96 research outputs found

    Cochlear Implant Surgery: How to Fix Receiver/Stimulator Avoiding Extrusion:

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    Cochlear implant (CI) surgery is generally safe and associated with a limited number of complications, among which the extrusion of the receiver/stimulator (R/S) or the electrode misplacement and migration might require a CI re-implantation. The aim of this pilot study is to describe a new technique to firmly fix the R/S using the Mitek suture anchors system (Depuy Mitek Surgical Products, Inc. Raynham, Massachusetts). We tested two different models and in our experience, the web of suture created with this device can improve the stability of the bond of the R/S to the underlying curved bone surface. So, this system resulted in a less laborious manner keeping low the complication rate

    TiO2-Ag-NP adhesive photocatalytic films able to disinfect living indoor spaces with a straightforward approach

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    TiO2-Ag doped nanoparticulate (TiO2-Ag-NP) adhesive photocatalytic films were used to assess the ability in dropping down the burden of indoor microbial particles. The application of an easy-to use photocatalytic adhesive film to cleanse indoor living spaces from microbial pollution, represents a novelty in the field of photocatalytic devices. Reduction was attained by photocatalysis in selected spaces, usually with overcrowding (≥ 3 individuals) in the common working daily hours, and upon indoor microclimate monitoring. TiO2-Ag doped nanoparticulate (TiO2-Ag-NP) adhesive photocatalytic films were applied within five types of living spaces, including schools and job places. The microbial pollution was assessed at time 0 (far from routine clean, ≥ 9 h) and throughout 2-4 weeks following the photocatalyst application by relative light unit (RLU) luminometry and microbial indirect assessment (colony forming units per cubic meter, CFU/m3). TiO2-Ag-NP photocatalyst reduced RLU and CFU/m3 by rates higher than 70% leading to RLU ≤ 20 and microbial presence ≤ 35 CFU/m3. The described TiO2-Ag-NP is able to reduce microbial pollution to the lowest RLU threshold (≤ 20) within 60 min in open daylight in a standardized test room of 100 m2. The correlation between RLU and CFU/m3 was positive (r = 0.5545, p < 0.05), assessing that the microbial reduction of indoor areas by the TiO2-Ag-NP adhesive film was real. Titania photocatalysts represent promising tools to ensure air cleaning and sanitization in living indoor microclimates with a low cost, feasible and straightforward approach. This approach represents an easy to handle, cost effective, feasible and efficacious approach to reduce microbial pollution in indoor spaces, by simply attaching a TiO2-Ag-NP adhesive film on the wall

    The role of nutrition in the development of esophageal cancer: What do we know?

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    Cancer of the esophagus is the eighth most common cancer by incidence worldwide and ranks sixth as the most common cause of cancer death. It is unique among the gastrointestinal tract malignancies because it embodies two distinct histopatologic types, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Which type of cancer occurs in a given patient or predominates in a given geographic area depends on many variables, including individual lifestyle, socioeconomic pressures, environmental factors and diet and nutrition. Generally for both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus case-control studies provide evidence of a protective effect of fruits and vegetables. Here we review the role of nutrition in the etiology of esophageal cancer

    Modulation of gonadotrophin induced steroidogenic enzymes in granulosa cells by d-chiroinositol

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    d-chiroinositol (DCI) is a inositolphosphoglycan (IPG) involved in several cellular functions that control the glucose metabolism. DCI functions as second messenger in the insulin signaling pathway and it is considered an insulin sensitizer since deficiency in tissue availability of DCI were shown to cause insulin resistance (IR). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a pathological condition that is often accompanied with insulin resistance. DCI can positively affects several aspect of PCOS etiology decreasing the total and free testosterone, lowering blood pressure, improving the glucose metabolism and increasing the ovulation frequency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of DCI and insulin combined with gonadotrophins namely follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) on key steroidogenic enzymes genes regulation, cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) in primary cultures of human granulosa cells (hGCs). We also investigated whether DCI, being an insulin-sensitizer would be able to counteract the expected stimulator activity of insulin on human granulosa cells (hGCs)

    Biological and clinical markers in colorectal cancer: state of the art.

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    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the World's third most common cancer. Its prognosis is closely related to the disease stage at the time of diagnosis. Here we review the role of clinical biomarkers (tissue, serum, and faecal) in the management of CRC. Molecular studies have recently widened the opportunity for testing new possible markers, but actually, only few markers can be recommended for practical use in clinic. In the next future the hope is to have a complete panel of clinical biomarkers to use in every setting of CRC disease, and at the same time: 1) to receive information about prognostic significance by their expression and 2) to be oriented in the choice of the adequate treatment

    and clinical aspect of lymphocytic hypophysitis

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    A B S T R A C T LYH (lymphocytic hypophysitis) is an autoimmune disease of the pituitary gland which can present with varying degrees of pituitary hormonal impairment and/or with symptoms related to pituitary enlargement. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and the role of organ-specific and antipituitary antibodies as potential markers of LYH. In addition, although the mechanisms underlying LYH are not completely understood, the role of prolactin, which plays an important part in maintaining immune system homoeostasis and is increased in the disease, is considered

    Development of a novel liquid/liquid extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the assessment of thiols in South African Sauvignon Blanc wines

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    Background and Aims: The thiol compounds, 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA), are important, pleasant volatile thiols conferring fruity notes in wines. The analytical determination of these thiols in wine remains problematic due to their trace concentration and instability. The main aim of this study was to develop a liquid/liquid extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of 3MH and 3MHA concentration in Sauvignon Blanc wines. Methods and Results: A novel sample preparation based on a liquid/liquid extraction was developed. Thiols were quantified by UPLC-MS/MS after derivatisation with o-phthaldialdehyde. Good results were obtained with the method in terms of limit of detection and of quantification, accuracy and repeatability. Average concentration of 3MH in 18 South African wines was 1320 and of 3MHA 313ng/L. Conclusions: The analytical method described enables the liquid/liquid extraction of 3MH and 3MHA from wine, separates them by liquid chromatography and detects them by MS/MS at a concentration lower than that of their sensory threshold. Significance of the Study: The determination of the concentration of 3MH and 3MHA in Sauvignon Blanc wines could enable wine producers to predict the sensory attributes of the wine

    AÇÕES NA ÁREA DE FRUTICULTURA E FLORICULTURA

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    O presente projeto é realizado no CAV, nas áreas de fruticultura e floricultura, ervas medicinais, enologia e micropropagação de plantas, com a participação de acadêmicos do curso de Agronomia do Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias da UDESC. Este trabalho objetiva propiciar treinamento para produtores, leigos e comunidade em geral interessados na produção de frutas e flores, tanto a produção a campo como em estufas, bem como atualização de conhecimentos para técnicos da área. A orientação técnica envolve desde ensinamentos teóricos em sala de aula até treinamento prático, sobre diversasa etapas de plantio, poda e manutenção de pomares. Além disto, são realizados dias de campo, palestras e mini cursos, bem como organização de eventos e reuniões técnicas para divulgação das novas tecnologias geradas pela pesquisa, tanto do CAV como de outras instituições de pesquisa. São também realizadas ações junto a escolas da rede municipal e estadual, a fim de conscientizar as crianças da importância da manutenção das flores e plantas de praças, jardins e ruas da cidade, visando a conscientização dos alunos e da comunidade na preservação dos ambientes públicos, bem como na melhoria do ambiente da escola, incentivando-as a plantar flores na escola, e em casa. São realizadas visitas técnicas com os acadêmicos às floriculturas e pomares locais e também em outras cidades de Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul, procurando integrar os acadêmicos do Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias com a fruticultura e a floricultura, num trabalho de extensão que visa proporcionar aos acadêmicos um maior envolvimento prático com estas áreas, bem como tomar consciência dos problemas enfrentados pelos produtores. Também é realizado o programa da rádio UDESC “Conhecendo as plantas”, onde são dadas informações sobre plantas ornamentais e ervas medicinais, além da manutenção de pomares didáticos, estufas de propagação e horto de medicinai

    Follow-up of pre-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 and analysis of their lysosomal enzyme profiles in the CSF

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    Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Its classic motor symptoms may be preceded by non-motor symptoms (NMS). Population studies have identified GBA variants as risk factors for idiopathic PD. The increased risk of PD has also been suggested in other Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). Objective: To assess the evolution of the prevalence of NMS compatible with PD in a cohort of South Brazilian adult patients with Gaucher Disease (GD) type 1, already evaluated 3 years ago (2018). Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) was collected to assess the levels of LSD enzymes (beta-hexosaminidases, beta-glucuronidase) and biomarker of macrophage activation (chitotriosidase, ChT), compared to controls (metachromatic leukodystrophy, MLD). Cognition was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaire, daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), depression by Beck´s Inventory, constipation by the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) scale, and REM sleep behavior disorder by the single-question screen. Hyposmia was assessed with Sniffin’ Sticks (SST). Results Nineteen patients completed the follow-up (mean age of the sample was 44 years; range, 26–71). The patient with the highest number of NMS at the baseline (4 including the lowest SST score) was diagnosed with PD four years later. Apart from an improvement in the ESS score, no other statistical significance was found between the number of NMS between the first and second evaluation, nor between patients with one L444P variant (n = 5) and the rest of the cohort. CSF was collected in five patients (mean age of the sample was 40 years, range 30–53. A significant difference was found in the mean CSF activity levels of beta-hexosaminidases and beta-glucuronidase between GD1 and MLD patients. Mean ChT (CSF) was 62 nmol/h/mL in GD patients and 142 in MLD (n = 6) patients. Conclusions: The patient with the highest number of NMS in our 2018 cohort was the one that developed PD, corroborating with the importance of this longitudinal follow-up. CSF and plasma analysis might allow a better understanding of the neurodegenerative processes connecting PD and the lysosomal environment. Further analysis is needed to understand this relationshi
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