Hierarchically Structured Metal-Organic Framework Polymer Composites for Chemical Warfare Agent Degradation.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have captured the imagination of researchers for their highly tunable properties and many potential applications, including as catalysts for a variety of transformations. Even though MOFs possess significant potential, the challenges associated with processing of these crystalline powders into usable form factors while retaining their functional properties limit their end use applications. Herein, we introduce a new approach to construct MOF-polymer composites via 3D photoprinting to overcome these limitations. We designed photoresin composite formulations that use polymerization-induced phase separation to cause the MOF catalysts to migrate to the surface of the printed material, where they are accessible to substrates such as chemical warfare agents. Using our approach, MOF-polymer composites can be fabricated into nearly any shape or architecture while retaining both the excellent catalytic activity at 10 wt % loading of the MOF components and the flexible, elastomeric mechanical properties of a polymer.

Suspected Fluoroquinolone-Induced Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs.

Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) in dogs can present with focal or generalized weakness and is diagnosed by the presence of circulating antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor. Megaesophagus is the most common focal form of MG. Although exacerbation of MG has been associated with the use of fluoroquinolones in humans, it has not been previously described in dogs. The medical records of 46 dogs diagnosed with MG based on acetylcholine receptor antibody testing from 1997 to 2021 were retrospectively evaluated to identify any dogs who demonstrated exacerbation of MG after the administration of a fluoroquinolone. Exacerbation of MG, from focal to generalized, occurred in a median of 4.5 days after initiation of fluoroquinolone therapy in six dogs. In addition, one dog with generalized MG and megaesophagus developed pyridostigmine resistance subsequent to fluoroquinolone therapy. Marked improvement in generalized weakness was reported 36 hr after discontinuation of fluoroquinolone therapy alone in one dog and in combination with pyridostigmine in two dogs. Fluoroquinolone therapy was never stopped in three dogs who were euthanized because of severe weakness and one dog who died of respiratory arrest.

In Combo Studies for the Optimization of 5-Aminoanthranilic Acid Derivatives as Potential Multitarget Drugs for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that consist of abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, alterations in the lipid profile, and hyperglycemia. The current therapeutic strategy includes polypharmacy, using three or more drugs to control each syndrome component. However, this approach has drawbacks that could lead to therapeutic failure. Multitarget drugs are molecules with the ability to act on different targets simultaneously and are an attractive alternative for treating complex diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Previously, we identified a triamide derivative of 5-aminoanthranilic acid that exhibited hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, and antihypertensive activities simultaneously. In the present study, we report the synthesis and in combo evaluation of new derivatives of anthranilic acid, intending to identify the primary structural factors that improve the activity over metabolic syndrome-related parameters. We found that substitution on position 5, incorporation of 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl substituents, and having a free carboxylic acid group lead to the in vitro inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, and simultaneously the diminution of the serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in a diet-induced in vivo model.

Significant Rise in SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Rate in Vaccinated Hospital Workers during the Omicron Wave: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Relatively low SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rates have been reported in vaccinated individuals, but updates considering the Omicron variant are lacking. Objectives: The objective of the study was to provide a current estimate of the SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in a highly immunized population. Methods: A prospective cohort of Mexican hospital workers was followed (March 2020-February 2022). Reinfection was defined as the occurrence of two or more episodes of COVID-19 separated by a period of ≥ 90 days without symptoms. The reinfection rate was calculated as the number of reinfection episodes per 100,000 persons per day. Results: A total of 3732 medical consultations were provided to 2700 workers, of whom 1388 (51.4%) were confirmed COVID-19 cases. A total of 73 reinfection cases were identified, of whom 71 (97.3%) had completed their primary vaccination series and 22 (30.1%) had had a booster dose before the second episode. The overall reinfection rate was 23.1 per 100,000 persons per day (as compared to a rate of 1.9 per 100,000 persons per day before the Omicron wave). Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate rose significantly during the Omicron wave despite a high primary vaccination coverage rate. Almost one-third of reinfected workers had a vaccine booster ≥ 14 days before the last COVID-19 episode.

Significant Rise in SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Rate in Vaccinated Hospital Workers during the Omicron Wave: A Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Background: Relatively low SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rates have been reported in vaccinated individuals, but updates considering the Omicron variant are lacking. Objective: The objective of the study was to provide a current estimate of the SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in a highly immunized population. Methods: A prospective cohort of Mexican hospital workers was followed (March 2020-February 2022). Reinfection was defined as the occurrence of two or more episodes of COVID-19 separated by a period of ≥ 90 days without symptoms. The reinfection rate was calculated as the number of reinfection episodes per 100,000 persons per day. Results: A total of 3732 medical consultations were provided to 2700 workers, of whom 1388 (51.4%) were confirmed COVID-19 cases. A total of 73 reinfection cases were identified, of whom 71 (97.3%) had completed their primary vaccination series and 22 (30.1%) had had a booster dose before the second episode. The overall reinfection rate was 23.1 per 100,000 persons per day (as compared to a rate of 1.9 per 100,000 persons per day before the Omicron wave). Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate rose significantly during the Omicron wave despite a high primary vaccination coverage rate. Almost one-third of reinfected workers had a vaccine booster ≥ 14 days before the last COVID-19 episode.

Primer informe clínico de Balamuthia mandrillaris en el distrito de Camaná, Arequipa, Perú / First case report of the Balamuthia mandrillaris in the Camaná district of Arequipa, Peru

Resumen Las infecciones por amebas de vida libre causan compromiso cutáneo y neurológico. Estas afecciones presentan una baja frecuencia pero una alta letalidad, mayor al 98%. Gene ralmente el cuadro clínico es inespecífico y los exámenes de laboratorio no son de gran ayuda, por lo que representa un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. En este informe presentamos el caso de un paciente de 21 años que fue hospitalizado por un síndrome convulsivo con tumoraciones cerebrales, además de una lesión cutánea en el muslo derecho. El análisis histopatológico, PCR y el cuadro clínico permitieron el diagnóstico de encefalitis amebiana granulomatosa. A pesar del tratamiento, el paciente tuvo un desenlace fatal.

Abstract Infections by free-living amoebas cause cutaneous and neurological compromise. These conditions have a low frequency, but a high lethality more than 98%. Generally, the clinical picture is nonspecific; the laboratory tests dont help, so it represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In this report, we present the case of a 21-year-old patient, who was hospitalized for a convulsive syndrome with brain tumors, in addition to a cutaneous lesion on the right thigh. Histopathological analysis, PCR and the clinical picture allowed the diagnosis of granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Despite the treatment, the patient had a fatal outcome.

Balancing Self-Healing and Shape Stability in Dynamic Covalent Photoresins for Stereolithography 3D Printing.

Dynamic covalent bonds impart new properties to 3D printable materials that help to establish 3D printing as an accessible and efficient manufacturing technique. Here, we studied the effect of a thermally reversible Diels-Alder cross-linker on the shape stability of photoprintable resins and their self-healing properties. Resins containing different concentrations of dynamic covalent cross-links in a polyacrylate network showed that the content of dynamic cross-links plays a key role in balancing shape stability with self-healing ability. The shape stability of the printed objects was evaluated by measuring the dimensional changes after thermal treatment. The self-healing efficiency of the 3D printed resins was characterized with a scratch test and tensile testing. A dynamic covalent cross-link concentration of 1.8 mol % was enough to provide 99% self-healing efficiency without disrupting the shape stability of the printed objects. Our work shows the potential of dynamic covalent bonds in broadening the availability of 3D printable materials that are compatible with vat photopolymerization.

[First case report of the Balamuthia mandrillaris in the Camaná district of Arequipa, Peru]. / Primer informe clínico de Balamuthia mandrillaris en el distrito de Camaná, Arequipa, Perú.

Infections by free-living amoebas cause cutaneous and neurological compromise. These conditions have a low frequency, but a high lethality more than 98%. Generally, the clinical picture is nonspecific; the laboratory tests dont help, so it represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In this report, we present the case of a 21-year-old patient, who was hospitalized for a convulsive syndrome with brain tumors, in addition to a cutaneous lesion on the right thigh. Histopathological analysis, PCR and the clinical picture allowed the diagnosis of granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Despite the treatment, the patient had a fatal outcome.

The Mesenchymal Cap of the Atrial Septum and Atrial and Atrioventricular Septation.

In this publication, dedicated to Professor Robert H. Anderson and his contributions to the field of cardiac development, anatomy, and congenital heart disease, we will review some of our earlier collaborative studies. The focus of this paper is on our work on the development of the atrioventricular mesenchymal complex, studies in which Professor Anderson has played a significant role. We will revisit a number of events relevant to atrial and atrioventricular septation and present new data on the development of the mesenchymal cap of the atrial septum, a component of the atrioventricular mesenchymal complex which, thus far, has received only moderate attention.

Determinación de las variables clínicas, paraclínicas y terapéuticas de los pacientes con anemia hemolítica autoinmune en un hospital de alta complejidad / Determination of the clinical, paraclinical and treatment of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a high complexity hospital

Introducción y Objetivo: La anemia hemolítica autoinmune (AHA) es una enfermedad en la que ocurre un acortamiento de la vida del eritrocito por un aumento de la destrucción mediada inmunológicamente contra los antígenos de su membrana y que puede estar asociada a otros tipos de enfermedades inmunológicas. Nuestro objetivo es realizar una descripción de las características en una cohorte de pacientes del Hospital de alta complejidad en Colombia. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal retrospectivo, la población de estudio fueron pacientes con AHA en el Hospital Universitario de Santander entre el 2012 y el 2016 en pacientes mayores de 13 años que ingresaron a la institución.

Perfil clínico y sociodemográfico de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 en un hospital universitario en Colombia / Clinical profile and socio-demographic of patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 in a university hospital in Colombia

Introducción y objetivo: La diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (T1D) es una enfermedad autoinmu-ne causada por múltiples factores ambientales y genéticos que conducen a la destrucción autoinmune de células ß pancreáticas productoras de insulina. Presenta un trío clásico de síntomas, tales como, polidipsia, polifagia, poliuria que se manifiesta junto con la hiperglu-cemia. En el presente estudio se describen los casos de T1D atendidos en un hospital univer-sitario. Metodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal retrospectivo. La población estudio fueron pacientes con T1D que ingresaron a un hospital universitario de Colombia, período comprendido entre los años 2012-2016 en pacientes mayores de 13 años.

Comparación de los conocimientos y prácticas sobre la prevención de infecciones de transmisión sexual entre trabajadoras sexuales y hombres que tienen sexo con hombres, CERITS-Centro Materno Infantil San José, enero-marzo 2015 / Comparison of knowledge and practices about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections among sex workers and men who have sex with men, CERITS-Center Mother-Child San Jose, January-March 2015

Objetivo: Comparar los conocimientos y prácticas sobre la prevención de infecciones de transmisión sexual entre trabajadoras sexuales y hombres que tienen sexo con hombres que acuden al CERITS-Centro Materno Infantil San José de enero-marzo en el año 2015. Metodología: Estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo comparativo, prospectivo de corte transversal. Se trabajó con una población constituida por 60 trabajadoras sexuales y 60 hombres que tienen sexo con hombres, atendidos en el CERITS "San José" durante el periodo de enero a marzo del año 2015. Los datos fueron registrados en el programa Statistics SPSS v.21. Para el análisis descriptivo de las variables cuantitativas se estimó medidas de tendencia central (media) y medidas de dispersión (desviación estándar). Para el análisis de variables cualitativas (nominal) se estimó frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes (frecuencias relativas). Las gráficas fueron diseñadas en Microsoft Excel 2010, utilizándose diagramas de barras. Resultados: Respecto al estudio, se aprecia que el 6.7 por ciento de las trabajadoras sexuales y 6.7 por ciento de los hombres que tienen sexo con hombre presentaron alguna ITS. El 15 por ciento de las trabajadoras sexuales y 23.3 por ciento de los hombres que tienen sexo con hombre consumen drogas. Respecto al grado de conocimiento sobre la prevención de las infecciones de transmisión sexual entre las trabajadoras sexuales y los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres se evidenció que: el 33.3 por ciento de las encuestadas del primer grupo (TS) alcanzó un conocimiento "Alto" comparado con el 26.7 por ciento de los encuestados del segundo grupo (HSH), por otro lado solo el 1.7 por ciento de las trabajadoras sexuales obtuvo un conocimiento "Bajo" comparado con el 6.7 por ciento de los hombres que tiene sexo con hombres que alcanzaron el mismo nivel. En cuanto a las prácticas preventivas, el 86.7 por ciento de las trabajadoras sexuales y el 78.3 por ciento de los hombres que tienen sexo con...

Objective: To compare the knowledge and practices on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections among sex workers and men who have sex with men who attend the CERITS - Centro Materno Infantil San José de January-March 2015. Methodology: Study observational, comparative, prospective descriptive cross sectional. It worked with a population consisted of 60 sex workers and 60 men who have sex with men treated at the CERITS "San Jose" during the period from January to March 2015. The data were registered with the Statistical program SPSS v.21. For the descriptive analysis of quantitative variables were estimated measures of central tendency (mean) and dispersion measures (standard deviation). For the analysis of qualitative variables (nominal) were estimated percentages (relative frequencies) and frequencies. The graphics were designed in Microsoft Excel 2010, using bar charts. Results: Respect to study shows that 6.7 per cent of sex workers and 6.7 per cent of men who have sex with men had an STI. 15 per cent of sex workers and 23.3 per cent of men who have sex with men use drugs. Regarding the degree of knowledge about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections among sex workers and men who have sex with men showed that: 33.3 per cent of the respondents in the first group (TS) reached knowledge "high" compared with 26.7 per cent of respondents in the second group (MSM) on the other hand only 1.7 per cent of sex workers obtained knowledge "low" compared with 6.7 per cent of men who have sex with men at the level attained. With regard to preventive practices, 86.7 per cent of sex workers and 78.3 per cent of men who have sex with men always use a condom for anal sex, and 11.7 per cent of the respondents in the first group and 18.3 per cent of second group refers to using condoms sporadically. Also 15 per cent of sex workers sometimes used condoms for oral intercourse while 32.2 per cent of men who have sex with men do not use the condom for this...

Using simple manipulatives to improve student comprehension of a complex biological process: protein synthesis.

Biological systems and living processes involve a complex interplay of biochemicals and macromolecular structures that can be challenging for undergraduate students to comprehend and, thus, misconceptions abound. Protein synthesis, or translation, is an example of a biological process for which students often hold many misconceptions. This article describes an exercise that was developed to illustrate the process of translation using simple objects to represent complex molecules. Animations, 3D physical models, computer simulations, laboratory experiments and classroom lectures are also used to reinforce the students' understanding of translation, but by focusing on the simple manipulatives in this exercise, students are better able to visualize concepts that can elude them when using the other methods. The translation exercise is described along with suggestions for background material, questions used to evaluate student comprehension and tips for using the manipulatives to identify common misconceptions.