Experimental and Theoretical Study on Electron Ionization and Fragmentation of Propylene Oxide─the First Chiral Molecule Detected in the Interstellar Medium.

Propylene oxide, CHCHOCH, is the first chiral molecule detected in space and the third C3 oxide detected toward the Sagittarius B2 (Sgr B2 (N)) molecular cloud, the others being propanal, CHCHCHO, and acetone, (CH)CO. With homochirality being ubiquitous in the building blocks of living matter, the formation and decay paths of propylene oxide in space are of specific interest. Motivated by the significant role of photo- and secondary electrons in astrochemistry, we have studied electron ionization and fragmentation of propylene oxide.

Electron ionization induced fragmentation pathways of trichloroanisole.

Trichloroanisole (TCA) is one of the most significant contaminants in cork stoppers. The presence of TCA leads to an unpleasant odor known as "cork taint", resulting in high economic losses for the cork and wine industries. Hence, the detection, quantification, and characterization of TCA are essential to address this concern.

Boroxine benzaldehyde complex for pharmaceutical applications probed by electron interactions.

Rationale: 2,4,6-Tris(4-formylphenyl)boroxine (TFPB) is a substituted boroxine containing a benzaldehyde molecule bonded to each boron atom. Boroxine cages are an emerging class of functional nanostructures used in host-guest chemistry, and benzaldehyde is a potential radiosensitizer. Reactions initiated by low-energy electrons with such complexes may dictate and bring new fundamental knowledge for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Total Electron Detachment and Induced Cationic Fragmentation Cross Sections for Superoxide Anion (O) Collisions with Benzene (CH) Molecules.

In this study, novel experimental total electron detachment cross sections for O collisions with benzene molecules are reported for the impact energy range (10-1000 eV), as measured with a transmission beam apparatus. By analysing the positively charged species produced during the collision events, relative total ionisation cross sections were derived in the incident energy range of 160-900 eV. Relative partial ionisation cross sections for fragments with / ≤ 78 u were also given in this energy range.

Unexpected benzene oxidation in collisions with superoxide anions.

Superoxide anions colliding with benzene molecules at impact energies from 200 to 900 eV are reported for the first time to form massive complexes. With the aid of quantum chemistry calculations, we propose a mechanism in which a sudden double ionization of benzene and the subsequent electrostatic attraction between the dication and the anion form a stable covalently bonded CHO molecule, that evolves towards the formation of benzene-diol conformers. These findings lend support to a model presenting a new high energy anion-driven chemistry as an alternative way to form complex molecules.

Excited States of Bromopyrimidines Probed by VUV Photoabsorption Spectroscopy and Theoretical Calculations.

We report absolute photoabsorption cross sections for gas-phase 2- and 5-bromopyrimidine in the 3.7-10.8 eV energy range, in a joint theoretical and experimental study.

Electron Driven Reactions in Tetrafluoroethane: Positive and Negative Ion Formation.

In the search for alternatives to chlorine-containing gases, tetrafluoroethane, CFCHF (R134a), a widely used refrigerant gas, has been recognized as a promising substitute for dichlorodifluoromethane, CClF (R12). When R12 is replaced by R134a, the global warming potential drops from 8100 to 1430, the ozone depletion potential changes from 1 to 0, and the atmospheric lifetime decreases from 100 to 14 years. Electron interactions in the gas phase play a fundamental role in the atmospheric sciences.

Single-Arm, Multicenter Phase I/II Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Envenomings by Massive Africanized Honey Bee Stings Using the Unique Apilic Antivenom.

We evaluated the safety, optimal dose, and preliminary effectiveness of a new-approach Africanized honeybee () Antivenom (AAV) in a phase I/II, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm clinical trial involving 20 participants with multiple stings. Participants received 2 to 10 vials of AAV depending on the number of stings they suffered, or a predefined adjuvant, symptomatic, and complementary treatment. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of early adverse reactions within the first 24 h of treatment.

Electron Transfer Induced Decomposition in Potassium-Nitroimidazoles Collisions: An Experimental and Theoretical Work.

Electron transfer induced decomposition mechanism of nitroimidazole and a selection of analogue molecules in collisions with neutral potassium (K) atoms from 10 to 1000 eV have been thoroughly investigated. In this laboratory collision regime, the formation of negative ions was time-of-flight mass analyzed and the fragmentation patterns and branching ratios have been obtained. The most abundant anions have been assigned to the parent molecule and the nitrogen oxide anion (NO) and the electron transfer mechanisms are comprehensively discussed.

The Role of Electron Transfer in the Fragmentation of Phenyl and Cyclohexyl Boronic Acids.

In this study, novel measurements of negative ion formation in neutral potassium-neutral boronic acid collisions are reported in electron transfer experiments. The fragmentation pattern of phenylboronic acid is comprehensively investigated for a wide range of collision energies, i.e.

Ion-Pair Formation in Neutral Potassium-Neutral Pyrimidine Collisions: Electron Transfer Experiments.

We report novel data on ion-pair formation in hyperthermal (30-800 eV) neutral potassium collisions with neutral pyrimidine (Pyr, CHN) molecules. In this collision regime, negative ions formed by electron transfer from the alkali atom to the target molecule were time-of-flight mass analyzed and the fragmentation patterns and branching ratios have been obtained. The most abundant product anions have been assigned to CN and CH and the electron transfer mechanisms are comprehensively discussed.

Asymptomatic HIV People Present Different Profiles of sCD14, sRAGE, DNA Damage, and Vitamins, according to the Use of cART and CD4 T Cell Restoration.

We aimed to analyze markers of immune activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in 92 asymptomatic HIV-infected patients according to the adequate (AR, >500 cells/mm) or inadequate (IR, <500 cells/mm) CD4 T recovery and the presence or absence of antiretroviral treatment (cART). In relation to those newly diagnosed, they were divided into two groups, cART-naïve IR (nIR) and cART-naïve AR (nAR). Among those diagnosed more than five years ago, the following division was made: the cART-naïve long-term nonprogressors (LTNP); patient under cART and AR (tAR); and patients under cART and IR (tIR).

Comprehensive investigation of the electronic excitation of W(CO) by photoabsorption and theoretical analysis in the energy region from 3.9 to 10.8 eV.

High-resolution vacuum ultraviolet photoabsorption measurements in the wavelength range of 115-320 nm (10.8-3.9 eV) have been performed together with comprehensive relativistic time-dependent density functional calculations (TDDFT) on the low-lying excited sates of tungsten hexacarbonyl, W(CO).

A clinical trial protocol to treat massive Africanized honeybee () attack with a new apilic antivenom.

Background: Envenomation caused by multiple stings from Africanized honeybees constitutes a public health problem in the Americas. In 2015, the Brazilian Ministry of Health reported 13,597 accidents (incidence of seven cases per 100,000 inhabitants) with 39 deaths (lethality of 0.25%).

The Initial Months of Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Influence on AGEs, HMGB1, and sRAGE Levels in Asymptomatic HIV-Infected Individuals.

The development of the typical comorbidities of aging which currently affects people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can be partially ascribed to the persistent immune activation and chronic inflammation characterizing these individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect exerted by combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) administration on plasma levels of HMGB1 (high mobility group box protein-1), AGEs (advanced glycation end products), their soluble receptor sRAGE, cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and some metabolic markers in asymptomatic PLWHA. Analyses were performed longitudinally in 30 PLWHA, before and about 6-12 months after cART initiation.

Appropriating Video Surveillance for Art and Environmental Awareness: Experiences from ARTiVIS.

Arts, Real-Time Video and Interactivity for Sustainability (ARTiVIS) is an ongoing collaborative research project investigating how real-time video, DIY surveillance technologies and sensor data can be used as a tool for environmental awareness, activism and artistic explorations. The project consists of a series of digital contexts for aesthetic contemplation of nature and civic engagement, aiming to foster awareness and empowerment of local populations through DIY surveillance. At the core of the ARTIVIS efforts are a series of interactive installations (namely B-Wind!, Hug@tree and Play with Fire), that make use of surveillance technologies and real-time video as raw material to promote environmental awareness through the emotion generated by real-time connections with nature.

Prevalence of Anogenital Warts in Men with HIV/AIDS and Associated Factors.

Background: Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Among the 630 million new cases of HPV that occur each year, 30 million develop anogenital warts. Although subclinical infection with HPV is the most common cause, genital warts are also associated with immunosuppression caused by HIV.

Positron emission tomography diagnostic imaging in multidrug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma: focus on 2-deoxy-2-(18F)Fluoro-D-Glucose.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Surgical resection and liver transplantation are still the best options for treatment. Nevertheless, as the number of patients who may benefit from these therapies is limited, alternative therapies have been developed, including chemotherapy.