A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of salicylic, jasmonic and abscisic acids in Coffea arabica leaves.

BACKGROUND: Plants have developed an efficient system of recognition that induces a complex network of signalling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA) in case of a pathogenic infection. The use of specific and sensitive methods is mandatory for the analysis of compounds in these complex samples. RESULTS: In this study a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of SA, JA and ABA in Coffea arabica (L.) leaves in order to understand the role of these phytohormones in the signalling network involved in the coffee defence response against Hemileia vastatrix. The results showed that the method was specific, linear (r ≥ 0.99) in the range 0.125-1.00 µg mL⁻¹ for JA and ABA and 0.125-5.00 µg mL⁻¹ for SA, and precise (relative standard deviation ≤11%), and the limit of detection (0.010 µg g⁻¹ fresh weight) was adequate for quantifying these phytohormones in this type of matrix. CONCLUSION: In comparison with healthy leaves, those infected with H. vastatrix (resistance reaction) displayed an increase in SA level 24 h after inoculation, suggesting the involvement of an SA-dependent pathway in coffee resistance.

Adherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia: a Brazilian single-center cohort.

The introduction of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has dramatically improved outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. However, treatment success is directly related to good long-term adherence. Adherence to TKI therapy was evaluated in 137 CML patients over a period of 1 year. Three different methods were used to evaluate adherence: the Morisky questionnaire, a medication diary and the medication possession ratio (MPR). MPR was the most effective method of assessing adherence (median adherence 96.5%; p = 0.0001), duration of TKI treatment was the variable that most impacted adherence (p = 0.03), and the MPR was inversely correlated to the duration of therapy. Additionally, participation in clinical trials, better quality of life as reported by patients and higher socioeconomic status were all related to better compliance (p = 0.02, 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). For patients treated with imatinib for 24-48 months (n = 22), individuals with major molecular response (MMR) had a significantly better MPR than those who failed to achieve MMR (p = 0.04). In this group, the mean MPR was 87% for the population without apparent molecular response and 96% for those achieving MMR; however, only 24% of the patients were completely adherent to TKI treatment.

Rehabilitation technology for self-care: Customised foot and ankle exercise software for people with diabetes.

AIMS: To develop and validate the content of a free web-based software (desktop and mobile applications) for the self-management of and customised foot-ankle exercises for people with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. METHODS: The development of the programme was based on gamification principles and addressed three main areas: foot care recommendations; self-assessment of feet according to the main complications of diabetic neuropathy; and customised foot-ankle exercises to strengthen muscles, increase the range of motion and improve functionality. The content was validated using the Delphi methodology and a quantitative approach in two rounds with diabetes specialists (n = 9) and users with diabetes (n = 20). A 70% approval rate was considered sufficient in the second round for final validation purposes. The data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, absolute and relative frequencies and the content-validity index (CVI). RESULTS: Among specialists, the CVI was 0.812 after the first round, and final approval was 100% after the second round. Among users, the CVI was 0.902 in the first round, and the final approval was 97%. CONCLUSION: This free access web software was developed based on the high agreement rating between specialists and users and has the potential to prevent complications arising from diabetic polyneuropathy. It allows for self-monitoring and promotes personalised exercises, following a preventive model that can be applied in primary and secondary care services as a complementary treatment for chronic complications. However, further steps to validate the software in a larger population are recommended.

Aparelho ortopédico funcional de bimler / Bimler orthopedic functional appliance therapy

Utilizando uma amostra construída de 52 modelos de gesso do arco dentário inferior, de indivíduos leucodermos, com faixa etária de 6 anos e 3 meses e 20 anos, de ambos os gêneros, portadores de má-oclusão de Classe II, Divisão 1 de Angle, submedidos à terapia com aparelho ortopédico funcional de Bimler iniciada na dentição mista e concluída na dentição permanente; e iniciada e concluída na dentição permanente, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa para verificar a ocorrência de alterações dimensionais no sentido transversal do arco dentário inferior. Com base nos resultados obtidos, e segundo a metodologia utilizada, conclui-se que:(1) o uso do aparelho ortopédico funcional de Bimler possibilita o aumento da largura do arco dentário inferior, tanto na região dos caninos como na dos segundos molares decíduos e seus sucessores permanentes, e dos primeiros molares permanentes;(2) embora o aumento inter-caninos inferiores não tenha sido acentuado, é possível conseguí-lo tanto na transição da dentição mista para a permanente, quanto na dentição permanente;(3) os maiores aumentos nas regiões dos segudos molares decíduos e seus sucessores permanentes ocorrem na fase de transição da dentição mista para a permanente, apesar de também ser obtido aumento estatisticamente significante nestas medidas na dentição permanente