REM sleep behavior disorder and Prodromal Parkinson's Disease in patients with Essential Tremor.

Several studies suggested the presence of non-motor symptoms in Essential Tremor (ET), including REM sleep behavioral disorder (RBD). RBD is an essential criterion for Prodromal Parkinson's Disease (PPD), suggesting a link between ET and PD. Our objective was to assess the prevalence and features of ET patients with RBD and PDD. RBD was diagnosed by questionnaire screening, followed by polysomnography. PPD risk factors and prodromic markers were assessed with a structured protocol. Patients were characterized regarding tremor features. ET patients with RBD (ET-RBD) and PPD (ET-PPD) were compared to patients without RBD (ET-nonRBD) and without PPD (ET-nonPPD), respectively. ET-RBD patients were also compared with a group of isolated RBD (iRBD) regarding PPD features. We assessed a total of 64 ET patients. Five (8.3 %) and 4 (6.3 %) had criteria for RBD and PPD, respectively. ET-RBD patients did not differ from ET-nonRBD except for a higher prevalence of PPD. There were no significant differences between ET-RBD and iRBD (n = 12) groups. ET-PPD had a higher prevalence of positive DaT-Scans and RBD compared to ET-nonPPD. Three ET-RBD patients had PPD and 3 ET-PPD had RBD. Both RBD and PPD are more frequent in ET patients than in general aged population but not related with specific tremor features. ET-RBD patients did not differ significantly from iRBD patients, a group prone to develop PD. These data suggest a link between ET and PD and are in accordance with studies showing an increase incidence of lewy-body pathology and PD in ET populations.

1H-1,2,3-triazol-1,4-naphthoquinone Derivatives: Novel Inhibitors Targeting Pyocyanin Biosynthesis for P. Aeruginosa Infection Treatment Advances.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the potential of eleven 1H-1,2,3-triazol-1,4-naphthoquinone conjugates as virulence factor inhibitors (like Pyocyanin) and their affinity for PhzM, a crucial enzyme for Pyocyanin biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. METHODS: A straightforward synthetic pathway enabled the production of these compounds, which were characterized and structurally confirmed through spectroscopic analyses. Evaluation of their impact on PhzM thermal stability identified promising candidates for PhzM binders. RESULTS: Concentration-response behavior elucidated their binding affinity, revealing them as the first reported micromolar affinity ligands for PhzM. Structure-activity relationship analysis emphasized the role of specific molecular moieties in binding affinity modulation, paving the way for future advanced inhibitors' development. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential of naphthoquinone-triazole derivatives as leads for novel therapeutics against P. aeruginosa infections.

The role of Anchoviella spp. as forage species in different stages of reservoir development in the upper Tocantins River, Central Brazil.

We report the spatiotemporal increase in abundance of Anchoviella spp. (Engraulidae) through the diet of fish consumers after reservoir formation in the upper Tocantins River, Central Brazil. The increase in the abundance of this planktivorous fish evidences the growing importance of autochthonous herbivory food chains as the reservoir stabilized in this novel lentic ecosystem. These changes would otherwise remain unnoticed only through fish sampling, highlighting the importance of assessing trophic interactions to understand responses to damming at the community and ecosystem levels.

Determination of Inhibitory Effect of PKM2 Enzyme and Antitumoral Activity of Novel Coumarin-Naphthoquinone Hybrids.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the primary form of oral cancer, posing a significant global health threat. The existing chemotherapy options are accompanied by notable side effects impacting patient treatment adherence. Consequently, the exploration and development of novel substances with enhanced anticancer effects and fewer side effects have become pivotal in the realms of biological and chemical science. OBJECTIVE: This work presents the pioneering examples of naphthoquinone-coumarin hybrids as a new category of highly effective cytotoxic substances targeting oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Given the significance of both naphthoquinones and coumarins as essential pharmacophores/ privileged structures in the quest for anticancer compounds, this study focused on the synthesis and evaluation of novel naphthoquinones/coumarin hybrids against oral squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: By several in vitro, in silico, and in vivo approaches, we demonstrated that compound 6e was highly cytotoxic against OSCC cells and several other cancer cell types and was more selective than current chemotherapeutic drugs (carboplatin) and the naphthoquinone lapachol. Furthermore, compound 6e was non-hemolytic and tolerated in vivo at 50 mg/kg with an LD50 of 62.5 mg/kg. Furthermore, compound 6e did not induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest but led to intracellular vesicle formation with LC3 aggregation in autophagosomes, suggesting an autophagic cell death. Additionally, 6e had a high-affinity potential for PKM2 protein, higher than the known ligands, such as lapachol or shikonin, and was able to inhibit this enzyme activity in vitro. CONCLUSION: We assert that compound 6e shows promise as a potential lead for a novel chemotherapeutic drug targeting OSCC, with potential applicability to other cancer types.

Naphthoquinone-Quinolone Hybrids with Antitumor Effects on Breast Cancer Cell Lines-From the Synthesis to 3D-Cell Culture Effects.

Breast cancer stands as one of the foremost cause of cancer-related deaths globally, characterized by its varied molecular subtypes. Each subtype requires a distinct therapeutic strategy. Although advancements in treatment have enhanced patient outcomes, significant hurdles remain, including treatment toxicity and restricted effectiveness. Here, we explore the anticancer potential of novel 1,4-naphthoquinone/4-quinolone hybrids on breast cancer cell lines. The synthesized compounds demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against Luminal and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, which represent the two main molecular types of breast cancer that depend most on cytotoxic chemotherapy, with potency comparable to doxorubicin, a standard chemotherapeutic widely used in breast cancer treatment. Notably, these derivatives exhibited superior selectivity indices (SI) when compared to doxorubicin, indicating lower toxicity towards non-tumor MCF10A cells. Compounds 11a and 11b displayed an improvement in IC50 values when compared to their precursor, 1,4-naphthoquinone, for both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and a comparable value to doxorubicin for MCF-7 cells. Also, their SI values were superior to those seen for the two reference compounds for both cell lines tested. Mechanistic studies revealed the ability of the compounds to induce apoptosis and inhibit clonogenic potential. Additionally, the irreversibility of their effects on cell viability underscores their promising therapeutic utility. In 3D-cell culture models, the compounds induced morphological changes indicative of reduced viability, supporting their efficacy in a more physiologically relevant model of study. The pharmacokinetics of the synthesized compounds were predicted using the SwissADME webserver, indicating that these compounds exhibit favorable drug-likeness properties and potential as antitumor agents. Overall, our findings underscore the promise of these hybrid compounds as potential candidates for breast cancer chemotherapy, emphasizing their selectivity and efficacy.

Are there differences between patients with unifocal nummular headache and those who progress to bifocal nummular headache? A retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective observational cohort study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and treatment responses in patients exclusively experiencing unifocal nummular headache (NH) with those who develop the bifocal variant. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with NH who attended a neurology (headache) outpatient clinic between January 2018 and December 2022. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group 1, exclusive unifocal NH; and Group 2, those developing a secondary focal area of pain, i.e., bifocal NH. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical features, other headache comorbidities, and treatment-related information. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included in this study: 12 were categorized as unifocal NH (Group 1) and 11 as bifocal NH (Group 2). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical features, or treatment response. Nonetheless, patients with bifocal NH exhibited spontaneous remission rates in the first pain area when compared to the unifocal NH group, with statistically significant differences (36% vs. 0%, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: In our sample, patients with bifocal NH demonstrated spontaneous remission rates in the initial pain area, a phenomenon not observed in patients with unifocal NH. It is worth noting the limited sample size in the present study, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to validate and further explore our findings.

Early and late cognitive and behavioral aspects associated with range use in free-range laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Individual differences in free-range chicken systems are important factors influencing how birds use the range (or not), even if individuals are reared in the same environmental conditions. Here, we investigated how various aspects of the birds' behavioral and cognitive tendencies, including their optimism/pessimism, cognitive flexibility, sociability, and exploration levels, are associated with range use and how they may change over time (before and after range access). To achieve this, 100 White Leghorn laying hen chicks underwent three distinct behavioral/cognitive tests-the cognitive bias test, the detour test, and the multivariate test-prior to gaining access to the range, between 9 and 39 days of age. After range access was allowed (from day 71), birds' range use was evaluated over 7 nonconsecutive days (from 74-91 days of age). Subsequently, a subset of birds, classified as high rangers (n = 15) and low rangers (n = 15) based on their range use, underwent retesting on the same three previous tests between 94 and 108 days of age. Our results unveiled a negative correlation trend between birds' evaluation of the ambiguous cue and their subsequent range use (rho = -0.19, p = 0.07). Furthermore, low rangers were faster to learn the detour task (χ2 = 7.34, df = 1, p = 0.006), coupled with increased sociability during the multivariate test (rho = -0.23, p = 0.02), contrasting with their high-ranging counterparts, who displayed more exploratory behaviors (F[1,27] = 3.64, p = 0.06). These behavioral patterns fluctuated over time (before and after range access); however, conclusively attributing these changes to birds' aging and development or the access to the range remains challenging. Overall, our results corroborate that behavioral and cognitive individual differences may be linked to range use and offer novel perspectives on the early behavioral and cognitive traits that may be linked to range use. These findings may serve as a foundation for adapting environments to meet individual needs and improve animal welfare in the future.

New Chalcogen-Functionalized Naphthoquinones: Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation, In Vitro and In Silico, against Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Due to the growth in the number of patients and the complexity involved in anticancer therapies, new therapeutic approaches are urgent and necessary. In this context, compounds containing the selenium atom can be employed in developing new medicines due to their potential therapeutic efficacy and unique modes of action. Furthermore, tellurium, a previously unknown element, has emerged as a promising possibility in chalcogen-containing compounds. In this study, 13 target compounds (9a-i, 10a-c, and 11) were effectively synthesized as potential anticancer agents, employing a CuI-catalyzed Csp-chalcogen bond formation procedure. The developed methodology yielded excellent results, ranging from 30 to 85%, and the compounds were carefully characterized. Eight of these compounds showed promise as potential therapeutic drugs due to their high yields and remarkable selectivity against SCC-9 cells (squamous cell carcinoma). Compound 10a, in particular, demonstrated exceptional selectivity, making it an excellent choice for cancer cell targeting while sparing healthy cells. Furthermore, complementing in silico and molecular docking studies shed light on their physical features and putative modes of action. This research highlights the potential of these compounds in anticancer treatments and lays the way for future drug development efforts.

Estrogens prevent the hypothalamus-periphery crosstalk induced by olanzapine intraperitoneal treatment in female mice: Effects on brown/beige adipose tissues and liver.

Olanzapine (OLA) is a highly obesogenic second-generation antipsychotic (SGA). Recently we demonstrated that, contrarily to OLA oral treatment, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration resulted in weight loss and absence of hepatic steatosis in wild-type (WT) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)-deficient (KO) male mice. This protection relied on two central-peripheral axes connecting hypothalamic AMPK with brown/inguinal white adipose tissue (BAT/iWAT) uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and hypothalamic JNK with hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS). Herein, we addressed OLA i.p. treatment effects in WT and PTP1B-KO female mice. Contrarily to our previous results in WT females receiving OLA orally, the i.p. treatment did not induce weight gain or hyperphagia. Molecularly, in females OLA failed to diminish hypothalamic phospho-AMPK or elevate BAT UCP-1 and energy expenditure (EE) despite the preservation of iWAT browning. Conversely, OLA i.p. treatment in ovariectomized mice reduced hypothalamic phospho-AMPK, increased BAT/iWAT UCP-1 and EE, and induced weight loss as occurred in males. Pretreatment of hypothalamic neurons with 17ß-estradiol (E2) abolished OLA effects on AMPK. Moreover, neither hypothalamic JNK activation nor hepatic FAS upregulation were found in WT and PTP1B-KO females receiving OLA via i.p. Importantly, this axis was reestablished upon ovariectomy. In this line, E2 prevented OLA-induced phospho-JNK in hypothalamic neurons. These results support the role of estrogens in sex-related dimorphism in OLA treatment. This study evidenced the benefit of OLA i.p. administration in preventing its obesogenic effects in female mice that could offer clinical value.

Fármacos antipsicóticos de segunda generación y su impacto en el tejido adiposo / Second-generation antipsychotic drugs and their impact on adipose tissue

La esquizofrenia es un trastorno neuropsiquiátrico crónico que afecta a 21 millones de personas en todo el mundo. Actualmente, los fármacos antipsicóticos de segunda generación o atípicos (FASG) son los medicamentos de elección para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Sin embargo, a pesar de su alta eficacia en contrarrestar la sintomatología neuropsiquiátrica de la esquizofrenia, observaciones clínicas recientes en pacientes tratados con FASG evidencian un aumento en la prevalencia de diferentes alteraciones metabólicas, entre las que se incluyen el aumento de peso corporal, la hiperglucemia y la dislipidemia. A pesar de que no se conocen en detalle los mecanismos moleculares responsables de estos efectos secundarios, cada vez más investigaciones apuntan a una relación entre los tratamientos con FASG y las alteraciones en los diferentes depósitos de tejido adiposo blanco, marrón y beige. En esta revisión analizamos el conocimiento actual en esta área destacando aspectos moleculares de la biología de los adipocitos, entre los que se encuentran los procesos de diferenciación, metabolismo lipídico, función termogénica y el proceso de pardeamiento o beiging.(AU)

Schizophrenia is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that affects 21 million people worldwide. Currently, second-generation or atypical antipsychotics (SGAs) are the first-line medications for the treatment of this disease. However, despite its high efficacy in counteracting the neuropsychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia, recent clinical investigations in patients treated with SGAs show an increase in the prevalence of pivotal metabolic alterations, including increased body weight, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for these side effects are not fully understood, cumulative evidences associate SGA administration with alterations in the different adipose tissue depots of white, brown and beige adipocytes. In this review, we have recapitulated the current knowledge in this area with a particular focus on the molecular aspects of the adipocyte biology, including differentiation, lipid metabolism, thermogenic function and browning processes.(AU)

Novel naphthoquinone-1H-1,2,3-triazole hybrids: Design, synthesis and evaluation as inductors of ROS-mediated apoptosis in the MCF-7 cells.

The search for novel anticancer drugs is essential to expand treatment options, overcome drug resistance, reduce toxicity, promote innovation, and tackle the economic impact. The importance of these studies lies in their contribution to advancing cancer research and enhancing patient outcomes in the battle against cancer. Here, we developed new asymmetric hybrids containing two different naphthoquinones linked by a 1,2,3-1H-triazole nucleus, which are potential new drugs for cancer treatment. The antitumor activity of the novel compounds was tested using the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, using the non-cancer cell line MCF10A as control. Our results showed that two out of twenty-two substances tested presented potential antitumor activity against the breast cancer cell lines. These potential drugs, named here 12g and 12h were effective in reducing cell viability and promoting cell death of the tumor cell lines, exhibiting minimal effects on the control cell line. The mechanism of action of the novel drugs was assessed revealing that both drugs increased reactive oxygen species production with consequent activation of the AMPK pathway. Therefore, we concluded that 12g and 12h are novel AMPK activators presenting selective antitumor effects.

Wound, Ischemia, Foot Infection (Wifi) Classification System And Its Predictive Ability Concerning Amputation-Free Survival, Mortality And Major Limb Amputation In A Portuguese Population: A Single Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Commonly used chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) classifications lack granularity and detail to precisely stratify patients according to risk of limb loss, expected revascularization benefit and mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate in a Portuguese population the prognostic value of an updated CLTI classification based on Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) proposed by the Society for Vascular Surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients with CLTI submitted to lower limb revascularization from January to December of 2017. All consecutive patients with chronic peripheral artery disease with ischemic rest pain or tissue loss were included. The exclusion criteria were patients with intermittent claudication, vascular trauma, acute ischemia, non-atherosclerotic arterial disease and isolated iliac intervention. The primary end-point was major limb amputation, mortality and amputation-free survival (AFS) at 30 days, 1 year and 2 year follow-up. Secondary end-points were minor amputation, wound healing time (WHT) and rate (WHR). RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with CLTI were submitted to infra-inguinal revascularization: 91 endovascular and 20 open surgery. After categorizing them according to the WIfI: 20 had stage 1 (18.52%), 29 stage 2 (26.85%), 38 stage 3 (35.19%) and 21 stage 4 (19.44%). Overall mortality rate was 1.8%, 17% and 22.3% at 30 days, 1 year and 2 years follow-up. Major amputation rate was 0.9%, 2.7% and 2.7% at 30 days, 1 year and 2 years follow-up. AFS rate was 97.3%, 82.1%, and 76.8% at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years follow-up. In multi-variable analysis, higher WIfI score was the only predictive factor for mortality and AFS. WIfI 3 and 4 were also associated with increased risk of non-healing ulcer. CONCLUSION: This study proved the prognostic value of the WIfI classification in a Portuguese population by showing an association between higher scores and increased mortality, lower AFS and non-healing ulcer.

Efficacy of the treatment using a microemulsion loaded with epoxy-α-lapachone in combination with meglumine antimoniate against murine infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by Leishmania spp., affecting millions of people around the world. For decades, its treatment has been based on pentavalent antimonials, which notoriously cause toxic side effects in patients. In this study, epoxy-α-lapachone incorporated into an oil-in-water-type microemulsion (ELAP-ME) and meglumine antimoniate (MA) were assayed in monotherapy and in combination (ELAP-ME/MA) in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. In general, there was a reduction in paw lesion size (up to 37% reduction) and decreases of parasite loads in the footpad (∼40%) and lymph nodes (∼31%) of animals treated with ELAP-ME/MA, when compared to the non-treated control groups. Analyses of serum biochemical parameters revealed that the ELAP-ME/MA showed lower renal and hepatic toxicity when compared to MA 2-doses/week monotherapy. These findings indicate that the ELAP-ME/MA combination may be a promising approach for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Sistema de Análise de Informação do Treinador de Futebol em Competição (SAITFC) -Validação e Aplicação de Instrumento de Observação num Estudo Piloto / istema de Análisis de Información del Entrenador de Fútbol en Competición (SAITFC) -Validación y Aplicación de un Instrumento de Observación en un Estudio Piloto / The Information Analysis System for Football Coaches in Competition (SAITFC) -Validationand Application of an Observation Instrument in a Pilot Study

La observación sistemática es un método que permite obtener numerosas informaciones sobre el comportamiento del entrenador, incluida la comunicación, que es parte integral del proceso de eficacia pedagógica. Tras revisar varios sistemas de observación y comprobar su potencial, pero principalmente sus debilidades, surge el Sistema de Análisis de Información del Entrenador de Fútbol en Competición (SAITFC) desde una perspectiva de evolución y aportación científica. Un sistema flexible que incluye dimensiones, categorías y subcategorías, que hacen referencia a la información en un intento de hacer inclusivos todos los comportamientos relacionados con la información emitida por el entrenador, ayudando a elaborar un perfil de comportamiento en competición. El cálculo de los porcentajes de concordancia, complementando con las estadísticas Kappa de Cohen, mostró altos niveles de fidelidad de las observaciones para ser utilizadas como herramienta científica. Con este estudio piloto, los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación sugieren que los entrenadores emiten cada vez más información, no solo a los atletas, en forma de instrucción y feedback, sino a todos los agentes deportivos involucrados en la competencia, es decir, el arbitraje, el oponente y el equipo técnico en forma de conversaciones. El feedback tiende a ser prescriptive, auditive, dirigido al atleta, táctico y afectivamente neutral. Es importante destacar la expresividad de los feedbacks relacionados con esquemas tácticos y velocidad de reacción. El SAITFC, como herramienta para ayudar a sistematizar el comportamiento del entrenador, demostró ser un método eficaz, contribuyendo así a la formación de los entrenadores, pero también a nivel científico, ayudándolos en el campo.(AU)

Systematic observation is a method that allows obtaining numerous information about the coach ́s behavior, including communication, whichis an integral part of the process of pedagogical effectiveness. After reviewing several observation systems and verifying their potential, mainly their weaknesses, the Information Analysis System for Football Coaches in Competition (SAITFC) emerges from a perspective of evolution andscientific contribution. A flexible system that includes dimensions, categories, and subcategories, which refer to the information in an attempt to make all behaviors related to the information issued by the coach inclusive, helping to elaborate a behavioral profile in the competition. The calculation of agreement percentages, complemented by Cohen ́s Kappa statistics, showed substantial levels of reliability for the observations to be used as a scientific tool. With this pilotstudy, the results obtainedin this investigation suggest that coaches issue more and more information, not only to athletes, in the form of instruction and feedback but to all sports agents involved in the competition, namely arbitration, opponent, and technical team in the form of conversations. Feedback tends to be prescriptive, auditory, addressed to the athlete, tactical, and effectively neutral. It is essential to emphasize the expressiveness of the feedback related to tactical schemes and reaction speed. The SAITFC, as a tool tohelp systematize the coach ́s behavior, proved to be an effective method, thus contributing tothe training of coaches, but also at a scientific level, helping them in the field.(AU)

A observação sistemática é um método que permite obter inúmeras informações sobre o comportamento do treinador, entre elas a comunicação, a qual é parte integrante do processo de eficácia pedagógica.Após revisão de vários sistemas de observação e constatação das suas potencialidades, mas principalmente das suas fragilidades, surge assim numa perspetiva de evolução e de contributo científico, o Sistema de Análise da Informação do Treinador de Futebol em Competição (SAITFC). Um sistema flexível que inclui dimensões, categorias e subcategorias, as quais remetem para a informação numa tentativa de tornar inclusivo todos os comportamentos relacionadoscom a informação emitida pelo treinador, ajudando a umaelaboração de um perfil comportamental emcompetição. O cálculo de percentagens de acordos, complementada pela estatística de Kappa de Cohen, mostrou níveis fortes de fidelidade para as observações serem utilizadas como ferramenta científica. Com este estudo piloto, os resultados obtidos nesta investigação sugerem que os treinadores emitam cada vez mais informação, não só para os atletas, em forma de instrução e feedback, mas para todos os agentes desportivos envolvidos na competição, nomeadamente equipas de arbitragem, adversária e técnica em forma de conversas. O feedback tende a ser prescritivo, auditivo, dirigido ao atleta, tático e de afetividade neutra. De realçar a expressividade dos feedbacks relacionados com esquemas táticos e de velocidade de reação. O SAITFC enquanto ferramenta de auxílio à sistematização do comportamento do treinador, mostrou ser um método eficaz, contribuindo assim para a formação de treinadores, mas também a nível científico, auxiliando-os no terreno.(AU)

Surgical Strategies for Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis With Severe Osteoporosis: A Case Illustrating the Challenges of Delayed Intervention.

Tuberculous spondylodiscitis (Pott's spine) is a complex extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis (TB) that poses significant medical challenges, characterized by vertebral destruction affecting approximately 2% of all TB cases. The management of this condition involves a multidisciplinary approach, with surgical intervention indicated for specific cases, including those with neurological complications, spinal instability, and kyphosis. We report a case of a 49-year-old female with a confirmed diagnosis of tuberculous spondylodiscitis who had undergone eight months of tuberculostatic therapy. She was referred for neurosurgical consultation due to uncontrollable axial pain, despite favorable clinical and imaging responses, which had rendered her immobile for six months. Imaging revealed a complete collapse of the L5 vertebral body, and a complementary dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan demonstrated severe osteoporosis. A two-stage surgical approach was chosen to address her condition, involving corpectomy through an anterior approach, followed by lumbopelvic stabilization. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with progressive improvement in pain and mobility. This case highlights the challenges of managing tuberculous spondylodiscitis and underscores the significance of early detection to prevent complications like severe osteoporosis. In this case, delayed referral for surgery following an extended period of immobility added complexity to an already difficult case. The severe osteoporosis, with a t-score of -5.7, had a substantial impact on surgical planning, leading to a more robust approach to arthrodesis with substantial lumbopelvic instrumentation in order to mitigate the risks associated with implant failure. This case shows that timely intervention and a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach are essential for the effective management of tuberculous spondylodiscitis, especially in cases complicated by severe osteoporosis.

Synthesis and evaluation of photophysical, electrochemical, and ROS generation properties of new chalcogen-naphthoquinones-1,2,3-triazole hybrids.

This study presents a comprehensive analysis encompassing the synthesis, structural elucidation, photophysical behavior, and electrochemical properties of a novel series of chalcogen-naphthoquinone-1,2,3-triazole hybrids. Employing a meticulously designed protocol, the synthesis of these hybrids, denoted as 11a-j, was achieved with remarkable efficiency (yielding up to 81%). This synthesis used a regioselective copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC). Furthermore, a detailed investigation into the photophysical characteristics, TDDFT calculations, electrochemical profiles, and photobiological attributes of compounds 11a-j was conducted. This exploration aimed to unravel insights into the excited state behaviors of these molecules, as well as their redox properties. Such insights are crucial for future applications of these derivatives in diverse biological assays.

Recent Synthetic Advances on the Use of Diazo Compounds Catalyzed by Metalloporphyrins.

Diazo compounds are organic substances that are often used as precursors in organic synthesis like cyclization reactions, olefinations, cyclopropanations, cyclopropenations, rearrangements, and carbene or metallocarbene insertions into C-H, N-H, O-H, S-H, and Si-H bonds. Typically, reactions from diazo compounds are catalyzed by transition metals with various ligands that modulate the capacity and selectivity of the catalyst. These ligands can modify and enhance chemoselectivity in the substrate, regioselectivity and enantioselectivity by reflecting these preferences in the products. Porphyrins have been used as catalysts in several important reactions for organic synthesis and also in several medicinal applications. In the chemistry of diazo compounds, porphyrins are very efficient as catalysts when complexed with low-cost metals (e.g., Fe and Co) and, therefore, in recent years, this has been the subject of significant research. This review will summarize the advances in the studies involving the field of diazo compounds catalyzed by metalloporphyrins (M-Porph, M = Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir) in the last five years to provide a clear overview and possible opportunities for future applications. Also, at the end of this review, the properties of artificial metalloenzymes and hemoproteins as biocatalysts for a broad range of applications, namely those concerning carbene-transfer reactions, will be considered.

Are domesticated animals dumber than their wild relatives? A comprehensive review on the domestication effects on animal cognitive performance.

Animal domestication leads to diverse behavioral, physiological, and neurocognitive changes in domesticated species compared to their wild relatives. However, the widely held belief that domesticated species are inherently less "intelligent" (i.e., have lower cognitive performance) than their wild counterparts requires further investigation. To investigate potential cognitive disparities, we undertook a thorough review of 88 studies comparing the cognitive performance of domesticated and wild animals. Approximately 30% of these studies showed superior cognitive abilities in wild animals, while another 30% highlighted superior cognitive abilities in domesticated animals. The remaining 40% of studies found similar cognitive performance between the two groups. Therefore, the question regarding the presumed intelligence of wild animals and the diminished cognitive ability of domesticated animals remains unresolved. We discuss important factors/limitations for interpreting past and future research, including environmental influences, diverse objectives of domestication (such as breed development), developmental windows, and methodological issues impacting cognitive comparisons. Rather than perceiving these limitations as constraints, future researchers should embrace them as opportunities to expand our understanding of the complex relationship between domestication and animal cognition.