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The FINUDA experiment at DAΦNE, Frascati, has found evidence for the neutron-rich hypernucleus 6ΛH studying (π+, π−) pairs in coincidence from the K−stop+6Li → 6ΛH+π+ production reaction followed by 6ΛH → 6He + π− weak decay. The production rate of 6ΛH undergoing this two-body π− decay has been found to be (2.9 ± 2.0) · 10−6/K−stop. Its binding energy has been evaluated to be BΛ(6ΛH) = (4.0 ± 1.1) MeV with respect to 5H + Λ, jointly from production and decay. A systematic difference of (0.98 ± 0.74) MeV between BΛ values derived separately from decay and from production has been tentatively assigned to the 6ΛH 0+g.s. → 1+ excitation. A similar investigation has been carried out for the neutron-rich hypernucleus 9ΛHe studying the K−stop + 9Be → 9ΛHe + π+ reaction in coincidence with the 9ΛHe → 9Li + π− weak decay; an upper limit for the production rate of 9ΛHe undergoing the two-body π− decay has been found to be 4.2 · 10−6/K−stop (90% C.L.).

Background and aims: Developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Developmental Dyslexia (DD) are reported to have more visual problems, oral language difficulties, and diminished reading skills in addition to their different diagnostic features. Moreover, these conditions also have increased internal noise and probably an impaired ability of external noise filtering. The aim of the present study was to compare the reading performance of these groups in the presence of external visual noise which disrupts the automatic reading processes through the degradation of letters. Methods: Sixty-four children and adolescents in four groups, ASD, ADHD, DD, and TD, participated in the study. Two types of stimuli were used -- unrelated words and pseudowords. The noise was generated by exchanging a fixed number of pixels between the black symbols and the white background distorting the letters. The task of the participants was to read aloud the words or pseudowords. The reading time for a single letter string, word or pseudoword, was calculated, and the proportion of errors was assessed in order to describe the reading performance. Results: The results obtained showed that the reading of unrelated words and pseudowords differs in the separate groups of participants and is affected differently by the added visual noise. In the no-noise condition, the group with TD had the shortest time for reading words and short pseudowords, followed by the group with ASD, while their reading of long pseudowords was slightly slower than that of the ASD group. The noise increase evoked variations in the reading of groups with ASD and ADHD, which differed from the no-noise condition and the control group with TD. The lowest proportion of errors was observed in readers with TD. The reading performance of the DD group was the worst at all noise levels, with the most prolonged reading time and the highest proportion of errors. At the highest noise level, the participants from all groups read the words and pseudowords with similar reading speed and accuracy. Conclusions: In reading words and pseudowords, the ASD, ADHD, and DD groups show difficulties specific for each disorder revealed in a prolonged reading time and a higher proportion of errors. The dissimilarity in reading abilities of the groups with different development is most evident when the accuracy and reading speed are linked together. Implications: The use of noise that degrades the letter structure in the present study allowed us to separate the groups with ASD, ADHD, and DD and disclose specifics in the reading process of each disorder. Error type analysis may provide a basis to improve the educational strategies by appropriately structuring the learning process of children with TD, ASD, ADHD, and DD.

Quantum chemistry must evolve if it wants to fully leverage the benefits of the internet age, where the worldwide web offers a vast tapestry of tools that enable users to communicate and interact with complex data at the speed and convenience of a button press. The Open Chemistry project has developed an open-source framework that offers an end-to-end solution for producing, sharing, and visualizing quantum chemical data interactively on the web using an array of modern tools and approaches. These tools build on some of the best open-source community projects such as Jupyter for interactive online notebooks, coupled with 3D accelerated visualization, state-of-the-art computational chemistry codes including NWChem and Psi4, and emerging machine learning and data mining tools such as ChemML and ANI. They offer flexible formats to import and export data, along with approaches to compare computational and experimental data.

The central hypothesis for the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) postulates that the tumor begins its development by transforming neural stem cells into cancer stem cells (CSC). Recently, it has become clear that another kind of stem cell, the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), plays a role in the tumor stroma. Mesenchymal stem cells, along with their typical markers, can express neural markers and are capable of neural transdifferentiation. From this perspective, it is hypothesized that MSCs can give rise to CSC. In addition, MSCs suppress the immune cells through direct contact and secretory factors. Photodynamic therapy aims to selectively accumulate a photosensitizer in neoplastic cells, forming reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon irradiation, initiating death pathways. In our experiments, MSCs from 15 glioblastomas (GB-MSC) were isolated and cultured. The cells were treated with 5-ALA and irradiated. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the marker expression and soluble-factor secretion. The MSCs’ neural markers, Nestin, Sox2, and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), were down-regulated, but the expression levels of the mesenchymal markers CD73, CD90, and CD105 were retained. The GB-MSCs also reduced their expression of PD-L1 and increased their secretion of PGE2. Our results give us grounds to speculate that the photodynamic impact on GB-MSCs reduces their capacity for neural transdifferentiation.

Introduction: Neuromuscular control of the facial expressions is provided exclusively via the facial nerve. Facial muscles are amongst the most finely tuned effectors in the human motor system, which coordinate facial expressions. In lower vertebrates, the extracranial facial nerve is a mixed nerve, while in mammals it is believed to be a pure motor nerve. However, this established notion does not agree with several clinical signs in health and disease. Objectives: To elucidate the facial nerve contribution to the facial muscles by investigating axonal composition of the human facial nerve. To reveal new innervation pathways of other axon types of the motor facial nerve. Methods: Different axon types were distinguished using specific molecular markers (NF, ChAT, CGRP and TH). To elucidate the functional role of axon types of the facial nerve, we used selective elimination of other neuronal support from the trigeminal nerve. We used retrograde neuronal tracing, three-dimensional imaging of the facial muscles, and high-fidelity neurophysiological tests in animal model. Results: The human facial nerve revealed a mixed population of only 85% motor axons. Rodent samples revealed a fiber composition of motor, afferents and, surprisingly, sympathetic axons. We confirmed the axon types by tracing the originating neurons in the CNS. The sympathetic fibers of the facial nerve terminated in facial muscles suggesting autonomic innervation. The afferent fibers originated in the facial skin, confirming the afferent signal conduction via the facial nerve. Conclusion: These findings reveal new innervation pathways via the facial nerve, support the sympathetic etiology of hemifacial spasm and elucidate clinical phenomena in facial nerve regeneration.

Objective This study was to assess the effects of different doses of an essential oil blend (EOB) on growth performance, diarrhea occurrence (DO), hematological and blood biochemical profile, intestinal morphometry, morphology and microbiology, relative weight and length of organs, digestive content pH, and liver antioxidant status in weaning piglets. Methods A total of 135 barrows (7.09±0.29 kg body weight) were allotted randomly in a randomized complete block design based on body weight with nine replications and three animals per pen. Dietary treatments were a negative control (NC): basal diet; positive control (PC): NC plus 125 mg performance-enhancing antibiotic (enramycin 8%)/kg diet; NC plus 100 mg EOB/kg diet (EO100); NC plus 200 mg EOB/kg diet (EO200); and NC plus 400 mg EOB/kg diet (EO400). Diarrhea occurrence was monitored daily, and performance at the end of each phase. Results Gain to feed ratio was greater (p

BackgroundCurrent South American populations trace their origins mainly to three continental ancestries, i.e. European, Amerindian and African. Individual variation in relative proportions of each of these ancestries may be confounded with socio-economic factors due to population stratification. Therefore, ancestry is a potential confounder variable that should be considered in epidemiologic studies and in public health plans. However, there are few studies that have assessed the ancestry of the current admixed Chilean population. This is partly due to the high cost of genome-scale technologies commonly used to estimate ancestry. In this study we have designed a small panel of SNPs to accurately assess ancestry in the largest sampling to date of the Chilean mestizo population (n = 3349) from eight cities. Our panel is also able to distinguish between the two main Amerindian components of Chileans: Aymara from the north and Mapuche from the south.ResultsA panel of 150 ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) of SNP type was selected to maximize ancestry informativeness and genome coverage. Of these, 147 were successfully genotyped by KASPar assays in 2843 samples, with an average missing rate of 0.012, and a 0.95 concordance with microarray data. The ancestries estimated with the panel of AIMs had relative high correlations (0.88 for European, 0.91 for Amerindian, 0.70 for Aymara, and 0.68 for Mapuche components) with those obtained with AXIOM LAT1 array. The country's average ancestry was 0.53 ± 0.14 European, 0.04 ± 0.04 African, and 0.42 ± 0.14 Amerindian, disaggregated into 0.18 ± 0.15 Aymara and 0.25 ± 0.13 Mapuche. However, Mapuche ancestry was highest in the south (40.03%) and Aymara in the north (35.61%) as expected from the historical location of these ethnic groups. We make our results available through an online app and demonstrate how it can be used to adjust for ancestry when testing association between incidence of a disease and nongenetic risk factors.ConclusionsWe have conducted the most extensive sampling, across many different cities, of current Chilean population. Ancestry varied significantly by latitude and human development. The panel of AIMs is available to the community for estimating ancestry at low cost in Chileans and other populations with similar ancestry.

Given the medical and social significance of Helicobacter pylori infection, timely and reliable diagnosis of the disease is required. The traditional invasive and non-invasive conventional diagnostic techniques have several limitations. Recently, opportunities for new diagnostic methods have appeared based on the recent advance in the study of H. pylori outer membrane proteins and their identified receptors. In the present study we assess the way in which outer membrane protein–cell receptor reactions are applicable in establishing a reliable diagnosis. Herein, as well as in other previous studies of ours, we explore the reliability of the binding reaction between the best characterized H. pylori adhesin BabA and its receptor, the blood antigen Leb. For the purpose we developed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and double resonance long period grating (DR LPG) biosensors based on the BabA–Leb binding reaction for diagnosing H. pylori infection. In SPR detection, the sensitivity was estimated at 3000 CFU/mL—a much higher sensitivity than that of the RUT test. The DR LPG biosensor proved to be superior in terms of accuracy and sensitivity—concentrations as low as 102 CFU/mL were detected.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of an innovative plasma surface treatment device that does not need a gas supply for titanium disks with two different surface topographies: the prototypical machined surface (MAC) and one of the most diffused roughened ones (SL) obtained through grit blasting and acid etching. A total of 200-MAC and 200-SL titanium disks were used. Each group of disks was divided into four sub-groups of 40 samples each that were subjected to five different tests. Among these, 150-MAC and 150-SL were considered the test group, and they were treated with plasma for 15, 30, and 60 s after being removed from the sterile packaging. On the other hand, 50-MAC and 50-SL were considered the control group, and they were only removed from sterile plastic vials. The samples were analyzed to evaluate the capability of the plasma treatment in influencing protein adsorption, cell adhesion, proliferation, and microbial growth on the test group disks when compared to the untreated disks. Protein adsorption was significantly enhanced after 20 min of plasma treatment for 15 and 30 s on the MAC and SL disks. Plasma treatment for 15 and 30 s significantly increased the level of adhesion in both treated samples after 30 min. Furthermore, the MAC samples showed a significant increase in cell adhesion 4 h after plasma treatment for 15 s. The SEM analysis highlighted that, on the treated samples (especially on the MAC disks), the cells with a polygonal and flat shape prevailed, while the fusiform- and globular-shaped cells were rare. The encouraging results obtained further confirm the effectiveness of plasma treatments on cell adhesion and fibroblast activity.

In the original publication [...]

Southern Brazil is a region strongly influenced by the occurrence of extratropical cyclones. Some of them go through a rapid and intense deepening and are known as explosive cyclones. These cyclones are associated with severe weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning, leading to various natural disasters and causing socioeconomic losses. This study investigated the interaction between atmospheric and oceanic conditions that contributed to the rapid intensification of the cyclone that occurred near the coast of South Brazil from 29 June to 3 July 2020, causing significant havoc. Hourly atmospheric and oceanic data from the ERA5 reanalysis were employed in this analysis. The results showed that warm air and moisture transportation were key contributors to these phenomena. In addition, the interaction between the jet stream and the cyclone’s movement played a crucial role in cyclone formation and intensification. Positive sea surface temperature anomalies also fueled the cyclone’s intensification. These anomalies increased the surface heat fluxes, making the atmosphere more unstable and promoting a strong upward motion. Due to the strong winds and the heavy rainfall, the explosive cyclone caused substantial impacts on the power services, resulting in widespread power outages, damaged infrastructure, and interruptions in energy distribution. This work describes in detail the cyclone development and intensification and aims at the understanding of these storms, which is crucial for minimizing their aftermaths, especially on energy distribution.

Mueller polarimetry has proven to be a powerful optical technique to complement medical doctors in their conventional histology analysis. In this work, various degenerative and malignant human skin lesions were evaluated ex vivo using imaging Mueller polarimetry. The Mueller matrix images of thin sections of biopsies were recorded and the differential decomposition of Mueller matrices was applied pixel-wise to extract the polarization fingerprint of the specimens under study. To improve the classification accuracy, a deep learning model was created. The results indicate the sensitivity of polarimetry to different skin lesions and healthy skin zones and their differentiation, while using standard histological analysis as a ground truth. In particular, the deep learning model was found sufficiently accurate to detect and differentiate between all eight classes in the data set. Special attention was paid to the overfitting problem and the reduction of the loss function of the model. Our approach is an effort in establishing digital histology for clinical applications by complementing medical doctors in their diagnostic decisions.

The DIII-D tokamak has elucidated crucial physics and developed projectable solutions for ITER and fusion power plants in the key areas of core performance, boundary heat and particle transport, and integrated scenario operation, with closing the core-edge integration knowledge gap being the overarching mission. New experimental validation of high-fidelity, multi-channel, non-linear gyrokinetic turbulent transport models for ITER provides strong confidence it will achieve Q ⩾ 10 operation. Experiments identify options for easing H-mode access in hydrogen, and give new insight into the isotopic dependence of transport and confinement. Analysis of 2,1 islands in unoptimized low-torque IBS demonstration discharges suggests their onset time occurs randomly in the constant β phase, most often triggered by non-linear 3-wave coupling, thus identifying an NTM seeding mechanism to avoid. Pure deuterium SPI for disruption mitigation is shown to provide favorable slow cooling, but poor core assimilation, suggesting paths for improved SPI on ITER. At the boundary, measured neutral density and ionization source fluxes are strongly poloidally asymmetric, implying a 2D treatment is needed to model pedestal fuelling. Detailed measurements of pedestal and SOL quantities and impurity charge state radiation in detached divertors has validated edge fluid modelling and new self-consistent ‘pedestal-to-divertor’ integrated modeling that can be used to optimize reactors. New feedback adaptive ELM control minimizes confinement reduction, and RMP ELM suppression with sustained high core performance was obtained for the first time with the outer strike point in a W-coated, compact and unpumped small-angle slot divertor. Advances have been made in integrated operational scenarios for ITER and power plants. Wide pedestal intrinsically ELM-free QH-modes are produced with more reactor-relevant conditions, Low torque IBS with W-equivalent radiators can exhibit predator-prey oscillations in T _e and radiation which need control. High- β _P scenarios with q _min > 2, q _95 –7.9, β _N > 4, β _T –3.3% and H _98y2 > 1.5 are sustained with high density ( $\bar n$ = 7E19 m ^−3 , f _G –1) for 6 τ _E , improving confidence in steady-state tokamak reactors. Diverted NT plasmas achieve high core performance with a non-ELMing edge, offering a possible highly attractive core-edge integration solution for reactors.

Within the 9th European Framework programme, since 2021 EUROfusion is operating five tokamaks under the auspices of a single Task Force called ‘Tokamak Exploitation’. The goal is to benefit from the complementary capabilities of each machine in a coordinated way and help in developing a scientific output scalable to future largre machines. The programme of this Task Force ensures that ASDEX Upgrade, MAST-U, TCV, WEST and JET (since 2022) work together to achieve the objectives of Missions 1 and 2 of the EUROfusion Roadmap: i) demonstrate plasma scenarios that increase the success margin of ITER and satisfy the requirements of DEMO and, ii) demonstrate an integrated approach that can handle the large power leaving ITER and DEMO plasmas. The Tokamak Exploitation task force has therefore organized experiments on these two missions with the goal to strengthen the physics and operational basis for the ITER baseline scenario and for exploiting the recent plasma exhaust enhancements in all four devices (PEX: Plasma EXhaust) for exploring the solution for handling heat and particle exhaust in ITER and develop the conceptual solutions for DEMO. The ITER Baseline scenario has been developed in a similar way in ASDEX Upgrade, TCV and JET. Key risks for ITER such as disruptions and run-aways have been also investigated in TCV, ASDEX Upgrade and JET. Experiments have explored successfully different divertor configurations (standard, super-X, snowflakes) in MAST-U and TCV and studied tungsten melting in WEST and ASDEX Upgrade. The input from the smaller devices to JET has also been proven successful to set-up novel control schemes on disruption avoidance and detachment.

In this paper we present the European Low Frequency Survey (ELFS), a project that will enable the detection of primordial B-mode polarization by measuring the Galactic and extra-Galactic foregrounds in the 5– 120 GHz frequency window. Indeed, the main difficulty in measuring the Bmode polarization comes not just from its sheer faintness, but from the fact that many other objects in the Universe also emit polarized microwaves, which mask the faint CMB signal. The first stage of this project will be carried out in synergy with the Simons Array (SA) collaboration, installing a 5.5–11 GHz coherent receiver at the focus of one of the three 3.5m SA telescopes in Atacama, Chile (“ELFS on SA”). The receiver will be equipped with a fully digital backend based on the latest Xilinx RF System-on-Chip devices that will provide frequency resolution of 1MHz across the whole observing band, allowing us to clean the scientific signal from unwanted radio frequency interference, particularly from low-Earth orbit satellite mega-constellations. This paper reviews the scientific motivation for ELFS and its instrumental characteristics, and provides an update on the development of ELFS on SA.

A key objective for the future exploration of the icy moon Enceladus is the characterization of the habitable conditions in its internal ocean. Radio science instrumentation on board a spacecraft in a low-altitude orbit about Enceladus would enable gravity measurements that are fundamental to providing constraints on its internal structure. We present here the concept of operations and expected results of the gravity investigation for a New Frontiers–class mission. Numerical simulations are carried out to determine the gravity field in spherical harmonics to degree and order 30 and the Love number k _2 and its phase. By combining Enceladus’s shape measured by Cassini and the geophysical constraints obtained through the processing of the simulated radio science data, a Bayesian inference network is used for the interior model inversion. Our results indicate that the gravity investigation would enable tight constraints on core radius and density, ocean depth and density, and ice shell rigidity. By assuming a high core rigidity and a preliminary modeling of dissipation in the ice shell, our interior model inversion also yields information on the ice shell viscosity. Further data on the hydrosphere properties might be gathered through optical navigation data by accurately measuring Enceladus’s orientation model.

This in vitro study assessed the efficacy of a solution containing 33% trichloroacetic acid (CCl3COOH; TCA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in decontaminating machined (MAC) and sand-blasted acid-etched (SBAE) titanium surfaces. A total of 80 titanium disks were prepared (40 MAC and 40 SBAE). Streptococcus sanguinis and Enterococcus faecalis strains were incubated on 36 samples, while the remaining 44 were kept as controls. Roughness analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the surface features before and after TCAH2O2 treatment. The viability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) after TCAH2O2 decontamination was assessed with a chemiluminescent assay along with cell morphology through fluorescent staining. TCAH2O2 preserved the surface topography of MAC and SBAE specimens. It also effectively eradicated bacteria on both types of specimens without altering the surface roughness (p > 0.05). Also, no significant differences in protein adsorption between the pristine and TCAH2O2-treated surfaces were found (p = 0.71 and p = 0.94). While ASC proliferation remained unchanged on MAC surfaces, a decrease was observed on the decontaminated SBAE specimens at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05), with no difference at 72 h (p > 0.05). Cell morphology showed no significant changes after 72 h on both surface types even after decontamination. This study suggests TCAH2O2 as a promising decontamination agent for titanium surfaces, with potential implications for peri-implant health and treatment outcomes.

This review aimed to clarify the mechanisms through which exogenous enzymes (carbohydrases and phytase) influence intestinal health, as well as their effects on the nutrients and energy matrix in diets fed to poultry and pigs reared under sanitary challenging conditions. Enzyme supplementation can positively affect intestinal microbiota, immune system, and enhance antioxidant status. Although enzymes have been shown to save energy and nutrients, their responses under sanitary challenging conditions are poorly documented. Immune system activation alters nutrient partitioning, which can affect the matrix values for exogenous enzymes on commercial farms. Notably, the carbohydrases and phytase supplementation under sanitary challenging conditions align with energy and nutritional valorization matrices. Studies conducted under commercial conditions have shown that matrices containing carbohydrases and phytase can maintain growth performance and health in poultry and pigs. However, these studies have predominantly focused on assessing a single level of reduction in energy and/or available phosphorus and total calcium, limiting our ability to quantify potential energy and nutrient savings in the diet. Future research should delve deeper into determining the extent of energy and nutrient savings and understanding the effects of alone or blended enzymes supplementation to achieve more specific insights.

Abstract Several bodies in the outer solar system are believed to host liquid water oceans underneath their icy surfaces. Knowledge of the hydrosphere properties is essential for understanding and assessing their habitability. We introduce a methodology based on Bayesian inference that enables a robust characterization of the hydrosphere through the combination of gravity and magnetic induction data. The interior models retrieved are consistent with the geophysical observations, leading to probability distributions for the relevant interior properties. We apply this joint inversion approach to constrain Europa's hydrosphere with gravity and magnetic field measurements acquired by the Galileo mission. Our results indicate that the combination of these datasets allows simultaneous constraints on the ice shell and ocean thickness, enhancing our knowledge of the hydrosphere structure. This methodology is valuable for synergistic interior science investigations of several missions in development or in planning, including Europa Clipper, JUICE and the Uranus Orbiter and Probe.

IntroductionKessler Foundation Strength Identification and Expression (KF-STRIDE) is a strength-based job interview training tool developed for young adults on the autism spectrum. The intervention is based on a positive psychology framework to increase knowledge of character strengths, and how to relate them to a future employer. The current study sought to evaluate the acceptability, usability and feasibility of KF-STRIDE, as well as to guide adaptations to improve the tool’s ability to meet the needs of those on the spectrum.MethodsMixed methods (post-intervention surveys, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders) were used to inform the evaluation and consequent adaptations of KF-STRIDE.ResultsThe major findings of the study were that KF-STRIDE was found to be largely acceptable and usable. Importantly, however, our qualitative analysis revealed modifications that could help to better suit the needs of young adults on the spectrum, which included the incorporation of additional skills (i.e. etiquette, practicing hygiene) and more opportunities to practice job interviewing. Thus, we altered the implementation of the intervention to be web-based to improve accessibility. We incorporated the presence of an animated character to deliver the content, to eliminate the need for a highly trained interventionist.DiscussionKF-STRIDE was modified to increase access by incorporating feedback from the autism community. Future directions include assessing the efficacy of KF-STRIDE in young adults on the spectrum to identify whether employment outcomes are improved after using the tool.

Resumo Objetivo Mapear os cuidados em saúde do dispositivo Pegfilgrastim on-body injector na prevenção de neutropenia em adultos com câncer em assistência domiciliar após quimioterapia ambulatorial. Métodos Revisão de escopo baseada na metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute . Foram incluídos somente estudos com adultos com câncer submetidos à quimioterapia ambulatorial. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS , PubMed, Scopus, LIVIVO e Web of Science, além da literatura cinzenta ProQuest, Scielo, Banco de Dados em Enfermagem, Google Scholar, Open Grey, bula do medicamento e websites . Foram esgotadas as buscas nas referências dos estudos elegidos. Todos os estudos identificados foram exportados para o gerenciador de referências EndNote para organização e remoção das duplicadas. Utilizou-se o aplicativo web Rayyan para seleção das evidências. Os estudos foram selecionados por pares e de forma independente, sendo os conflitos solucionados por um terceiro pesquisador. Resultados Foram incluídos 10 artigos cujos resultados foram subdivididos nas categorias: adesão do paciente, opinião da equipe de saúde, carga de trabalho do paciente em tratamento do câncer e uso do dispositivo na prática clínica. O dispositivo apresenta poucas falhas e foi aceito pelas equipes de saúde e pacientes na maioria dos estudos. Conclusão Os principais cuidados em saúde para o uso do dispositivo Pegfilgrastim on-body injector estão relacionados à técnica de preparo da pele onde o dispositivo será aplicado, o preparo e a administração do dispositivo. Além disso, salienta-se a importância da avaliação do conhecimento do paciente e seu familiar sobre o dispositivo, o fornecimento de todas as orientações necessárias, verbalmente e por escrito, de forma clara e objetiva, e a validação dessas informações, certificando-se que o paciente compreendeu todas elas e está seguro.

Background: The World Health Organization admitted that the vaccination against Covid 19 limited the deaths, but not the spread of the disease. This requires a method allowing a specific, rapid and accurate diagnosis of the disease. We report a SPR assay that meets the requirements and can be applied no only for SARS Cov-2 diagnosis but as a tool for early diagnosis of otherinfections. Methods: Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method was used to identify the binding of S/N protein to monoclonal antibodies. N-protein monoclonal antibody (NP mAb), S-protein monoclonal antibody (SP mAb), and receptor bind domain (RBD) antibody were used as recognition molecules. Ligands were deposited by the matrix-assisted laser evaporation (MAPLE) method, which guarantees maximum interaction specificity. Results: We registered S/N protein binding to the corresponding mAbs and S protein to RBD antibody with high sensitivity: the interactions were observed at protein concentration about 130 femtomoles (fM). A very good specificity was observed: the measured S protein binding activity to NP mAb was below the limit of detection (LOD). The same was noticed for N protein binding to SP mAb. Conclusions: The presented SPR assay possesses high sensitivity and selectivity and provides quantitative analysis. This makes it applicable for following the evolution of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially at the early stages of viral replication which can be clinically useful.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of exposure to many viral infections, including vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as compared to non-HCWs. Immunity of HCWs against these viruses is mandatory in a healthcare setting due to possible exposure from patients or colleagues. Aim: To provide an assessment of anti-measles, mumps and rubella IgG seropositivity among Bulgarian HCWs employed in hospitals and regional health inspectorates (RHI), as an indicator of protective immunity against MMR in this risk group. Materials and Methods: In the current study, 181 HCWs from Infectious Units in regional hospitals in the country, and HCWs from the RHI, involved in the monitoring and surveillance of MMR cases in Bulgaria were screened. Serum specimens from all participants were tested by a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Anti-Measles, Anti-Mumps, Anti-Rubella IgG EIA-Euroimmun®, Germany) for presence of IgG antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella, as an indicator of protective immunity. Results: The study included 181 HCWs, 25 male and 156 female, aged 22 to 66 years. The average protective seroprevalence for measles, mumps and rubella was 82.9%, 76.2% and 92.3% percent, respectively. The highest share of negative results were obtained for mumps-specific IgG – 23.2% (42/181), followed by measles 16.6% (60/181) and rubella-specific IgG 7.7% (19/181). Regarding the age distribution, the highest number of HCWs non-immune to measles and mumps was found among the 31- 40-year olds, and against mumps – among the 41-50-year-olds. Conclusion: HCWs are at greater risk of contracting infections than the general population because of contact with sick patients or infectious material. Infected healthcare workers can spread nosocomial diseases to vulnerable patients with more severe illness, leading to complications and even death. Therefore, the vaccination status of HCWs must be strictly monitored.

Analyzing the clinical and epidemiological data of COVID-19 suggests that specific comorbidities increase the risk of infection leading to worse lung injury and an even higher risk of death. The most common comorbidities reported up till now are hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Aim to study: The design of the study includes comorbidity of patients and cause of death in alfa, delta, and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus, histological changes in the lungs, thrombotic complications of coronavirus infection and laboratory tests concerning thrombotic changes. Materials and Methods: We systematically evaluated 20 autopsies of patients deceased by COVID-19 infection. Collecting data was from February 28th, 2020, until June 2022. The cases were diagnosed with a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test and a rapid antigen test. 10 of the deceased patients were from the first, second, third, and fourth wave (I group) infected predominantly with the alfa and delta variants of coronavirus (from March 2020 until October 2021), and 10 patients infected after that date with predominantly the omicron variant (II group). Results: Most patients were over 50 years of age with multiple co-morbidities (28-88, average 63.9). Post-mortem case studies have shown Arterial hypertension in 80% (I/II gr), 60%/90% of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease, chronic and acute ischemic brain disease in 30%/10%, atherosclerosis, 60%/90%, diabetes mellitus 30%/40%, obesity stage III, 100%/95%). Clinical laboratory studies, in connection with thrombotic complications, revealed the increased value of creatine kinase, fibrinogen, D-dimers, and CRP. Lymphopenia was observed in 60%. All of the cases with COVID-19 viral desquamative pneumonia, at different stages, developed vascular thrombosis in medium-sized pulmonary vessels. Two patients developed pulmonary thromboembolism. We established 5 patients with generalized thrombosis. Three patients were complicated by infarcts in the brain, kidney, and spleen. Conclusion: The autopsies revealed a consistent pattern of pulmonary alveolar damage and generalized vascular/thrombotic disease in patients with frequent co-morbidities. The high frequency of generalized thrombotic complications was observed in predominant alfa and delta variants of the infection, while in the group with the omicron prevailing variant, the lung lesions were dominant, without extrapulmonary thrombotic complications, which we explain by the effective antithrombotic therapy. Major complications in these patients were secondary bacterial infection, sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome.

Objectives Workers in the construction industry have been exposed to asbestos in various occupations. In Italy, a National Mesothelioma Registry has been implemented more than 20 years ago. Using cases selected from this registry and exploiting existing control data sets, we estimated relative risks for pleural mesothelioma (PM) among construction workers.Design Case–control study.Setting Cases from the National Mesothelioma Registry (2000–2018), controls from three previous case–control studies.Methods We selected male PM incident cases diagnosed in 2000–2018. Population controls were taken from three studies performed in six Italian regions within two periods (2002–2004 and 2012–2016). Age-adjusted and period-adjusted unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (OR) for occupations in the construction industry. We followed two approaches, one (primary) excluding and the other (secondary) including subjects employed in other non-construction blue collar occupations for >5 years. For both approaches, we performed an overall analysis including all cases and, given the incomplete temporal and geographic overlap of cases and controls, three time or/and space restricted sensitivity analyses.Results The whole data set included 15 592 cases and 2210 controls. With the primary approach (4797 cases and 1085 controls), OR was 3.64 (2181 cases) for subjects ever employed in construction. We found elevated risks for blue-collar occupations (1993 cases, OR 4.52), including bricklayers (988 cases, OR 7.05), general construction workers (320 cases, OR 4.66), plumbers and pipe fitters (305 cases, OR 9.13), painters (104 cases, OR 2.17) and several others. Sensitivity analyses yielded very similar findings. Using the secondary approach, we observed similar patterns, but ORs were remarkably lower.Conclusions We found markedly increased PM risks for most occupations in the construction industry. These findings are relevant for compensation of subjects affected with mesothelioma in the construction industry.

Electroless pure nickel plating was used as a manufacturing technique to produce Ni-fluoropolymers composite coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates. To evaluate the influence of the surface roughness on the water drop contact angle, four different coating architectures (Ni, Ni+FEP, Ni polished and Ni+FEP polished) have been proposed and implemented. Firstly, as a coating reference, a single layer of pure Ni coating was deposited (thickness around 10 µm); then, Ni+FEP single layer was deposited with the help of a surfactant added to the nanoparticles solution to avoid the agglomeration of the filler. Water drop contact angles as a function of time were studied for the different samples and it turns out that the presence of the fluoropolymer fillers inside the matrix deeply modify the wettability of the Ni matrix surface. These results show how coatings obtained by this synthesis technique can be used as possible candidates for passive anti-icing systems.

The purpose of this review article is to inform practicing cardiologists about the manifestations of cardiotoxicity in patients on or after antitumor therapy and about the potential of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. The definitions and classification of cardiotoxicity associated with antitumor treatment, the mechanisms of cardiac and vascular damage of some of the important groups of antitumor drugs, and the potential CMR findings are reviewed. The main clinical situations related to manifestations of cardiotoxicity in which CMR has or is expected to have a leading role are outlined.

In recent decades, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has been established as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of patients with or at risk of heart failure. With its ability to characterize tissue changes in the myocardium, CMR can provide detailed and clinically useful information about the type and severity of cardiac damage. The method is not only important for differentiation of ischemic from non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, but also contributes to the correct diagnosis of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy subtypes. It is also widely accepted as a reference standard for the quantification of myocardial mass, volumes and ejection fraction. The purpose of this article is to review the role of CMR in the diagnosis and treatment of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.

Cardiac magnetic resonance tomography is widely used method in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In the last decade, new techniques have been developed to obtain quantitative parameters of myocardial changes. T1 and T2 mapping are part of the routine CMRT protocol and allow direct quantification of T1 and T2 relaxation times in the myocardium as well as the calculation of extracellular volume. These are important biomarkers both for the diagnosis of various myocardial diseases and for monitoring treatment follow-up and determining prognosis. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the basic principles of the T1 and T2 mapping techniques, as well as their main applications in different types of cardiomyopathies.

AbstractPolymorphisms in the genes of drug-metabolizing enzymes have the potential to contribute to inter-individual differences in drug pharmacokinetics and toxicity. A custom next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel was used in 71 kidney transplanted patients to study the polymorphisms of 11 genes relevant to the metabolism of immunosuppressive drugs. Cyclosporine A and tacrolimus concentrations were determined by a validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. More than 1000 polymorphisms were found in the studied 11 genes, and 45% of them were different non-synonymous variants. Eleven missense mutations were observed in the CYP3A7 gene, resulting in increased metabolism of tacrolimus at day 21 post-transplantation (6.7 µg/L vs. 10.3 µg/L; p = 0.048). Two alleles encoding a cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme with impaired function—CYP2D6*4 (non-functional) and CYP2D6*10 (decreased function), were found in the studied group and both of them were associated with higher levels of tacrolimus at day 14 (10.1 µg/L; p = 0.021 and 9.7 µg/L; p = 0.036, vs. 7.7 µg/L respectively). Altered function of ABC transporters C3 and C2 was also associated with increased TAC concentration. ABCC3 significantly influenced TAC metabolism by itself, but polymorphisms affecting both ABCC3 and ABCC2 resulted in higher changes: 13.6 µg/L vs. 7.9 µg/L, day 14 (p = 0.003) and 20 µg/L versus 9.3 µg/L, day 21 (p = 0.019). All associations were also checked for variants affecting the activity of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. Despite its small size, the study points out that the pharmacogenetics of calcineurin inhibitors may also be influenced by other genes besides CYP3A4 and CYP3A5.