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Volume abnormalities in subcortical structures, including the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus have been observed in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), not all individuals with these disorders exhibit such changes. In addition, the specific patterns and severity of volume changes may vary between individuals and at different stages of the disease. The study aims to compare the volumes of these subcortical structures between healthy subjects and individuals diagnosed with SZ or BD. Volumetric measurements of lateral ventricle, globus palllidus, caudate, putamen, hippocampus, and amygdale were made by MRI in 52 healthy subjects (HS), 33 patients with SZ, and 46 patients with BD. Automatic segmentation methods were used to analyze the MR images with VolBrain and MRICloud. Hippocampus, amygdala and lateral ventricle increased in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients in comparison with control subjects using MRIcloud. Globus pallidus and caudate volume increased in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder compared control subjects using Volbrain. We suggested that our results will contribute in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients that assessment of the sub-cortical progression, pathology, and anomalies of subcortical brain compositions. In patients with psychiatric disorders, VolBrain and MRICloud can detect subtle structural differences in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective: Vestibular schwannoma is a benign, slow-growing tumor that appears in the myelin sheath surrounding the vestibular nerve. These tumors represent 6% of all intracranial tumors and 85% of tumors in the cerebellopontine angle. The most common initial symptom is unilateral hearing loss, followed by unilateral tinnitus, instability, vertigo, headache, and, in certain cases, facial paresthesia or facial paralysis. All of these symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor. Currently, the diagnosis of these tumors is made through a complete medical history, complementary audiological and vestibular tests, and, as an imaging test, an MRI. According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), the MRI of the skull base and internal auditory canals is the gold standard for diagnosing vestibular schwannoma. This can be performed with and without contrast (usually Gadolinium) and allows the detection of very small tumors. Our objective with this article is to provide scientific evidence that enables professionals to diagnose vestibular schwannomas and optimize hospital resources. Method: From a total sample of 685 patients, all medical records of them who had been requested an MRI for audioves)tibular symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, facial paralysis, and others) were reviewed. A descriptive and observational study was carried out, showing the symptoms experienced by each patient, the reason for requesting the imaging test, the final diagnosis, and the type of MRI used. With all this information, a database was created, and the results were analyzed statistically. Results: Regarding the MRI results, 8% of the sample presented a lesion on the MRI that was probably the cause of the audiovestibular symptoms. Regarding the location of the lesions found in the total sample, focusing on the cerebellopontine angle, 5.2% did present a lesion in this location. In bivariate comparison, unilateral hearing loss, instability, and neurological focalization were significantly associated with a higher risk of finding lesions in the MRI that justified the clinical presentation. Unilateral pulsatile tinnitus, unilateral hearing loss with a difference of >70dB in PTA, and instability increased the probability of finding lesions in the MRI. Discussion: MRI has been a significant advancement in the diagnosis of vestibular schwannomas and cerebellopontine angle pathology. However, the easy access to this test has led to an increase in the number of incidental findings and MRIs without pathological findings. This needs the development of protocols and algorithms to support professionals in deciding whether or not to request CAI MRIs. Conclusions: With this article, we aim to contribute to decision-making when requesting an MRI and, thereby, improve the use of hospital resources. It is essential to detail the audiovestibular symptoms of patients in the medical history and with complementary tests. With our results, new lines of research could be initiated to clarify the relationships between, for example, cerebellopontine angle tumors, their symptoms, and their size, and, on the other hand, to develop future action protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research consists of the fabrication of synthetic gels of hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H gel) and hydrated calcium aluminate silicates (C-A-S-H gel) in aqueous solution oversaturated in calcium hydroxide. These gels were fabricated using nanomaterials with different specific surface area; two nanosilicas (NS), OX50 and A200 (50 and 200 m2/g respectively) and two nanoaluminas (NA), A65 and A130 (65 and 130 m2/g). Mixtures were carried out maintaining a Ca/Si = 2 ratio and variable Al/Si ratios of 0.1, 0.5 and 1. The effect of aluminium incorporation in the C-S-H gel was studied using the nuclear magnetic resonance technique (29Si MAS-NMR), and the information obtained was further processed using the mathematical deconvolution method. Chemical shift bands were delimited to identify the structures. From the results obtained, modifications of the tetrahedral (Qn) in the dreierketten structure were observed in the different combinations, as well as the modification of the bridging tetrahedral (Q2b) due to the presence of aluminium replacing the silica bridging tetrahedron Q2b(1Al). High Q4 values were detected in the C-S-H gel with NS OX50 and this could be associated to a double chain formation very similar to a perfect tobermorite. The length of the mean chains (MCL) was very variable in each blend, but some trends were observed as the Al/Si = 1 ratio and the Al/Si = 0.1 ratio maintain or increases the MCL respectively. The results are interesting and concrete case mixtures with NS OX50 show original trends that have not yet been reported in the literature. Resumen: Esta investigación consiste en la fabricación de geles sintéticos de silicato de calcio hidratado (gel C-S-H) y de silicatos de aluminato de calcio hidratados (gel C-A-S-H) en solución acuosa sobresaturada en hidróxido de calcio. Estos geles se fabricaron utilizando nanomateriales con diferente superficie específica; dos nanosílicas (NS), OX50 y A200 (50 y 200 m2/g respectivamente) y dos nanoaluminas (NA), A65 y A130 (65 y 130 m2/g). Las mezclas se realizaron manteniendo una relación Ca/Si = 2 y proporciones variables de Al/Si de 0,1, 0,5 y 1. El efecto de la incorporación de aluminio en el gel C-S-H se estudió mediante la técnica de resonancia magnética nuclear (29Si MAS-NMR), y la información obtenida se procesó posteriormente mediante el método de deconvolución matemática. Se delimitaron las bandas de desplazamiento químico para identificar las estructuras. A partir de los resultados obtenidos, se observaron modificaciones del tetraedro (Qn) en la estructura dreierketten en las diferentes combinaciones, así como la modificación del tetraedro puente (Q2b) debido a la presencia de aluminio que sustituye al tetraedro puente de sílice Q2b(1Al). Se detectaron altos valores de Q4 en el gel C-S-H con NS OX50 y esto podría estar asociado a una formación de doble cadena muy similar a la de una tobermorita perfecta. La longitud de las cadenas medias (MCL) fue muy variable en cada mezcla, pero se observaron algunas tendencias como que la relación Al/Si = 1 y la relación Al/Si = 0,1 mantienen o aumentan la MCL, respectivamente. Los resultados son interesantes y las mezclas de casos concretos con NS OX50 muestran tendencias originales que aún no se han reportado en la literatura.

Spinal arachnoid diverticulum is a focal, dilatative lesion of the arachnoid membrane, filled with cerebrospinal fluid and which can cause spinal cord compression of varying degrees. It can present as a primary or secondary, single or multiple lesion. Commonly, it affects the cervical segment in large dogs and the thoracolumbar segment in small dogs. The clinical picture is dominated by progressive proprioceptive ataxia with varying degrees of tetraparesis or paraparesis. The diagnosis of the lesion involves the use of myelography or CT-myelography to identify and locate the intradural arachnoid diverticulum. However, the gold standard method is represented by the MRI exam that determines the degree of damage to the spinal cord, as well as the identification of associated conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ESPOCH Congresses: The Ecuadorian Journal of S.T.E.A.M. is the property of Knowledge E DMCC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The ferulic acid (FA)-oxidation by Myceliophthora thermophila laccase was performed in phosphate buffer at 30 °C and pH 7.5 as an eco-friendly procedure. LC-MS analysis showed that oxidation products were four dehydrodimers (P1, P2, P3, P5) at MM = 386 g/mol, two dehydrotetramers (P6, P7) at MM = 770 g/mol and one decarboxylated dehydrodimer (P4) at MM = 340 g/mol. Structural characterization showed that FA-dehydrodimers were symmetric for P1 and P5 while asymmetric for P2, P3 and P4. Physicochemical characterization showed that oxidation products presented a higher lipophilicity than that of FA. Moreover, symmetric dimers and tetra dimers had a higher melting point compared to FA and its asymmetric dimers. Antioxidant and anti-proliferative assessments indicated that enzymatic oligomerization increased antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties of oxidation products for P2, P3 and P6 compared to FA. Finally, this enzymatic process in water could produce new molecules, having good antiradical and anti-proliferative activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se describe brevemente la historia y principios de la generación de imágenes mediante rayos X y resonancia magnética por medio de una revisión bibliográfica. También, se analizan sus aplicaciones en la entomología y otros campos agronómicos, además de las perspectivas para investigaciones futuras. Se concluye que las metodologías analizadas no son destructivas puesto que permiten dar seguimiento al mismo individuo con imágenes y modelos computarizados en dos y tres dimensiones para el estudio de células, tejidos y órganos en insectos vivos. Estas técnicas contribuyen a la comprensión morfológica, fisiológica y ecológica de los insectos en diferentes ambientes o tratamientos.

El cáncer de próstata es una entidad que representa la primera causa de muerte por cáncer en hombres en el mundo, en Venezuela en el año 2021 ocupó el primer lugar por mortalidad por cáncer con 3.792 fallecidos. Mediante un estudio observacional analítico transversal retrospectivo se revisaron 79 estudios de resonancia magnética de pacientes del Servicio de Radiología del CMDLT. En promedio la sensibilidad de los reportes según el SCORE PI-RADS v2.1, en el Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad obtuvo una sensibilidad y valor predictivo negativo de 91% con una especificidad de 77% y valor predictivo positivo promedio de 72,6%, equiparable con la literatura internacional, sin embargo el índice de variabilidad interobservador demostró una variabilidad a través del Kappa Fleiss con baja concordancia dada por un valor de 0,28. Se requieren más estudios en la línea de investigación para determinar causas de la variabilidad interobservador en la utilización del score PI-RADS v2.1. Una de las recomendaciones pudiera corresponder a la utilización de sistemas de doble lectura para así disminuir el margen de variabilidad.

Acoustic neuroma, or vestibular schwannoma, is an intracranial, benign tumor that arises from the Schwann cell sheath of the vestibulocochlear nerve. It represents 6-10% of all intracranial tumors and 85-90% of the tumors located in the cerebellopontine angle. The study of acoustic neurinoma has reached a new level nowadays, a special attention being paid to the pathophysiological mechanisms, early diagnosis and management of this pathology, with the development and improvement of new methods of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INVERSE LAPLACE TRANSFORM FOR SIGNAL ANALYSIS OF LOW FIELD NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE. The objective of this work is to describe the mathematical procedure denominated ‘Inverse Laplace Transform’ used to process Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance signals of experiments as CPMG, Inversion Recovery and Saturation Recovery. Also, we present a developed script, “ILT Origin script” v.1, in the environment of the software Origin Lab 9 to execute it. The presented ILT is executed with an algorithm of non-negative last square, with Tikhonov regularization and singular values decomposition. The main features of the code were tested using simulated and experimental signals, and in order to validate the results the same sets of data were analyzed using similar ILT softwares. The developed scripts for Origin Lab, Matlab and other languages are available for free for scientific and teaching uses.

Cancer affects a major part of the worldwide population, and, to minimize deaths, the diagnosis in the early stages of the disease is fundamental. Thus, to improve diagnosis and treatment new potential spectroscopic probes are crucial. Benzothiazole derivates present antitumor properties and are highly selective and interact strongly with the enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), which was associated with cell proliferation and breast cancer cells. In this paper, the rhenium shielding tensors (187Re(σ)) and hydrogen and carbon chemical shifts (1H(δ) and 13C(δ)) of the Re(CO)3(NNO) complex conjugated with 2-(4′-aminophenyl)benzothiazole (ReABT) were evaluated. A statistical HCA model was used to analyze the best DFT protocol to compute σ and δ values and to evaluate the relativistic effects, both in the basis set and Hamiltonian as well as the functionals M06L or PBE0. The best protocol was applied to obtain 187Re(σ) of the ReABT complex in different environments (gas phase, solution, and in the active site of the PI3K enzyme). The results point out that 187Re(σ) values of the ReABT complex change significantly when the complex is docked in the PI3K enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review briefly describes the history and principles of X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging, its applications in entomology and other agronomic fields are analyzed, besides the perspectives for future research. It is concluded that the analyzed methodologies are non-destructive, they allow to give follow-up to the same individual through images and computerized models in two and three dimensions for the study of cells, tissues and organs in living insects. These techniques contribute to the morphological, physiological and ecological understanding of insects in different environments or treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocephalus is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This condition is more common in brachycephalic and toy dog breeds. The diagnosis is based on the interpretation of the data obtained from the anamnesis, the clinical and neurological examination. The confirmation is made by advanced imaging (CT/MRI). Transfontanelar ultrasound is indicated in patients in whom the fontanels remain partially open. The differential diagnosis is required to exclude other encephalopathies. The medication aims to reduce CSF overproduction and improve neurological signs. Surgery (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) is a long-term option in patients who do not respond to medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are over 41 000 vacant nursing posts across the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), with more people leaving the profession that joining it. Despite mental health being acknowledged as a priority area, some of the most significant staff shortages are occurring within mental health services. Urgent action is needed to retain the mental health nurses (MHNs) currently in post to ensure the profession is fit for purpose and aid future recruitment efforts. This review set out to identify the individual factors that affect the retention of MHNs. A systematic search of six databases was conducted (CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science (Core collection), EMBASE and the British Nursing Index). Studies were systematically screened for inclusion based on predetermined eligibility criteria. The studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Findings were synthesized using Thematic Synthesis. A total of 23 studies consisting of a range of study designs were included in the review. Four key themes emerged from the synthesis: Individual characteristics, Working within mental health services, Training and skills and Work environment. The findings from this review suggest that MHNs encounter some factors unique to working in mental health services, which suggests that retention strategies should be specific to each nursing speciality. Beyond nursing speciality, the factors identified vary between clinical settings in mental health due to the differences in work environments and services they provide. Future studies should now set out to explore what factors exist in which clinical settings to inform better tailored retention strategies to generate better outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ferulic acid (FA)-oxidation by Myceliophthora thermophila laccase was performed in phosphate buffer at 30 °C and pH 7.5 as an eco-friendly procedure. LC-MS analysis showed that oxidation products were four dehydrodimers (P1, P2, P3, P5) at MM = 386 g/mol, two dehydrotetramers (P6, P7) at MM = 770 g/mol and one decarboxylated dehydrodimer (P4) at MM = 340 g/mol. Structural characterization showed that FA-dehydrodimers were symmetric for P1 and P5 while asymmetric for P2, P3 and P4. Physicochemical characterization showed that oxidation products presented a higher lipophilicity than that of FA. Moreover, symmetric dimers and tetra dimers had a higher melting point compared to FA and its asymmetric dimers. Antioxidant and anti-proliferative assessments indicated that enzymatic oligomerization increased antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties of oxidation products for P2, P3 and P6 compared to FA. Finally, this enzymatic process in water could produce new molecules, having good antiradical and anti-proliferative activities.

Vestibular schwannoma is a benign, intracranial tumor of the 8th pair of cranial nerves. The incidence of vestibular schwannoma is 3-5.2 cases per 100000 people. It represents 6% of all intracranial tumors and 80% of tumors located in the cerebellopontine angle. In this paper, the authors present the results of a retrospective study of vestibular schwannoma patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgery between 2010 and 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a complex physical process based on the interaction of protons in an electromagnetic field, the most well-known and widespread application in medical-clinical and medical-surgical field being nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Considering the interdependent relationship between research in scientific fields that are closely related to medicine and the medical world, it is particularly important to be aware of the existence of other applications of the physical process mentioned before: diffusionometry, relaxometry and MRI spectroscopy. These are well-known and studied research entities, but their applicability in the clinical diagnostic process is still limited, despite the huge potential to provide a much broader and more detailed perspective on various biological tissues in vitro, but even in vivo. We want to review the evolution of nuclear magnetic resonance tomography or imaging, which has gone from being a Nobel Prize-winning idea to one of the most widespread and useful methods of non-invasive and non-irradiating medical imaging, but especially an example of the feasibility of diffusionometry, relaxometry, respectively MRI spectroscopy in a medical setting, through global studies on their potential diagnosis in areas such as oncology, neurology, endocrinology and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10 years and 1 month old patient with severe headache and vomiting and by CT native he has been diagnosed with tetra-ventricular hemorrhage. The supplementary imaging investigations (angioCT and MRI) have revealed an arteriovenous malformation having subcortical and deep location (up to the level of the lateral ventricle roof) at level of the left parietal lobe. The total ablation of the brain arteriovenous malformation has been performed using a microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid informatization and digitalization of the society heavily rely on the extensive use of parallel and distributed, networked computer systems. It is important for large-scale parallel and distributed systems to be able to detect and tolerate faulty vertices in the network. A network's fault status can often be characterized with the network's connectivity and diagnosability. The connectivity/diagnosability can be defined under various conditions. This paper is concerned with the connectivity/diagnosability under the " g -good-neighbor condition", which can more accurately measure a network's fault status. In this paper, we propose a new class of recursive networks, named recursive match networks (RMNs), which contain the well-known BCube and BC networks. We determine the RMNs' g -good-neighbor connectivity and g -good-neighbor conditional diagnosability under the classic MM* and PMC diagnostic models for g ≥ 0. Since the RMN is a more general network covering the BCube and BC networks, our results can be directly applied to these two networks. • We proposed a new class of networks, named recursive match networks (RMNs), which contain the BCube, BC networks, and some other networks. • We obtained the g -good-neighbor connectivity and g -good-neighbor conditional diagnosability of RMNs, under the MM* and PMC models. • We got that the g -good-neighbor connectivity/diagnosability of the RMN are both nearly g + 1 times of its original, unconditional ones. • The results of this paper can be directly applied to the BCube, BC networks, and any other networks that fall within the definition of the RMN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, aqueous fractions were extracted from the discarded Pleurotus ostreatus biomass (AF) and from a waste product (RAF) generated from it in the industry (stipes) with the aim of valorizing these wastes into new food ingredients. Compositional, structural and functional analysis, before and after a purification step (p) to enrich its content in β-glucans, was carried out. Moreover, the rheological properties and the nanostructure of hydrogels obtained from the β-glucan extracts were analyzed. The unpurified fractions stood out for their significantly higher antioxidant capacity (AF, 138.55 ± 1.20 and RAF, 118.31 ± 1.20). As a result of the ethanolic purification process, purified samples had lower protein, ash, polyphenols and α-glucans content than the unpurified ones. Furthermore, extracts from stipes had a greater structural complexity, with more branched β-glucans than their counterparts obtained from the whole biomass, which had a positive impact on the antiviral activity against murine norovirus. Interestingly, purified samples formed stronger hydrogels but the gelation mechanism depended on its composition and structure. AFp was able to form a gelling network with a more tightly packed structure, ascribed to the presence of less branched β-glucans, showing the highest hardness value (2.87 ± 0.27 N). Unpurified RAF fraction showed hydrogels with greater cohesiveness and chewiness values (4.74 ± 0.55 N and 9.08 ± 0.87 N, respectively). In contrast, the presence of small side chains in RAFp could also act as reinforcement agents in hydrogels formed by means of intermolecular associations, with the additional advantages of having greater antiviral activity and coming from agroindustrial residues (stipes). [Display omitted] • Aqueous fractions were extracted from the P. ostreatus fruiting bodies (AF) and stipes (RAF). • Purified (AFp and RAFp) samples formed stronger hydrogels. • RAFp had a strong antiviral activity against murine norovirus. • P. ostreatus stipes showed the greatest functional and technological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a gynecological pathology with chronic symptoms, which negatively affects the patient’s quality of life1. The prevalence of endometriosis in asymptomatic women is between 2% and 50%, depending on the populations studied and the method of diagnosis. The severity of the symptoms as well as the probability of diagnosing endometriosis increases with age9. Because endometriosis is a gynecological condition with a nonspecific clinical picture, sometimes even asymptomatic, imaging technology can be considered the first line of diagnosis for this pathology. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in the diagnosis of endometriotic lesions depending on their location, and compare the results obtained with the intraoperative appearance considered a reference standard in the diagnosis of endometriosis. Our study revealed the highest specificity for MRI in the case of endometriotic bladder invasion, respectively the highest sensitivity for endometriotic rectal nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is still a major problem in developing countries despite screening programs. Due to nonspecific symptoms and reduced therapeutic possibilities, the morbidity of this infection may be increased. The confirmation of this infection in the first part of pregnancy requires careful imaging surveillance and, possibly, a confirmation of fetal impairment using invasive methods. Even in the context of normal fetal imaging, the postnatal impairment cannot be completely ruled out, therefore the follow-up of these children in the first years of life is mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conformational stability and internal rotation barriers, HOMO-LUMO gap and related properties, molecular static polarizability and hyperpolarizability parameters, and the NBO delocalization energies associated with the internal charge transfer (ICT) of 2.2.3-trimethylpentane in the ground state were carried out taking into account the long range dispersion correction through CAM-B3LYP and WB97XD levels at aug-cc-pvtz basis set. The six lowest conformations were differentiated by a deep and multiple spectroscopic investigation. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption bands are assigned using molecular orbital data obtained by TD-WB97XD/aug-cc-pvtz calculations, and carbon 13C NMR signal peaks have been assigned using GIAO-WB97XD/aug-cc-pvtz method. In addition, the normal mode calculations of the most and less stable conformers using a scaled force field in terms of non-redundant local symmetry coordinates have been confronted to the experimental vibrational spectra temperature dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the phenolic composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of an ethyl acetate extract from C. triflorus L'Her. The phytochemical study on the aerial parts of C. triflorus belonging to the Fabaceae family led to the isolation and structural elucidation of 5-Hydroxy-7-O-glucosylflavone (P1), 5-Hydroxy-7-O-galactosylflavone (P2), 5,7-Dihydroxy-flavone (P3), 5,7,3'-Trihydroxy,4'-methoxy-flavone (P4). These compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR combined analysis as well as by UV. Ethyl acetate extract of C. triflorus showed a significant and dose-dependent antioxidant activity in vitro, related to the presence of phenolics (180.33 ± 12.22 µg GAE/mg) and flavonoids (16.78 ± 1.54 µg QE/mg). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus CECT 240 and Escherichia coli CECT 4099, by agar-diffusion method. The most active antibacterial activity was expressed by ethyl acetate extract of C. triflorus against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus. The gathered results suggest that C. triflorus polyphenols and flavonoids are closely associated to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia is the property of Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The main objective of this work is to analyze the recent evolution of intra-state migration in Rio Grande do Norte, from the flows between the Metropolitan Region of Natal (RMN) and the interior of the state, and the interior and the Metropolitan Region of Natal, during the five-year periods of 1995/2000 and 2005/2010. For this, the main source of information is the samples of microdata from the Demographic Census 2000 and 2010 provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The main results show a greater dynamization of migrations within the state itself and an intensification of the trend of the metropolis-interior flow, with a significant decrease in the negative balance of the interior in relation to NMR. In terms of municipalities, the highlight was Mossoró, which presented the highest volume of immigrants and emigrants to and from the NMR, and the greatest reduction in the negative migratory balance, between the periods of 1995/2000 and 2005/2010. On the other hand, in the NMR there was a decline in population gains coming from the interior and a significant increase in emigration to the respective area, showing a reduction in the attractiveness, notably from the capital (Natal), which has a greater positive migratory balance and volume of inflows and With the interregnum under analysis, Natal significantly reduces the positive balance, as a result of a set of negative externalities that, associated with greater dynamization of the interior, especially medium-sized cities, boost the maintenance of the population. inland, as well as reemigration, deconcentrating the population of the NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including hyaluronic acid (HA), dermatan sulfate (DS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are essential components of the bone and cartilage tissues. CS isolated from the cartilage tissue of various animals has found application in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industries. In the first part of the present work, three methods were used and compared to extract and purify glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from the cartilage powder of a local cartilaginous marine species «Scyliorhinus canicula». One of these GAGs, chondroitin sulfate (CS), will be exploited for the development of an anti-osteoarthritis generic at the request of a collaborative pharmaceutical industry. Thus this active ingredient must meet the requirements and tests described by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). These tests are treated in the second part of this work. Results: Among the three methods that have been applied in the present work, in order to optimize the best process for GAGs preparation, enzymatic hydrolysis with papain followed by deproteinisation using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) was found the best one. The separation of the extracted GAGs using agarose gel electrophoresis, and the identification of bands by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, revealed that the cartilage GAGs of « Scyliorhinus canicula» are exclusively chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatane sulfate (DS), with proportions of 12.889 and 87.111% respectively, and that CS is of type C. The extraction technique with papain provides a product with GAGs content of around 90%. The TCA deproteinisation yielded the lowest level of protein (2.8%) in the extracted GAGs, less than 3%, which is the standard required by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) assay suggests that the titration technique, although is introduced by the Ph. Eur. for the determination of CS content, is not an accurate method, and that the values obtained by the optimized and validated HPLC method, described in this work, are more exact. Conclusion: The extracted and purified active ingredient is perfectly conform to the tests described by the Ph. Eur. The results suggest that the co-product of Scyliorhinus canicula would be a perfect source of molecules of pharmacological interest, obtained by a simple and non-agressive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Over time, we have seen a major evolution of measurement initiatives, indicators and methods, such that today a wide range of maternal and perinatal indicators are monitored and new indicators are under development. Monitoring global progress in maternal and newborn health outcomes and development has been dominated in recent decades by efforts to set, measure and achieve global goals and targets: the Millennium Development Goals followed by the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper aims to review, reflect and learn on accelerated progress towards global goals and events, including universal health coverage, and better tracking of maternal and newborn health outcomes.Methods: We searched for literature of key events and global initiatives over recent decades related to maternal and newborn health. The searches were conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and the World Health Organization Global Index Medicus.Results: This paper describes global key events and initiatives over recent decades showing how maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, and stillbirths, have been viewed, when they have achieved higher priority on the global agenda, and how they have been measured, monitored and reported. Despite substantial improvements, the enormous maternal and newborn health disparities that persist within and between countries indicate the urgent need to renew the focus on reducing inequities.Conclusion: The review has featured the long story of the progress in monitoring improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, but has also underlined current gaps and significant inequities. The many global initiatives described in this paper have highlighted the magnitude of the problems and have built the political momentum over the years for effectively addressing maternal and newborn health and well-being, with particular focus on improved measurement and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative imaging assessment is essential to draw an accurate map of endometriotic lesions. Knowledge of the extension and severity of disease is paramount for the surgical team in order to plan the type of surgery, complete the operating team and properly inform the patient with details of the risks. Material and Method: Transvaginal ultrasound is the fi rst-line imaging technique for ovarian and deep infi ltrating endometriosis, but the accuracy of the diagnosis is proportional with the experience of the operator. Respecting the four steps of ultrasound evaluation technique decreases the probability of misdiagnosis. Step 1 include evaluation of the uterus and adnexa, step 2 - evaluation of "soft marker", step 3 - assessment of the Pouch of Douglas using "sliding sign" and step 4 - assessment of anterior pelvic compartment (urinary bladder, uterovesical region and ureters) and posterior pelvic compartment (rectovaginal septum, posterior vaginal fornix, uterosacral ligaments, rectum and sigmoid). MRI is performed as an additional examination in complex cases prior to surgery, in symptomatic patients with negative or equivocal ultrasound fi ndings and it can be useful for diagnosis of multiple sites of deep infi ltrating endometriosis. Results: Important information from recent guidelines and relevant literature are highlighted. Ovarian and deep endometriosis diagnosed by ultrasound scan and MRI imaging - case series (personal experience) will be commented. Conclusion: As with cancer pathology, the success of treatment depends on complete excision of the endometriotic lesions. Rigorous imaging investigation avoids „the tip of the iceberg” mirage and enhances the quality of medical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a powerful model organism which has been extensively characterized at the genetic and cellular levels and used to study various biological processes. However, less is known about how metabolic pathways operate in C. elegans and how metabolites participate in worm's physiology. Metabolomics and lipidomics have emerged as valuable tools for understanding C. elegans biology and its association with physiological and pathological conditions in humans. Metabolomics and lipidomics methods are diverse and lead to different outcomes depending on a number of variables, including sample preparation, metabolite extraction, the method of detection and data analysis. In this Review, the main steps involved in C. elegans lipidomics and metabolomics analyses are presented, directing particular attention to the advantages and drawbacks of each method of sample preparation and processing in terms of simplicity and metabolite coverage, and also listing the most frequently used protocols and their applications. Caenorhabditis elegans metabolomics and lipidomics analyzes have contributed to various fields in biology, shedding light onto complex metabolic processes and expanding the landscape of biological investigation. These advances encompass studies concerning mechanisms associated with changes in lifespan and reproduction, effects of a number of interventions and genetic manipulation, and redox biology. [Display omitted] • The use of metabolomics and lipidomics approaches in C. elegans has contributed to the understanding of various biological processes. • Sample preparation is a critical step in C. elegans metabolomics and lipidomics analyzes. • Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance are the most common analytical methodologies for C. elegans metabolomics and lipidomics. • In this Review, current protocols and perspectives in C. elegans metabolomics and lipidomics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, often resulting in chronic joint pain and commonly affecting elderly people. Current treatments with anti-inflammatory drugs are palliative, making the discovery of new treatments necessary. The inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-13 is a validated strategy to prevent the progression of this common joint disorder. We recently described polybrominated benzotriazole derivatives with nanomolar inhibitory activity and a promising selectivity profile against this collagenase. In this work, we have extended the study in order to explore the influence of bromine atoms and the nature of the S1′ heterocyclic interacting moiety on the solubility/selectivity balance of this type of compound. Drug target interactions have been assessed through a combination of molecular modeling studies and NMR experiments. Compound 9a has been identified as a water-soluble and highly potent inhibitor with activity in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells.

La implementación de novedosas técnicas biofísicas para análisis de proteínas a escala atómica, tales como la resonancia magnética nuclear de proteínas (RMN) y la cristalografía de rayos X, permiten el estudio de los mecanismos moleculares de interacción entre proteínas de interés y, -en algunos casos-, permite explorar mecanismos alternativos para el diseño de nuevos fármacos. Nuestro grupo ha desarrollado dos líneas de investigación buscando implementar y consolidar dichas técnicas biofísicas, con el objetivo de comprender mejor las interacciones entre sustratos, -como el factor VIII y el receptor de plaquetas PAR1- con la trombina, en los procesos de coagulación sanguínea; y, por otra parte, conocer mejor la actividad funcional de algunas proteínas provenientes de venenos de serpientes. La interacción de regiones conectoras del FVIII humano con la trombina fue estudiada utilizando la técnica de RMN, a través de ensayos mono, bi y tri-dimensionales, donde los conectores del FVIII humano fueron marcados con los isótopos 1H, 13C y 15N empleando sobreexpresión heteróloga en cepas de Escherichia coli. Mediante la técnica de cristalografía de rayos X se ha logrado obtener cristales a partir de la generación de complejos de las proteínas recombinantes humanas con la trombina, y se han desarrollado una serie de mutantes del FVIII y PAR1, para favorecer complejos intermediaros más estables con la trombina. Por último, se ha trabajado con una metaloproteinasa del veneno de la serpiente Crotalus simus y una fosfolipasa de Botriechis schelegelii. De esta última se obtuvo una estructura 3D a una alta resolución (~2.5 Å).

The objectives of the study are to investigate the influence of knowledge, communication skill and motivation toward job performance among the Young Executive Officer in Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The issues about safety of the ship at sea has become main concern in RMN. A lot of incident involving collision between Naval ship all around the world with merchant ship has cause the RMN to be more cautious and stringent in handling and navigating the ship especially when operating in busiest straits like Singapore Strait. Thus, the performance of each officer must be determined to ensure their capability in handling and navigate the ship. The study covers the factors that affected performance of young officers on board warship which related to the training program undergo by Young Executive Officers before served on board ship. The study used the Campbell Theory and the respondents consists of 127 Young Executive Officers from naval base in Perak, Malaysia. The online questionnaires were used in this study and analyzed by using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS). Research findings show that there is a significant influence between specialization knowledge and motivation toward job performance among Young Executive Officer. However, knowledge in information processing, specialization knowledge and communication skill have no significant influence toward job performance. Based on the result, there are several recommendations such as establishing pre-joining program and design specific program for confident level to enhance the performance of young executive officer.

The objectives of this study is to investigate the relationship of awareness, self-efficacy and peer support towards Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel intention to pursue postgraduate studies. The study has adopted Theory of Planned Behaviour as its framework in determining individual intention. The respondents of this study are among 211 RMN personnel from Klang Valley area. The data was distributed by using online questionnaires. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyze the collected data such as descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. Findings of the study show that peer support and self-efficacy give significant relationship towards RMN personnel intention to pursue postgraduate studies. However, awareness have no significant relationship towards RMN personnel intention to pursue postgraduate studies. This result is crucial for general body of knowledge since there are limited study focused on Military education in Malaysia. Based on these results, several recommendations have been suggested such as expanding the Knowledge Force (K-Force) program to make it more attractive for RMN personnel.

To assess electronic absorption spectra, molecular docking, and antibacterial activity, 12 new hydrazone compounds that have different substituents and in different positions were synthesized and characterized. HOMO–LUMO energies and theoretical electronic spectra of synthesized compounds were computed via Gaussian 09 software. Global reactivity descriptors were computed from HOMO–LUMO energies. In addition, 1JXA protein was used for molecular docking studies structure. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (as negative bacteria), Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (as gram positive) was selected. Compound 3 was observed to be the most effective against propagations of E. Coli. Similarly, compounds 7 and 9 were found to be the most effective against the reproduction of P. aeroginosa. The most powerful compound against the growth of E. faecalis was ascertained to be compound 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical changes in crude palm oil during a real case of deep-frying of akara, cowpea-paste balls, fried and sold in the streets of Brazil. Discontinuous frying over five consecutive days, using 5-h frying a day, was performed according to traditional practices. The formation of polar compounds was evaluated by the IUPAC official method and by quick tests based on measures of physical properties, Testo 270 and Fri-check. In addition, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy was applied to evaluate physicochemical changes. The results showed that after 15-h frying the total content of polar compounds (TPC) exceeded the limit of 25% established in most of the recommendations and regulations on heated oils. Such a level was reached quickly due to the high content of hydrolytic compounds present in the fresh oil and to the inappropriate use of blends of fresh and used oil in the oil replenishment. The two quick tests presented significantly lower values for TPC than the official method, probably due to the elevated hydrolysis of the fresh oil. In contrast, ¹H-NMR results exhibited changes in the fatty acid composition which were similar to those provided by the common GC analysis. The use of crude palm oils of better initial quality and replenishment with fresh oil only are recommended to improve the quality of the oil absorbed by akara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cruzaine is the major cysteine protease of Trypanosoma cruzi. Cruzaine is involved throughout the parasite's life cycle in host cells, and is a promising target in the search for new antichagasic agents. Quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT B3LYP/cc-pVDZ) were performed to obtain nuclear magnetic resonance data and to optimize the geometry of four dihydrochalcones. The results showed good agreement with the experimental data and were used to suggest the relative stereochemistry of one of the four dihydrochalcones studied. In addition, we evaluated the interaction of cruzaine with these new inhibitors. We used molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, and a per-residue energy decomposition method. It was observed that these molecules are capable of interacting with residues important for enzymatic activity, like Cys25, His161, and Asp160. The ranking of the inhibitors obtained from the binding free energy calculations is in agreement with that experimentally reported. The evaluation of the energy components involved in these calculations demonstrated that the van der Waals term is the major contributor to the drug-receptor stabilizing interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En este artículo, se presenta un estudio espectroscópico computacional de Resonancia Magnética Nuclear del acetaminofén y sus principales precursores químicos: el 4-nitrofenol y el 4-aminofenol. Se realizó la optimización molecular de todas las estructuras de interés y, con estas estructuras, se calcularon las propiedades espectroscópicas de resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN). Todos los cálculos fueron realizados utilizando el programa de cálculo electrónico estructural GAUSSIAN 03®. Para los espectros de protón y carbono se utilizó trimetilsilano (TMS) como compuesto de referencia, para los espectros de oxígeno se utilizó como referencia agua y para los de nitrógeno, amoniaco. Los espectros computacionales de 1H-RMN, 13C-RMN, 17O-RMN y 15N-RMN fueron comparados con espectros experimentales y tablas de absorción RMN de diferentes átomos y grupos funcionales obtenidos de la literatura, y se encontró que los espectros calculados presentan las mismas bandas de absorción. Las principales diferencias encontradas se deben al estado de agregación, ya que los cálculos computacionales se realizaron en estado gaseoso, sin presencia de solvente, mientras que los obtenidos de la literatura se encuentran en soluciones deuteradas. Esto demuestra que es posible realizar análisis espectroscópico de RMN mediante cálculos electrónicos computacionales, con un alto nivel de satisfacción, lo que puede ayudar en la elucidación estructural, en los casos en los que resulta imposible utilizar la técnica experimental.

Chemical transformations of eremantholide C (1), a sesquiterpene lactone that was isolated from Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. led to five new derivatives: 1′,2′- epoxyeremantholide C (2), 5-n-propylamine-4,5-dihydro-1′,2′-epoxyeremantholide C (3), 5-n-propylammonium-4,5-dihydro-1′,2′-epoxyeremantholide C chloride (4), 5-n-propylammonium-4,5-dihydroeremantolide C chloride (5) and 16-O-ethyleremantholide C (6). The structures of all these derivatives were assigned on the basis of IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR data by 1D and 2D techniques. Eremantholide C and the derivatives 2, 4 and 5 were evaluated against trypomastigotes Y and CL strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. Eremantholide C completely inhibited the growth of both the parasites strains while all derivatives were partially active against the CL strain and inactive against the Y strain.