Sedation Vacations in Neurocritical Care: Friend or Foe?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the role of sedation vacations in optimizing patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care in neurological intensive care units (ICUs). We discuss the importance of sedation management in neurocritical care, considering recent research findings and clinical guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have highlighted the significance of sedation interruption protocols in improving patient outcomes in the ICU setting. Evidence suggests that daily sedation interruptions can reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, and mortality rates. However, the implementation of these protocols requires careful consideration of patient-specific factors and a multidisciplinary approach. Sedation vacations play a critical role in neurocritical care by reducing mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay length, and mortality rates. Despite the benefits, the presence of complications must be addressed to avoid adverse outcomes. Continued research is necessary to refine these strategies and improve guideline quality, ensuring safe and effective sedation management in critically ill neurological patients.

Effect of Brazilian green propolis in chronic ulcer treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the effectiveness of 5% Brazilian green propolis (ointment) in individuals with chronic ulcers. METHODS: a randomized clinical trial, developed with 40 patients randomized equally to control group (treated with essential fatty acid) and experimental group (treated with 5% green propolis) for 30 days. The outcomes of interest were sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, lesion characteristics, such as type of tissue in the bed, presence of exudate, edge characteristics, microbial content and pain. RESULTS: regarding sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, the two groups did not show statistically significant differences. After assessment in 30 days, an effect was observed for both treated groups, but for the experimental group, greater effectiveness in terms of the type of tissue in the bed, type of exudate, edge characteristics, microbial content and pain. CONCLUSION: propolis-based ointment showed a healing effect, presenting itself as a potential tool in healing chronic ulcers.

Photoacoustic imaging of a cyanine dye targeting bacterial infection.

The development of a non-invasive infection-specific diagnostic probe holds the potential to vastly improve early-stage detection of infection, enabling precise therapeutic intervention and potentially reducing the incidence of antibiotic resistance. Towards this goal, a commercially available bacteria-targeting Zinc(II)-dipicolylamine (ZnDPA)-derived fluorophore, PSVue794, was assessed as a photoacoustic (PA) imaging probe (PIP). A radiolabeled version of the dye, [99mTc]Tc-PSVue794, was developed to facilitate quantitative biodistribution studies beyond optical imaging methods, which showed a target-to-non-target ratio of 10.1 ± 1.1, 12 h post-injection. The ability of the PIP to differentiate between bacterial infection, sterile inflammation, and healthy tissue in a mouse model, was then evaluated via PA imaging. The PA signal in sites of sterile inflammation (0.062 ± 0.012 a.u.) was not statistically different from that of the background (0.058 ± 0.006 a.u.). In contrast, high PA signal was detected at sites of bacterial infection (0.176 ± 0.011 a.u.) as compared to background (0.081 ± 0.04 a.u., where P ≤ 0.03). This work demonstrates the potential of utilizing established fluorophores towards PAI and utilizing PAI as a modality in the distinction of bacterial infection from sites of sterile inflammation.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on glycemic control in traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is associated with adverse outcomes in patent with traumatic brain injury. There is convincing evidence of the deleterious effects of early systemic hyperglycemia on neurological outcomes and guides management toward intensive glycemic control. The purpose of this systematic review and meta analysis is to evaluate and summarize the level of evidence on the role of glycemic control in traumatic brain injury. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following PRISMA guidelines. This review involved studies conducted in humans covering glycemic control in traumatic brain injury. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, EBSCO Host, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Medline, and LILACS from database inception to October 2020. The risk of bias was evaluated with the GRADE quality Scale. RESULTS: The results of this meta-analysis that involved 1236 patients included in 10 studies suggest that intensive glycemic control did not show significant differences in mortality compared with conservative management (RR 0.99 [95 % CI 0.81-1.21] p = 0.92). Intensive glycemic control reduced the risk of unfavorable clinical outcomes compared to standard management (RR 0.87 [95 % CI 0.78-0.96] p = 0.007) and increased favorable clinical outcomes compared to standard neurocritical care (RR 1.19 [95 % CI 1.02-138] p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The possible effect of glycemic control could be associated with silent hypoglycemic episodes during intensive care. Further studies evaluating the impact of glycemic control in traumatic brain injury are necessary.

Polymorphous Low-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumor of the Young (PLNTY): Scoping Review of Case Reports and Case Series.

Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY) is considered one of the low-grade neuroepithelial tumors, as per the World Health Organization 2021 classification of brain tumors. First described in 2016, these morphologically variable tumors are characterized by oligodendroglioma-like cellular components, infiltrative growth patterns, and cluster of differentiation 34 immunopositivity. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, and COCHRANE databases (from inception to 20th June 2022) was carried out to identify relevant studies. To identify additional studies, we performed a recursive search of the bibliographies of the selected articles and published systematic reviews on this topic. The search yielded a total of 64 results. After removing duplicates, 26 articles were eligible for the review. The diagnostic criteria for these glioneuronal variants, representing a broad neuropathological spectrum, are not distinct and hence impede proper diagnosis and prognosis. Frequent genetic abnormalities involving mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway constituents, such as B-Raf proto-oncogene or fibroblast growth receptor 2/3, are harbored by PLNTYs. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have resulted in more accurate tumor classification systems, based on gene expression profiles and DNA methylation patterns. Gross total resection seems curative, with a low recurrence rate. Malignant transformation is rare; however, adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be beneficial in selected cases.

Deciphering the gut microbiota of zebrafish, the most used fish as a biological model: A meta-analytic approach.

A meta-analytic approach deciphered the taxonomic profile of the zebrafish gut microbiota at different developmental stages. Data (16S rDNA) were systematically searched in databases, selecting those with intestine samples of fish not exposed to a particular treatment or challenge (e.g., pathogens, dietetic tests, xenobiotics, etc.) and obtaining 340 samples to be processed. Results revealed marked differences between the developmental phases. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in the larval phase, with a relative abundance of 90%, while the rest of the phyla did not exceed 2%. Vibrio, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and Acinetobacter were the dominant genera in this phase. Transitional changes were observed after the larvae stage. Proteobacteria still registered high abundance (48%) in the juvenile phase, but Fusobacteria (40%) and Bacteriodota (5.9%) registered considerable increases. Genera, including Cetobacterium, Plesiomonas, Aeromonas, Vibrio, and Flavobacterium, dominated this stage. The phyla Proteobacteria (48%) and Fusobacteria (35%) were strongly established in the adult phase. Cetobacterium was registered as the most abundant genus, followed by Aeromonas, Acinetobacter, Plesiomonas, Vibrio, and ZOR0006 (Firmicutes; 6%). In conclusion, the composition of the intestinal microbiota of zebrafish is consistently determined by two primary phyla, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria; however, this composition varies depending on the developmental stage. Cetobacterium and Aeromonas are the most relevant genera in juveniles and adults. Finally, these results reveal a consistent pattern of certain bacterial groups in the zebrafish microbiota that could help shape gnotobiotic models (colonized with a specific known bacterial community) or synthetic microbiota (in vitro assembly of microbes), among other approaches.

Development and validation of an educational pamphlet: technology for home care of pressure injuries / Construcción y validación de un folleto educativo: tecnología para el cuidado domiciliario de lesiones por presión / Construção e validação de cartilha educativa: tecnologia para o cuidado domiciliar à lesão por pressão

Objetivo: construir y validar un folleto educativo enfocado en la atención domiciliaria de lesiones por presión. Método: estudio metodológico realizado en tres etapas: elaboración de los temas, construcción del folleto y validación del contenido por parte de los jueces. El folleto fue elaborado en la plataforma digital de diseño gráfico Canva®, con un enfoque dinámico y autoexplicativo, adecuado al público objetivo, con una apariencia ligera, atractiva y con un lenguaje sencillo. La validación del contenido se realizó utilizando el Índice de Validez de Contenido (IVC). Resultados: El folleto se tituló "Lesión por presión y cuidados domiciliarios: ¿Hablemos de eso?", validado por 8 jueces con un índice de validez de contenido global superior a ≥0,78. Teniendo en cuenta la preocupación de accesibilidad lingüística por parte de los jueces, se llevó a cabo una revisión de contenido y adecuación textual para la versión final. Conclusión: La tecnología construida y validada demostró potencial para ser utilizada y generar mejoras en la atención domiciliaria de las personas con lesiones por presión. Investigaciones futuras deberían centrarse en validar la usabilidad de la tecnología por parte de los usuarios. (AU)

Objective: To create and validate an educational pamphlet focused on home care for pressure injuries. Method:This methodological study was conducted in three stages: topic development, pamphlet creation, and content validation by experts. The pamphlet was designed using the Canva® digital graphic design platform, considering a dynamic, self-explanatory approach suitable for the target audience, featuring a light and attractive appearance with simple language. For content validation, the Content Validity Index (CVI) was used. Results: The pamphlet, titled "Pressure Injuries and Home Care: Let's Talk About It?", was validated by eight experts with an overall CVI above ≥ 0.78. Due to concerns raised by the experts regarding linguistic accessibility, a content review and textual adjustments were made for the final version. Conclusion: The constructed, validated pamphlet has demonstrated potential for use and improvement in home care for people with pressure injuries. Future research should focus on validating the usability of the technology by users. (AU)

Objetivo:Construir e validaruma cartilha educativa voltada ao cuidado domiciliar com lesão por pressão. Método:estudo metodológico realizado em três etapas: elaboração dos assuntos, construção da cartilha e validação de conteúdo por juízes.A cartilha foi elaborada na plataforma digital de design gráfico Canva®, considerando abordagem dinâmica, autoexplicativa, adequada ao público-alvo; contendo uma aparência leve, atrativa e linguagem simples. Para validação de conteúdo, utilizou o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC). Resultados: A cartilha foi intitulada "Lesão por pressão e cuidados domiciliares: Vamos falar sobre isso?", validada por oito juízes com índice de validade de conteúdo geral acima de ≥ 0,78. Considerando a preocupação por parte dos juízes, diante da acessibilidade linguística, foi realizada uma revisão do conteúdo e adequação textual para a versão final. Conclusão: A tecnologia construída e validada demonstrou potencial para ser utilizada e gerar melhoria dos cuidados domiciliares às pessoas que convivem com lesões por pressão. Como perspectiva para pesquisas futuras, ressalta-se a validação da usabilidade da tecnologia pelos usuários. (AU)

Nurseostomy: an instrument for Nursing assessment of individuals with intestinal ostomy in a hospital setting / Nurseostomy: instrumento para avaliação de Enfermagem à pessoa com estomia intestinal em ambiente hospitalar

Objective: To describe the process of construction and validation of Nurseostomy, a nursing assessment instrument for individuals with intestinal ostomy in a hospital setting. Method: This is a methodological study developed following the recommendations of the Brazilian Consensus on Care for Adults with Elimination Ostomies to support the construction of the assistive technology and the validation of content, structure, and appearance with experts. The tool was developed using Microsoft Word®. The study participants were 17 stoma care nurse experts. Data collection took place between October and November 2022 using a Google Forms questionnaire. For data analysis, the Content Validity Index (CVI) was used, with a minimum agreement value of 0.8. Results: An instrument consisting of seven domains was developed according to the Wanda de Aguiar Horta theoretical framework. The global CVI was 0.91. Conclusion: The instrument was considered validated in all three axes (content, structure, and relevance) and shows potential for external validation and the development of clinical research. (AU)

Objetivo: Descrever o processo de construção e validação do Nurseostomy, instrumento de Enfermagem para avaliação da pessoa com estomia intestinal em ambiente hospitalar. Método: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico desenvolvido por meio das recomendações do Consenso Brasileiro de Cuidados às Pessoas Adultas com Estomias de Eliminação, para embasar a construção da tecnologia assistencial e a validação de conteúdo, estrutura e aparência com juízes. A ferramenta foi desenvolvida com o programa Microsoft Word®. Os participantes do estudo foram 17 juízes estomaterapeutas com expertise na área em estudo. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre outubro e novembro de 2022 mediante formulário do Google Forms. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se o Índice de Validação de Conteúdo (IVC), com valor de concordância mínimo de 0,8. Resultados: Foi elaborado instrumento composto de sete domínios, de acordo com o referencial teórico Wanda de Aguiar Horta. O IVC global foi de 0,91. Conclusão: O instrumento foi considerado validado nos três eixos (conteúdo, estrutura e relevância), e apresenta potencial para validação externa e desenvolvimento de pesquisas clínicas. (AU)

Objetivo: Describir el proceso de construcción y validación del Nurseostomy, un instrumento de enfermería para la evaluación de personas con estomía intestinal en ambiente hospitalario. Método: Se trata de un estudio metodológico desarrollado a través de las recomendaciones del Consenso Brasileño de Cuidados a Personas Adultas con Estomías de Eliminación, para apoyar la construcción de la tecnología de atención y la validación de contenido, estructura y apariencia con los jueces. La herramienta se desarrolló a través del programa Microsoft Word®. Los participantes del estudio fueron 17 jueces estomaterapeutas expertos en el área estudiada. La recogida de datos se realizó entre octubre y noviembre de 2022 mediante un formulario de Google Forms. Para el análisis de los datos, se utilizó un índice de validez de contenido (IVC), con un valor mínimo de acuerdo de 0,8. Resultados: Se elaboró un instrumento compuesto por siete dominios, de acuerdo con la referencia teórica de Wanda Aguiar Horta. El IVC global fue de 0,91. Conclusión: Se concluye que el instrumento fue considerado valido en los tres ejes (contenido, estructura y relevancia), y presenta potencial para la validación externa y el desarrollo de la investigación clínica. (AU)

Atuação do enfermeiro estomaterapeuta no manejo da incontinência urinária de esforço / The role of the nurse stomatherapist in the management of stress urinary incontinence / El papel de las enfermeras de terapia estomal en el manejo de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo

Objetivo: Relatar a atuação do enfermeiro estomaterapeuta no manejo da incontinência urinária de esforço. Métodos: Estudo observacional, do tipo relato de caso, seguindo duas fases, onde a primeira foi a coleta de dados e levantamento do histórico clínico do paciente, e segunda fase foi descrever a atuação do enfermeiro estomaterapeuta no manejo da incontinência urinária de esforço. Resultados: Na primeira etapa revelou-se o diagnóstico de incontinência urinária por esforço. Foram aplicados o diário miccional, a terapia comportamental, a cinesioterapia e a eletroestimulação. Conclusão: A atuação do enfermeiro estomaterapeuta no manejo da incontinência urinária de esforço compreende a implementação do tratamento conservador, perpassando pela prevenção, estimulação da mudança comportamental e manejo de tecnologias para fortalecimento da musculatura do assoalho pélvico. (AU)

Objective: To report the role of the nurse stomatherapist in the management of stress urinary incontinence. Methods: Observational study, of the case report type, following two phases, where the first was the collection of data and survey of the patients clinical history, and the second phase was to describe the role of the nurse stomatherapist in the management of stress urinary incontinence. Results: In the first stage the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence was revealed. Were applied the mictional diary, behavioral therapy, kinesiotherapy and electrostimulation. Conclusion: The role of the nurse stomatherapist in the management of stress urinary incontinence includes the implementation of conservative treatment, through prevention, stimulation of behavioral change and management of technologies for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. (AU)

Objetivo: Informar sobre el papel de la enfermera estomaterapeuta en el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo. Métodos: Estudio observacional, del tipo case report, siguiendo dos fases, donde la primera fue la recolección de datos y relevamiento de la historia clínica de la paciente, y la segunda fase fue describir la actuación de la enfermera estomaterapeuta en el manejo de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo. Resultados: En la primera etapa se reveló el diagnóstico de incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo. Se aplicaron el diario miccional, la terapia comportamental, la cinesiterapia y la electroestimulación. Conclusión: La actuación del enfermero estomaterapeuta en el manejo de la incontinência urinaria de esfuerzo comprende la aplicación del tratamiento conservador, pasando por la prevención, la estimación del cambio de comportamiento y el manejo de tecnologías para el fortalecimiento de la musculatura del assoalado pelviano. (AU)

Anatomical Proximity Between Sciatic Nerve and Ischial Spine and its Relationship to the Development of Deep Gluteal Pain Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is a medical diagnosis in which the pathoanatomy of the subgluteal space contributes to pain. The growing recognition that gluteal neuropathies can be associated with the presence of a bone-neural conflict with irritation or compression may allow us to shed some light on this pathology. This study aims to determine whether the location of the sciatic nerve (SN) in relation to the ischial spine (IS) contributes to the development of DGS. METHODS: The SN - IS relationship was analyzed based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 15 surgical patients (SPs), who underwent piriformis release, and in 30 control patients who underwent MRI of the pelvis for reasons unrelated to sciatica. The SN exit from the greater sciatic foramen was classified as either zone A (medial to the IS); zone B (on the IS); or zone C (lateral to the IS). RESULTS: The SN was significantly closer to the IS in SPs than in MRI controls (P = 0.014). When analyzing patients of similar age, SNs in SPs were significantly closer (P = 0.0061) to the IS, and located in zone B significantly more (P = 0.0216) as compared to MRI controls. Patients who underwent surgery for piriformis release showed a significant decrease in pain postoperatively (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that the relationship between the IS and SN may play a role in the development of DGS. This may also help establish which patients would benefit more from surgical intervention.

Technologies used in the treatment of burn victims in intensive care: a scope review.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the technologies used by the nursing team in the treatment of skin lesions caused by burns in patients under intensive care. METHODS: this is a scope review conducted on the LILACS, Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL databases without temporal or language restrictions. RESULTS: the highlighted technologies included the use of specialized dressings, biological agents such as probiotics and cyanobacteria, as well as negative pressure therapies and enzymes such as papain and collagenase. Some technologies, such as nanocrystalline silver, demonstrated efficacy in infection control. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the study identified essential technologies in burn care, emphasizing the need for further research on "soft" technologies. The findings support the promotion of evidence-based nursing care for burn patients in intensive care and enhance knowledge about effective treatments.

Migration of the anal distal end due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement: an atypical case report of a 9-month-old infant with tuberculous meningitis and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) represents one of the most classic and widely used treatments for hydrocephalus in pediatric patients. Migration and externalization of the distal end of the catheter through the rectum are extremely rare complications of intestinal perforation with devastating consequences such as meningitis or peritonitis due to enteric bacteria that are significantly life-threatening. Besides, one of the biggest topics with that is that it can happen without producing symptoms, like the patient we present in this case report, which further masks the condition and puts the patient's life more at risk. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 9-month-old infant patient, with a history of prematurity, tuberculous meningitis (TBM), and hydrocephalus, who came to ED with a functional VPS and the distal end of the catheter protruding outside the rectum for 7 days, without presenting neurological or intestinal symptoms accompanying. One of the parameters that guided the diagnosis and made us suspicious of asymptomatic intestinal perforation (IP) was the background of TMB. The patient was immediately transferred to the OR where both ends of the shunt were removed: in the first instance, the shunt tube was disconnected through the abdomen, thus withdrawing through the anus, and subsequently, the proximal end of the catheter was exteriorized. In turn, the intestinal fistula was successfully repaired laparoscopically, and prophylactic antibiotic treatment was early administered. On the 6th postop day, a shunt was internalized, and a child was discharged on postop day 15 without complications with alarm guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The authors of this article strongly suggest that (1) anal extrusion of catheters is an uncommon complication but real: for this reason, its development should be considered in all patients with VPS, especially in infants. (2) The patients are often asymptomatic since false tracts can form around the catheter protecting it from spillage, and thus can be removed without complications. (3) Special care should be taken in patients with conditions that increase the risk of developing IP, such as TMB.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing baseline D-dimer level in stroke patients with or without cancer: Strength of current evidence.

Objectives: D-dimer levels are increased in stroke and cancer. Cancer patients are at a higher risk of stroke. However, the evidence is unclear if high D-dimer in stroke patients can suggest the diagnosis of concomitant cancer or the development of stroke in a cancer patient. The objective is to assess the evidence available on the baseline D-dimer level in stroke patients with and without cancer. Materials and Methods: We conducted the systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. We searched PUBMED, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Scopus for potentially eligible articles published till June 2023. All the review steps were iterative and done independently by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale tool was used to assess the quality of included studies for case control and cohort studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool for cross-sectional studies. The qualitative synthesis is presented narratively, and quantitative synthesis is shown in the forest plot using the random effects model. I2 of more than 60% was considered as high heterogeneity. Results: The searches from all the databases yielded 495 articles. After the study selection process, six papers were found eligible for inclusion in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. In the present systematic review, 2651 patients with ischemic infarcts are included of which 404 (13.97%) patients had active cancer while 2247 (86.02%) did not. The studies included were of high quality and low risk of bias. There were significantly higher baseline D-dimer levels in stroke patients with cancer than in non-cancer patients with a mean difference of 4.84 (3.07-6.60) P < 0.00001. Conclusion: D-dimer is a simple and relatively non-expensive biomarker that is increased to significant levels in stroke patients, who have cancer and therefore may be a tool to predict through screening for active or occult cancer in stroke patients.

Calvarial hemangiomas: Series of 6 cases and review of literature.

Calvarial haemangiomas are benign, vascular tumours of the skull involving parietal and frontal bones. Mostly these lesions remain asymptomatic, and present with cosmetic deformity, headache, uncommon neurological symptoms and reported as case reports and case series. The radiological appearance can range from sessile growing intradiploically to globular and the lesions may extend outwards or inwards after eroding the outer and inner tables of the skull. "Sunburst appearance" and "Wagon-wheel sign" are classical radiological findings but the lesions may present simply as a lytic expansile or even sclerotic calvarial mass. Because of varied clinical presentation and atypical radiological characteristics, the final diagnosis can be clinched by histology only. In selected cases where these lesions are not cosmetically acceptable, en bloc resection with tumour free margins followed by cranioplasty is the treatment of choice. Most reports of calvarial haemangiomas in literature are in the form of case reports.

89Zr-labeled ImmunoPET targeting the cancer stem cell antigen CD133 using fully-human antibody constructs.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells play an important role in driving tumor growth and treatment resistance, which makes them a promising therapeutic target to prevent cancer recurrence. Emerging cancer stem cell-targeted therapies would benefit from companion diagnostic imaging probes to aid in patient selection and monitoring response to therapy. To this end, zirconium-89-radiolabeled immunoPET probes that target the cancer stem cell-antigen CD133 were developed using fully human antibody and antibody scFv-Fc scaffolds. RESULTS: ImmunoPET probes [89Zr]-DFO-RW03IgG (CA = 0.7 ± 0.1), [89Zr]-DFO-RW03IgG (CA = 3.0 ± 0.3), and [89Zr]-DFO-RW03scFv - Fc (CA = 2.9 ± 0.3) were radiolabeled with zirconium-89 (radiochemical yield 42 ± 5%, 97 ± 2%, 86 ± 12%, respectively) and each was isolated in > 97% radiochemical purity with specific activities of 120 ± 30, 270 ± 90, and 200 ± 60 MBq/mg, respectively. In vitro binding assays showed a low-nanomolar binding affinity of 0.6 to 1.1 nM (95% CI) for DFO-RW03IgG (CA = 0.7 ± 0.1), 0.3 to 1.9 nM (95% CI) for DFO-RW03IgG (CA = 3.0 ± 0.3), and 1.5 to 3.3 nM (95% CI) for DFO-RW03scFv - Fc (C/A = 0.3). Biodistribution studies found that [89Zr]-DFO-RW03scFv - Fc (CA = 2.9 ± 0.3) exhibited the highest tumor uptake (23 ± 4, 21 ± 2, and 23 ± 4%ID/g at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively) and showed low uptake (< 6%ID/g) in all off-target organs at each timepoint (24, 48, and 72 h). Comparatively, [89Zr]-DFO-RW03IgG (CA = 0.7 ± 0.1) and [89Zr]-DFO-RW03IgG (CA = 3.0 ± 0.3) both reached maximum tumor uptake (16 ± 3%ID/g and 16 ± 2%ID/g, respectively) at 96 h p.i. and showed higher liver uptake (10.2 ± 3%ID/g and 15 ± 3%ID/g, respectively) at that timepoint. Region of interest analysis to assess PET images of mice administered [89Zr]-DFO-RW03scFv - Fc (CA = 2.9 ± 0.3) showed that this probe reached a maximum tumor uptake of 22 ± 1%ID/cc at 96 h, providing a tumor-to-liver ratio that exceeded 1:1 at 48 h p.i. Antibody-antigen mediated tumor uptake was demonstrated through biodistribution and PET imaging studies, where for each probe, co-injection of excess unlabeled RW03IgG resulted in > 60% reduced tumor uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Fully human CD133-targeted immunoPET probes [89Zr]-DFO-RW03IgG and [89Zr]-DFO-RW03scFv - Fc accumulate in CD133-expressing tumors to enable their delineation through PET imaging. Having identified [89Zr]-DFO-RW03scFv - Fc (CA = 2.9 ± 0.3) as the most attractive construct for CD133-expressing tumor delineation, the next step is to evaluate this probe using patient-derived tumor models to test its detection limit prior to clinical translation.

Anatomical Relationships of the Sciatic Nerve and Pudendal Nerve to the Ischial Spine as They Exit the Greater Sciatic Foramen.

OBJECTIVE: Deep gluteal syndrome is a clinical condition in which discomfort may arise due to the pathoanatomy of the subgluteal space. We conducted an anatomical exploration to categorize the relationship of the piriformis muscle, sciatic nerve (SN), and pudendal nerve (PN) to the ischial spine (IS) and sacrospinous ligament. METHODS: We analyzed 22 cadavers. The piriformis muscle, SN, and PN were exposed through either a transgluteal approach or a gluteal flap. The relationship of the neural structures to the IS, sacrospinous ligament, and ischial bone as they exit the greater sciatic foramen was observed, and the exit zones were classified as zone A, medial to the IS (entirely on sacrospinous ligament); zone B, on the IS; and zone C, lateral to the IS (entirely on ischial bone). RESULTS: The SN was observed either in zone B or zone C in all specimens. The PN was found to be in either zone A or zone B in 97.6% of specimens. The most common combinations were SN in zone B and PN in zone A (type I), and SN in zone C and PN in zone B (type II). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study show clear anatomical differences in the SN-PN relationship, which may play a role in pain seen in deep gluteal syndrome. Moreover, classification of the SN-IS and PN-IS relationships described in this article will help describe different pathologies affecting the deep gluteal area.

Gastrointestinal dysbiosis induced by Nocardia sp. infection in tilapia.

Nocardiosis has caused high mortalities among fish cultures; however, the effects of Nocardia infections in the fish gastrointestinal microbiota are unknown. In this research, tilapia was infected with Nocardia sp., to analyze the effect of infection on the gastrointestinal microbiota. Tilapia infected with Nocardia sp. reported a 46 % survival (100 % in non-infected). Moreover, the infection caused severe damage to the stomach microbiota, with a loss of diversity and a significant increase of Proteobacteria (94.8 %), resulting in a negative correlation network between Proteobacteria and other important phyla. Nocardia sp. is an emerging pathogen capable of inducing dysbiosis and causing significant mortalities.