Enzyme-catalyzed transesterification of galactomannan extracted from mesquite seed (Prosopis velutina) with vinyl carboxylate esters.

Galactomannans (GM) are hemicellulosic polysaccharides composed of D-mannopyranose chains linked by ß (1 â†’ 4) glycosidic linkages with branches of D-galactopyranose linked by α (1 â†’ 6) linkages. This polysaccharide is recognized for its hydrophilic character, as it is rich in hydroxyl groups (-OH). This chemical characteristic, combined with the absence of ionic charges, enables structural modifications such as transesterification of the fatty acid chains (FA), which provides a strategy for obtaining amphiphilic structures. The enzyme-catalyzed syntheses were carried out in DMSO with GM decanoate (GMD) and GM palmitate (GMP) at different molar ratios (0.5 and 1.0) and the resulting structures were evaluated with infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS 13C NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The FTIR spectrum confirmed the transesterification of GM with the appearance of a C[bond, double bond]O band (1730-1750 cm-1). These results were confirmed by the signals observed at 177 and 30 ppm in the CP/MAS 13C NMR spectrum, which corresponded to the C[bond, double bond]O groups of the esters and the terminal -CH3 groups of the FA chains, respectively. Finally, DSC showed glass transition temperatures (Tg) in the range 43-51 °C, while the melting temperatures (Tm) of the GM esters (59 °C) were not affected by different degrees of esterification (DE) for GMD (0.37 and 0.71) and GMP (0.47 and 0.57).

Modulation of the Excited States of Ruthenium(II)-perylene Dyad to Access Near-IR Luminescence, Long-Lived Perylene Triplet State and Singlet Oxygen Photosensitization.

Herein, we present a novel ruthenium(II)-perylene dyad (RuPDI-Py) that combines the photophysical properties of pyrrolidine-substituted perylene diimide (PDI-Py) and the ruthenium(II) polypyridine complex [Ru(phen)3]2+. A comprehensive study of excited-state dynamics was carried out using time-resolved and steady-state methods in a dimethyl sulfoxide solution. The RuPDI-Py dyad demonstrated excitation wavelength-dependent photophysical behavior. Upon photoexcitation above 600 nm, the dyad exclusively exhibits the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence of the 1PDI-Py state at 785 nm (τfl = 1.50 ns). In contrast, upon photoexcitation between 350 and 450 nm, the dyad also exhibits a photoinduced electron transfer from the {[Ru(phen)3]2+} moiety to PDI-Py, generating the charge-separated intermediate state {Ru(III)-(PDI-Py)•-} (4 µs). This state subsequently decays to the long-lived triplet excited state 3PDI-Py (36 µs), which is able to sensitize singlet oxygen (1O2). Overall, tuning 1O2 photoactivation or NIR fluorescence makes RuPDI-Py a promising candidate for using absorbed light energy to perform the desired functions in theranostic applications.

Synthesis of the Brivaracetam Employing Asymmetric Photocatalysis and Continuous Flow Conditions.

An original total synthesis of the antiepileptic drug brivaracetam (BRV) is reported. The key step in the synthesis consists of an enantioselective photochemical Giese addition, promoted by visible-light and the chiral bifunctional photocatalyst Δ-RhS. Continuous flow conditions were employed to improve the efficiency and allow an easy scale-up of the enantioselective photochemical reaction step. The intermediate obtained from the photochemical step was converted into BRV by two different pathways, followed by one alkylation and amidation, thus giving the desired active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in 44% overall yield, 9:1 diastereoisomeric ratio (dr) and >99:1 enantiomeric ratio (er).

Neuromuscular defects after infection with a beta coronavirus in mice.

COVID-19 affects primarily the lung. However, several other systemic alterations, including muscle weakness, fatigue and myalgia have been reported and may contribute to the disease outcome. We hypothesize that changes in the neuromuscular system may contribute to the latter symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients. Here, we showed that C57BL/6J mice inoculated intranasally with the murine betacoronavirus hepatitis coronavirus 3 (MHV-3), a model for studying COVID-19 in BSL-2 conditions that emulates severe COVID-19, developed robust motor alterations in muscle strength and locomotor activity. The latter changes were accompanied by degeneration and loss of motoneurons that were associated with the presence of virus-like particles inside the motoneuron. At the neuromuscular junction level, there were signs of atrophy and fragmentation in synaptic elements of MHV-3-infected mice. Furthermore, there was muscle atrophy and fiber type switch with alteration in myokines levels in muscles of MHV-3-infected mice. Collectively, our results show that acute infection with a betacoronavirus leads to robust motor impairment accompanied by neuromuscular system alteration.

High SARS-CoV-2 tropism and activation of immune cells in the testes of non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to rely on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, whose expression in the testis is among the highest in the body. Additionally, the risk of mortality seems higher among male COVID-19 patients, and though much has been published since the first cases of COVID-19, there remain unanswered questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 impact on testes and potential consequences for reproductive health. We investigated testicular alterations in non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19-patients, the precise location of the virus, its replicative activity, and the immune, vascular, and molecular fluctuations involved in the pathogenesis. RESULTS: We found that SARS-CoV-2 testicular tropism is higher than previously thought and that reliable viral detection in the testis requires sensitive nanosensors or RT-qPCR using a specific methodology. Through an in vitro experiment exposing VERO cells to testicular macerates, we observed viral content in all samples, and the subgenomic RNA's presence reinforced the replicative activity of SARS-CoV-2 in testes of the severe COVID-19 patients. The cellular structures and viral particles, observed by transmission electron microscopy, indicated that macrophages and spermatogonial cells are the main SARS-CoV-2 lodging sites, where new virions form inside the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate complex. Moreover, we showed infiltrative infected monocytes migrating into the testicular parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 maintains its replicative and infective abilities long after the patient's infection. Further, we demonstrated high levels of angiotensin II and activated immune cells in the testes of deceased patients. The infected testes show thickening of the tunica propria, germ cell apoptosis, Sertoli cell barrier loss, evident hemorrhage, angiogenesis, Leydig cell inhibition, inflammation, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that high angiotensin II levels and activation of mast cells and macrophages may be critical for testicular pathogenesis. Importantly, our findings suggest that patients who become critically ill may exhibit severe alterations and harbor the active virus in the testes.

Magnetoplasmonic Nanoantennas for On-Chip Reconfigurable Optical Wireless Communications.

On-chip wireless communications require optical nanoantennas with dynamically tunable radiation patterns, which may allow for higher integration with multiple nanoantennas instead of two fixed nanoantennas in existing approaches. In this paper, we introduce a concept to enable active manipulation of radiated beam steering using applied magnetic fields. The proposed system consists of a highly directive Yagi-Uda-like arrangement of magnetoplasmonic nanoribs made of Co6Ag94 and immersed in SiO2. Numerical demonstration of the tilting of the radiated beam from the nanoantenna on its plane is provided with full-wave electromagnetic simulations using the finite element method. The tilt direction of the radiated beam can be changed by reversing the magnetization direction, while the conventional plasmonic nanoantenna pattern is recovered by demagnetizing the system. The geometry of the nanoantenna can be tailored to work at optical or infrared wavelengths, but a proof of concept for λ = 700 nm is conducted for taking advantage of the high magneto-optical activity of Co6Ag94. The design was based on experimental data for materials that can be fabricated via nanolithography, thus permitting magnetically on-chip reconfigurable optical wireless communications.

Gallium and indium complexes with isoniazid-derived ligands: Interaction with biomolecules and biological activity against cancer cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Gallium and indium octahedral complexes with isoniazid derivative ligands were successfully prepared. The ligands, isonicotinoyl benzoylacetone (H2L1) and 4-chlorobenzoylacetone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (H2L2), and their respective coordination compounds with gallium and indium [GaL1(HL1)] (GaL1), [GaL2(HL2)] (GaL2), [InL1(HL1)] (InL1) and [InL2(HL2)] (InL2) were investigated by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-Vis, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. In vitro interaction studies with human serum albumin (HSA) evidenced a moderate affinity of all complexes with HSA through spontaneous hydrophobic interactions. The greatest suppression of HSA fluorescence was caused by GaL2 and InL2, which was associated to the higher lipophilicity of H2L2. In vitro interaction studies with CT-DNA indicated weak interactions of the biomolecule with all complexes. Cytotoxicity assays with MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), PC-3 (prostate carcinoma) and RWPE-1 (healthy human prostate epithelial) cell lines showed that complexes with H2L2 are more active and selective against MCF-7, with the greatest cytotoxicity observed for InL2 (IC50 = 10.34 ± 1.69 µM). H2L1 and H2L2 were labelled with gallium-67, and it was verified that 67GaL2 has a greater lipophilicity than 67GaL1, as well as higher stability in human serum or in the presence of apo-transferrin. Cellular uptake assays with 67GaL1 and 67GaL2 evidenced that the H2L2-containing radiocomplex has a higher accumulation in MCF-7 and PC-3 cells than the non-halogenated congener 67GaL1. The anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis assays revealed that both ligands and metal complexes are potent growth inhibitors, with MIC90 (µg mL-1) values observed from 0.419 ± 0.05 to 1.378 ± 0.21.

Herpetofauna of protected areas in the Caatinga VIII: An updated checklist for the Serra das Confusões region with new data from Serra Vermelha, Piauí, Brazil / Herpetofauna das áreas protegidas da Caatinga VIII: Um inventário atualizado para a região da Serra das Confusões com novos dados da Serra Vermelha, Piauí, Brazil

Abstract It is repeatedly stressed the need to characterize the extant biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. However, inventory studies are still progressing slowly in dry ecosystems, leading to the underestimation of their true biodiversity and hindering conservation efforts. In this study, we present primary and secondary data, along with an updated list of amphibians and reptiles from two localities in the São Francisco-Gurguéia region in Piauí. Additionally, we compare the species composition between nine areas within the Caatinga, which were sampled using standardized methods over the past ten years, to examine broader spatial patterns of community composition. To survey reptiles and amphibians, we employed similar methods and sampling efforts in two areas within the Serra das Confusões National Park (SCNP) region. Our surveys recorded a total of 73 species of amphibians and reptiles, of which 24 are new distribution records for the SCNP region. Consequently, our findings increase the known herpetofauna in the region to 94 species. Despite their proximity, the two sites in the SCNP region exhibited only 42% similarity in species composition, and they differed significantly from other areas within the Caatinga. Furthermore, even the closer Caatinga areas presented differences in species composition, highlighting the necessity to evaluate biodiversity across the landscape and contribute to understanding biogeographic patterns.

Resumo É repetidamente enfatizada a necessidade de caracterizar a biodiversidade vivente em ecossistemas tropicais. No entanto, os estudos de inventário ainda estão progredindo lentamente em ecossistemas secos, levando à subestimação de sua verdadeira biodiversidade e dificultando os esforços de conservação. Neste estudo, apresentamos dados primários e secundários, juntamente com uma lista atualizada de anfíbios e répteis de duas localidades na região de São Francisco-Gurguéia, do Piauí. Além disso, comparamos a composição de espécies entre nove áreas dentro da Caatinga, que foram amostradas usando métodos padronizados nos últimos dez anos, para examinar padrões espaciais mais amplos de composição da comunidade. Para estudar répteis e anfíbios, utilizamos métodos e esforços de amostragem semelhantes em duas áreas na região do Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões (PNSC). Nossos levantamentos registraram um total de 73 espécies de anfíbios e répteis, das quais 24 são novos registros de distribuição para a região do PNSC. Consequentemente, nossos resultados aumentam a herpetofauna conhecida na região para 94 espécies. Apesar da proximidade, os dois locais na região do PNSC exibiram apenas 42% de similaridade na composição de espécies e diferiram significativamente de outras áreas dentro da Caatinga. Mesmo áreas mais próximas da Caatinga apresentaram diferenças na composição de espécies, destacando a necessidade de avaliar a biodiversidade em toda a paisagem e contribuir para a compreensão de padrões biogeográficos.

Assessing Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems in the characterization of rocky shores for oil spills environmental sensitivity mapping, northern São Paulo littoral, Brazil.

The Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) for oil spills was developed to assist coordinators to evaluate oil spill impact along shorelines and also to coordinate the allocation of resources during and after the incident, aiming to reduce environmental damage and consequences. Recently, Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) are being used in a wide range of areas, since they complement traditional remote sensing data (e.g., satellite images) and offer a rapidly, precise, detail and high-resolution images that fit well for environmental studies. Herein, the use of high-resolution RPAS images for ESI analysis of rocky shores in the Brazilian territory was performed. Using RPAS images, with their higher-resolution compared with ArcGIS Pro Basemap satellite images, increased the detailed of ESI analysis for oil spills, increasing the number of regions in the rocky shore that are more sensitive to oil spills. The RPAS images were able to decrease the number of areas that were less sensitive to oil spills, and increase areas that are more sensitive to oil spills. This increase is important, since they were not detected in the ESI analysis using conventional ArcGIS Pro Basemap satellite images. The RPAS images permit to delineate precisely rocky shores, improving ESI interpretation in rocky shores.

Design of Plasmonic Yagi-Uda Nanoantennas for Chip-Scale Optical Wireless Communications.

Optical wireless transmission has recently become a major cutting-edge alternative for on-chip/inter-chip communications with higher transmission speeds and improved power efficiency. Plasmonic nanoantennas, the building blocks of this new nanoscale communication paradigm, require precise design to have directional radiation and improved communication ranges. Particular interest has been paid to plasmonic Yagi-Uda, i.e., the optical analog of the conventional Radio Frequency (RF) Yagi-Uda design, which may allow directional radiation of plasmonic fields. However, in contrast to the RF model, an overall design strategy for the directional and optimized front-to-back ratio of the radiated far-field patterns is lacking. In this work, a guide for the optimized design of Yagi-Uda plasmonic nanoantennas is shown. In particular, five different design conditions are used to study the effects of sizes and spacing between the constituent parts (made of Au). Importantly, it is numerically demonstrated (using the scattered fields) that closely spaced nanoantenna elements are not appropriated for directional light-to-plasmon conversion/radiation. In contrast, if the elements of the nanoantenna are widely spaced, the structure behaves like a one-dimensional array of nanodipoles, producing a funnel-like radiation pattern (not suitable for on-chip wireless optical transmission). Therefore, based on the results here, it can be concluded that the constituent metallic rib lengths must be optimized to exhibit the resonance at the working wavelength, whilst their separations should follow the relation λeff/π, where λeff indicates the effective wavelength scaling for plasmonic nanostructures.

Impact of the Preoperative Spinopelvic Parameters on the Segmental Lordosis Correction after One-level Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Objectives The present study aimed to assess whether preoperative spinopelvic parameters can influence the gain of segmental lordosis after one level of lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Methods The following radiological parameters were measured in the X-rays: pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, L4S1 lordosis, index level segmental lordosis, intraoperative index segmental lordosis, pelvic mismatch (IP-LL), distal lordosis proportion, delta segmental lordosis, Pelvic Titlt (PT) > 20, actual sacral slope, and ideal sacral slope, and the correlation of these variables with the gain of segmental lordosis was investigated. Afterwards, an exploratory cluster analysis was performed to identify common characteristics between patients and segmental lordosis gain. Results The sample of the present study comprised 104 patients, of which 76% presented segmental lordosis gain. The most correlated parameters with the segmental lordosis gain were preoperative segmental lordosis (-0.50) and delta intraoperative lordosis (0.51). Moreover, patients in the high PI groups had a trend to gain more segmental lordosis ( p < 0.05) and a reduced risk of losing segmental lordosis (Odds 6.08). Conclusion Patients with low-medium PI profiles presented higher odds of loss of segmental lordosis. However, the preoperative spinopelvic parameters alone do not seem to play a significant role in the fate of segmental lordosis gain.

Impact of the Preoperative Spinopelvic Parameters on the Segmental Lordosis Correction after One-level Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion / Impacto dos parâmetros espinopélvicos pré-operatórios na correção de lordose segmentar após fusão intersomática lombar por via lateral de um nível

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to assess whether preoperative spinopelvic parameters can influence the gain of segmental lordosis after one level of lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Methods The following radiological parameters were measured in the X-rays: pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, L4S1 lordosis, index level segmental lordosis, intraoperative index segmental lordosis, pelvic mismatch (IP-LL), distal lordosis proportion, delta segmental lordosis, Pelvic Titlt (PT) > 20, actual sacral slope, and ideal sacral slope, and the correlation of these variables with the gain of segmental lordosis was investigated. Afterwards, an exploratory cluster analysis was performed to identify common characteristics between patients and segmental lordosis gain. Results The sample of the present study comprised 104 patients, of which 76% presented segmental lordosis gain. The most correlated parameters with the segmental lordosis gain were preoperative segmental lordosis (−0.50) and delta intraoperative lordosis (0.51). Moreover, patients in the high PI groups had a trend to gain more segmental lordosis (p< 0.05) and a reduced risk of losing segmental lordosis (Odds 6.08). Conclusion Patients with low-medium PI profiles presented higher odds of loss of segmental lordosis. However, the preoperative spinopelvic parameters alone do not seem to play a significant role in the fate of segmental lordosis gain.

Resumo Objetivos O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se os parâmetros espinopélvicos pré-operatórios podem influenciar o ganho da lordose segmental após fusão intersomática lombar por via lateral de um nível. Métodos Os seguintes parâmetros radiológicos foram medidos nos raios X: incidência pélvica, lordose lombar, versão pélvica, lordose L4S1, lordose segmental do nível operado, índice intraoperatório de lordose segmentar, mismatch pélvico (IP-LL), proporção de lordose distal, delta de lordose segmentar, PT > 20, inclinação sacral real e inclinação sacral ideal, e a correlação dessas variáveis com o ganho da lordose segmentar foi investigada. Posteriormente, foi realizada uma análise exploratória de cluster para identificar características comuns entre os pacientes e o ganho de lordose segmentar. Resultados O presente estudo contou com 144 pacientes, dos quais 76% apresentaram ganho de lordose segmentar. Os parâmetros mais correlacionados com o ganho de lordose segmentar foram lordose segmentar pré-operatória (−0,50) e delta intraoperatório de lordose (0,51). Além disso, os pacientes dos grupos de incidência pélvica (IP) alto tiveram tendência de ganho de lordose segmental maior (p< 0,05) e redução do risco de perda de lordose segmental (chances 6.08). Conclusão Pacientes com perfis de IP médios baixos apresentaram maiores chances de perda de lordose segmentar. No entanto, os parâmetros espinopélvicos pré-operatórios por si só não parecem desempenhar um papel significativo no destino do ganho da lordose segmentar.

Annexin A1-FPR2/ALX Signaling Axis Regulates Acute Inflammation during Chikungunya Virus Infection.

Chikungunya (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus that causes a self-limiting disease usually accompanied by joint pain and/or polyarthralgia with disabling characteristics. Immune responses developed during the acute phase of CHIKV infection determine the rate of disease progression and resolution. Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is involved in both initiating inflammation and preventing over-response, being essential for a balanced end of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of the AnxA1-FPR2/ALX pathway during CHIKV infection. Genetic deletion of AnxA1 or its receptor enhanced inflammatory responses driven by CHIKV. These knockout mice showed increased neutrophil accumulation and augmented tissue damage at the site of infection compared with control mice. Conversely, treatment of wild-type animals with the AnxA1 mimetic peptide (Ac2-26) reduced neutrophil accumulation, decreased local concentration of inflammatory mediators and diminished mechanical hypernociception and paw edema induced by CHIKV-infection. Alterations in viral load were mild both in genetic deletion or with treatment. Combined, our data suggest that the AnxA1-FPR2/ALX pathway is a potential therapeutic strategy to control CHIKV-induced acute inflammation and polyarthralgia.

Heterologous gam-COVID-vac (sputnik V)/mRNA-1273 (moderna) vaccination induces a stronger humoral response than homologous sputnik V in a real-world data analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the homologous prime-boost vaccination scheme of Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V (SpV)) to its heterologous combination with mRNA-1273 (Moderna (Mod)) vaccine. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (S)-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG concentration was assessed three to seven weeks after complete vaccination. Reactogenicity was evaluated by declared side events and medical assistance required until day 7 post boost. RESULTS: Of 190 participants enrolled, 105 received homologous SpV/SpV and the remaining heterologous SpV/Mod vaccination scheme, respectively. Median (interquartile range (IQR)) age was 54 (37-63) years, 132 out of 190 (69.5%) were female, and 46 out of 190 (24.2%) individuals had a prior confirmed COVID-19. Anti-S-RBD IgG median (IQR) titers were significantly higher for SpV/Mod (2511 (1476-3992) binding antibody units (BAU)/mL) than for SpV/SpV (582 (209-1609) BAU/mL; p < 0.001] vaccination scheme. In a linear model adjusted for age, gender, time to the serological assay, and time between doses, SpV/Mod (4.154 (6.585-615.554); p < 0.001] and prior COVID (3.732 (8.641-202.010); p < 0.001) were independently associated with higher anti-S-RBD IgG values. A higher frequency of mild and moderate adverse effects was associated with the heterologous scheme (20 of 85 (23.5%) vs. 13 of 105 (12.4%); p = 0.043 and 27 of 85 (31.8%) vs. 14 of 105 (13.3%); p = 0.002), respectively, although it was well tolerated by all individuals and no medical assistance was required. DISCUSSION: The heterologous SpV/Mod combination against SARS-CoV-2 is well tolerated and significantly increases humoral immune response as compared to the homologous SpV/SpV immunization.

Angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR axis promotes migration of monocytes/macrophages with a regulatory phenotype to perform phagocytosis and efferocytosis.

Nonphlogistic migration of macrophages contributes to the clearance of pathogens and apoptotic cells, a critical step for the resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a heptapeptide of the renin-angiotensin system that acts through Mas receptor (MasR). Ang-(1-7) has recently emerged as a novel proresolving mediator, yet Ang-(1-7) resolution mechanisms are not fully determined. Herein, Ang-(1-7) stimulated migration of human and murine monocytes/macrophages in a MasR-, CCR2-, and MEK/ERK1/2-dependent manner. Pleural injection of Ang-(1-7) promoted nonphlogistic mononuclear cell influx alongside increased levels of CCL2, IL-10, and macrophage polarization toward a regulatory phenotype. Ang-(1-7) induction of CCL2 and mononuclear cell migration was also dependent on MasR and MEK/ERK. Of note, MasR was upregulated during the resolution phase of inflammation, and its pharmacological inhibition or genetic deficiency impaired mononuclear cell recruitment during self-resolving models of LPS pleurisy and E. coli peritonitis. Inhibition/absence of MasR was associated with reduced CCL2 levels, impaired phagocytosis of bacteria, efferocytosis, and delayed resolution of inflammation. In summary, we have uncovered a potentially novel proresolving feature of Ang-(1-7), namely the recruitment of mononuclear cells favoring efferocytosis, phagocytosis, and resolution of inflammation. Mechanistically, cell migration was dependent on MasR, CCR2, and the MEK/ERK pathway.

Effects of functional electro-stimulation combined with blood flow restriction in affected muscles by spinal cord injury.

Muscle atrophy is a great consequence of spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to immobility. SCI's detrimental effects on large muscle groups may lead to secondary effects such as glucose intolerance, increased risk of metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Exercising with blood flow restriction (BFR) has been proposed as an effective method to induce hypertrophy using low training loads, with little or no muscle damage. This study investigated acute and chronic effects of low-intensity functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with BFR on muscles affected by spinal cord injury. The acute effects of one bout of FES with (FES + BFR group) and without BFR (FES group) on muscle thickness (MT) and edema formation were compared. The chronic effects on MT and edema following 8 weeks of twice weekly training with and without BFR were also compared. The FES + BFR group showed MT and edema increases compared to the FES only group (p< 0.05). The FES + BFR showed a chronic MT increase after 4 weeks of training (p <0.05), with no further MT increases from the 4th to the 8th week (p>0.05). Following 3 weeks of detraining, MT decreased to baseline. No MT changes were observed in the FES (p>0.05). The FES + BF stimuli induced MT increases on the paralyzed skeletal muscles of SCI. The acute effects suggest that FES causes a greater metabolite accumulation and edema when combined with BFR. The early increases in MT can be attributed to edema, whereas after the 4th week, it is likely to be related to muscle hypertrophy. Register Clinical Trial Number on ReBeC: RBR-386rm8.

Aplicación, efectos y evaluación del bienestar a partir del programa cardiofood lifestyle: una experiencia latinoamericana / Wellness application, effects, and evaluation from the cardiofood lifestyle program: a latin american experience

Introducción: Los cambios en las rutinas cotidianas como resultado de las medidas mitigantes implementadas frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 representan un desafío para la población latinoamericana para conservar su bienestar general. Objetivo: Evaluar la valoración del bienestar a partir del programa de medicina de estilo de vida Cardiofood Lifestyle en modalidad virtual en participantes latinoamericanos durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en 2020. Métodos: Estudio analitico, restrospectivo y descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo; desarrollado en modalidad virtual entre mayo y diciembre del 2020. La muestra poblacional fue de 51 participantes. Se aplicó un cuestionario de valoración subjetiva y un score de bienestar de propias autorías validadas por un test de hipótesis. Se calcula el valor P igual a cero. Resultados: De 51 particiantes, 44 (86%) fueron mujeres con una edad media de 45 y 7 (14%) hombres con una media de edad de 40 años. La media del test de valoración del programa Cardiofood Lifestyle fue de 4,71. 35 (68,62%) participantes se sintieron con más energía; 46 (90%) expresaron sentirse mucho más seguros en la elección de alimentos saludables; 36 (70,58%) se sintieron con mucha más lucidez y 41 (80,40%) manifestaron sentirse mucho más saludables en comparación al comienzo del programa. Conclusiones: Existe una buena valoración subjetiva del bienestar representado en participantes latinoamericanos del programa de medicina de estilo de vida Cardiofood Lifestyle en modalidad virtual durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en 2020, representado en mejores sensaciones de energía, lucidez, capacidad de elecciones de alimentos y salud.

Introduction: The changes in daily routines as a result of the mitigating measures implemented in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic represent a challenge for the Latin American population to preserve their general well-being. Objective: To evaluate the wellness assessment from the lifestyle medicine program Cardiofood Lifestyle in virtual modality in Latin American participants during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Methods: Analytical, retrospective and descriptive study, with a quantitative approach; developed in virtual mode between May and December 2020. The population sample was 51 participants. A subjective assessment questionnaire and a self-authorship wellness score were applied and validated by a hypothesis test. The P value equal to zero is calculated. Results: Of 51 participants, 44 (86%) were women with a mean age of 45 and 7 (14%) were men with a mean age of 40 years. The mean of the evaluation test of the Cardiofood Lifestyle program was 4.71. 35 (68.62%) participants felt more energetic; 46 (90%) expressed feeling much more secure in choosing healthy foods; 36 (70.58%) felt much more lucid and 41 (80.40%) stated that they felt much healthier compared to the beginning of the program. Conclusions: There is a good subjective wellness assessment represented in Latin American participants of the Cardiofood Lifestyle medicine program in virtual mode during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, represented in better sensations of energy, lucidity, ability to make food choices and health.

The complex build algorithm to set up starting structures of lanthanoid complexes with stereochemical control for molecular modeling.

When handling metallic centers of higher coordination numbers, one is commonly deluded with the presumption that any assembled metal complex geometry (including a crystallographic one) is good enough as a starting structure for computational chemistry calculations; all oblivious to the fact that such a structure is nothing short of just one out of several, sometimes dozens, or even thousands of other stereoisomers. Moreover, coordination chirality, so frequently present in complexes of higher coordination numbers, is another often overlooked property, rarely recognized as such. The Complex Build algorithm advanced in this article has been designed with the purpose of generating starting structures for molecular modeling calculations with full stereochemical control, including stereoisomer complete identification and coordination chirality recognition. Besides being in the chosen correct stereochemistry, the ligands are positioned by the Complex Build algorithm in a very unobstructed and unclogged manner, so that their degrees of freedom do not hinder or even choke one another, something that would otherwise tend to lead to negative force constants after further geometry optimizations by more advanced computational model chemistries. The Complex Build algorithm has been conceived for any metallic center, but at present is targeting primarily lanthanoids whose coordination numbers range mostly from 5 to 12 and often lead to a combinatorial explosion of stereoisomers.