The Effect of Coping on the Relationship between Work-Family Conflict and Stress, Anxiety, and Depression.

The challenges experienced in the context of the pandemic have required a significant reconciliation between work and family domains due to confinement and the need to spend more time at home, which may have increased the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, making it necessary to use resilient coping strategies to overcome the difficulties felt. This study examined the effect of resilient coping on the relationship between work-family conflict and stress, anxiety, and depression in this context. Data were collected using a self-report protocol from a sample of Portuguese workers (N = 476). The results indicated that work-family conflict was positively associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. Resilient coping established a negative relationship with stress, anxiety, and depression. The moderation effect was not corroborated; it was found that in the presence of the moderating variable (resilient coping), the relationship between the variables of work-family conflict and stress, anxiety, and depression was strengthened. This study reinforces the importance of appropriate interventions in resilient coping in the work-family context, which helps control stress, anxiety, and resilience levels.

Transformação digital na enfermagem perioperatória / Digital transformation in perioperative nursing / Transformación digital en enfermería perioperatoria

Objetivo: Promover a reflexão sobre os efeitos da transformação digital na enfermagem perioperatória. Métodos: Estudo reflexivo baseado em dados da literatura associado a prática do autor na enfermagem perioperatória e no projeto de automação. Resultados: evidenciou-se um misto de competências para enfermagem perioperatória, como atividades relacionadas a busca pelo hospital digital, uso da inteligência artificial e robótica. Conclusão: a reflexão deste tema incentiva o enfermeiro na busca de pesquisa, desenvolvimento digital e novos conhecimentos na área digital associados à sua prática clínica. (AU)

Objective: To promote reflection on the effects of digital transformation in perioperative nursing. Methods: Reflective study based on literature data associated with the author's practice in perioperative nursing and automation project. Results: a mix of skills for perioperative nursing was evidenced, such as activities related to the search for the digital hospital, use of artificial intelligence and robotics. Conclusion: the reflection on this theme encourages nurses to search for research, digital development and new knowledge in the digital area associated with their clinical practice. (AU)

Objetivo: Promover la reflexión sobre los efectos de la transformación digital en la enfermería perioperatoria. Métodos: Estudio reflexivo basado en datos de la literatura asociados a la práctica del autor en enfermería perioperatoria y proyecto de automatización. Resultados: se evidenció una mezcla de habilidades para la enfermería perioperatoria, como actividades relacionadas con la búsqueda del hospital digital, uso de inteligencia artificial y robótica. Conclusión: la reflexión sobre este tema anima al enfermero a buscar investigación, desarrollo digital y nuevos conocimientos en el área digital asociados a su práctica clínica. (AU)

Treatment of gastric varices with cyanoacrylate complicated by systemic embolization.

Acute gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threatening condition that could be effectively treated with endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection diluted with lipiodol. The mixture acts as a tissue adhesive that polymerizes when in contact with blood in a gastric varix. This work reports a patient that presented to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to acute variceal bleeding, who developed systemic embolization following cyanoacrylate injection therapy. This complication culminated in cerebral, splenic and renal infarctions with a fatal outcome. Systemic embolization is a very rare, but the most severe complication associated with endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and should be considered in patients undergoing this treatment.

Comparative Efficacy of iPACK vs Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block for Pain Management Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with severe acute postoperative pain. The use of tourniquets and drains (T/D) is common in TKA but may have an influence on postoperative pain and muscular strength. The infiltration of local anesthetic between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (iPACK block) is a motor-sparing block that provides analgesia to the posterior aspect of the knee. However, evidence regarding its efficacy is scarce. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of iPACK block and the impact of T/D use on pain and muscular strength after TKA. Material and methods A retrospective study was carried out including patients who underwent TKA from January 2020 to April 2023. Patients were allocated into groups according to the peripheral nerve block performed and T/D use. Results We included 415 patients in this study. No differences were found in pain at rest or the need for rescue analgesia between patients who received an iPACK block or sciatic nerve block (SNB) with T/D applied. Patients who received a SNB reported lower pain scores on movement (p = 0.019), but with a higher prevalence of motor block (p < 0.001). Patients who underwent surgery without using T/D reported lower pain scores on movement (p = 0.021) and reduced need for rescue analgesia (p = 0.041). Conclusion These findings indicate that iPACK block can facilitate early mobilization after TKA without significant impact on postoperative muscle strength. Furthermore, the use of a T/D may be a source of postoperative pain that could compromise early rehabilitation.

Treatment of gastric varices with cyanoacrylate complicated by systemic embolization / Tratamiento de várices gástricas con cianoacrilato complicado con embolización sistémica

ABSTRACT Acute gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threatening condition that could be effectively treated with endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection diluted with lipiodol. The mixture acts as a tissue adhesive that polymerizes when in contact with blood in a gastric varix. This work reports a patient that presented to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to acute variceal bleeding, who developed systemic embolization following cyanoacrylate injection therapy. This complication culminated in cerebral, splenic and renal infarctions with a fatal outcome. Systemic embolization is a very rare, but the most severe complication associated with endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and should be considered in patients undergoing this treatment.

RESUMEN La hemorragia digestiva por várices gástricas es una afección potencialmente mortal que puede tratarse eficazmente con la inyección endoscópica de cianoacrilato diluida con lipiodol. La mezcla actúa como un adhesivo tisular que se polimeriza cuando entra en contacto con la sangre de la várice gástrica. Este trabajo nos reporta un paciente que acudió al servicio de urgencias con hemorragia digestiva alta debido a hemorragia aguda por várices, que desarrolló embolización sistémica después de la terapia con inyección de cianoacrilato. Esta complicación culminó en infartos cerebrales, esplénicos y renales con desenlace fatal. La embolización sistémica es una complicación muy rara, pero con alta mortalidad, asociada con la inyección endoscópica de cianoacrilato y debe considerarse en pacientes sometidos a este tratamiento.

When the Conception of Symmetry Deceives Us: A Case Report on the Perioperative Diagnosis of Subclavian Artery Stenosis.

Subclavian artery stenosis is a relatively uncommon manifestation of peripheral artery disease with significant morbidity. We describe a case of left subclavian artery stenosis that became apparent in the intraoperative setting, in a patient who presented for emergency surgery after a fall and subsequent left femoral neck fracture. Initial non-invasive blood pressure readings on the left upper extremity were in the normal range but after placement of the arterial line on the right upper extremity, the discrepancy was evident pointing towards a structural abnormality as the causative factor. CT angiography was found to confirm the diagnosis of left subclavian artery stenosis of an atherosclerotic nature. A thorough physical examination can point to the presence of subclavian stenosis through pulse amplitude and blood pressure asymmetries. This study highlights the importance of obtaining blood pressure readings ideally on all four limbs to avoid misinterpretation of blood pressure values that could ultimately lead to the use of unnecessary and inadequate interventions and possible complications in the perioperative setting.

Avaliação emocional e cognitiva em grupos de idosos diferenciando a prescrição social / Emotional and cognitive evaluation in groups of older adults differentiating social prescription / Evaluación emocional y cognitiva en grupos de adultos mayores diferenciando la prescripción social

Resumo A Prescrição Social (PS) foi desenvolvida sobretudo no Reino Unido e foi reconhecida pelo Serviço Nacional de Saúde britânico como uma abordagem inovadora para apoiar a sustentabilidade do sistema de saúde. A PS tem o potencial de promover parcerias entre estruturas comunitárias, ajudando assim a ligar os sectores social e da saúde para formar um sistema local de PS. O nosso objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho de um programa de PS, examinando o impacto no desempenho cognitivo e no bem-estar emocional. Foi aplicado um questionário a uma amostra de 60 idosos não institucionalizados, com idades compreendidas entre os 66 e os 96 anos. Foram definidos dois grupos de 30 participantes: Grupo PS (que foram incluídos no programa de prescrição social) e Grupo Controlo (que não beneficiam de qualquer programa). Todos os instrumentos foram validados para a população portuguesa. O bem-estar emocional foi avaliado através da Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale e o desempenho cognitivo foi avaliado através do Mini-Mental State Examination. Os resultados mostraram que o grupo PS tem níveis mais baixos de comprometimento cognitivo e uma pontuação média de autoestima mais elevada, mas não foram detetadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na escala de desempenho cognitivo. Estes resultados sugerem que os programas de PS têm um impacto especial e positivo na autoestima dos idosos. Esta evidência realça a importância de considerar estes programas como um eixo estratégico de intervenção para o envelhecimento ativo. Constatou-se a mais-valia da PS como mecanismo potenciador de benefícios associados à saúde e ao bem-estar. Futuras investigações deverão ser realizadas com acesso a uma amostra mais alargada e explorar outras variáveis dependentes.

Abstract Social Prescription (SP) has been developed mostly in the United Kingdom (UK) and has been recognised by the UK National Health Service as an innovative approach to support the sustainability of the health system. It also has the potential to promote partnerships between community structures, thereby helping to link the health and social sectors to form a local SP system. Our objective was evaluate the performance of a SP programme, examining the impact on cognitive performance and emotional well-being. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 60 non-institutionalized older adults, aged 66-96 years. Two groups of 30 participants were defined: SP Group (that were included in the social prescription program) and Control Group (that do not benefit from any program). All the instruments were validated for the Portuguese population. Emotional well-being was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and cognitive performance was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results showed that the SP group has lower levels of cognitive impairment and a higher average self-esteem score, but no statistically significant differences were detected in the cognitive performance scale. These results suggest that the SP programs have a special and positive impact on the self-esteem of the elderly. This evidence highlights the importance of considering these programs as a strategic intervention axis for active aging. The added value of SP as a mechanism that fosters benefits associated with health and well-being was noted. Future investigations should be conducted with access to a larger sample and explore other dependent variables.

Resumen La prescripción social (PS) se desarrolló principalmente en el Reino Unido y ha sido reconocida por el Servicio Nacional de Salud británico como un enfoque innovador para apoyar la sostenibilidad del sistema sanitario. También tiene el potencial de promover asociaciones entre estructuras comunitarias, ayudando así a vincular los sectores social y sanitario para formar un sistema local de PS. Nuestro objetivo era evaluar el rendimiento de un programa de SP examinando el impacto sobre el rendimiento cognitivo y el bienestar emocional. Se administró un cuestionario a una muestra de 60 ancianos no institucionalizados de edades comprendidas entre los 66 y los 96 años. Se definieron dos grupos de 30 participantes: Grupo PS (que fueron incluidos en el programa de prescripción social) y Grupo Control (que no se beneficiaron de ningún programa). Todos los instrumentos fueron validados para la población portuguesa. El bienestar emocional se evaluó mediante la Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale y el rendimiento cognitivo mediante el Mini-Mental State Examination. Los resultados mostraron que el grupo PS tenía niveles más bajos de deterioro cognitivo y una puntuación media de autoestima más alta, pero no se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la escala de rendimiento cognitivo. Estos resultados sugieren que los programas de PS tienen un impacto especial y positivo en la autoestima de las personas mayores. Esta evidencia pone de manifiesto la importancia de considerar estos programas como un eje estratégico de intervención para el envejecimiento activo. Se constató el valor añadido de la PS como mecanismo para potenciar los beneficios para la salud y el bienestar. Futuras investigaciones deberían realizarse con acceso a una muestra más amplia y explorar otras variables dependientes.

Clavipectoral Fascia Plane Block Combined With Superficial Cervical Plexus Block for the Removal of Osteosynthesis Material From Clavicle Fracture.

Clavipectoral fascial plane block combined with superficial cervical plexus block has been used as an anesthetic and analgesic technique in mid-clavicle fracture surgeries. The authors describe two cases in which patients underwent extraction of osteosynthesis material from the clavicle, using clavipectoral fascial plane block combined with superficial cervical plexus block as an anesthetic and analgesic technique in the postoperative period. The mentioned block presented itself as an easy-to-perform technique, apparently safe and effective, allowing to obtain satisfactory results.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Prinzmetal Angina.

Prinzmetal angina (PA) is characterized by the development of reversible vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries, transient ischemic electrocardiographic changes in the ST segment, chest pain at rest, and prompt response to nitrates. Spasms of the coronary arteries can be precipitated during the perioperative period by an imbalance of vasodilator and vasoconstrictor factors of smooth muscle cells, which can lead to myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and death. Nevertheless, this is a relatively unrecognized topic, and literature is scarce about it. We present a case report detailing the successful anesthetic management of a patient diagnosed with PA and a documented nitrate allergy, who underwent bilateral ureterorenoscopy.

Non-Canonical Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Peptidomimetics: Structure, Function, and Applications.

This review provides a fresh overview of non-canonical amino acids and their applications in the design of peptidomimetics. Non-canonical amino acids appear widely distributed in nature and are known to enhance the stability of specific secondary structures and/or biological function. Contrary to the ubiquitous DNA-encoded amino acids, the structure and function of these residues are not fully understood. Here, results from experimental and molecular modelling approaches are gathered to classify several classes of non-canonical amino acids according to their ability to induce specific secondary structures yielding different biological functions and improved stability. Regarding side-chain modifications, symmetrical and asymmetrical α,α-dialkyl glycines, Cα to Cα cyclized amino acids, proline analogues, ß-substituted amino acids, and α,ß-dehydro amino acids are some of the non-canonical representatives addressed. Backbone modifications were also examined, especially those that result in retro-inverso peptidomimetics and depsipeptides. All this knowledge has an important application in the field of peptidomimetics, which is in continuous progress and promises to deliver new biologically active molecules and new materials in the near future.

Red biocolorant from endophytic Talaromyces minnesotensis: production, properties, and potential applications.

Fungal colorants are gradually entering the global color market, given their advantages of being less harmful to human health, as well as having greater stability and biotechnological potential, compared to other natural sources. The present work concerns the isolation and identification of an endophytic filamentous fungus, together with the chemical characterization and assessment of the fluorescence, toxicity, stability, and application potential of its synthesized red colorant. The endophytic fungus was isolated from Hymenaea courbaril, a tree from the Brazilian savannah, and was identified as Talaromyces minnesotensis by phenotypic and genotypic characterization. Submerged cultivation of the fungus resulted in the production of approximately 12 AU500 of a red biocolorant which according to LC-DAD-MS analysis is characterized by being a complex mixture of molecules of the azaphilone class. Regarding cytotoxicity assays, activity against human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells was only observed at concentrations above 5.0 g L-1, while antimicrobial effects against pathogenic bacteria and yeast occurred at concentrations above 50.0 g L-1. The biocolorant showed high stability at neutral pH values and low temperatures (10 to 20 °C) and high half-life values (t1/2), which indicates potential versatility for application in different matrices, as observed in tests using detergent, gelatin, enamel, paint, and fabrics. The results demonstrated that the biocolorant synthesized by Talaromyces minnesotensis has potential for future biotechnological applications. KEY POINTS: • An endophytic fungus, which was isolated and identified, synthesize a red colorant. • The colorant showed fluorescence property, low toxicity, and application potential. • The red biocolorant was highly stable at pH 8.0 and temperatures below 20°C.

Adesão dos enfermeiros à avaliação de risco de lesão por pressão com escala munro / Nurses' adherence to the munro scale pressure injury risk assessment / Adherencia de los enfermeros a la evaluación del riesgo de lesión por presión según la escala munro

RESUMO: Objetivo: medir a taxa de adesão ao registro eletrônico da escala Munro no perioperatório. Método: estudo de coorte retrospectivo baseado na análise de prontuários no ano de 2022, em hospital privado, filantrópico de grande porte no município de São Paulo -BR. Os dados de preenchimento foram extraídos em um relatório em Excel e analisados quanto ao preenchimento da escala. Resultados: 22.743 registros de escala Munro foram analisados, correspondendo a 11.892 prontuários eletrônicos. A taxa de adesão foi de 98,45% na fase pré-operatória, 61,73% na intraoperatória e 90,14% na pós-operatória, sendo a taxa média de 83,44%. As falhas de registro estavam relacionadas à ausência ou preenchimento parcial de itens da escala e execução da fase intra ou pós-operatória sem avaliação da fase anterior. Conclusão: este estudo contribui para a prática profissional, mostrando a necessidade de intervenções educativas e melhorias de processos no intraoperatório para aumentar a adesão à avaliação de risco.

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the rate of adherence to the electronic recording of the Munro scale in the perioperative period. Method: Retrospective cohort study based on the analysis of medical records in 2022 in a large private philanthropic hospital in the city of São Paulo -BR. The completion data was extracted into an Excel report and analyzed for compliance with the scale. Results: 22,743 Munro scale records were analyzed, corresponding to 11,892 electronic medical records. The adherence rate was 98.45% in the preoperative phase, 61.73% in the intraoperative phase, and 90.14% in the postoperative phase, with an average rate of 83.44%. Failures to record were related to the absence or partial completion of items on the scale and carrying out the intraor post-operative phase without evaluating the previous phase. Conclusion: This study contributes to professional practice by showing the need for educational interventions and improvements in intraoperative processes to increase adherence to risk assessment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Medir la tasa de adherencia al registro electrónico de la escala Munro en el periodo perioperatorio. Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo basado en el análisis de historias clínicas en el año 2022, en un gran hospital privado filantrópico de la ciudad de São Paulo -BR. Los datos de cumplimentación se extrajeron en un informe de Excel y se analizaron en función de si se había cumplimentado la escala. Resultados: Se analizaron 22.743 registros de la escala Munro, correspondientes a 11.892 historias clínicas electrónicas. La tasa de adherencia fue del 98,45% en la fase preoperatoria, del 61,73% en la intraoperatoria y del 90,14% en la postoperatoria, con una tasa media del 83,44%. Los fallos en el registro estaban relacionados con la ausencia o cumplimentación parcial de los ítems de la escala y con la realización de la fase intra o postoperatoria sin evaluar la fase anterior. Conclusión: Este estudio contribuye a la práctica profesional al mostrar la necesidad de intervenciones educativas y mejoras en los procesos intraoperatorios para aumentar el cumplimiento de la evaluación de riesgos.

Exploring the antimicrobial effects of a phenolic-rich extract from jabuticaba depulping waste against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

This study evaluated the effects of a phenolic-rich extract from jabuticaba [Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg] depulping waste (PEJ) on the survival, antibiotic susceptibility, virulence, and cellular functions of various enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration of PEJ against the five tested ETEC strains was 125 mg mL-1. PEJ at 125 and 250 mg mL-1 caused reductions in viable cell counts of ≥ 3 and ≥ 5 log CFU mL-1 in ETEC over 24 h, respectively. PEJ at subinhibitory concentrations (31.25 and 62.5 mg mL-1) reduced the viable cell counts of ETEC when exposed to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions, besides decreasing the biofilm formation, cell surface hydrophobicity, mucin adhesion, and swimming and swarming motility. PEJ (31.25 and 62.5 mg mL-1) increased the susceptibility of the tested ETEC strains to various clinically relevant antibiotics. The exposure to PEJ (62.5 and 125 mg mL-1) impaired the membrane permeability and enzymatic and efflux pump activities in ETEC cells. PEJ effectively reduces survival, increases antibiotic susceptibility, and attenuates virulence in ETEC. These effects could be linked to a PEJ multi-target action disturbing various cellular functions in ETEC cells. PEJ could be a candidate for developing innovative solutions to prevent and treat ETEC infections.

A ocorrência de infecção por COVID-19 em pacientes assintomáticos na testagem pré-operatória / The occurrence of COVID-19 infection in preoperative testing of asymptomatic patients / La ocurrencia de infección por COVID-19 en pruebas preoperatorias de pacientes asintomáticos

Objetivo: Analisar a ocorrência de pacientes cirúrgicos assintomáticos com teste para COVID-19 positivo, delimitar o perfil epidemiológico, identificar o tipo de cirurgia e a especialidade, bem como determinar o tempo de execução do procedimento cirúrgico após testagem positiva. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte retrospectiva, em um hospital de grande porte, filantrópico, de São Paulo, realizado no período de março a setembro de 2020, baseado na análise de dados de prontuário. Resultados: Foram 4.870 procedimentos cirúrgicos, dos quais 3.688 pacientes tiveram coleta de exame PCR. A ocorrência de pacientes cirúrgicos posi-tivos e assintomáticos foi de 1,7%; no perfil epidemiológico, observa-se predominância de sexo masculino, meia-idade, com classificação de risco anestésico ASA II e em procedimentos das especialidades de ortopedia, urologia, ginecologia e gastroenterologia. A execução do teste foi de dois dias pré-procedimento e a presença de pacientes com sintomas em até 14 dias após testagem foi de 0,5%. Conclusão: A ocorrência de pacientes cirúrgicos positivos e assintomáticos foi pequena dentro do quantitativo analisado, os achados deste estudo são similares aos de estudos nacionais e internacionais em relação a especialidade, comorbidades e idade

Objective: To analyze the occurrence of asymptomatic surgical patients with a positive COVID-19 test, delimit the epidemiological profile, iden-tify the type of surgery and specialty, as well as determine the time for performing the surgical procedure after a positive test. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study, in a large, philanthropic hospital in São Paulo, carried out from March to September 2020, based on the analysis of medical records. Results:There were 4,870 surgical procedures, of which 3,688 patients underwent a PCR test. The occurrence of positive and asymptomatic surgical patients was 1.7%; in the epidemiological profile, there is a predominance of males, middle-aged, with ASA II anesthetic risk classification and in procedures of the spe-cialties of orthopedics, urology, gynecology, and gastroenterology. The test was carried out two days before the procedure and the presence of patients with symptoms within 14 days after testing was 0.5%. Conclusion: The occurrence of positive and asymptomatic surgical patients was small within the quantita-tive analyzed, the findings of this study are similar to those of national and international studies in relation to specialty, comorbidities, and age

Objetivo: Analizar la ocurrencia de pacientes quirúrgicos asintomáticos con prueba COVID-19 positiva, delimitar el perfil epidemiológico, iden-tificar el tipo de cirugía y especialidad, así como determinar el tiempo para realizar el procedimiento quirúrgico luego de una prueba positiva. Método:Este es un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, en un gran hospital filantrópico de São Paulo, realizado de marzo a septiembre de 2020, basado en el análi-sis de registros médicos. Resultados: Se realizaron 4.870 procedimientos quirúrgicos, de los cuales se recolectó examen PCR a 3.688 pacientes. La ocur-rencia de pacientes quirúrgicos positivos y asintomáticos fue de 1,7%; en el perfil epidemiológico predomina el sexo masculino, de mediana edad, con clasificación de riesgo anestésico ASA II y en procedimientos de las especialidades de ortopedia, urología, ginecología y gastroenterología. La prueba se realizó dos días antes del procedimiento y la presencia de pacientes con síntomas dentro de los 14 días posteriores a la prueba fue del 0,5%. Conclusión:La ocurrencia de pacientes quirúrgicos positivos y asintomáticos fue pequeña dentro de lo cuantitativo analizado, los hallazgos de este estudio son simi-lares a los de estudios nacionales e internacionales en relación a especialidad, comorbilidades y edad

Gut microbiota profile of COVID-19 patients: Prognosis and risk stratification (MicroCOVID-19 study).

Background: Gut microbiota is intrinsically associated with the immune system and can promote or suppress infectious diseases, especially viral infections. This study aims to characterize and compare the microbiota profile of infected patients with SARS-CoV-2 (milder or severe symptoms), non-infected people, and recovered patients. This is a national, transversal, observational, multicenter, and case-control study that analyzed the microbiota of COVID-19 patients with mild or severe symptoms at home, at the hospital, or in the intensive care unit, patients already recovered, and healthy volunteers cohabiting with COVID-19 patients. DNA was isolated from stool samples and sequenced in a NGS platform. A demographic questionnaire was also applied. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS. Results: Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios were found to be significantly lower in infected patients (1.61 and 2.57) compared to healthy volunteers (3.23) and recovered patients (3.89). Furthermore, the microbiota composition differed significantly between healthy volunteers, mild and severe COVID-19 patients, and recovered patients. Furthermore, Escherichia coli, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Dorea longicatena were shown to be more frequent in severe cases. The most common COVID-19 symptoms were linked to certain microbiome groups. Conclusion: We can conclude that microbiota composition is significantly affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and may be used to predict COVID-19 clinical evolution. Therefore, it will be possible to better allocate healthcare resources and better tackle future pandemics.

Development of colorimetric cellulose-based test-strip for the rapid detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV2 virus.

Given the pandemic situation, there is an urgent need for an accurate test to monitor antibodies anti-SARS-CoV-2, providing crucial epidemiological and clinical information to monitor the evolution of coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) and to stratify the immunized and asymptomatic population. Therefore, this paper describes a new cellulose-based test strip for rapid and cost-effective quantitative detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV2 virus by colorimetric transduction. For this purpose, Whatman paper was chemically modified with sodium metaperiodate to introduce aldehyde groups on its surface. Subsequently, the spike protein of the virus is covalently bound by forming an imine group. The chemical control of cellulose paper modification was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and contact angle analysis. Colorimetric detection of the antibodies was performed by a conventional staining method using Ponceau S solution as the dye. Color analysis was performed after image acquisition with a smartphone using Image J software. The color intensity varied linearly with the logarithm of the anti-S concentration (from 10 ng/mL to 1 µg/mL) in 500-fold diluted serum samples when plotted against the green coordinate extracted from digital images. The test strip was selective in the presence of nucleocapsid antibodies, urea, glucose, and bovine serum albumin with less than 15% interference, and detection of antibodies in human serum was successfully performed. Overall, this is a simple and affordable design that can be readily used for mass population screening and does not require sophisticated equipment or qualified personnel. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10570-022-04808-y.

Injection of Botulinum Toxin A in the Lacrimal Gland for Treatment of Epiphora in Crocodile Tears Syndrome - A Case Report.

Purpose: Crocodile tears syndrome is a rare autonomic synkinesia, in which patients tear excessively in response to salivary stimuli. It usually occurs after idiopathic or traumatic facial palsy, as a result of aberrant reinnervation of the lacrimal gland by salivary efferent fibers from either the seventh or ninth cranial nerve. Patients and Methods: We report the case of a 54-year-old woman, with a history of left Bell's palsy, who attended our ophthalmology clinic due to epiphora of the left eye while eating or speaking, for 6 months. Results: The ophthalmologic evaluation revealed a mild weakening of the frontal and left orbicularis oculi muscles without lagophthalmos. No other abnormalities were found, namely ocular surface swelling, ectropion, or obstruction of the lacrimal outflow system. Schirmer test II in the left eye increased from 12 to 23 mm while the patient was chewing. All these clues led to the diagnosis of crocodile tears syndrome and treatment with botulinum toxin A injection was proposed. One month after the injection of the palpebral lobe of the left lacrimal gland with 6 units of botulinum toxin A, the patient reported an almost complete resolution of the complaints, stated by a decrease in Munk scale and Lac-Q scores. Six months after injection, the patient conveyed recurrence of symptoms and a new treatment session was performed with comparable results. Conclusion: Since crocodile tears syndrome is rare, it is crucial to increase awareness and knowledge about it among ophthalmologists and other medical doctors. Botulinum toxin is a safe and effective treatment modality, dramatically improving these patients' quality of life.

Bactericidal activity of Ag4V2O7/ß-AgVO3 heterostructures against antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Although Ag-based materials are efficient against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, their high toxicity to living organisms represents a major challenge for obtaining useful products. In this work, we report the bactericidal activity of Ag4V2O7/ß-AgVO3 heterostructures, which proved to be effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 1706, a standard strain; A54970, a multidrug-resistant carbapenemase (KPC)-producing strain; A34057, a multidrug-resistant strain capable of producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL); and a community-isolated strain, A58240) at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as low as 62.5 µg/mL. This activity is higher than that reported for the individual silver vanadates (Ag4V2O7 or ß-AgVO3) owing to the synergistic interactions between both semiconductors. However, the most efficient heterostructure was found to be toxic to mouse 3 T3 fibroblasts and to L. sativa and C. sativus seeds, as indicated by MTT ((4,5 - dimethylthiazol -2yl) 2,5 -diphenylbromide), neutral red assays and germination index measurements. The antimicrobial, phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities were all associated with an efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heterostructure, especially OH and O2- radicals. The ROS production by Ag4V2O7/ß-AgVO3 heterostructures was measured through photodegradation studies with Rhodamine B. While the bactericidal activity of the heterostructures is promising, especially when compared to Ag-based materials, their use in practical applications will require encapsulation either to avoid leaching or to mitigate their toxicity to humans, animals and plants.

Role of germline variants in the metastasis of breast carcinomas.

Most cancer-related deaths in breast cancer patients are associated with metastasis, a multistep, intricate process that requires the cooperation of tumour cells, tumour microenvironment and metastasis target tissues. It is accepted that metastasis does not depend on the tumour characteristics but the host's genetic makeup. However, there has been limited success in determining the germline genetic variants that influence metastasis development, mainly because of the limitations of traditional genome-wide association studies to detect the relevant genetic polymorphisms underlying complex phenotypes. In this work, we leveraged the extreme discordant phenotypes approach and the epistasis networks to analyse the genotypes of 97 breast cancer patients. We found that the host's genetic makeup facilitates metastases by the dysregulation of gene expression that can promote the dispersion of metastatic seeds and help establish the metastatic niche-providing a congenial soil for the metastatic seeds.

Presence of Human Papillomavirus in Human Tissues and the Environment.

Human Papillomavirus is one of the most well-known pathogens having potential to cause both benign and malignant illnesses. The current controversy focuses on its continuity in non-epithelial tissues and the environment, and its ability to cause infection in these settings. This review addresses the virology aspects that contribute to its presence and resistance in humans and the environment.