Publications by authors named "J R Mesquita"
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory virus that emerged in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. The spike glycoprotein (S protein) plays a crucial role in viral target recognition and entry by interacting with angiotensin, converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the functional receptor for the virus, via its receptor binding domain (RBD). The RBD availability for this interaction can be influenced by external factors, such as fatty acids.
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- This study explores the high prevalence of Anisakid nematodes in blue whiting caught off Portugal, using molecular detection methods like conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing.
- All 50 fish examined were infected, with a breakdown revealing 68.1% of the larvae as one species, marking a first report for another species in these fish, indicating a significant public health risk due to rising raw seafood consumption.
- The findings emphasize the need for better detection methods and safety practices to minimize the risk of anisakidosis, alongside further research on the allergenic potential of these parasites and their environmental distribution.
Article Synopsis
- Three betacoronaviruses have emerged in the 21st century, leading to severe respiratory infections and millions of deaths worldwide, sparking interest in animal-to-human transmission pathways, particularly involving hedgehogs.
- A study examined fecal samples from 110 hedgehogs in Portugal, discovering that 24.5% tested positive for coronaviruses, including a newly identified strain closely related to bat coronaviruses.
- The research highlights potential cross-species transmission risks and raises questions about whether hedgehog coronaviruses use the same cellular receptors as MERS-CoV, underscoring the need for further studies in this area.
Article Synopsis
- The study examines the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in outdoor air, specifically comparing crowded versus empty outdoor settings in Valladolid, Spain, during winter 2021.
- Using air samples collected from nine locations in the city, the researchers utilized a Coriolis® air sampler and subsequent RNA extraction techniques to detect the virus.
- Results showed that 6 out of 20 samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, all from crowded areas, indicating that the virus can still be present in outdoor environments, especially when mitigation measures are relaxed.
Purpose: Malignant ureteral obstruction is generally associated with a poor disease prognosis; therefore, managing these cases is challenging. We describe our experience in treating malignant ureteral obstruction with urinary diversion and the impact of these procedures on the indication for new antineoplastic therapy and survival.
Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with advanced cancer associated with malignant ureteral obstruction who underwent urinary diversion at three tertiary institutions between January 2013 and July 2022.