A Prototype Assay Multiplexing SARS-CoV-2 3CL-Protease and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 for Saliva-Based Diagnostics in COVID-19.

With the current state of COVID-19 changing from a pandemic to being more endemic, the priorities of diagnostics will likely vary from rapid detection to stratification for the treatment of the most vulnerable patients. Such patient stratification can be facilitated using multiple markers, including SARS-CoV-2-specific viral enzymes, like the 3CL protease, and viral-life-cycle-associated host proteins, such as ACE2. To enable future explorations, we have developed a fluorescent and Raman spectroscopic SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease assay that can be run sequentially with a fluorescent ACE2 activity measurement within the same sample.

Method for analyzing HR-TEM micrographs to propose and/or describe structures and their interaction in crystalline materials.

A general and versatile method for the analysis and processing of HR-TEM data useful for several applications is presented. The first utility is to identify the structures seen in the micrographs; also can be extended to propose the interaction of structure dynamics between various phases; and also it can be hybridized with the chemical method to make a proposal of new structure and/or phase. The general method consisted of four steps: 1) micrograph pretreatment, 2) measurement of planar distances, 3) structure identification, and 4) structure corroboration.

The unexpected effect of vacancies and wrinkling on the electronic properties of MoS layers.

We report a combined experimental/theoretical approach to study the connection of S-vacancies and wrinkling on MoS layers, and how this feature produces significant changes in the electronic structure and reactivity of this 2D material. The MoS material, when used as a catalyst in operative conditions, was found to be mainly composed of thin and short 1-5 layer sheets instead of a poorly crystalline structure, as it was previously assumed. Notably wrinkled structures with S-vacancies were also found through transmission electron microscopy.

Direct costs of low respiratory infection due to RSV in children under one year.

Introduction: Considering the high prevalence of respiratory infections in hospitalized infants with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the objective of this study is to determine the direct costs of this infection.

Patients And Method: Prospective longitudinal study in infants under one year of age hospitalized due to RSV during 2015. The patients were divided into 2 groups, Group 1 pa tients without risk factors and Group 2 patients with risk factors (prematurity, oxygen dependence, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, heart disease, immunocompromised patients), comparing each other variables such as nutritional status, gender, breastfeeding, discharge diagnosis, radiological diagno sis, length of hospital stay, among others.