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1.
Codas ; 36(4): e20230233, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38775527

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Prospective memory (PM) questionnaires are frequently used to evaluate perceptions of PM skills in daily life. This study aimed to systematically investigate communication-specific attributes using pre-existing PM self-rating questionnaires to inform clinicians and researchers about the role of PM in cognitive communicative evaluations. METHODS: PM-related items from three questionnaires (i.e., Prospective Memory Questionnaire, Comprehensive Assessment of Prospective Memory, and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire) were compiled and embedded in Google Forms and distributed to 70 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) with expertise in Cognitive Communicative Disorders across India. Participants first identified items related to communication, and were then contacted to rate the communication-related PM items using a Likert scale for their degree of appropriateness. Responses from 40 SLPs were obtained and subjected to item-content validity index (i-CVI) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). RESULTS: Of the 114 PM items, 28 received ratings over 50% for their relevance to communication. Of the 28 items, 21 had an i-CVI score greater than 0.8. After the removal of overlapping content, 14 items were finalized and subjected to EFA, which resulted in four factors: PM failure due to loss of communicative content, PM failure due to loss of communicative intent, PM cost due to ongoing interference, and PM failure linked to the priority of communicative intent. CONCLUSION: This study highlights communication-related aspects of PM that can be used as a framework for SLPs to assess and research PM skills.


Assuntos
Comunicação , Memória Episódica , Patologia da Fala e Linguagem , Humanos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Análise Fatorial , Índia , Feminino , Masculino , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Adulto , Psicometria , Transtornos da Comunicação
2.
Biochem Soc Trans ; 52(2): 567-580, 2024 Apr 24.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38629621

RESUMO

The maintenance of phosphate homeostasis serves as a foundation for energy metabolism and signal transduction processes in all living organisms. Inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs), composed of an inositol ring decorated with monophosphate and diphosphate moieties, and inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), chains of orthophosphate residues linked by phosphoanhydride bonds, are energy-rich biomolecules that play critical roles in phosphate homeostasis. There is a complex interplay between these two phosphate-rich molecules, and they share an interdependent relationship with cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). In eukaryotes, the enzymes involved in PP-InsP synthesis show some degree of conservation across species, whereas distinct enzymology exists for polyP synthesis among different organisms. In fact, the mechanism of polyP synthesis in metazoans, including mammals, is still unclear. Early studies on PP-InsP and polyP synthesis were conducted in the slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum, but it is in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that a clear understanding of the interplay between polyP, PP-InsPs, and Pi homeostasis has now been established. Recent research has shed more light on the influence of PP-InsPs on polyP in mammals, and the regulation of both these molecules by cellular ATP and Pi levels. In this review we will discuss the cross-talk between PP-InsPs, polyP, ATP, and Pi in the context of budding yeast, slime mould, and mammals. We will also highlight the similarities and differences in the relationship between these phosphate-rich biomolecules among this group of organisms.


Assuntos
Homeostase , Fosfatos de Inositol , Polifosfatos , Polifosfatos/metabolismo , Animais , Fosfatos de Inositol/metabolismo , Humanos , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Trifosfato de Adenosina/metabolismo , Dictyostelium/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais
3.
Inorg Chem ; 63(4): 2090-2097, 2024 Jan 29.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38235667

RESUMO

Chemical quality control of nuclear fuel, particularly the determination of Pu and U contents by chemical methods, results in analytical acidic aqueous waste solutions from which Pu and U must be recovered efficiently for the remediation of radioactive wastes. Reported methods involve several complicated steps requiring addition of chemical oxidants/reductants for valence adjustments and generation of secondary wastes, thereby making the recovery process cumbersome. Herein, we report a novel two-step electrochemical approach for Pu and U recovery from acidic aqueous waste solutions containing different metallic impurities (Fe, Cr, Mn, Cd, Al, Ni, Co, Zn, and Mg) by bulk electrolysis using a Pt gauze electrode. Pu and U are recovered from these waste solutions in a two-step process: (i) bulk electrolysis of the mixed solution at a constant potential of 0.1 V vs Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl that results in the reduction of PuO22+ to Pu3+ followed by the precipitation of Pu3+ as K2(K0.5Pu0.5)(SO4)2, which is then filtered and separated and (ii) the filtrate solution is again subjected to bulk electrolysis at a constant potential of -0.35 V vs Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl resulting in the reduction of UO22+ to U4+. The U4+ is then precipitated as K2(K0.67U0.33)(SO4)2, which is filtered and separated, leading to a Pu- and U-free aqueous acidic waste solutions. Biamperometry shows that 97.8% and 99.1% recovery of Pu and U, respectively, is possible, and emission spectrometry confirms the purity of K2(K0.5Pu0.5)(SO4)2 and K2(K0.67U0.33)(SO4)2. Because of its operational simplicity, potential for remote handling, and excellent extraction efficiency, the present methodology can easily replace traditional methods for the recovery of Pu and U from acidic aqueous waste solutions.

4.
Curr Diabetes Rev ; 20(2): e140323214600, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36918778

RESUMO

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic medical condition, has attained a global pandemic status over the last few decades affecting millions of people. Despite a variety of synthetic drugs available in the market, the use of herbal medicines for managing diabetes is gaining importance because of being comparatively safer. This article reviews the result of a substantial literature search on polyherbal formulations (PHFs) developed and evaluated with potential for DM. The accumulated data in the literature allowed us to enlist 76PHFs consisting of different parts of 147 plant species belonging to 58 botanical families. The documented plant species are laden with bioactive components with anti-diabetic properties and thus draw attention. The most favoured ingredient for PHFs was leaves of Gymnema sylvestre and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum used in 27 and 22 formulations, respectively. Apart from herbs, shilajit (exudates from high mountain rocks) formed an important component of 9 PHFs, whereas calcined Mytilus margaritiferus and goat pancreas were used in Dolabi, the most commonly used tablet form of PHF in Indian markets. The healing properties of PHFs against diabetes have been examined in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. However, the mechanism(s) of action of PHFs are still unclear and considered the pitfalls inherent in understanding the benefits of PHFs. From the information available based on experimental systems, it could be concluded that plant-derived medicines will have a considerable role to play in the control of diabetes provided the challenges related to their bioavailability, bioefficacy, optimal dose, lack of characterization, ambiguous mechanism of action, and clinical efficiency are addressed.


Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus , Plantas Medicinais , Humanos , Hipoglicemiantes/farmacologia , Hipoglicemiantes/uso terapêutico , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Diabetes Mellitus/tratamento farmacológico , Fitoterapia
5.
CoDAS ; 36(1): e20220309, 2024. tab, graf
Artigo em Inglês | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1520727

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Purpose To address the need for a standardized assessment tool for assessing cognitive-communication abilities among Indian preschoolers, the current study aimed at describing a Delphi based development and validation process for developing one such tool. The objectives of the research were to conceptualize and construct the tool, validate its content, and assess its feasibility through pilot testing. Methods The study followed a Delphi approach to develop and validate the tool across four phases i.e. conceptualization; construction; content validation; and pilot testing. The first three phases were performed with a panel of six experts including speech-language pathologists and preschool teachers while the pilot testing was done with 20 typically developing preschoolers. A literature review was also conducted with the Delphi rounds to support the developmental process. Results The first two rounds of the Delphi aided in the construction of a culturally and linguistically suitable story-based cognitive-communication assessment tool with the memory (free recall, recognition, and literary recall) and executive function (reasoning, inhibition, and switching) related tasks relevant for preschoolers. The content validation of the tool was continued with the experts till the revisions were satisfactory and yielded an optimum Content Validity Index. The pilot test of the finalized version confirmed its feasibility and appropriateness to assess developmental changes in the cognitive-communication abilities of preschoolers. Conclusion The study describes the Delphi-based conceptualization, construction, content validation, and feasibility check of a tool to assess cognitive-communication skills in preschool children.

6.
CoDAS ; 36(4): e20230233, 2024. tab
Artigo em Inglês | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1557624

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Purpose Prospective memory (PM) questionnaires are frequently used to evaluate perceptions of PM skills in daily life. This study aimed to systematically investigate communication-specific attributes using pre-existing PM self-rating questionnaires to inform clinicians and researchers about the role of PM in cognitive communicative evaluations. Methods PM-related items from three questionnaires (i.e., Prospective Memory Questionnaire, Comprehensive Assessment of Prospective Memory, and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire) were compiled and embedded in Google Forms and distributed to 70 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) with expertise in Cognitive Communicative Disorders across India. Participants first identified items related to communication, and were then contacted to rate the communication-related PM items using a Likert scale for their degree of appropriateness. Responses from 40 SLPs were obtained and subjected to item-content validity index (i-CVI) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results Of the 114 PM items, 28 received ratings over 50% for their relevance to communication. Of the 28 items, 21 had an i-CVI score greater than 0.8. After the removal of overlapping content, 14 items were finalized and subjected to EFA, which resulted in four factors: PM failure due to loss of communicative content, PM failure due to loss of communicative intent, PM cost due to ongoing interference, and PM failure linked to the priority of communicative intent. Conclusion This study highlights communication-related aspects of PM that can be used as a framework for SLPs to assess and research PM skills.

7.
Codas ; 36(1): e20220309, 2023.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37909524

RESUMO

PURPOSE: To address the need for a standardized assessment tool for assessing cognitive-communication abilities among Indian preschoolers, the current study aimed at describing a Delphi based development and validation process for developing one such tool. The objectives of the research were to conceptualize and construct the tool, validate its content, and assess its feasibility through pilot testing. METHODS: The study followed a Delphi approach to develop and validate the tool across four phases i.e. conceptualization; construction; content validation; and pilot testing. The first three phases were performed with a panel of six experts including speech-language pathologists and preschool teachers while the pilot testing was done with 20 typically developing preschoolers. A literature review was also conducted with the Delphi rounds to support the developmental process. RESULTS: The first two rounds of the Delphi aided in the construction of a culturally and linguistically suitable story-based cognitive-communication assessment tool with the memory (free recall, recognition, and literary recall) and executive function (reasoning, inhibition, and switching) related tasks relevant for preschoolers. The content validation of the tool was continued with the experts till the revisions were satisfactory and yielded an optimum Content Validity Index. The pilot test of the finalized version confirmed its feasibility and appropriateness to assess developmental changes in the cognitive-communication abilities of preschoolers. CONCLUSION: The study describes the Delphi-based conceptualization, construction, content validation, and feasibility check of a tool to assess cognitive-communication skills in preschool children.


Assuntos
Transtornos da Comunicação , Professores Escolares , Humanos , Pré-Escolar , Técnica Delphi , Comunicação , Cognição
8.
Health Expect ; 26(6): 2571-2583, 2023 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37635370

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: Health literacy (HL) about healthy cognitive aging is essential in preventing cognitive decline and promoting cognitive well-being. It is important that one such HL module should be scientifically designed, delivered in a technically sound manner to the audience, and specific to the context. The present study thus aimed at developing and validating educational multimedia about cognitive health. METHODS: The study followed a methodological framework and was carried out across three phases, that is, identification of themes, development and validation of educational script and design, and validation of educational multimedia. The module was scripted based on the Integrated HL framework and the recommendations made during the modified nominal group technique among the research team. Seven speech-language pathologists (SLPs), with expertise in the field of cognitive sciences, and 15 representatives of the general public validated the module using the Educational Content Validation Instrument in Health and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials questionnaire. RESULTS: The scientific content of the educational script received satisfactory agreements among the experts (content validity index [CVI]: 0.93) and representatives of the general public (CVI: 0.86). The technical aspects of the educational multimedia were rated to have high understandability (experts: 92.8%; representatives of general public: 98.8%) and actionability (experts and representatives of general public 100%). CONCLUSION: Overall, the developed educational multimedia scored optimally with respect to the objective, structure, relevance of the content, actionability and understandability of the multimedia. The developed module holds the potential to be used at community and national level health educational programs or awareness campaigns to enhance public knowledge and beliefs pertaining to cognitive health. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: SLPs with expertise in the field of cognitive science and representatives from the general public were included to validate and obtain feedback on the developed educational multimedia.


Assuntos
Envelhecimento Cognitivo , Letramento em Saúde , Humanos , Multimídia , Escolaridade , Inquéritos e Questionários
10.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol ; 280(9): 4165-4173, 2023 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37221308

RESUMO

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to profile vocal fold morphology, vocal fold symmetry, gender and task-specific data for vocal fold length (VFL) and vocal fold displacement velocity (VFDV) in young normophonic adults in the age range of 18-30 years using ultrasonography (USG). METHODS: Participants underwent USG across quiet breathing, /a/ phonation and /i/ phonation tasks, and acoustic analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between USG and acoustic measures. RESULTS: The study found that males have longer vocal folds than females, and overall greater velocities were observed in /a/ phonation, followed by /i/ phonation, with the lowest velocity observed in the quiet breathing task. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained norms can be used as a quantitative benchmark for analyzing the vocal fold behavior in young adults.


Assuntos
Fonação , Prega Vocal , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Humanos , Adolescente , Adulto , Prega Vocal/diagnóstico por imagem , Ultrassonografia , Acústica , Vibração
11.
Funct Plant Biol ; 50(6): 482-496, 2023 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37045602

RESUMO

Bacteria that enhance plant growth and development and are found in the vicinity of roots are referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Some beneficial bacteria help plant tolerance to many hazardous chemical elements. In this context, Cupriavidus basilensis , Novosphingobium humi , Bacillus zanthoxyli , Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus alvei , Ancylobacter aquaticus and Ralstonia syzygii metal-tolerant rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil associated with Bacopa monnieri . The beneficial effects of rhizospheric bacteria on B. monnieri plant physiology and biochemical responses were investigated under pot conditions at two levels (100µM and 500µM) of CuSO4 or FeCl3 . N. humi , A. aquaticus and R. syzygii bacterial strains were associated with significantly increased height and biomass under normal and stress conditions. An assay for indole acetic acid in isolated rhizospheric bacteria found differential secretion except Bacillus zanthoxyli . Bacoside A is a major phytocompound in B. monnieri with medicinal value; maximum induction was observed in the R. syzygii treatment. High concentration of copper and iron salts negatively influenced height, biomass and photosynthetic pigments; however N. humi , A. aquaticus , Bacilllus sp. and R. syzygii beneficial bacterial helped plants under stress conditions. Moreover, a significant enhancement in chlorophyll a and b was noticed in C. basilensis , B. zanthoxyli , Bacilllus sp., P. alvei and R. syzygii treatments, without much influence on carotenoid levels. Therefore, the present study emphasises the importance of isolating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for use in bacopa plants exposed to metals such as copper and iron in soil.


Assuntos
Bacopa , Gallionellaceae , Cobre/farmacologia , Ferro/farmacologia , Bacopa/química , Clorofila A/farmacologia , Bactérias , Solo
12.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol ; 280(7): 3209-3217, 2023 Jul.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36695909

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Inter-aural insertion depth difference (IEDD) in bilateral cochlear implant (BiCI) with continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) processing is known to reduce the recognition of speech in noise and spatial release from masking (SRM). However, the independent channel selection in the 'n-of-m' sound coding strategy might have a different effect on speech recognition and SRM when compared to the effects of IEDD in CIS-based findings. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bilateral 'n-of-m' processing strategy and interaural electrode insertion depth difference on speech recognition in noise and SRM under conditions that simulated bilateral cochlear implant listening. METHODS: Five young adults with normal hearing sensitivity participated in the study. The target sentences were spatially filtered to originate from 0° and the masker was spatially filtered at 0°, 15°, 37.5°, and 90° using the Oldenburg head-related transfer function database for behind the ear microphone. A 22-channel sine wave vocoder processing based on 'n-of-m' processing was applied to the spatialized target-masker mixture, in each ear. The perceptual experiment involved a test of speech recognition in noise under one co-located condition (target and masker at 0°) and three spatially separated conditions (target at 0°, masker at 15°, 37.5°, or 90° to the right ear). RESULTS: The results were analyzed using a three-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The effect of interaural insertion depth difference (F (2,8) = 3.145, p = 0.098, ɳ2 = 0.007) and spatial separation between target and masker (F (3,12) = 1.239, p = 0.339, ɳ2 = 0.004) on speech recognition in noise was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Speech recognition in noise and SRM were not affected by IEDD ≤ 3 mm. Bilateral 'n-of-m' processing resulted in reduced speech recognition in noise and SRM.


Assuntos
Implante Coclear , Implantes Cocleares , Percepção da Fala , Adulto Jovem , Humanos , Implante Coclear/métodos , Percepção Auditiva , Ruído , Mascaramento Perceptivo
13.
MethodsX ; 9: 101727, 2022.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35664043

RESUMO

The spatial hearing experiments can be simulated using high-fidelity headphones. But these simulated experiments do not account for individual variations and are difficult to investigate when the listener is wearing hearing devices. Hence, the free-field systems are ideal for spatial hearing experiments. However, these systems are not readily available and must be customized based on experimental needs. This paper provides a brief overview of a spatial hearing research facility that is customized to perform experiments on individuals with normal hearing and hearing aid users. •This setup enables the assessment of spatial acuity with 10° precision in the horizontal plane.•The laboratory's universal design enables modifications based on experimental needs with minimum effort.•The signal processing and response acquisition systems are custom designed using MATLAB.

14.
Chem Commun (Camb) ; 58(8): 1111-1114, 2022 Jan 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34979537

RESUMO

Recovery of plutonium from aqueous carbonate waste solutions generated during the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel is a key concern for sustainable nuclear energy programmes and the remediation of radioactive waste. Reported methods proceed through secondary waste generation caused by acidification of carbonate waste and make the recovery process cumbersome. Herein, we report a simple method for the recovery of Pu as solid PuO2 powder from carbonate waste solution in a two-step process. (i) Pu was selectively electrochemically precipitated as plutonium-hydroxide in the presence of interfering U, Th, Ru, Zr, Nb, Cs and the degradation products of tri-butyl phosphate by bulk electrolysis at -0.9 V using a Pt gauze electrode and (ii) the precipitate was annealed at 973 K for conversion to pure PuO2 powder. The present approach is simple, avoids the generation of secondary waste and reduces the exposure of working personnel to radiation.

15.
Environ Pollut ; 298: 118844, 2022 Apr 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35032600

RESUMO

Emerging concern regarding the remediation of environmental pollution has expanded tremendously in recent years. Pharmaceutical industries and agricultural sectors release an enormous amount of residues containing toxic pollutants at trace levels which poses a serious impact on the environment and human health. To cope with the effect of hazardous and toxic contaminants, numerous methodologies have been developed for the treatment of effluents released from the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Amongst them, photocatalysis has gained much more attention for the degradation of pollutants due to its low cost, higher capability, green and eco-friendly approaches. Photocatalysts are the substrate that plays a key role in pollutant removal through photocatalysis by accelerating the necessary chemical reactions using a light source. In this review, the recent progress on photocatalysis and its fundamental mechanism in agrochemicals and pharmaceutical pollutant degradation was summarized. This review concisely discusses the incorporation of various metal oxides and nanomaterials into semiconductors for the effective degradation of contaminants. The current status and future research on different sectors and the difficulties in the photocatalytic removal of agrochemical and pharmaceutical pollutants are also reviewed in detail.


Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais , Nanoestruturas , Preparações Farmacêuticas , Agroquímicos , Humanos , Óxidos
16.
J Voice ; 36(5): 735.e1-735.e6, 2022 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32919829

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Straw phonation exercises have been proved to be effective in improving voice quality among persons with voice pathology. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of straw phonation as a warm-up exercise on maximum phonation duration, acoustic, and perceptual parameters of voice among Speech Language Pathologists. STUDY DESIGN: The study adopted a pretest-posttest design. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-five females with the mean age range of 20.87 ± 1.15 years participated in the study and completed a series of straw phonation exercises for three cycles. Maximum phonation duration, acoustic, and self-perceptual measures were assessed before and after the straw phonation exercises. F0, jitter, shimmer, nose to harmonic ratio, intensity, F1, F2, F3, F4, Maximum phonation duration, and the post self-perceptual measures were analyzed. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant improvement in the F0, intensity, F1, F2, F4, Maximum phonation duration, and self-perceptual measures. CONCLUSION: Straw phonation exercises provides an easy and effective warm up technique to improve the voice quality among Speech Language Pathologists and can be considered before conducting therapy sessions.


Assuntos
Treinamento da Voz , Exercício de Aquecimento , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Idioma , Patologistas , Fonação , Fala , Acústica da Fala , Adulto Jovem
17.
J Ayurveda Integr Med ; 13(1): 100490, 2022.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34949525

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Voice plays a major role in communication, and it reveals the speaker's physical and emotional health, personality, and identity. Professional voice users are dependent on their voice for their livelihood. A minimal change or deviation in their voice can interfere with their career. Since respiration is the source for voice production, good lung capacity and the inspiratory-expiratory ratio are very important in maintaining a good voice quality. Ujjayi Pranayama, an effective breathing technique is targeted in this study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effects of Ujjayi pranayama on acoustic, aerodynamic and self-perception parameters of voice in teachers. METHOD: Twenty normophonic female teachers performed this breathing technique taught by yoga professional. Parameters of aerodynamic, acoustic, and self-perception were analyzed at pre and post-practice. RESULTS: Significant differences in the acoustic variables including intensity and jitter were observed. Aerodynamic parameters have shown significant improvements in the variables including Maximum phonation Duration (MPD), Estimated Subglottal Pressure (ESGP), Laryngeal Conductance (LAC), Laryngeal Resistance (LAR) and Sound Pressure Level (SPL). Among the study participants, 80% have rated the Ujjayi pranayama as useful in prepping their voice for the vocal loading tasks. CONCLUSION: In view of the better objective evidence and significant improvements in the study variables including the participant's self-perception, authors suggest that Ujjayi pranayama can also be used in voice rehabilitation as a vocal warm-up exercise.

18.
Bioinform Biol Insights ; 15: 11779322211037769, 2021.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34733103

RESUMO

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins which play an important role in many cellular processes and are excellent drug targets. Despite the existence of several US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved GPCR-targeting drugs, there is a continuing challenge of side effects owing to the nonspecific nature of drug binding. We have investigated the diversity of the ligand binding site for this class of proteins against their cognate ligands using computational docking, even if their structures are known already in the ligand-complexed form. The cognate ligand of some of these receptors dock at allosteric binding site with better score than the binding at the conservative site. Interestingly, amino acid residues at such allosteric binding site are not conserved across GPCR subfamilies. Such a computational approach can assist in the prediction of specific allosteric binders for GPCRs.

19.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol ; 151: 110943, 2021 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34700297

RESUMO

AIM: The study compared parental ratings of children's language abilities at 3-years of age with observations of children's language performance by Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs). METHOD: Children (n=85) around 3-years of age were recruited from a child development clinic. Detailed speech and language assessments were completed during a one-hour semi-structured clinician-child interactive session. Language assessment was carried out using a criterion-referenced checklist and the language sections of the Bayley Scale for Infant Development- 3rd Edition (BSID-III). All parents rated their children's language skills using seven statements related to reception and expression domains of language on a 7-point rating scale. The language status of the child (typical language vs delay) determined by the parental report was matched with the language status as per the child's performance during the SLP assessment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Mean parental ratings of children assessed as having language delay by an SLP were significantly lower than children with typical language. Total parental rating score correlated highly with overall language scores on BSID-III; the highest correlation was observed for ratings of statements related to expressive language skills focusing on formation of sentences. Parental report of below normal performance on any one of the seven statements demonstrated acceptable sensitivity (0.95) and a high negative predictive value (0.98) with the child's performance as the gold standard. CONCLUSION: Parental ratings of language skills correlated with child's performance at 3-years of age with a higher agreement for identifying children with delays. Parental reports can be useful to red-flag children for further assessment and continued monitoring of language development in busy developmental clinics and preschools, especially in the context of low-resource settings.


Assuntos
Transtornos do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem , Pais , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Lactente , Desenvolvimento da Linguagem , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem/diagnóstico , Relações Pais-Filho , Fala
20.
Curr Res Virol Sci ; 2: 100008, 2021.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34250513

RESUMO

Most viral pathogens causing epidemics and pandemics are zoonotic, emerging from wildlife reservoirs like SARS CoV2 causing the global Covid-19 pandemic, although animal origin of this virus remains a mystery. Cross-species transmission of pathogens from animals to humans is known as zoonosis. However, pathogens are also transmitted from humans to animals in regions where there is a close interaction between animals and humans by 'reverse transmission' (anthroponosis). Molecular evidence for the transmission of two zoonotic RNA viruses at the human-monkey interface in Rajasthan forests is presented here: a) the apathogenic Simian Foamy Viruses (SFV), and b): Influenza A viruses (IAV)-like virus, etiologic agent for human flu infecting wild Indian rhesus monkeys inhabiting Rajasthan forests. The data provide critical information on ecology and evolution of viruses of Public Health relevance. During replication, viral genomes mutate along the transmission route to adapt to the new hosts, generating new variants that are likely to have properties different from the founder viruses. Wild Indian monkeys are under-sampled for monitoring infectious diseases mainly because of the difficulties with sample collection. Monkeys are perceived as religious icons by the Hindus in India. It is extremely difficult to obtain permission from the Forest and Wildlife Department government authorities to collect wild simian blood samples for surveillance of infectious diseases caused by viral pathogens. Reducing animal-human contact and affordable vaccination are two relevant anti-viral strategies to counteract the spread of infectious zoonotic pathogens. Genbank Accession numbers: Indian SFVmac: ADN94420, IAV like virus: MZ298601.

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