Participation of locus coeruleus in breathing control in female rats.

Several evidences indicate that the locus coeruleus (LC) is involved in central chemoreception responding to CO/pH and displaying a high percentage of chemosensitive neurons (>80%). However, there are no studies about the LC-mediated hypercapnic ventilation performed in females. Therefore, we assessed the role of noradrenergic LC neurons in non-ovariectomized (NOVX), ovariectomized (OVX) and estradiol (E2)-treated ovariectomized (OVX+E2) rats in respiratory response to hypercapnia, using a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) - lesion model.

Diffusion Restriction in the Optic Nerve and Retina in Patients With Carotid Occlusion.

Objectives: The primary role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a patient with suspected optic neuropathy is to rule out nonischemic disorders, and many of the reported cases of ischemic optic neuropathy with positive neuroimaging are atypical forms of ischemic optic neuropathy. We studied the role of diffusion-weighted images of MRI in patients with ocular ischemia.

Methods: We describe the clinical, fundoscopic and neuroimaging characteristics of 3 patients with definite ocular ischemia related to occlusion of the carotid artery.

Synthesis of BODIPY-Peptide Conjugates for Fluorescence Labeling of EGFR Overexpressing Cells.

Regioselective functionalization of 2,3,5,6,8-pentachloro-BODIPY 1 produced unsymmetric BODIPY 5, bearing an isothiocyanate group suitable for conjugation, in only four steps. The X-ray structure of 5 reveals a nearly planar BODIPY core with aryl dihedral angles in the range 47.4-62.

Mutations in valosin-containing protein (VCP) decrease ADP/ATP translocation across the mitochondrial membrane and impair energy metabolism in human neurons.

Mutations in the gene encoding valosin-containing protein (VCP) lead to multisystem proteinopathies including frontotemporal dementia. We have previously shown that patient-derived mutant fibroblasts exhibit lower mitochondrial membrane potential, uncoupled respiration, and reduced ATP levels. This study addresses the underlying basis for mitochondrial uncoupling using knockdown neuroblastoma cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and iPSC-derived cortical neurons from patients with pathogenic mutations in Using fluorescent live cell imaging and respiration analysis we demonstrate a mutation/knockdown-induced dysregulation in the adenine nucleotide translocase, which results in a slower rate of ADP or ATP translocation across the mitochondrial membranes.

Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating the Effect of the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator on the Volume of Embolic Load and Respiratory Function During Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures.

Objectives: We sought to determine whether the use of the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) device resulted in a decreased amount of fat emboli compared with standard reaming (SR) when performing intramedullary (IM) nailing of femoral shaft fractures.

Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial.

Setting: Multi-centered trial, level I trauma centers.

Enhanced Hypsochromic Shifts, Quantum Yield, and π-π Interactions in a meso,β-Heteroaryl-Fused BODIPY.

We report the synthesis and investigation of an unprecedented 8-heteroaryl-fused BODIPY 4. This compound exhibits enhanced π-π stacking in the solid state, unusually large blue-shifts in the absorbance and emission spectra, and higher fluorescence quantum yield than its unfused precursor; DFT calculations suggest a small energy gap for 4 and strong electronic communication between the 8-OPh and the BODIPY core.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Investigation of a Series of Push-Pull Boron Dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs).

A series of push-pull BODIPYs bearing multiple electron-donating and electron-acceptor groups were synthesized regioselectively from 2,3,5,6,8-pentachloro-BODIPY, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, and X-ray crystallography. The influence of the push-pull substituents on the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of BODIPYs was investigated. Bathochromic shifts were observed for both absorbance (up to 37 nm) and emission (up to 60 nm) in different solvents upon introduction of the push-pull moieties.

The Brazilian standardization of the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB): Psychometric study.

Objective: Translate, adapt, and validate the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) in Brazil.

Method: The present study followed three steps: 1) translation to Portuguese, cultural adaptation, and back translation to English; 2) completion of a pilot study (N=30) conducted with the purpose of assessing whether the general comprehension of the items was clear and all participants adequately responded to the battery; 3) completion of a Reliability and Validation Study of the Brazilian version of the MCCB with 99 individuals with schizophrenia and 99 healthy subjects. All participants were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and patients were also rated on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale and the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS).

Cancer incidence in Spain, 2015.

Purpose: Periodic cancer incidence estimates of Spain from all existing population-based cancer registries at any given time are required. The objective of this study was to present the current situation of cancer incidence in Spain.

Methods: The Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN) estimated the numbers of new cancer cases occurred in Spain in 2015 by applying the incidence-mortality ratios method.

Prognostic value of computed tomography pulmonary angiography indices in patients with cancer-related pulmonary embolism: Data from a multicenter cohort study.

Objective: To analyze the prognostic value of pulmonary artery obstruction versus right-ventricle (RV) dysfunction radiologic indices in cancer-related pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods: We enrolled 303 consecutive patients with paraneoplastic PE, evaluated by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) between 2013 and 2014. The primary outcome measure was serious complications at 15days.

Clinical features and short-term outcomes of cancer patients with suspected and unsuspected pulmonary embolism: the EPIPHANY study.

The study aimed to identify predictors of overall 30-day mortality in cancer patients with pulmonary embolism including suspected pulmonary embolism (SPE) and unsuspected pulmonary embolism (UPE) events. Secondary outcomes included 30- and 90-day major bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence.The study cohort included 1033 consecutive patients with pulmonary embolism from the multicentre observational ambispective EPIPHANY study (March 2006-October 2014).

Design and Testing of the Safety Agenda Mobile App for Managing Health Care Managers' Patient Safety Responsibilities.

Background: Adverse events are a reality in clinical practice. Reducing the prevalence of preventable adverse events by stemming their causes requires health managers' engagement.

Objective: The objective of our study was to develop an app for mobile phones and tablets that would provide managers with an overview of their responsibilities in matters of patient safety and would help them manage interventions that are expected to be carried out throughout the year.

Roles of the Essential Protein FtsA in Cell Growth and Division in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

is an ovoid-shaped Gram-positive bacterium that grows by carrying out peripheral and septal peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis, analogous to model bacilli, such as and In the model bacilli, FtsZ and FtsA proteins assemble into a ring at midcell and are dedicated to septal PG synthesis but not peripheral PG synthesis; hence, inactivation of FtsZ or FtsA results in long filamentous cells unable to divide. Here, we demonstrate that FtsA and FtsZ colocalize at midcell in and that partial depletion of FtsA perturbs septum synthesis, resulting in elongated cells with multiple FtsZ rings that fail to complete septation. Unexpectedly, complete depletion of FtsA resulted in the delocalization of FtsZ rings and ultimately cell ballooning and lysis.

Erythropoietin in the Locus coeruleus attenuates the ventilatory response to CO in rats.

The Locus coeruleus (LC) is a pontine area that contributes to the CO/pH chemosensitivity. LC cells express erythropoietin (Epo) receptors (EpoR), and Epo in the brainstem is a potent normoxic and hypoxic respiratory stimulant. However, a recent study showed that the intra-cisternal injection (ICI) of Epo antagonist does not alter the hypercapnic ventilatory response in mice.

"Reverse" hip spacer for massive distal femur defects in peri-prosthetic knee infections.

Background: Bone loss in the distal femur is a common problem in knee revision surgeries. The problem is exacerbated in the context of an active infection. In extreme cases this bone loss could compromise the feasibility of a two-stage exchange protocol using dynamic spacers due to the inherent instability of this type of spacers.

Targeting of the epidermal growth factor receptor with mesoporphyrin IX-peptide conjugates.

The synthesis and evaluation of four mesoporphyrin IX-peptide conjugates designed to target EGFR, over-expressed in colorectal and other cancers, are reported. Two peptides with known affinity for EGFR, LARLLT () and GYHWYGYTPQNVI (), were conjugated to mesoporphyrin IX (MPIX, ) one or both the propionic side chains, directly (, ) or with a triethylene glycol spacer (, ). The conjugates were characterized using NMR, MS, CD, SPR, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies.

Life without Division: Physiology of Escherichia coli FtsZ-Deprived Filaments.

Unlabelled: When deprived of FtsZ, Escherichia coli cells (VIP205) grown in liquid form long nonseptated filaments due to their inability to assemble an FtsZ ring and their failure to recruit subsequent divisome components. These filaments fail to produce colonies on solid medium, in which synthesis of FtsZ is induced, upon being diluted by a factor greater than 4. However, once the initial FtsZ levels are recovered in liquid culture, they resume division, and their plating efficiency returns to normal.

Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of β,β'-dibenzo-3,5,8-triaryl-BODIPYs.

A series of β,β'-bicyclo-3,5-diaryl-BODIPYs were synthesized from the corresponding β,β'-bicyclo-3,5-diiodo-BODIPYs () Pd(0)-mediated Suzuki cross-coupling reactions in 82-92% yields. Subsequent aromatization with DDQ afforded the corresponding β,β'-dibenzo-aryl-BODIPYs, which showed red-shifted absorptions and emissions in the near-IR range. The dibenzo-appended BODIPYs showed characteristic H-, C-, B- and F-NMR shifts, and nearly planar conformations by X-ray crystallography.

Design and Testing of BACRA, a Web-Based Tool for Middle Managers at Health Care Facilities to Lead the Search for Solutions to Patient Safety Incidents.

Background: Lack of time, lack of familiarity with root cause analysis, or suspicion that the reporting may result in negative consequences hinder involvement in the analysis of safety incidents and the search for preventive actions that can improve patient safety.

Objective: The aim was develop a tool that enables hospitals and primary care professionals to immediately analyze the causes of incidents and to propose and implement measures intended to prevent their recurrence.

Methods: The design of the Web-based tool (BACRA) considered research on the barriers for reporting, review of incident analysis tools, and the experience of eight managers from the field of patient safety.

Seizures and electroencephalography findings in 61 patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) cause neurodevelopmental abnormalities. However, publications about epilepsy and electroencephalographic features are scarce. In this study, we prospectively performed electroencephalography (EEG) and brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in 61 patients with diagnosis of FASD.

Television viewing duration during childhood and long- association with adolescent neuropsychological outcomes.

This study is aiming to evaluate the association between television viewing during childhood and long-term adolescent neuropsychological outcomes and the potential explanatory pathways. This is a longitudinal study based on 278 children participating in the INMA birth cohort (1998) in Menorca Island, Spain. The exposure is parent-reported duration of child television viewing (hours per week) at 6 and 9 years of age.

Phosphorus fractionation distribution in Guapimirim estuary: SE Brazil.

The Guapimirim estuary is the main tributary of Guanabara bay and is located in the northeast portion. Although it is protected, this estuary has been experiencing strong anthropogenic pressure, which has led to changes in the natural characteristics. Large amounts of sewage are dumped into the bay through tributaries, thereby changing the water and bottom sediment quality.

Impact of a clinical pathway on appropriate empiric vancomycin use in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia.

Objectives Febrile neutropenia management guidelines recommend the use of vancomycin as part of an empiric antimicrobial regimen when specific criteria are met. Often, vancomycin use among patients with febrile neutropenia is not indicated and may be over utilized for this indication. We sought to evaluate the impact of implementing a febrile neutropenia clinical pathway on empiric vancomycin use for febrile neutropenia and to identify predictors of vancomycin use when not indicated.

Portuguese validation of the Cambridge pulmonary hypertension outcome review (CAMPHOR) questionnaire.

Background: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and other forms of precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) have impaired quality of life (QoL). The Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) is a PH-specific patient-reported outcome measure that assesses symptoms, activity limitations and QoL. It was originally developed in UK-English.