Fructose as a novel photosensitizer: Characterization of reactive oxygen species and an application in degradation of diuron and chlorpyrifos.

The objective of this study was to identify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from the exposure of fructose solution to the 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light and evaluate whether fructose can be used as a photosensitizer for accelerated photo-degradation of diuron and chlorpyrifos. We demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen ((1)O2) and acidic photolysis products were generated upon UV exposure of fructose. Consistent with these findings, UV induced degradation of chlorpyrifos and diuron was accelerated by the presence of 500 mM fructose.

Guidelines based on validity criteria for the development of multiple choice items.

Background: Many different guidelines have been presented for the construction of multiple choice items. Those guidelines have been based on the observation of errors when constructing items but not on any clear scientific criterion. Our main objective was to draw up guidelines for the development of multiple choice items based on validity criteria.

Frequency of Wr(a) antigen and anti-Wr(a) in Brazilian blood donors.

Background: Wr(a) is a low-incidence antigen, which is antithetical to the high prevalence red blood cell antigen, Wr(b). Anti-Wr(a) is a naturally occurring antibody that is found in approximately 1-2% of blood donors. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Wr(a) and anti-Wr(a) in Brazilian blood donors.

Chronic ethanol consumption induces erectile dysfunction: Role of oxidative stress.

Aims: Investigate the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on erectile function and on the corpus cavernosum (CC) reactivity to endothelin-1 (ET-1).

Main Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20% v/v) for six weeks.

Key Findings: Ethanol-treated rats showed impaired erectile function represented by decreased intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) responses.

The assessment of emotional and Behavioural problems: Internal structure of The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the internal structure and measurement invariance across gender and age of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), self-reported version, in Spanish adolescents. The sample consisted of 1,547 participants, 606 were male (39.1%), with a mean age of 15.

The inhibition of human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. Elucidating the role of active site threonine 201 and tyrosine 204 residues using enzyme mutants.

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) is the major molecular target of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs), used clinically as bone resorption inhibitors. We investigated the role of threonine 201 (Thr201) and tyrosine 204 (Tyr204) residues in substrate binding, catalysis and inhibition by N-BPs, employing kinetic and crystallographic studies of mutated FPPS proteins. Mutants of Thr201 illustrated the importance of the methyl group in aiding the formation of the Isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) binding site, while Tyr204 mutations revealed the unknown role of this residue in both catalysis and IPP binding.

A simple approach to screen rare donors in Brazil.

Providing blood units for patients with an antibody to a high-prevalence antigen or with multiple common antibodies is a constant challenge to the blood banks. Finding a compatible donor requires extensive screening, with incurs a large amount of investment. In this article, we share our experience of organizing a rare donor inventory with limited resources, we include the strategy used for finding rare donors, and we share the difficulties found during the implementation of the approach and the results obtained.

Differential Recognition Preferences of the Three Src Homology 3 (SH3) Domains from the Adaptor CD2-associated Protein (CD2AP) and Direct Association with Ras and Rab Interactor 3 (RIN3).

CD2AP is an adaptor protein involved in membrane trafficking, with essential roles in maintaining podocyte function within the kidney glomerulus. CD2AP contains three Src homology 3 (SH3) domains that mediate multiple protein-protein interactions. However, a detailed comparison of the molecular binding preferences of each SH3 remained unexplored, as well as the discovery of novel interactors.

Superradiance for Atoms Trapped along a Photonic Crystal Waveguide.

We report observations of superradiance for atoms trapped in the near field of a photonic crystal waveguide (PCW). By fabricating the PCW with a band edge near the D(1) transition of atomic cesium, strong interaction is achieved between trapped atoms and guided-mode photons. Following short-pulse excitation, we record the decay of guided-mode emission and find a superradiant emission rate scaling as Γ̅(SR)∝N̅Γ(1D) for average atom number 0.

Choice of New Oral Anticoagulant Agents Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Atrial Fibrillation: FANTASIIA Study.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Many patients with AF receive chronic anticoagulation, either with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or with non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs). We sought to analyze variables associated with prescription of NOAC.

Diastolic Dysfunction Following Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: Incidence and Predictors.

Introduction: Cardiotoxicity represents a major limitation for the use of anthracyclines or trastuzumab in breast cancer patients. Data from longitudinal studies of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in this group of patients are scarce. The objective of the present study was to assess the incidence, evolution, and predictors of DD in patients with breast cancer treated with anthracyclines.

Novel RHAG allele encoding the Rh(null) phenotype in Brazil.

Rhnull is a rare phenotype characterized by the loss of Rh antigen expression. This phenotype can be related to several molecular backgrounds. In this study, we show a novel allele in a Brazilian pregnant woman encoding the Rhnull phenotype due to a change in RHAG exon2 c.

Effects of moderate- and high-intensity chronic exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in fast and slow muscles.

Introduction: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression is sensitive to cellular activity. In the sedentary state, BDNF expression is affected by the muscle phenotype.

Methods: Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into the following 3 groups: sedentary (S); moderate-intensity training (MIT); and high-intensity training (HIT).

Current Antiarrhythmic Therapy for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in Spain. Data From the FANTASIIA Registry.

Introduction And Objectives: Recently, there have been many developments in the management of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant therapy, and nonpharmacological treatment, but these developments are not applied immediately in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to identify the overall management and antiarrhythmic therapy used in the current general population of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Spain.

Methods: A prospective, observational study of 1318 consecutive anticoagulated patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, recruited between June 2013 and March 2014.

Cerebral sparganosis: case report and review of the European cases.

Sparganosis is a severe parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Spirometra mansoni, also called "sparganum." In human hosts, the Spirometra mansoni larva commonly targets the subcutaneous tissue or muscle. Sometimes it can also migrate into the brain, resulting in cerebral sparganosis, mainly characterized by focal neurological symptoms such as seizures and radiological "wandering lesions" on magnetic resonance images (MRIs).

Screening the risk of bipolar spectrum disorders: Validity evidence of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire in adolescents and young adults.

The aim of this study was to gather sources of validity evidence of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) in young adults for its use as a screening tool for bipolar spectrum disorders. The sample was composed of 1,002 participants, 268 men (26.7%).

Quality of Anticoagulation With Vitamin K Antagonists.

Background: Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) have a narrow therapeutic range, and literature analysis reveals poor quality of anticoagulation control. We sought to assess the prevalence of poor anticoagulant control in patients under VKA treatment in the prevention of stroke for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Hypothesis: Control of anticoagulation with VKA is inadequate in a high percentage of patients with AF.

Galectin-9 as an important marker in the differential diagnosis between oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus.

Objectives: To evaluate the expression of Galectins (Gal) 1, 3 and 9, Metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and mast cell density in oral lesions of patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) by comparison with the controls.

Study Design: We selected 40 cases of PMD, 40 OSCC and 13 with normal histopathological profile. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Gal-1, Gal-3, Gal-9 and MMP-3.

Splenic architecture disruption and parasite-induced splenocyte activation and anergy in Plasmodium falciparum-infected Saimiri sciureus monkeys.

Background: The understanding of the mechanisms of immunity in malaria is crucial for the rational development of interventions such as vaccines. During blood stage infection, the spleen is considered to play critical roles in both immunity and immunopathology of Plasmodium falciparum infections.

Methods: Saimiri sciureus monkeys were inoculated with blood stages of P.

Methamphetamine blunts Ca(2+) currents and excitatory synaptic transmission through D1/5 receptor-mediated mechanisms in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex.

Psychostimulant addiction is associated with dysfunctions in frontal cortex. Previous data demonstrated that repeated exposure to methamphetamine (METH) can alter prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent functions. Here, we show that withdrawal from repetitive non-contingent METH administration (7 days, 1 mg/kg) depressed voltage-dependent calcium currents (ICa ) and increased hyperpolarization-activated cation current (IH ) amplitude and the paired-pulse ratio of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in deep-layer pyramidal mPFC neurons.

Spanish validation of the Person-centered Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT).

Objectives: Person-centered Care (PCC) is an innovative approach which seeks to improve the quality of care services given to the care-dependent elderly. At present there are no Spanish language instruments for the evaluation of PCC delivered by elderly care services. The aim of this work is the adaptation and validation of the Person-centered Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT) for a Spanish population.

Psychometric evaluation of the negative syndrome of schizophrenia.

In this paper, we reviewed the available instruments for assessing the negative syndrome of schizophrenia, describing their strengths and weaknesses. Current instruments were classified into two categories according to their content validity and assessment approach as first- or second-generation instruments. The BPRS, SANS, the SENS and the PANSS belong to the first generation, while the BNSS, the CAINS and the MAP-SR belong to the second generation.

Prevalence of Stable Angina in Spain. Results of the OFRECE Study.

Introduction And Objectives: The objective of the OFRECE study was to estimate the prevalence of stable angina in Spain. This prevalence is currently unknown, due to a lack of recent studies and to changes in the epidemiology and treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 40 years or older, obtained via 2-stage random sampling: in the first stage, primary care physicians were randomly selected from each Spanish province, whereas in the second stage 20 people were selected from the population assigned to each physician.