Optimized Drop-Casted Polyaniline Thin Films for High-Sensitivity Electrochemical and Optical pH Sensors.

Conducting polymers used in chemical sensors are attractive because of their ability to confer reversible properties controlled by the doping/de-doping process. Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most prominent materials used due to its ease of synthesis, tailored properties, and higher stability. Here, PANI thin films deposited by the drop-casting method on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates were used in electrochemical and optical sensors for pH measurement. The response of the devices was correlated with the deposition parameters; namely, the volume of deposition solution dropped on the substrate and the concentration of the solution, which was determined by the weight ratio of polymer to solvent. The characterisation of the samples aimed to determine the structure-property relationship of the films and showed that the chemical properties, oxidation states, and protonation level are similar for all samples, as concluded from the cyclic voltammetry and UV-VIS spectroscopic analysis. The sensing performance of the PANI film is correlated with its relative physical properties, thickness, and surface roughness. The highest electrochemical sensitivity obtained was 127.3 ± 6.2 mV/pH, twice the Nernst limit-the highest pH sensitivity reported to our knowledge-from the thicker and rougher sample. The highest optical sensitivity, 0.45 ± 0.05 1/pH, was obtained from a less rough sample, which is desirable as it reduces light scattering and sample oxidation. The results presented demonstrate the importance of understanding the structure-property relationship of materials for optimised sensors and their potential applications where high-sensitivity pH measurement is required.

Genotype-by-environment interactions in beef and dairy cattle populations: A review of methodologies and perspectives on research and applications.

Modern livestock production systems are characterized by a greater focus on intensification, involving managing larger numbers of animals to achieve higher productive efficiency and animal health and welfare within herds. Therefore, animal breeding programs need to be strategically designed to select animals that can effectively enhance production performance and animal welfare across a range of environmental conditions. Thus, this review summarizes the main methodologies used for assessing the levels of genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) in cattle populations. In addition, we explored the importance of integrating genomic and phenotypic information to quantify and account for G × E in breeding programs. An overview of the structure of cattle breeding programs is provided to give insights into the potential outcomes and challenges faced when considering G × E to optimize genetic gains in breeding programs. The role of nutrigenomics and its impact on gene expression related to metabolism in cattle are also discussed, along with an examination of current research findings and their potential implications for future research and practical applications. Out of the 116 studies examined, 60 and 56 focused on beef and dairy cattle, respectively. A total of 83.62% of these studies reported genetic correlations across environmental gradients below 0.80, indicating the presence of G × E. For beef cattle, 69.33%, 24%, 2.67%, 2.67%, and 1.33% of the studies evaluated growth, reproduction, carcass and meat quality, survival, and feed efficiency traits, respectively. By contrast, G × E research in dairy cattle populations predominantly focused on milk yield and milk composition (79.36% of the studies), followed by reproduction and fertility (19.05%), and survival (1.59%) traits. The importance of G × E becomes particularly evident when considering complex traits such as heat tolerance, disease resistance, reproductive performance, and feed efficiency, as highlighted in this review. Genomic models provide a valuable avenue for studying these traits in greater depth, allowing for the identification of candidate genes and metabolic pathways associated with animal fitness, adaptation, and environmental efficiency. Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are emerging fields that require extensive investigation to maximize our understanding of gene-nutrient interactions. By studying various transcription factors, we can potentially improve animal metabolism, improving performance, health, and quality of products such as meat and milk.

The Efficacy of Ketogenic Diets (Low Carbohydrate; High Fat) as a Potential Nutritional Intervention for Lipedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a frequently misdiagnosed condition in women, often mistaken for obesity, which significantly deteriorates both quality of life and physical health. Recognizing the necessity for holistic treatment strategies, research has increasingly supported the integration of specific dietary approaches, particularly ketogenic diets focusing on low-carbohydrate and high-fat intake. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the impact of ketogenic diets on women with lipedema through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by reviewing published, peer-reviewed studies addressing the implications of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) ketogenic diet in managing lipedema following comprehensive scrutiny of digital medical databases, such as PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and the Web of Science. This research was governed by specified parameters, including an established search string composed of search terms and an eligibility criterion (PICO) as denoted by the principal authors. Statistical analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4.1 software with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale utilized for quality appraisal of the included studies. RESULTS: Seven studies reporting statistical outcomes were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis following a rigorous quality appraisal and data identification process. Three hundred and twenty-nine female participants were diagnosed with lipedema and treated using a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Data analysis identified the high-fat diet with a mean study duration of 15.85 weeks. Mean Differences (MDs) on changes pre- and post-intervention showed significant reductions in BMI and total body weight [4.23 (95% CI 2.49, 5.97) p < 0.00001 and 7.94 (95% CI 5.45, 10.43) p < 0.00001 for BMI and body weight, respectively]. Other anthropometric measurements, such as changes in waist/hip circumferences and waist/hip ratios, showed a significant reduction in these parameters, with an MD of 8.05 (95% CI 4.66, 11.44) p < 0.00001 and an MD of 6.67 (95% CI 3.35, 9.99) p < 0.0001 for changes in waist and hip circumferences from baseline, respectively. Lastly, changes in pain sensitivity were statistically significant post-intervention [MD 1.12 (95% CI, 0.44, 1.79) p = 0.001]. All studies scored fair on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. CONCLUSIONS: despite the limited studies and low number of study participants, the review observed a significant reduction in anthropometric and body composition metrics, indicating a potentially beneficial association between LCHF ketogenic diets and lipedema management.

Is microscopic agglutination test a reliable method for diagnosing the bovine genital leptospirosis syndrome?

Bovine Genital Leptospirosis (BGL) is a chronic reproductive syndrome characterized by genital infection by Leptospira spp. An accurate diagnosis of BGL is crucial to implementing proper control measures in field conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of serology by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) for diagnosing leptospirosis in subfertile cows with genital infection. Of three herds, 93 non-pregnant cows with reproductive failures were submitted to the blood sampling (serology by MAT) and genital samples (lipL32-PCR). A total of 62/93 (66.6%) cows presented seroreactive to cutoff 100, while 45/93 (48.4%) cows were positive to cutoff 200, mainly against the Sejroe serogroup. In PCR analysis, 55/93 (59.1%) were positive. MAT results were compared with PCR (considered the standard), and test parameters and Cohen's kappa (ƙ) were calculated for the cut-offs 100 and 200. A ROC curve was performed for each cut-off of titers 100 to 1,600. The sensitivity and specificity of MAT100 were calculated at 66.6% and 33.3%, while for MAT200 the sensitivity was estimated as 35% and specificity as 54.5%. The accuracy of MAT was poor, being 54.8% in MAT100 and 42% in MAT200. Furthermore, the area under the curve of ROC analysis was low for all titers, and the correlation was poor for MAT100 and MAT200 (ƙ < 0). The results demonstrated that MAT is a limited technique to diagnose bovine genital carriers individually, and if only MAT is applied, genital carriers may pass undetected, impairing the control programs.

Trace elements and heavy metal(loid)s triggering ecological risks in a heavily polluted river-reservoir system of central Mexico: Probabilistic approaches.

The contamination of trace elements and heavy metal(loid)s in water bodies has emerged as a global environmental concern due to their high toxicity at low concentrations to both biota and humans. This study aimed to evaluate the ecological risk associated with the occurrence and spatial distribution of Mn, Fe, Co, Cd, Ni, Zn, Sb, As, Tl, Cu, Pb, U, and V in the heavily polluted waters of an important river-reservoir system (Atoyac River Basin) in central Mexico, using two-level tired probabilistic approaches: Risk Quotient based on Species Sensitivity Distribution (RQSSD) and Joint Probability Curves (JPCs). The concentrations of these elements varied widely, ranging from 0.055 µg L-1 to 9200 µg L-1 and from 0.056 µg L-1 to 660 µg L-1, in both total and dissolved fractions, respectively. Although geogenic and anthropogenic sources contribute to the presence of these elements in waters, the discharge of untreated or poorly treated industrial wastewater is the main source of contamination. In this regard, the RQSSD results indicated high ecological risk for Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Sb, and medium or low ecological risk for As, Tl, U, and V at almost all sampling sites. The highest RQSSD values were found downstream of a large industrial corridor for Co, Zn, Tl, Pb, and V, with Tl, Pb, and V escalating to higher risk levels, highlighting the negative impact of industrial contamination on biota. The JPC results for these elements are consistent with the RQSSD approach, indicating an ecological risk to species from Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Sb in waters of the Atoyac River Basin. Therefore, the results of this study offer a thorough assessment of pollution risk, providing valuable insights for legislators on managing and mitigating exposure.

Evidence of Internal Structure Validity, Measurement Invariance, Convergent Validity, Clinical Validity, and Reliability of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool in Peruvian Women.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common type of violence committed against women and results in serious personal, familial, social, and economic consequences; thus, there is a need to detect IPV early. One test for detecting IPV is the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). The objective of the study was to obtain evidence of the validity of the WAST in terms of its internal structure, measurement invariance, convergent validity, clinical validity, and reliability. A total of 670 women who have or have had a heterosexual relationship participated in the study. The first stage included 513 adult women who partook of health services (M age = 35.5 years, SD age = 10 years). The second stage included 160 women, 80 diagnosed with IPV (M age = 34.2 years, SD age = 11.8 years) and 80 who were not (M age = 31.8 years, SD age = 11.5 years). We used multivariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. We found evidence that the WAST demonstrates a one-dimensional structure; evidence of measurement invariance regarding cohabitation with the partner, length of the relationship, and age; evidence of convergent validity in terms of correlations with emotional dependence, self-compassion, expressive suppression, anxiety, and depression; and evidence of clinical validity in terms of the high probability of detecting positive cases of IPV. These properties support the use of the WAST for detecting possible cases of IPV, which will allow timely intervention. This instrument can also be used in larger studies on IPV in the Spanish-speaking population.

Advancement in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis: A new and stable electrochemical biosensor for genomic RNA detection.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, having already caused more than seven million deaths worldwide. Conventional techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection have limitations, as high cost, low specificity, and longer analysis time, among others. Biosensors emerge as a necessary alternative to overcome the difficulties of current diagnostics. This paper reports a sensor platform where silver-doped zinc oxide nanomaterial (Ag:ZnONp) was used onto carbon screen-printed electrode and ethidium bromide as indicator for development of a specific electrochemical genosensor for COVID-19. This genosensor demonstrated good linearity between the concentrations of 5.62 × 104-5.62 copies/mL and a detection limit of 5 copies/mL with gRNA in patient's samples, with a response time within 30 min. Molecular modeling and morphological analysis are in agreement with obtained electrochemical results. Additional techniques such as AFM, SEM, and EIS were conducted to characterize the morphological and electrochemical properties of the biosensor's surface. The biosensor was also capable of detecting the target presence in spiked samples and demonstrated a stability of 60 days, higher than other similar biosensors for SARS-CoV-2.

TET3 is expressed in prostate cancer tumor-associated macrophages and is associated with anti-androgen resistance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of TET3 in prostate cancer and its effect on the efficacy of anti-androgen therapy (ADT). METHODS: The expression of TET3 in 1965 cases of prostate cancer and 493 cases of normal prostate tissues were analyzed. The CIBERSORT algorithm evaluated the abundance of 22 tumor-infiltrating immune cells in 497 prostate cancers. Subsequently, the expression of TET3 in prostate cancer TAMs was analyzed using 21,292 cells from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). In addition, the trajectory of the differentiation process was reconstructed based on pseudotime analysis. Sensitivity prediction of prostate cancers to ADT was evaluated based on GDSC2 and CTRP databases. Another dataset GSE111177 was employed for further analysis. RESULTS: TET3 was over-expressed in prostate cancer, and the expression of TET3 in metastatic prostate cancer was higher than that in non-metastatic prostate cancer. The scRNAseq analysis of prostate cancer showed that TET3 was mainly expressed in TAM. TET3 expressed in early and active TAMs, with the activation of signaling pathways such as energy metabolism, cell communication, and cytokine production. Prostate cancer in TET3 high expression group was more sensitive to ADT drugs such as Bicalutamide and AZD3514, and was also more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs such as Cyclophosphamide, Paclitaxel, and Vincristine, and MAPK pathway inhibitors of Docetaxel and Dabrafenib. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of ADT in prostate cancer is related to the expression of TET3 in TAMs, and TET3 may be a potential therapeutic target for coordinating ADT.

Study on the prediction model of liver cancer based on chronic liver disease and the related molecular mechanism.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Due to the high heterogeneity of HCC, which leads to poor prognostic outcomes for patients, there is a need to develop a novel predictive model for accurate classification of HCC in order to improve patient survival rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of the HCV, cirrhosis, and HCC were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. Multivariable Cox regression analysis and survival analysis was conducted to assess the prognostic relevance of these differentially expressed genes. Single-cell sequencing was used to explore the intercellular interaction patterns and identify relevant signaling pathways. Drug sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine personalized treatment strategies for patients. RESULTS: In this study, we conducted integrated analysis of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma datasets and identified 10 liver disease progression genes associated with prognosis. These genes exhibited significant downregulation in expression as the disease advanced, suggesting their crucial involvement in HCC development. By performing multivariable Cox analysis, we established a prognostic model for liver disease progression to predict the prognosis of HCC patients. The model was validated using ROC analysis, demonstrating good accuracy and stability in prognostic evaluation. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that these genes primarily exert their effects through the MIF signaling pathway during HCC progression. Furthermore, we observed that patients in the low-risk group exhibited higher sensitivity to TACE treatment, while patients in the high-risk group showed better response to sorafenib treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we have elucidated the key genes involved in the progression of liver diseases and established a precise prognostic model for assessing the prognosis of HCC patients. Our study provides novel insights and strategies for the treatment of HCC.

Construction and clinical significance of prognostic risk markers based on cancer driver genes in lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cancer driver genes (CDGs) have been reported as key factors influencing the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the role of CDGs in LUAD prognosis has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: LUAD transcriptome data and CDG-related data were obtained from public databases and literature. Differentially expressed CDGs (DE-CDGs) greatly associated with LUAD survival (P < 0.05) were identified to establish a prognostic model. In addition, immune analysis of high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups was conducted by utilizing the CIBERSORT and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithms to assess immune differences. Subsequently, mutation analysis was conducted using maftools. Finally, candidate drugs were identified using the CellMiner database. RESULTS: 40 DE-CDGs significantly associated with LUAD survival and 11 DE-CDGs associated with prognosis were identified through screening. Regression analysis revealed that risk score can independently predict LUAD prognosis (P < 0.05). Immune landscape analysis revealed that compared to the HR group, the LR group had higher immune scores and high infiltration of various immune cells such as follicular helper B cells and T cells. Mutation landscape analysis demonstrated that missense mutation was the most common mutation type in both risk groups. Drug prediction analysis revealed strong correlations of fulvestrant, S-63845, sapacitabine, lomustine, BLU-667, SR16157, motesanib, AZD-9496, XK-469, dimethylfasudil, P-529, and imatinib with the model genes, suggesting their potential as candidate drugs targeting the model genes. CONCLUSION: This study identified 11 effective biomarkers, DE-CDGs, which can predict LUAD prognosis and explored the biological significance of CDGs in LUAD prognosis, immunotherapy, and treatment.

In-Office Dental Bleaching Using 37% Carbamide Peroxide Versus 35% Hydrogen Peroxide: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the tooth sensitivity (TS) and bleaching efficacy (BE) of in-office dental bleaching performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 37% carbamide peroxide (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six participants were randomly divided into two groups according to the bleaching gel applied to the right hemiarch: 35% HP, or 37% CP. TS was recorded immediately after, up to 1, 24, and 48 h after bleaching, using the VAS and NRS scales. BE was assessed before bleaching and 1 month after using color guide units (ΔSGUs) and a spectrophotometer (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID). TS was assessed using McNemar's and paired t-test (VAS) or Wilcoxon signed rank (NRS). The paired t-test was used to analyze BE (α = 0.05). RESULTS: TS risk and intensity were lower for the 37% CP (p = 0.003 and p < 0.005). Despite significant differences between the groups after 1 month (ΔSGU and ΔE00; p < 0.05), the color measurements of both groups exceeded the 50%:50% perceptibility/acceptability threshold. CONCLUSION: In-office dental bleaching using 37% CP resulted in reduced risk and TS intensity, without prejudice to the BE. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of 37% CP for in-office dental bleaching could decrease TS risk and intensity without affecting BE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: RBR-683qhf.

Pricing drinking water testing in northern Haiti: Financial sensitivity to operating costs, user demand, and economic conditions.

Safe drinking water availability is a concern in Haiti. Public systems have limited coverage and reliability. Private wells and local water sources are often of unknown or poor quality. Public health events, such as the 2010 cholera outbreak, demonstrate vulnerability to water contamination. To address these concerns, a drinking water laboratory was established at the Campus Henri Christophe in Limonade, a branch of the State University of Haiti, to meet water testing demands from local clients such as for-profit kiosks, institutions, industries, and municipal water systems. This study assessed the financial viability of a university-based drinking water laboratory in Haiti by calculating Internal Rate of Return and Net Present Value. Sensitivity analysis was used to identify the range of conditions under which laboratory revenues would cover operating costs. To achieve an acceptable profitability level, the laboratory must perform microbiological testing for routine monitoring samples and test an average of five samples per day. Price-based incentives for new clients have relatively small impacts on profitability. Finally, international and Haitian inflation cause some variation in profitability. These economic factors will be among the key drivers of laboratory operation costs. The results underscore the main factors that must be considered to make the laboratory successful and the importance of strategic marketing for laboratory managers to encourage clients to regularly test drinking water and emphasize microbiological testing.

Non-Propagating Cracks at the Fatigue Limit of Notches: An Analysis of Notch Sensitivity and Size Effect.

The issues of the high-cycle fatigue resistance of notches and the role of non-propagating short cracks in defining the fatigue notch sensitivity and fatigue limit of the configuration are addressed. A fracture mechanics approach is employed to determine the threshold configuration that defines the associated fatigue limit. The influence of notch sharpness, notch size, intrinsic fatigue limit, microstructural dimensions, and the threshold for crack propagation is examined. A simple expression is proposed to estimate the maximum fatigue notch factor, kfMax, which incorporates the influence of these non-propagating cracks. The fatigue limits for both blunt and sharp elliptical notches are analyzed and predicted based on experimental results reported in the literature. Additionally, shallow notches or small defects are analyzed, where it is found that the same hypothesis may not be applicable.

Innovative perspectives on the value of diagnostic tests in clinical practice / Perspectivas innovadoras sobre el valor de las pruebas diagnósticas en la práctica clínica

Abstract Diagnostic tests have intrinsic characteristics such as sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy and likelihood ratios which define their operational performance. It is not uncommon to find in the literature that test value and clinical utility are defined based exclusively on those characteristics. This paper introduces several arguments aimed at prompting a reflection regarding the characteristics that define the true value of diagnostic tests in clinical practice. It concludes with the view that the value of each diagnostic test needs to be established in accordance with the circumstances in which it is used, taking into account extrinsic characteristics such as in whom it is used, when, where and by who.

Resumen Las pruebas diagnósticas tienen características intrínsecas, como la sensibilidad, especificidad, exactitud global y las razones de verosimilitud, que definen su desempeño operacional. No es infrecuente encontrar en la literatura que se valore la prueba y se defina su utilidad clínica exclusivamente de acuerdo con estas características. En este documento se presentan varios argumentos que permiten reflexionar sobre las características que verdaderamente definen el valor de las pruebas diagnósticas en la práctica clínica. Se concluye con una perspectiva en la que el valor de cada prueba diagnóstica se establece de acuerdo con las circunstancias de uso de la misma: de quién, cuándo, dónde y en quién se use la prueba, y todas estas son características extrínsecas de una prueba diagnóstica.

Sensibilidade dentinária associada ao clareamento dental em dentes vitais - uma revisão de literatura / Tooth sensitivity related to vital teeth dental bleaching ­ a literature review

O clareamento dental pode ser realizado através da técnica caseira ou de consultório, utilizando agentes como o peróxido de carbamida (PC) e peróxido de hidrogênio (PH). Apesar de seguro, existem alguns efeitos adversos relacionados ao clareamento dental, como a sensibilidade dentinária (SD), que pode estar presente em diferentes graus dependendo da técnica utilizada. A aplicação de agentes dessensibilizantes antes, durante ou depois do clareamento dental vem sido estudada para evitar ou reduzir a sensibilidade associada ao clareamento. O estudo visa revisar a literatura em relação a aspectos e conceitos importantes do clareamento dental, discutindo seus possíveis efeitos adversos com foco na sensibilidade dentinária. Foi realizada uma pesquisa digital da base de dados Medline, via PubMed, utilizando palavras-chave relacionadas ao tema, priorizando artigos publicados há menos de 20 anos e escritos em inglês ou português. Artigos também foram buscados manualmente e foram utilizados livros de odontologias relacionados ao tema. De um total de 48 artigos, 28 foram escolhidos para a composição do trabalho, além de 2 livros de dentística que abordam o clareamento dental. Constata-se que a sensibilidade dentinária é um efeito adverso comum relacionado ao clareamento dental, que possui causa exata desconhecida, porém sabe-se que está relacionada à difusão do peróxido de hidrogênio pelos tecidos dentários. A sensibilidade dentinária é mais frequente na técnica de clareamento de consultório do que na técnica caseira, e pode ser agravada por fatores relacionados ao indivíduo e/ou ao dente. Alguns agentes como o nitrato de potássio, fosfopeptídeos de caseína-fosfato de cálcio amorfo (CPP-ACP), vidros bioativos e partículas de hidroxiapatita, se mostraram efetivos no controle da sensibilidade dentinária.

Dental bleaching can be performed in at-home or in-office techniques, using agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Although it's safe, there are some side effects related to dental bleaching, such as tooth sensitivity, which may be present in different degrees, depending on the chosen technique. The application of desensitizing agents before, during or after dental bleaching is being studied to avoid or reduce the bleaching related sensitivity. The study aims to review the literature over important aspects and concepts of dental bleaching, discussing its possible side effects, focusing on tooth sensitivity. Methods: an online search was done on Medline's database, through PubMed, using keywords related to the theme, prioritizing articles published less than 20 years ago, written in English or Portuguese. Articles were also researched manually, and dentistry books related to the theme were used as well. Out of 48 articles, 28 were chosen to this study's composition, in addition to 2 books that approach dental bleaching. Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect related to dental bleaching, with an unknown cause, however, it is known that it's related to hydrogen peroxide's diffusion through dental tissues. Tooth sensitivity is more frequent within in-office technique than within at-home technique, and may be worsen by individual and/or dental related factors. Agents such as potassium nitrate, CPP-ACP, bioactive glasses and hydroxyapatite particles, showed up to be effective in dental sensitivity control.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de los antígenos de Leishmania braziliensis y Leishmania peruviana en el método de inmunoblot para la detección de la leishmaniasis tegumentaria americana / Diagnostic performance of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania peruviana antigens in the immunoblot method for the detection of american tegumentary leishmaniasis

RESUMEN El presente estudio se planteó determinar el rendimiento de antígenos de Leishmania braziliensis y Leishmania peruviana en la detección de LTA, fue desarrollado a partir de muestras de suero obtenidas entre 2013 - 2016. Los antígenos solubles y de excreción/secreción obtenidos fueron transferidos a membrana de nitrocelulosa mediante un ensayo de inmunotransferencia. Se realizó la evaluación frente a sueros confirmados para LTA, a un nivel de confianza al 95%, logrando determinar que, el antígeno soluble de Leishmania braziliensis presenta una sensibilidad del 87,7%, especificidad del 100% y área bajo la curva de 0,95; mientras que, Leishmania peruviana se encontró valores de 92,3%, 95,7% y 0,94 respectivamente. De acuerdo a los resultados, recomendamos realizar la caracterización y análisis de las regiones inmunogénicas reportadas a fin de continuar con el desarrollo de proteínas recombinantes y sintéticas, orientadas a mejorar la eficiencia del diagnóstico serológico de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the performance of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania peruviana antigens in the detection of ATL by using serum samples obtained between 2013 - 2016. The obtained soluble and excretion/secretion antigens were transferred to membrane nitrocellulose by immunoblot assay. The evaluation was carried out against sera confirmed for ATL, at a confidence level of 95%, determining that the soluble antigen of Leishmania braziliensis had a sensitivity of 87.7%, specificity of 100% and area under the curve of 0.95; on the other hand, Leishmania peruviana showed values of 92.3%, 95.7% and 0.94, respectively. According to the results, we recommend that the reported immunogenic regions should be characterized and analyzed in order to continue with the development of recombinant and synthetic proteins, aimed at improving the efficiency of the serological diagnosis of the disease.

LEAP2 is associated with impulsivity and reward sensitivity depending on the nutritional status and decreases with protein intake in humans.

AIM: Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) dynamics in human plasma and its association with feeding behaviour remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims: (a) to investigate fasting LEAP2 in participants with normal weight or with overweight or mild obesity (OW/OB); (b) to study the association between fasting LEAP2 and anthropometric and metabolic traits, feeding behaviour, LEAP2 genetic variants and blood cell DNA methylation status; and (c) to ascertain postprandial changes in LEAP2 after high protein intake and the association with feeding behaviour and food intake. METHODS: Anthropometric and behavioural measures, genotyping, methylation profiling, plasma glucose and LEAP2 concentrations were assessed in 327 females and males. A subgroup of 123 participants received an ad libitum high-protein meal, and postprandial LEAP2 concentration and behavioural measures were assessed. RESULTS: LEAP2 concentration was higher in participants with OW/OB (p < 0.001) and in females (p < 0.001), and was associated with LEAP2 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs765760 (p = 0.012) and rs803223 (p = 0.019), but not with LEAP2 methylation status. LEAP2 concentration was directly related to glycaemia (p = 0.001) and fullness (p = 0.003) in participants with normal weight, whereas it was associated with body mass index (p = 0.018), waist circumference (p = 0.014) and motor impulsivity in participants with OW/OB (p = 0.005). A negative association with reward responsiveness was observed in participants with OW/OB (p = 0.023). LEAP2 concentration was inversely associated with food intake (p = 0.034) and decreased after a high-protein meal (p < 0.001), particularly in women (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Increased LEAP2 in participants with OW/OB is associated with behavioural characteristics of obesity. Our results show sexual dimorphism in LEAP2 concentration before and after food intake and highlight the role of LEAP2 in feeding regulation.

Accuracy of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) rapid test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis: A multi-center study in six Brazilian states.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with significant global impact and a challenging diagnosis. The utilization of adequately validated rapid tests is relevant for the opportune identification of the disease and for reduction in fatality rates. The present study analyzes the accuracy and reliability of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) assay -produced in Brazil by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)- for diagnosing leptospirosis. Firstly, a serological panel was constructed in the Brazilian Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis using samples routinely handled by reference laboratories of six Brazilian states. It consisted of 150 positive (according to MAT and IgM-ELISA) and 250 negative samples for leptospirosis. Subsequently, the panel samples were distributed to the reference laboratories for the performance of DPP assays in triplicate. Different measures were used in the assessment of diagnostic quality. Predictive values were estimated for different pre-test probability settings. Sensitivities varied between 67.33 % and 74.00 % and specificities between 93.20 % and 98.40 % in the states, and there were adequate agreements between them. Accuracies were lower for the samples of patients with less than 7 days of symptoms. In contexts of prevalence values up to around 25 %, positive and negative predictive values were around 90 %. However, in situations of high pre-test probabilities, NPVs were low. This study improves understanding of the use of DPP in diagnosing leptospirosis, particularly its application in healthcare settings. As long as the time of symptoms onset and clinical and epidemiological contexts are adequately considered for the interpretation of results, DPP is a valid option to be used in the leptospirosis diagnostic routine.

The Tunable Parameters of Graphene-Based Biosensors.

Graphene-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors have emerged as a promising technology for the highly sensitive and accurate detection of biomolecules. This study presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of graphene-based SPR biosensors, focusing on configurations with single and bimetallic metallic layers. In this study, we investigated the impact of various metallic substrates, including gold and silver, and the number of graphene layers on key performance metrics: sensitivity of detection, detection accuracy, and quality factor. Our findings reveal that configurations with graphene first supported on gold exhibit superior performance, with sensitivity of detection enhancements up to 30% for ten graphene layers. In contrast, silver-supported configurations, while demonstrating high sensitivity, face challenges in maintaining detection accuracy. Additionally, reducing the thickness of metallic layers by 30% optimizes light coupling and enhances sensor performance. These insights highlight the significant potential of graphene-based SPR biosensors in achieving high sensitivity of detection and reliability, paving the way for their application in diverse biosensing technologies. Our findings pretend to motivate future research focusing on optimizing metallic layer thickness, improving the stability of silver-supported configurations, and experimentally validating the theoretical findings to further advance the development of high-performance SPR biosensors.