Unveiling the impact of opioid-free postoperative regimens in ureteroscopy: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are minimally invasive urologic procedures that are commonly used to treat kidney stones. However, they often result in significant postoperative pain. Historically, patients undergoing these surgeries have predominantly been managed with opioids, which has contributed to the escalating global complications associated with these drugs, including abuse and addiction. As a result, over the recent years, many healthcare centers have made efforts to minimize opioid use, opting instead for safer alternative medications. In this study, we aim to compare the efficacy of both opioid and opioid-free pain management regimens following URS or RIRS procedures. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, LILACS, and Google Scholar. We included studies that compared opioid-based and opioid-free postoperative care for managing pain in patients who underwent URS or RIRS for lithotripsy. Our primary outcome of interest was the frequency of postoperative emergency department (ED) visits. Secondary outcomes included pain-related phone calls, postoperative unexpected encounters, need for opioids at discharge, and patients with opioid refills. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We retrieved 10 articles, encompassing 6786 patients in the opioid group and 5276 patients in the opioid-free group. Overall, our findings lean towards favoring the opioid-free regimen, revealing notable differences between the groups. Opioid-free regimen was associated with less ED visits (OR=0.67; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.77; P=0.00001; I2=0%) and required less opioids at discharge (OR=0.11; 95% CI 0.02, 0.64; P=0.01; I2=89%). CONCLUSIONS: Through statistically superior results, our meta-analysis suggests that an opioid-free regimen outperforms the use of opioids after URS or RIRS, particularly in terms of pain management.

Electrochemical Sensor Based on Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Carbon Nanohorns (SWCNH) for Determination of Cr(VI) via Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (AdCSV) in Tap Water.

In this study, a new and simple glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanohorns (SWCNH/GCE) was used for the determination of Cr(VI) in aqueous matrices via adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (AdCSV). The modified electrode was characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry, which revealed a homogeneous distribution of spherical agglomerates of SWCNH on the electrode surface. The modification increased the electrochemically active area from 0.10 cm2 ± 0.01 (GCE) to 0.16 cm2 ± 0.01 (SWCNH/GCE). The optimized analytical conditions were as follows: a supporting electrolyte (0.15 mol L-1 HCl), an accumulation potential of 0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl, and an accumulation time of 240 s. Validation of the analytical methodology was performed, obtaining a linear range between 20 and 100 µg L-1, a limit of detection of 3.5 µg L-1, and a limit of quantification of 11.6 µg L-1 with good accuracy and precision. The method was applied to the analysis of spiked tap water samples, and the results were compared using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) with no significant statistical differences.

Efficient one step extraction process of Gramicidin S from Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus biomass.

Currently, Gramicidin S (GR-S) is produced enzymatically with the drawback of the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or produced by fermentation involving several separation and purification steps. Therefore, this study is focused on the use of green solvents as unique extraction step to produce Gramicidin S from microbial biomass of Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus. Among the tested solvents, such as ethanol, acidic ethanol or buffer phosphate, the most favorable was acidic ethanol, extracting 96% of Gramicidin S from cells with a purity of 90%. Using acidic ethanol, extraction time within the range of 30-120 min exhibited minimal impact on Gramicidin S yield, whereas the biomass-to-extractant ratio emerged as a critical parameter. Gramicidin S extracts were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) coupled with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) and compared with commercial Gramicidin S.

Graphene-based microelectrodes with bidirectional functionality for next-generation retinal electronic interfaces.

Neuroelectronic prostheses are being developed for restoring vision at the retinal level in patients who have lost their sight due to photoreceptor loss. The core component of these devices is the electrode array, which enables interfacing with retinal neurons. Generating the perception of meaningful images requires high-density microelectrode arrays (MEAs) capable of precisely activating targeted retinal neurons. Achieving this precision necessitates the downscaling of electrodes to micrometer dimensions. However, miniaturization increases electrode impedance, which poses challenges by limiting the amount of current that can be delivered, thereby impairing the electrode's capability for effective neural modulation. Additionally, it elevates noise levels, reducing the signal quality of the recorded neural activity. This report focuses on evaluating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based devices for interfacing with the retina, showcasing their potential in vision restoration. Our findings reveal low impedance and high charge injection limit for microscale rGO electrodes, confirming their suitability for developing next-generation high-density retinal devices. We successfully demonstrated bidirectional interfacing with cell cultures and explanted retinal tissue, enabling the identification and modulation of multiple cells' activity. Additionally, calcium imaging allowed real-time monitoring of retinal cell dynamics, demonstrating a significant reduction in activated areas with small-sized electrodes. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for developing advanced rGO-based MEAs for high-acuity visual prostheses.

Effects of Some Olive Fruits-Derived Products on Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Biomarkers on Experimental Diabetes Mellitus.

The aim of this study is to assess the possible effect of olive seed oil (OSO) and destoned and dehydrated olive oil (DDOO), in comparison with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), on some cardiovascular biomarkers in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic animals showed evident alterations in biomarkers involved in the evolution of diabetic vasculopathy, marked by increases in biomarkers that favor vascular damage, which was between 1.5 and five times as many as those in non-diabetic animals, and a smaller number of biomarkers that protect against such damage (25-75% less than in healthy controls) was observed. The three oils administered decreased the concentration of biomarkers of vascular damage (35-45% in the serum lipid profile, 15-40% in early biomarkers of vascular inflammation and 20-60% in platelet aggregation and in thromboxane/prostacyclin imbalance). The greatest effect was by the antioxidant, both in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and in the increase of glutathione. DDOO showed a significantly greater effect on oxidative stress and on thromboxane/prostacyclin imbalance than those shown by OSO and EVOO. This greater effect may possibly be explained by its higher triterpenoid content (913 mg/kg, compared to 113 mg/kg in OSO and 75 mg/kg in EVOO). We conclude, in the light of the results of this study, that these oils meet two basic conditions: they could improve the yield of the olive industry, and they equal, and may even increase, the beneficial effects of EVOO on cardiovascular disease.

Concomitant Serological and Molecular Methods for Strongyloides stercoralis Screening in an Endemic Area of Spain.

Strongyloidiasis is a widespread parasitic disease that can be life-threatening in immunosuppressed people. In the Mediterranean basin, autochthonous cases coexist with imported ones. We aimed to assess the utility of different screening methods, along with the frequency of strongyloidiasis and its associated risk factors in migrants and the native population. This cross-sectional study took place from 2019 to 2022 in the area of the Vega Baja Hospital in Alicante, Spain. Screening was performed in people who were immunosuppressed, at risk of immunosuppression, with blood asymptomatic eosinophilia, and in asymptomatic people from highly endemic countries. Screening methods were serological techniques (ELISA), stool parasitological tests (fecal concentration methods and agar plate culture), and a stool molecular test (PCR). Of the 168 participants (62.5% males, 53.0% migrants, 36.3% immunosuppressed, median age 57 years), 14 (8.3%) had confirmed strongyloidiasis, where 6 were confirmed by serology, 4 by PCR, and 4 by both methods. Overall, 9% of the migrants and 7.6% of the native-born patients were infected. Elevated IgE and hemoglobin and Latin American origin were associated with strongyloidiasis diagnosis. Screening with serology alone would have missed 28.6% of cases. We conclude that strongyloidiasis prevalence is high in our population, both in native and migrant groups, and stool PCR is a useful tool to increase case detection.

Adherence to optimal medical therapy and control of cardiovascular risk factors in patients after ST elevation myocardial infarction in Mexico.

Introduction: In developing countries, there is a notable scarcity of real-world data on adherence to optimal medical therapy (OMT) and its correlation with major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Our study focuses on addressing this gap by evaluating adherence to OMT, examining its influence on the risk of MACEs after STEMI, and assessing subsequent cardiovascular risk factor control in Mexico. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of post-STEMI patients after hospital discharge. Adherence to treatment was assessed over a median of 683 days (interquartile range: 478-833) using the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ). Patients were followed up for 4.5 years to monitor MACEs (cardiovascular death, cardiogenic shock, recurrent myocardial infarction, and heart failure). Results: We included 349 patients with a mean age of 58.08 years (±10.9), predominantly male (89.9%). Hypertension (42.4%), smoking (34.3%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (31.2%), obesity (22.92%), and dyslipidemia (21.4%) were highly prevalent. Adherence to OMT per SMAQ was 44.7%. The baseline clinical characteristics of adherent and non-adherent patients did not significantly differ. OMT prescription rates were as follows: acetylsalicylic acid, 91.1%; P2Y12 inhibitors, 76.5%; and high-intensity statins, 86.6%. While non-adherent patients had a numerically higher rate of MACEs (73 vs. 49 first events), there was no statistically significant difference (hazard ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.88). Discussion: In this real-world study of patients after STEMI, we observed low adherence to OMT, a low proportion of global cardiovascular risk factor control, and a numerically higher incidence of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events in non-adherent patients. Strategies to improve adherence to OMT and risk factor control are needed.

The patronage of religious tourism seen from its motivations that predict satisfaction and loyalty: The Virgin of Chaguaya in Bolivia.

This study focused on pilgrimages as part of religious tourism and aimed to achieve the following objectives: identify the main motivational factors of religious tourism focused on pilgrimages; analyze the motivational dimensions that predict satisfaction in religious tourism focused on pilgrimages; analyze the motivational dimensions that predict loyalty in religious tourism focused on pilgrimages. The study was conducted during the pilgrimage to the Virgin of Chaguaya in Bolivia. The sample consisted of 384 tourists who were surveyed on-site. The statistical techniques used included factor analysis and multiple regression. The results revealed four motivational dimensions: Tourism and Escape, Religious Experience, Belief Experience, and Shopping. Additionally, specific motivations that influence the satisfaction and loyalty of attendees at religious events such as pilgrimages have been identified, among them the "Religious Experience" and the "Belief Experience" motivational dimensions. The findings will contribute to planning and management guidelines for religious event administrators and provide information to academic literature.

Effect of a Triterpenoid-Rich Olive Oil on Chronic Kidney Disease in an Experimental Model of Diabetes Mellitus.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of triterpenoids on the development of diabetic nephropathy in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus. For this purpose, a destoned and dehydrated olive oil (DDOO) was used, comparing its effects to a destoned olive oil (DOO). DDOO had a higher triterpenoid content than DOO but an equal content of alcoholic polyphenols. Four study groups (n = 10 animals/group) were formed: healthy rats, diabetic control rats (DRs), and DRs treated orally with 0.5 mL/kg/day of DOO or DDOO for two months. DRs showed impaired renal function (proteinuria, increased serum creatinine, decreased renal creatinine clearance) and morphology (glomerular volume and glomerulosclerosis). These alterations correlated with increased systemic and renal tissue oxidative stress and decreased prostacyclin production. DDOO administration significantly reduced all variables of renal damage, as well as systemic and renal oxidative stress, to a greater extent than the effect produced by DOO. In conclusion, triterpenoid-rich olive oil may prevent kidney damage in experimental diabetes mellitus.

Predictors of outcomes after internal fixation of periprosthetic femoral hip fractures Subgroup analysis of the peri-implant and peri-prosthetic fractures Spanish registry (PIPPAS).

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors predisposing patients to poor outcomes after fixation of periprosthetic hip fractures around femoral stems. METHODS: Prospective multicentre cohort study of fractures around a hip replacement stem managed by internal fixation. The primary outcome was one-year mortality, while secondary outcomes were local complications and healthcare burden-related outcomes (nursing facility utilization and hospital length of stay). RESULTS: One-year mortality was 16.2%. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score (OR=1.17; 95%CI=1.03-1.33)), Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) score (OR=1.16; 1.06-1.28), prosthetic dysfunction (OR=1.90; 1.00-3.61), and postoperative medical complications (OR=1.97; 1.06-3.68) were predictors of mortality. Patients with prior prosthetic dysfunction, lower Pfeiffer SPMSQ scores, Vancouver A fractures, and fractures fixed only using cerclages were at higher risk of local complications, which occurred in 9.3% of cases. Medical (OR=1.81; 1.05-3.13) and local complications (OR=5.56; 2.42-3.13) emerged as consistent risk factors for new institutionalization. Average hospitalization time was 13.9±9.2 days. Each day of fixation delay led to an average 1.4-day increase in total hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Frail periprosthetic hip-fracture patients with poorer functional status, dysfunctional replacements, and postoperative complications are at increased risk of mortality. Postoperative complications are more common in patients with dysfunctional arthroplasties, Vancouver A fractures, and fixation using cerclages alone. Postoperative complications were the most consistent predictor of higher healthcare resource utilization.

Description of the Dunning-Kruger effect in general surgery residents during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a blinded prospective study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess whether the Dunning-Kruger effect occurs in surgical residents when performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine model. METHODS: Prospective blinded study, which counted with forty PGY-1 general surgery residents who agreed to participate in the study were blindly recruited to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine model. At the end of the procedure, the participants assigned a score of 0-10 for their own performance and the video of the operation was independently assessed by 2 experienced laparoscopic surgeons using a validated tool. RESULTS: Participants were divided into groups of 10 individuals according to objective performance and compared. The group with the worst objective result was inferior to the group with the best objective result (3.77 ± 0.44 vs. 8.1 ± 0.44, p < 0.001), but they were similar in self-perception of performance (5.11 ± 1.69 vs. 6.1 ± 1.79, p = 0.999). CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample, it was possible to demonstrate the presence of the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Cancer prevention recommendations: awareness in a Mexican public hospital.

Background: The recommendations of both the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) for the prevention of cancer are important public health tools. These recommendations for the prevention of specific cancers are related to body weight maintenance; physical activity; foods and drinks that promote weight gain; plant foods; foods of animal origin; alcoholic beverages; preservation, processing, and preparation of food; food supplements; and breastfeeding. Methods: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. All patients provided written informed consent prior to enrollment in the study. Stratified random sampling was carried out with a convenience sample size of ≥280 participants. The characteristics of the participants were investigated using validated questions. Knowledge about the WCRF/AICR recommendations for the primary prevention of cancer was determined using 14 multiple choice questions validated in this study. Group A included participants who answered that cancer can be prevented and that lifestyle is the main factor related to the onset of cancer; the remaining participants were assigned to Group B. The χ2 test and Mann‒Whitney U test were used to determine differences in the groups. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. A multiple linear regression analysis with gamma response was performed to assess the knowledge score. Results: A total of 289 participants were included; 168 (58%) participants were in group A, and 121 (42%) participants were in group B. Using a 0 to 14 scale, the median (P25, P75) number of correct answers was 11 (10, 12). There was no evidence of a difference between groups in sex, relationship status, literacy skills, years of education, occupation, monthly income per person, and BMI. Most of the participants reported that they did not consume tobacco (n = 259/289) or alcohol (n = 261/289) in the week prior to completing the survey. Discussion: Most of the participants (58%) considered cancer preventable and agreed that lifestyle factors were the most important factors in cancer development. The results also showed a high level of public awareness of some evidence-based associations between cancer and lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use. Some confusion among the public on other risk factors was also identified: waist circumference, a variable related to excess weight, was not identified as a risk factor for cancer by most of the participants, but the consumption of foods and beverages high in calories was identified as a risk factor by the majority of participants. Awareness of cancer protective and risk factors may lead to positive behavioral changes and eventually reduce the burden of cancer.

Prevalence and prognostic implications of the no-reflux phenomenon in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention at a university center in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of no-reflow and the 30-day mortality in a university center in a middle-income country. METHOD: We analyzed 2463 patients who underwent primary PCI from January 2006 to December 2021. The outcome measure was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Of a total of 2463 patients, no-reflow phenomenon was found in 413 (16.8%) patients, 30-day mortality was 16.7 vs. 4.29% (p < 0.001). Patients with no-reflow were older 60 (53-69.5) vs. 59 (51-66) (p = 0.001), with a higher delay in onset of symptom to emergency department arrival 270 vs. 247 min (p = 0.001). No-reflow patients also had had fewer previous myocardial infarction, 11.6 vs. 18.4 (p = 0.001) and a Killip class > 1, 37 vs. 26% (p < 0.001). No-reflow patients were more likely to have an anterior myocardial infarction (55.4 vs. 47.8%; p = 0.005) and initial TIMI flow 0 (76 vs. 68%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: No-reflow occurred in 16.8% of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and was more likely with older age, delayed presentation, anterior myocardial infarction and Killip class > 1. No-reflow was associated with a higher mortality at 30-day follow-up.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar la prevalencia de no reflujo y la mortalidad a 30 días en un centro universitario de un país de ingresos medios. MÉTODO: Analizamos 2,463 pacientes que se sometieron a ICP primaria desde enero de 2006 hasta diciembre de 2021. La medida de resultado fue la mortalidad a los 30 días. RESULTADOS: Del total de 2,463 pacientes, se encontró fenómeno de no reflujo en 413 (16.8%), la mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 16.7 vs. 4.29% (p < 0.001). Los pacientes sin reflujo tenían mayor edad 60 (53-69.5) vs. 59 (51-66) (p = 0.001), con mayor retraso del inicio de los síntomas a la llegada a urgencias, 270 vs. 247 min (p = 0.001). Los pacientes sin reflujo también tenían menos infarto de miocardio previo, 11.6 vs. 18.4 (p = 0.001), y una clase Killip > 1, 37 vs. 26% (p < 0.001). Los pacientes sin reflujo tenían más probabilidades de tener un infarto de miocardio anterior (55.4 vs. 47.8%; p = 0.005) y flujo TIMI inicial 0 (76 vs. 68%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Ocurrió ausencia de reflujo en el 16.8% de los pacientes con IAMCEST sometidos a ICP primaria y fue más probable con la edad avanzada, presentación tardía, infarto de miocardio anterior y clase Killip > 1. El no reflujo se asoció con una mayor mortalidad a los 30 días de seguimiento.

Cross-Neutralizing Anti-Chikungunya and Anti-Dengue 2 IgG Antibodies from Patients and BALB/c Mice against Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses.

Dengue (DENV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses can be transmitted simultaneously by Aedes mosquitoes, and there may be co-infections in humans. However, how the adaptive immune response is modified in the host has yet to be known entirely. In this study, we analyzed the cross-reactivity and neutralizing activity of IgG antibodies against DENV and CHIKV in sera of patients from the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Veracruz, Mexico, collected in 2013 and 2015 and using IgG antibodies of BALB/c mice inoculated with DENV and/or CHIKV. Mice first inoculated with DENV and then with CHIKV produced IgG antibodies that neutralized both viruses. Mice were inoculated with CHIKV, and then with DENV; they had IgG antibodies with more significant anti-CHIKV IgG antibody neutralizing activity. However, the inoculation only with CHIKV resulted in better neutralization of DENV2. In sera obtained from patients in 2013, significant cross-reactivity and low anti-CHIKV IgG antibody neutralizing activity were observed. In CHIKV-positive 2015 sera, the anti-DENV IgG antibody neutralizing activity was high. These results suggest that CHIKV stimulates DENV2-induced memory responses and vice versa. Furthermore, cross-reactivity between the two viruses generated neutralizing antibodies, but exchanging CHIKV for DENV2 generated a better anti-CHIKV neutralizing response.

Methodological and Statistical Considerations for Cross-Sectional, Case-Control, and Cohort Studies.

Epidemiological studies are essential in medicine and public health as they help identify risk factors and causes of diseases. Additionally, they are key to planning, implementing, and evaluating health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of diseases. Among these studies, analytical observational studies, such as cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies, are the most used. The validity of their results largely depends on the robustness of the design, execution, and statistical analysis. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the most common errors in the selection of methodological design and statistical tests in analytical observational studies and to provide recommendations to correct them. Methodology: A comprehensive review of the available literature on methodology in epidemiological observational studies was conducted, focusing on cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. Common errors in the selection of designs and statistical tests were identified and analyzed. Results and Conclusions: Errors in the selection of methodological design and statistical tests are common in epidemiological observational studies. Based on the identified errors, a series of recommendations is provided to improve the selection of methodological design and statistical tests, thereby increasing the reliability of the results in cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies.

Navigating Treatment Challenges: A Case Study on Refractory Psychosis in a Chronic MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) User.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy​methamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy, is a synthetic amphetamine with hallucinogenic and stimulant properties, which has become increasingly favored as a substance for recreational use. Despite its deceptive reputation as "safe," chronic MDMA use is associated with neuropsychiatric complications, including psychosis. We describe a case of a 23-year-old woman with chronic MDMA use disorder and childhood trauma, who presented with severe psychosis and catatonic features. While initial diagnostic possibilities included drug-induced psychosis and mood disorders, the patient's history and presentation supported a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, which was exacerbated by MDMA use. Conventional antipsychotics failed to improve psychotic symptoms and led to worsening of catatonia, requiring electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for improvement. Socioeconomic barriers hindered follow-up care, leading to an Emergency Department (ED) admission shortly after discharge. This case highlights the intricate interplay between substance use, psychiatric illness, and trauma, and showcases ECT's efficacy in severe psychosis. It emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive mental health services, especially for vulnerable populations, and calls for further research into MDMA's psychiatric effects and optimal treatment approaches for individuals with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders.

Synthesis of biocompatible hydrogel of alginate-chitosan enriched with iron sulfide nanocrystals.

This work aimed to synthesize and characterize a biocompatible hydrogel of alginate and chitosan enriched with iron sulfide nanocrystals. Three concentrations of iron sulfide nanocrystals (FeS2NCs) 0.03905, 0.0781, and 0.2343 mg/ml were used. Gel swelling was determined using phosphate-buffered saline solution at 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h. The microstructure, the morphology, and the elastic strength were determined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and rheological studies, respectively. The functional groups were identified through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Biocompatibility was determined in a murine model; after seven days of subdermal inoculation, histological sections stained with H&E were analyzed, and then histopathological features were evaluated. All the compounds obtained showed a loss modulus lower than the storage modulus. The 0.2343 mg/ml FeS2NCs hydrogel showed higher swelling than the control. In the in vivo evaluation, no adverse effects were found. The presence of FeS2NCs was well tolerated in the subcutaneous tissue of mice, according to histopathological analysis. The hydrogels synthesized with added FeS2NCs demonstrate a swelling ratio of 150 %, rheologically exhibiting gel-like behavior rather than viscous liquids. Furthermore, they did not present any adverse effects on the subcutaneous tissue.

Expanding on expansus: a new species of Scaphanocephalus from North America and the Caribbean based on molecular and morphological data.

Members of the genus Scaphanocephalus mature in accipitrids, particularly osprey, Pandion haliaetus, with metacercaria causing Black Spot Syndrome in reef fishes. In most of the world, only the type species, Scaphanocephalus expansus (Creplin, 1842) has been reported. Recent molecular studies in the Western Atlantic, Mediterranean and Persian Gulf reveal multiple species of Scaphanocephalus, but have relied on 28S rDNA, mainly from metacercariae, which limits both morphological identification and resolution of closely related species. Here we combine nuclear rDNA with mitochondrial sequences from adult worms collected in osprey across North America and the Caribbean to describe species and elucidate life cycles in Scaphanocephalus. A new species described herein can be distinguished from S. expansus based on overall body shape and size. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole mitochondrial genome of Scaphanocephalus indicates a close relationship with Cryptocotyle. We conclude that at least 3 species of Scaphanocephalus are present in the Americas and 2 others are in the Old World. Specimens in the Americas have similar or identical 28S to those in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, but amphi-Atlantic species are unlikely in light of divergence in cytochrome c oxidase I and the lack of amphi-Atlantic avian and fish hosts. Our results provide insight into the geographic distribution and taxonomy of a little-studied trematode recently linked to an emerging pathology in ecologically important reef fishes.

17ß-estradiol induces hyperresponsiveness in guinea pig airway smooth muscle by inhibiting the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase.

High serum estrogen concentrations are associated with asthma development and severity, suggesting a link between estradiol and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). 17ß-estradiol (E2) has non-genomic effects via Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms; however, its effect on the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases (PMCA1 and 4) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) is unknown. Hence, in the present study, we aim to demonstrate if E2 favors AHR by increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in guinea pig airway smooth muscle (ASM) through a mechanism involving Ca2+-ATPases. In guinea pig ASM, Ca2+ microfluorometry, muscle contraction, and Western blot were evaluated. Then, we performed molecular docking analysis between the estrogens and Ca2+ ATPases. In tracheal rings, E2 produced AHR to carbachol. In guinea pig myocytes, acute exposure to physiological levels of E2 modified the transient Ca2+ peak induced by caffeine to a Ca2+ plateau. The incubation with PMCA inhibitors (lanthanum and carboxyeosin, CE) partially reversed the E2-induced sustained plateau in the caffeine response. In contrast, cyclopiazonic acid (SERCA inhibitor), U-0126 (an inhibitor of ERK 1/2), and choline chloride did not modify the Ca2+ plateau produced by E2. The mitochondrial uniporter activity and the capacitative Ca2+ entry were unaffected by E2. In guinea pig ASM, Western blot analysis demonstrated PMCA1 and PMCA4 expression. The results from the docking modeling demonstrate that E2 binds to both plasma membrane ATPases. In guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, inhibiting the PMCA with CE, induced hyperresponsiveness to carbachol. 17ß-estradiol produces hyperresponsiveness by inhibiting the PMCA in the ASM and could be one of the mechanisms responsible for the increase in asthmatic crisis in women.