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ConspectusInspired by the biological world, new cross-border disciplines and technologies have emerged. Relevant examples include systems chemistry, which offers a bottom-up approach toward chemical complexity, and bio/chemical information and communication technology (bio/chemical ICT), which explores the conditions for propagating signals among individual microreactors separated by selectively permeable membranes. To fabricate specific arrays of microreactors, microfluidics has been demonstrated as an excellent method. In particular, droplet-based microfluidics is a powerful tool for encapsulating biological entities and chemical reagents in artificial microenvironments, mostly water-in-oil microdroplets. In these systems, the interfaces are liquid-liquid, and their physicochemical properties are key factors for tuning the coupling between molecular diffusion. Simple and double emulsions, where aqueous domains are in equilibrium with oil domains through boundary layers of amphiphilic molecules, are organized assemblies with high interfacial-area-to-volume ratios. These membranes can be engineered to obtain different surface charges, single- or multilayer stacking, and a variable degree of defects in molecular packing. Emulsions find application in many fields, including the food industry, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. Furthermore, micro- and nanoemulsions can be used to model the propagation of chemical species through long distances, which is not only vital for cell signaling but also significant in molecular computing. Here we present in-depth research on the faceted world of solutions confined in restricted environments. In particular, we focused on the multiscale aspects of structure and dynamics from molecular to micro and macro levels. The Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, known for its robustness and well-documented oscillatory behavior, was selected to represent a generic signal emitter/receiver confined within microenvironments separated by liquid-liquid interfaces. In this pulse generator, the temporal and spatial progressions are governed by periodic fluctuations in the concentration of chemical species, which act as activatory or inhibitory messengers over long distances. When organized into "colonies" or arrays, these micro-oscillators exhibit emergent dynamical behaviors at the population level. These behaviors can be finely tuned by manipulating the geometrical distribution of the oscillators and the properties of the interfaces at the nanoscale. By carefully selecting the membrane composition, it is possible to drive the system toward either in-phase, antiphase, or mixed synchronization regimes among individual oscillators, depending on messenger molecules. This relatively simple lab-scale model replicates some of the communication strategies commonly found in biological systems, particularly those based on the passive diffusion of chemical and electrical signals. It can help shed light on fundamental life processes and inspire new implementations in molecular computing and smart materials.
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It is well established that by modulating various immune functions, host infection may alter the course of concomitant inflammatory diseases, of both infectious and autoimmune etiologies. Beyond the major impact of commensal microbiota on the immune status, host exposure to viral, bacterial, and/or parasitic microorganisms also dramatically influences inflammatory diseases in the host, in a beneficial or harmful manner. Moreover, by modifying pathogen control and host tolerance to tissue damage, a coinfection can profoundly affect the development of a concomitant infectious disease. Here, we review the diverse mechanisms that underlie the impact of (co)infections on inflammatory disorders. We discuss epidemiological studies in the context of the hygiene hypothesis and shed light on the sometimes dual impact of germ exposure on human susceptibility to inflammatory disease. We then summarize the immunomodulatory mechanisms at play, which can involve pleiotropic effects of immune players and discuss the possibility to harness pathogen-derived compounds to the host benefit.
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Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Hipótese da Higiene , Imunomodulação , Inflamação , Microbiota , Animais , Coinfecção , Humanos , Tolerância Imunológica , SimbioseRESUMO
BACKGROUND: People living with HIV are disproportionately represented among people with severe mpox. Mild and self-limiting conjunctival involvement has been well-documented, and severe ocular complications, including keratitis, corneal scarring, and the associated loss of vision, are increasingly recognized. Tecovirimat is the first-line antiviral therapy for severe mpox, but data around the efficacy of systemic antiviral agents for mpox are limited, particularly in cases of ocular mpox. CASE REPORT: Here, we describe a case of sight-threatening necrotic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in a person with advanced HIV, requiring an extended course of tecovirimat due to persistent mpox viral shedding for nearly 5 months.
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This study aimed to characterize interactions within colloidal silica particles in their concentrated suspensions, using rheo-confocal measurements and imaging, followed by image analysis. We studied the effect of shear rate (0-500 s-1) and solution pH (6, 10) on the dispersion degree of colloidal silica particles via the determination and comparison of interparticle distances and their modeling. Images corresponding to different shear rates were analyzed to identify the coordinates of the particles. These coordinates were further analyzed to calculate the distance among the particles and then their surface-to-surface distance normalized by the particle diameter (H/D). It was found that the population of the particles per unit area of the image and H/D varied with increasing shear rate. The comparison between experimentally measured and theoretically calculated H/D identified that for some particles, the former was shorter than the latter, indicating the unexpected attractions among them against the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Then, the modification of previously reported equations for H/D was suggested and confirmed its validity. Assuming pair potential interaction and hydrodynamic interaction were the main non-DLVO interactions, their magnitudes were calculated and confirmed the significance of pH and shear application strength on particle dispersion/coagulation.
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Coloides , Tamanho da Partícula , Dióxido de Silício , Suspensões , Dióxido de Silício/química , Coloides/química , Suspensões/química , Hidrodinâmica , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Reologia/métodosRESUMO
Cancer has become a burgeoning global healthcare concern marked by its exponential growth and significant economic ramifications. Though advancements in the treatment modalities have increased the overall survival and quality of life, there are no definite treatments for the advanced stages of this malady. Hence, understanding the diseases etiologies and the underlying molecular complexities, will usher in the development of innovative therapeutics. Recently, YAP/TAZ transcriptional regulation has been of immense interest due to their role in development, tissue homeostasis and oncogenic transformations. YAP/TAZ axis functions as coactivators within the Hippo signaling cascade, exerting pivotal influence on processes such as proliferation, regeneration, development, and tissue renewal. In cancer, YAP is overexpressed in multiple tumor types and is associated with cancer stem cell attributes, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Activation of YAP/TAZ mirrors the cellular "social" behavior, encompassing factors such as cell adhesion and the mechanical signals transmitted to the cell from tissue structure and the surrounding extracellular matrix. Therefore, it presents a significant vulnerability in the clogs of tumors that could provide a wide window of therapeutic effectiveness. Natural compounds have been utilized extensively as successful interventions in the management of diverse chronic illnesses, including cancer. Owing to their capacity to influence multiple genes and pathways, natural compounds exhibit significant potential either as adjuvant therapy or in combination with conventional treatment options. In this review, we delineate the signaling nexus of YAP/TAZ axis, and present natural compounds as an alternate strategy to target cancer.
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Neoplasias , Fatores de Transcrição , Proteínas com Motivo de Ligação a PDZ com Coativador Transcricional , Proteínas de Sinalização YAP , Animais , Humanos , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Produtos Biológicos/uso terapêutico , Produtos Biológicos/farmacologia , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/patologia , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Transativadores/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Proteínas com Motivo de Ligação a PDZ com Coativador Transcricional/metabolismo , Proteínas de Sinalização YAP/metabolismoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of semirigid ureteroscopy and tamsulosin therapy as dilatation methods before flexible ureteroscopy advancement to the renal collecting system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients with renal stones less than 2 cm who underwent retrograde flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. The patients were randomized into two groups: group A patients were given a placebo for 1 week before flexible ureteroscopy, and group B patients were administered 0.4 mg of tamsulosin once daily for 1 week before surgery and underwent active dilatation using semirigid ureteroscopy before flexible ureteroscopy. The ability of the flexible ureteroscope to reach the collecting system in both groups during the same operative session was assessed. Operative outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients were included in our study, with each group comprising 85 patients. In group B, the flexible ureteroscope successfully accessed the kidney in 61 patients, while in group A, the flexible ureteroscope was successful only in 28 cases (71.4% versus 32.9%). In group A, 33 (38.8%) patients had lower urinary tract symptoms compared to 17 (20.2%) patients in group B (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Using tamsulosin therapy and semirigid ureteroscopy as dilatation methods before flexible ureteroscopy increased the success of primary flexible ureteroscopy advancement to renal collecting system.
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Cálculos Renais , Ureteroscopia , Humanos , Ureteroscópios , Tansulosina/uso terapêutico , Dilatação , Estudos Prospectivos , Cálculos Renais/cirurgiaRESUMO
We report on the fabrication of a novel design of GaAs/(In,Ga)As/GaAs radial nanowire heterostructures on a Si 111 substrate, where, for the first time, the growth of inhomogeneous shells on a lattice mismatched core results in straight nanowires instead of bent. Nanowire bending caused by axial tensile strain induced by the (In,Ga)As shell on the GaAs core is reversed by axial compressive strain caused by the GaAs outer shell on the (In,Ga)As shell. Progressive nanowire bending and reverse bending in addition to the axial strain evolution during the two processes are accessed byin situby x-ray diffraction. The diameter of the core, thicknesses of the shells, as well as the indium concentration and distribution within the (In,Ga)As quantum well are revealed by 2D energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy using a transmission electron microscope. Shell(s) growth on one side of the core without substrate rotation results in planar-like radial heterostructures in the form of free standing straight nanowires.
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Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is herb with many biological and medicinal benefits for humans. However, growth on zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) contaminated sites might get severely affected due to over accumulation of heavy metals (HM) in different plant tissues. Antioxidants play a crucial role in minimizing the negative effects of HM. The present study investigates the effects of Zn and Cd stress on P. crispum morphological parameters, enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant profiling and metal accumulation in shoot/root. Plants were exposed to different concentrations of Zn (50, 100, 150 and 200 µM) and Cd (10, 20, 40 and 80 µM) along with control (no stress), in soil-less Hoagland's solution. The results showed that Zn and Cd substantially decrease the growth parameters with increased contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL). Non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, like total phenolic contents (TPC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were induced high in leaves only upon Cd stress and contrarily decreased upon Zn stress. Total flavonoid contents (TFC) were decreased under Zn and Cd stress. Enzymatic antioxidant activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were also strongly induced upon Cd stress. At the same time, SOD and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity was induced significantly upon Zn stress. Cd uptake and accumulation was notably high in roots as compared to shoots, which suggests P. crispum have a reduced ability to translocate Cd towards aboveground parts (leaves). Additionally, strong induction of antioxidants by P. crispum under Cd stress might indicate the capacity to effectively re-modulate its physiological response. However, further investigations regarding other HMs and experiments at the molecular level are still needed.
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Metais Pesados , Poluentes do Solo , Humanos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Cádmio/farmacologia , Petroselinum/metabolismo , Zinco/farmacologia , Peróxido de Hidrogênio , Metais Pesados/farmacologia , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismo , Raízes de Plantas/metabolismo , Estresse OxidativoRESUMO
Persistent, aged hydrocarbons in soil hinder remediation, posing a significant environmental threat. While bioremediation offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach, its efficacy for complex contaminants relies on enhancing pollutant bioavailability. This study explores the potential of immobilized bacterial consortia combined with biochar and rhamnolipids to accelerate bioremediation of aged total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)-contaminated soil. Previous research indicates that biochar and biosurfactants can increase bioremediation rates, while mixed consortia offer sequential degradation and higher hydrocarbon mineralization. The present investigation aimed to assess whether combining these strategies could further enhance degradation in aged, complex soil matrices. The bioaugmentation (BA) with bacterial consortium increased the TPHs degradation in aged soil (over 20% compared to natural attenuation - NA). However, co-application of BA with biochar and rhamnolipid higher did not show a statistically prominent synergistic effect. While biochar application facilitated the maintenance of hydrocarbon degrading bacterial consortium in soil, the present study did not identify a direct influence in TPHs degradation. The biochar application in contaminated soil contributed to TPHs adsorption. Rhamnolipid alone slightly increased the TPHs biodegradation with NA, while the combined bioaugmentation treatment with rhamnolipid and biochar increased the degradation between 27.5 and 29.8%. These findings encourage further exploration of combining bioaugmentation with amendment, like biochar and rhamnolipid, for remediating diverse environmental matrices contaminated with complex and aged hydrocarbons.
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Biodegradação Ambiental , Carvão Vegetal , Glicolipídeos , Hidrocarbonetos , Poluentes do Solo , Poluentes do Solo/metabolismo , Glicolipídeos/metabolismo , Carvão Vegetal/química , Hidrocarbonetos/metabolismo , Microbiologia do Solo , Petróleo/metabolismo , Solo/químicaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to investigate the role of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Breast cancer was induced by using Cadmium Chloride (Cd) (2 mg/kg) in group II. Tamoxifen was administered to group III. Group IV was treated with Lactobacillus reuteri. Group V was treated with Cd for one month and divided into three subgroups including VA, VB, and VC which were treated with tamoxifen, Lactobacillus reuteri, and tamoxifen + Lactobacillus reuteri, respectively. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of TNF-α (40.9 ± 4.2 pg/mL), IL-6 (28.0 ± 1.5 pg/mL), IL-10 (60.2 ± 2.0 pg/mL), IFN-γ (60.2 ± 2.0 pg/mL), ALAT (167.2 ± 6.2 U/l), ASAT (451.6 ± 13.9 U/l), and MDA (553.8 ± 19.6 U/l) was observed in Cd group. In comparison, significantly lower levels of TNF-α (18.0 ± 1.1 pg/mL), IL-6 (9.4 ± 0.4 pg/mL), IL-10 (20.8 ± 1.1 pg/mL), IFN-γ (20.8 ± 1.1 pg/mL), ALAT (85.2 ± 3.6 U/l), ASAT (185 ± 6.9 U/l), and MDA (246.0 ± 7.5 U/l) were observed in group Cd + Tam + LR. Liver histopathology of the Cd group showed hemorrhage and ductal aberrations. However, mild inflammation and healthier branched ducts were observed in treatment groups. Furthermore, the renal control group showed normal glomerular tufts, chronic inflammation from the Cd group, and relatively healthier glomerulus with mild inflammation in treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Hence, the preventive and anticancerous role of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri is endorsed by the findings of the current study.
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Cloreto de Cádmio , Limosilactobacillus reuteri , Probióticos , Animais , Feminino , Probióticos/uso terapêutico , Probióticos/farmacologia , Probióticos/administração & dosagem , Camundongos , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Tamoxifeno/farmacologia , Tamoxifeno/uso terapêutico , Citocinas/metabolismo , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/imunologia , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/patologia , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/prevenção & controle , Neoplasias Mamárias Experimentais/induzido quimicamenteRESUMO
AIM: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the bone-miniscrew contact surface area (BMC) and the cortical bone microcracks (CM) resulting from manual (hand-driven) and automated (motor-driven) orthodontic miniscrew (OM) insertion methods. METHODS: Thirty-three OM were inserted in the femurs of nine New Zealand rabbits using manual (n = 16) and automated (n = 17) insertions. After euthanizing the rabbits, bone blocks, each including one OM, were sawed. Micro-CT scanning was performed, and data analysis included reconstruction, binarization and quantification of morphometric parameters of BMC and the number and length of CM. Means and standard deviations for complete BMC, complete BMC proportion, cortical BMC, cortical BMC proportion, and length and number of CM were calculated. Mixed model analysis was used to adjust for more than one sample/CM per animal. A paired t-test was used to compare the number of CM between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the automated insertion, manually inserted miniscrews had significantly lower complete BMC (7.54 ± 1.80 mm2 vs. 11.99 ± 3.64 mm2), cortical BMC (5.91 ± 1.48 mm2 vs. 8.48 ± 1.90 mm2) and cortical BMC proportion (79.44 ± 5.84% vs. 87.94 ± 3.66%). However, it was not statistically significant in complete BMC proportion (p = .052). The automated insertion also resulted in a significantly lower mean number of CM than the manual method (p = .012). However, the length of the cracks was shorter in the manual group but with no significant difference (p = 0.256). CONCLUSION: Motor-driven OM insertion results in superior BMC and reduction in the number of CM, which may lead to better miniscrew stability.
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Ribbing disease is a rare benign bone dysplasia characterized by progressive cortical thickening of the diaphyses of long bones in adult patients. The literature provides limited insight into its natural radiological progression and anatomical distribution. Single-bone involvement is particularly uncommon, with prior cases exclusively affecting the tibia. This case report outlines the unique presentation of Ribbing disease in a 20-year-old male, localized to the left femur. The patient's history revealed intermittent left thigh pain persisting for more than 2 years, with no identifiable triggers or relief factors. Early radiographic imaging revealed no significant abnormalities, but subsequent imaging, conducted 1 year after the initial presentation, revealed focal fusiform widening and cortical thickening of the mid-diaphysis of the left femur. MRI further revealed circumferential cortical thickening with bone marrow edema, corroborated by CT, which revealed cortical thickening with near-complete obliteration of the intramedullary cavity. The patient was managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and activity modifications. Misinterpretation of the radiographic findings of the osteoid osteoma led the patient to undergo radiofrequency ablation. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing Ribbing disease and emphasizes the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis of chronic limb pain. Continued reporting of cases contributes to enhancing our understanding and management of this rare skeletal dysplasia.
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The chemicals formed from antipyrines are flexible organic building blocks that are employed in the development of pharmaceuticals. By diazotizing (4-arylazo-3-hydroxy-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketones 1a, 1b and 1c and (4-arylazo-3-methyl-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketones (2a, 2b and 2c) further replaced with six other coupling components, a broad spectrum of hybrid molecules have been created. Mass spectra, NMR, FTIR, and elemental analyses have all been used to confirm the structures of the synthesised compounds. The antimicrobial screening was investigated by agar well diffusion and diluting the broth technique against both Gram-negative and positive-tested bacterial strains. (3-methyl-5-(phenylamino)-4-(4-tolylazo)-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketone (2a) was found to be superior to Ciprofloxacin against test strains: Acinetobacter sp (34.33±1.15â mm), Listeria monocytogenes (29.33±1.15â mm) and Streptococcus sp. (19.33±1.15 mm). Also, good to moderate activities were expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) which were recorded at 9±1 to 59.67±4.51â µg/mL and 16±4 to >512â µg/mL, respectively, using compounds 2a, 2b, and 2c. MBC/MIC ratio showed, that only, 2a and 2b have a bactericidal effect but other antipyrines with bacteriostatic strength. To conclude, it was suggested that the use of these novel synthesized (4-arylazo-3-methyl-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketone derivatives molecules as a new chemical class of antimicrobial agents to perform new drug discovery in pharmaceutical preparations and medicinal research.
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Antibacterianos , Desenho de Fármacos , Cetonas , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/síntese química , Antibacterianos/química , Cetonas/química , Cetonas/farmacologia , Cetonas/síntese química , Antipirina/farmacologia , Antipirina/química , Antipirina/análogos & derivados , Antipirina/síntese química , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Estrutura Molecular , Bactérias Gram-Negativas/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias Gram-Positivas/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are key mediators in insulin signaling pathway. In social insect lives, IRS proteins played important roles in caste differentiation and foraging, but there function in disease defenses such as active immunization has not been reported yet. To investigate the issue, we successfully suppressed the IRS gene 3 days after dsRNA injection. Suppressing IRS gene increased the contents of glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and triglyceride and decreased the content of pyruvate in termites, and led to the metabolic disorder of glucose and lipids. IRS suppressing significantly enhanced grooming behaviors of nestmates of fungus-contaminated termites and hence increased the conidial load in the guts of the nestmates. Additionally, IRS suppressing led to significant downregulation of the immune genes Gram-negative bacteria-binding protein2 (GNBP2) and termicin and upregulation of the apoptotic gene caspase8, and hence diminished antifungal activity of nestmates of fungus-contaminated termites. The above abnormal behavioral and physiological responses significantly decreased the survival rate of dsIRS-injected nestmates of the fungus-contaminated termites. These findings suggest that IRS is involved in regulation of active immunization in termites, providing a better understanding of the link between insulin signaling and the social immunity of termites.
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Proteínas Substratos do Receptor de Insulina , Isópteros , Animais , Isópteros/imunologia , Proteínas Substratos do Receptor de Insulina/metabolismo , Proteínas Substratos do Receptor de Insulina/genética , Proteínas de Insetos/metabolismo , Proteínas de Insetos/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hematological disorder associated with severe complications, such as vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome (ACS), and an increased risk of thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolism (PE). The diagnosis of PE in SCD patients presents challenges due to the overlapping symptoms with other pulmonary conditions. Our previous study revealed that nearly 96% of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scans in SCD patients were negative for PE, highlighting a gap in understanding the significance of CTPA findings when PE is absent. METHODS: In this retrospective follow-up study conducted at the Salmaniya Medical Complex in Bahrain, we examined SCD patients with HbSS genotypes who underwent CTPA from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, for suspected PE, but the results were negative. The aim of this study was to identify alternative diagnoses and incidental findings from CTPA scans. Experienced radiologists reviewed the CTPA images and reports to assess potential alternative diagnoses and incidental findings, incorporating an additional analysis of chest X-rays to evaluate the diagnostic value of CTPA. Incidental findings were classified based on their location and clinical significance. RESULTS: Among the 230 evaluated SCD patients (average age 39.7 years; 53% male) who were CTPA negative for PE, 142 (61.7%) had identifiable alternative diagnoses, primarily pneumonia (49.1%). Notably, 88.0% of these alternative diagnoses had been previously suggested by chest radiographs. Furthermore, incidental findings were noted in 164 (71.3%) patients, with 11.0% deemed clinically significant, necessitating immediate action, and 87.8% considered potentially significant, requiring further assessment. Notable incidental findings included thoracic abnormalities such as cardiomegaly (12.2%) and an enlarged pulmonary artery (11.3%), as well as upper abdominal pathologies such as hepatomegaly (19.6%), splenomegaly (20.9%), and gallstones (10.4%). CONCLUSION: This study underscores the limited additional diagnostic yield of CTPA for identifying alternative diagnoses to PE in SCD patients, with the majority of diagnoses, such as pneumonia, already suggested by chest radiographs. The frequent incidental findings, most of which necessitate further evaluation, highlight the need for a cautious and tailored approach to using CTPA in the SCD population.
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Anemia Falciforme , Angiografia por Tomografia Computadorizada , Achados Incidentais , Embolia Pulmonar , Humanos , Anemia Falciforme/diagnóstico por imagem , Anemia Falciforme/complicações , Masculino , Feminino , Embolia Pulmonar/diagnóstico por imagem , Estudos Retrospectivos , Adulto , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Seguimentos , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Zero-dimensional graphene quantum dots (GQDs) present unique optoelectronic properties in the large-spectrum range from UV to visible. However, the origin of luminescence in GQDs is still a debatable question. Therefore, the present work investigates the features of trap-mediated and edge-state-functionalized group-associated luminescence enhancement of GQDs. The attached functional groups' involvement in the upsurge of photoluminescence has been discussed theoretically as well as experimentally. In addition, the role of the aromatic ring, the functional group attached, and their positions of attachment to the aromatic ring to tune the emission wavelength and Raman modes have been elucidated theoretically as well as experimentally. We found that in the case of the -OH group attached outside of the aromatic ring, the long-range π hybridization dominates, which suggests that the emission from this model can be dictated by long-range π hybridization. In particular, we found that oxygen-containing functional groups attached outside of the aromatic ring are the main source of the luminescence signature in GQDs. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) indicates that the -OH functional group attached outside of the aromatic ring perfectly matched with our experimental results, as the experimental bandgap (2.407 eV) is comparable with the theoretical simulated bandgap (2.399 eV) of the -OH group attached outside of the aromatic ring.
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BACKGROUND: Healthcare organizations with practitioners who exhibit proactive work behavior and career adaptability acquire a competitive advantage in the face of many adversities. Entrepreneurial leadership (EL) is a new leadership approach that has a huge impact on followers' behavior, although research into its theory and empirical evidence is still in its infancy. METHODS: A non-probability convenience sample methodology (n = 450) was utilized to choose study participants, who were equally dispersed among the two private hospitals in Alexandria. A cross-sectional study was carried out in all departments of the hospitals, which were chosen at random using a simple random procedure. Three validated scales were used in this study to measure the study variables and establish a structural equation model. RESULTS: The result of this study revealed that nurses perceived moderate mean scores of all variables; entrepreneurial leadership (140.84 ± 11.94), proactive work behavior (46.02 ± 5.85), and career adaptability (85.55 ± 10.35). In addition, the structured equation model revealed a goodness fit index and presents that entrepreneurial leadership significantly affects nurses' proactive work behavior with an estimated ß of 0.555, coefficient of regression C.R. of 4.006, at P value < 0.001. Also, it significantly affects career adaptability with an estimated ß of .834, a coefficient of regression C.R. of 3.491 at P value < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The developed structural equation model confirmed the significant impact of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) on nurses' proactive work behavior (PWB) and career adaptability (CA)". Therefore, this study offers important implications for nurse managers, staff nurses, hospital human resources management practice, and academics.
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BACKGROUND: Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as a primary causative agent of dental caries and one of its important virulence properties is an ability to form biofilm on tooth surfaces. Thus, strategies to prevent and control S. mutans biofilms are requested. The present study aimed to examine the eradication of S. mutans planktonic and biofilm cells using riboflavin (Rib)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) enhanced by postbiotic mediators derived from Lactobacillus species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Rib and postbiotic mediators were determined. The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of Rib-mediated aPDT (Rib plus blue light), Rib-mediated aPDT in combination with postbiotic mediators derived from Lactobacillus casei (LC) (aPDT+ LC), and Rib-mediated aPDT in combination with postbiotic mediators derived from Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) (aPDT+ LP) were evaluated. The anti-virulence potential of Rib-mediated aPDT, aPDT+ LC, and aPDT+ LP were assessed by measuring the expression of the gtfB gene using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at the highest concentrations of Rib, LC, and LP, at which the S. mutans had proliferation as the same as in the control (non-treated) group. RESULTS: According to the results, the MIC doses of LC, LP, and Rib were 64 µg/mL, 128 µg/mL, and 128 µg/mL, respectively, while the MBC values of LC, LP, and Rib were 128 µg/mL, 256 µg/mL, and 256 µg/mL, respectively. Rib-mediated aPDT, aPDT+ LP, and aPDT+ LC showed a significant reduction in Log10 CFU/mL of S. mutans compared to the control group (4.2, 4.9, and 5.2 Log10 CFU/mL, respectively; all P < 0.05). The most destruction of S. mutans biofilms was observed after treatment with aPDT+ LC followed by aPDT+ LP and Rib-mediated aPDT (77.5%, 73.3%, and 67.6%, respectively; all P < 0.05). The concentrations of 31.2 µg/mL, 62.5 µg/mL, and 62.5 µg/mL were considered as the highest concentrations of LC, LP, and Rib, respectively, at which S. mutans replicates as same as the control group and were used for gtfB gene expression assay using qRT-PCR during Rib-mediated aPDT, aPDT+ LP, and aPDT+ LC treatments. Gene expression results revealed that aPDT+ LP and aPDT+ LC could decrease the gene expression level of gtfB by 6.3- and 5.7-fold, respectively (P < 0.05), while only 5.1-fold reduction was observed after Rib-mediated aPDT (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that aPDT+ LP and aPDT+ LC hold promise for use as a treatment to combat S. mutans planktonic and biofilms growth as well as anti-virulence as a preventive strategy to inhibit biofilms development via reduction of gtfB gene expression.
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Biofilmes , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Fotoquimioterapia , Riboflavina , Streptococcus mutans , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Streptococcus mutans/efeitos dos fármacos , Riboflavina/farmacologia , Fotoquimioterapia/métodos , Lactobacillus/efeitos dos fármacos , Fármacos Fotossensibilizantes/farmacologia , Plâncton/efeitos dos fármacos , Lacticaseibacillus casei/efeitos dos fármacos , Antibacterianos/farmacologiaRESUMO
Retroperitoneal liposarcomas are rare malignant tumours that often grow rapidly in size and become symptomatic lat e in t he disease course, posing diagnostic a nd therapeutic challenges. Although abdominal imaging can rel iab ly diagnose the tumour, definitive diagnosis is only p ossib le th rough bio psy af ter surgical excision , w hich remains the primary treatment modality for these tumours. Long- term sur v ival is p rimarily determ ined throu gh histologic grade and post-resection tumour margins. We report t he case of a 43-year-o ld male patient, see n at Dr Ruth KM Pfau Hospital Karachi, who under went successful surgical excision for a well-differentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma an d had no rad io gr aphic evidence o f local recurrence at both 3 and 12-month follow-ups.
Assuntos
Cavidade Abdominal , Lipossarcoma , Neoplasias Retroperitoneais , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias Retroperitoneais/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Retroperitoneais/cirurgia , Lipossarcoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Lipossarcoma/cirurgia , Abdome , Cavidade Abdominal/patologia , Margens de ExcisãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis (HD) have an increased risk of death due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Vascular calcification (VC) is predictive of cardiovascular disease and mortality. We conducted a study to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for VC in dialysis patients in Qatar. METHODS: This is a retrospective nationwide study including all chronic ambulatory dialysis patients in Qatar from 2020 to 2022. We used our national electronic medical record to track demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory values, and diagnostic data for each patient. Calcifications were assessed by echocardiography (routinely done for all our dialysis population per national protocol), computed tomography, X-ray, and ultrasound. The study protocol was approved by the local medical research ethics committee (MRC-01-20-377). RESULTS: 842 HD patients were included in this study. Vascular calcifications (VC) were prevalent in 52.6% of patients. The main site of VC was Mitral valve calcifications in 55.5% of patients. Patients with VC were significantly older and had more prevalence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between patients with calcifications and patients without calcifications regarding serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH level. In multivariate analysis, age and diabetes significantly increased the risk factor for calcification (95% CI 1.033-1.065, p < 0.0001, and 95% CI 1.128-2.272, p < 0001, respectively). Moreover, higher vitamin D levels and higher doses of IV Alfacalcidol were significant risk factors for calcifications (95% CI 1.005-1.030, p < 0.007, and 95% CI 1.092-1.270, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study found that vascular calcification was widespread among our dialysis population in Qatar. Implementing the practice of echocardiography in dialysis patients was extremely helpful and the most productive in detecting vascular calcification. Diabetes mellitus almost doubles the risk for vascular calcifications in dialysis patients. These results are beneficial in identifying risk factors for vascular calcification, which can help stratify dialysis patients' risk of cardiovascular disease and optimize prevention efforts.