Endarterite infecciosa de canal arterial clinicamente silencioso

Infective Endocarditis is caused by bacteria or fungi involving the heart or the great vessels (Endarteritis). It is a rare and potentially ominous disease, with increasing incidence. Despite technological advances it remains difficult to diagnose and treat, particularly in children below two years. Congenital heart disease is the main risk factor for Infective Endocarditis in children. A patent ductus arteriosus clinically silent is infrequently implied. Over two-month-old Streptococci spp and Staphylococcus aureus are the main agents, responsible for 62-77% of cases. Gram negative rods count for 4-6%, being Klebsiella pneumoniae a rare pathogen. The authors report a case of a previously healthy four-months-old infant, admitted for bronchiolitis. He developed a Klebsiella pneumoniae persistent bacteremia related to Endarteritis of a silent patent ductus arteriosus. After prolonged and successful antibiotic therapy, the ductus arteriosus was surgically closed. He suffered no complication during the disease process and recovered uneventfully

Temperature distribution of a Fast-Field Cycling Nuclear Magnetic Resonance relaxometer's electromagnet with reduced volume

The temperature distribution of a Fast Field Cycling (FFC) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) electromagnet plays an important role in the operation of this type of apparatus. The designed electromagnet presents a reduced volume and is iron and copper based, fulfilling the technical requirements for the magnetic field. With this solution, it is possible to increase the overall performance in comparison with former similar FFC relaxometers. Electromagnet's simulation results evaluating the temperature distribution, heating effects and cooling requirements are presented.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Purification and characterization of a polygalacturonase produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus

The aim of this work was to study the purification and physicochemical properties of an endo-polygalacturonase (PG) produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus isolated from the citrus fruit peels. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate of W. anomalus grown on the yeast nitrogen base medium with glucose as carbon and energy source and citrus pectin as inductor. After anion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography, PG activity was eluted as a single peak, yielding 21% of the original activity. After dialysis and cation-exchange chromatography, only one fraction with PG activity was obtained, recovering 56% of initial enzyme activity and 1.3-fold increase in specific activity. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated as 43 kDa by the SDS-PAGE. The enzyme exhibited maximal activity at pH 4.2 and was stable over a pH range from 3.5 to 6.0 and up to 49°C for 10 h. The Vmax and Km values with polygalacturonic acid as substrate were 0.26 mmol/L. min and 0.173 mg/mL, respectively. Cations such as Cu+2, Fe+3, Mg+2, Mn+2 and Zn+2 did not show any significant effect on PG activity but K+ and Ca+2 reduced it. The purified PG was able to macerate cassava tissues.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriale

Verification of the Kcat Value of AAT via COPASI

PLP is a chromophoric cofactor required for catalytic activity by a wide variety of enzymes. While PLP enzymes are thermally activated in vivo, it has been reported that some PLP enzymes can be activated by UV light. One enzyme that uses PLP as a cofactor is apsartate aminotransferase (AAT). Previous studies with AAT suggest that the carbanionic quinonoid intermediate is photogenerated by UV laser excitation. AAT is central to nitrogen metabolism in all living systems and has a large body of literature. As such, it is a useful prototype for the fundamental studies on this class of enzymes which were previously conducted. In order to verify these experimental results, the computer program COPASI was used. Two models of AAT mechanisms were examined using COPASI one with the quinonoid intermediate on the productive path and one with the quinonoid off the productive path

Self-Healing Concrete: Concepts, Energy Saving and Sustainability

The production of cement accounts for 5 to 7% of carbon dioxide emissions in the world, and its broad-scale use contributes to climate imbalance. As a solution, biotechnology enables the cultivation of bacteria and fungi for the synthesis of calcium carbonate as one of the main constituents of cement. Through biomineralization, which is the initial driving force for the synthesis of compounds compatible with concrete, and crystallization, these compounds can be delivered to cracks in concrete. Microencapsulation is a method that serves as a clock to determine when crystallization is needed, which is assisted by control factors such as pH and aeration. The present review addresses possibilities of working with bioconcrete, describing the composition of Portland cement, analysis methods, deterioration, as well as environmental and energetic benefits of using such an alternative material. A discussion on carbon credits is also offered. The contents of this paper could strengthen the prospects for the use of self-healing concrete as a way to meet the high demand for concrete, contributing to the building of a sustainable society

Concomitant pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection: approach to anticoagulation

Os autores descrevem um caso de uma doente admitida após episódio pré-sincopal associado a precordialgia e cujo ecocardiograma sumário feito no Servic¸o de Urgência demonstrou alterac¸ões compatíveis com tromboembolismo pulmonar, tendo a doente sido submetida a terapêutica fibrinolítica, após episódio de paragem cardiorrespiratória. Na angiotomografia de tórax feita posteriormente para confirmac¸ão diagnóstica demonstra-se a presenc¸a não só de trombos no nível da artéria pulmonar, mas também de dissec¸ão da aorta Stanford B, tendo-se optado pela manutenc¸ão de anticoagulac¸ão terapêutica e a doente evoluído de forma favorável.The authors describe a case of a patient admitted with a pre-syncopal episode and precordial discomfort, and whose cardiac ultrasound performed in the Emergency Room was suggestive of Pulmonary Embolism. The patient was submitted to fibrinolytic therapy after cardiac arrest. The computerized tomography done after this episode not only confirmed the presence of pulmonary embolism but had also shown a Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection. The option was to maintain the therapeutic anticoagulation, having the patient evolved favourably.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Oromucosal Alginate Films with Zein Nanoparticles as a Novel Delivery System for Digoxin

Digoxin is a hydrophobic drug used for the treatment of heart failure that possesses a narrow therapeutic index, which raises safety concerns for toxicity. This is of utmost relevance in specific populations, such as the elderly. This study aimed to demonstrate the potential of the sodium alginate films as buccal drug delivery system containing zein nanoparticles incorporated with digoxin to reduce the number of doses, facilitating the administration with a quick onset of action. The film was prepared using the solvent casting method, whereas nanoparticles by the nanoprecipitation method. The nanoparticles incorporated with digoxin (0.25 mg/mL) exhibited a mean size of 87.20 ± 0.88 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.23 ± 0.00, and a zeta potential of 21.23 ± 0.07 mV. Digoxin was successfully encapsulated into zein nanoparticles with an encapsulation efficiency of 91% (±0.00). Films with/without glycerol and with different concentrations of ethanol were produced. The sodium alginate (SA) films with 10% ethanol demonstrated good performance for swelling (maximum of 1474%) and mechanical properties, with a mean tensile strength of 0.40 ± 0.04 MPa and an elongation at break of 27.85% (±0.58), compatible with drug delivery application into the buccal mucosa. The current study suggests that SA films with digoxin-loaded zein nanoparticles can be an effective alternative to the dosage forms available on the market for digoxin administration

A good excuse for skipping the test: electrical storm in a teenager

We describe the case of a teenager with a structurally normal heart that presented with torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest. He had a history of epilepsy in childhood, mild cognitive impairment and cognitive visual dysfunction. The baseline electrocardiogram had prominent J waves and a marked early repolarization pattern in all the leads, with normal QT interval. We discuss the differential diagnosis for this interesting case, as well as the patient's management.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Migration in the ABCD assessment tool after community-based pulmonary rehabilitation

Objectives: The ABCD assessment tool (ABCD) proposed by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) is often used to guide treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, treatment remains focused on pulmonary pharmacology, despite being known that this will have minimal effects on meaningful aspects of people’s daily life such as symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, non-pharmacological intervention, improves symptoms and may lead to a positive shift in the ABCD assessment tool but this remains underexplored. Hence, we aimed to assess the effects of a community-based PR programme on the ABCD assessment tool. Methods: An observational study with people with COPD was conducted. Age, sex, forced expiratory volume in one second percentage predicted (FEV1%predicted); activities-related dyspnoea-modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire (mMRC), impact of the disease-COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and number of acute exacerbations and hospitalisations in the previous year to determine participants’ group in the ABCD assessment tool were collected before and after a 12-weeks community-based PR programme. Paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyse data. Results: Eighty-nine people with COPD (69.5 ± 8.3 yrs; 78.7% male; FEV1 = 50.1 ± 17.8% predicted) were included. Airflow obstruction remained unchanged after PR (p = 0.908). In the ABCD assessment tool, the number of individuals allocated to GOLD A (CAT: 15 (16.9%) vs. 26 (29.2%); mMRC: 26 (29.2%) vs. 34 (38.2%)) and C (CAT: 1 (1.1%) vs. 6 (6.7%); mMRC: 4 (4.5%) vs. 11 (12.4%)) increased, whilst, those allocated to GOLD B (CAT: 51 (57.3%) vs. 40 (44.9%); mMRC: 40 (44.9%) vs. 32 (36%)) and D (CAT: 22 (24.7%) vs. 19 (21.3%); mMRC: 19 (21.3%) vs. 12 (13.5%)) decreased following PR, using either the CAT (p = 0.002) or the mMRC (p = 0.001) (Figure 1 - a) and b)). Conclusions: Community-based PR reduces symptoms in people with COPD, leading to positive and significant shifts in the ABCD assessment tool. Referrals to PR are strongly encouraged.publishe