RESUMO
The post COVID-19 pandemic era has emerged with more efficient vaccines, all based on genetic materials. However, to expand the use of nucleic components as vaccines, a new generation of nanosystems particularly constructed to increase RNA/DNA stability, half-life and facilitate administration are still required. This review highlights novel developments in mRNA and pDNA vaccines formulated into nanostructures exclusively composed by biopolymeric materials. Recent advances suggest that a new generation of vaccines may arise by adapting the structural features of biopolymers with the effectiveness of nucleic acids. The advantages offered by biopolymers, such as increased stability and targeting ability may cause a revolution in the immunization field for offering promptly adaptable and effective formulations for worldwide distribution.
[Box: see text].
RESUMO
This work proposes a design methodology for predictive control applied to the single-phase PWM inverter with an LC filter. In the design, we considered that the PWM inverter has parametric uncertainties in the filter inductance and output load resistance. The control system purpose is to track a sinusoidal signal at the inverter output. The designed control system with an embedded integrator uses the principle of receding horizon control, which underpinned predictive control. The methodology was described by linear matrix inequalities, which can be solved efficiently using convex programming techniques, and the optimal solution is obtained. MATLAB-Simulink and real-time FPGA-in-the-loop simulations illustrate the viability of the proposed control system. The LMI-based MPC reveals an effective performance for tracking of a sinusoidal reference signal and disturbance rejection of input voltage and load perturbations for the inverter subject to uncertainties.
RESUMO
Nanocelluloses have gained significant attention in recent years due to their singular properties (good biocompatibility, high optical transparency and mechanical strength, large specific surface area, and good film-forming ability) and wide-ranging applications (paper, food packaging, textiles, electronics, and biomedical). This article is a comprehensive review of the applications of nanocelluloses (cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose) in the conservation and restoration of historical paper documents, including their preparation methods and main properties. The novelty lies in the information collected about nanocelluloses as renewable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable materials in the field of cultural heritage preservation as an alternative to conventional methods. Several studies have demonstrated that nanocelluloses, with or without other particles, may impart to the paper documents excellent optical and mechanical properties, very good stability against temperature and humidity aging, higher antibacterial and antifungal activity, high protection from UV light, and may be applied without requiring additional adhesive.
RESUMO
KEY MESSAGE: GPI anchor addition is important for JAGGER localization and in vivo function. Loss of correct GPI anchor addition in JAGGER, negatively affects its localization and function. In flowering plants, successful double fertilization requires the correct delivery of two sperm cells to the female gametophyte inside the ovule. The delivery of a single pair of sperm cells is achieved by the entrance of a single pollen tube into one female gametophyte. To prevent polyspermy, Arabidopsis ovules avoid the attraction of multiple pollen tubes to one ovule-polytubey block. In Arabidopsis jagger mutants, a significant number of ovules attract more than one pollen tube to an ovule due to an impairment in synergid degeneration. JAGGER encodes a putative arabinogalactan protein which is predicted to be anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Here, we show that JAGGER fused to citrine yellow fluorescent protein (JAGGER-cYFP) is functional and localizes mostly to the periphery of ovule integuments and transmitting tract cells. We further investigated the importance of GPI-anchor addition domains for JAGGER localization and function. Different JAGGER proteins with deletions in predicted ω-site regions and GPI attachment signal domain, expected to compromise the addition of the GPI anchor, led to disruption of JAGGER localization in the cell periphery. All JAGGER proteins with disrupted localization were also not able to rescue the polytubey phenotype, pointing to the importance of GPI-anchor addition to in vivo function of the JAGGER protein.
RESUMO
In the present study, we describe Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. (Ascaridida: Cosmocercidae) parasitizing Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) in the municipality of Uberlândia, Cerrado Biome, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. differs from its congeners by having shorter spicules and by the number and arrangement of caudal papillae. The males of the new species have a precloacal unpaired papilla and can be easily distinguished from O. caucasicum in which this morphological trait is absent. Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. differs from the other three species of the genus by the number and arrangement of caudal papillae, with 13 pairs + 1 unpaired precloacal papilla, arrangement 8+1:2:3, while O. brevicaudatum has 14-16 pairs +1 unpaired papilla, and 7-9+1:1:6 arrangement, O. petrolinensis has 16 pairs +1 unpaired papilla, and 8+1:1:7 arrangement, and O. dollfusi with 15-16 pairs +1 unpaired papilla, and 8-9+1:1:6 arrangement. Oxysomatium brevispiculum n. sp. is the fifth species of this genus, the second species in a Neotropical host, and the first species of this genus described in amphisbaenid hosts. In addition, the present study provides an identification key for the species of this genus.
Assuntos
Ascaridídios , Lagartos , Animais , Masculino , Brasil , Especificidade da Espécie , EcossistemaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is quickly expanding. Despite the amount of evidence and promising results, a thorough overview of the current state of AI in clinical practice of anesthesiology is needed. Therefore, our study aims to systematically review the application of AI in this context. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched Medline and Web of Science for articles published up to November 2022 using terms related with AI and clinical practice of anesthesiology. Articles that involved animals, editorials, reviews and sample size lower than 10 patients were excluded. Characteristics and accuracy measures from each study were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 46 articles were included in this review. We have grouped them into 4 categories with regard to their clinical applicability: (1) Depth of Anesthesia Monitoring; (2) Image-guided techniques related to Anesthesia; (3) Prediction of events/risks related to Anesthesia; (4) Drug administration control. Each group was analyzed, and the main findings were summarized. Across all fields, the majority of AI methods tested showed superior performance results compared to traditional methods. CONCLUSION: AI systems are being integrated into anesthesiology clinical practice, enhancing medical professionals' skills of decision-making, diagnostic accuracy, and therapeutic response.
Assuntos
Anestesia , Anestesiologia , Animais , Humanos , Inteligência Artificial , Tamanho da AmostraRESUMO
Studies on brain anatomy can clarify specific evolutionary and behavioural aspects of wild animals. The rich diversity in a broad range of habitats makes carnivorans especially eligible for studying the relations between the brain form and behaviour, cognitive, sensorial and motor traits. This study compared the brain's contour and total and segmented brain volumetry in three species of neotropical carnivorans. CT images of 17 skulls of three species were acquired: Conepatus chinga (n = 6), Galictis cuja (n = 6) and Lontra longicaudis (n = 5). Three-dimensional endocasts allowed for estimating the brain's total and segmented volumes (olfactory bulb, rostral cerebrum, caudal cerebrum and cerebellum/brain stem). The average volume percentage of the segments was compared interspecifically and intraspecifically between the sexes. The otter has a notably more complex gyrification, typical for semiaquatic carnivorans. Proportionally, the olfactory bulb was significantly larger in hog-nosed skunks, possibly due to a better sense of smell for capturing insects. The proportional volumes of the rostral cerebrum, caudal cerebrum and cerebellum/brain stem segments did not differ between these species. Social behaviour traits and tactile, motor and balance skills were probably not sufficiently distinct to reflect differences in the brain segments analysed in these three species.
Assuntos
Encéfalo , Cérebro , Animais , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Encéfalo/anatomia & histologia , Animais Selvagens , Cérebro/anatomia & histologia , Crânio/diagnóstico por imagem , Crânio/anatomia & histologia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/veterináriaRESUMO
Introducción: Cada vez son más los estudiantes interesados en estudios bibliométricos, lo que se traduce en la publicación de los mismos en revistas científicas de pregrado. Objetivo: Caracterizar la producción científica bibliométrica publicada en revistas estudiantiles de ciencias de la salud cubanas de 2021 a 2023. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y bibliométrico sobre los artículos de bibliometría publicados en revistas científicas estudiantiles de ciencias de la salud cubanas, entre enero de 2021 y agosto de 2023. El universo se conformó por 594 artículos y la muestra por 23. El procesamiento estadístico implicó la frecuencia absoluta y porcentual. Se calcularon los índices de Price, de colaboración y de productividad. Resultados: La revista con mayor número de artículos sobre bibliometría publicados fue Universidad Médica Pinareña, con 6,84 %; el 53,57 % de los autores pertenecieron al sexo masculino, y la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río fue el centro de procedencia de nueve autores, para un 17,65 %. Las investigaciones con cinco autores fueron las de mayor prevalencia, y el grado de productividad respecto al tema fue bajo, para un 67,86 %. Conclusiones: Existe una baja frecuencia de publicación de artículos bibliométricos en las revistas estudiantiles de ciencias de la salud cubanas, concentrándose en Universidad Médica Pinareña y 16 de Abril, mientras se muestra un elevado índice de publicaciones por autores masculinos. La autoría múltiple fue la que predominó.
Introduction: More and more students are interested in bibliometric studies which translate into their publication in undergraduate scientific journals. Objective: To characterize the bibliometric scientific production published in Cuban student health sciences journals from 2021 to 2023. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive and bibliometric research was carried out on bibliometric articles published in Cuban student scientific journals of Health Science, between January 2021 and August 2023. The universe was made up of 594 articles and the sample of 23. Statistical processing involved absolute and percentage frequency. Price, collaboration and productivity indices were calculated. Results: The journal with the highest number of articles on bibliometric published was Universidad Médica Pinareña with 6.84%; 53.57% of the authors belonged to the male sex and the University of Medical Sciences of Pinar del Rio was the center of origin of nine authors, for 17.65%. Research with five authors was the most prevalent and the degree of productivity regarding the topic was low, at 67.86%. Conclusions: There is a low frequency of publications of bibliometric articles in Cuban student scientific journals of Health Science, concentrating on the Universidad Médica Pinareña and 16 de Abril, while showing a high rate of publications by male authors. Multiple authorship predominated.
RESUMO
Abstract Background: Emergence Delirium (ED) is an essential condition in the immediate postoperative period. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials have concluded that the effect of ketamine on postoperative delirium remains unclear. The present study sought to evaluate if the intraoperative use of ketamine for postoperative analgesia is associated with postoperative ED in laparoscopic surgeries. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in the PostAnesthetic Care Unit (PACU) to evaluate patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery under a rigid intraoperative anesthesia protocol from July 2018 to January 2019. Patients submitted to laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy, oophorectomy, or salpingectomy with a score ≥1 on the Richmond Assessment Sedation Scale (RASS) or ≥2 on the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) were considered to have ED. t-test, Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact tests were used for comparison. Results: One hundred and fifteen patients were studied after laparoscopic surgery. Seventeen patients (14.8%) developed ED, and the incidence of ED in patients who received ketamine was not different from that of other patients (18.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.262). Patients with ED had more postoperative pain and morphine requirement at the PACU (p = 0.005 and p = 0.025, respectively). Type of surgery (general surgery, OR = 6.4, 95% CI 1.2‒35.2) and postoperative pain (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.2‒11.4) were risk factors for ED. Conclusion: In this study, no association was found between ED and intraoperative administration of ketamine in laparoscopic surgeries. Type of surgery and postoperative pain were risk factors for ED.
RESUMO
Introdução: Método de trabalho entre as redes de saúde, o matriciamento, após a pandemia Covid-19, teve enfoque na responsabilidade de reorganização do processo de trabalho junto aos profissionais das equipes em diversas instituições de saúde, como no Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica (NASF-AB). Objetivo: Descrever o apoio matricial no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa utilizada que busca descrever os desafios e as oportunidades do apoio matricial no período da pandemia de Covid-19. Para isso, foram selecionados artigos científicos publicados entre os anos de 2020 e 2022, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Resultados: Após a avaliação preliminar dos resultados das estratégias de busca, foram selecionados 18 artigos. No tocante aos desafios encontrados, destacam-se: suspensão de matriciamentos, escassez de recursos, violência nos territórios, dúvidas recorrentes das equipes de saúde, contaminação viral dos profissionais, sobrecarga das equipes e dificuldades tecnológicas. Já, em relação às oportunidades, ressaltam-se: modernização e digitalização das informações, prestação remota de diversos serviços, elaboração de ações em grupo, utilização de tecnologias digitais leves e fortalecimento do vínculo entre os profissionais e usuários. Conclusão: Quanto aos desafios, destacaram-se: suspensão de matriciamentos em muitas unidades de saúde, redução da segurança dos profissionais no exercício de suas funções e, sobre as oportunidades: utilização de tecnologias, matriciamento para os casos suspeitos e/ou confirmados de covid-19 e a importância da extensão universitária no enfrentamento da pandemia
Introduction: A working method between health networks, matrix support, after the Covid-19 pandemic, focused on the responsibility of reorganizing the work process with team professionals in various health institutions, such as the Expanded Family Health and Care Center Basic (NASF-AB). Objective: Uncover matrix support in the context of the covid-19 pandemic. Method: This is a narrative review used that seeks to describe the challenges and opportunities of matrix support during the Covid-19 pandemic. For this purpose, we have selected scientific articles published between the years 2020 and 2022, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Results: After the preliminary evaluation of two results of the search strategies, 18 articles were selected. Not referring to the challenges encountered, we highlight: suspension of registrations, scarcity of resources, violence in our territories, repeated visits by health teams, viral contamination of professionals, overload of equipment and technological difficulties. In relation to opportunities, we highlight: modernization and digitalization of information, remote provision of various services, group production of actions, use of light digital technologies and strengthening of the link between professionals and users. Conclusion: Regarding the challenges, we highlight: suspension of registrations in many health units, reduction of security of professionals in the exercise of their functions and, regarding the opportunities: use of technologies, registration for suspected and/or confirmed cases of covid -19 and the importance of university extension in confronting the pandemic
Assuntos
Humanos , Atenção Primária à Saúde , Colaboração Intersetorial , Comunicação em Saúde , COVID-19/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Introdução: Os arcos branquiais são os precursores embriológicos da face, pescoço e faringe. As anomalias dos arcos branquiais são a segunda lesão congênita mais comum de cabeça e pescoço em crianças. Entre essas anomalias, estão os cistos de arcos branquiais (BCC), que surgem devido a uma incorreta obliteração das fendas branquiais, ainda no período embrionário. Os BCC podem ser assintomáticos, apenas percebidos incidentalmente, e não se manifestar até a idade adulta. Resultados: Anomalias do segundo arco branquial devem ser consideradas como um dos possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais de massas cervicais, especialmente as que se manifestam como um abaulamento em região lateral do pescoço. Os BCC são formações de revestimento epitelial, sem aberturas externas. Após seu diagnóstico, o tratamento é cirúrgico, usualmente por meio de uma incisão cervical transversa e cuidadosa dissecação das estruturas, com o objetivo de extirpar toda a lesão. Conclusão: O método descrito, de excisão da lesão, por meio de incisão transversa em região cervical, dissecção tecidual por planos e ressecção de massa cística, é uma opção para o tratamento dessa deformidade, com adequado resultado estético e boa reprodutibilidade.
Introduction: The branchial arches are the embryological precursors of the face, neck, and pharynx. Branchial arch anomalies are the second most common congenital head and neck lesions in children. Among these anomalies are branchial arch cysts (BCC), which arise due to incorrect obliteration of the branchial slits, still in the embryonic period. BCCs may be asymptomatic, only noticed incidentally, and not manifest until adulthood. Results: Anomalies of the second branchial arch should be considered as one of the possible differential diagnoses of neck masses, especially those that manifest as a bulge in the lateral region of the neck. BCCs are epithelial lining formations without external openings. After diagnosis, treatment is surgical, usually through a transverse cervical incision and careful dissection of the structures, with the aim of extirpating the entire lesion. Conclusion: The method described of excision of the lesion through a transverse incision in the cervical region, tissue dissection in planes, and resection of the cystic mass is an option for the treatment of this deformity, with adequate aesthetic results and good reproducibility.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Current epidemiological data on heart failure (HF) in Portugal derives from studies conducted two decades ago. The main aim of this study is to determine HF prevalence in the Portuguese population. Using current standards, this manuscript aims to describe the methodology and research protocol applied. METHODS: The Portuguese Heart Failure Prevalence Observational Study (PORTHOS) is a large, three-stage, population-based, nationwide, cross-sectional study. Community-dwelling citizens aged 50 years and older will be randomly selected via stratified multistage sampling. Eligible participants will be invited to attend a screening visit at a mobile clinic for HF symptom assessment, anthropomorphic assessment, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing, one-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a sociodemographic and health-related quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D). All subjects with NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL or with a prior history of HF will undergo a diagnostic confirmatory assessment at the mobile clinic composed of a 12-lead ECG, comprehensive echocardiography, HF questionnaire (KCCQ) and blood sampling. To validate the screening procedure, a control group will undergo the same diagnostic assessment. Echocardiography results will be centrally validated, and HF diagnosis will be established according to the European Society of Cardiology HF guidelines. A random subsample of patients with an equivocal HF with preserved ejection fraction diagnosis based on the application of the Heart Failure Association preserved ejection fraction diagnostic algorithm will be invited to undergo an exercise echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Through the application of current standards, appropriate methodologies, and a strong research protocol, the PORTHOS study will determine the prevalence of HF in mainland Portugal and enable a comprehensive characterization of HF patients, leading to a better understanding of their clinical profile and health-related quality of life.
Assuntos
Insuficiência Cardíaca , Qualidade de Vida , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Estudos Transversais , Portugal/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Insuficiência Cardíaca/diagnóstico , Insuficiência Cardíaca/epidemiologia , Volume Sistólico , Peptídeo Natriurético Encefálico , Fragmentos de Peptídeos , BiomarcadoresRESUMO
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and remains the first cause of cancer death. The diagnosis of lung cancer is mostly made following evaluation for respiratory signs and symptoms but sometimes the first presentation may be atypical. Some symptoms may be related to the invasion of adjacent structures and others caused by an autoimmune-mediated process when cross-reactivity between tumor antigens and normal nervous tissues is responsible for paraneoplastic syndromes. We present a case of a young woman with a smoking history who first manifested with two uncommon presentations of lung cancer: a paraneoplastic neurological syndrome and a hemorrhagic pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade.
RESUMO
Paleogenomics focuses on the recovery, manipulation, and analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) from historical or long-dead organisms to reconstruct and analyze their genomes. The aDNA is commonly obtained from remains found in paleontological and archaeological sites, conserved in museums, and in other archival collections. Herbarium collections represent a great source of phenotypic and genotypic information, and their exploitation has allowed for inference and clarification of previously unsolved taxonomic and systematic relationships. Moreover, herbarium specimens offered a new source for studying phenological traits in plants and for disentangling biogeography and evolutionary scenarios of species. More recently, advances in molecular technologies went in parallel with the decreasing costs of next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, which paved the way to the utilization of aDNA for whole-genome studies. Although many studies have been carried out combining modern analytic techniques and ancient samples, such as herbarium specimens, this research field is still relatively unexplored due to the need for improving strategies for aDNA manipulation and exploitation from ancient samples. The higher susceptibility of aDNA to degradation and contamination during herbarium conservation and manipulation and the occurrence of biochemical postmortem damage can result in a more challenging reconstruction of the original DNA sequence. Here, we review the methodological approaches that have been developed for the exploitation of historical herbarium plant materials, such as best practices for aDNA extraction, amplification, and genotyping. We also focus on some strategies to overcome the main problems related to the utilization of herbarium specimens for their exploitation in plant evolutionary studies.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on societies and healthcare systems around the world. Over the last years, measures imposed in almost all countries dealing with the pandemic sent the entire world into an extensive crisis and thus into a deep global recession. Since the outbreak began, many European countries have faced three/four waves of pandemic. Portugal has mainly dealt with three waves (March/April'2020; October/November'2020; January/February'2021), the third being the deadliest one. The purpose of this article is to provide evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 on health-related quality of life (HRQol) and well-being (W-B) of Portuguese citizens. It aims to (i) characterize these outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic; (ii) compare them to pre-COVID-19 Portuguese population; and (iii) identify the social determinants that may affect these outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study used data from a survey that collected data on HRQoL, W-B, satisfaction with life, economic and labour impacts, access to healthcare, mental and physical health, amongst others. The survey was implemented by telephone to a representative random sample of 1,255 respondents from the general adult Portuguese population, stratified by sex, age group and region. Data was collected during the end of the second national lockdown. For comparison purposes, we have also used two other representative databases from the general Portuguese population: (i) data from before the pandemic (n = 1,006); and (ii) data from a survey conducted during the first lockdown, (n = 904). RESULTS: Looking at health and access to healthcare, 4% of citizens had their surgeries postponed or cancelled because of COVID-19, more than a quarter had medical appointments or complementary exams postponed or cancelled, with 7% over 65 years old with surgeries cancelled or postponed and 32% medical appointments. COVID-19 pandemic also impacted negatively on the HRQoL of citizens, especially in the first lockdown. Half of the respondents reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge, about 45% of citizens felt sad or depressed. Sleeping problems were reported for almost 39% of citizens, and loneliness is reported by 29% of citizens. For about 70-85% of citizens, these feelings were more so than before the pandemic. Citizens with fair/strong economic stability were the most economically affected by the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: We provided evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on health and W-B of Portuguese citizens. Their health was worse than before the pandemic and the access to healthcare was highly affected.
Assuntos
Acesso à Atenção Primária , COVID-19 , Saúde , Pandemias , Bem-Estar Psicológico , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Portugal/epidemiologia , Qualidade de Vida , Masculino , Feminino , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou maisRESUMO
Parvimonas micra and Provetella oralis are two commensal anaerobic bacteria of the human oral cavity. Anaerobic bacteria infections are uncommon and require a high index of suspicion and a quick start of appropriate treatment. We present a patient with multifocal infiltrates compatible with septic embolism (lung, liver, and spleen emboli) and polymicrobial bacteremia with Parvimonas micra and Provetella oralis. Periodontal disease appears to be the main cause of this disseminated infection.
RESUMO
This work explores the unique features of magnetic-responsive hydrogels to obtain liposomal hydrogel delivery platforms capable of precise magnetically modulated drug release based on the mechanical responses of these hydrogels when exposed to an external magnetic field. Magnetic-responsive liposomal hydrogel delivery systems were prepared by encapsulation of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline (DPPC) multilayered vesicles (MLVs) loaded with ferulic acid (FA), i.e., DPPC:FA liposomes, into gelatin hydrogel membranes containing dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs), i.e., magnetic-responsive gelatin. The FA release mechanisms and kinetics from magnetic-responsive liposomal gelatin were studied and compared with those obtained with conventional drug delivery systems, e.g., free liposomal suspensions and hydrogel matrices, to access the effect of liposome entrapment and magnetic field on FA delivery. FA release from liposomal gelatin membranes was well described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating that FA release occurred under a controlled diffusional regime, with or without magnetic stimulation. DPPC:FA liposomal gelatin systems provided smoother controlled FA release, relative to that obtained with the liposome suspensions and with the hydrogel platforms, suggesting the promising application of liposomal hydrogel systems in longer-term therapeutics. The magnetic field, with low intensity (0.08 T), was found to stimulate the FA release from magnetic-responsive liposomal gelatin systems, increasing the release rates while shifting the FA release to a quasi-Fickian mechanism. The magnetic-responsive liposomal hydrogels developed in this work offer the possibility to magnetically activate drug release from these liposomal platforms based on a non-thermal related delivery strategy, paving the way for the development of novel and more efficient applications of MLVs and liposomal delivery systems in biomedicine.
RESUMO
The aim of this study was to register the first occurrence of Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (Nematoda: Acuariidae) in some species of wild birds in Brazil. In addition, the aim was to deepen the knowledge about the morphology of this species through analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Nematodes were collected in wild birds of the species Turdus leucomelas, T. rufiventris, Mimus saturninus, Pitangus sulphuratus, Megascops choliba, Tyto furcata, and Falco sparverius. The morphological and morphometric data observed in the nematodes prove that these parasites are S. (D.) nasuta. This study also provides morphological data from light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as the morphometry of this nematode in each host species. Therefore, the current study confirms the first record of this nematode in F. sparverius and T. furcata in South America and, at the same time, these findings expand the host range of this parasite species worldwide, through the first records in M. choliba, M. saturninus, T. leucomelas and T. rufiventris.
Assuntos
Falconiformes , Nematoides , Passeriformes , Espirurídios , Estrigiformes , Animais , Brasil , Nematoides/anatomia & histologia , Passeriformes/parasitologia , Falconiformes/parasitologiaRESUMO
Two parasites were collected from the epithelial layer of the tongue mucosa of a brown-nosed coati (Nasua nasua) in an area of Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. These were identified as female Gongylonema sp. nematodes, not previously reported in Brazilian wild carnivores.
Assuntos
Carnívoros , Procyonidae , Spiruroidea , Animais , Feminino , Brasil/epidemiologia , Florestas , LínguaRESUMO
Around 10-15% of COVID-19 patients affected by the Delta and the Omicron variants exhibit acute respiratory insufficiency and require intensive care unit admission to receive advanced respiratory support. However, the current ventilation methods display several limitations, including lung injury, dysphagia, respiratory muscle atrophy, and hemorrhage. Furthermore, most of the ventilatory techniques currently offered require highly trained professionals and oxygen cylinders, which may attain short supply owing to the high demand and misuse. Therefore, the search for new alternatives for oxygen therapeutics has become extremely important for maintaining gas exchange in patients affected by COVID-19. This review highlights and suggest new alternatives based on micro and nanostructures capable of supplying oxygen and/or enabling hematosis during moderate or acute COVID-19 cases.