Definition, acronyms, nomenclature, and classification of angioedema (DANCE): AAAAI, ACAAI, ACARE, and APAAACI DANCE consensus.

BACKGROUND: Angioedema (AE) manifests with intermittent, localized, self-limiting swelling of the subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissue. AE is heterogeneous, can be hereditary or acquired, may occur only once or be recurrent, may exhibit wheals or not, and may be due to mast cell mediators, bradykinin, or other mechanisms. Several different taxonomic systems are currently used, making it difficult to compare the results of studies, develop multicenter collaboration, and harmonize AE treatment. OBJECTIVE: We developed a consensus on the definition, acronyms, nomenclature, and classification of AE (DANCE). METHODS: The initiative involved 91 experts from 35 countries and was endorsed by 53 scientific and medical societies, and patient organizations. A consensus was reached by online discussion and voting using the Delphi process over a period of 16 months (June 2021 to November 2022). RESULTS: The DANCE initiative resulted in an international consensus on the definition, classification, and terminology of AE. The new consensus classification features 5 types and endotypes of AE and a harmonized vocabulary of abbreviations/acronyms. CONCLUSION: The DANCE classification complements current clinical guidelines and expert consensus recommendations on the diagnostic assessment and treatment of AE. DANCE does not replace current clinical guidelines, and expert consensus algorithms and should not be misconstrued in a way that affects reimbursement of medicines prescribed by physicians using sound clinical judgment. We anticipate that this new AE taxonomy and nomenclature will harmonize and facilitate AE research and clinical studies, thereby improving patient care.

Volatile Components, Antioxidant and Phytotoxic Activity of the Essential Oil of Piper acutifolium Ruiz & Pav. from Peru.

Piper acutifolium Ruiz & Pav is known as "matico" and belongs to the Piperaceae family, and in Peru it is traditionally used as an infusion or decoction to ameliorate wound healings or ulcers. In this study, the aim was to investigate the volatile components, the antioxidant profile, and the phytotoxic activity of the essential oil (EO) of P. acutifolium from Peru. To identify the phytoconstituents, the EO was injected into a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to obtain the chemical profile of the volatile components, followed by the antioxidant activity carried out by the reaction with three organic radicals (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6- sulfonic acid (ABTS); ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP)). Finally, the phytotoxic capabilities of the EO were tested on two model plants, Lactuca sativa seeds and Allium cepa bulbs. As a result, the analysis identified α-phellandrene as its main volatile chemical at 38.18%, followed by ß-myrcene (29.48%) and ß-phellandrene (21.88%). Regarding the antioxidant profile, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) in DPPH was 160.12 ± 0.30 µg/mL, for ABTS it was 138.10 ± 0.06 µg/mL and finally in FRAP it was 450.10 ± 0.05 µg/mL. The phytotoxic activity demonstrated that the EO had high activity at 5% and 10% against L. sativa seed germination, the inhibition of root length, and hypocotyl length. Additionally, in A. cepa bulbs, the inhibition root length was obtained at 10%, both comparable to glyphosate, which was used as a positive control. The molecular docking on 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) revealed that α-phellandrene had -5.8 kcal/mol, being near to glyphosate at -6.3 kcal/mol. The conclusion shows that the EO of P. acutifolium presented antioxidant and phytotoxic activity and might be useful as a bioherbicide in the future.

Upconverting Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media: Not a Dead-End Road. Avoiding Degradation by Using Hydrophobic Polymer Shells.

The stunning optical properties of upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have inspired promising biomedical technologies. Nevertheless, their transfer to aqueous media is often accompanied by intense luminescence quenching, partial dissolution by water, and even complete degradation by molecules such as phosphates. Currently, these are major issues hampering the translation of UCNPs to the clinic. In this work, a strategy is developed to coat and protect ß-NaYF4 UCNPs against these effects, by growing a hydrophobic polymer shell (HPS) through miniemulsion polymerization of styrene (St), or St and methyl methacrylate mixtures. This allows one to obtain single core@shell UCNPs@HPS with a final diameter of ≈60-70 nm. Stability studies reveal that these HPSs serve as a very effective barrier, impeding polar molecules to affect UCNPs optical properties. Even more, it allows UCNPs to withstand aggressive conditions such as high dilutions (5 µg mL-1 ), high phosphate concentrations (100 mm), and high temperatures (70 °C). The physicochemical characterizations prove the potential of HPSs to overcome the current limitations of UCNPs. This strategy, which can be applied to other nanomaterials with similar limitations, paves the way toward more stable and reliable UCNPs with applications in life sciences.

Thermoresponsive Polymeric Nanolenses Magnify the Thermal Sensitivity of Single Upconverting Nanoparticles.

Lanthanide-based upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are trustworthy workhorses in luminescent nanothermometry. The use of UCNPs-based nanothermometers has enabled the determination of the thermal properties of cell membranes and monitoring of in vivo thermal therapies in real time. However, UCNPs boast low thermal sensitivity and brightness, which, along with the difficulty in controlling individual UCNP remotely, make them less than ideal nanothermometers at the single-particle level. In this work, it is shown how these problems can be elegantly solved using a thermoresponsive polymeric coating. Upon decorating the surface of NaYF4 :Er3+ ,Yb3+ UCNPs with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), a >10-fold enhancement in optical forces is observed, allowing stable trapping and manipulation of a single UCNP in the physiological temperature range (20-45 °C). This optical force improvement is accompanied by a significant enhancement of the thermal sensitivity- a maximum value of 8% °C+1 at 32 °C induced by the collapse of PNIPAM. Numerical simulations reveal that the enhancement in thermal sensitivity mainly stems from the high-refractive-index polymeric coating that behaves as a nanolens of high numerical aperture. The results in this work demonstrate how UCNP nanothermometers can be further improved by an adequate surface decoration and open a new avenue toward highly sensitive single-particle nanothermometry.

Phytochemical Constituents and Ameliorative Effect of the Essential Oil from Annona muricata L. Leaves in a Murine Model of Breast Cancer.

Annona muricata leaves are traditionally used as an anticancer plant in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of the essential oil from Annona muricata leaves (EOAm) in an experimental model of breast cancer and to determine the volatile constituents with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty female rats were assigned to five groups: the control group; the DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene) group; and three groups received daily EOAm doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, plus DMBA, respectively. After 13 weeks of treatment, tumors were analyzed pathologically and biochemical markers in serum were noted. As a result, in GC-MS analysis, 40 compounds were identified and 4 of them were abundant: Z-caryophyllene (40.22%), followed by α-selinene (9.94%), ß-pinene (8.92%), and ß-elemene (7.48%). Furthermore, EOAm in a dose-dependent form produced a reduction in tumor frequency and the accumulated tumor volume was reduced by 50% and 71% with doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly compared to the DMBA group. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) decreased significantly from 70.75 ± 7.15 pg/mL in the DMBA group to 46.50 ± 9.00 and 34.13 ± 11.50 pg/mL in groups treated with doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. This study concludes that the EOAm leaves showed an ameliorative effect in a murine model of breast cancer.

In Vivo Near-Infrared Imaging Using Ternary Selenide Semiconductor Nanoparticles with an Uncommon Crystal Structure.

The implementation of in vivo fluorescence imaging as a reliable diagnostic imaging modality at the clinical level is still far from reality. Plenty of work remains ahead to provide medical practitioners with solid proof of the potential advantages of this imaging technique. To do so, one of the key objectives is to better the optical performance of dedicated contrast agents, thus improving the resolution and penetration depth achievable. This direction is followed here and the use of a novel AgInSe2 nanoparticle-based contrast agent (nanocapsule) is reported for fluorescence imaging. The use of an Ag2 Se seeds-mediated synthesis method allows stabilizing an uncommon orthorhombic crystal structure, which endows the material with emission in the second biological window (1000-1400 nm), where deeper penetration in tissues is achieved. The nanocapsules, obtained via phospholipid-assisted encapsulation of the AgInSe2 nanoparticles, comply with the mandatory requisites for an imaging contrast agent-colloidal stability and negligible toxicity-and show superior brightness compared with widely used Ag2 S nanoparticles. Imaging experiments point to the great potential of the novel AgInSe2 -based nanocapsules for high-resolution, whole-body in vivo imaging. Their extended permanence time within blood vessels make them especially suitable for prolonged imaging of the cardiovascular system.

Phytochemical Screening by LC-ESI-MS/MS and Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Leaves and Stems of Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. on Ketamine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction in Rats.

Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. L is also known as "huanarpo macho" and used in the Peruvian traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents in leaves and stems ethyl acetate fraction (LEAF and SEAF) of J. macrantha and to compare the antioxidant activity and the ameliorative effect on ketamine-induced erectile dysfunction in rats. The phytochemical constituents were determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS, the total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids (TPC and TF) by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Experimental groups were divided as follows: I: negative control; II: positive control (ketamine at 50 mg/ kg/d); III: sildenafil 5 mg/kg; IV, V, VI: LEAF at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, and VII, VIII, IX: SEAF at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence mainly of coumarins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. TPC of LEAF and SEAF were 359 ± 5.21 mg GAE/g and 306 ± 1.93 mg GAE/g, respectively; TF in LEAF and SEAF were 23.7 ± 0.80 mg EQ/g, and 101 ± 1.42 mg EQ/g, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS, FRAP in SEAF were 647 ± 3.27; 668 ± 2.30; and 575 ± 2.86 µmol TE/g, respectively, whilst LEAF showed 796 ± 3.15; 679 ± 0.85; and 806 ± 3.42 µmol TE/g, respectively. Regarding sexual behavior, LEAF showed a better effect in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculatory latency, and post ejaculatory latency than SEAF. As conclusion, LEAF of J. macrantha at 50 mg/kg showed a better effect on sexual behavior in male rats with erectile dysfunction than SEAF but not higher than sildenafil.

Prognostic value of CAIX expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a hypoxia-related protein considered as a predictor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) biological behaviour. Nevertheless, this prognostic value is still yet to be validated. We aim to quantify prognostic significance of CAIX overexpression in OSCC by meta-analysis. We performed searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, WOS, WHO'S databases, CPCI, and OATD from inception to August 2019. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional control (LC), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were considered as outcomes of interest. Overall 18 studies were included. CAIX overexpression was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.45 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.80) and DFS (HR = 1.98 95% CI 1.18-3.32). To the contrary, it was neither associated with LC (HR = 1.01 95% CI 0.50-2.02) nor with DSS (HR = 1.35 95% CI 0.78-2.33). Heterogeneity was negligible in all analyses except for DSS. Small studies effect was not significant for OS and DFS. This study shows that immunohistochemical CAIX assessment is a useful OSCC prognostic biomarker.

The Essential Oil of Cymbopogon citratus Stapt and Carvacrol: An Approach of the Antitumor Effect on 7,12-Dimethylbenz-[α]-anthracene (DMBA)-Induced Breast Cancer in Female Rats.

C. citratus essential oil and carvacrol have shown an antitumor effect on breast tumor cell lines; the main objective of this research was to evaluate the antitumor effect of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (EOCc) and carvacrol on 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in female rats. Cancer was induced by a single administration of DMBA at dose of 80 mg/kg body weight (BW). A total of 54 female Holtzman rats were randomly assigned into 9 groups (n = 6). Group I: PS (Physiological saline); Group II: DMBA; Groups III, IV, and V: DMBA + EOCc at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day BW, respectively; Groups VI, VII, and VIII: DMBA + carvacrol at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day BW, respectively; and group IX: DMBA + EOCc + carvacrol at doses of 100 mg/kg/day BW. The treatment lasted 14 weeks. As results, EOCc showed a reduction in tumors as well as necrosis and mitosis. Animals treated with carvacrol did not show necrosis, mitosis, or infiltration. Carvacrol at dose of 100 mg/kg/day BW revealed a significant decrease in the cumulative tumor volume down to 0.11 ± 0.05 cm3 compared to 0.38 ± 0.04 cm3 of the DMBA group (p < 0.01). It is concluded that EOCc and carvacrol had an antitumor effect on DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats.

Kinetic analysis of the uptake of glucose and corn oil used as carbon sources in batch cultures of Gibberella fujikuroi.

This study determined the specific uptake rate of glucose and corn oil substrates used as carbon sources in batch cultures of Gibberella fujikuroi. We tested three biological models of growth rate: Monod, logistic and lag-exponential. With respect to the substrate consumption rate, we tested two models: constant cell yield (CCY) and law of mass action (LMA). The experimental data obtained from the culture with glucose as substrate correlated satisfactorily with the logistic/LMA model, indicating that the cell yield was variable. In the case of corn oil as carbon source, considering total residual lipids as substrate in the culture broth, the model with the best correlation was the lag-exp/CCY model. The quantification by GC of the three main fatty acids (linoleic, oleic and palmitic) in the culture medium showed a cumulative behavior, with a maximum concentration of each acid at 36 h. We established a more explicit mechanism of the consumption of corn oil, consisting of two stages: generation of fatty acids by hydrolysis and consumption by cellular uptake. The kinetic of hydrolysable lipids was of first order. We found that the hydrolysis rate of corn oil is not a limiting factor for the uptake of fatty acids by the microorganism. We also established, based on the analysis of the identical mathematical structure of consumption kinetics, that the uptake of fatty acids is faster than the uptake of glucose.

Thermally induced all-optical inverter and dynamic hysteresis loops in graphene oxide dispersions.

We experimentally study the temporal dynamics of amplitude-modulated laser beams propagating through a water dispersion of graphene oxide sheets in a fiber-to-fiber U-bench. Nonlinear refraction induced in the sample by thermal effects leads to both phase reversing of the transmitted signals and dynamic hysteresis in the input-output power curves. A theoretical model including beam propagation and thermal lensing dynamics reproduces the experimental findings.

[Aerobiological study in Lima, Perú. ¿Tipuana-Tipu, perhaps a new allergen?] / Estudio aerobiológico en Lima, Perú. ¿Tipuana-Tipu, tal vez un nuevo alérgeno?

OBJECTIVE: To report the Tipuana tipu pollen as a new allergen capable of triggering allergic symptoms. METHODS: The pollen counts were made according to standardized technique with a Burkard seven days following the European Aerobiology Society´s Network Group recommendations.1 The trap was installed on the roof of Clinica SANNA, El Golf, San Isidro, which is 20 m high, 12°5'54"S 77°3'6"W in the west-south of the Lima urban area. The sampling period was performed from September 2020 to October 2021. Collection of Tipuana tipu pollens and Preparation of Tipuana tipu pollen extracts 1:20 w/v was done using a previously described method.2 We carried out systematic skin prick testing with Tipuana tipu pollen extract and other aeroallergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis), molds (Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium notatum), cat and dog danders, Periplaneta americana, grass six mix, weed mix (Inmunotek, Spain) on 80 patients (18 to 50 years old) seen in our allergy center, they suffering from november to january rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis symptoms. The majority living near avenues and large green areas, where Tipuana trees grew. RESULTS: We found a total of 952 grains/m3 of Tipuana tipu pollen between November 2020 to january 2021, with the maximum concentration of 37 grains/m3 on December 10th. We also found other airborne pollen Types: Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Compositae and Betulaceae. 14/80 patients (17,5%) showed positive skin prick test only to Tipuana tipu extract. Most of the patients with positive tests to Tipuana extract presented symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis during the Tipuana pollination period. Four patients showed positive skin prick test to Tipuana tipu and grass 6 mix extracts, most of the rest of our patients were sensitized to dust mites' extracts (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). CONCLUSIONS: The west-south population of Lima urban city is exposed to Tipuana tipu pollen. We do not foud previous publications about Tipuana tipu allergy. Almost 18% of the patients tested in our sample were mono-sensitized to this pollen. The results of this study should be compared with data from the forthcoming years, to identify seasonal and annual fluctuations, extend the traps to other locations in Lima, and of course try to standardize and improve the Tipuana tipu pollen extract.

OBJETIVO: Reportar al polen de Tipuana tipu como un nuevo alérgeno capaz de desencadenar síntomas alérgicos. MÉTODOS: Los conteos de polen se realizaron según la técnica estandarizada con un equipo colector tipo Hirst, Burkard spore trap for seven days, siguiendo las recomendaciones del grupo de la Red Europea de Sociedades de Aerobiología1. El equipo se instaló en la azotea de la Clínica SANNA El Golf, San Isidro, a 20 m de altura desde el nivel del suelo, 12°5'54"S 77°3'6"O en la zona suroeste del área urbana de Lima. El periodo de captación se llevó a cabo entre septiembre de 2020 y octubre de 2021. La recolección de granos de polen de Tipuana tipu, y la preparación del extracto alergénico (peso/volumen) 1:20 p/v, se realizó usando metodología previamente descrita2. Se realizaron estudios de pruebas cutáneas (skin prick test), en 80 pacientes (entre 18 y 50 años), con sintomatología de rinoconjuntivitis; referían, además, mayor intensidad de sus síntomas entre noviembre y enero. La mayoría de pacientes dijeron vivir cerca a avenidas y parques donde había árboles de Tipuana tipu. Fueron evaluados en el servicio de Alergología de la Clínica SANNA, El Golf, San Isidro. Se aplicaron extractos de polen de Tipuana tipu, y otros aeroalérgenos como ácaros del polvo (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis), hongos ambientales (Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium notatum), epitelios de gato y perro, Periplaneta americana, mezclas de seis gramíneas, mezclas de malezas (Inmunotek, España). RESULTADOS: Encontramos un total de 952 granos/m3 de polen de Tipuana tipu entre noviembre de 2020 y enero de 2021; con la máxima concentración de 37 granos/m3 el 10 de diciembre. También identificamos otras familias polínicas: Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Compositae y Betulaceae. 14/80 pacientes (el 17,5%), resultaron positivos solo al extracto de Tipuana tipu, en el skin prick test. La mayoría de los pacientes con resultado positivo al extracto de Tipuana tipu referían síntomas de rinoconjuntivitis durante el periodo de polinización de los árboles de Tipuana. Cuatro pacientes tuvieron positividad al extracto de Tipuana tipu, y al extracto en mezcla de seis gramíneas; la mayoría del resto de pacientes mostraron sensibilidad a ácaros del polvo doméstico (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). CONCLUSIONES: Los habitantes de la zona suroeste de la ciudad urbana de Lima están expuestos al polen de Tipuana tipu. No hemos encontrado publicaciones previas sobre alergia a este tipo de polen. Casi un 18% de pacientes estudiados en nuestra muestra, estuvieron monosensibilizados al extracto del polen de Tipuana tipu. Los resultados de este estudio deberían ampliarse y ser comparados con data en los años siguientes, identificar fluctuaciones estacionales y anuales, extender los captadores a otras locaciones en Lima, y por supuesto, intentar estandarizar y mejorar el extracto del polen de Tipuana Tipu.

[Case series of hereditary angioedema patients and use of tranexamic acid treatments in prophylaxis and acute crisis, experience in Perú]. / Serie de casos de pacientes con angioedema hereditario y uso de ácido tranexámico como tratamiento profiláctico, y en crisis agudas: experiencia en Perú.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease characterized by episodes of swelling, HAE crisis could cause death by suffocation, and also affect the quality of life in these patients. There exists an important disparity of HAE specific treatments between countries, inclusive in the same region, currently in Perú we use moderate and high doses of Tranexamic Acid (TA) in prophylaxis therapy and in acute HAE crisis respectively. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with TA in three types of HAE patients and be a guide to other countries with this therapy, where HAE specific treatments are not registered. CASE REPORT: Patient 1: Woman. 49 years old. HAE-1. Symptoms began at the age of 12. Her final diagnosis was at age 45. Usually presents an acute crisis every two months approximately, she receives 2 g IV of TA when lips, tongue, facial episodes is beginning, eventually she needed other 1 - 2 g IV (after 4 hours). She receives Long-Term Prophylaxis (LTP) with TA (500 - 750 mg)/12 h. Patient 2: Woman 47 years old, HAE nC1INH-FXII. Symptoms began at the age of 19, during her first pregnancy, her definitive diagnosis was at the age of 41 years. She maintains a prophylaxis treatment of TA (750 mg-1,5 g)/daily; upper airway attacks are treated immediately with TA doses (1 - 2 g) when the crisis is beginning. Patient 3: Woman 43 years old, HAE-nC1INH-U. Genetic study did not recognize SERPING1, PLG1, ANGPT1, KNG1, FXII, mutations. Symptoms began at age 4, and her final diagnosis was at age 36. When the attack is beginning, she immediately receives TA (500 - 750 mg) orally / 12 hours during 2 to 3 days with acceptable tolerance and control of the HAE episodes. While the patients receive TA prophylaxis treatment doses (500 - 750 mg) every 8 or 12 hours respectively, the HAE episodes are less symptomatic and resolve in a few days. CONCLUSIONS: We found this systematic review, used TA orally, on-demand and prophylaxis therapy, maximum cumulative dose 3 g/24 h1. In our HAE patients, we used TA up to 4 g (2 g - 2 g) intravenous for control of acute crisis in a interval of 4 hours, when decreases the reaction, the orally maintenance dose should be prescribed, 1 g/8 h with a progressive decrease of the dose in the next days. Tranexamic Acid treatment was useful in our different types of HAE patients. Most of our patients use high doses of TA to slow down and stop slowly the HAE crisis. TA is probably an option in countries where specific treatments are not registered, it could be administered orally and/or intravenous. High doses of TA were well tolerated and with acceptable response in HAE attacks.

ANTECEDENTES: El Angioedema Hereditario (AEH) se caracteriza por episodios de hinchazón a niveles cutáneo y submucoso, una crisis podría causar muerte por asfixia. Además, afecta la calidad de vida de las personas que la padecen. Existe una disparidad importante de medicamentos específicos para el AEH entre países, inclusive en nuestra misma región. En Perú donde no son viables estos tratamientos, se utiliza el Ácido Tranexámico (AT) para las Profilaxis de Largo y Corto Plazo (PLP / PCP), y para las crisis agudas de AEH. OBJETIVO: Reportar la experiencia con el tratamiento de AT en tres tipos de pacientes con AEH, para que pueda ser usada como referencia en otros países en los que aún no se cuenta con medicamentos específicos para la enfermedad. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente 1: Mujer de 49 años, AEH Tipo 1. Inició síntomas a los 12 años de edad. Diagnóstico definitivo a los 45 años. Actualmente, presenta crisis cada dos meses. Se le administran dosis de 2 g por IV de AT, cuando empieza crisis en cara, lengua y labios. Eventualmente ha necesitado entre 1 y 2 g por IV (después de cuatro horas), ella recibe PLP con AT (500 ­ 750 mg) cada 12 horas. Paciente 2: Mujer de 47 años, AEH-nC1INH-FXII. Inició síntomas a los 19 años durante su primer embarazo. Diagnóstico definitivo a los 41 años. Ella mantiene PLP con AT (750 mg ­ 1,5 g) diariamente. Los ataques de vía respiratoria alta son tratados inmediatamente con AT cuando la crisis inicia, con dosis de 1 a 2 g por IV. Paciente 3: Mujer de 43 años, AEH-nC1INH-D. Estudio genético no detecta mutación en SERPING1, PLG1, ANGPT1, KNG1 y FXII. Inició síntomas a los 4 años. Diagnóstico definitivo a los 36 años. Al iniciar las crisis, se administra AT por VO, entre 500 a 750 mg/12 horas durante dos o tres días con aceptable respuesta y tolerancia a los episodios de AEH. Mientras las pacientes reciban dosis de mantenimiento de AT, entre 500 y 750 mg cada 8 o 12 horas, las crisis suelen ser de menor intensidad y se resuelven en menos días. CONCLUSIONES: En esta revisión sistemática, utilizaron AT vía oral, a demanda y en tratamiento profiláctico, dosis máxima acumulada 3 g/24 h1. En nuestros pacientes con AEH, hemos utilizado AT hasta 4 g vía intravenosa en un intervalo de cuatro horas (2 g - 2 g); para el control de crisis agudas, cuando la reacción está cediendo, prescribimos la dosis de mantenimiento, 1 g/8 h con disminución progresiva de la dosis en los días siguientes. El tratamiento con ácido tranexámico ha sido de utilidad en nuestros pacientes con los distintos tipos de AEH. La mayoría de ellos utilizan altas dosis de AT para disminuir lentamente las crisis agudas de AEH. Se puede administrar vía oral o intravenosa. Es un medicamento que puede ser de ayuda en países donde no se tiene registro de tratamientos específicos para la enfermedad. Las dosis de AT han sido bien toleradas y con una respuesta aceptable en las crisis de estos pacientes con AEH.

Impact of excitation pulse width on the upconversion luminescence lifetime of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles.

The upconversion luminescence (UCL) lifetime has a wide range of applications, serving as a critical parameter for optimizing the performance of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in various fields. It is crucial to understand that this lifetime does not directly correlate with the decay time of the emission level; rather, it represents a compilation of all the physical phenomena taking place in the upconversion process. To delve deeper into this, we analyzed the dependence of the UCL lifetime on the excitation pulse width for ß-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles. The results revealed a significant increase in the UCL lifetime with both the excitation pulse width and the excitation intensity. The laser fluence was identified as the parameter governing the UCL decay dynamics. We showcased the universality of the pulse-width-dependent UCL lifetime phenomenon by employing UCNPs of various sizes, surface coatings, host matrices, Yb3+ and Er3+ ratios, and dispersing UCNPs in different solvents. Theoretical explanations for the experimental findings were derived through a rate equation analysis. Finally, we discussed the implications of these results in UCNP-FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer)-based applications.

[Initial study of trap and identification of environmental pollens and fungi spores in Samborondon, Ecuador]. / Estudio inicial de captación e identificación de pólenes y hongos ambientales en Samborondón, Ecuador.

OBJETIVO: To identify and registry the most important aeroallergens trapped at the aerobiology station in the city of Samborondon, Ecuador. METHODS: Pollen grains and fungal spore counts were performed according to the standardized technique with a Hirst-type collection equipment, Burkard spore trap for seven days, following the recommendations of the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The equipment was installed on the roof of the Universidad de Especialidades Espiritu Santo (UEES), 25 m above ground level, coordinates: 2°07 ́57 ́ ́S 79°52 ́06 ́ ́W, in the city of Samborondon. The sampling period was performed from November 2022 to April 2023. RESULTS: We identified the following pollen families: Poaceae (258 grains/m3), Apocynaceae (Plumeria rubra pc) (214 grains/m3), Lamiaceae (180 grains/m3), Asteraceae Ambrosía spp.- (60 grains/m3), Chenopodiacea (27 grains/m3), Myrtaceae (17 grains/m3), Pinaceae (11 grains/m3), Betulaceae (7 grains/m3). Also identified fungical spores: Fuzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. (1899/m3), Cladosporium spp. (1407/m3), Nigrospora spp. (1183/m3), Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. (329/m3), Alternaria spp. (98/m3), Pithomyces spp. (79/m3), Curvularia spp. (48/m3), Stemphylium spp. (46/m3). CONCLUSIONS: We reported the first study of aerobiology (capture and identification of environmental pollens and fungi) in the city of Samborondon. The inhabitants of this area are exposed to different aeroallergens with a predominance of Poaceaes pollen and Fuzzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. spores. The identified allergens should be part of the usual allergy studies. The results of this first preliminary study should be compared with information from the forthcoming years, which will help to identify variations in the concentration of seasonal aeroallergens, annual fluctuations, and extend the traps to other parts of the city.

OBJETIVO: Identificar y registrar los aeroalérgenos más importantes captados en la estación de aerobiología en la ciudad de Samborondón, Ecuador. MÉTODOS: Los conteos de granos de polen y esporas de hongos se realizaron según la técnica estandarizada, con un equipo colector tipo Hirst, Burkard spore trap for seven days, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la National Allergy Bureau (NAB) de la American Academy Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). El equipo se instaló en la azotea de la Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), en la ciudad de Samborondón, a 25 m de altura desde el nivel del suelo, 2°07´57´´S 79°52´06´´O. El periodo de captación se llevó a cabo entre noviembre de 2022 y abril de 2023. RESULTADOS: Identificamos las siguientes familias polínicas: Poaceae (258 granos/m3), Apocynaceae (Plumeria rubra pc) (214 granos/m3), Lamiaceae (180 granos/m3), Asteraceae Ambrosía spp.- (60 granos/m3), Chenopodiacea (27 granos/m3), Myrtaceae (17 granos/m3), Pinaceae (11 granos/m3), Betulaceae (7 granos/m3). Además esporas fúngicas: Fuzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. (1899/m3), Cladosporium spp. (1407/m3), Nigrospora spp. (1183/m3), Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. (329/m3), Alternaria spp. (98/m3), Pithomyces spp. (79/m3), Curvularia spp. (48/m3), Stemphylium spp. (46/m3). CONCLUSIONES: Se reporta el primer estudio de aerobiología (captación e identificación de pólenes y hongos ambientales), en la ciudad de Samborondón. Los habitantes de esta zona están expuestos a diferentes aeroalérgenos con predominancia al polen de Poaceaes y esporas de Fuzzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. Los alérgenos identificados deberían formar parte de los estudios alergológicos habituales. Los resultados de este primer estudio preliminar deberían ser comparados con información de los siguientes años para ayudar a identificar las variaciones de concentración de aeroalérgenos estacionales, las fluctuaciones anuales, y extender los captadores a otros puntos de la ciudad.

Leave no one behind: A global survey of the current state of geriatric oncology practice by SIOG national representatives.

INTRODUCTION: The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations include a commitment to "leave no one behind" as a universal goal. To achieve this in geriatric oncology (GO) worldwide, it is important to understand the current state of GO at an international level. The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) has several National Representatives (NRs) who act as SIOG's delegates in their respective countries. The NRs took part in this international survey exploring the state of GO practice, identifying barriers and solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NRs answered open-ended questions by email from February 2020 to October 2022. The questionnaire domains included the demographic information of older adults for their countries, and the NRs' opinions on whether GO is developing, what the barriers are to developing GO, and proposed actions to remove these barriers. The demographic data of each country reported in the survey was adjusted using literature and database searches. RESULTS: Twenty-one of thirty countries with NRs (70%) participated in this questionnaire study: 12 European, four Asian, two North American, two South American, and one Oceanian. The proportion of the population aged ≥75 years varied from 2.2% to 15.8%, and the average life expectancy also varied from 70 years to 86 years. All NRs reported that GO was developing in their country; four NRs (18%) reported that GO was well developed. Although all NRs agreed that geriatric assessment was useful, only three reported that it was used day-to-day in their countries' clinical practice (14%). The major barriers identified were the lack of (i) evidence to support GO use, (ii) awareness and interest in GO, and (iii) resources (time, manpower, and funding). The major proposed actions were to (i) provide new evidence through clinical trials specific for GO patients, (ii) stimulate awareness through networking, and (iii) deliver educational materials and information to healthcare providers and medical students. DISCUSSION: This current survey has identified the barriers to GO and proposed actions that could remove them. Broader awareness seems to be essential to implementing GO. Additional actions are needed to develop GO within countries and can be supported through international partnerships.

Considerations and analysis of the implementation of oncogeriatrics in Chile and its importance: Review of current literature.

The Chilean census of 2017 reported that 11.4% of the local population are 65 years or older, and according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) the current expectancy of life in Chile is 76 years for men and 81 years for women respectively. Cancer in Chile is a major public health problem. Aging is a significant risk factor for cancer development which added to the improved life expectancy, it increases the incidence of cancer. In 2040, new cancer cases will increase from 19.3 to 30.2 million worldwide. Older people are a heterogeneous group requiring specialized and individualized management. Chronological age does not necessarily correlate with physiological age. More than half of the geriatric patients with cancer have at least one comorbidity which is relevant when defining a cancer treatment. Likewise, polypharmacy is frequent and is an important issue to consider in people with cancer due to the risk associated with drug interactions. Oncogeriatric assessment consists of a comprehensive multidimensional evaluation, including functional and biopsychosocial issues, addressing aspects of the neoplastic disease such as the risk of toxicities due to systemic therapy and life expectancy. This tool has proven to be helpful in the diagnosis of conditions that are not evident in a routine oncological evaluation, such as geriatric syndromes, frailty, functional dependence, and cognitive impairment among others, which have an impact when deciding on therapy, predicting risks of treatment toxicity and mortality. In this article we aim to describe the current situation of Oncogeriatrics and to provide epidemiological information about cancer in the elderly population in Chile attempting to highlight the importance of the Oncogeriatrics units, within cancer departments, for a better decision taking in the elderly cancer patient.

Medicinal Plants in Peru as a Source of Immunomodulatory Drugs Potentially Useful Against COVID-19.

The current COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by a highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome, led us to look for medicinal plants as an alternative to obtain new drugs, especially those with immunomodulatory abilities, capable of acting against the pulmonary infection caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite medical advances with COVID-19 drugs and vaccines, plant-based compounds could provide an array of suitable candidates to test against this virus, or at the very least, to alleviate some symptoms. Therefore, this review explores some plants widely used in Peru that show immunomodulatory properties or, even more, contain phytoconstituents potentially useful to prevent or alleviate the COVID-19 infection. More interestingly, the present review highlights relevant information from those plants to support the development of new drugs to boost the immune system. We used three criteria to choose nine vegetal species, and a descriptive search was then conducted from 1978 to 2021 on different databases, using keywords focused on the immune system that included information such as pharmacological properties, phytochemical, botanical, ethnobotanical uses, and some clinical trials. From these literature data, our results displayed considerable immunomodulation activity along with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antitumoral activities. Noticeably, these pharmacological activities are related with a wide variety of bioactive phytoconstituents (mixtures or isolated compounds) which may be beneficial in modulating the overt inflammatory response in severe COVID-19. Further scientific research on the pharmacological activities and clinical utilization of these potential plants are warranted. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-023-00367-w.

Ion-induced bias in Ag2S luminescent nanothermometers.

Luminescence nanothermometry allows measuring temperature remotely and in a minimally invasive way by using the luminescence signal provided by nanosized materials. This technology has allowed, for example, the determination of intracellular temperature and in vivo monitoring of thermal processes in animal models. However, in the biomedical context, this sensing technology is crippled by the presence of bias (cross-sensitivity) that reduces the reliability of the thermal readout. Bias occurs when the impact of environmental conditions different from temperature also modifies the luminescence of the nanothermometers. Several sources that cause loss of reliability have been identified, mostly related to spectral distortions due to interaction between photons and biological tissues. In this work, we unveil an unexpected source of bias induced by metal ions. Specifically, we demonstrate that the reliability of Ag2S nanothermometers is compromised during the monitoring of photothermal processes produced by iron oxide nanoparticles. The observed bias occurs due to the heat-induced release of iron ions, which interact with the surface of the Ag2S nanothermometers, enhancing their emission. The results herein reported raise a warning to the community working on luminescence nanothermometry, since they reveal that the possible sources of bias in complex biological environments, rich in molecules and ions, are more numerous than previously expected.

Exploring the Origin of the Thermal Sensitivity of Near-Infrared-II Emitting Rare Earth Nanoparticles.

Rare-earth doped nanoparticles (RENPs) are attracting increasing interest in materials science due to their optical, magnetic, and chemical properties. RENPs can emit and absorb radiation in the second biological window (NIR-II, 1000-1400 nm) making them ideal optical probes for photoluminescence (PL) in vivo imaging. Their narrow emission bands and long PL lifetimes enable autofluorescence-free multiplexed imaging. Furthermore, the strong temperature dependence of the PL properties of some of these RENPs makes remote thermal imaging possible. This is the case of neodymium and ytterbium co-doped NPs that have been used as thermal reporters for in vivo diagnosis of, for instance, inflammatory processes. However, the lack of knowledge about how the chemical composition and architecture of these NPs influence their thermal sensitivity impedes further optimization. To shed light on this, we have systematically studied their emission intensity, PL decay time curves, absolute PL quantum yield, and thermal sensitivity as a function of the core chemical composition and size, active-shell, and outer-inert-shell thicknesses. The results revealed the crucial contribution of each of these factors in optimizing the NP thermal sensitivity. An optimal active shell thickness of around 2 nm and an outer inert shell of 3.5 nm maximize the PL lifetime and the thermal response of the NPs due to the competition between the temperature-dependent back energy transfer, the surface quenching effects, and the confinement of active ions in a thin layer. These findings pave the way for a rational design of RENPs with optimal thermal sensitivity.