Infrared laser therapy decreases systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in hypercholesterolemic mice with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared irradiation photobiomodulation (NIR-PBM) has been successfully used in periodontal treatment as an adjuvant tool to locally improve cell function and regeneration. Although the relationship between periodontitis and systemic disease constitutes an important aspect of periodontal clinical research, the systemic effects of NIR-PBM in periodontitis are not well known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of NIR-PBM on systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in an apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mouse model of periodontal disease (PD). METHODS: We evaluated alveolar bone loss by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in blood cells, inflammatory activity, plasma cholesterol levels, and lipid peroxidation levels in three experimental groups: (1) ApoEC, control group without intervention; (2) ApoEP, first molar ligation-induced periodontitis for 4 weeks; and (3) ApoEP + PBM, exposed to 808 nm continuous wave, ø ~ 3 mm2, 100 mW, 60 s of NIR-PBM for 7 consecutive days after 4 weeks of periodontitis. At the end of the experimental protocols, ApoEP mice presented significantly increased alveolar bone loss, ROS production, inflammatory activity, plasma cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation levels compared to the ApoEC group (P < 0.05). NIR-PBM for 7 days in the ApoEP + PBM mice significantly decreased systemic ROS production, inflammatory response, plasma cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation levels, similar to those found in the ApoEC group (P > 0.05). However, it was not capable of preventing alveolar bone loss (P > 0.05 compared to ApoEP mice). CONCLUSION: A 7-day treatment with NIR-PBM effectively reduces systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in hypercholesterolemic mice with PD. However, more studies with longer evaluation times are needed to confirm the systemic effects of locally applied NIR-PBM on PD associated with hypercholesterolemia.

Maternal Profiles and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study from Angola.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize pregnant women admitted to Irene Neto Maternity Hospital, Lubango city, Huíla province, and their pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional facility-based survey between October 2016 and September 2017, involving 500 pregnant women, followed from admission in labor until the end of delivery. Mean (SD) was computed for quantitative variables, while relative and absolute frequencies were determined for categorical variables. Additionally, confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Among pregnant women 18.3% were adolescents (≤ 19 years) and 14.5% had advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years). Illiteracy was reported by 8.2%. One in three (33.6%) had a short stature (< 1.55 m). Malaria was the most frequent infection during pregnancy (16.3%). Upon admission, 18.1% were anemic (Hb < 11 g/dl) and 36.0% had hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg), contrasting with the few cases reported of chronic hypertension and pregnancy-induced hypertension. There were 15 twin pregnancies. Cesarean section was performed in 25.2% of the women, although there was no medical indication for 23.0% of women having cesareans. Two maternal deaths occurred in our sample. Among live births from singleton pregnancies (97.1%), birth asphyxia (Apgar < 7 at 5 min) was observed in 22.7% and 10.3% had low birth weight (< 2.5 kg). CONCLUSIONS: There are very few studies reporting pregnancy outcomes in Angola. This analysis presents data from Huíla province, the second most populous province. We identified characteristics for higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: adolescence, illiteracy, and short stature. Among newborn outcomes, birth asphyxia and low birth weight demand special attention. Further research is needed to explore the non-medical indications for cesarean section and to better understand the twinning rate in Lubango.

Kinetic Extraction of Fucoxanthin from Undaria pinnatifida Using Ethanol as a Solvent.

Fucoxanthin (Fx) has been proven to exert numerous biological properties, which makes it an interesting molecule with diverse industrial applications. In this study, the kinetic behavior of Fx was studied to optimize three variables: time (t-3 min to 7 days), temperature (T-5 to 85 °C), and concentration of ethanol in water (S-50 to 100%, v/v), in order to obtain the best Fx yield from Undaria pinnatifida using conventional heat extraction. The Fx content (Y1) was found through HPLC-DAD and expressed in µg Fx/g of algae sample dry weight (AS dw). Furthermore, extraction yield (Y2) was also found through dry weight analysis and was expressed in mg extract (E)/g AS dw. The purity of the extracts (Y3) was found and expressed in mg Fx/g E dw. The optimal conditions selected for Y1 were T = 45 °C, S = 70%, and t = 66 min, obtaining ~5.24 mg Fx/g AS; for Y2 were T = 65 °C, S = 60%, and t = ~10 min, obtaining ~450 mg E/g AS; and for Y3 were T = 45 °C, S = 70%, and t = 45 min, obtaining ~12.3 mg Fx/g E. In addition, for the selected optimums, a full screening of pigments was performed by HPLC-DAD, while phenolics and flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometric techniques and several biological properties were evaluated (namely, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity). These results could be of interest for future applications in the food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industries, as they show the Fx kinetic behavior and could help reduce costs associated with energy and solvent consumption while maximizing the extraction yields.

Electrochemical Chemically Based Sensors and Emerging Enzymatic Biosensors for Antidepressant Drug Detection: A Review.

Major depressive disorder is a widespread condition with antidepressants as the main pharmacological treatment. However, some patients experience concerning adverse reactions or have an inadequate response to treatment. Analytical chromatographic techniques, among other techniques, are valuable tools for investigating medication complications, including those associated with antidepressants. Nevertheless, there is a growing need to address the limitations associated with these techniques. In recent years, electrochemical (bio)sensors have garnered significant attention due to their lower cost, portability, and precision. Electrochemical (bio)sensors can be used for various applications related to depression, such as monitoring the levels of antidepressants in biological and in environmental samples. They can provide accurate and rapid results, which could facilitate personalized treatment and improve patient outcomes. This state-of-the-art literature review aims to explore the latest advancements in the electrochemical detection of antidepressants. The review focuses on two types of electrochemical sensors: Chemically modified sensors and enzyme-based biosensors. The referred papers are carefully categorized according to their respective sensor type. The review examines the differences between the two sensing methods, highlights their unique features and limitations, and provides an in-depth analysis of each sensor.

DNA damage and repair on hematopoietic stem cells: impact of oxidative stress in renovascular hypertension.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated oxidative damage to bone marrow cells in the pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension (RH). METHODS: Male C57BL/6 J mice (10-week-old and ~23 g) were divided into two groups: Sham-operated and 2K1C, which has a stainless-steel clip placed around the left renal artery. After twenty-eight days, the animals were anesthetized for hemodynamic measurements and bone marrow cells isolation. The intracellular production of ROS, DNA damage, and DNA repair kinetics were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results show that RH increases HSCs ROS production and that the 2K1C group showed a significant reduction of HSCs in the G0/G1 phase, increased p53 expression, DNA fragmentation, low DNA repair capacity, and a higher percentage of apoptotic cells when compared with the Sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data imply that RH can compromise the hematopoiesis by increased oxidative stress leading to impaired DNA repair activity. Furthermore, this study provides new insights into the influence of hypertension on bone marrow homeostasis. This study showed for the first time that RH leads to oxidative damage, including genotoxic, to bone marrow cells. Thus, these findings provide new insights into the consequences of RH on bone marrow cells.

Clinical Burden of Inpatient Wound Care in Internal Medicine Units During the First Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical burden and epidemiologic profile of hospitalized patients with wounds during the first wave of COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective and observational study was conducted to analyze the inpatient episodes of wound care in the University Hospital of Salamanca (Spain) during the initial COVID-19 crisis from March 1, 2020, to June 1, 2020. Data were collected from nursing care reports and clinical discharge reports. Included patients were 18 years or older, had a hospital length of stay of 1 day or longer, and were hospitalized in an internal medicine unit. Surgical and traumatic wounds and pediatric patients were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients and 216 wounds were included. The overall wound prevalence was 7.6%, and incidence was 3.5% in the internal medicine units. Pressure injuries (PIs) were the most common wound type, and patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher PI risk (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-4.0; P = .042). Significant differences in PI staging were noted: 83.2% of wounds in patients with COVID-19 were stages I-II versus 67.8% in patients without COVID-19; the probability of stage III-IV PIs among patients without COVID-19 was doubled (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.5; P = .009). The probability of acute wounds tripled in patients with COVID-19 (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.1-6.6; P < .001). Patients with COVID-19 also had longer mean hospital stays and higher ICU admission rates. No case fatality rate differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this context of clinical practice, protocolized assessment and implementation of preventive measures must be ensured among older adult populations, patients with associated comorbidities, and ICU patients.

Risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection and mortality in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to analyse the association of demographic, clinical and pharmacological risk factors with the presence of SARS-COV-2 virus infection, as well as to know the variables related to mortality from COVID-19 in nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. The study variables of those residents who acquired the infection (case) were compared with those of the residents who did not acquire it (control). A subgroup analysis was carried out to study those variables related to mortality. SITE: Nursing homes in the region of Guipúzcoa (Spain). PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: 4 NHs with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020 participated in the study. The infectivity and, secondary, mortality was studied, as well as demographic, clinical and pharmacological variables associated with them. Data were collected from the computerised clinical records. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Infection and mortality rate. Risk factors associated with infection and mortality. RESULTS: 436 residents were studied (median age 87 years (IQR 11)), 173 acquired SARS-CoV-2 (39.7%). People with dementia and Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 were less likely to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus [OR=0.65 (95% CI 0.43-0.97; p<.05)]. Overall case fatality rate was 10.3% (a mortality of 26% among those who acquired the infection). COVID-19 mortality was significantly associated with a Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 (OR=4.9 (95% CI 1.5-16.1)), COPD diagnosis (OR=7.8 (95% CI 1.9-31.3)) and antipsychotic use (OR=3.1 (95% CI 1.0-9.0)). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced dementia has been associated with less risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection but higher risk of COVID-19 mortality. COPD and chronic use of antipsychotics have also been associated with mortality. These results highlight the importance of determining the stage of diseases such as dementia as well as maintaining some caution in the use of some drugs such as antipsychotics.

Can an early mobilisation programme prevent hospital-acquired pressure injures in an intensive care unit?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to clarify the effect of an early mobilisation programme on the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in an intensive care unit as opposed to standard care. We searched a total of 11 databases until 1 May 2020 and included seven studies (n = 7.520) related to the effect of early mobilisation protocol in the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (five quasi-experimental and two random comparative). The five quasi-experimental studies were significantly heterogeneous (P = .02 for Q test and 66% for I2 ), and the odds ratio was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.49-1.91) with a non-significant statistical difference between both groups (P = .93). Our study shows inconclusive outcomes related to the effect of the implementation of an early mobility programme in the prevention of pressure injuries in critical patients. Future research is needed considering the small number of articles on the topic.

Seropositivity rate and sociodemographic factors associated to HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis among parturients from Irene Neto Maternity of Lubango city, Angola.

OBJECTIVES: To characterise infections by HIV, Treponema pallidum, hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) in parturients admitted to Irene Neto Maternity, Lubango city, Huíla province, Angola, namely its seropositivity rate and its association with sociodemographic factors. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional and analytical facility-based survey was conducted among 500 parturients at Irene Neto Maternity, from October 2016 to September 2017. Women in labour were screened for antibodies against HIV-1/2, T. pallidum and HCV. Antigen detection was used to diagnose HBV infections. Sociodemographic data were also collected. The seropositivity rate and respective CIs were estimated at a level of 95%. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to explore the association between the studied infections and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: In 11.8% of the parturients (95% CI 9.3 to 14.9), at least one infection was detected. HBV infection was the most common (8.6%), followed by HIV infection (3.0%) and syphilis (1.0%). Coinfection with HBV and HIV was observed in two parturients (0.4%) and HBV, HIV and T. pallidum were all detected in one parturient (0.2%). No HCV infection was detected. For each additional year of formal education, pregnant women had a 10.0% lower chance of being infected with HBV (adjusted OR=0.900, 95% CI 0.816 to 0.992). CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the few reports contributing for the knowledge of some sexually transmitted infections epidemiology in Angola. The seropositivity rate of the studied infections is of concern, especially the high endemicity of HBV. There is a need for a stronger commitment and further research to design cost-effective public health and clinical interventions to improve the situation.

Control of cardiovascular risk factors with tailored recommendations: A randomized controlled trial.

This study analyzed the efficacy of tailored recommendations to control cardiovascular risk factors at 1-year follow-up in a population-based randomized controlled trial in individuals aged 35-74 years with no history of cardiovascular disease at baseline. Total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the quantitative change in total cholesterol. To estimate the differences within and between groups, McNemar and Student t-tests were applied according to an intention-to-treat strategy. We enrolled 955 individuals [52.3% women; mean age, 50 years (standard deviation 10)]. Finally, 1 participant in each group presented a cardiovascular event and 768 were reexamined at 1-year follow-up. Intervention and control groups showed significant increases in total cholesterol [5.49 (standard deviation 1.02) to 5.56 (1.06) mmol/L and 5.34 (0.94) to 5.43 (0.93) mmol/L, respectively]. Men in the intervention group showed significant decreases in systolic and diastolic BP [117.2 (14.6) to 115.6 mmHg (14.1) and 77.9 (9.7) to 76.5 mmHg (9.7), respectively]; no changes were found in the rates of total cholesterol <5.2 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol <3.0 mmol/L. In the control group, both values were significantly decreased (43.5 to 36.4% and 26.4 to 20.8%, respectively) in men. In the stratified analysis, women showed no differences in any of the outcomes. In conclusion, an intervention with tailored recommendations increased mean total cholesterol values. The intervention effect was higher in men who maintained blood lipids at optimal levels and had decreased BP values.

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak by income: hitting hardest the most deprived.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has many facets. This ecological study analysed age-standardized incidence rates by economic level in Barcelona. METHODS: We evaluated confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Barcelona (Spain) between 26 February 2020 and 19 April 2020. Districts were classified according to most recent (2017) mean income data. The reference for estimating age-standardized cumulative incidence rates was the 2018 European population. The association between incidence rate and mean income by district was estimated with the Spearman rho. RESULTS: The lower the mean income, the higher the COVID-19 incidence (Spearman rho = 0.83; P value = 0.003). Districts with the lowest mean income had the highest incidence of COVID-19 per 10 000 inhabitants; in contrast, those with the highest income had the lowest incidence. Specifically, the district with the lowest income had 2.5 times greater incidence of the disease, compared with the highest-income district [70 (95% confidence interval 66-73) versus 28 (25-31), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of COVID-19 showed an inverse socioeconomic gradient by mean income in the 10 districts of the city of Barcelona. Beyond healthcare for people with the disease, attention must focus on a health strategy for the whole population, particularly in the most deprived areas.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Wake-up Stroke - A 12 Months Prospective Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Wake-up stroke (WUS) are strokes that are noted upon awakening in patients previously going to bed in a normal state of health. The role of sleep abnormalities in WUS is uncertain. The objective was to determine clinical characteristics, respiratory abnormalities during sleep and outcomes in patients with WUS versus non-WUS. METHODS: At baseline, patients with ischemic stroke were examined clinically and with a portable sleep recorder. Apnea-Hypopnea Index greater than or equal to 20 defined a cut-off severity index. At follow-up (3 and 12-months), patients were re-evaluated clinically and with questionnaires: Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Modified Rankin (MR) and Modified Barthel Index Results: Among all (N = 102, 64% male), hypertension (73%), Type 2 diabetes (29.4), heart disease (16.7%), physical inactivity (69.6%), smoking (32.4%) and alcohol consumption (17.6) were found. Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) greater than 5 (92.9%), AHI greater than 15 (44.7%), AHI greater than or equal to 20 (35.3%) and AHI greater than 30 (11.8%) were registered. Cases with and without WUS did not differ regarding polygraphic findings. Long apneas (apnea duration > 20 s) was equally found in patients with WUS (23.1%) and non-WUS (23.7%). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) was independently associated with WUS (OR = 2.76; CI: 1.10-6.05; P = .03). Prospectively, symptom severity was not different between WUS and non-WUS. Overall, patients with OSA (IAH≥20) evolved with worse functional performance (MR, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Wake-up stroke occurred in approximately 1 of 3 of cases. Irrespective of WUS, half of the patients had moderate to severe sleep apnea; those with OSA (AHI≥ 20) evolved with worse functional performance after 1 year. WUS was associated with TDM reinforcing a relationship with cerebral small vessel disease.

Index of the Mayo Endoscopy and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopy Index of Severity: are they equally valid?

INTRODUCTION: endoscopy plays an essential role in the management of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), as it allows us to visualize and assess the severity of the disease. Different scores have been devised to standardize the findings because such assessments are not always objective. AIMS: the aim of this study was to assess the interobserver variability between the Index of Mayo Endoscopy (IME) and the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopy Index of Severity (UCEIS), analyzing the severity of the endoscopic lesions in patients with UC. The secondary aim was to analyze if the cathartic preparation affected the degree of concordance amongst the endoscopists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this was a single-cohort observational, comparative study in which a colonoscopy was performed in patients with UC, as the normal clinical practice. The results were classified according to the IME and the UCEIS by three endoscopic specialists. In order to assess the degree of interobserver correlation, the Kappa index for IME was used and the intraclass correlation coefficient was used for UCEIS. RESULTS: sixty-seven patients were included in the study. The average age was 51 (SD ± 16.7) and the average Mayo Clinic index was 3.07 (SD ± 2.54). The weighted Kappa index between endoscopists A and B for the IME was 0.8, 0.52 between A and C and 0.49 between B and C. The intraclass correlation coefficient for UCEIS was 0.922 between the three endoscopists (95 % CI: 0.832-0.959). A better interobserver correlation was found when the cathartic preparation was ≥ 8 based on the Boston Scale. CONCLUSIONS: there was a higher correlation between the different endoscopists for the UCEIS than for the IME. Thus, this should be considered to be the best index to use in the clinical practice. A good cleansing preparation is important to improve the interobserver correlation.

Negative pressure wound therapy for skin graft closure in complex pilonidal disease.

Pilonidal disease occurs in 26 in 100 000 people, affecting mainly men aged 20-30 years. It is treated by a variety of surgical techniques; however, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal choice of treatment for complex pilonidal disease. In addition, there is no consensus regarding care of the wound after surgery. Negative pressure wound therapy applied to open wounds following pilonidal disease surgery has been suggested as a way to decrease healing times and costs and is an emerging option for complex and or recurrent pilonidal disease. This study describes a case of complex pilonidal disease managed with local excision and negative pressure wound therapy followed by a split-thickness skin graft.

Engineering Erg10 Thiolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Synthetic Toolkit for the Production of Branched-Chain Alcohols.

Thiolases catalyze the condensation of acyl-CoA thioesters through the Claisen condensation reaction. The best described enzymes usually yield linear condensation products. Using a combined computational/experimental approach, and guided by structural information, we have studied the potential of thiolases to synthesize branched compounds. We have identified a bulky residue located at the active site that blocks proper accommodation of substrates longer than acetyl-CoA. Amino acid replacements at such a position exert effects on the activity and product selectivity of the enzymes that are highly dependent on a protein scaffold. Among the set of five thiolases studied, Erg10 thiolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed no acetyl-CoA/butyryl-CoA branched condensation activity, but variants at position F293 resulted the most active and selective biocatalysts for this reaction. This is the first time that a thiolase has been engineered to synthesize branched compounds. These novel enzymes enrich the toolbox of combinatorial (bio)chemistry, paving the way for manufacturing a variety of α-substituted synthons. As a proof of concept, we have engineered Clostridium's 1-butanol pathway to obtain 2-ethyl-1-butanol, an alcohol that is interesting as a branched model compound.

Interaction between cardiovascular risk factors and body mass index and 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer death, and overall mortality.

The effect of above-normal body mass index (BMI) on health outcomes is controversial because it is difficult to distinguish from the effect due to BMI-associated cardiovascular risk factors. The objective was to analyze the impact on 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer deaths and overall mortality of the interaction between cardiovascular risk factors and BMI. We conducted a pooled analysis of individual data from 12 Spanish population cohorts with 10-year follow-up. Participants had no previous history of cardiovascular diseases and were 35-79years old at basal examination. Body mass index was measured at baseline being the outcome measures ten-year cardiovascular disease, cancer and overall mortality. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for potential confounders, considering the significant interactions with cardiovascular risk factors. We included 54,446 individuals (46.5% with overweight and 27.8% with obesity). After considering the significant interactions, the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease was significantly increased in women with overweight and obesity [Hazard Ratio=2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.19-4.61) and 5.65 (1.54-20.73), respectively]. Overweight and obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer death in women [3.98 (1.53-10.37) and 11.61 (1.93-69.72)]. Finally, obese men had an increased risk of cancer death and overall mortality [1.62 (1.03-2.54) and 1.34 (1.01-1.76), respectively]. In conclusion, overweight and obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer death and of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease in women; whereas obese men had a significantly higher risk of death for all causes and for cancer. Cardiovascular risk factors may act as effect modifiers in these associations.

Chemical profile of pineapple cv. Vitória in different maturation stages using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Pineapple is the fruit of Ananas comosus var. comosus plant, being cultivated in tropical areas and has high energy content and nutritional value. Herein, 30 samples of pineapple cv. Vitória were analyzed as a function of the maturation stage (0-5) and their physico-chemical parameters monitored. In addition, negative-ion mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry [ESI(-)FT-ICR MS] was used to identify and semi-quantify primary and secondary metabolites present in the crude and phenolic extracts of pineapple, respectively. RESULTS: Physico-chemical tests show an increase in the total soluble solids (TSS) values and in the TSS/total titratable acidity ratio as a function of the maturity stage, where a maximum value was observed in stage 3 (¾ of the fruit is yellow, which corresponds to the color of the fruit peel). ESI(-)FT-ICR MS analysis for crude extracts showed the presence mainly of sugars as primary metabolites present in deprotonated molecule form ([M - H]- and [2 M - H]- ions) whereas, for phenolic fractions, 11 compounds were detected, being the most abundant in the third stage of maturation. This behavior was confirmed by quantitative analysis of total polyphenols. CONCLUSION: ESI-FT-ICR MS was efficient in identifying primary (carbohydrates and organic acids) and secondary metabolites (13 phenolic compounds) presents in the crude and phenolic extract of the samples, respectively. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Hemothorax - a conservative approach in a patient with multiple comorbidities]. / Hemotórax ­ uma abordagem conservadora em doente com múltiplas comorbilidades.

The authors present the case of an elderly woman with multiple comorbidities hospitalized with the diagnosis of community- acquired pneumonia with pleural effusion. However, there was a history of fall with chest trauma 1 week before, coinciding with the onset of symptoms. The patient had a massive hemothorax that could not be drained. There was a progressive worsening of the patient clinical status with sustained fever and arising of inflammatory parameters, despite broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and antipyretics. The case was discussed in a multidisciplinary team, and the possibility of surgical intervention was rejected. As life-saving therapy, it was decided to perform fibrinolysis with tissue plasminogen activator, through the thoracic drain, which occurred successfully and without complications. The hemothorax was drained completely allowing recovery of the patient.

Os autores apresentam o caso de uma mulher idosa, com múltiplas comorbilidades, internada com o diagnostico de pneumonia adquirida na comunidade com derrame pleural. No entanto, após nova história clínica constatou-se haver antecedentes de queda com traumatismo torácico 1 semana antes, coincidente com o início dos sintomas, sendo o derrame pleural um volumoso hemotórax que não foi possível drenar. Observou-se um agravamento progressivo do quadro clínico da doente com febre mantida e agravamento dos parâmetros inflamatórios, apesar da antibioterapia de largo espectro e terapêutica antipirética fixa. O caso foi discutido em equipa multidisciplinar, tendo sido rejeitada a hipótese de intervenção cirúrgica. Como terapêutica de life-saving, optou-se por realizar fibrinólise com fator ativador do plasminogénio tecidual, através do dreno torácico, o que ocorreu com sucesso e sem complicações. O hemotórax foi drenado na totalidade permitindo a recuperação da doente.

Cry1A(b)16 toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis: Theoretical refinement of three-dimensional structure and prediction of peptides as molecular markers for detection of genetically modified organisms.

Transgenic maize produced by the insertion of the Cry transgene into its genome became the second most cultivated crop worldwide. Cry gene from Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki expresses protein derivatives of crystalline endotoxins which confer insect resistance onto the maize crop. Mandatory labeling of processed food containing or made by genetically modified organisms is in force in many countries, so, it is very urgent to develop fast and practical methods for GMO identification, for example, biosensors. In the absence of an available empirical structure of Cry1A(b)16 protein, a theoretical model was effectively generated, in this work, by homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations based on two available homologous protein structures. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to refine the selected model, and an analysis of its global structure was performed. The refined models of Cry1A(b)16 showed a standard fold and structural characteristics similar to those seen in Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A(a) insecticidal toxin and Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki Cry1A(c) toxin. After in silico analysis of Cry1A(b)16, two immunoreactive candidate peptides were selected and specific polyclonal antibodies were produced resulting in antibody-peptide interaction. Biosensing devices are expected to be developed for detection of the Cry1A(b) protein as a marker of transgenic maize in food. Proteins 2017; 85:1248-1257. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mechanical Performance of Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP) Breast Implants: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: There is societal concern regarding potential health problems associated with breast implants. Much of this distrust climate was a reaction to the Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP) scandal. Studying the mechanisms of implant rupture is an important step for their improvement. The mechanical behaviour of breast implant shells was studied on explanted and virgin implants. Implants from both PIP and another brand (brand X), currently in the market, were considered. METHODS: To study the mechanical behaviour of the shell, a total of 940 samples from 11 explants and 5 control implants were analysed. The experimental protocol follows the ISO standards for shell integrity and determination of tensile stress-strain properties. Pearson correlation analyses and the multi-factor ANOVA statistical tests were performed using mechanical test data. RESULTS: Both PIP control and explants had significant variations of stress (P = 0.0001) and shell thickness (P = 0.000) throughout the implant. The stress was directly related to shell thickness. Shell thickness varied significantly for PIP implants, exceeding the manufacturer's specifications. Regarding the other brand, thickness variation was within manufacturer's specifications. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous nature of PIP implants was confirmed. The implant shell thickness should be considered as a relevant parameter during the manufacturing process, for quality control purposes. These results may contribute to dispel mistrust and doubt surrounding breast implants, among the medical community and patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .