Phys Chem Chem Phys
January 2025
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been widely used in plastic products, leading to massive PET waste accumulation in ecosystems worldwide. Efforts to find greener processes for dealing with post-consumer PET waste led to the discovery of PET-degrading enzymes such as PETase (PETase). studies have provided valuable contributions to this field, shedding light on the catalytic mechanisms and substrate interactions in many PET hydrolase enzymes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSnake venom-secreted phospholipases A (svPLAs) are critical, highly toxic enzymes present in almost all snake venoms. Upon snakebite envenomation, svPLAs hydrolyze cell membrane phospholipids and induce pathological effects such as paralysis, myonecrosis, inflammation, or pain. Despite its central importance in envenomation, the chemical mechanism of svPLAs is poorly understood, with detrimental consequences for the design of small-molecule snakebite antidotes, which is highly undesirable given the gravity of the epidemiological data that ranks snakebite as the deadliest neglected tropical disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGeroscience
January 2025
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to cognitive alterations with preservation of functionality. Individuals with this diagnosis have a higher risk of developing dementia. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical exercise, are beneficial for the cognition of this population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis case report highlights the efficacy of rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody that targets B-lymphocytes, in the treatment of severe pemphigus vulgaris (PV) that was unresponsive to multiple conventional therapies. A 44-year-old female presented with mucocutaneous lesions that had been progressing for 12 months, with a Pemphigus Disease and Area Index (PDAI) total activity score of 66, indicating severe disease. The patient received two infusions of RTX two weeks apart, without complications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEpidural abscess is a rare complication of neuraxial techniques, which, when left unnoticed, can lead to significant neurological deficits and poor outcomes. Identification of patients at high risk and the conduct of a strict aseptic technique are some of the measures that play an important role in epidural abscess prevention. Prompt recognition and treatment of epidural abscesses are essential.
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