Nanomechanical Spectroscopy of 2D Materials.

We introduce a nanomechanical platform for fast and sensitive measurements of the spectrally resolved optical dielectric function of 2D materials. At the heart of our approach is a suspended 2D material integrated into a high Q silicon nitride nanomechanical resonator illuminated by a wavelength-tunable laser source. From the heating-related frequency shift of the resonator as well as its optical reflection measured as a function of photon energy, we obtain the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function. Our measurements are unaffected by substrate-related screening and do not require any assumptions on the underling optical constants. This fast (τrise ∼ 135 ns), sensitive (noise-equivalent power = 90⁣pW√Hz), and broadband (1.2-3.1 eV, extendable to UV-THz) method provides an attractive alternative to spectroscopic or ellipsometric characterization techniques.

Adrenal steroidogenesis and ovarian reserve in adult childhood-onset systemic lupus erytematosus patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess overall adrenal mineralocorticoid/glucocorticoid/androgen steroidogenesis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients and the possible effect of prednisone on adrenal hormones and ovarian reserve. METHODS: Fifty-one adult cSLE (ACR criteria) patients and 23 healthy controls were evaluated for adrenal steroidogenesis including mineralocorticoid (progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, aldosterone), glucocorticoid (17-OHprogesterone, 11-desoxycortisol, cortisol), and androgen (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, total testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone) hormones. Ovarian reserve assessment included follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone, ovarian volumes, and antral follicle count. RESULTS: The median of current age [29.11 (19-39.8) vs. 30.8 (19.6-42.1) years, p = 0.502] was similar in adult cSLE and controls. Regarding mineralocorticoid/glucocorticoid, the median of progesterone (p = 0.003), 17-OH progesterone (p < 0.001), and 11-desoxycortisol (p = 0.036) were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. All androgen steroidogenesis hormones were reduced in the former group [dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (p < 0.001), androstenedione (p = 0.001), total testosterone (p = 0.005), and dihydrotestosterone (p < 0.001)]. Further comparison of patients with and without current use of prednisone and controls revealed a predominant impact on adrenal glucocorticoid and androgen steroidogenesis with reduced levels of 17-OH progesterone [0.17 (0-0.5) vs. 0.27 (0.1-2.9) vs. 0.33 (0.1-0.8) ng/mL, p < 0.001], dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate [0.155 (0-0.6) vs. 0.49 (0.1-1.6) vs. 1.11 (0.1-2.6) µg/mL, p < 0.001], androstenedione [0.56 (0.2-4.4) vs. 1.7 (0.5-4.5) vs. 2.33 (0.3-3.8) ng/mL, p < 0.001], total testosterone [12 (12-167) vs. 16 (12-28) vs. (16.5 (0-50) ng/d, p = 0.002], and dihydrotestosterone [92.68 (11.8-198.5) vs. 160.62 (37.9-842.1) vs. 188.3 (71.3-543.9) pg/ml, p < 0.001] in patients under this drug. In addition, patients with this therapy had reduced median ovarian volumes [4.14 (2-12) vs. 7.13 (2-25.7) vs. 5.18 (2.4-17.3) cm3, p = 0.028) that was not associated with cyclophosphamide cumulative dose (p > 0.05). The median prednisone dose was 15/mg/day (2.5-40). CONCLUSIONS: We provided novel evidence that cSLE patients have an overall androgen/glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid adrenal suppression. Furthermore, low/moderate prednisone use seems to underlie these abnormalities and may also adversely affect ovarian reserve, independently of immunosuppressants. Key Points • cSLE patients have an overall androgen/glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid adrenal suppression. • Low/moderate prednisone use may affect ovarian reserve, independently of immunosuppressants.

Alveolar hemorrhage as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Alveolar hemorrhage (AH) is a rare syndrome that can often occur in autoimmune diseases, blood clotting disorders, infection or by acute inhalation injury, presenting rapid evolution and high mortality, especially with late diagnosis and treatment. Among the autoimmune diseases, there are reported cases in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS), vasculitis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An early diagnosis is an essential tool in the successful management of this complication, requiring aggressive treatment based on vigorous immunosuppression and broad-spectrum antibiotic. We describe here a case of alveolar hemorrhage associated with glomerulonephritis as the open presentation in a patient with SLE.

Pleiotropic effects with equivalent low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction: comparative study between simvastatin and simvastatin/ezetimibe coadministration.

BACKGROUND: Coadministration of any statin with ezetimibe is as effective as using high doses of the same statin in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). There may be other effects called pleiotropics. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of 2 different treatments that obtain equivalent LDL-c reductions (80 mg of simvastatin, once a day and coadministration of 10 mg of simvastatin and 10 mg of ezetimibe, once a day) over endothelial function and inflammation. METHODS: Twenty-three randomized patients with hypercholesterolemia in a 2 x 2 crossover protocol were studied. Endothelial function was analyzed by ultrasound assessment of endothelial dependent flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery, and inflammation was estimated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: LDL-c reduction was similar between the 2 treatments with simvastatin/ezetimibe and with simvastatin (P < 0.001); no difference between treatments was found (P = 0.968). Both treatments improved significantly the endothelial function [3.61% with simvastatin/ezetimibe (P = 0.003) and 5.08% with simvastatin (P < 0.001)]; no difference was found between the 2 treatments (P = 0.291). hs-CRP had a 23% reduction with simvastatin/ezetimibe (P = 0.004) and a 30% reduction with simvastatin alone (P = 0.01), with no significant difference between the 2 treatments (P = 0.380). CONCLUSION: The 2 forms of treatment presented similar pleiotropic effects: improvement in endothelial function and decrease in hs-CRP levels.

Pleiotropic Effects With Equivalent Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction: Comparative Study Pleiotropic Effects With Equivalent Low-density

Background: Coadministration of any statin with ezetimibe is as effective as using high doses of the same statin in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). There may be other effects called pleiotropics. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 2 different treatments that obtain equivalent LDL-c reductions (80 mg of simvastatin, once a day and coadministration of 10 mg of simvastatin and 10 mg of ezetimibe, once a day) over endothelial function and inflammation. Methods: Twenty-three randomized patients with hypercholesterolemia in a 2 3 2 crossover protocol were studied. Endothelial function was analyzed by ultrasound assessment of endothelial dependent flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery, and inflammation was estimated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results: LDL-c reduction was similar between the 2 treatments with simvastatin/ezetimibe and with simvastatin (P , 0.001); no difference between treatments was found (P = 0.968). Both treatments improved significantly the endothelial function [3.61% with simvastatin/

ezetimibe (P = 0.003) and 5.08% with simvastatin (P , 0.001)]; no difference was found between the 2 treatments (P = 0.291). hs-CRP had a 23% reduction with simvastatin/ezetimibe (P = 0.004) and a 30% reduction with simvastatin alone (P = 0.01), with no significant difference between the 2 treatments (P = 0.380).

Pleiotropic Effects With Equivalent Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction: Comparative StudyBetween Simvastatin and Simvastatin/Ezetimibe Coadministration

Background: Coadministration of any statin with ezetimibe is as effective as using high doses of the same statin in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). There may be othereffects called pleiotropics. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 2 different treatments that obtain equivalent LDL-c reductions (80 mg of simvastatin, oncea day and coadministration of 10 mg of simvastatin and 10 mg of ezetimibe, once a day) over endothelial function and inflammation. Methods: Twenty-three randomized patients with hypercholesterolemia in a 2 3 2 crossover protocol were studied. Endothelial function was analyzed by ultrasound assessment of endothelialdependent flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery, andinflammation was estimated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP). Results: LDL-c reduction was similar between the 2 treatments withsimvastatin/ezetimibe and with simvastatin (P , 0.001); no differencebetween treatments was found (P = 0.968). Both treatments improved significantly the endothelial function [3.61% with simvastatin/ ezetimibe (P = 0.003) and 5.08% with simvastatin (P , 0.001)]; no difference was found between the 2 treatments (P = 0.291). hs-CRP had a 23% reduction with simvastatin/ezetimibe (P = 0.004) and a 30% reduction with simvastatin alone (P = 0.01), with no significant difference between the 2 treatments (P = 0.380). Conclusion: The 2 forms of treatment presented similar pleiotropiceffects: improvement in endothelial function and decrease in hs-CRP levels.

Edema Pulmonar por Pressão Negativa (EPPN) em pós-operatório imediato de rinosseptoplastia: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Negative Pressure Pulmonar Edema(NPPE) in pos-operatory rinosseptoplasty: case report and literature review

O Edema Pulmonar por Pressão Negativa (EPPN) figura como entidade rara, porém bem descrita na literatura. Decorre de episódios de obstrução aguda das vias aéreas, sendo potencialmente fatal, quando não reconhecido ou mal diagnosticado. Este relato revisa os dados científicos sobre taxa de incidência, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e abordagem do paciente com edema pulmonar. A real incidência do edema pulmonar agudo nos pacientes submetidos à anestesia geral é desconhecida e variável, mas é próximo de 0,05 a 0,1 por cento. A fisiopatologia é decorrente de alteração nas forças de Starling, que influenciam movimento de fluidos nos capilares pulmonares. O diagnóstico é baseado nos aspectos clínicos do paciente. A abordagem terapêutica engloba desde o uso de FiO2 a 100 por cento e reintubação até administração endovenosa de furosemida, morfina e nitroglicerina. É apresentado relato de um paciente que evoluiu com EPPN em pós-operatório imediato de rinosseptoplastia. É necessário o diagnóstico preciso e precoce do EPPN, devendo ser considerado complicação potencial em pacientes jovens e saudáveis, no período imediato pós-extubação e de recuperação após anestesias gerais com ventilação mecânica. O rápido reconhecimento da situação, reversão da obstrução e aplicação de ventilação com pressão positiva possibilitam a abordagem eficaz e podem prevenir a necessidade de medidas mais invasivas.