Statistical thermodynamic approach to vibrational solitary waves in acetanilide

We analyze the behavior of the macroscopic thermodynamic state of polymers, centering on acetanilide. The nonlinear equations of evolution for the populations and the statistically averaged field amplitudes of CO-stretching modes are derived. The existence of excitations of the solitary wave type is evidenced. The infrared spectrum is calculated and compared with the experimental data of Careri et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 51, 104 (1983)], resulting in a good agreement. We also consider the situation of a nonthermally highly excited sample, predicting the occurrence of a large increase in the lifetime of the solitary wave excitation. [S0031-9007(98)05407-6].8092008201

Solitons in highly excited matter: Dissipative-thermodynamic and supersonic effects

Solitary waves - arising out of nonlinearity-induced coherence of optical and acoustical vibrational modes in dissipative open systems (polymers and bulk matter) - are described in terms of a statistical thermodynamics based on a nonequilibrium ensemble formalism. The undistorted progressive wave is coupled to the normal vibrations, and three relevant phenomena follow in sufficiently away-from-equilibrium conditions: (i) A large increase in the populations of the normal modes lowest in frequency, (ii) accompanied by a large increase of the solitary-wave lifetime, and (iii) emergence of a Cherenkov-like effect, consisting in a large emission of phonons in privileged directions, when the velocity of propagation of the soliton is larger than the group velocity of the normal vibrations. Comparison with experiments is presented, which points out to the. corroboration of the theory. [S1063-651X(98)00412-7].586B7913792

AMPLIFICATION OF COHERENT POLAR VIBRATIONS IN BIOPOLYMERS - FROHLICH CONDENSATE

We consider the nonequilibrium and dissipative evolution, and the steady state of the population of vibrational polar modes in a chain of biomolecules. These polar modes are excited through a coupling with a metabolic pumping source and are in anharmonic interaction with an elastic continuum. Groups of polar modes are coupled in this way through nonlinear terms in the kinetic equations. This nonlinearity is shown to be the source of an unexpected phenomenon characterizing complex behavior in this kind of system: after a threshold of intensity of the pumping source is achieved, polar modes with the lowest frequencies increase enormously their population in a way reminiscent of a Bose-Einstein condensation (Frohlich effect). The transient time for the steady-state condensate to follow is very short (picosecond time scale) and the condensation appears even for weak values of the anharmonic coupling strength responsible for its occurrence. Further, it seemingly requires accessible levels of metabolic pumping power in order to be produced and sustained.4854049405

E-cadherin Expression in Canine Gastric Carcinomas: Association with Clinicopathological Parameters

E-cadherin (E-cad) is a cell-adhesion molecule known for its tumor-invasion suppressor function. E-cad expression was examined immunohistochemically in a series of canine tissue samples, including normal gastric mucosa (NGM; n = 3), gastric carcinomas (GC; n = 33), adjacent nonneoplastic mucosa (NNM; n = 32), neoplastic emboli (n = 16) and metastatic lesions (n = 9). The relationship between E-cad expression and clinicopathological features were investigated. In NGM, epithelial cells showed strong latero-lateral membranous expression of E-cad, and this pattern was considered normal. The membranous staining was preserved in all specimens of NNM (100%), whereas abnormal E-cad expression was found in 87.9% of the GCs. A marked difference in E-cad expression was observed between normal and malignant tissues (p < 0.0002). Abnormal E-cad expression was significantly more frequent in poorly/undifferentiated carcinomas (96%) and diffuse (95%) and indeterminate carcinomas (100%) than in well-differentiated/intestinal ones (62.5%; p = 0.0115 and p = 0.0392, respectively). There was significant association between abnormal E-cad expression and the depth of invasion (p = 0.0117), and the presence neoplastic emboli (p = 0.0194). No statistically significant differences in E-cad expression were observed concerning tumor location, histological type according to WHO classification, and presence of metastatic lesions. Therefore, deregulation of E-cad expression may play a role in canine gastric carcinogenesis and in tumor progression; moreover, it might be a prognostic tool for canine gastric cancer. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Acknowledgments: A.R.F. (SFRH/BD/116373/2016) acknowledges FCT, the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, for financial support. The authors of the research unit CECAV were also supported by the projects UIDB/CVT/00772/2020 and LA/P/0059/2020 funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). IPATIMUP integrates the i3S Research Unit, which is partially supported by FEDER through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors-COMPETE and National Funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), under the project number PEst-C/SAU/LA0003/2013

Vimentin and Ki-67 immunolabeling in canine gastric carcinomas and their prognostic value

This study evaluated the expression of vimentin and Ki-67 proliferative index (PI) by immunohistochemistry in 30 canine gastric carcinomas (GCs) and a possible association with clinical and pathological features and patient’s survival time. Vimentin immunoreactivity was assessed in neoplastic cells (in primary lesions, emboli, and metastases) and tumor-associated stroma (TAS) of canine GCs. Ki-67 PI was quantified in the neoplastic epithelial component. Vimentin immunolabeling in neoplastic cells was found in 30% of the primary lesions, in 82% of the neoplastic emboli, and in 50% of the metastases; in TAS, it was observed in all cases. A mean of 16% of the TAS was immunolabeled for vimentin. High vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS (>16%) was detected in 40% of cases. The average value of Ki-67 PI was 50%, and 80% of the lesions had Ki-67 PI above 20%. Vimentin immunolabeling in neoplastic cells was more frequent in less-differentiated carcinomas (diffuse [29%] and indeterminate types [75%]) than well-differentiated carcinomas (intestinal type [0%], P = .049). No significant differences were observed in vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS or Ki-67 PI according to histological diagnosis, depth of invasion, presence of neoplastic emboli or metastases. However, vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS was positively correlated with Ki-67 PI (r = .394, P = .031). Furthermore, a moderate negative correlation was observed between Ki-67 PI and survival time (r = −0.540). Our results suggest that vimentin and Ki-67 PI have potential for providing prognostic information in cases of canine GCs

A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an anti-inflammatory nutritional intervention in patients with fibromyalgia

BackgroundThis study aims to analyze the effects of a potentially anti-inflammatory nutritional intervention in disease assessment parameters, inflammatory markers, and quality of life of fibromyalgia (FM) patients.MethodsA sample of 100 female patients diagnosed with FM, followed up at Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology (IPR) in Lisbon, is being randomly allocated in two groups. Patients in the intervention group are adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, characterized by the exemption of the intake of foods containing gluten, dairy, sugar, and ultra-processed foods, during 3months. During the first month, a low fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) diet is implemented, along with the anti-inflammatory diet, followed by the reintroduction of all fruits and vegetables over a consecutive period of 2months. Patients in the control group are adopting a diet based on general recommendations for healthy eating. The outcomes are pain, fatigue, quality of sleep, quality of life, gastrointestinal symptoms, and inflammation. Before and after the 3months intervention, and also 1month after beginning the intervention, the following questionnaires are applied: Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, visual analog pain scale, Brief Pain Inventory,visual analog scale from a list of common gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms in FM, Short Form 36, Fatigue Severity Survey, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. Ultra-sensitive serum C-reactive protein, eritrocyte sedimentation rate, and interleukin-8 are determined. Age, physical activity, anthropometric parameters, and body composition are being collected. Student's t test will assess the association between the disease evaluation parameters, the inflammatory markers, and the dietary interventions.DiscussionThe results of this study are expected to determine whether a change in patient nutrition helps to alleviate symptoms, which would optimize medical intervention.Trial registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04007705. Registered on July 5, 2019

An anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols diet improved patient reported outcomes in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) has been associated with dysbiosis and low-grade inflammation. Studies have reported that diet influences clinical features in FM. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet on clinical outcomes of patients with FM. Methods: This two arms Randomized Controlled Trial (NCT04007705) included 46 female patients with FM. The intervention group (n = 22) adopted an anti-inflammatory diet for 3 months, excluding gluten, dairy, added sugar, and ultra-processed foods, along with a low FODMAPs diet in the first month. The control group (n = 24) followed general healthy eating recommendations. Both diets were applied by a certified dietitian. Before and after the intervention, participants were assessed regarding pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of sleep, and quality of life, through the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS), Visual Analog Scale from gastrointestinal symptoms (VAS GI), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Survey (FSS), and The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A blood sample was collected and high-sensitive C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate were quantified. Paired Samples t-test/Wilcoxon and independent samples t-test/Mann-Whitney were used to compare variables between groups. Results: After intervention, there was an improvement in intervention group scores of FIQR (p = 0.001), VAS (p = 0.002), BPI (p = 0.011), FSS (p = 0.042), VAS_GI (p = 0.002), PSQI (p = 0.048), and SF36 (p = 0.045) compared to control group. Inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, ESR) did not change in both groups. The intervention was beneficial in the intervention group, regardless of age, disease duration, body mass index variation, and body fat change between baseline and post-intervention. Conclusion: An anti-inflammatory and low-FODMAP diet improved clinical features in patients with FM and may be useful as a complement to pharmacological therapy

Immunoexpression of Trefoil Factor 1 in Non-Neoplastic and Neoplastic Canine Gastric Tissues

TFF1 expression is markedly reduced in human GCs, suggesting that TFF1 is a tumor suppressor for human gastric cancer. The present study evaluated the expression and distribution pattern of TFF1 in paraffin-embedded canine gastric tissue samples, including normal mucosa (n = 3), polyps (n = 8), carcinomas (n = 31) and their adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa (n = 30), neoplastic emboli (n = 14), and metastatic lesions (n = 9), by immunohistochemistry (IHC). All normal gastric tissues expressed TFF1 in the superficial foveolar epithelium and mucopeptic cells of the neck region. Most gastric polyps (GPs) displayed immunoreactivity for TFF1 in >75% of the epithelial component. In GCs, the expression of TFF1 was found reduced in 74.2% of the cases. The level of TFF1 expression had a decreased tendency from normal gastric mucosa to GPs and GCs (p 0.05). These findings suggest that TFF1 protein may play a role in canine gastric carcinogenesis, and further studies are necessary to define its usefulness as a prognostic indicator in canine gastric carcinoma.IPATIMUP integrates the i3S Research Unit, which is partially supported by FEDER through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors-COMPETE and National Funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), under the project number PEst-C/SAU/LA0003/2013. A.R. Flores (SFRH/BD/116373/2016) acknowledges FCT, the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, for financial support. The authors of the research unit CECAV also received funding from the project UIDB/CVT/0772/2020

Communication skills in Brazilian pharmaceutical education: a documentary analysis

Objective: To characterize the inclusion of the teaching of communication skills in the curriculum of Pharmacy Schools of Federal Institutions of Higher Education. Methods: An exploratory study of documental analysis of curriculum of Pharmacy Schools was carried out. A convenience sample was selected from undergraduate pharmacy courses of Federal Institutions of Higher Education (IFES). The variables collected were related to the identification of the course, its nature (elective or mandatory), workload, semester, and program content. Results: Among the 49 undergraduate pharmacy courses of IFES, 35 (71.4%) had their curriculum available online. The teaching of communication in health was identified in 26 (74.3%) curriculum. In this study, three courses (7.2%) specifically aimed at teaching communication skills, while 39 (92.9%) had content related to this subject. Most courses (22; 52.4%) belonged to the field of Social, Behavioral, and Administrative Sciences. As for the course period, there was a concentration in the third (19%) and fourth (28.6%) years. The main content present in the curriculum was related to the principles and techniques of health communication (42.8%). Conclusions: Data obtained enabled the identification of gaps in the curricula of undergraduate courses in pharmacy concerning the inclusion of the teaching of communication skills. These results can be used to reflect the current models adopted in Brazil for the teaching of this skills, especially after the recent publication of the new curricular guidelines for undergraduate pharmacy courses

A New Anatomo-Clinical Approach to an Old Disease

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio