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We report the fabrication of a novel spinel-type Pd₀.₁Cu₀.₉Co₂O₄ nano-flake material designed for Mizoroki-Heck and Suzuki coupling-cum-transesterification reactions. The Pd₀.₁Cu₀.₉Co₂O₄ material was synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method, and its crystalline phase and morphology were characterized through powder XRD, UV-Vis, FESEM, and EDX studies. This material demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in Mizoroki-Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions, performed in the presence of a mild base (K₂CO₃), ethanol as the solvent, and microwave irradiation under ligand-free conditions. Notably, the Heck coupling of acrylic esters proceeded concurrently with transesterification using various alcohols as solvents. The catalyst exhibited remarkable stability under reaction conditions and could be recycled and reused up to ten times while maintaining its catalytic integrity.

IntroductionThe contribution of Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) in mitochondrial energy transduction mechanisms and mitochondrial activities awaits deeper investigations. Our study aims to assess the impact of CB1 absence on the mitochondrial compartment in the liver, focusing on both functional aspects and remodeling processes.MethodsWe used CB1−/− and CB1+/+ male mice. Cytochrome C Oxidase activity was determined polarographically. The expression and the activities of separated mitochondrial complexes and supercomplexes were performed by using Blue-Native Page, Western blotting and histochemical staining for in-gel activity. Key players of Mitochondrial Quality Control processes were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Liver fine sub-cellular ultrastructural features were analyzed by TEM analysis.Results and discussionIn the absence of CB1, several changes in the liver occur, including increased oxidative capacity, reduced complex I activity, enhanced complex IV activity, general upregulation of respiratory supercomplexes, as well as higher levels of oxidative stress. The mitochondria and cellular metabolism may be affected by these changes, increasing the risk of ROS-related damage. CB1−/− mice show upregulation of mitochondrial fusion, fission and biogenesis processes which suggests a dynamic response to the absence of CB1. Furthermore, oxidative stress disturbs mitochondrial proteostasis, initiating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). We noted heightened levels of pivotal enzymes responsible for maintaining mitochondrial integrity, along with heightened expression of molecular chaperones and transcription factors associated with cellular stress reactions. Additionally, our discoveries demonstrate a synchronized reaction to cellular stress, involving both UPRmt and UPRER pathways.

Cardiac involvement strongly impacts prognosis in patients with Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD). All cardiac structures, such as the left ventricle and the left atrium, the aorta, the right sections, and the heart valves can be affected by morphological and functional abnormalities. Standard echocardiography has a crucial role in the characterization of AFD cardiomyopathy. Being a diffuse, non-invasive, easily reproducible, and inexpensive investigation, echocardiography represents the most appropriate tool for screening AFD cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, echocardiographic evaluation is the essential imaging method to support the physician also in the follow-up and risk stratification of AFD patients. Therefore, echocardiography is useful in all stages of the disease, both to reveal the first signs of cardiac involvement and to guarantee timely treatment in the preclinical stage and to estimate the extent of cardiac involvement, define possible complications, and evaluate the response to treatment in patients with established cardiomyopathy. The latest advanced echocardiographic techniques, such as speckle-tracking analysis, are offering new insights into the early detection of AFD cardiac involvement, thus suggesting a promising role for echocardiography in selecting appropriate candidates for treatment. In this review, we will examine the role of standard echocardiography in AFD, focusing on its use in screening for cardiac involvement, detailed characterization of AFD cardiomyopathy, and risk stratification of AFD patients.

Objetivos: Avaliar o princípio da Economicidade na implantação de Postos Avançados de Coleta Externa (PACE), no âmbito da Fundação Hemominas, buscando a minimização dos gastos públicos, sem comprometimento dos padrões de qualidade estabelecidos pela legislação. Material e métodos: Análise descritiva de documentos técnicos e práticas de implantação dos PACE em todo o território do estado de Minas Gerais, observando as atividades e rotinas dos PACE implantados (Araguari, Barbacena, Bom Despacho, Formiga, Itabira, Itajubá, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Lavras, Leopoldina, Muriaé, Nova Lima, Pará de Minas, Patrocínio, São Sebastião do Paraíso, Varginha, Viçosa e Paracatu). Resultados: : A implantação dos PACE iniciou no ano de 2009 com a inauguração do PACE de Lavras, desde então a Fundação juntamente com outros municípios implantou em mais 16 (dezesseis) municípios, totalizando 17 (dezessete) PACE implantados em todo o território de Minas Gerais. Em se tratando de um processo de cooperação mútua, sendo viabilizado a partir do estabelecimento de parceria entre a Hemominas e municípios, a implantação destes Postos de Coletas Externas, tem possibilitado a ampliação do número de candidatos à doação de sangue pela proximidade, segurança e conforto proporcionado ao doador de sangue, bem como a redução do custo e risco de deslocamento do doador para o município que conta com uma das Unidades da Fundação Hemominas. Discussão: A Economicidade é um dos princípios fundamentais da Administração Pública, buscando garantir que os recursos sejam empregados da melhor maneira possível para maximizar os benefícios para a sociedade. Desta forma, a implantação de um PACE desempenha um papel imprescindível no sistema de saúde por várias razões: 1) Acessibilidade : Ao estabelecer PACE, mais pessoas têm acesso para doação de sangue, permitindo que possam doar sangue sem precisar viajar longas distâncias. Além disso, facilita a doação de sangue para aqueles que vivem em áreas rurais ou regiões afastadas dos grandes centros urbanos. 2) Redução de Deslocamentos: Os PACE podem reduzir a necessidade de que os doadores percorram grandes distâncias para doar sangue, tornando o processo mais favorável e encorajando o doador a realizar mais doações. 3) Melhor Logística e Distribuição dos Hemocomponentes : a implantação de uma rede de PACE facilita a coleta e a distribuição do sangue de forma mais eficiente. Ajuda a manter os estoques de sangue em níveis adequados, especialmente em emergências e períodos de alta demanda. 4) Capacidade de Resposta : Em situações de emergência ou desastres, PACE podem agir rapidamente para mobilizar doadores e assegurar que os hospitais tenham sangue suficiente para atender às necessidades urgentes. 5) Inclusão Social: Ao estabelecer PACE em diversas regiões, inclusive as mais desfavorecidas, promove-se a inclusão social e a equidade no acesso aos serviços de saúde. 6) Parceria e Colaboração: A colaboração entre municípios e estado pode otimizar recursos, como equipamentos e pessoal, além de melhorar a infraestrutura disponível. Conclusão: A Fundação Hemominas se destaca na implantação de PACE, mostrando ser uma prática eficaz, desde o estudo de viabilidade até a implantação do Posto no município. Com ampla experiência de implantação de Postos Avançados de Coletas Externas como uma metodologia efetiva e exitosa, compartilhar esta prática pode servir de referência para outras instituições de saúde pública, que abordam desafios semelhantes aos da Fundação Hemominas no que se refere a gestão e sustentabilidade.

Objetivos: Descrever os processos de Gestão e Organização dos Processos de Trabalho nos Postos Avançados de Coleta Externa (PACE) no âmbito da Fundação Hemominas (FH). Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo analítico, descritivo, baseado no relato dos processos de Gestão adotados para funcionamento e organização dos PACE. O PACE tem uma estrutura semelhante a uma Unidade de Coleta da Hemominas, funciona em datas e horários pré-definidos em local fixo, no mínimo duas (2) e no máximo vinte (12) vezes por mês, periodicidade definida no Termo de Cooperação Mútua (TCM) assinado por ambas as partes. A planta física do PACE é aprovada pela Vigilância Sanitária com atividade exclusiva de Coleta Externa (CE), vinculado e supervisionado pela Unidade da Fundação Hemominas de referência, seguindo os protocolos técnicos e administrativos das coletas externas realizadas pela FH. Resultados: A FH implementou 17 PACEs em municípios de Minas Gerais, incluindo Araguari, Bom Despacho, Barbacena, Lafaiete, Formiga, Itabira, Itajubá, Lavras, Leopoldina, Muriaé, Nova Lima, Pará de Minas, Patrocínio, São Sebastião do Paraíso, Paracatu, Varginha e Viçosa. Discussão: O PACE surge através de uma parceria entre a FH e o município solicitante de Minas Gerais que atenda a critérios de elegibilidade (população mínima, distância do centro produtor, número de leitos hospitalares na microrregião, etc). Esta parceria é celebrada através do TCM que estabelece as responsabilidades de cada parte. Em geral, o município é responsável por fornecer o local do PACE, o mobiliário, a equipe e alguns equipamentos. A Fundação Hemominas é responsável pelo fornecimento de equipamentos e insumos específicos da área de hemoterapia, além de capacitar a equipe e supervisionar todas atividades. Ainda sobre o processo de Gestão, foi elaborado um Manual com as diretrizes para implantação e funcionamento dos PACE, com a definição das responsabilidades e fluxos de trabalho de todos os setores da Fundação Hemominas envolvidos nos processos do PACE. O Manual possui orientações técnicas gerais, como a organização do atendimento ao doador inapto sorológico, fluxo de encaminhamento de urgência e notificações de eventos adversos e cita documentos institucionais que devem ser utilizados. O PACE é uma modalidade de CE da FH e segue rigorosamente todos os protocolos de CE utilizados nas outras modalidades. Portanto, todos procedimentos executados na Coleta Externa na Fundação Hemominas seguem os mesmos padrões das coletas internas; Os protocolos e registros gerados em todas Coletas Externas na Fundação Hemominas estão disponíveis para consulta e avaliação durante as inspeções sanitárias nas Unidades responsáveis pelas Coletas Externas ou in loco, na data e local agendados; Todos funcionários que atuam nas Coletas Externas são capacitados, avaliados e seguem o programa periódico de treinamentos da rede; Todos equipamentos utilizados nas Coletas Externas seguem os mesmos planos de Qualificação, Validação, Calibração, Manutenção Preventiva e demais testes executados na rede. Conclusão: Uma forma de ampliar o acesso à doação de sangue é promover a capilarização do atendimento aos doadores através da implantação de Postos Avançados de Coleta Externa (PACE) nos municípios e a FH vem aprimorando cada vez mais essa modalidade de CE através de um processo de gestão bipartite efetivo com foco na melhoria, na promoção da doação voluntária de sangue e atendimento das demandas transfusionais.

Abstract In this work, we demonstrate that a simple argentometric titration is a scalable, fast, green and robust approach for producing AgCl/antibiotic hybrid antimicrobial materials. We titrated AgNO3 into tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) aqueous solution, thus forming AgCl/TCH in a one-step procedure. Furthermore, we investigated the one-pot synthesis of triply synergistic super-nanoantimicrobials, combining an inorganic source of Ag+ ions (AgCl), a disinfecting agent (benzyl-dimethyl-hexadecyl-ammonium chloride, BAC) and a molecular antibiotic (tetracycline hydrochloride, TCH). Conventional antimicrobial tests, industrial biofilm detection protocols, and in situ IR-ATR microbial biofilm monitoring, have been adapted to understand the performance of the synthesized super-nanoantimicrobial. The resulting hybrid AgCl/BAC/TCH nanoantimicrobials are found to be synergistically active in eradicating Salmonella enterica and Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri bacteria and biofilms. This study paves the way for the development of a new class of super-efficient nanoantimicrobials that combine relatively low amounts of multiple active species into a single (nano)formulation, thus preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance towards a single active principle.

Abstract Ctenoluciidae is a Neotropical freshwater fish family composed of two genera, Ctenolucius (C. beani and C. hujeta) and Boulengerella (B. cuvieri, B. lateristriga, B. lucius, B. maculata, and B. xyrekes), which present diploid number conservation of 36 chromosomes and a strong association of telomeric sequences with ribosomal DNAs. In the present study, we performed chromosomal mapping of microsatellites and transposable elements (TEs) in Boulengerella species and Ctenolucius hujeta. We aim to understand how those sequences are distributed in these organisms’ genomes and their influence on the chromosomal evolution of the group. Our results indicate that repetitive sequences may had an active role in the karyotypic diversification of this family, especially in the formation of chromosomal hotspots that are traceable in the diversification processes of Ctenoluciidae karyotypes. We demonstrate that (GATA)n sequences also accumulate in the secondary constriction formed by the 18 S rDNA site, which shows consistent size heteromorphism between males and females in all Boulengerella species, suggesting an initial process of sex chromosome differentiation.

Abstract Background Different patterns of sex chromosome differentiation are seen in Palaeognathae birds, a lineage that includes the ratites (Struthioniformes, Rheiformes, Apterygiformes, Casuariiformes, and the sister group Tinamiformes). While some Tinamiform species have well-differentiated W chromosomes, both Z and W of all the flightless ratites are still morphologically undifferentiated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the ZW differentiation in birds using a combination of cytogenetic, genomic, and bioinformatic approaches. The whole set of satDNAs from the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) was described and characterized. Furthermore, we examined the in situ locations of these satDNAs alongside several microsatellite repeats and carried out Comparative Genomic Hybridizations in two related species: the greater rhea (Rhea americana) and the tataupa tinamou (Crypturellus tataupa). Results From the 24 satDNA families identified (which represent the greatest diversity of satDNAs ever uncovered in any bird species), only three of them were found to accumulate on the emu’s sex chromosomes, with no discernible accumulation observed on the W chromosome. The W chromosomes of both the greater rhea and the emu did not exhibit a significant buildup of either C-positive heterochromatin or repetitive DNAs, indicating their large undifferentiation both at morphological and molecular levels. In contrast, the tataupa tinamou has a highly differentiated W chromosome that accumulates several DNA repeats. Conclusion The findings provide new information on the architecture of the avian genome and an inside look at the starting points of sex chromosome differentiation in birds.

Abstract Background Older adults with home care (HC) often have complex disease patterns and use healthcare extensively. Increased understanding is necessary to tailor their care. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe patterns of morbidity and hospitalizations among community-dwelling older HC recipients nationwide and in subgroups defined by age, sex, and amount of HC, and to compare patterns to community-dwelling older adults without HC. Methods Nationwide register-based cohort study in community-dwelling adults aged 70 and older receiving publicly funded HC in Sweden on January 1st 2019 and an age-and-sex matched comparison group (“non-HC recipients”). Using register data from inpatient and specialized outpatient care, we assessed the prevalence of sixty chronic diseases, frailty, multimorbidity and hospitalizations, calculated incidence rates and explored reasons for hospitalizations during two years of follow-up. Results We identified 138,113 HC recipients (mean age 85, 66% women, 57% ≥5 chronic diseases). The most prevalent diseases were hypertension (55%) and eye conditions (48%). Compared to non-HC recipients, HC recipients had a higher prevalence of almost all diseases, with an overrepresentation of neurological (26.1 vs. 9.5%) disease and dementia (9.3 vs. 1.5%). 61% of HC recipients were hospitalized at least once during two years, which was 1.6 times as often as non-HC recipients. One third of HC recipients´ hospitalizations (37.4%) were due to injuries, infections, and heart failure. Hospitalizations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, confusion, infections, and breathing difficulties were 3–5 times higher among HC recipients compared to non-HC recipients. Conclusion Compared to non-HC recipients, HC recipients more often live alone, have higher degrees of frailty, suffer from more chronic diseases, especially neurological disease, and are hospitalized almost twice as often. The results provide a thorough description of HC recipients, which might be useful for targeted healthcare interventions including closer collaboration between primary care, neurologists, and rehabilitation.

There is a fundamental disconnect between the optimal management of addiction in general and care delivery in pregnancy and postpartum. Addiction is a chronic condition requiring some degree of management across the life course. Yet, in the US, reproductive care is episodic and centers more on pregnancy than at other stages of the reproductive life course. Pregnancy is prioritized in access to insurance as almost all pregnant people are Medicaid eligible but access ends at varying points postpartum. This results in a structural mismatch: the episodic management of the chronic condition of addiction only within gestational periods. Though people with substance use disorder (SUD) may access care in pregnancy, treatment attrition is common postpartum. Postpartum is a time of increased vulnerabilities where insurance churn and newborn caretaking responsibilities collide in a context of care withdrawal from the health system and health providers. In part in consequence, return to use, SUD recurrence, overdose, and overdose death are more common postpartum than in pregnancy, and drug deaths have become a leading cause of maternal deaths in the US. This review addresses interventions to support engagement in addiction care postpartum. We begin with a scoping review of model programs and evidence-informed interventions that have been shown to increase continuation of care postpartum. We then explore the realities of contemporary care through a review of clinical and ethical principles, with particular attention to harm reduction. We conclude with suggestions of strategies (clinical, research, and policy) to improve care postpartum and highlight potential pitfalls in the uptake of evidence-based and person-centered services.

Substance use disorders are a common and treatable condition among pregnant and parenting people. Social, self, and structural stigma experienced by this group represent a barrier to harm reduction, treatment utilization, and quality of care. We examine features of research dissemination that may generate or uphold stigmatization at every level for pregnant and parenting individuals affected by substance use disorder and their children. We explore stigma reduction practices within the research community that can increase uptake of evidence-based treatment programs and prevent potential harm related to substance use in pregnant and parenting people. The strategies we propose include: (1) address researcher stereotypes, prejudice, and misconceptions about pregnant and parenting people with substance use disorder; (2) engage in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations that engage with researchers who have lived experience in substance use; (3) use community-based approaches and engage community partners, (4) address stigmatizing language in science communication; (5) provide contextualizing information about the social and environmental factors that influence substance use among pregnant and parenting people; and (6) advocate for stigma-reducing policies in research articles and other scholarly products.

Maintaining a well-functioning mitochondrial network through the mitochondria quality control (MQC) mechanisms, including biogenesis, dynamics and mitophagy, is crucial for overall health. Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by oxidative stress and further exacerbated by impaired quality control can trigger inflammation through the release of the damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs). mtDAMPs act by stimulating the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. Recently, aberrant signalling of the cGAS-STING axis has been recognised to be closely associated with several sterile inflammatory diseases (e.g. non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity). This may fit the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder characterised by the reduction of thyroid hormone production associated with impaired metabolic fluxes, oxidative balance and inflammatory status. Both 3,5,3’-triiodo-L-tyronine (T3) and its derivative 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (3,5-T2), are known to mitigate processes targeting mitochondria, albeit the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we used a chemically induced hypothyroidism rat model to investigate the effect of 3,5-T2 or T3 administration on inflammation-related factors (inflammatory cytokines, hepatic cGAS-STING pathway), oxidative stress, antioxidant defence enzymes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, release and repair, and the MQC system in the liver. Hypothyroid rats showed: i) increased oxidative stress, ii) accumulation of mtDNA damage, iii) high levels of circulating cytokines, iv) hepatic activation of cGAS-STING pathways and v) impairment of MQC mechanisms and autophagy. Both iodothyronines restored oxidative balance by enhancing antioxidant defence, preventing mtDNA damage through the activation of mtDNA repair mechanisms (OGG1, APE1, and POLγ) and promoting autophagy progression. Concerning MQC, both iodothyronines stimulated mitophagy and dynamics, with 3,5-T2 activating fusion and T3 modulating both fusion and fission processes. Moreover, only T3 enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis. Notably, 3,5-T2, but not T3, reversed the hypothyroidism-induced activation of the cGAS-STING inflammatory cascade. In addition, it is noteworthy that 3,5-T2 seems more effective than T3 in reducing circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1B and in stimulating the release of IL-10, a known anti-inflammatory cytokine. These findings reveal novel molecular mechanisms of hepatic signalling pathways involved in hypothyroidism, which could be targeted by natural iodothyronines, particularly 3,5-T2, paving the way for the development of new treatment strategies for inflammatory diseases.

Background: Biallelic variants in PARK7, which encodes protein-nucleic acid deglycase DJ-1, can cause early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Although many patients with PARK7 variants have been identified from European and Middle Eastern ethnic groups, there have been no reports in the Japanese population. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and clinical features of patients with PD harboring PARK7 variants in Japan. Methods: We performed a molecular genetic analysis of PD patients with PARK7 variants identified using comprehensive panel sequencing, to explore the details of variants. Moreover, clinical neurological features were investigated, including neuroimaging analyses. This study followed STROBE guidelines. Results: Four patients with biallelic rare variants of PARK7 were identified in the cohort. All four patients presented with levodopa-responsive parkinsonism, with an age at onset in the early 30s. Furthermore, two of the four patients had psychiatric complications. Dopamine transporter imaging revealed nigrostriatal pathway dysfunction. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of Japanese patients with PARK7 variants. We identified a relatively low frequency of PARK7 variants in patients in Japan. As opposed to typical patients with sporadic PD, the identified patients developed the disease in their 30s and presented with a variety of non-motor symptoms and complications. Further studies are needed to identify the clinical features related to PARK7 variants in Japanese patients with PD, and to analyze the pathophysiology of how the variants identified in the present study might affect DJ-1 function.

The anonymous Expositio totius mundi and its abridged and revised version, the Totius mundi descriptio, reproducing a geographical text (about 360 CE) translated from Greek, are difficult to date and very problematic for lexicographers, as shown by numerous examples from the Thesaurus Linguae Latinae, especially in its first volumes. The discussion on certain hapax legómena accepted among its entries (in particular calopetta, to be corrected in calopecta, and alethinus) helps to introduce some of the most interesting philological problems in the Expositio, e.g. concerning the reading alicem at § 47, in view of a new edition.