Zoonotic transmission of novel Influenza A variant viruses detected in Brazil during 2020 to 2023.

Zoonotic infections (swine-human) caused by influenza A viruses (IAVs) have been reported and linked to close contact between these species. Here, we describe eight human IAV variant infections (6 mild and 2 severe cases, including 1 death) detected in Paraná, Brazil, during 2020-2023. Genomes recovered were closely related to Brazilian swIAVs of three major lineages (1 A.

Generalized measures of population synchrony.

Synchronized behavior among individuals, broadly defined, is a ubiquitous feature of populations. Understanding mechanisms of (de)synchronization demands meaningful, interpretable, computable quantifications of synchrony, relevant to measurements that can be made of complex, dynamic populations. Despite the importance to analyzing and modeling populations, existing notions of synchrony often lack rigorous definitions, may be specialized to a particular experimental system and/or measurement, or may have undesirable properties that limit their utility.

Co-occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in rivers and sewage in India and Brazil.

The genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in riverine and sewage water has been widely used as an epidemiological tool worldwide. But its utility for epidemiological assessments still needs to be evaluated in some areas. Our study encompassed thirteen Brazilian rivers spanning a vast urban expanse across the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Paraná.

Serum IL-23 levels reflect a myeloid inflammatory signature and predict the response to apremilast in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Background: The phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor apremilast downregulates the production of IL-23 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Aim: To investigate the effects of apremilast on the production of cytokines by peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages, innate-like lymphocyte cells (ILCs), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, γδ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT-like cells from patients with PsA manifesting different clinical responses to the treatment.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from patients with PsA at baseline and after 1 and 4 months of apremilast therapy (n = 23) and 20 controls with osteoarthritis.

Discovery of Non-Covalent Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 PLpro: Integrating Virtual Screening, Synthesis, and Experimental Validation.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly challenged global public health, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic options. This study focuses on the papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which is a critical enzyme for viral polyprotein processing, maturation, and immune evasion. We employed a combined approach that began with computational models in a virtual screening campaign, prioritizing compounds from our in-house chemical library against PLpro.

Impact of preoperative risk factors on 5-year survival after fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair.

Objective: To investigate which preoperative factors most impact the 5-year survival of patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) and to identify modifiable elements that, if time allows, should be actively managed and adequately controlled preoperatively.

Methods: Patients treated for aortic aneurysms with complex anatomy using either patient-specific company-manufactured or off-the-shelf F/BEVAR devices were included. The exposure of interest was aneurysm type (group I: type I-III thoracoabdominal aneurysms vs group II: type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms vs group III: juxtarenal or suprarenal aneurysms), and the primary outcome was 5-year risk of all-cause mortality.

Osteoblast Response to Widely Ranged Texturing Conditions Obtained through High Power Laser Beams on Ti Surfaces.

Titanium and titanium alloys are the prevailing dental implant materials owing to their favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but how roughness dictates the biological response is still a matter of debate. In this study, laser texturing was used to generate eight paradigmatic roughened surfaces, with the aim of studying the early biological response elicited on MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. Prior to cell tests, the samples underwent SEM analysis, optical profilometry, protein adsorption assay, and optical contact angle measurement with water and diiodomethane to determine surface free energy.

Improving the Performance of the Layered Nickel Manganese Oxide Cathode of Sodium-Ion Batteries by Direct Coating with Sodium Niobium Oxide.

This research highlights the efficacy of NaNbO as a coating for P2-NaNiMnO cathodes in sodium-ion batteries. The coating enhances the kinetic behavior and cyclability of the electrochemical cells, as shown by electrochemical measurements. XRD analysis indicates that Nb does not incorporate into the cathode structure, implying a physical interaction between the coating and the cathode material.

The Geographic Distribution of Vascular Surgeons and Trainees by State in 2023.

Background: Approximately 1.4 vascular surgeons/100,000 persons are estimated to fulfill current patient needs in the United States (US), but an ongoing shortage exists. The aims of this study are to provide an updated nationwide state-by-state workforce analysis and compare the distribution of practicing vascular surgeons and training opportunities.

Long-term retention rate, adverse event temporal patterns and rescue treatment strategies of mycophenolate mofetil in systemic sclerosis: insights from real-life.

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a mainstay for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The occurrence and implications of MMF-related adverse events on drug retention rates in real life remain poorly defined. We aimed to determine the MMF retention rate and to investigate the causes and patterns of discontinuation, adverse events (AEs) and treatment options used after discontinuation.

Approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of VEXAS syndrome: the importance of clinical suspicion and the use of methotrexate.

Vacuoles, E1-enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is caused by mutations in the UBA1 gene in myeloid precursors, leading to systemic inflammatory manifestations. We present the case of a 75-year-old man presenting with fever, panniculitis, and macrocytic anemia testing repeatedly negative for UBA1 mutations in peripheral blood samples, but ultimately found positive on bone marrow mononuclear cell DNA. The man has been successfully treated with prednisone and methotrexate.

Post-cardiac arrest temporal evolution of left ventricular function in a rat model: speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiac circulating biomarkers.

Aims: There is little information from experimental studies regarding the evolution of post-resuscitation cardiac arrest [post-return of spontaneous circulation (post-ROSC)] myocardial dysfunction during mid-term follow-up. For this purpose, we assessed left ventricular (LV) function and circulating cardiac biomarkers at different time points in a rat model of cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods And Results: Rats were divided into two groups: control and post-ROSC rats.

Endovascular (stent-graft)-assisted open vascular anastomosis.

Endovascular and open surgical approaches are an integral part of treating patients with complex vascular disease and are often considered separately. In some situations, traditional open surgical techniques can be used to facilitate an endovascular approach, as example: iliac conduit use for EVAR/TEVAR, subclavian or axillary conduits for complex endovascular aortic repairs (chimney, B-FEVAR), and bypass to great vessels or visceral artery (celiac, superior mesenteric and renal arteries) debranching. As devices and techniques evolve, the open and endovascular approaches can be utilized in more complimentary fashion.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a highly vulnerable population of Brazil: a household cohort study.

Background: Household transmission studies seek to understand the transmission dynamics of a pathogen by estimating the risk of infection from household contacts and community exposures. We estimated within/extra-household SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and associated factors in a household cohort study in one of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro city.

Methods: Individuals ≥1 years-old with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the past 30 days (index cases) and household members aged ≥1 year were enrolled and followed at 14 and 28 days (study period November/2020-December/2021).

Preoperative hypovitaminosis D and complications in plastic surgery: a pilot study.

Introduction: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including the well-known regulation of the immune system and calcium metabolism. While its involvement in the surgical outcomes of various medical specialties is recognized, there is a lack of consistent data regarding plastic surgery. This study aimed to assess preoperative serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its relationship with complications in patients undergoing reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeries.

Landscape of Invasive Fusariosis in Pediatric Cancer Patients: Results of a Multicenter Observational Study From Latin America.

Invasive fusariosis (IF) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection that affects vulnerable hosts. We conducted a multicenter and multinational retrospective study to characterize the natural history and clinical management of IF in pediatric cancer patients. We selected patients <18 years old who were sequentially hospitalized in 10 Latin American medical centers with a diagnosis of IF between 2002 and 2021.

Effect of fenestration configuration on renal artery outcomes during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fenestration configuration and fenestration gap on renal artery outcomes during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR).

Methods: A retrospective multicenter analysis was performed, including patients with complex aortic aneurysms treated with F/BEVAR that incorporated at least one small fenestration to a renal artery. The renal fenestrations were divided into groups 1 (8 × 6 mm) and 2 (6 × 6 mm).

Dental Implants with External Hex Inclined Shoulder in Full-Arch Immediate Loading Rehabilitations of the Maxilla.

Coaxial implants with an inclined neck might overcome some problems related to angulation of the implant axis when using tilted implants. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to conduct a narrative review of the current literature and to present a case series comparing traditional and coaxial external hex implants in full-arch immediate loading rehabilitations of the maxilla. A total of 13 external hex tapered implants (Southern Implants) was inserted in the upper jaw of 3 patients.