Left Atrial Septal Pouch (LASP) and Cryptogenic Stroke: A Narrative Review.

Over 20% of ischemic strokes are cardioembolic strokes, necessitating research into thrombus formation locations, particularly the left atrial appendage (LAA). The left atrial septal pouch (LASP), which is linked to thrombus development and stasis, has drawn attention recently as a possible thromboembolic location, especially in atrial fibrillation (AF). The primary aim of this review is to explore LASP's role in cryptogenic strokes and to discuss the methods used to assess LAA anatomy.

Analysis of the Fungal Community Composition in Endemic Orchids with Terrestrial Habitat in Subtropical Regions.

and are well-known orchid genera that grow in terrestrial habitats in the tropics, subtropics or temperate zones. Three species have been found in subtropical regions of China, inhabiting terrestrial to epiphytic habitats. This study focuses on three species, (distributed in Asia), , and .

Applications of Nanotechnology in the Field of Cardiology.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death globally, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. Nanoformulations, including nanoparticles, address challenges in drug delivery, stem cell therapy, imaging, and gene delivery. Nanoparticles enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery, with gas microbubbles, liposomal preparations, and paramagnetic nanoparticles showing potential in treating atherosclerosis and reducing systemic side effects.

Efficiency Assessment between Entrapment and Covalent Bond Immobilization of Mutant β-Xylosidase onto Chitosan Support.

The Y509E mutant of β-xylosidase from (XynB2) (which also bears xylanase activity) has been immobilized in chitosan spheres through either entrapment or covalent bond formation methods. The maximum immobilization yield by entrapment was achieved by chitosan beads developed using a 2% chitosan solution after 1 h of maturation time in CFG buffer with ethanol. On the other hand, the highest value in covalent bond immobilization was observed when employing chitosan beads that were prepared from a 2% chitosan solution after 4 h of activation in 1% glutaraldehyde solution at pH 8.

Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Preventing Relapse and Recurrence of Depression in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in preventing the relapse and recurrence of depression in adults with major depressive disorders. The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two authors conducted a systematic search of online databases, such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE, using keywords, such as "electroconvulsive therapy," "depressive disorders," and "recurrence.

Efficacy and Safety of Favipiravir in Treating COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

This meta-analysis was conducted with the aim to assess the safety and efficacy of favipiravir in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed a thorough search of online databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from their inceptions to November 30, 2022, using the following search terms: "Favipiravir" AND "COVID-19".

Effect of Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

We intended to summarize the most recent research pertaining to the use of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in pulmonary hypertension in light of recent developments in the knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms and treatments for pulmonary hypertension, with major contributions in the area in the last decade. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors for pulmonary hypertension in adults. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to carry out this meta-analysis.

Helical structure of the ventricular myocardium. A narrative review of cardiac mechanics.

To date, the ventricular myocardial band is the anatomical-functional model that best explains cardiac mechanics during systolic-diastolic phenomena in the cardiac cycle. The implications of the model fundamentally affect the anatomical interpretation of the ventricular myocardium, giving meaning to the direction that muscle fibers take, turning them into an object of study with potential clinical, imaging, and surgical applications. Re-interpreting the anatomy of the ventricular muscle justifies changes in the physiological interpretation, from its functional focus as a fiber unraveling the mechanical phenomena carried out during systole and diastole.

The major role of junctional diversity in the horse antibody repertoire.

The antibody repertoire (Rep-seq) sequencing revolutionized the diversity of antigen B cell receptor studies, allowing deep and quantitative analysis to decipher the role of adaptive immunity in health and disease. Particularly, horse (Equus caballus) polyclonal antibodies have been produced and used since the century XIX to treat and prophylaxis diphtheria, tuberculosis, tetanus, pneumonia, and, more recently, COVID-19. However, our knowledge about the horse B cell receptors repertories is minimal.

Preparation and characterization of cellulose fibers from Meghatyrsus maximus: Applications in its chemical derivatives.

Non-wood lignocellulosic fibers have emerged and are becoming increasingly important as an alternative source of cellulose for derivatives, functional materials, and biofuels. This work aimed, to obtain cellulose from Meghatyrsus maximus grass with adequate properties through an alkaline delignification and alkaline hydrogen peroxide bleaching. Meghatyrsus maximus was chemically characterized as lignocellulosic biomass, which consisted of 45.

Acute Non-Obstructive Bilateral Pyelonephritis With Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Hemodialysis.

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is considered a rare cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), especially when no anatomical abnormalities or predisposing factors are identified. Additionally, non-obstructive pyelonephritis is a very infrequent cause of rapidly progressive acute kidney injury. Herein, we present a rare case of a 55-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with acute non-obstructive pyelonephritis leading to AKI eventually requiring hemodialysis.

Improvement of body contour in young women using a high-power radiofrequency device.

Localized fat and excess body fat: this is one of the main causes of dissatisfaction with body contour and decreased self-esteem. The objective of this report is to present the results of treatment using Capenergy C 200 in a group of young volunteers who received treatment only in the right half of the body. We will review the science and literature of the effect of TECAR and its role in body contouring.

Disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Disseminated histoplasmosis is usually associated with immunosuppressive conditions like AIDS. People with respiratory distress syndrome secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia are vulnerable to bacterial infections. Additionally, coinfection with fungal pathogens should be considered as a differential diagnosis even in immunocompetent patients who remain on mechanical ventilation secondary to COVID-19.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Venezuela: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey.

The deterioration of Venezuela's health system in recent years undoubtedly contributes to an increased impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic could inform their medical training and improve their preparedness. A online national cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 26th and May 30th, 2020, to assess KAPs among HCWs in Venezuela.

Improvement in fetal pulmonary hypertension and maturity after reversal of ductal constriction: prospective cohort study.

Objectives: To test the hypotheses that estimated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) decreases and pulmonary vascular maturation, assessed by the ratio of pulmonary arterial flow acceleration time to ejection time (AT/ET ratio), increases after reversal of fetal ductus arteriosus constriction by reducing maternal intake of the causal agent (prostaglandin inhibitors, such as polyphenol-rich foods or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and that these effects are independent of gestational age, which are inferences not yet demonstrated in the clinical setting.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study comparing Doppler echocardiographic ductal flow dynamics, MPAP and pulmonary arterial flow AT/ET ratio in third-trimester fetuses (≥ 28 weeks' gestation) with ductus arteriosus constriction, at the time of diagnosis and after 2 weeks of reduced maternal intake of prostaglandin inhibitors either by suspending the use of pharmacological agents with potential for prostaglandin inhibition or by restricting the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods. MPAP was estimated using the Dabestani equation (MPAP = 90 - (0.

Characterization of Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates of the Y509E Mutant of a Glycoside Hydrolase Family 52 β-xylosidase from .

Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of the Y509E mutant of glycoside hydrolase family 52 β-xylosidase from with dual activity of β-xylosidase and xylanase (XynB2) were prepared. Ammonium sulfate was used as the precipitant agent, and glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent. The optimum conditions were found to be 90% ammonium sulfate, 12.

Exercise-Induced Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia without Structural Heart Disease: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) has been widely reported in patients with preexisting structural heart disease or underlying ischemia and is attributed to reentry tachycardia and abnormal automaticity. However, studies regarding exercise-induced VT in individuals without evident structural heart disease are still limited. CASE REPORT A 51-year-old woman came to our practice for a treadmill stress echocardiogram.

New-onset myocardial injury in pregnant patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a case series of 15 patients.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the new coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome and atypical pneumonia. In nonpregnant women, studies have shown that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes cardiac injury, which can result in myocardial inflammation and damage. Despite many studies investigating the extent of cardiac compromise in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019, little is known regarding its impact on pregnant women.

COVID-19 associated with onset nephrotic syndrome in a pediatric patient: coincidence or related conditions?

Background: COVID-19 is less frequent in children than in adults and affects the former less severely; despite the fact that respiratory symptoms are the most frequent, in some cases unusual manifestations can be seen.

Case-diagnosis: We present a 15-year-old boy who tested positive for SARS-COV-2 infection and onset of nephrotic syndrome, without antecedent of kidney disease and who had normal urine tests shortly before being affected by COVID-19.

Conclusions: The patient described in this report, who was admitted due to nephrotic syndrome and respiratory syndrome, tested positive for COVID-19.

Comparison of scores for the classification of cardiometabolic risk in adult patients enrolled in a Venezuelan program for chronic non-communicable diseases: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Several continuous measurements of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) have emerged as indexes or scores. To our knowledge, there are no published data on its application and validation in Latin America.

Objective: To evaluate four continuous measurements of metabolic status and CMR.

Baseline Chest Computed Tomography as Standard of Care in High-Risk Hematology Patients.

Baseline chest computed tomography (BCT) in high-risk hematology patients allows for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The distribution of BCT implementation in hematology departments and impact on outcome is unknown. A web-based questionnaire was designed.

Novel Assessment of Urinary Albumin Excretion in Type 2 Diabetes Patients by Raman Spectroscopy.

. Urinary albumin excretion remains the key biomarker to detect renal complications in type 2 diabetes. As diabetes epidemy increases, particularly in low-income countries, efficient and low-cost methods to measure urinary albumin are needed.

Quantitative Subcellular Proteomics of the Orbitofrontal Cortex of Schizophrenia Patients.

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease characterized by the impairment of mental functions with a marked social dysfunction. A quantitative proteomic approach using iTRAQ labeling and SRM, applied to the characterization of mitochondria (MIT), crude nuclear fraction (NUC), and cytoplasm (CYT), can allow the observation of dynamic changes in cell compartments providing valuable insights concerning schizophrenia physiopathology. Mass spectrometry analyses of the orbitofrontal cortex from 12 schizophrenia patients and 8 healthy controls identified 655 protein groups in the MIT fraction, 1500 in NUC, and 1591 in CYT.

Antiplatelet agents for preventing vaso-occlusive events in people with sickle cell disease: a systematic review.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy, occurring worldwide, and vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) are its paramount, hallmark clinical manifestation. Evidence exists that platelets play an important role in generating VOEs.

Objective: To assess the clinical benefits and harms of antiplatelet agents for preventing VOEs in patients with SCD.