accompany the condition (obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome), the secretion of organokines is modified, which may contribute to the pathogenesis or progression of the disease. In this sense, this study aimed to perform a review of the role of organokines in NASH. Thus, by combining descriptors such as NASH, organokines, oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, a search was carried out in the EMBASE, MEDLINE-PubMed, and Cochrane databases of articles published in the last ten years. Insulin resistance, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, fructose, and intestinal microbiota were factors identified as participating in the genesis and progression of NASH. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion (adipokines, myokines, hepatokines, and osteokines) directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating the condition or compromise homeostasis. Thus, further studies involving skeletal muscle, adipose, bone, and liver tissue as endocrine organs are essential to better understand the modulation of organokines involved in the pathogenesis of NASH to advance in the treatment of this disease.

Chronic airflow obstruction and ambient particulate air pollution.

Smoking is the most well-established cause of chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) but particulate air pollution and poverty have also been implicated. We regressed sex-specific prevalence of CAO from 41 Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study sites against smoking prevalence from the same study, the gross national income per capita and the local annual mean level of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) using negative binomial regression. The prevalence of CAO was not independently associated with PM2.5 but was strongly associated with smoking and was also associated with poverty. Strengthening tobacco control and improved understanding of the link between CAO and poverty should be prioritised.

Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy vs bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate in large benign prostatic hyperplasia: a two-center 3-year comparison.

PURPOSE: To compare surgery outcomes and safety of button bipolar enucleation of the prostate vs laparoscopic simple prostatectomy in patients with large prostates (> 80 g) in a two-center cohort study. METHODS: All patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement (Prostate volume > 80 cc) undergoing button bipolar enucleation of the prostate (BTUEP) or laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) in two centers were enrolled. Data on clinical history, physical examination, urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry and prostate volume were collected at 0, 1, 3 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Early and long-term complications were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 296 patients were enrolled. Out of them, 167/296 (56%) performed a LSP and 129/296 (44%) performed a BTUEP. In terms of efficacy both procedures showed durable results at three years with a reintervention rate of 8% in the LSP group and of 5% in the BTUEP group. In terms of safety, BTUEP and LSP presented similar safety profiles with a 9% of transfusion rate and no major complications. CONCLUSION: LSP and BTUEP are safe and effective in treating large-volume adenomas with durable results at three years when performed in experienced centers.

The role of immune PSA complex (iXip) in the prediction of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To analyse the performance of iXip in the prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) and high-grade PCa. METHODS: A consecutive series of men undergoing MRI/FUSION prostate biopsies were enrolled in one centre. Indications for prostate biopsy included abnormal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (PSA > 4 ng/ml) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or abnormal MRI. All patients underwent the evaluation of serum PSA-IgM concentration and the iXip ratio was calculated. Accuracy iXip for the prediction of PCa was evaluated using multivariable binary regression analysis and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Overall 160 patients with a median age of 65 (62/73) years were enrolled. Overall, 42% patients were diagnosed with PCa and 75% of them had high-grade cancer (Epstein ≥ 3). Patients with PCa were older and presented higher PSA levels, higher PIRADS scores and lower prostate volumes (PVs). On ROC analysis iXip presented an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.57 in the prediction of PCa and of 0.54 for the prediction of high-grade PCa. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, immune PSA complexes are not predictors of PCa. iXip analysis should not be included in the diagnostic pathway of patients at increased risk of PCa.

Congenital short tail in Macaca mulatta.

In a captive Macaca mulatta breeding colony, a single family group with 39 animals showed 19 individuals being born with dramatic tail shortening. Through clinical, genealogical, radiographic, and cytogenetic evaluation, it was related to a probable dominant autosomal inheritance of the reduction in the number of distal caudal vertebrae.

The prevalence of excessive sleepiness is higher in shift workers than in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common feature among shift workers as well as in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. There are several important accidents related to sleep disturbances causing EDS. The aim of this study was to evaluate EDS in a group of shift workers (regular rotating) from civil aviation and to compare them with OSA patients (n = 300) and with a group of regular workers (RW) (n = 140). Our sample was composed of 730 working-age individuals (aged 18-67 years). The regular rotating shift workers (SW) sample was composed of 290 aeronautical mechanics. EDS was evaluated with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and defined as a score ≥ 11. The prevalence value obtained for the EDS of RW was 37.1%, for SW it was 60.7% and for OSA patients it was 40.7%. A logistic regression model for EDS in a subsample composed of men and matched for age and BMI, controlling for self-reported sleep duration, showed an increased risk of EDS for SW (OR = 3.91, p = .001), with the RW group as reference. OSA patients did not differ from RW on EDS levels. This study emphasizes the presence of EDS in a shift work group of civil aviation professionals, which exceeded the EDS level of a positive control group of OSA patients. Sleep hygiene education for companies' workers and management is important and mitigation strategies should be implemented to reduce excessive sleepiness among workers.

Palmoplantar depigmentation in Macaca fascicularis following Blaschko linear pattern.

Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome, characterized by streaks and swirls of hypopigmentation arranged in a Blaschkoid pattern. Other associated anomalies are observed. We report a case of a male cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) who presented the characteristic of hypomelanosis of Ito with palmoplantar involvement and polythelia.

Evaluation of hepatic and renal effects in rat dams and their offspring after exposure to paracetamol during gestation and lactation.

Paracetamol (PAR) is the analgesic and antipyretic of choice for pregnant and nursing women. PAR may reach the fetus and/or neonate through the placenta and/or milk and effect development. This study evaluated possible hepatic and renal effects in rat dams and their offspring exposed to PAR using a human-relevant route of administration and doses from Gestational Day 6 to Postnatal Day (PND) 21. Dams were gavaged daily with PAR (35 or 350mg kg-1) or water (CON). Dams and pups were killed on PND21 and 22 respectively, and blood was collected for biochemical analysis (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine). The kidneys and liver were isolated and processed for histopathological assessment and evaluation of oxidative stress markers. Compared with the CON groups, pups exposed to 350mg kg-1 PAR had increased renal reduced glutathione (GSH), whereas dams exposed to both doses of PAR increased serum AST. PAR administration did not affect parameters of general toxicity or renal and hepatic oxidative stress. In conclusion, maternal exposure to human-relevant doses of PAR by gavage was not associated with hepatic or renal toxicity in the pups or dams, but PAR was not devoid of effects. Exposure to PAR increased renal GSH in pups, which could suggest an adaptive antioxidant response, and affected maternal serum AST activity.

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality from community-acquired pneumonia in Portugal: 2000-2014.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often leading to hospital admissions. In Portugal, the factors associated with in-hospital mortality due to CAP are not fully documented. The aim of this study was to characterize the trends of CAP hospitalization in all age groups and the factors associated with their mortality between 2000 and 2014. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using CAP hospitalization data in all age groups, in Portugal Mainland. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2011, CAP hospitalization rate increased from 2.8 to 4.3 per 1000 population. Hospitalization rates were higher in the extreme ages ( ≤ 4 and ≥ 75 years). However, a decrease in the hospitalization rate and its mortality was observed, in the younger ages. A total of 548,699 hospitalization CAP episodes, between 2000 and 2014, were analyzed, with male (56.2%) and elderly ≥65 years (91.7%) predominance, resulting in 101,740 deaths (18.5%). Men had a significantly lower mean age (64.3 ± 26.4 years versus 67.9 ± 27.5 years; p < 0.001). During the studied 15 years, there was an increase of 45.2% in the number of annual hospitalizations, concomitant with the admission increase of individuals aged over 75 years. Since 2012 a decrease in hospitalizations and associated deaths were detected. The increase in age represented a progressive and significant rise in the probability of death, except for the age group 1-4 years. The age group ≥85 years old (Adjusted OR = 124.256; 95%CI: 97.838-157.807) and males (Adjusted OR = 1.261; 95%CI: 1.243-1.280) were significantly associated with death risk for CAP hospitalization. After 2010, this risk decreased (Adjusted OR = 0.961; 95%CI: 0.940-0.982). The main factors affecting mortality were age, sex, unemployment rate, number of performed procedures and admission quinquennia. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a trend of decrease in CAP hospitalizations and associated death since 2012, the numbers of in-hospital mortality showed, in the 15 years under analysis, an overall increase over time, mainly associated with age, in particular very old people ( ≥ 75 years), males and a higher parish unemployment rate. Therefore, the implementation of CAP preventive measures should be reinforced in these vulnerable groups.

High prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum infection in black-eared opossums (Didelphis aurita) in an urban environment.

Marsupials of the genus Didelphis, such as black-eared opossums (Didelphis aurita), are common synanthropic animals in urban areas of Brazil. These marsupials are frequently parasitized by numerous helminth species, including ancylostomatid nematodes. This study aimed to report the occurrence of Ancylostoma caninum in black-eared opossums captured in an urban environment of Southeastern Brazil and discuss the potential impact of these findings for public health. From January to June 2019, we collected fecal samples from 49 restrained opossums and evaluated by a simple flotation method; Helminth eggs were observed at different magnifications and identified according to morphological and morphometric features. Genomic DNA was extracted from Ancylostomatidae eggs and screened by duplex PCR for Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus using primers that amplify a region of internal transcribed spacer 2 and the 28S ribosomal RNA (ITS2-28S rRNA). Ancylostoma spp. eggs were detected in 65.3% (32/49) of the animals. Sequence analysis revealed 100% homology with A. caninum sequences from GenBank. Our results demonstrate a new host-parasite interaction for A. caninum, suggesting that black-eared opossums may participate in the zoonotic cycle of this parasite in urban areas of Brazil.

Ticks, fleas and endosymbionts in the ectoparasite fauna of the black-eared opossum Dipelphis aurita in Brazil.

Ticks and fleas are essential vectors of pathogens that affect humans and animals, and among their hosts, synanthropic animals such as the black-eared opossum, Didelphis aurita, play a role in public health due to their ability to move between urban centers and forested areas in Brazil. This study aimed to assess the ectoparasite fauna of D. aurita, as well as the presence of pathogens and endosymbionts in ticks and fleas. Opossums (n = 58) captured in Tomahawk livetraps were examined for ectoparasites, and their blood sampled for further analysis. Additionally, spleen samples were collected in individuals found dead. Samples were PCR screened for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Anaplasmataceae, and Babesia spp. Two tick species were morphologically identified as Ixodes loricatus 24/58 (41.4%) and Amblyomma sculptum 1/58 (1.7%). For fleas, Ctenocephalides felis was detected in 60.3% (35/58) of the animals, and Xenopsylla cheopis in 5.2% (3/58). PCR analysis detected Anaplasmataceae DNA in 34% (16/47) of pooled samples of C. felis, and in 66.7% (2/3) pooled samples of X. cheopis. Sequence analysis revealed Wolbachia pipientis symbiont in all positive samples. Tick, blood and spleen samples were all negative for the microorganisms assessed. These findings suggest that these arthropods circulate among wildlife and urban environments, which may implicate in their participation in the cycle of zoonotic pathogens among opossums, humans and companion animals.

Definitive Treatment Of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax A 10 Year Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is defined as a pneumothorax without obvious underlying lung disease. Definitive treatment should be offered to patients with recurrent or persistent PSP. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of medical pleurodesis (MP) with video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) on definitive treatment of PSP. METHODS: 10 years' retrospective study of PSP patients that underwent VATS or MP. Baseline characteristics, perioperative and follow-up data were compared. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients were included (MP=54; VATS=79). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, with a male predominance (MP 83.6 vs VATS 85.5%) with a mean age of 24.78 and 25.81 years old, respectively. Post interventional length of hospital stay was similar (MP 4.94 vs VATS 4.47 days, p=0.20), but chest tube duration was longer in the VATS group (MP 2.94 vs VATS 3.56 days, p=0.03). The overall complications rate was low with no statistically significant difference between groups (MP 5/54 vs VATS 7/79, p=1.00). Regarding the follow-up, MP had a significant higher PSP recurrence rate (MP 11.1% vs VATS 1.3%, p=0.042), most occurring over the first two years. CONCLUSION: Despite both MP and VATS are safe methods with short hospital stay and few complications associated, the results of this study show that VATS had a significantly lower rate of recurrences. Overall, VATS should be offered as the first line treatment to patients with PSP.

Urotensin II receptor expression in prostate cancer patients: A new possible marker.

BACKGROUND: Urotensin II receptor has been poorly studied in prostate cancer. To evaluate the expression of urotensin II receptor (UII-R) in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Overall, we identified 140 patients treated with retropubic radical prostatectomy (RP) in one center. UII-R was evaluated in prostate biopsies with immunohistochemical staining, resulting in a granular cytoplasmic positivity, through automated system using the kit Urotensin II Receptor Detection System provided by Pharmabullet srl. Immunostained slides were independently and blindly evaluated by ten uro-pathologists. To evaluate UTII-R expression three different parameters were considered: localization, granules dimensions and intensity of expression. A score from 0 to 3 was applied to each parameter to obtain a score from 0 to 9. Each parameter and the total score were evaluated as predictors of high grade disease on surgical pathology and of advanced stage disease. Accuracy of total score for the prediction of upgrading and upstaging was analyzed using receiver operator characteristics curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: On radical prostatectomy 92/140 (66%) presented high grade disease on surgical pathology. Patients with high grade disease presented an apical distribution of the receptor, larger granules and a more intense expression when compared to patients with low grade disease. A well they presented a higher total score. Subscores and total scores were found to be predictors of upgrading and upstaging. On ROC analysis total score presented an AUC of 0.72 and 0.70, respectively, for the prediction of upgrading and upstaging. On DCA total score showed a clinical benefit in the prediction of adverse pathological outcomes. CONCLUSION: Urotensin II receptor is a potential marker of adverse pathological outcomes. Further studies should confirm our data and evaluate its role as a prognostic marker.

Insights into the tracking of the cysteine proteinase B COOH-terminal polypeptide of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis by surface plasmon resonance.

Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis has adaptive mechanisms to the host environment that are guided by its proteinases, including cysteine proteinase B (CPB), and primarily its COOH-terminal region (Cyspep). This work aimed to track the fate of Cyspep by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of promastigotes and amastigotes to gain a greater understanding of the adaptation of this parasite in both hosts. This strategy consisted of antibody immobilization on a COOH1 surface, followed by interaction with parasite proteins and epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido(4-guanidino)butane (E-64). Pro-CPB and Cyspep were detected using specific polyclonal antibodies against a recombinant Cyspep in both parasite forms. The parasitic supernatants from amastigotes and promastigotes exhibited higher anti-Cyspep recognition compared with that in the subcellular fractions. As the supernatant of the promastigote cultures exhibited resonance unit values indicative of an effective with to E-64, this result was assumed to be Pro-CPB detection. Finally, after using three sequential SPR assay steps, we propose that amastigotes and promastigotes release Cyspep into the extracellular environment, but only promastigotes release this polypeptide as Pro-CPB.