Analysis of the Accuracy of CAM-type Deformity Resection on a Low-cost Arthroscopic Simulator in a Training Scenario.

Objective To evaluate surgeons' performance in resecting CAM-type deformities using a realistic arthroscopic surgery simulator. Methods An arthroscopic simulator was created using low-cost materials with the help of a GTMax Core A1 3D printer and the programs Invesalius and Meshmixer 2017, which were used to develop femoral head parts in ABS material, with the presence of a CAM-type deformity, to mimic a femoroacetabular impact situation. After the operations were performed by 16 surgeons, the femurs were compared to a previous model with deformity and another without, using Cloudcompare, and parameters such as the volumetric difference between the operated femurs, with and without deformity, the minimum and maximum distance between them, the percentage of the deformity resected, the estimated time for total resection of the deformity, as well as a qualitative analysis based on the images and graphs provided by the program representing the areas of the parts resected, were evaluated at the end. Results The average resection speed was 34.66 mm 3 /min (SD = 46 mm 3 /min, max = 147.33; min = -2.66). The average resection rate was 26.2% (SD = 34.7%, max = 111; min = -2). Qualitative analysis showed hyporesection of deformities and sometimes hyperresection of nondeformed areas. The simulator was highly rated by the surgeons, with a tactile sensation very similar to real surgery, according to them. Conclusion Arthroscopic simulators have proved very useful in training less experienced surgeons.

Gastrointestinal Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Transplantation Recipient With a Negative Serum Viral Load: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant recipients are vulnerable to infections, especially cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. It is recommended that clinicians plan their prophylaxis and therapeutic regimens based on viral load testing. OBJECTIVE: CMV viral load monitoring testing provides useful information for identifying virologic response and possible antiviral resistance. Due to the paucity of medical literature on guiding viral therapy in cases of CMV tissue disease with nondetectable serum viral load, we intend to provide physicians with evidence on how to guide medical therapy in these cases. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old Hispanic male recipient of a kidney transplant from a cadaver donor presented to the emergency department with anorexia, asthenia, diarrhea, weight loss, and supraclavicular and mediastinal adenomegalies at 2 months post-transplantation. Both patients were serum IgG- and IgM-positive for CMV, which classified them as intermediate risk for developing CMV disease or tissue-invasive disease (donor-positive/recipient-positive [D+/R+]). The patient was induced with basiliximab and methylprednisolone and received maintenance therapy with tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, and prednisone. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed due to suspicion for BK virus, B19 parvovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and CMV, with an undetectable viral load for all. A biopsy specimen taken from the gastrointestinal tract confirmed CMV infection, which was corroborated through immunocytochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologic testing is a possible option for patients with CMV tissue disease symptoms but no detectable serum viral load. Clinical observation is fundamental when viral monitoring is difficult.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a prospective cohort of COVID-19 survivors

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients who survived moderate and severe forms of COVID-19 and the risk factors for LUTS six months after hospitalization. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients were evaluated six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. General health was assessed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the EQ5D-L5 scale, which evaluates mobility, ability to perform daily activities, pain and discomfort and completed a self-perception health evaluation. Results: Of 255 participants, 54.1% were men and the median age was 57.3 [44.3 - 66.6] years. Pre-existing comorbidities included diabetes (35.7%), hypertension (54.5%), obesity (30.2%) and physical inactivity (65.5%). One hundred and twenty-four patients (48.6%) had a hospital stay >15 days, 181 (71.0%) were admitted to an ICU and 124 (48.6%) needed mechanical ventilation. Median IPSS was 6 [3-11] and did not differ between genders. Moderate to severe LUTS affected 108 (42.4%) patients (40.6% men and 44.4% women; p=0.610). Nocturia (58.4%) and frequency (45.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms and urgency was the only symptom that affected men (29.0%) and women (44.4%) differently (p=0.013). LUTS impacted the quality of life of 60 (23.5%) patients with women more severely affected (p=0.004). Diabetes, hypertension, and self-perception of worse general health were associated with LUTS. Conclusions: LUTS are highly prevalent and bothersome six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. Assessment of LUTS may help ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, Theoretical Studies, and Living Cancer Cell Imaging Applications of New 7-(Diethylamino)quinolone Chalcones.

In this article, three unsymmetrical 7-(diethylamino)quinolone chalcones with D-π-A-D and D-π-A-π-D type push-pull molecular arrangements were synthesized via a Claisen-Schmidt reaction. Using 7-(diethylamino)quinolone and vanillin as electron donor (D) moieties, these were linked together through the α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl system acting as a linker and an electron acceptor (A). The photophysical properties were studied, revealing significant Stokes shifts and strong solvatofluorochromism caused by the ICT and TICT behavior produced by the push-pull effect. Moreover, quenching caused by the population of the TICT state in THF-H2O mixtures was observed, and the emission in the solid state evidenced a red shift compared to the emission in solution. These findings were corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations employing the wb97xd/6-311G(d,p) method. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized compounds was assessed on BHK-21, PC3, and LNCaP cell lines, revealing moderate activity across all compounds. Notably, compound 5b exhibited the highest activity against LNCaP cells, with an LC50 value of 10.89 µM. Furthermore, the compounds were evaluated for their potential as imaging agents in living prostate cells. The results demonstrated their favorable cell permeability and strong emission at 488 nm, positioning them as promising candidates for cancer cell imaging applications.

Localized corrosion in selective laser melted SS316L in CO2 and H2S brines at elevated temperatures.

In this work, the passivation and localized corrosion of selective laser melted (SLM) stainless steel 316 L when exposed to high pressures of CO2 with the presence of H2S and Cl- at 25 °C and 125 °C were studied. Depletion of Cr/Mo was observed at the cell interiors and melt-pool boundaries (MPBs) compared to the cell boundaries. Volta potential differences obtained from scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) showed that the MPBs were 8-20 mV lower than the matrix, while the cell interiors were 20-50 mV lower than the cell boundaries. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky tests indicated a more defective passive film at 125 °C, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of a less protective film with an increased S/O ratio at 125 °C than 25 °C. Initiation of localized corrosion was observed at the MPBs and pits formed after a week of immersion were wider by an order of magnitude at 125 °C than 25 °C, with evidence of cell-interior dissolution. While passivity was observed even at elevated temperatures, local chemical heterogeneities compromised the stability of the film and contributed to localized corrosion in SLM SS316L.

Hydrogen peroxide modulates the expression of the target of rapamycin (TOR) and cell division in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is naturally produced by plant cells during normal development and serves as a messenger that regulates cell metabolism. Despite its importance, the relationship between hydrogen peroxide and the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway, as well as its impact on cell division, has been poorly analyzed. In this study, we explore the interaction of H2O2 with TOR, a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a central role in controlling cell growth, size, and metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana. By applying two concentrations of H2O2 exogenously (0.5 and 1 mM), we could correlate developmental traits, such as primary root growth, lateral root formation, and fresh weight, with the expression of the cell cycle gene CYCB1;1, as well as TOR expression. When assessing the expression of the ribosome biogenesis-related gene RPS27B, an increase of 94.34% was noted following exposure to 1 mM H2O2 treatment. This increase was suppressed by the TOR inhibitor torin 2. The elimination of H2O2 accumulation with ascorbic acid (AA) resulted in decreased cell division as well as TOR expression. The potential molecular mechanisms associated with the effects of H2O2 on the cell cycle and TOR expression in roots are discussed in the context of the results.

Expanding Fortification with Folic Acid: Thinking Outside the Cereal-Grain Box.

(1) Background: Fortifying maize and wheat flours with folic acid has effectively reduced neural tube defect-affected births. However, maize and wheat flours may not be widely consumed in all countries; further reduction in neural tube defect-affected births could benefit from the identification of alternative food vehicles. We aimed to use dietary intake or apparent consumption data to determine alternative food vehicles for large-scale fortification with folic acid in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (LILMICs) and identify current research related to examining the technological feasibility of fortifying alternative foods with folic acid. (2) Methods: We identified 81 LILMICs, defined by the World Bank's (WB) 2018 income classifications. To identify dietary intake or apparent consumption, we reviewed WB's Microdata Library and Global Health Data Exchange for national surveys from 1997-2018. We reviewed survey reports for dietary intake or apparent consumption data and analyzed survey datasets for population coverage of foods. We defined alternative food vehicles as those that may cover/be consumed by ≥30% of the population or households; cereal grains (maize and wheat flours and rice) were included as an alternative food vehicle if a country did not have existing mandatory fortification legislation. To identify current research on fortification with folic acid in foods other than cereal grains, we conducted a systematic review of published literature and unpublished theses, and screened for foods or food products. (3) Results: We extracted or analyzed data from 18 national surveys and countries. The alternative foods most represented in the surveys were oil (n = 16), sugar (n = 16), and salt (n = 14). The coverage of oil ranged from 33.2 to 95.7%, sugar from 32.2 to 98.4%, and salt from 49.8 to 99.9%. We found 34 eligible studies describing research on alternative foods. The most studied alternative foods for fortification with folic acid were dairy products (n = 10), salt (n = 6), and various fruit juices (n = 5). (4) Conclusions: Because of their high coverage, oil, sugar, and salt emerge as potential alternative foods for large-scale fortification with folic acid. However, except for salt, there are limited or no studies examining the technological feasibility of fortifying these foods with folic acid.

Chronic Pancreatitis in a Large Developing Country: Temporal Trends of Over 64,000 Hospitalizations from 2009 to 2019.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder associated with marked morbidity and mortality and frequently requires hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate the time trends and geographical distribution of hospital admissions, the lethality rate of CP across Brazil, and the potential relationship with social indicators and associated risk factors. METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained from the Brazilian Public Health System Registry between January 2009 and December 2019. The prevalence and lethality rates of CP per 100,000 inhabitants in each municipality were estimated from hospitalizations to in-hospital deaths and classified by age, sex, and demographic features. RESULTS: During the study period, 64,609 admissions were retrieved, and most of the patients were males (63.54%). Hospitalization decreased by nearly half (-54.68%) in both sexes. CP rates in males were higher in all age groups. The greatest reduction in admissions (- 64%) was also noted in patients ≥ 70y. CP In-hospital lethality remained stable (5-6%) and similar for males and females. Patients ≥ 70y showed the highest lethality. The greatest increase in CP lethality rates (+ 10%) was observed in municipalities integrated into metropolises, which was mainly driven by small-sized municipalities (+ 124%). CONCLUSIONS: CP hospitalizations decrease in both urban and rural areas, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions, and in those above 70 years of age, but are not correlated with lethality rates in the South. This suggests ongoing changes in the environmental and socioeconomic factors in Brazil.

Sucrose supplements modulate the Pseudomonas chlororaphis-Arabidopsis thaliana interaction via decreasing the production of phenazines and enhancing the root auxin response.

Management of the plant microbiome may help support food needs for the human population. Bacteria influence plants through enhancing nutrient uptake, metabolism, photosynthesis, biomass production and/or reinforcing immunity. However, information into how these microbes behave under different growth conditions is missing. In this work, we tested how carbon supplements modulate the interaction of Pseudomonas chlororaphis with Arabidopsis thaliana. P. chlororaphis streaks strongly repressed primary root growth, lateral root formation and ultimately, biomass production. Noteworthy, increasing sucrose availability into the media from 0 to 2.4% restored plant growth and promoted lateral root formation in bacterized seedlings. This effect could not be observed by supplementing sucrose to leaves only, indicating that the interaction was strongly modulated by bacterial access to sugar. Total phenazine content decreased in the bacteria grown in high (2.4%) sucrose medium, and conversely, the expression of phzH and pslA genes were diminished by sugar supply. Pyocyanin antagonized the promoting effects of sucrose in lateral root formation and biomass production in inoculated seedlings, indicating that this virulence factor accounts for growth repression during the plant-bacterial interaction. Defence reporter transgenes PR-1::GUS and LOX2::GUS were induced in leaves, while the expression of the auxin-inducible, synthetic reporter gene DR5::GUS was enhanced in the roots of bacterized seedlings at low and high sucrose treatments, which suggests that growth/defence trade-offs in plants are critically modulated by P. chlororaphis. Collectively, our data suggest that bacterial carbon nutrition controls the outcome of the relation with plants.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a patient with severe portal hypertension: the role of preoperative TIPS.

The complication rate for Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is 40-50% in most published series and mortality can raise up to 4-5% even in high-volume centers. Severe portal hypertension secondary to liver disease is associated to high perioperative mortality and therefore is considered a contraindication for PD. No standardized management exists for surgically resectable patients with periampullary cancer and severe portal hypertension. The aim of this case study is to analyse the treatment alternatives in patients with periampullary cancer and severe portal hypertension and focus into the surgical treatment of these patients. We present the case of a 67 year-old patient case with a resectable ampullary cancer and portal hypertension managed with Preoperative Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) to allow a PD. We present a literature review on the use of preoperative TIPS in patients who are candidates to PD. Neoadjuvant TIPS can be safely used in selected patients with severe portal hypertension who need a PD.

The genomic evolutionary dynamics and global circulation patterns of respiratory syncytial virus.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in young children and the second leading cause of infant death worldwide. While global circulation has been extensively studied for respiratory viruses such as seasonal influenza, and more recently also in great detail for SARS-CoV-2, a lack of global multi-annual sampling of complete RSV genomes limits our understanding of RSV molecular epidemiology. Here, we capitalise on the genomic surveillance by the INFORM-RSV study and apply phylodynamic approaches to uncover how selection and neutral epidemiological processes shape RSV diversity. Using complete viral genome sequences, we show similar patterns of site-specific diversifying selection among RSVA and RSVB and recover the imprint of non-neutral epidemic processes on their genealogies. Using a phylogeographic approach, we provide evidence for air travel governing the global patterns of RSVA and RSVB spread, which results in a considerable degree of phylogenetic mixing across countries. Our findings highlight the potential of systematic global RSV genomic surveillance for transforming our understanding of global RSV spread.

Hepatic Rupture Associated With HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets) Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review.

Hepatic rupture is a rare complication of severe preeclampsia. A high index of suspicion is required in the presence of abdominal pain accompanied by hemodynamic decompensation in a pregnant woman. Hepatic rupture constitutes a medical emergency that demands immediate intervention, often with the support of other medical disciplines, in a highly specialized hospital setting. Unruptured hepatic hematomas can be managed conservatively. Immediate delivery and surgical repair of the liver are necessary for maternal survival. Spontaneous liver rupture in pregnancy is often unrecognized, highly lethal, and not completely understood with few cases having been reported in the literature. Therefore, we present two cases of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome with hepatic rupture, emphasizing their clinical presentation and therapeutic approaches.

Are organics more nutritious than conventional foods? A comprehensive systematic review.

The growing consumer interest fueled by the belief in the superiority of organic foods raises questions about their actual nutritional superiority over conventional ones. This assumption remains a controversial issue. The present study addresses scientific evidence to clarify this controversy and provide relevant insights for informed decision-making regarding dietary choices. We collected 147 scientific articles containing 656 comparative analyses based on 1779 samples of 68 vegetable, fruit, and other (cereals, pulses, etc.) foods, 22 nutritional properties, and nine residues. Results show that in 191 (29.1%) comparisons, there were significant differences between organic and conventional foods. In a similar quantity of cases (190; 29.0%), there were divergences in the results since some studies reported significant differences while others did not. Finally, most of the comparative analyses (275; 41.9%) showed no significant difference between organic and conventional foods. Therefore, the results herein show no generalizable superiority of organic over conventional foods. Claims for nutritious advantages would eventually be applied to specific comparisons, depending on the food type and nutritional parameter.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a prospective cohort of COVID-19 survivors.

PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients who survived moderate and severe forms of COVID-19 and the risk factors for LUTS six months after hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients were evaluated six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. General health was assessed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the EQ5D-L5 scale, which evaluates mobility, ability to perform daily activities, pain and discomfort and completed a self-perception health evaluation. RESULTS: Of 255 participants, 54.1% were men and the median age was 57.3 [44.3 - 66.6] years. Pre-existing comorbidities included diabetes (35.7%), hypertension (54.5%), obesity (30.2%) and physical inactivity (65.5%). One hundred and twenty-four patients (48.6%) had a hospital stay >15 days, 181 (71.0%) were admitted to an ICU and 124 (48.6%) needed mechanical ventilation. Median IPSS was 6 [3-11] and did not differ between genders. Moderate to severe LUTS affected 108 (42.4%) patients (40.6% men and 44.4% women; p=0.610). Nocturia (58.4%) and frequency (45.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms and urgency was the only symptom that affected men (29.0%) and women (44.4%) differently (p=0.013). LUTS impacted the quality of life of 60 (23.5%) patients with women more severely affected (p=0.004). Diabetes, hypertension, and self-perception of worse general health were associated with LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: LUTS are highly prevalent and bothersome six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. Assessment of LUTS may help ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

The association between discordant umbilical arterial resistance in growth-restricted fetuses and adverse outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the umbilical artery pulsatility index via Doppler measurements plays a crucial role in evaluating fetal growth impairment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate perinatal outcomes associated with discordant pulsatility indices of umbilical arteries in fetuses with growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, all singleton pregnancies were included if their estimated fetal weight and/or abdominal circumference fell below the 10th percentile for gestational age (2017-2022). Eligible cases included singleton pregnancies with concurrent sampling of both umbilical arteries within 14 days of birth at the ultrasound evaluation closest to delivery. The exclusion criteria included births before 22 weeks of gestation, evidence of absent or reverse end-diastolic flow in either umbilical artery, and known fetal genetic or structural anomalies. The study compared cases with discordant umbilical artery pulsatility index values (defined as 1 umbilical artery pulsatility index at ≤95th percentile and the other umbilical artery pulsatility index at >95th percentile for gestational age) to pregnancies where both umbilical artery pulsatility indices had normal pulsatility index values and those with both umbilical arteries displaying abnormal pulsatility index values. The primary outcome assessed was the occurrence of composite adverse neonatal outcomes. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed, adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS: The study encompassed 1014 patients, including 194 patients (19.1%) with discordant umbilical artery pulsatility index values among those who had both umbilical arteries sampled close to delivery, 671 patients (66.2%) with both umbilical arteries having normal pulsatility index values, and 149 patients (14.7%) with both umbilical arteries exhibiting abnormal values. Pregnancies with discordant umbilical artery pulsatility index values displayed compromised sonographic parameters compared with those with both umbilical arteries showing normal pulsatility index values. Similarly, the number of abnormal umbilical artery pulsatility index values was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in a dose-response manner. Cases with 1 abnormal (discordant) umbilical artery pulsatility index value showed favorable sonographic parameters and perinatal outcomes compared with cases with both abnormal umbilical artery pulsatility index values, and cases with both abnormal umbilical artery pulsatility index values showed worse sonographic parameters and perinatal outcomes compared with cases with discordant UA PI values. Multivariate analysis revealed that discordant umbilical artery pulsatility indices were significantly and independently associated with composite adverse perinatal outcomes, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.75 (95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.47; P = .002). CONCLUSION: Evaluating the resistance indices of both umbilical arteries may provide useful data and assist in assessing adverse perinatal outcomes among fetuses with growth restriction.

Effects of intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma on the inflammatory process and histopathological characteristics of cartilage and synovium in animals with osteoarthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) affects the entire joint, causing structural changes in articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, capsule, synovial membrane, and periarticular muscles that afflicts millions of people globally, leading to persistent pain and diminished quality of life. The intra-articular use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is gaining recognition as a secure therapeutic approach due to its potential regenerative capabilities. However, there is controversial clinical data regarding efficacy of PRP for OA treatment. In this context, gathering scientific evidence on the effects of PRP in treating OA in animal models could provide valuable insights into understanding its impact on aspects like cartilage health, synovial tissue integrity, and the inflammatory process in affected joints. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of PRP injections on inflammation and histopathological aspects of cartilage and synovium in animal models of OA through a comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: A electronic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SciELO databases for relevant articles published until June 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to synthesize evidence on the histological characteristics of cartilage and synovium, as well as the inflammatory process. The GRADE approach was utilized to categorize the quality of evidence, and methodological quality was assessed using SYRCLE's RoB tool. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in the review, with twelve of them incorporated into the meta-analysis. PRP treatment demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the control group in terms of cartilage histology (very low quality; p = 0.0002), synovium histology (very low quality; p < 0.0001), and reductions in proinflammatory markers, including IL-1 (low quality; p = 0.002), IL-6 (very low quality; p < 0.00001), and TNF-α (very low; p < 0.00001). However, PRP treatment did not yield a significant impact on PDGF-A levels (very low quality; p = 0.81). CONCLUSION: PRP appears capable of reducing proinflammatory markers (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and mitigating cartilage and synovium damage in animals with OA. However, the levels of evidence of these findings are low to very low. Therefore, more rigorous studies with larger samples are needed to improve the quality of evidence. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022250314.

The Impact of Sibling Relationships on Behavioral and Sexual Health among Latino Sexual Minority Men.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective method for preventing HIV acquisition and plays a crucial role in the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US initiative. However, there are various barriers that hinder the access and uptake of PrEP among Latino sexual minority men (SMM) at individual, interpersonal, and cultural levels. While the significance of cultural factors in designing and implementing HIV prevention programs for Latino populations has been consistently emphasized in the literature and prioritized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, few studies have directly integrated these cultural factors into their programs. Our study aimed to investigate the potential influence of siblings in promoting the utilization of PrEP for HIV prevention, an area that has received limited attention. We conducted interviews with 31 pairs of siblings between December 2020 and January 2021, which were held in either English or Spanish and lasted approximately 45-60 min. The data were analyzed using a deductive thematic content analysis approach. The interviews revealed several key themes and categories, including: (1) Sibling support for coming out; (2) Types of support that siblings provide to each other for behavior change; (3) Sibling support for PrEP; and (4) The impact of the study interview on the quality of the sibling relationships. Our findings indicated that siblings were willing to provide support for PrEP in various ways, ranging from emotional support for brothers who may be concerned about potential rejection to practical support such as transportation or financial assistance. These results have significant implications for the design of HIV prevention interventions for Latinos. Incorporating siblings or other extended family members into these interventions can facilitate communication between siblings and their brothers, ultimately encouraging the use of PrEP or similar prevention methods. By considering the unique dynamics and support systems within Latino communities, researchers can develop more effective strategies to promote HIV prevention and support the well-being of Latino SMM.

Exploring the secrets of virus entry: the first respiratory syncytial virus carrying beta lactamase.

Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) presents a significant health threat, especially to young children. In-depth understanding of RSV entry mechanisms is essential for effective antiviral development. This study introduces an innovative RSV variant, featuring the fusion of the beta-lactamase (BlaM) enzyme with the RSV-P phosphoprotein, providing a versatile tool for dissecting viral entry dynamics. Methods: Using the AlphaFold2 algorithm, we modeled the tertiary structure of the P-BlaM chimera, revealing structural similarities with both RSV-P and BlaM. Functional assessments, utilizing flow cytometry, quantified beta-lactamase activity and GFP expression in infected bronchial epithelial cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the integrity of P-BlaM within virions. Results: The modeled P-BlaM chimera exhibited structural parallels with RSV-P and BlaM. Functional assays demonstrated robust beta-lactamase activity in recombinant virions, confirming successful P-BlaM incorporation as a structural protein. Quercetin, known for its antiviral properties, impeded viral entry by affecting virion fusion. Additionally, Ulixertinib, an ERK-1/2 inhibitor, significantly curtailed viral entry, implicating ERK-1/2 pathway signaling. Conclusions: Our engineered RSV-P-BlaM chimera emerges as a valuable tool, illuminating RSV entry mechanisms. Structural and functional analyses unveil potential therapeutic targets. Quercetin and Ulixertinib, identified as distinct stage inhibitors, show promise for targeted antiviral strategies. Time-of-addition assays pinpoint quercetin's specific interference stage, advancing our comprehension of RSV entry and guiding future antiviral developments.