Lack of Association between Vitamin D Genetic Polymorphism and Virological Characteristics of Hepatitis B Infection.

Background: Exploring polymorphisms in vitamin D-related genes (VDR) within the Brazilian population provides a valuable model to contribute to the influence of the host genetic variants on chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods: 126 CHB patients were enrolled in the current study and clinical, laboratory, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OD)D] level data were obtained. Four VDR (rs7975232, rs1544410, rs10735810, rs731236) and 2 vitamin D-binding protein/carrier globulin (GC) polymorphisms (rs4588 and rs7041) were determined using TaqMan assays and nucleotide sequencing.

Hepatitis A, B, and C in Brazilian Afro-Descendant Communities from Northeast Brazil: A Seroepidemiological Survey.

Background: Viral hepatitis is a disease that is more prevalent among individuals residing in remote regions and in contexts of social vulnerability. The objective of this study was to ascertain the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), and C (HCV) in vulnerable communities in the rural area of São João do Piauí (SJP), northern Brazil.

Methods: Immunoenzymatic assays were employed to detect the presence of anti-HAV (total and IgM), HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV serological markers in serum samples.

Porcine Nose Atrophy Assessed by Automatic Imaging and Detection of and Other Respiratory Pathogens in Lung and Nose.

The nasal mucosa is a crucial filtering organ to prevent attachment and invasion of pathogens. To assess nasal health in relation to lung health, transverse cross sections of the nasal turbinates of 121 pigs suffering from respiratory disease and sent for diagnostic necropsy were scored visually and by an artificial intelligence (AI) medical diagnostic application (AI DIAGNOS), resulting in a high correlation of both scores ( < 0.001).

Disentangling the Optoelectronic Behavior of Lead Iodide Governed by Two-Dimensional Electron Confinement.

We present a joint experimental and theoretical study for complete spectroscopic characterization and optoelectronic properties of lead iodide. Experimentally, we combine X-ray diffraction experiments to elucidate the structure with photoelectron spectroscopy to explore its electronic structure. Computationally, simulations are performed in the frame of density functional theory.

Descriptive analysis of the cases published in the Align® Global Gallery.

Introduction: Social media enhanced access to information, making it easier to share dental treatments.

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a descriptive analysis of the clinical cases published on the Align® Global Gallery platform.

Material And Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 1,582 cases was conducted, data extracted referred to the following basic information: case number; patient's age; reported gender; Invisalign® package modality; treatment time; aligner exchange protocol; total number of aligners per arch; type of retainers, and inclusion of initial and final panoramic and cephalometric radiographs.

Porous Organic Polymers as Ionomers for High-Performance Alkaline Membrane Water Electrolysis.

Sustainable hydrogen production is focused on anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers (AEMWEs), which still require more development to achieve high performance and durability. Here, we propose a novel class of porous organic polymers (POPs) as durable solid-ionomers for AEMWEs, which was prepared by reacting the 4-methylpiperidone with trifunctional or a mixture of trifunctional:difunctional aromatic monomers (in a 2 : 3 mol ratio). The resulting POP ionomers exhibited exceptional electrochemical properties and remarkable alkaline stability.

Single-point and kinetics of peripheral residual disease by mass spectrometry to predict outcome in patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma included in the GEM-CESAR trial.

The value of quantitative immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (QIP-MS) to identify the M-protein is being investigated in patients with monoclonal gammopathies but no data are yet available in high-risk smoldering myeloma (HRsMM). We have, therefore, investigated QIP-MS to monitor peripheral residual disease (PRD) in 62 HRsMM patients enrolled in the GEM-CESAR trial. After 24 cycles of maintenance, detecting the M-protein by MS or clonal plasma cells by next-generation flow cytometry (NGF) identified cases with a significantly shorter median progression-free survival (mPFS) (MS: not reached vs.

Dosimetric analysis of patients receiving volumetric-modulated arc palliative radiotherapy to the thoracic spine: A comparison with conventional mono-isocentric parallel opposed pair treatment.

Purpose: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has allowed for dose escalation and a decrease in radiation-induced toxicities for a variety of treatment sites, including spinal metastases. This article will compare the dosimetric impacts on normal lung tissue in patients treated with both VMAT and conventional treatment to the thoracic spine and determine if any significant difference exists among patient reported Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores.

Methods: This retrospective quality assurance study identified 288 patients who received palliative radiotherapy to the thoracic spine using VMAT or conventional planning techniques with various palliative dose fractionation schemes.

SARS-CoV-2 and dialysis: humoral response, clinical and laboratory impacts before vaccination.

Background: Patients with kidney disease on Hemodialysis (HD) are susceptible to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) due to multiple risk factors.

Aim: This study aims to report the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among patients on hemodialysis before vaccination in Brazil and to compare with clinical, demographic, and laboratory data.

Methods: Blood samples from 398 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients treated in three different private institutions in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil were submitted to the total anti-SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Isatuximab-pomalidomide-dexamethasone pomalidomide-dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: final overall survival analysis.

The primary and prespecified updated analyses of ICARIA-MM (clinicaltrial gov. Identifier: NCT02990338) demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS) and a benefit in overall survival (OS) was reported with the addition of isatuximab, an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, to pomalidomide-dexamethasone (Pd) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Here, we report the final OS analysis.

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis using optical coherence tomography supported by explainable artificial intelligence.

Background/objectives: Study of retinal structure based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) data can facilitate early diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Although artificial intelligence can provide highly reliable diagnoses, the results obtained must be explainable.

Subjects/methods: The study included 79 recently diagnosed RRMS patients and 69 age matched healthy control subjects.

Child deaths caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia: a secondary analysis of Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) data.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of nosocomial and community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis in children, and antibiotic-resistant K pneumoniae is a growing public health threat. We aimed to characterise child mortality associated with this pathogen in seven high-mortality settings.

Methods: We analysed Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) data on the causes of deaths in children younger than 5 years and stillbirths in sites located in seven countries across sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South Africa) and south Asia (Bangladesh) from Dec 9, 2016, to Dec 31, 2021.

Latin American formal consensus on the indications for the surgical treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Objectives: To implement the Formal Consensus Method among a group of experts in shoulder surgery in Latin America, in order to establish appropriate indications for the surgical treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff injuries.

Methods: The Formal Consensus Method was used to develop surgical treatment recommendations for massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCT). Three independent groups of experts in shoulder surgery were confirmed.

Enantioselective Amination of 4-Substituted Pyrazolones Catalyzed by Oxindole-Containing Thioureas and by a Recyclable Linear-Polymer-Supported Analogue in a Continuous Flow Process.

A highly efficient organocatalytic amination of 4-substituted pyrazolones with azodicarboxylates mediated by a novel quinine-derived thiourea with a 3,3-diaryl-oxindole scaffold is reported. This synthetic method furnished 4-amino-5-pyrazolones in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97:3 er) at room temperature in short reaction times. Moreover, a linear-polymer-supported bifunctional thiourea, synthesized by reacting a bifunctional aromatic monomer (biphenyl) with isatin in superacidic media and further derivatization, was proven to be also an efficient heterogeneous organocatalyst for this α-amination reaction.

AG5 is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and immune regulator that preserves innate immunity.

An archetypal anti-inflammatory compound against cytokine storm would inhibit it without suppressing the innate immune response. AG5, an anti-inflammatory compound, has been developed as synthetic derivative of andrographolide, which is highly absorbable and presents low toxicity. We found that the mechanism of action of AG5 is through the inhibition of caspase-1.

at home: Examining the interactional resources of a bilingual autistic child.

Daily language interactions predict child outcomes. For multilingual families who rear neurodiverse children and who may be minoritized for their language use, a dearth of research examines families' daily language interactions. Utilizing a language socialization framework and a case study methodology, 4,991 English and Spanish utterances from a 5-year old autistic child and his family were collected during naturally occurring interactions over 10 days.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients admitted with COPD: Associated factors.

Aim: To establish amongst a cohort of patients admitted with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which factors were associated with their level of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior prior to the admission event.

Methods: Prospective observational cohort study. Nine Spanish hospitals participated.

Palladium Catalysts Supported in Microporous Phosphine Polymer Networks.

A new set of microporous organic polymers (POPs) containing diphosphine derivatives synthesized by knitting via Friedel-Crafts has been attained. These amorphous three-dimensional materials have been prepared by utilizing diphosphines, 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene, and biphenyl as nucleophile aromatic groups, dimethoxymethane as the electrophilic linker, and FeCl as a promoting catalyst. These polymer networks display moderate thermal stability and high microporosity, boasting BET surface areas above 760 m/g.

Orthodontic Wires: A 12-Year Bibliometric Study.

Aims And Objectives: To perform a bibliometric study to identify and evaluate articles associated with "orthodontic wires" indexed in six databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Lilacs, and Google Scholar) from 2010 to 2022.

Materials And Methods: The search strategy in PubMed combined different medical subject heading terms with free-text words and was adjusted for each selected database. The retrieved documents were original English articles containing the keywords used in the search strategies related to orthodontic wires.

Enantiosensitive growth dynamics of chiral molecules on ferromagnetic substrates and the origin of the CISS effect.

The recent demonstration of the existence of an intimate relationship between the chiral structure of some materials and the spin polarization of electrons transmitted through them, what has been called the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, is sparking interest in many related phenomena. One of the most notorious is the possibility of using magnetic materials to apply enantioselective interactions on chiral molecules and chemical reactions involving them. In this work, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to characterize the adsorption and growth kinetics of enantiopure organic molecules on magnetic (Co) and non-magnetic (Cu) substrates.

Hospital-based proton therapy implementation during the COVID pandemic: early clinical and research experience in a European academic institution.

Introduction: A rapid deploy of unexpected early impact of the COVID pandemic in Spain was described in 2020. Oncology practice was revised to facilitate decision-making regarding multimodal therapy for prevalent cancer types amenable to multidisciplinary treatment in which the radiotherapy component searched more efficient options in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, minimizing the risks to patients whilst aiming to guarantee cancer outcomes.

Methods: A novel Proton Beam Therapy (PBT), Unit activity was analyzed in the period of March 2020 to March 2021.

Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 telephone interview reliability to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in orthosurgical patients.

Background: The influence of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 administration method through telephone or face-to-face interviews in orthosurgical patients is unknown. The study aims to assess the reliability of the OHIP-14 questionnaire through its stability and internal consistency when applied through a telephone interview compared with a face-to-face interview.

Methods: A total of 21 orthosurgical patients were selected to compare the scores obtained in OHIP-14.

Development of an Automated Design Tool for FEM-Based Characterization of Solid and Hollow Microneedles.

Microneedle design for biomedical applications, such as transdermal drug delivery, vaccination and transdermal biosensing, has lately become a rapidly growing research field. In this sense, finite element analysis has been extendedly used by microneedle designers to determine the most suitable structural parameters for their prototypes, and also to predict their mechanical response and efficiency during the insertion process. Although many proposals include computer-aided tools to build geometrical models for mechanical analysis, there is a lack of software utilities intended to automate the design process encompassing geometrical modeling, simulation setup and postprocessing of results.