Results of the 2023 ISBI challenge to reduce GABA-edited MRS acquisition time.

PURPOSE: Use a conference challenge format to compare machine learning-based gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) reconstruction models using one-quarter of the transients typically acquired during a complete scan. METHODS: There were three tracks: Track 1: simulated data, Track 2: identical acquisition parameters with in vivo data, and Track 3: different acquisition parameters with in vivo data. The mean squared error, signal-to-noise ratio, linewidth, and a proposed shape score metric were used to quantify model performance. Challenge organizers provided open access to a baseline model, simulated noise-free data, guides for adding synthetic noise, and in vivo data. RESULTS: Three submissions were compared. A covariance matrix convolutional neural network model was most successful for Track 1. A vision transformer model operating on a spectrogram data representation was most successful for Tracks 2 and 3. Deep learning (DL) reconstructions with 80 transients achieved equivalent or better SNR, linewidth and fit error compared to conventional 320 transient reconstructions. However, some DL models optimized linewidth and SNR without actually improving overall spectral quality, indicating a need for more robust metrics. CONCLUSION: DL-based reconstruction pipelines have the promise to reduce the number of transients required for GABA-edited MRS.

Aplicabilidade da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade e Incapacidade e Saúde em unidades de emergência e cuidados intensivos: uma revisão sistemática / Applicability of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in emergency and intensive care units: a systematic review

A Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade e Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF), surgiu para proporcionar uma linguagem estruturada e padronizada para descrever os diferentes estados relacionados à saúde dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão da literatura nacional e internacional acerca da aplicabilidade e uso da CIF no ambiente de emergência e cuidados intensivos. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, realizada nas bases de dados PUBMED, LILACS e MEDLINE, com artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos (período de 2011 a 2021), que utilizaram a CIF, Core sets ou conceitos da CIF como medida de desfecho em ambiente de cuidados agudos: emergências e Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), em indivíduos adultos. Resultados: Foram identificados 11.373 estudos dos quais foram selecionados 14 estudos. Ao todo a amostra foi de 5.046 indivíduos, sendo 406 profissionais da saúde e 4.640 pacientes em diferentes condições de saúde. A maioria dos estudos (50%) foram realizados exclusivamente em UTI. Foi observado que 11 estudos utilizaram versões curtas e resumidas da CIF em Core sets e 5 deles contemplaram todos os 4 domínios da CIF (função e estrutura do corpo, atividade e participação e fatores ambientais). Conclusão: Devido a sua extensão e complexidade, o uso da CIF na emergência e cuidados intensivos tem sido adaptada e aplicada em versões curtas. Os core sets da CIF se mostraram uma ferramenta útil, aplicável em diferentes perfis de paciente críticos e permitiu fornecer informações de funcionalidade e incapacidade durante a internação e para a tomada de decisão das metas de reabilitação.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) emerged to provide a structured and standardized language to describe the different states related to the health of individuals. Objective: To propose a review of the national and international literature about the applicability and use of the ICF in the emergency and intensive care environment. Method: A systematic review was performed on the PUBMED, LILACS and MEDLINE databases, with articles published in the last 10 years (from 2011 to 2021), which used the ICF, Core sets ICF or ICF concepts as a measure of outcome in an acute care environment: emergencies and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in adult individuals. Results: 11,373 studies were identified, of which 14 studies were selected. In all, the sample comprised 5,046 individuals, including 406 health professionals and 4,640 patients with different health conditions. Most studies (50%) were performed exclusively in the ICU. It was observed that 11 studies used short and summarized versions of the ICF in Core sets and in 5 studies all four domains of the ICF were used (body function and structure, activity and participation and environmental factors). Conclusion: Because it is extensive and complex, the use of the ICF in emergency and intensive care has been adapted to short versions. The ICF core sets proved to be a useful tool, applicable to different profiles of critically ill patients and allowed providing information on functionality and disability during hospitalization and when deciding on rehabilitation goals.

PVDF/Clay Spheres Obtained through Phase Inversion for Cu Ion Removal.

In this study, spheres of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/clay were synthesized using an easy dripping method (also known as phase inversion). The spheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. Finally, application tests were carried out using commercial cachaça, a popular alcoholic beverage in Brazil. The SEM images revealed that during the solvent exchange process for sphere formation, PVDF tends to form a three-layered structure with a low-porosity intermediate layer. However, the inclusion of clay was observed to reduce this layer and also widen the pores in the surface layer. The results of the batch adsorption tests showed that the composite with 30% clay content in relation to the mass of PVDF was the most effective among those tested, with the removal of 32.4% and 46.8% of the total copper present in the aqueous and ethanolic media, respectively. The adsorption of copper from cachaça in columns containing cut spheres resulted in adsorption indexes above 50% for samples with different copper concentrations. Such removal indices fit the samples within the current Brazilian legislation. Adsorption isotherm tests indicate that the data fit better to the BET model.

Unravelling the sponge microbiome as a promising source of biosurfactants.

Microbial surfactants are particularly useful in bioremediation and heavy metal removal from soil and aquatic environments, amongst other highly valued uses in different economic and biomedical sectors. Marine sponge-associated bacteria are well-known producers of bioactive compounds with a wide array of potential applications. However, little progress has been made on investigating biosurfactants produced by these bacteria, especially when compared with other groups of biologically active molecules harnessed from the sponge microbiome. Using a thorough literature search in eight databases, the purpose of the review was to compile the current knowledge on biosurfactants from sponge-associated bacteria, with a focus on their relevant biotechnological applications. From the publications between the years 1995 and 2021, lipopeptides and glycolipids were the most identified chemical classes of biosurfactants. Firmicutes was the dominant phylum of biosurfactant-producing strains, followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Bioremediation led as the most promising application field for the studied surface-active molecules in sponge-derived bacteria, despite the reports endorsed their use as antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents. Finally, we appoint some key strategies to instigate the research appetite on the isolation and characterization of novel biosurfactants from the poriferan microbiome.

Computational and Experimental Approaches Identify Beta-Blockers as Potential SARS-CoV-2 Spike Inhibitors.

Finding antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 is still a major challenge, and many computational and experimental approaches have been employed to find a solution to this problem. While the global vaccination campaigns are the primary driver of controlling the current pandemic, orally bioavailable small-molecule drugs and biologics are critical to overcome this global issue. Improved therapeutics and prophylactics are required to treat people with circulating and emerging new variants, addressing severe infection, and people with underlying or immunocompromised conditions. The SARS-CoV-2 envelope spike is a challenging target for viral entry inhibitors. Pindolol presented a good docking score in a previous virtual screening using computational docking calculations after screening a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library of 2400 molecules as potential candidates to block the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). Here, we expanded the computational evaluation to identify five beta-blockers against SARS-CoV-2 using several techniques, such as microscale thermophoresis, NanoDSF, and in vitro assays in different cell lines. These data identified carvedilol with a K d of 364 ± 22 nM for the SARS-CoV-2 spike and in vitro activity (EC50 of 7.57 µM, CC50 of 18.07 µM) against SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 cells. We have shown how we can apply multiple computational and experimental approaches to find molecules that can be further optimized to improve anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.

Relativistic four-component MRCISD+Q calculations of the six lowest valence states of molecular F[Formula: see text] anion including Breit interactions.

In this study, the potential energy curves of the ground and the excited states of molecular fluorine anion (F[Formula: see text]) were investigated at multireference configuration interaction (MRCISD) with Davidson size-extensivity correction (denoted as +Q) within fully relativistic four-component relativistic framework including Breit interaction. Spectroscopic constants (Re, ωe, ωexe, ωeye, De,D0,Be, αe, ße, γe ), accurate extended Rydberg analytical form and rovibrational levels for ground state X:[Formula: see text] are presented, as well as spectroscopic constants for non dissociative excited states. For most states these spectroscopic constants are presented for the first time in literature and they are of interest for experimental studies, specially regarding electron attachment of F2. Results suggest that inclusion of relativistic effects at 4-component level and correlation effects treated at MRCISD+Q level are needed to obtain reliable results, which we report for X:[Formula: see text] ground state's Re, ωe and De the values of 1.999 Å, 391 cm- 1 and 1.22 eV, respectively.

Microagulhamento no tratamento de cicatrizes: benefícios de uma única sessão / Microneedling in scars treatment: benefits of a single session

Introdução: As cicatrizes inestéticas podem desencadear repercussões sintomáticas, funcionais, estéticas e emocionais. Entre os principais tratamentos atualmente encontrados está o microagulhamento. Objetivo: Estudo prospectivo, quantitativo, avaliando os benefícios do tratamento de cicatrizes com uma única sessão de microagulhamento. Métodos: Foi realizado uma única sessão de microagulhamento em cicatrizes de 28 pacientes. Antes da realização do procedimento com cilindros contendo 192 agulhas de 2,5mm e 90 dias após, as cicatrizes foram fotografadas de modo padronizado, tendo sido aplicada a Escala de Avaliação Cicatricial do Paciente e Observador. Por meio da pontuação fornecida realizou-se uma avaliação quantitativa através da análise dos parâmetros, sendo eles vascularização, pigmentação, espessura, relêvo, maleabilidade, área de superfície, dor, prurido, cor, rigidez, altura e irregularidade-, além do escore total e opinião geral do paciente e do observador. Resultados: Todas as variáveis obtiveram melhora, exceto a dor, dando destaque à maleabilidade e à altura. Além disso, a opinião geral do paciente e do observador apresentou melhoria de 51%. Conclusões: O microagulhamento é um tratamento seguro, de baixo custo, minimamente invasivo, apresentando resultados eficazes em uma única sessão

Introduction: Unaesthetic scars can trigger symptomatic, functional, aesthetic and emotional repercussions. Among the main treatments found today is microneedling. Objective: Prospective, quantitative study to evaluate the benefits of healing with a single microneedling session. Methods: A microneedling session was performed on scars of 28 patients. Before performing the procedure with cylinders containing 192 2.5 mm needles and 90 days later, scars are photographed in a standardized manner, having been applied on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Through the performed score, a quantitative evaluation by the analysis of the parameters, being vascularization, pigmentation, thickness, relief, malleability, surface area, pain, itching, color, stiffness, height and irregularity, in addition to the patient's total score and general opinion. and the observer. Results: All variables obtained improvement, except pain, emphasizing malleability and height. In addition, the overall opinion of the patient and the observer shows 51% improvement. Conclusions: Microneedling is a safe, inexpensive, minimally invasive treatment that delivers experimental results in a single session.

Endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors in snakes: a brief overview.

The blood plasma of numerous snake species naturally comprises endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors, which primarily neutralize toxic phospholipases A2 that may eventually reach their circulation. This inhibitor type is generally known as snake blood phospholipase A2 inhibitors (sbPLIs). Most, if not all sbPLIs are oligomeric glycosylated proteins, although the carbohydrate moiety may not be essential for PLA2 inhibition in every case. The presently known sbPLIs belong to one of three structural classes - namely sbαPLI, sbßPLI or sbγPLI - depending on the presence of characteristic C-type lectin-like domains, leucine-rich repeats or three-finger motifs, respectively. Currently, the most numerous inhibitors described in the literature are sbαPLIs and sbγPLIs, whereas sbßPLIs are rare. When the target PLA2 is a Lys49 homolog or an Asp49 myotoxin, the sbPLI is denominated a myotoxin inhibitor protein (MIP). In this brief overview, the most relevant data on sbPLIs will be presented. Representative examples of sbαPLIs and sbγPLIs from two Old World - Gloydius brevicaudus and Malayopython reticulatus - and two New World - Bothrops alternatus and Crotalus durissus terrificus - snake species will be emphasized.

Diagnosis and implications in the therapeutic management of patient with afebrile neurolepctic malignant syndrome.

This report aims at raising clinical awareness for the diagnosis of atypical presentations of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). We describe the case of a female patient with NMS symptoms, except fever, after starting the use of chlorpromazine. The afebrile condition delayed the consideration of NMS by the emergency clinicians who provided her initial assessment. Before this consideration, an anticholinergic agent, not recommended at this condition, was inadvertently prescribed. This might have contributed to the worsening of symptoms. NMS is a life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction most often seen as complication of antipsychotic treatment. Its clinical spectrum is broad and its diagnosis should be considered even if the patients do not fulfill all the possible described symptoms.

Endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors in snakes: a brief overview

The blood plasma of numerous snake species naturally comprises endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors, which primarily neutralize toxic phospholipases A2 that may eventually reach their circulation. This inhibitor type is generally known as snake blood phospholipase A2 inhibitors (sbPLIs). Most, if not all sbPLIs are oligomeric glycosylated proteins, although the carbohydrate moiety may not be essential for PLA2 inhibition in every case. The presently known sbPLIs belong to one of three structural classes namely sbPLI, sbPLI or sbPLI depending on the presence of characteristic C-type lectin-like domains, leucine-rich repeats or three-finger motifs, respectively. Currently, the most numerous inhibitors described in the literature are sbPLIs and sbPLIs, whereas sbPLIs are rare. When the target PLA2 is a Lys49 homolog or an Asp49 myotoxin, the sbPLI is denominated a myotoxin inhibitor protein (MIP). In this brief overview, the most relevant data on sbPLIs will be presented. Representative examples of sbPLIs and sbPLIs from two Old World Gloydius brevicaudus and Malayopython reticulatus and two New World Bothrops alternatus and Crotalus durissus terrificus snake species will be emphasized.

Endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors in snakes: a brief overview

The blood plasma of numerous snake species naturally comprises endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors, which primarily neutralize toxic phospholipases A2 that may eventually reach their circulation. This inhibitor type is generally known as snake blood phospholipase A2 inhibitors (sbPLIs). Most, if not all sbPLIs are oligomeric glycosylated proteins, although the carbohydrate moiety may not be essential for PLA2 inhibition in every case. The presently known sbPLIs belong to one of three structural classes - namely sbαPLI, sbβPLI or sbγPLI - depending on the presence of characteristic C-type lectin-like domains, leucine-rich repeats or three-finger motifs, respectively. Currently, the most numerous inhibitors described in the literature are sbαPLIs and sbγPLIs, whereas sbβPLIs are rare. When the target PLA2 is a Lys49 homolog or an Asp49 myotoxin, the sbPLI is denominated a myotoxin inhibitor protein (MIP). In this brief overview, the most relevant data on sbPLIs will be presented. Representative examples of sbαPLIs and sbγPLIs from two Old World - Gloydius brevicaudus and Malayopython reticulatus - and two New World - Bothrops alternatus and Crotalus durissus terrificus - snake species will be emphasized.(AU)

ANTHROPOMETRY TO IDENTIFY HIGH VISCERAL FAT AREA IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN.

INTRODUCTION: the evaluation of the body fat distribution by anthropometry can serve to identify excess visceral fat. This diagnosis will enable implementation of specific measures to both prevent and treat excess visceral fat in postmenopausal women. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to analyze different anthropometric indicators and identify the best cutoff points to discriminate subjects with high visceral fat area (HVFA) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: cross-sectional study with a sample of 255 postmenopausal women. Different Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and the areas under them compared in terms of the conicity index (C-index), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), weight-to-height ratio (WHtR) and HVFA. Sensitivity and specificity identified the best cutoff points between the different anthropometric indicators in order to discriminate subjects with HVFA. The confidence interval was set at 95%. RESULTS: statistically significant areas under the ROC curve were found for all anthropometric indicators analyzed. The following cutoff points, with their respective sensitivities and specificities to discriminate subjects with HVFA, were suggested: C-index (1.19; 75.00%- 74.77%); BMI (27.3 kg/m2; 81.08%-80.37%); WHR (0.98; 90.54%-83.18%); WC (85 cm; 85.14%-81.31%); and WHtR (0.55; 80.41%-80.37%). CONCLUSION: these results demonstrate that anthropometric indicators identify HVFA well in postmenopausal women and can be used instead of more sophisticated exams to detect high levels of visceral fat.

Introducción: la evaluación de la distribución de la grasa corporal por antropometría puede servir para identificar el exceso de grasa visceral. Este diagnóstico permitirá la aplicación de medidas específicas para prevenir y tratar el exceso de grasa visceral en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar diferentes indicadores antropométricos e identificar los mejores puntos de corte para discriminar sujetos con alta área de grasa visceral (AAGS) en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Métodos: estudio transversal con una muestra de 255 mujeres posmenopáusicas. Se construyeron diferentes curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) y las áreas bajo ellas comparadas en términos del índice de conicidad (índice C), el índice de masa corporal (IMC), razón cintura-cadera (RCC), circunferencia de la cintura (CC), relación cintura-estatura (RCEst) y AAGS. La sensibilidad y la especificidad identificaron los mejores puntos de corte entre los diferentes indicadores antropométricos para discriminar sujetos con AAGS. El intervalo de confianza se fijó en 95%. Resultados: las zonas estadísticamente significativas bajo la curva ROC se encontraron para todos los indicadores antropométricos analizados. Fueron sugeridos los siguientes puntos de corte, con sus respectivas sensibilidades y especificidades, para discriminar sujetos con AAGS: índice C (1,19; 75,00%­74,77%); IMC (27,3 kg / m2; 81,08%­80,37%); RCC (0,98; 90,54%-83,18%); CC (85 cm; 85,14%-81,31%); y RCEst (0,55; 80,41%­80,37%). Conclusión: estos resultados demuestran que los indicadores antropométricos identifican bien a las mujeres postmenopáusicas con AAGS y pueden ser utilizados en lugar de los exámenes más sofisticados para detectar altos niveles de grasa visceral.

Behavior of temporal parameters of the ground reactive forces for the walking of postmenopausal women.

The study aimed to examine the influence of body composition and menopause characteristics on certain temporal parameters of the behavior of vertical and anteroposterior components of ground reactive forces, as well as the vertical and anteroposterior rates on the walking of postmenopausal women. The sample consisted of 67 postmenopausal women, average age 59 years. Body composition was assessed by octapolar bioimpedance and ground reactive force by the Kistler force platform. Vertical loading rate correlated positively with age (r = 0.02) and negatively with weight (r = -0.33). The relationship between the rates of vertical loading and unloading associated positively with menopause time (r = 0.27) but negatively with weight (r = -0.27). Vertical unloading rate showed a negative association with abdominal visceral adiposity (r = -0.27). The relationship between the times of the intermediate and final phases of the support correlated significantly with abdominal visceral adiposity (r = 0.25) and fat mass (r = 0.24). The study suggests that fat mass and abdominal visceral adiposity affect the support time, and increased abdominal visceral adiposity implies a slower pre-suspension phase during the walking of postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy was shown to be an enhancer of steeper vertical loading and anteroposterior unloading and longer time in the double support phase, indicating a greater stability of postmenopausal women when walking.