Search

This work presents a framework for evaluating hybrid nanoflowers using Burkholderia cepacia lipase. It was expanded on previous findings by testing lipase hybrid nanoflowers (hNF-lipase) formation over a wide range of pH values (5–9) and buffer concentrations (10–100 mM). The free enzyme activity was compared with that of hNF-lipase. The analysis, performed by molecular docking, described the effect of lipase interaction with copper ions. The morphological characterization of hNF-lipase was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy performed the physical–chemical characterization. The results show that all hNF-lipase activity presented values higher than that of the free enzyme. Activity is higher at pH 7.4 and has the highest buffer concentration of 100 mM. Molecular docking analysis has been used to understand the effect of enzyme protonation on hNF-lipase formation and identify the main the main binding sites of the enzyme with copper ions. The hNF-lipase nanostructures show the shape of flowers in their micrographs from pH 6 to 8. The spectra of the nanoflowers present peaks typical of the amide regions I and II, current in lipase, and areas with P–O vibrations, confirming the presence of the phosphate group. Therefore, hNF-lipase is an efficient biocatalyst with increased catalytic activity, good nanostructure formation, and improved stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise-based interventions can be a safe alternative to improve and maintain physical and mental health during the aging process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week training program with Dance Exergames on the mood and functional fitness profile of elderly women. The sample (n = 22) was divided into Exergames (EG, n = 9, 70.6 ± 1.6 years) and Control Groups (CG, n = 13, 73.6 ± 2.2 years). Evaluations were carried out before and after the interventions. Each participant played, in pairs, the electronic game Dance Central 3, with the XBOX 360 Kinect console (Slim, Microsoft, USA). The EG trained for 12 weeks (24 sessions), with two weekly sessions of 50 min and the CG performed manual activities workshops. In functional fitness, both exercise training with exergame (EG) and the intervention model for the CG did not produce significant effects regarding interaction (group*time). Mood state presented significant effect of time intervention regarding tension (p = <0.001), depression (p = 0.001), anger (p = 0.030), fatigue (p = 0.001), and mental confusion (p = 0.004). Twelve weeks of training with a dance exergame (for, EG) and manual activities (for, CG) is enough to promote improvements in the mood state of healthy elderly women. This is an interesting result, as it shows that social interaction is as important a component as improving functional capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE - To assess hypertension control rates in a specialized university-affiliated medical department, the influence of sex, diabetes, and obesity on that control, and the strategies for the treatment of hypertension. METHODS - We carried out a cross-sectional study with 1,210 patients followed up for at least 6 months. Information was gathered from medical and nursing records and comprised the following data: sex, age, weight, height, abdominal and hip circumferences, blood pressure, and class and number of the antihypertensive drugs prescribed. To assess obesity, we used body mass index and waist/hip ratio. Blood pressure was considered under control when its levels were below 140/90 mmHg. RESULTS - The study consisted of 73% females and 27% males. Most females (31.7%) were 50 to 59 years of age, and most males (28.3%) were 60 to 69 years. The blood pressure control rate found was 20.9% for the 1,210 patients and 23.4% for the hypertensive diabetic patients (n=290). Despite the low control rates found, 70% of the patients used 1 or 2 antihypertensive medications. A high prevalence of obesity (38%) was observed, and females had a greater abdominal obesity index than males did (90% vs 82%, p

With the objective of developing a localized gentamicin sulfate (GS) delivery system with a controlled release kinetics for the prevention/management of osteomyelitis, composite electrospun fibers composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) blends and GS loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (npSiGS) were prepared (PLA/PLGA: 1:3, 1:1, 3:1 w/w). GS was loaded into silica nanoparticles by adsorption, using a concentrated GS solution, and npSiGS were dispersed in the polymer solutions and immobilized in the polymeric matrix by occlusion, during fibers formations. For comparison, non-composite fibers with the same blend compositions containing GS simply dispersed in the polymeric phase were also produced. GS loaded nanoparticles were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and GS loading was quantified by thermogravimetric analysis. The morphology of the electrospun fibers, assessed by SEM, revealed that npSiGS were embedded along the composite fibers, some in the form of small aggregates. In vitro release studies showed that composite fibers exhibited lower initial burst releases and slower release kinetics, dependent on blend composition. Composite fibers with PLGA as the major component (25PLA-npSiGS) had the fastest release kinetics, while fibers with equal amounts of both polymers (50PLA-npSiGS) or with PLGA as the minor component (75PLA-npSiGS) had slower release kinetics, with constant GS release rates after the first day. These results suggest that PLA/PLGA blend composition can be manipulated to obtain composite fibers with a controlled and tailored GS release for at least three weeks. Finally, the antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus of all produced fibers containing GS was confirmed by a disk diffusion method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism ε4 is associated with lobar intracranial hemorrhages. • Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism ε2 also predisposes to changes in the blood vessels and white matter changes. • We found no association between APOE polymorphisms and hemorrhagic transformation following thrombolysis. APOE ε4 is independently associated with lobar intracranial hemorrhages (ICH). Although the ε4 allele enhances amyloid deposition in blood vessels, the ε2 allele predisposes to vasculopathic changes leading to rupture of amyloid laden vessels. Thus, ε4 and ε2 carriers might have increased susceptibility to ICH. We aimed to study the impact of the apolipoprotein E alleles in the development of symptomatic ICH (sICH). We included 384 consecutive ischemic anterior circulation stroke patients submitted to thrombolysis between January 2014 and March 2016. Admission CT-scans were reviewed to calculate the ASPECTS. Patients were followed for up to at least 6 months post-stroke or until death. Outcome was development of sICH, defined according to the ECASS III. Considering APOE genotyping, three patients had ε2/ε2, four had ε2/ε4, 38 had ε2/ε3, 284 had ε3/ε3, 51 had ε3/ε4 and four had ε4/ε4. sICH was associated with sex and diabetes. In multivariate analysis, sICH was not associated with carrying one or more ε4 alleles (OR: 0.483, 95%CI = [0.059, 3.939], p = 0.497) nor with carrying one or more ε2 alleles (OR: 1.369, 95%CI = [0.278, 6.734], p = 0.699). No association was found between APOE genotype and the development of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Intersecoes: Revista de Estudios Interdisciplinares is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To evaluate the potential of neuroimaging, serum biomarkers, stroke etiology, and clinical characteristics as predictors of upper limb functioning 12 weeks after stroke. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study of patients (18-85 years-old) hospitalized due to acute ischemic stroke in the territory of the middle cerebral artery. Patients were hospitalized at a stroke rehabilitation center, where they underwent a standardized rehabilitation program. Clinical, imagiology, laboratory (biomarkers: C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fibrinogen, and S100 calcium binding protein β [S100β]), and functionality assessments were conducted four different times: within 24 hours, and at 48 hours, 3 weeks, and 12 weeks after acute stroke. Results: Upper limb functioning at 12 weeks was significantly associated with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) score (OR:2.012 [CI:1.349-3.000]; P = 0.001) and S100β protein levels (OR:0.997 [CI:0.994-0.999]; P = 0.007). Advanced age was associated with poor upper limb functioning. S100β protein levels < 140.5 ng/L at 48 hours and ASPECTS scores ≥ 7.5 within 24 hours of admission predicted good hand functioning at 12 weeks. Upper limb functioning and general functioning were significantly correlated (P < 0.001), with strong negative correlations (all correlation coefficients ≤-0.586) for all comparisons. Conclusion: ASPECTS score ≥ 8 within 24 hours and S100β protein < 140.5 ng/L at 48 hours predict better upper limb functioning, while advanced age predicts worse upper limb functioning 12 weeks after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine whether the wound records on electronic recording platforms guarantee the continuity of care, providing health indicators in the treatment of wounds and in the quality of care provided. Method: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) recommendations. The search was conducted in September 2022 on 6 electronic databases: B-On, BVS, EBSCO/CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Cochrane, using the descriptors "Wound healing", "Electronic health records", "Outcome assessment", "Pressure ulcer", "Wounds", having been selected 6 articles. Results / Discussion: It was found that electronic records in the assessment and treatment of wounds are fundamental regarding internal regulations, continuity of care, reducing the level of documentation error, reducing running costs and increasing wound care capacity. When comparing the use of paper and electronic registers, there was a wide preference of patients and health professionals in the electronic version of the records. The use of electronic health records, although at an early stage, is extremely useful in nursing care, although it is necessary to ensure that they are intuitive and user-friendly, so as to not further increase the complexity of the records and workload of health professionals. Conclusion: The use of electronic records benefits the continuity, quality and safety of the care provided and encourages communication between health professionals. As future projects, we intend to make our contribution to professional practice, incorporating the results of this study into clinical practice, through the implementation of a project aimed at creating a platform for recording wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Early prediction of poststroke disability using clinical models is of great interest, especially in the rehabilitation field. Although some biomarkers and neuroimaging techniques have shown potential predictive value, there are still insufficient data to support their clinical utility in predicting poststroke functional recovery. We aimed to assess the value of serum biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], D-dimer, fibrinogen, and S100β protein) in predicting medium-term (12 weeks) functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods: This is an observational, prospective study in a sample of patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke (N = 131). Peripheral blood levels of biomarkers of interest were determined at admission (CRP, D-dimer, and fibrinogen) or at 48 hours poststroke (S100β protein). Functional status was accessed at 48 hours and 12 weeks poststroke using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).Results: S100β protein levels measured at 48 hours were significantly associated with mRS scores at 12 weeks (odds ratio = 1.005, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.005-1.007]; P <.001). This association was not seen for the remaining biomarkers of interest. The S100β cutoff for poor functionality at 12 weeks was 140.5 ng/L or more (sensibility 83.8%; specificity 71.4%; area under the curve = .80, 95% CI [.722, .879]).Conclusions: S100β levels in peripheral blood at 48 hours poststroke reflect acute stroke severity and predict functional outcome at 12 weeks with a cutoff value of 140.5 ng/dL. The value of S100β as predictor of functional recovery after stroke should be emphasized in further clinical research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardioembolism has tendency to recur and cause lesions in distinct cerebrovascular territories. Using the imaging characteristics of cerebral lesions to determine dissemination in time and space (DTS) is a concept already used in other neurologic conditions; however, it has never been applied as a diagnostic tool in ischemic stroke etiology.Aim: This study aimed to assess DTS as a diagnostic marker of cardioembolism.Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke of various etiologies admitted in a cerebrovascular disease nursery from a university hospital in a retrospective cohort study. We excluded patients with coexisting etiologies, incomplete study, or without an acute vascular lesion on computed tomography scan. Lacunar infarctions were not considered. Cerebrovascular territory was divided into right anterior, left anterior, and posterior. Localization of the acute vascular lesion(s), existence of previous vascular lesions, and their respective areas were analyzed. The presence of dissemination in time, space, or DTS was determined.Results: We included 661 patients (mean age: 74.05 years (SD: 13.01)). Cardioembolism was the etiology with most DTS (30.47% of cardioembolic strokes); DT occurred more frequently within the atherosclerotic subtype (9.88%); DS was more prevalent within the arterial dissection group (3.33%). There was a statistically significant difference in stroke etiology between patients with DTS and patients without dissemination (P < .001). DTS had 81.67% specificity, 30.47% sensitivity, 66.67% positive predictive value, and 49.40% negative predictive value for the identification of cardioembolism.Conclusion: DTS is a specific diagnostic predictor of cardioembolic stroke and may be helpful in guiding etiologic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing development has become one of the main strategies to alleviate impoverished communities in developing countries. In the past, policies and programs focused on either economic or social aspects, and numerous imported solutions had failed to produce satisfactory results. At present, holistic approaches integrating all dimensions of human activity and environmental impact are gaining recognition as suitable alternatives for various experiences in developing nations. However, these approaches do not properly consider the local context, which is different for each case, thereby leading to inadequate models and unsuccessful implementations. This paper presents a context-driven and integrated approach for rural areas in developing nations for one of the most basic human endeavors, i.e., constructing a house. The self-building process utilized in constructing houses is a major strategy to help communities overcome poverty. Such a house must be capable of accommodating economic activities; must be durable yet flexible in layout and size; and must offer all basic services, including water, sanitation, and energy. Consequently, the Inclusive Housing Program is developed and employed in Oé-Cusse, a remote region of East Timor, as an integral part of the Regional Plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetives: Time is relative in large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS). We aimed to evaluate the rate of inter-hospital ASPECTS decay in patients transferred from a primary (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC); and to identify patients that should repeat computed tomography (CT) before thrombectomy.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive anterior circulation LVO-AIS transferred patients. The rate of ASPECTS decay was defined as (PSC-ASPECTS - CSC-ASPECTS)/hours elapsed between scans. Single-phase CT angiography (CTA) at the PSC was used to classify the collateral score. We compared patients with futile versus useful CT scan re-evaluation.Results: We included 663 patients, of whom 245 (37.0%) repeated CT at a CSC. The median rate of ASPECTS decay was 0.4/h (0.0-0.9). Patients excluded from thrombectomy after a CT scan repeat (n=64) had a median ASPECTS decay rate of 1.18/h (0.83-1.61). Patients with absent collateral circulation had a median rate of 1.51(0.65-2.19). The collateral score was an independent predictor of the ASPECTS decay rate (aβ = -0.35; 95%CI -0.45 - -0.19, p<0.001). Age (aOR: 1.04 95% CI 1.02-1.07, p<0.001), NIHSS (aOR: 1.11 95% CI 1.06-1.15, p<0.001), PSC ASPECTS (aOR: 0.74 95% CI 0.60-0.91, p=0.006) and the CTA collateral score (aOR: 0.14 95% CI 0.08-0.22, p<0.001) were independent predictors of the usefulness of a CT scan repeat.Conclusions: The rate of ASPECTS decay can be predicted by the CTA collateral score, helping in the selection of patients that would benefit from repeating a CT assessment on arrival at the CSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BIM methodology has gained great importance in the construction industry. This methodology introduces noteworthy changes in the way as building design, construction and maintenance are traditionally managed. This paper explores and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of BIM methodology application on the preparation, revision and coordination of designs, as well as the analysis of the computational tools available. Using the Revit software a building (laundry of a hospital) was modeled in BIM based in the design drawings carried out by using the traditional methods in CAD 2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is a common cause of stroke; its incidence and prevalence vary widely by ethnicity. The aim of our study was to analyze the recurrence rate of cerebrovascular events in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial stenosis (IS). Methods We conducted a historical cohort study including all patients admitted in our hospital for stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) during 2011 and 2012 with information on intracranial circulation (ultrasonography and/or computed tomography angiography). We identified patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic IS and studied the recurrence of cerebrovascular events (TIA or ischemic stroke within the territory of the stenosis) for a minimum follow-up period of 6 months after the diagnosis of IS. For the recurrence rate estimation, patients with other potentially embolic diseases (in cervical arteries or heart) were excluded. We calculated the rate of recurrence of cerebrovascular events and performed Kaplan–Meier survival curves for symptomatic and asymptomatic IS. Results We investigated 1302 patients, mean age was 72.41 years (standard deviation 12.75). We identified 218 IS in 158 patients, 77 were symptomatic and 141 were asymptomatic. The recurrence rate of cerebrovascular events was 12.32 per 100 patient-years, with a mean time to recurrence of 1.73 months for symptomatic intracranial stenosis (SIS) and .88 per 100 patient-years for asymptomatic IS ( P < .001). Conclusions These results indicate a high risk of early recurrence of stroke in the territory of a SIS, highlighting the importance of its early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: It is estimated that approximately 20–30% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy have been misdiagnosed, and neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) might frequently be the real cause of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) episodes. We assessed the role of the head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients previously diagnosed with refractory epilepsy to evaluate the ability of this test to correctly diagnose patients with NCS. Method: We retrospectively analysed the clinical records of 107 consecutive patients with a previous diagnosis of refractory epilepsy that were taking antiepileptic drugs and who were referred for HUTT between January 2000 and December 2010. During the subsequent follow-up, we recorded the treatments performed and the recurrence of symptoms. Results: Complete follow-up data were available for 94 (88%) patients, and the mean follow-up period was 80±36 months. The HUTT was positive in 54% of patients. Thirty-one (33%) patients were misdiagnosed with epilepsy, and 20 (21%) patients had a dual diagnosis of NCS and epilepsy. The recurrence of TLOC was reported in 55% of the patients, but it was significantly lower in the misdiagnosed group (42% versus 64%; P =0.039). Conclusion: NCS is an important cause of epilepsy misdiagnosis. The HUTT is often critical for making an accurate diagnosis and subsequently selecting the appropriate treatment for patients presenting with TLOC. The diagnostic overlap between epilepsy and NCS is not uncommon, suggesting that electroencephalographic monitoring during a HUTT may play an important role in diagnosing patients with recurrent, undiagnosed TLOC episodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Sociologias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objectives: Intravenous thrombolysis (IV-rtPA) has been suggested as a potential cause of myocardial infarction (MI) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with randomized clinical trials showing a higher number of cardiac events within the thrombolysis group. We assessed the prevalence and MI mechanisms after IV-rtPA for AIS.Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive AIS patients admitted to six stroke units and systematic literature review searching for AIS patients who suffered a MI less than 24 h after IV-rtPA. In those with available coronary angiography, MI etiology was defined as atherosclerotic or embolic. Patients' characteristics were compared between groups.Results: Fifty-two patients were included. Thirty-two patients (61.5%) derived from hospital cases, after reviewing 6958 patients treated with IV-rtPA [0.5% (95% CI 0.38-0.54) of total hospital cases]. After coronary angiography (n = 25, 48.1%), 14 (54%) patients were considered to have an atherosclerotic MI, and 11 (46%) due to coronary embolism. Patients with an embolic MI more frequently had a cardioembolic AIS (72.7% vs 28.6%; p-value = 0.047) and an intracardiac thrombus (27.3% vs 0.0%; p-value = 0.044). Although not statistically significant, patients with an embolic MI had apparent lower time intervals between starting IV-rtPA infusion and MI occurrence [2 h (0.2-3.0) vs 3 h (1.0-15.0); p-value = 0.134].Conclusions: MI within the first 24 h after IV-rtPA for AIS is an infrequent event, and more frequently non-embolic. However, the prevalence of embolic MI was superior to what is found in the general population with MI. There was an association between the pathophysiology of AIS and MI. The low number of events and publication bias may have limited our conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]