A Rare Case of Recurrent Cystitis in a Primary Care Setting.

Uncomplicated cystitis is common in women and typically presents with symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, dysuria, suprapubic pain, and urgency. Escherichia coli is the most frequently identified pathogen in these cases. Colovesical fistulas constitute an uncommon etiology of recurrent urinary tract infections, and they are even rarer in women due to the protective barrier provided by the uterus. Faecaluria and pneumaturia are the pathognomonic symptoms of these types of fistulas that help differentiate them from recurrent cystitis. While the gold standard imaging is the abdominopelvic CT scan, in some instances, MRI may be necessary to identify fistulous tracts. This case report describes a scenario of recurrent urinary tract infection caused by a colovesical fistula, in a woman with a history of diverticular disease. In contrast to uncomplicated recurrent cystitis, the treatment of the fistula is surgical. The aim of this article is to raise awareness of this potential and rare cause of recurrent urinary tract infection encountered in a primary healthcare setting, in order to prevent the prescription of multiple cycles of ineffective antibiotic therapy in these patients and the consequent development of antimicrobial resistance, a global public health issue. Our intention is to alert general practitioners about the diagnosis of a rare cause of recurrent cystitis, the treatment of which is surgical and warrants referral to secondary care.

A paradigm shift: Bioengineering meets mechanobiology towards overcoming remyelination failure.

Therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming the loss of myelin sheath in central nervous system demyelinating diseases are often unsuccessful due to nescience underlying the mechanisms of remyelination failure. The environment surrounding a demyelination lesion is seen as a hostile terrain, characterized by factors that can inhibit myelin production by oligodendrocytes (OLs). The formation of a glial scar containing reactive astrocytes producing high amounts of altered matrix proteins can compromise OL remyelination. Allied to glial scar, mechanical properties of the tissue are altered. The paradigms in the remyelination failure are changing. We point mechanobiology as a missing key towards unravelling the nature of (de)myelination. Mechanical cues as stiffness, axonal tension or physical constraints are emerging as dictators of tissue homeostasis and pathology. Here we delve into an in-depth characterization of the preeminent models to study mechanobiology events of (de)myelination and remyelination. Alternatives to in vivo systems are provided, either through the exploration of simpler animal models, creation of in vitro models using tissue engineered approaches or through in silico tools. We discuss how bioengineering is being explored to generate relevant models to dissect new mechanobiology mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets, being expected to profoundly impact the treatment of demyelinating diseases.

Rheologically Assisted Design of Conductive Adhesives for Stencil Printing on PCB.

Driven by the need to deliver new, lead-free, eco-friendly solder pastes for soldering electronic components to Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) based on epoxy, carbon nanotubes (CNT), and exfoliated graphite (EG) were designed. The rheology of the adhesives prepared is paramount for the success of the deposition process, which is based on stencil printing. Thus, a rheological analysis of the process was first performed. Then, an experimental protocol was defined to assess the relevant viscoelastic characteristics of the adhesives for stencil printing application. Different composite formulations of epoxy/CNT/EG were produced. Their rheological characteristics were established following the designed protocol and benchmarked with a commercial solder paste. The thermal and electrical properties of the composite formulations were also characterized. As a result, a new, electrically conductive adhesive was delivered with potential to be an eco-friendly alternative to the solder paste currently used in stencil printing of PCB.

Tectocerebellar dysraphia and occipital encephalocele associated with trisomy X: case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Tectocerebellar dysraphia (TCD) is a rare sporadic malformation associated with severe neurodevelopmental morbidity and high infant mortality. The presence of other ciliopathies worsens the prognosis. Joubert syndrome (JS) is a ciliopathy associated with gene mutations, consisting of midbrain and cerebellum malformations, markedly lack fiber decussation at the level of the pontomesencephalic junction. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a child who was born term with occipital encephalocele (OE), diagnosed with TCD and JS spectrum through computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), diffuse tensor imaging (DTI), and clinical findings. She had the OE surgically corrected after spontaneous rupture on the second day after delivery. She developed postoperative ventriculitis, meningitis, and hydrocephalus, successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and cysto-ventriculostomy, cysto-cisternostomy, third ventriculostomy, and choroid plexus coagulation. G-band karyotyping showed 47, XXX, in all analyzed cells (trisomy X). The infant was followed up for 18 months, presenting, so far, a relatively good outcome. CONCLUSION: This is the first case reported in the literature of the association of TCD/OE/JS spectrum (JSS) with trisomy X (XXX).

Effect of different beverages and storage period on bis-acryl color stability using two assessment methods.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the color stability (ΔE00 ) of bis-acryl resins after different immersion solutions and storage time by different evaluation methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty specimens (n = 30) were prepared from Protemp 4 and Structur 3. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10), according to the immersion solution (artificial saliva, cola beverage, and yerba mate tea) and evaluated at two storage times (7 and 14 days). The ΔE00 of each group was calculated using color coordinates obtained by a spectrophotometer and by a digital method, using the CIEDE2000 color difference formula. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The 7-day period presented the lowest ΔE00 values, regardless of the material and solution evaluated for both evaluation methods (ΔE00 < 0.93; ΔE00 < 3.12). The immersion solution with the highest color change was yerba mate tea after 14 days (ΔE00 > 2.11). For digital analyses, all materials and solutions at both times presented ΔE00 values higher than the clinically acceptable (ΔE00 > 1.8), while in spectrophotometer only in yerba mate tea (14 days) Structur was above the clinical acceptability level. CONCLUSIONS: Yerba mate tea was the immersion solution with a higher color change in both materials and assessment methods. The highest values were found after 14 days of immersion, regardless of the solution. The ΔE00 for the digital method was higher than the spectrophotometer analysis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is important to identify the influence of staining beverages on interim materials used in patients requiring temporary rehabilitation. The use of a spectrophotometer seems to be more accurate than the digital method for the evaluation of color parameters of the tested materials.

A Simple Method for Anchoring Silver and Copper Nanoparticles on Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes.

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were functionalized using the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of an azomethine ylide under solvent-free conditions, a one-pot procedure that yields pyrrolidine type of groups at the nanotubes surface. The functionalized SWCNT were further decorated with Ag and Cu nanoparticles by reduction of the corresponding metal salts in dimethylformamide. The extensive reduction of silver from its nitrate was observed, as well as the partial reduction of copper from its acetate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the functionalization of SWCNT with pyrrolidine that provided anchoring sites for the metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles (NP) were formed at the surface of the organically functionalized SWCNT in higher yields as compared to the same procedure carried out with pristine SWCNT. This was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantified by XPS. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that functionalization and metal decoration of the SWCNT did not induce structural damage to the SWCNT.

Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System for Ocular Administration.

Pharmaceutical approaches based on nanotechnologies and the development of eye drops composed of the mucoadhesive polymers chitosan and hyaluronic acid are emerging strategies for the efficient treatment of ocular diseases. These innovative nanoparticulate systems aim to increase drugs' bioavailability at the ocular surface. For the successful development of these systems, the evaluation of mucoahesiveness (the interaction between the ocular delivery system and mucins present on the eye) is of utmost importance. In this context, the aim of the present work was to investigate the mucoadhesivity of a novel nanoparticle eye drop formulation containing an antibiotic (ceftazidime) intended to treat eye infections. Eye drop formulations comprised a polymer (hydroxypropyl) methyl cellulose (HPMC) 0.75% (w/v) in an isotonic solution incorporating chitosan/sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP)-hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles containing ceftazidime. The viscosity of the nanoparticles, and the gels incorporating the nanoparticles were characterized in contact with mucin at different mass ratios, allowing the calculation of the rheological synergism parameter (∆η). Results showed that at different nanoparticle eye formulation:mucin weight ratios, a minimum in viscosity occurred which resulted in a negative rheological synergism. Additionally, the results highlighted the mucoadhesivity of the novel ocular formulation and its ability to interact with the ocular surface, thus increasing the drug residence time in the eye. Moreover, the in vitro release and permeation studies showed a prolonged drug release profile from the chitosan/TPP-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles gel formulation. Furthermore, the gel formulations were not cytotoxic on ARPE-19 and HEK293T cell lines, evaluated by the metabolic and membrane integrity tests. The formulation was stable and the drug active, as shown by microbiological studies. In conclusion, chitosan/TPP-hyaluronic acid nanoparticle eye drop formulations are a promising platform for ocular drug delivery with enhanced mucoadhesive properties.

Ecology and biotechnological potential of bacterial community from three marine sponges of the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Marine sponges has been a large reservoir of microbial diversity, with the presence of many species specific populations as well as producing biologically active compounds, which has attracted great biotechnological interest. In order to verify the influence of the environment in the composition of the bacterial community present in marine sponges and biotechnological potential of bacteria isolated from these organisms, three species of sponges and the waters surrounding them were collected in different beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The profile of the bacterial community present in sponges and water was obtained by PCR-DGGE technique and the biotechnological potential of the strains isolated by producing amylase, cellulase, protease and biosurfactants. The results showed that despite the influence of the environment in the composition of the microbial community, studied marine sponges shown to have specific bacterial populations, with some, showing potential in the production of substances of biotechnological applications.

Ecology and biotechnological potential of bacterial community from three marine sponges of the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT Marine sponges has been a large reservoir of microbial diversity, with the presence of many species specific populations as well as producing biologically active compounds, which has attracted great biotechnological interest. In order to verify the influence of the environment in the composition of the bacterial community present in marine sponges and biotechnological potential of bacteria isolated from these organisms, three species of sponges and the waters surrounding them were collected in different beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The profile of the bacterial community present in sponges and water was obtained by PCR-DGGE technique and the biotechnological potential of the strains isolated by producing amylase, cellulase, protease and biosurfactants. The results showed that despite the influence of the environment in the composition of the microbial community, studied marine sponges shown to have specific bacterial populations, with some, showing potential in the production of substances of biotechnological applications.

A boy with Prader-Willi syndrome: unmasking precocious puberty during growth hormone replacement therapy.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder frequently characterized by obesity, growth hormone deficiency, genital abnormalities, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Incomplete or delayed pubertal development as well as premature adrenarche are usually found in PWS, whereas central precocious puberty (CPP) is very rare. This study aimed to report the clinical and biochemical follow-up of a PWS boy with CPP and to discuss the management of pubertal growth. By the age of 6, he had obesity, short stature, and many clinical criteria of PWS diagnosis, which was confirmed by DNA methylation test. Therapy with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement (0.15 IU/kg/day) was started. Later, he presented psychomotor agitation, aggressive behavior, and increased testicular volume. Laboratory analyses were consistent with the diagnosis of CPP (gonadorelin-stimulated LH peak 15.8 IU/L, testosterone 54.7 ng/dL). The patient was then treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa). Hypothalamic dysfunctions have been implicated in hormonal disturbances related to pubertal development, but no morphologic abnormalities were detected in the present case. Additional methylation analysis (MS-MLPA) of the chromosome 15q11 locus confirmed PWS diagnosis. We presented the fifth case of CPP in a genetically-confirmed PWS male. Combined therapy with GnRHa and rhGH may be beneficial in this rare condition of precocious pubertal development in PWS.

A boy with Prader-Willi syndrome: unmasking precocious puberty during growth hormone replacement therapy

SUMMARY Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder frequently characterized by obesity, growth hormone deficiency, genital abnormalities, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Incomplete or delayed pubertal development as well as premature adrenarche are usually found in PWS, whereas central precocious puberty (CPP) is very rare. This study aimed to report the clinical and biochemical follow-up of a PWS boy with CPP and to discuss the management of pubertal growth. By the age of 6, he had obesity, short stature, and many clinical criteria of PWS diagnosis, which was confirmed by DNA methylation test. Therapy with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement (0.15 IU/kg/day) was started. Later, he presented psychomotor agitation, aggressive behavior, and increased testicular volume. Laboratory analyses were consistent with the diagnosis of CPP (gonadorelin-stimulated LH peak 15.8 IU/L, testosterone 54.7 ng/dL). The patient was then treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa). Hypothalamic dysfunctions have been implicated in hormonal disturbances related to pubertal development, but no morphologic abnormalities were detected in the present case. Additional methylation analysis (MS-MLPA) of the chromosome 15q11 locus confirmed PWS diagnosis. We presented the fifth case of CPP in a genetically-confirmed PWS male. Combined therapy with GnRHa and rhGH may be beneficial in this rare condition of precocious pubertal development in PWS.

Effect of Blue Light on the Electronic and Structural Properties of Bilirubin Isomers: Insights into the Photoisomerization and Photooxidation Processes.

The central process of neonatal phototherapy by employing blue light has been attributed to the configurational conversion of (4Z,15Z)-bilirubin to (4Z,15E). Indeed, photoisomerization is the early photochemical event during this procedure. However, in this paper, we show that the bilirubin solutions under continuous blue light exposure undergo a photooxidation process. To ascertain the role of this photodegradation in the phototherapy, we evaluated UV­visible absorption spectra obtained from bilirubin solutions in CHCl3, milli-Q water, and physiological saline, as well as FTIR spectroscopy for bilirubin in CHCl3. These analyses also showed that the first 2 h of phototherapy are the most relevant period. In addition, quantum molecular modeling using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and ZINDO/S-CIS was performed to evaluate the electronic and structural properties of four bilirubin isomers, showing that the (4Z,15E)-bilirubin isomer is the most polar configuration. Therefore, it can be more soluble in aqueous environments than the other configurations. This clarifies why this is the faster isomer excreted during the phototherapy.