Comparison between the fluid-structure interaction approach and the finite element method approach to analyze the leaflet flutter in bioprosthetic aortic valve.

The low durability of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV), between 10-15 years, is associated with the development of leaflets flutter. Despite increasing calcification and structural damage of the BHV, leaflets flutter is an understudied condition. Therefore, the objective of this study is compare the oscillation characteristics of BHV leaflets obtained by the finite element method (FEM) technique and by the fluid-structural interaction (FSI) technique.

Cardiotoxicity Associated With a Low Doses of 5-FU Promotes Morphoquantitative Changes in the Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic that is used to treat solid tumors. However, 5-FU is associated with several side effects, including cardiotoxicity. Considering the importance of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) for the heart and that little is known about effects of 5-FU on this nervous system plexus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate effects 5-FU at a low dose on the ICNS and oxidative and inflammatory effects in the heart in Wistar rats.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and socio-occupational profile of delivery riders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: We assessed the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and associated socio-occupational factors among delivery riders from a Brazilian city at two time points during the pandemic.

Methodology: Surveys for antibody and viral RNA testing were conducted from November 2020 to January 2021, and from March to May 2021 in a group of 117 delivery riders. A questionnaire on socio-occupational characteristics and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures was completed.

Evaluation of SB-83, a 2-amino-thiophene derivative, against Leishmania species that cause visceral leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic disease that affects various internal organs and represents the most severe and fatal form of leishmaniasis. Conventional treatment presents significant challenges, such as prolonged management in hospital settings, high toxicity, and an increasing growing number of cases of resistance. In previous studies, our research group demonstrated the effective and selective activity of the 2-amino-thiophene derivative SB-83 in preclinical models of cutaneous leishmaniasis.