The Body of Chagas Disease Vectors.

Morphometry is an effort to describe or measure the morphology of the body, or parts of it. It also provides quantitative data on the interactions of living organisms with their environment, external or internal. As a discipline, morphometrics has undergone significant developments in the last decade, making its implementation more visual and less laborious.

Dispatcher-Assisted CPR in Italy: A Nationwide Survey of Current Practices and Future Challenges in Emergency Medical Communication Centers.

: Dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR) is widely recognized as a critical intervention that significantly reduces no-flow time, improving survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs). This study evaluates current practices and the organization of DA-CPR in Italian emergency medical communication centers (EMCCs) and identifies areas for improvement. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and May 2024 among all Italian EMCCs, achieving a 92.

Safety of Cerebral Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Malignant Brain Tumours.

: Cerebral intra-arterial chemotherapy (CIAC) has been demonstrated to achieve tumoricidal concentrations in cerebral tumour cells that are otherwise unachievable due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier. In this study, we sought to analyze the safety of CIAC in a cohort of patients treated at the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Estrie-Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CIUSSS-CHUS). : Treatments consisted of monthly CIAC.

Synthesis of an Azido-Substituted 8-Membered Ring Laddersiloxane and Its Application in Catalysis.

A first -type tricyclic 8-8-8 (three fused-8-membered ring) laddersiloxane functionalized with four azido groups was successfully synthesized through efficient and highly selective hydrosilylation and nucleophilic substitution, achieving an excellent overall yield. The starting material, a tetravinyl-substituted 8-8-8 laddersiloxane, was prepared via a straightforward and scalable method. The obtained azido-functionalized ladder compound, fully characterized, constitutes a versatile building block for hybrid materials.

Genome-Wide microRNA Expression Profiling in Human Spermatozoa and Its Relation to Sperm Quality.

Background: Sperm samples are separated into bad and good quality samples in function of their phenotype, but this does not indicate their genetic quality.

Methods: Here, we used GeneChip miRNA arrays to analyze microRNA expression in ten semen samples selected based on high-magnification morphology (score 6 vs. score 0) to identify miRNAs linked to sperm phenotype.

Quantification of Free Circulating DNA and Differential Methylation Profiling of Selected Genes as Novel Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Endometriosis Diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disorder associated with the presence of endometrial cells mainly in the pelvic cavity, causing systemic immune inflammation, infertility, epigenetic dysregulation of differential DNA methylation, coelomic metaplasia, and pain. It affects approximately 10-12% of women. Despite decades of research, full pathophysiology, a diagnostic roadmap, and clinical management strategies for endometriosis are not yet fully elucidated.

Insights into Reproduction Through Gonadal Tissue Methylation Analysis and Transcriptomic Integration.

Fish exhibit diverse mechanisms of sex differentiation and determination, shaped by both external and internal influences, often regulated by distinct DNA methylation patterns responding to environmental changes. In aquaculture, reproductive issues in captivity pose significant challenges, particularly the lack of fertilization capabilities in captive-bred males, hindering genetic improvement measures. This study analyzed the methylation patterns and transcriptomic profiles in gonadal tissue DNA from groups differing in rearing conditions and sexual maturity stages.

Effect of Essential Oil on Model Lipid Membranes.

essential oil is a natural substance able to inhibit the growth of several pathogens. This antimicrobial effect is often attributed to its ability to penetrate cellular structures and disrupt them. Although these properties are recognized as playing a key role in the mechanism of action of this substance, many unresolved issues still exist, and fundamental studies focused on such aspects are scarce.

Evaluating Treatment Preferences and the Efficacy of Capsaicin 179 mg Patch vs. Pregabalin in a Randomized Trial for Postsurgical Neuropathic Pain in Breast Cancer: CAPTRANE.

CAPTRANE evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of high-concentration capsaicin patch (HCCP) vs. oral pregabalin for the treatment of postsurgical neuropathic pain (PSNP) following breast cancer surgery. The study was designed with the aim of demonstrating noninferiority of one HCCP against daily pregabalin.

Predictive Factors for the Discontinuation of Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy: Enhancing Patient Selection to Improve Oncological Outcomes-A Single-Center Experience.

: Since 2011, Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) who are not eligible for cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Repeated minimal-invasive treatment is one of the key features and the current empirical standard treatment (ST) consists of at least three administrations over about three months. However, many patients are unable to complete the full course, limiting the potential benefits of PIPAC.

Enlightening Nursing Care: A Protocol for a Multicenter Observational Study Measuring Nursing Work in Hospital Settings.

: Rising costs and demands for improved quality of care present complex challenges for existing healthcare systems. The strain on healthcare resources is exacerbated by the increasing complexity of patient conditions. The Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system classifies inpatients according to clinical and treatment criteria, controls healthcare expenditures, and ensures the sustainability of procedures.

Characterization of Culicoides and mosquito fauna at the National Zoological Garden of Rabat, Morocco.

Zoos are considering to be essential places for the conservation of wild animal species. It is essential to prevent their infection by pathogens especially for those belonging to threatened or extinct species. Zoo captive animals are susceptible to several Culicoides and mosquito borne-viruses.

Clinical outcomes of patients with unsuccessful mechanical thrombectomy versus best medical management of medium vessel occlusion stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory.

Background: Current randomized controlled trials are investigating the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) stroke. Whether best medical management (MM) is more efficient than unsuccessful vessel recanalization during MT remains unknown.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data from 37 academic centers across North America, Asia, and Europe between September 2017 and July 2021.

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma of the hand in an adult.

We report a case of CAF in the hand of a young adult woman. This patient's age exceeded the usual range for CAF. While surgical excision led to fifth digit stiffness and bowstringing, further diagnostic delays could have resulted in much worse outcomes due to tumor invasion of the tendons.

Impact of under-assisted ventilation on diaphragm function and structure in a porcine model.

Background: Long-term controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) in intensive care unit (ICU) induces ventilatory-induced-diaphragm-dysfunction (VIDD). The transition from CMV to assisted mechanical ventilation is a challenge that requires clinicians to balance over-assistance and under-assistance. While the effects of over-assistance on the diaphragm are well known, we aimed to assess the impact of under-assistance on diaphragm function and structure in piglet model with pre-existing VIDD (after long-term CMV) or without VIDD (short-term CMV).

Cryo-EM structure and regulation of human NAD kinase.

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is a crucial reducing cofactor for reductive biosynthesis and protection from oxidative stress. To fulfill their heightened anabolic and reductive power demands, cancer cells must boost their NADPH production. Progrowth and mitogenic protein kinases promote the activity of cytosolic NAD kinase (NADK), which produces NADP, a limiting NADPH precursor.

Disco-Interacting Protein 2 Homolog B CGG Repeat Expansion in Siblings with Neurodevelopmental Disability and Progressive Movement Disorder.

Background: Trinucleotide repeat expansions are an emerging class of genetic variants associated with various movement disorders. Unbiased genome-wide analyses can reveal novel genotype-phenotype associations and provide a diagnosis for patients and families.

Objective: The aim was to identify the genetic cause of a severe progressive movement disorder phenotype in 2 affected brothers.

Neutral lipids restrict the mobility of broken DNA molecules during comet assays.

One widespread technique to assess in relative terms the amount of broken DNA present in the genome of individual cells consists of immobilizing the cell's nucleus under an agarose pad (called the nucleoid) and subjecting the whole genome to electrophoresis to force broken DNA molecules out of it. Since the migrating broken DNA molecules create a tail behind the nucleoid, this technique is named the comet assay. While performing comet assays regularly, we systematically observed circular regions devoid of DNA within the nucleoid region.

Pollen-Derived Fatty Acids and Amino Acids Mediate Variance in Pollinator Visitation.

Pollinators help maintain functional landscapes and are sensitive to floral nutritional quality. Both proteins and lipids influence pollinator foraging, but the role of individual biochemical components in pollen remains unclear. We conducted an experiment comprising common garden plots of six plant species (Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Onagraceae, Boraginaceae, and Plantaginaceae).

Chitosan and Its Nanoparticles: A Multifaceted Approach to Antibacterial Applications.

Chitosan, a multifaceted amino polysaccharide biopolymer derived from chitin, has extensive antibacterial efficacy against diverse pathogenic microorganisms, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, in addition to fungi. Over the course of the last several decades, chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), which are polymeric and bio-based, have garnered a great deal of interest as efficient antibacterial agents. This is mostly due to the fact that they are used in a wide variety of applications, including medical treatments, food, chemicals, and agricultural products.

A Muscle Physiology-Based Framework for Quantifying Training Load in Resistance Exercises.

Background: Objective training load (TL) indexes used in resistance training lack physiological significance. This study was aimed to provide a muscle physiology-based approach for quantifying TL in resistance exercises (REs).

Methods: Following individual torque-velocity profiling, fifteen participants (11 healthy males, stature: 178.

Glycation of Nail Proteins as a Risk Factor for Onychomycosis. Comment on Gupta et al. Diabetic Foot and Fungal Infections: Etiology and Management from a Dermatologic Perspective. 2024, , 577.

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Annotated Checklist of Poroid Hymenochaetoid Fungi in Central Asia: Taxonomic Diversity, Ecological Roles, and Potential Distribution Patterns.

Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, is renowned for its varied climate and vertical vegetative distribution, which support diverse biomes and position it as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite this ecological richness, Central Asia's fungal diversity, particularly wood-inhabiting macrofungi, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the diversity, ecological roles, and potential distribution of poroid Hymenochaetoid fungi in the region.

The Role of Advanced Cardiac Imaging in Monitoring Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with Extracardiac Tumors: A Descriptive Review.

Cardiac involvement in cancer is increasingly important in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients. A thorough cardiovascular evaluation using multimodal imaging is crucial to assess any direct cardiac involvement from oncological disease progression and to determine the cardiovascular risk of patients undergoing oncological therapies. Early detection of cardiac dysfunction, particularly due to cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is essential to establish the disease's overall prognostic impact.

Plant miRNAs for Improved Gene Regulation in a Wide Range of Human Cancers.

Determining the relationships between miRNA expression, target genes, and cancer development is critical to cancer research. The possibility of correlating miRNA expression with plant or artificial ones provides prerequisites for cancer treatment. Based on the broad database of human miRNA expression for all cancer types, we grade human miRNAs by their expression level.