Cortical actions of thyroid hormone: An exploration and metabolism crossroad.

Classically, the central actions of thyroid hormones (THs) on metabolism occur within the hypothalamus. A recent article published in Cell by Sabatini and colleagues demonstrates that TH modulates cerebral cortical circuits of male mice, which might integrate exploratory behavior and whole-body metabolism.

Impact of an mHealth intervention on parents' emotional health and on the neurodevelopment of high-risk infants.

We assess the prenatal and postnatal effect of the High-Risk Pregnancy and Baby Parenting programme, which is complemented with two mHealth (app-based) resources. The GLM Repeated Measures Model technique was used to explore differences in the emotional health of the participants and in their infants' neurodevelopment, comparing programme versus usual care groups, composed of 150 and 195 participants, respectively. The mothers presented lower levels of depression (mean difference 1.74, p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.07, 3.40) and higher levels of resilience (mean difference 4.09, p = 0.004, 95% CI 1.40, 6.78). For the fathers, positive effects on resilience were recorded (p < 0.001). A positive treatment effect was perceived in the infants' cognitive (p = 0.014), language (p < 0.001) and motor (p = 0.006) development. These findings suggest application of the programme can benefit maternal emotional health and infant neurodevelopment. M-Health technology could make this programme more accessible.

Proximal jejunal GIST associated with massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare, reported incidence is between 10 to 15 cases per million of habitants. They are usually located in the stomach (56%), small intestine (32%), colon-rectum (6%), and esophagus (<1%). Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal fullness; 30% are asymptomatic. Incidental finding during abdominal surgery or imaging studies is common. Resection with negative margins is the standard treatment. CASE REPORT: A 69-year-old female patient who debuted with massive digestive tract bleeding, requiring surgical treatment. A tumor was detected at jejunum compatible with a GIST.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) son poco frecuentes, con una incidencia de 10 a 15 casos por millón de habitantes. Suelen localizarse en el estómago (56%), el intestino delgado (32%), el colon-recto (6%) y el esófago (< 1%). Sus síntomas incluyen náusea, vómito y plenitud abdominal; el 30% son asintomáticos. Es común su hallazgo incidental durante una cirugía abdominal o en estudios de imagen. La resección con márgenes negativos es el tratamiento estándar. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 69 años que debuta con hemorragia masiva de tubo digestivo, requiriendo tratamiento quirúrgico. Se detecta un tumor de yeyuno compatible con GIST.

Spatiotemporal analysis of a population management intervention for dogs and cats in a municipality in central Mexico.

Background and Aim: The overpopulation of dogs and cats has generated socioeconomic, political, and animal welfare problems, in addition to an important public health problem, due to the risk of zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal coverage of canine and feline sterilization services provided by a governmental agency in the rural and urban areas of the municipality of Tequisquiapan, Querétaro. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tequisquiapan's municipality, Querétaro, Mexico, from July 2019 to September 2022. The total number of sterilized dogs and cats was obtained from the monthly records of the Tequisquiapan Animal Health and Welfare Services Center (CESSBA, by its Spanish acronym). The collected information was related to the sterilized animals (species and sex) and their responsible guardians (sex and address). Access to dog and cat sterilization services was assessed using a geographic information system. Kernel density and directional ellipse tools were used to analyze the CESSBA coverage of care. Indicators were estimated to compare magnitudes and changes at the census tract level. Results: A total of 4,489 animals were sterilized, with n = 2,611 (58%) dogs, of which 1,939 were female and 672 were male. The remaining n = 1,878 animals were cats, representing 42% of the total, with 1,257 females and 621 males. Up to 73% of the sterilized animals were owned by women. The population management of dogs and cats allowed us to increase the territorial coverage from 71.8% in 2019 to 92.3% in 2022. According to the temporal analysis (2019-2022), there was an annual upward trend in the number of sterilizations performed by CESSBA, with a rate of between 55.6 and 94.3 registered sterilizations per 100 inhabited dwellings and between 166.4 and 302.8 registered sterilizations per 1000 inhabitants. Conclusion: The analysis of the dog and cat sterilization service coverage revealed an upward trend, consisting of an increase in accessibility and participation of responsible caregivers who resided in both urban and rural areas of Tequisquiapan. Although it was not possible to evaluate the impact of the program, the use of georeferenced data and geospatial analysis showed that it can support the control of animal overpopulation.

[Management of pregnant women with deficiency of factor VII. Report of one case]. / Manejo de embarazada con deficiencia de factor VII. A propósito de un caso.

Tissue Factor-Factor VII complex is essential in coagulation activation. Congenital factor VII deficiency is a rare disorder that has an autosomal recessive inheritance. Clinical presentations are heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic carriers to severe bleeding phenotypes with factor VII replacement therapy requirements. Treatments options are plasma derived and recombinants FVII concentrates or fresh frozen plasma in case that first options are not available. In pregnancy factor VII levels increase in women with mild and moderate deficiencies but not in severe deficiency. The management of pregnant women with factor FVII deficiency must be done by a multidisciplinary team of hematologist, obstetrics and anesthetist and should be guided by the women bleeding history, the coagulations test, levels of factor FVII and rout of delivery. We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant woman who, due to an alteration in prothrombin time, is diagnosed with Factor VII deficiency and its respective obstetric management.

The Effect of the Season on the Time Dependent Changes in Colostrum Lactoferrin Level in Murciano-Granadina Goats in Intensive System Farming.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of postpartum day and parity season on the lactoferrin (LF), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and chemical composition of Murciano-Granadina goat colostrum during the first 96 h after kidding, and the use of the Brix refractometer to estimate IgG content. A herd of 3500 intensively managed Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (45-50 kg body weight) was used. Colostrum samples were collected from days 1 to 4 postpartum in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The colostrum composition was assessed using an automated infrared method; the LF and IgG concentrations were measured using an ELISA, and for the Brix percentage, we used a digital refractometer. Colostrum taken on the first postpartum day showed the highest concentrations of LF, IgG, proteins and non-fat solids (NFSs). As the postpartum days progressed, a rapid decrease in the LF, IgG, protein, and NFS contents and the Brix value was observed. In contrast, the lactose content increased steadily until the fourth postpartum day (p < 0.001). The season influenced milk yield, LF, IgG, protein, fat, and somatic cell content (p < 0.05). LF contents were significantly higher in the spring season, IgG contents were higher in autumn colostrum, and fat components were higher in the winter season. The colostrum Brix value showed a positive correlation with the ELISA colostrum LF (r = 0.716, p < 0.001) and IgG (r = 0.894, p < 0.001) determination; a 20 mg IgG/mL colostrum concentration corresponded to 18 °Brix. Our results corroborate the importance of feeding colostrum to newborns on the first day after birth, not only because of its high level of IgG but also because of its greater presence of the other bioactive protein compounds such as lactoferrin.

Total Cholesterol Determination Accuracy in Dried Blood Spots.

Background Detecting total cholesterol in dried blood spots could aid in identifying individuals with a high likelihood of familial hypercholesterolemia and could be used as a screening measure. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of dried blood spots on Whatman 903 paper cards using a manual enzymatic technique. Methods: A total of 394 samples were collected as serum and dried blood spots were compared. Cholesterol was determined in serum using the automated reference method, while cholesterol on paper was measured using a manual enzymatic method. Within- and between-day diagnostic variability were analyzed. The correlation between both methods was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plot. Internal validation of our correlation formula was performed on 149 samples, along with external validation of the formula proposed by Corso et al. Results: The within- and between-day coefficient of variation was found to be lower than 10.14% and 14.09%, respectively. Passing-Bablok regression indicated a precision of 0.803 and an accuracy of 0.96. Internal validation precision was measured at 0.716. The resulting positive and negative predicted values were 0.77 and 0.92, respectively, vs. 0.46 and 0.96 from the external formula. Conclusions: Total cholesterol analysis in dried blood spots demonstrates high precision and reproducibility. This method reliably enables the incorporation of this biological marker into neonatal screening for familial hypercholesterolemia detection.

Predicting intracranial bleeding during anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism within different time frames: Findings from the RIETE registry.

BACKGROUND: The risk of intracranial bleeding during anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is substantial and persists beyond the initial treatment phase. We aimed to refine risk-assessment through phase-specific prognostic scores. METHODS: We identified data from 77,786 VTE patients in the RIETE registry from March 2009 to October 2023 to develop two prognostic scores for intracranial bleeding. Multivariable Cox regression was used to analyze distinct variables for the early (≤90 days) and late (>90 days) phases, with comparative validation against existing scores (modified ACCP, RIETE, VTE-BLEED, and CHAP). RESULTS: Intracranial bleeding occurred in 411 patients (0.53 %), with 208 cases in the early phase and 203 in the late phase. The 30-day mortality was 45 % and 35 %, respectively. Shared significant predictors for both phases include baseline abnormal mental status, brain cancer, recent intracranial bleeding, and epilepsy. Unique to early-phase bleeding were body weight, non-brain cancer, hypertension, dementia, thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, and thrombolytic therapy. Advanced age, pulmonary embolism initially, prior stroke, depression, treatment with direct oral anticoagulants, and use of corticosteroids predicted late-phase bleeding. Both prognostic scores showed a c-statistic of 0.68, outperforming existing scores. CONCLUSIONS: The study introduces two temporal prognostic scores for intracranial bleeding during anticoagulation for VTE. By discerning specific risk factors pertinent to each treatment phase, these scores outperform traditional models, offering an advanced tool for clinical decision-making. They hold significant potential for optimizing anticoagulation management and reducing bleeding-related mortality.

Kinetic modelling of UVC and UVC/H2O2 oxidation of an aqueous mixture of antibiotics in a completely mixed batch photoreactor.

The removal kinetics of an aqueous mixture of thirteen antibiotics (i.e., ampicillin, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, flumequine, metronidazole, ofloxacin, oxytetracycline, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethazine, tetracycline, trimethoprim and tylosin) by batch UVC and UVC/H2O2 processes has been modeled in this work. First, molar absorption coefficients (ε), direct quantum yields (Φ) and the rate constants of the reaction of antibiotics with hydroxyl radical (kHO•) (model inputs) were determined for each antibiotic and compared with literature data. The values of these parameters range from 0.3 to 21.8 mM-1 cm-1 for ε, < 0.01 to 67.8 mmol·E-1 for Φ and 3.8 × 109 to 1.7 × 1010 M-1 s-1 for kHO•. Second, a regression model was developed to compute the rate constants of the reactions of the antibiotics with singlet oxygen (k1O2) from experimental data obtained in batch UVC experiments treating a mixture of the antibiotics. k1O2 values in the 1-50 × 106 M-1 s-1 range were obtained for the antibiotics studied. Finally, a semi-empirical kinetic model comprising a set of ordinary differential equations was solved to simulate the evolution of the residual concentration of antibiotics and hydrogen peroxide (model outputs) in a completely mixed batch photoreactor. Model predictions were reasonably consistent with the experimental data. The kinetic model developed might be combined with computational fluid dynamics to predict process performance and energy consumption in UVC and UVC/H2O2 applications at full scale.

Analysis of Amyloid Fibrillation of Two Family 1 Glycoside Hydrolases.

The formation and analysis of amyloid fibers by two ß-glucosidases, BglA and BglB, belonging to the GH1 enzyme family, are reported. Both proteins have the (ß/α)8 TIM-barrel fold, which is characteristic of this family and is also the most common protein structure. BglA is an octamer, whereas BglB is a monomer. Amyloid fibrillation using pH and temperature as perturbing agents was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy as a preliminary approach and corroborated using wide-field optical microscopy, confocal microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. These analyses showed that both enzymes fibrillate at a wide range of acidic and alkaline conditions and at several temperature conditions, particularly at acidic pH (3-4) and at temperatures between 45 and 65 °C. Circular dichroism spectroscopy corroborated the transition from an α-helix to a ß-sheet secondary structure of both proteins in conditions where fibrillation was observed. Overall, our results suggest that fibrillation is a rather common phenomenon caused by protein misfolding, driven by a transition from an α-helix to a ß-sheet secondary structure, that many proteins can undergo if subjected to conditions that disturb their native conformation.

[Childhood overweight and obesity: A biomedical challenge in Mexico]. / Sobrepeso y obesidad infantil: un reto biomédico en México.

In Mexico, 1 out of 3 schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 years is overweight or obese, which represents one of the main public health concerns, due to the fact that this condition in the child population is highly associated with the development of metabolic complications in adults. To date, dietary and physical activity interventions to prevent this problem have shown modest results worldwide. Biomedical studies in Mexico have shown that the pathophysiology of childhood overweight and obesity presents different molecular patterns, inflammation and oxidative stress, possibly associated with specific variants in the genome. However, the challenge is to achieve a secure characterization of this evidence so that it can be used in intervention studies aimed to improve the ability to predict and treat childhood overweight and obesity in Mexico. The biomedical challenge is to make knowledge a prevention strategy in families, in society and in the country, in order to fight the serious problem of obesity and its consequences.

En México 1 de cada 3 escolares de 5 a 11 años presenta sobrepeso u obesidad, lo cual representa una de las principales preocupaciones de salud pública, debido a que en la población infantil este padecimiento se asocia altamente con el desarrollo de complicaciones metabólicas en el adulto. Hasta el momento las intervenciones dietéticas y de actividad física para prevenir este problema han mostrado resultados modestos a nivel mundial. Los estudios biomédicos en México han demostrado que la fisiopatología del sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil presenta diferentes patrones moleculares, de inflamación y de estrés oxidativo, posiblemente asociados a variantes específicas en el genoma. Sin embargo, el reto es lograr la caracterización segura de estas evidencias para que sea posible emplearlas en los estudios de intervención encaminados a mejorar la capacidad de predicción y tratamiento del sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en México. El reto biomédico es hacer del conocimiento una estrategia de prevención en las familias, en la sociedad y en el país, a fin de combatir el grave problema de la obesidad y sus consecuencias.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of resistance to fenhexamid, carboxin, and, prochloraz, in Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from cut roses in Colombia.

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis sp., is a significant disease in Colombian rose crops and its control depends primarily on the intensive use of chemically synthesized fungicides. Despite the importance of this pathogen, there is limited information in Colombian floriculture about molecular taxonomy of species, fungicide resistance of populations and their genetic mechanism of resistance. In this study, we analyze 12 isolates of this fungus collected from rose-producing crops in the Department of Cundinamarca and conducted phylogenetic analysis using HSP60, G3PDH, and RPB2 gene sequences. Additionally, we realize phenotypic and genotypic characterization of resistance to the fungicides fenhexamid, carboxin, and prochloraz, evaluating the in vitro EC50 and presence of mutations of target genes of each isolate. All isolates were characterized as Botrytis cinerea in the phylogenetic analysis and presents different levels of resistance to each fungicide. These levels are related to mutations in target genes, with predominancy of L195F and L400F in the ERG27 gene to fenhexamid resistance, H272R/Y in the SDHB gene for carboxin resistance, and Y136F in the CYP51 gene for prochloraz resistance. Finally, these mutations were not related to morphological changes. Collectively, this knowledge, presented for the first time to the Colombian floriculture, contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity and population of B. cinerea from rose-producing crops in the department of Cundinamarca, and serve as a valuable tool for making informed decisions regarding disease management, future research, and improving crop management and sustainability in the Colombian floriculture industry.

Evaluation of video-based rPPG in challenging environments: Artifact mitigation and network resilience.

Video-based remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) has emerged as a promising technology for non-contact vital sign monitoring, especially under controlled conditions. However, the accurate measurement of vital signs in real-world scenarios faces several challenges, including artifacts induced by videocodecs, low-light noise, degradation, low dynamic range, occlusions, and hardware and network constraints. In this article, a systematic and comprehensive investigation of these issues is conducted, measuring their detrimental effects on the quality of rPPG measurements. Additionally, practical strategies are proposed for mitigating these challenges to improve the dependability and resilience of video-based rPPG systems. Methods for effective biosignal recovery in the presence of network limitations are detailed, along with denoising and inpainting techniques aimed at preserving video frame integrity. Compared to previous studies, this paper addresses a broader range of variables and demonstrates improved accuracy across various rPPG methods, emphasizing generalizability for practical applications in diverse scenarios with varying data quality. Extensive evaluations and direct comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches in enhancing rPPG measurements under challenging environments, contributing to the development of more reliable and effective remote vital sign monitoring technologies.

Environment driven changes in type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity in an isolated Mixe community in the Valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico.

BACKGROUND: This study focused on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a group of adult Mixe, an Indigenous population from Oaxaca, Mexico. Mixe comprised an estimated 9.4% (n ≅ 90 000) of the Indigenous population in Oaxaca. Mexico. OBJECTIVE: This study focused on a group of adult Mixe, an Indigenous population from Oaxaca, Mexico. To compare the prevalence of T2DM, overweight (OW), obesity (OB), and hypertension (HTN) between 2007 and 2017 for a small, isolated Mixe community in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. We test whether or not environmental changes have affected T2DM prevalence. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Demographic and medical record data were collected in the community in 2007 and 2017 from the medical clinic and the mayor's office. T2DM was medically diagnosed among adults (>34 years old), in 2007 (n = 730) and in 2017 (n = 829). RESULTS: T2DM crude prevalence increased from 6.7% to 12.1% (p < .001) from 2007 to 2017. The mean age of the sample analyzed was 60.6 (SD = 9.7). Age-adjusted T2DM prevalence increased from 6.7% to 10.8% (p < .002). T2DM was 5.7%-5.5% among males (p < .53) and 7.1%-13.6% among females (p < .001). Sex-specific OW and OB simulation studies indicate females had 7% less OW in 2007, and males were unchanged compared with 2017. OB among males and females was significantly higher in 2017 compared with 2007 (increased by 15.2% and 8.3%, males and females, respectively). Sexes combined OW + OB increased 12.7% among males but was unchanged in females (-0.5%). In the sexes combined analysis, OW prevalence increased 12.7% to 27.1% (p < .001) and OB prevalence increased 10.7%-27.9% (p < .001) from 2007 to 2017. HTN did not change significantly from 2007 to 2017 (15.4% and 14.6%, respectively) (p = .63) in adults. Among T2DM individuals, the frequency of HTN was not significantly different in 2007 and 2017 (57.1% and 37%, respectively) (p = .65). Transition to a Western diet consisting of high-carbohydrate foods occurred at the same time as increased T2DM from 2007 to 2017, with a higher prevalence of T2DM noted among females in 2017. CONCLUSIONS: An increased prevalence of T2DM, OW, and OB but not HTN was observed in the Mixe community from 2007 to 2017 and was associated with the adoption of a high-carbohydrate Western diet.

Indicators to assess temporal variability in marine connectivity processes: A semi-theoretical approach.

Oceanographic connectivity in an effective network of protected areas is crucial for restoring and stabilising marine populations. However, temporal variability in connectivity is rarely considered as a criterion in designing and evaluating marine conservation planning. In this study, indicators were defined to characterise the temporal variability in occurrence, flux, and frequency of connectivity in a northwestern Mediterranean Sea area. Indicators were tested on semi-theoretically-estimated connections provided by the runs of a passive particle transport model in a climatological year and in three years between 2006-2020, showing large deviation from the climatological year. The indicators allowed comparing the temporal variability in connectivity of four zones, highlighted differences in connectivity due to their locations and the mesoscale hydrodynamics, and identified areas that require further investigation. The three indicators also showed that the temporal variability in connectivity was influenced by the duration and depth of particle transport, although no consistent pattern was observed in the indicator variations of the compared zones. Provided that specific objectives will be given when parameterising transport models (i.e., selection of focus species and time period), indicators of temporal variability in connectivity have potential to support spatial conservation planning, prioritise the protection of marine resources, and measure the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas, in line with a long-term vision of ocean management.

Reliability of Tear Meniscus Height Measurements in Contact Lens Wearers and Its Relationship With Discomfort Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability and agreement of tear meniscus height (TMH) measurements performed with a corneal analyzer and optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology in contact lens (CL) wearers and its correlation with contact lens discomfort symptoms. METHODS: Asymptomatic and symptomatic CL wearers classified through the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 were evaluated with the Corneal Analyzer (Topcon CA-800) and OCT technology (Topcon 3D OCT-2000). The repeatability and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. The agreement between devices was calculated using the Bland-Altman method. The relationship between TMH measurements and the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 and Contact Lens Discomfort Index scores was assessed through the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Seventy-nine asymptomatic and 42 symptomatic CL wearers aged 34.24±12.50 years were enrolled. The repeatability values obtained for the CA-800 were 0.07 mm in all cases, and the ICC was 0.93 for the whole sample. The CA-800 provided significantly ( P <0.01) higher TMH values than the OCT for the whole sample (0.22±0.08 vs. 0.17±0.06 mm). A weak indirect correlation (ρ=-0.22) between the OCT TMH measurement and Contact Lens Discomfort Index scores was found ( P ≤0.04). CONCLUSION: The CA-800 provides reliable TMH measurements during CL wear; however, they might not be interchangeable with OCT ones. Tear meniscus height measurements might be useful as a complementary sign to detect CL discomfort, but it cannot be used alone as a diagnostic tool.

Hemospray® (hemostatic powder TC-325) as monotherapy for acute gastrointestinal bleeding: a multicenter prospective study.

Background: Hemostatic powders are used as second-line treatment in acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (AGIB). Increasing evidence supports the use of TC-325 as monotherapy in specific scenarios. This prospective, multicenter study evaluated the performance of TC-325 as monotherapy for AGIB. Methods: Eighteen centers across Europe and USA contributed to a registry between 2016 and 2022. Adults with AGIB were eligible, unless TC-325 was part of combined hemostasis. The primary endpoint was immediate hemostasis. Secondary outcomes were rebleeding and mortality. Associations with risk factors were investigated (statistical significance at P≤0.05). Results: One hundred ninety patients were included (age 51-81 years, male: female 2:1), with peptic ulcer (n=48), upper GI malignancy (n=79), post-endoscopic treatment hemorrhage (n=37), and lower GI lesions (n=26). The primary outcome was recorded in 96.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 92.6-98.5) with rebleeding in 17.4% (95%CI 11.9-24.1); 9.9% (95%CI 5.8-15.6) died within 7 days, and 21.7% (95%CI 15.6-28.9) within 30 days. Regarding peptic ulcer, immediate hemostasis was achieved in 88% (95%CI 75-95), while 26% (95%CI 13-43) rebled. Higher ASA score was associated with mortality (OR 23.5, 95%CI 1.60-345; P=0.02). Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 100% of cases with malignancy and post-intervention bleeding, with rebleeding in 17% and 3.1%, respectively. Twenty-six patients received TC-325 for lower GI bleeding, and in all but one the primary outcome was achieved. Conclusions: TC-325 monotherapy is safe and effective, especially in malignancy or post-endoscopic intervention bleeding. In patients with peptic ulcer, it could be helpful when the primary treatment is unfeasible, as bridge to definite therapy.

Ceramides in the central control of metabolism.

Central ceramides regulate energy metabolism by impacting hypothalamic neurons. This allows ceramides to integrate endocrine signals - such as leptin, ghrelin, thyroid hormones, or estradiol - and to modulate the central control of puberty. In this forum article we discuss recent evidence suggesting that specific ceramide species and neuronal populations are involved in these effects.

Specific Detection of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Using an Optical Biosensor.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused mainly by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), accounting for both uncomplicated (75%) and complicated (65%) UTIs. Detecting UPEC in a specific, rapid, and timely manner is essential for eradication, and optical biosensors may be useful tools for detecting UPEC. Recently, biosensors have been developed for the selective detection of antigen-antibody-specific interactions. In this study, a methodology based on the principle of an optical biosensor was developed to identify specific biomolecules, such as the PapG protein, which is located at the tip of P fimbriae and promotes the interaction of UPEC with the uroepithelium of the human kidney during a UTI. For biosensor construction, recombinant PapG protein was generated and polyclonal anti-PapG antibodies were obtained. The biosensor was fabricated in silicon supports because its surface and anchor biomolecules can be modified through its various properties. The fabrication process was carried out using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and an immobilized bioreceptor (anti-PapG) to detect the PapG protein. Each stage of biosensor development was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The infrared spectra showed bands corresponding to the C-H, C=O, and amide II bonds, revealing the presence of the PapG protein. Then, the spectra of the second derivative were obtained from 1600 to 1700 cm-1 to specifically determine the interactions that occur in the secondary structures between the biological recognition element (anti-PapG antibodies) and the analyte (PapG protein) complex. The analyzed secondary structure showed ß-sheets and ß-turns during the detection of the PapG protein. Our data suggest that the PapG protein can be detected through an optical biosensor and that the biosensor exhibited high specificity for the detection of UPEC strains. Furthermore, these studies provide initial support for the development of more specific biosensors that can be applied in the future for the detection of clinical UPEC samples associated with ITUs.