Frost Fighters: Unveiling the Potentials of Microbial Antifreeze Proteins in Biotech Innovation.

Polar environments pose extreme challenges for life due to low temperatures, limited water, high radiation, and frozen landscapes. Despite these harsh conditions, numerous macro and microorganisms have developed adaptive strategies to reduce the detrimental effects of extreme cold. A primary survival tactic involves avoiding or tolerating intra and extracellular freezing. Many organisms achieve this by maintaining a supercooled state by producing small organic compounds like sugars, glycerol, and amino acids, or through increasing solute concentration. Another approach is the synthesis of ice-binding proteins (IBPs), specifically antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which hinder ice crystal growth below the melting point. This adaptation is crucial for preventing intracellular ice formation, which could be lethal, and ensuring the presence of liquid water around cells. AFPs have independently evolved in different species, exhibiting distinct thermal hysteresis and ice structuring properties. Beyond their ecological role, AFPs have garnered significant attention in biotechnology for potential applications in the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. This review aims to offer a thorough insight into the activity and impacts of AFPs on water, examining their significance in cold-adapted organisms and exploring the diversity of microbial AFPs. Using a meta-analysis from cultivation-based and cultivation-independent data, we evaluate the correlation between AFPs-producing microorganisms and cold environments. We also explore small and large-scale biotechnological applications of AFPs, providing a perspective for future research.

MR Imaging Findings in Anti-Leucine-Rich Glioma Inactivated Protein 1 Encephalitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antibodies against leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) constitute a common form of autoimmune encephalitis. On MR imaging, it may show T2 FLAIR hyperintensities of the medial temporal lobe (T2 FLAIR-MTL), involve the basal ganglia, or be unremarkable. PURPOSE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain prevalence estimates of abnormal findings on MR imaging in anti-LGI1 encephalitis. A human brain map of the LGI1 microarray gene expression was derived from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Web of Science were searched with the terms "LGI1" and "encephalitis" from inception to April 7, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Thirty-one research publications, encompassing case series and retrospective cohort and case-control studies, with >10 patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis and MR imaging data were included. DATA ANALYSIS: Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation. Meta-analysis used DerSimonian and Laird random effects models. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 1318 patients in 30 studies, T2 FLAIR-MTL hyperintensities were present in 54% (95% CI, 0.48-0.60; I2 = 76%). Of 394 patients in 13 studies, 27% showed bilateral (95% CI, 0.19-0.36; I2 = 71%) and 24% unilateral T2 FLAIR-MTL abnormalities (95% CI, 0.17-0.32; I2 = 61%). Of 612 patients in 15 studies, basal ganglia abnormalities were present in 10% (95% CI, 0.06-0.15; I2 = 67%). LGI1 expression was highest in the amygdala, hippocampus, and caudate nucleus. LIMITATIONS: Only part of the spectrum of MR imaging abnormalities in anti-LGI1 encephalitis could be included in a meta-analysis. MR imaging findings were not the main outcomes in most studies, limiting available information. I2 values ranged from 62% to 76%, representing moderate-to-large heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: T2 FLAIR-MTL hyperintensities were present in around one-half of patients with anti-LGI1. The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral presentations was similar, suggesting unilaterality should raise the suspicion of this disease in the appropriate clinical context. Around 10% of patients showed basal ganglia abnormalities, indicating that special attention should be given to this region. LGI1 regional expression coincided with the most frequently reported abnormal findings on MR imaging. Regional specificity might be partially determined by expression levels of the target protein.

A Step Forward for the Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer Using Gold Nanoparticles Combined with Laser Irradiation.

Prostate cancer (PCA) is the second most common cancer diagnosis in men and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. The conventional treatments available are beneficial to only a few patients and, in those, some present adverse side effects that eventually affect the quality of life of most patients. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective, less invasive and targeted specific treatments for PCA. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a minimally invasive therapy that provides a localized effect for tumour cell ablation by activating photothermal agents (PTA) that mediate the conversion of the light beam's energy into heat at the site. As tumours are unable to easily dissipate heat, they become more susceptible to temperature increases. In the PTT field, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been attracting interest as PTA. The aim of this study was to formulate AuNPs capable of remaining retained in the tumour and subsequently generating heat at the tumour site. AuNPs were synthesized and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (ZP), morphology and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The safety of AuNPs and their efficacy were assessed using in vitro models. A preliminary in vivo safety assessment of AuNPs with a mean size lower than 200 nm was confirmed. The morphology was spherical-like and the SPR band showed good absorbance at the laser wavelength. Without laser, AuNPs proved to be safe both in vitro (>70% viability) and in vivo. In addition, with laser irradiation, they proved to be relatively effective in PCA cells. Overall, the formulation appears to be promising for use in PTT.

Fibroelastoma, an Incidentaloma Disease? - Image Cases of Fibroelastomas as Incidental Findings in Four Patients, Four Different Valves. / Fibroelastoma, uma Doença Incidentaloma? ­ Imagem de Casos de Fibroelastomas como Achados Incidentais em Quatro Pacientes, Quatro Valvas Diferentes.

Fibroelastomas are the second most common benign cardiac tumor1. They are small avascular structures with a mean size of 9mm, ranging up to 70mm, usually attached to the heart valves' surface (aortic and mitral are the most affected, followed by tricuspid and pulmonary valves). Their etiology is unclear, but the hypothesis of coalescence of microthrombus at the coaptation margins of valves is the most widely accepted theory. On echocardiography, they are pedicled, mobile, with a filamentous surface, and usually have a speckled appearance with echolucencies and a stippled pattern near the edges. Clinically, they may be associated with embolic phenomena; however, in most cases, the diagnosis is incidental. We present a series of four clinical cases with an incidental diagnosis of fibroelastomas across the four cardiac valves as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (Video 1; Figure 1). Video 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient. Link: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figure 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient.

Os fibroelastomas são o segundo tumor cardíaco benigno mais comum. São estruturas pequenas, avasculares, com uma dimensão média de 9mm, podendo atingir até 70mm, habitualmente aderentes à superfície das válvulas cardíacas (válvulas aórtica e mitral são as mais comumente afetadas, seguidas das válvulas tricúspide e pulmonar). A etiologia não é clara, sendo a hipótese de formação de microtrombos nas margens de coaptação das válvulas a mais aceite. Na ecocardiografia apresentam aspeto pediculado, móvel, com superfície filamentosa, tipicamente com uma aparência pontilhada nas margens e ecolucente. Do ponto de vista clínico, podem estar associados a fenómenos embólicos, no entanto, na maioria dos casos o diagnóstico é incidental. Apresentamos de seguida quatro casos de diagnóstico incidental de fibroelastomas nas quatro válvulas cardíacas, diagnosticados por ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) (Vídeo 1; Figura 1). Vídeo 1Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente. Em: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figura 1Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente.

Blood and CSF anti-neuronal antibodies testing in psychotic syndromes: a retrospective analysis from a tertiary psychiatric hospital.

A Consensus of Psychoimmunology Experts (Pollak et al., 2019) established a set of red flags and proposed diagnostic criteria for psychosis of autoimmune origin (AIP). Previous studies on AIP are limited by the scarcity of CSF analysis, preventing the valorization of blood anti-neuronal antibodies (Ab). The aims of this study are to determine the relative frequency and characterize AIP in a cohort of psychotic patients that underwent CSF workup. This work is a retrospective study in a tertiary psychiatric hospital. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected from medical records, and patients were classified according to Pollak et al. (2019) criteria. From 68 patients, ten (14.7%) had positive anti-neuronal antibodies (Ab): n = 5 in CSF and blood (n = 4 anti-NMDAr, n = 1 -GAD65), and n = 5 in blood only (n = 1 anti-GABAb, n = 1 -GAD65, n = 1 -SOX1, n = 1 -NMDAr, n = 1 -zic4). After 5- (2-10)-year follow-up, n = 6/68 (8.8%) had AIP diagnosis in context of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), and the remaining (n = 4/10, blood-only Ab) alternative diagnoses (n = 2 dementia, n = 1 schizophrenia, n = 1 intellectual disability). Ten of the 13 patients that fulfilled criteria for possible AIP were mimics, and only three AE had criteria for probable AIP. All AIP developed neurological manifestations (mostly cognitive dysfunction); EEG was usually abnormal (66.7%), and all had normal MRI. We found statistically significant associations between AIP/AE and systemic autoimmune disease, presentation with seizures and EEG abnormalities. All AE developed neurological symptoms alongside psychosis. Ab positivity occurred predominantly in AE but also in other neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical suspicion based on the knowledge of the described presentations of established Ab is crucial in the psychotic patient approach.

Fibroelastoma, uma Doença Incidentaloma? - Imagem de Casos de Fibroelastomas como Achados Incidentais em Quatro Pacientes, Quatro Valvas Diferentes / Fibroelastoma, an Incidentaloma Disease? - Image Cases of Fibroelastomas as Incidental Findings in Four Patients, Four Different Valves

Resumo Os fibroelastomas são o segundo tumor cardíaco benigno mais comum. São estruturas pequenas, avasculares, com uma dimensão média de 9mm, podendo atingir até 70mm, habitualmente aderentes à superfície das válvulas cardíacas (válvulas aórtica e mitral são as mais comumente afetadas, seguidas das válvulas tricúspide e pulmonar). A etiologia não é clara, sendo a hipótese de formação de microtrombos nas margens de coaptação das válvulas a mais aceite. Na ecocardiografia apresentam aspeto pediculado, móvel, com superfície filamentosa, tipicamente com uma aparência pontilhada nas margens e ecolucente. Do ponto de vista clínico, podem estar associados a fenómenos embólicos, no entanto, na maioria dos casos o diagnóstico é incidental. Apresentamos de seguida quatro casos de diagnóstico incidental de fibroelastomas nas quatro válvulas cardíacas, diagnosticados por ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) (Vídeo 1; Figura 1). Vídeo 1 Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente. Em: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figura 1 Da esquerda para a direita, de cima para baixo: fibroelastomas no folheto anterior da válvula tricúspide, folheto anterior da válvula mitral, cúspide esquerda da válvula pulmonar e cúspide esquerda da válvula aórtica, cada um correspondendo a um doente diferente.

Abstract Fibroelastomas are the second most common benign cardiac tumor1. They are small avascular structures with a mean size of 9mm, ranging up to 70mm, usually attached to the heart valves' surface (aortic and mitral are the most affected, followed by tricuspid and pulmonary valves). Their etiology is unclear, but the hypothesis of coalescence of microthrombus at the coaptation margins of valves is the most widely accepted theory. On echocardiography, they are pedicled, mobile, with a filamentous surface, and usually have a speckled appearance with echolucencies and a stippled pattern near the edges. Clinically, they may be associated with embolic phenomena; however, in most cases, the diagnosis is incidental. We present a series of four clinical cases with an incidental diagnosis of fibroelastomas across the four cardiac valves as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (Video 1; Figure 1). Video 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient. Link: http://abccardiol.org/supplementary-material/2024/12102/2023-0222_IM_video01.mp4 Figure 1 From left to right and top to bottom: fibroelastomas of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, left cusp of the pulmonary valve and left cuspid of the aortic valve, each corresponding to a different patient.

Being a Young Carer in Portugal: The Impact of Caring on Adolescents' Life Satisfaction.

Caring for an ill or disabled relative can present significant challenges that may exceed the personal resources of the caregiver. Young carers (YCs) often take on this role, providing support to family members or friends, which can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of their lives. This study involved 235 adolescents, 106 YCs, and 129 non-carers (NCs), who completed questionnaires assessing life satisfaction, satisfaction with social support, family functioning, academic functioning, and caregiving activities. Tests of group differences (MANOVA and MANCOVA controlling for age) showed YCs had more caregiving activities than NCs (as expected) and, critically, significantly lower life satisfaction. Hierarchical regressions with the YCS subsample showed academic functioning, social support, and the negative impact of caregiving were associated with life satisfaction, and that the negative influence of caregiving was linked to family functioning and the quantity of caregiving activities. For NCs, academic functioning, satisfaction with social support, and family functioning were associated with life satisfaction. In conclusion, caregiving in adolescents appears to be linked to lower life satisfaction, but this effect is determined by their social support, academic functioning, and negative impact of caring, which in turn depends on their family functioning and amount of caring activities.

End-Organ Damage in Hypertension: An Insight on a Differentiated Outpatient Consultation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of end-organ damage in hypertensive patients attending an outpatient consultation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were selected from an outpatient consultation at a tertiary hospital care center. All patients who consulted between July 2022 and March 2023 were included. Data on demographic characteristics, blood pressure records, hypertension etiology, medication use, and the presence of target organ damage were collected. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were included in the study, with 34 patients being male (46.6%) and 39 patients being female (53.4%). The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years. Among the cases of hypertension, 14 (19.2%) were classified as secondary arterial hypertension (AH). The most common cause of secondary AH was obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (42.9%). Approximately 23.2% of patients had documented end-organ damage potentially related to hypertension, with kidney disease being the most frequent (n = 10, 13.7%). The most commonly prescribed pharmacological classes were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (n = 46, 63%). CONCLUSION: Despite numerous studies and trials on arterial hypertension, it remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, necessitating the continued awareness of its long-term implications.

Nanotechnology-based techniques for hair follicle regeneration.

The hair follicle (HF) is a multicellular complex structure of the skin that contains a reservoir of multipotent stem cells. Traditional hair repair methods such as drug therapies, hair transplantation, and stem cell therapy have limitations. Advances in nanotechnology offer new approaches for HF regeneration, including controlled drug release and HF-specific targeting. Until recently, embryogenesis was thought to be the only mechanism for forming hair follicles. However, in recent years, the phenomenon of wound-induced hair neogenesis (WIHN) or de novo HF regeneration has gained attention as it can occur under certain conditions in wound beds. This review covers HF-specific targeting strategies, with particular emphasis on currently used nanotechnology-based strategies for both hair loss-related diseases and HF regeneration. HF regeneration is discussed in several modalities: modulation of the hair cycle, stimulation of progenitor cells and signaling pathways, tissue engineering, WIHN, and gene therapy. The HF has been identified as an ideal target for nanotechnology-based strategies for hair regeneration. However, some regulatory challenges may delay the development of HF regeneration nanotechnology based-strategies, which will be lastly discussed.

Development and Upscaling of SiO2@TiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Methylene Blue Removal.

SiO2@TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a simple, reproducible, and low-cost method and tested for methylene blue adsorption and UV photodegradation, with a view to their application in wastewater treatment. The monodisperse SiO2 core was obtained by the classical Stöber method and then coated with a thin layer of TiO2, followed by calcination or hydrothermal treatments. The properties of SiO2@TiO2 core-shell NPs resulted from the synergy between the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and the adsorptive properties of SiO2. The synthesized NPs were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, HR-TEM, FE-SEM, and EDS. Zeta potential, specific surface area, and porosity were also determined. The results show that the synthesized SiO2@TiO2 NPs that are hydrothermally treated have similar behaviors and properties regardless of the hydrothermal treatment type and synthesis scale and better performance compared to the SiO2@TiO2 calcined and TiO2 reference samples. The generation of reactive species was determined by EPR, and the photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the methylene blue (MB) removal in aqueous solution under UV light. Hydrothermally treated SiO2@TiO2 showed the highest adsorption capacity and photocatalytic removal of almost 100% of MB after 15 min in UV light, 55 and 89% higher compared to SiO2 and TiO2 reference samples, respectively, while the SiO2@TiO2 calcined sample showed 80%. It was also observed that the SiO2-containing samples showed a considerable adsorption capacity compared to the TiO2 reference sample, which improved the MB removal. These results demonstrate the efficient synergy effect between SiO2 and TiO2, which enhances both the adsorption and photocatalytic properties of the nanomaterial. A possible photocatalytic mechanism was also proposed. Also noteworthy is that the performance of the upscaled HT1 sample was similar to one of the lab-scale synthesized samples, demonstrating the potentiality of this synthesis methodology in producing candidate nanomaterials for the removal of contaminants from wastewater.

Hyperglycemic Hemichorea: A Case Report.

Chorea is a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by a continuous flow of rapid, random, and involuntary bodily contractions, usually affecting the distal limbs. When these movements are more proximal or assume a larger amplitude with a flinging or kicking character, they're referred to as ballism. These disorders can be associated with several causes, ranging from genetic and neurovascular to toxic, autoimmune, and metabolic. Non-ketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea-hemiballismus is a rare consequence of decompensated diabetes mellitus with a poorly understood pathogenesis but with characteristic MRI T1 and T2 hyperintense abnormalities in the contralateral basal ganglia. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension who was admitted to the emergency room due to a two-day history of rapid non-stereotypical involuntary movements of the left side of her body. A neurological exam showed large amplitude and repetitive left-side body movements. Glycemia was 541 mg/dL with no ketosis. Her glycosylated hemoglobin was 14%. A brain CT excluded acute abnormalities. Brain MRI showed a discrete T1 hyperintense signal involving the right corpus striatum, compatible with non-ketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea-hemiballism syndrome. After metabolic optimization with insulin and haloperidol, the movements resolved. Early recognition and metabolic control are essential to the resolution of choreiform movements. Our aim is to raise awareness for hyperglycemic hemichorea-hemiballismus, in which decompensated diabetes is the early sign of diagnosis.

Hydrocephalus: a rare complication of primary central nervous system vasculitis.

Hydrocephalus is a known complication of central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis secondary to infectious diseases. We present an unusual case of primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) complicated by communicating hydrocephalus. A patient in their 50s with a few months' history of headache, psychomotor slowing and frequent falls presented with an acute left temporo-parieto-occipital infarction. Angiography revealed multiple arterial irregularities in the anterior circulation bilaterally, CSF was inflammatory and the remaining study was negative, fulfilling criteria for possible PCNSV. One month after successful treatment with corticosteroid, there was worsening of gait, urinary incontinence and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The investigation was remarkable only for active hydrocephalus. An external ventricular shunt was placed, followed by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and cyclophosphamide was started with subsequent recovery. Our discussion is that communicating hydrocephalus in PCNSV, due to impaired CSF flow, should be considered on subacute/chronic worsening of patients with PCNSV.

Bioengineered exosomal-membrane-camouflaged abiotic nanocarriers: neurodegenerative diseases, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes, such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes. This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials with improved interfacial properties, superior cell targeting, immune evasion potential, and prolonged duration of systemic circulation. Here, we summarize recent advances in the production and application of exosomal membrane-coated nanomaterials. The structure, properties, and manner in which exosomes communicate with cells are first reviewed. This is followed by a discussion of the types of exosomes and their fabrication methods. We then discuss the applications of biomimetic exosomes and membrane-cloaked nanocarriers in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, imaging, and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we appraise the current challenges associated with the clinical translation of biomimetic exosomal membrane-surface-engineered nanovehicles and evaluate the future of this technology.

Subjective well-being and school engagement before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic: What good are positive emotions?

The present study overcomes the limited empirical evidence on the association between well-being and school engagement in times of adversity by exploiting available data from two large and comparable samples of eighth graders; one obtained prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the second obtained during the pandemic. Results suggest that adolescents were less engaged with their learning context during the pandemic, as well as lower in positive and negative affect, but slightly more satisfied with life. Through SEM we found a stronger positive association between positive affect and school engagement in the COVID-19 group compared with the pre-COVID-19 group. This finding highlights the important role of positive affect in supporting better academic functioning in the aftermath of a global crisis.

Safety of Gold Nanoparticles: From In Vitro to In Vivo Testing Array Checklist.

In recent years, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have aroused the interest of many researchers due to their unique physicochemical and optical properties. AuNPs are being explored in a variety of biomedical fields, either in diagnostics or therapy, particularly for localized thermal ablation of cancer cells after light irradiation. Besides the promising therapeutic potential of AuNPs, their safety constitutes a highly important issue for any medicine or medical device. For this reason, in the present work, the production and characterization of physicochemical properties and morphology of AuNPs coated with two different materials (hyaluronic and oleic acids (HAOA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) were firstly performed. Based on the above importantly referred issue, the in vitro safety of developed AuNPs was evaluated in healthy keratinocytes, human melanoma, breast, pancreatic and glioblastoma cancer cells, as well as in a three-dimensional human skin model. Ex vivo and in vivo biosafety assays using, respectively, human red blood cells and Artemia salina were also carried out. HAOA-AuNPs were selected for in vivo acute toxicity and biodistribution studies in healthy Balb/c mice. Histopathological analysis showed no significant signs of toxicity for the tested formulations. Overall, several techniques were developed in order to characterize the AuNPs and evaluate their safety. All these results support their use for biomedical applications.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 is characterized by diminished peripheral CD8+ß7 integrin+ T cells and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA response.

Several millions of individuals are estimated to develop post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 condition (PASC) that persists for months after infection. Here we evaluate the immune response in convalescent individuals with PASC compared to convalescent asymptomatic and uninfected participants, six months following their COVID-19 diagnosis. Both convalescent asymptomatic and PASC cases are characterised by higher CD8+ T cell percentages, however, the proportion of blood CD8+ T cells expressing the mucosal homing receptor ß7 is low in PASC patients. CD8 T cells show increased expression of PD-1, perforin and granzyme B in PASC, and the plasma levels of type I and type III (mucosal) interferons are elevated. The humoral response is characterized by higher levels of IgA against the N and S viral proteins, particularly in those individuals who had severe acute disease. Our results also show that consistently elevated levels of IL-6, IL-8/CXCL8 and IP-10/CXCL10 during acute disease increase the risk to develop PASC. In summary, our study indicates that PASC is defined by persisting immunological dysfunction as late as six months following SARS-CoV-2 infection, including alterations in mucosal immune parameters, redistribution of mucosal CD8+ß7Integrin+ T cells and IgA, indicative of potential viral persistence and mucosal involvement in the etiopathology of PASC.

Potato Chips Byproducts as Feedstocks for Developing Active Starch-Based Films with Potential for Cheese Packaging.

The potato chip industry generates brownish frying residues, which are usually landfilled. While spent frying oil has value as biodiesel, the defatted brownish water-soluble extract (BrE) does not yet have an application. In this work, it was hypothesized that BrE can be a source of compounds for active packaging. BrE is composed of carbohydrates (66.9%), protein (5.7%), and a small amount of phenolics and esterified fatty acids. When incorporated into starch-based formulations and casted, BrE at 5%, 10%, and 15% w/w (dry starch weight) conferred a yellowish coloration while maintaining the transparency of neat films. The BrE increased the films' traction resistance, elasticity, and antioxidant activity while decreasing their hydrophilicity. Furthermore, starch/15% BrE-based films showed diminished water vapor and good UV-light barrier properties. Their contact with sliced cheese did not change the products' hardness during storage (14 days). Weight loss of the cheese was observed after 7 days of storage, stabilizing at 6.52%, contrary to the cheese packed in polyamide (PA)/polyethylene (PE), already used in food packaging. The cheese packed in the starch/15% BrE-based films showed a significant yellowish darkening and lower content of volatile oxidation products compared to the PA/PE. Therefore, BrE revealed to have compounds with the potential to tune the performance of starch-based films for food packaging.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram: Still a Powerful Tool in the 21st Century for the Diagnosis of Aortic Dissection.

A 63-year-old woman with a history of previous anaphylactic reaction to iodate contrast presented with sudden back pain during exertion associated with elevated D-dimer levels. Transthoracic echocardiogram was unremarkable. She was unable to perform a computerized tomography for further evaluation of the aorta due to her allergic background. Transesophageal echocardiogram disclosed a type B aortic dissection. This case report recalls the importance of transesophageal echocardiography in the algorithm for diagnosing aortic dissection in scenarios where CT is not possible.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Presenting as a Brown Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with CKD-related mineral and bone disease (CKD-MBD). A 70-year-old woman was admitted at the Hospital for generalized bone pain and peripheral edema. Initial laboratory tests revealed normocytic anemia and severe renal dysfunction, and further tests evidenced severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Full-body computerized tomography showed an osteolytic lesion in the right iliac wing. The iliac bone lesion was biopsied and histological examination was consistent with the diagnosis of a brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism. Brown tumors are a rare variant of osteitis fibrosa cystica that results from sustained high levels of parathyroid hormone in CKD. This case sheds light on rare complications that are experienced today in CKD. The clinical and biochemical setting, as well as the clinical suspicion, are essential to the diagnosis.