Tag: nevin manimala

ACS Nano. 2023 Oct 25. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06897. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In many disordered systems, the diffusion of classical particles is described by a displacement distribution P(x, t) that displays exponential tails instead of Gaussian statistics expected for Brownian motion. However, the experimental demonstration of control of this behavior by increasing the disorder strength has remained challenging. In this work, we explore the Gaussian-to-exponential transition by using diffusion of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in attractive nanoparticle-polymer mixtures and controlling the volume fraction of the nanoparticles. In this work, we find “knobs”, namely nanoparticle concentration and interaction, which enable the change in the shape of P(x,t) in a well-defined way. The Gaussian-to-exponential transition is consistent with a modified large deviation approach for a continuous time random walk and also with Monte Carlo simulations involving a microscopic model of polymer trapping via reversible adsorption to the nanoparticle surface. Our work bears significance in unraveling the fundamental physics behind the exponential decay of the displacement distribution at the tails, which is commonly observed in soft materials and nanomaterials.

PMID:37879044 | DOI:10.1021/acsnano.3c06897

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2023 Oct 25. doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c08579. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-co-TrFE)] thin films have been deposited by spin-coating onto the Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃(BNT)/LNO/SiO₂/Si heterostructure. The copolymer microstructure investigated by using grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray diffraction (GIWAXD) and deduced from the (200)/(110) reflections demonstrates that the b-axis in the P(VDF-co-TrFE) orthorhombic unit cell is either in the plane or out of the plane, depending on the face-on or on the two types of edge-on (called I and II) lamellar structures locally identified by atomic force microscopy (AFM). For edge-on I lamellae regions, the electroactivity (d_zz^eff ∼ -50.3 pm/V) is found to be twice as high as that measured for both edge-on II or face-on crystalline domains, as probed by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). This result is directly correlated to the direction of the ferroelectric polarization vector in the P(VDF-co-TrFE) orthorhombic cell: larger nanoscale piezoactivity is related to the b-axis which lies along the normal to the substrate plane in the case of the edge-on I domains. Here, the ability to thoroughly gain access to the as-grown polar axis direction within the edge-on crystal lamellae of the ferroelectric organic layers is evidenced by combining the nanometric resolution of the PFM technique with a statistical approach based on its spectroscopic tool. By the gathering of information at the nanoscale, two orientations for the polar b-axis are identified in edge-on lamellar structures. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the structure-property relationships in P(VDF-co-TrFE) films, which is a key issue for the design of future advanced organic electronic devices.

PMID:37878996 | DOI:10.1021/acsami.3c08579

Lupus. 2023 Oct 25:9612033231211065. doi: 10.1177/09612033231211065. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report the differences in phenotypic characteristics, disease course, and outcome in monogenic and sporadic childhood lupus (SC-lupus) from a single tertiary childhood lupus clinic.

METHODS: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were retrospectively collected at the last follow-up visit on patients with monogenic lupus proven by genetic variants and SC-lupus seen between June 1997 and July 2022. SC-lupus patients were selected by systematic sampling from lupus patients presenting to our lupus clinic; the first patient was chosen randomly, and the subsequent patients were chosen at intervals of three. Data comprised the clinical and laboratory findings, disease activity using the SLEDAI, and damage measured by the pSDI.

RESULTS: A total of 54 patients with a median disease duration of 6.8 (IQR 3.5-10.5) years were included. There were 27 patients with monogenic lupus and 27 patients with SC-lupus, with a median age at disease onset of 3.5 (IQR 1.0-6.0), and 9.5 (IQR 7.0-11.8), respectively. (p < 0.05). The rate of consanguinity and family history of lupus were higher in monogenic lupus patients. The two groups were comparable. However, monogenic lupus patients showed more gastrointestinal tract symptoms, and failure to thrive (p < 0.05). They also had more infections. The frequency of the autoantibody profile was higher in monogenic lupus patients. Belimumab was more frequently used in monogenic lupus while rituximab in SC-lupus patients. Monogenic lupus patients had a higher mean SLEDAI, but statistically, it was insignificant. Patients with monogenic lupus had greater disease damage, with a higher mean pSDI and a higher mortality rate (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Patients with monogenic lupus are likely to have an early disease onset and a strong family history of lupus, as well as a guarded prognosis, which is likely due to the disease’s severity and frequent infections. These differences may be related to the high consanguinity rate and underlying genetic variants.

PMID:37878993 | DOI:10.1177/09612033231211065

Acta Cir Bras. 2023 Oct 23;38:e384923. doi: 10.1590/acb384923. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on colorectal cancer (CRC) development in mice induced by azoxymethane (AOM) coupled with colitis.

METHODS: Forty animals induced with CRC were used, divided into five groups of eight animals each: sedentary; continuous aerobics; continuous anaerobic; aerobic PI; and anaerobic PI. AOM was administered to the animals in two doses of 10 mg/kg each over the course of two weeks, the first dose administered in the third week and the second administered in the fourth. For the colitis, three cycles of dextran sodium sulfate were administered for five days, separated by two weeks of water. The 14th week of the experiment saw the euthanasia, the removal of their colons, and the creation of microscopy slides for histological analysis.

RESULTS: Preneoplastic lesions developed in all five groups; there were no significant differences between them. However, in terms of inflammatory symptoms, mucosal ulceration was much more frequently in the exercise groups than in the sedentary group (p = 0.016). The number of polyps overall (p = 0.002), the distal region’s polyp development (p = 0.003), and the proximal region’s polyp development (p = 0.04) were all statistically different than sedentary group.

CONCLUSIONS: The study discovered no significant difference in disease activity index scores between groups, but there was a significant difference in the number of polyps and the presence of mucosal ulceration in the colon.

PMID:37878986 | DOI:10.1590/acb384923

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2023 Oct 23;21:eAO0291. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023AO0291. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Morais et al. conducted a pioneering study with Brazilian indigenous populations to determine reference values for immunologic cells from healthy adult individuals. The main findings included a higher relative median for T lymphocyte subsets in females than males, and T CD3+, T CD4+, and T CD8+ relative values were statistically different when compared with Brazilian populations from other Brazilian regions. The relative medians of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in women than in men in a healthy indigenous population. Demographic and ethnic diversity of the Brazilian population can be associated with quantitative modifications in the immunologic cells of healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The establishment of reference values for a subset of leukocytes is common in clinical practice, and ethnic variations are strongly associated with disease development. In Brazil, indigenous people are vulnerable to infections, and few studies have described the health and disease conditions of this population. This study aimed to provide reference values for immunological cell subsets in indigenous Brazilians living in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

METHODS: Flow cytometry and 4-color combinations of monoclonal antibodies were used to characterize cells. A total of 115 healthy adults, mostly females (72%), were included in the study. The results are presented as mean and median (2.5%-97.5% percentiles) for T and B lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Natural Killer cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, providing an average immunological profile for the population in question.

RESULTS: The relative medians of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in women than in men in a healthy indigenous population.

CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, cell reference data from indigenous Brazilians are unknown in the literature. The immune cell results presented in this pioneering study will contribute to the clinical and laboratory evaluation of the Brazilian indigenous population, especially given the important differences when compared with other Brazilian ethnic groups.

PMID:37878969 | DOI:10.31744/einstein_journal/2023AO0291

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2023 Oct 23;21:eAO0273. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023AO0273. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Older individuals with cancer constitute a high-risk group for COVID-19. Entry of the virus into cells occurs through the binding of the S protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is mediated by the TMPRSS2 gene and regulated by androgen receptors. Androgen deprivation therapy in patients with prostate cancer inhibits AR-TMPRSS2 interactions, which in turn inhibits the aggressiveness of the infection. We were unable to prove an association between the use of androgen deprivation therapy and a reduction in factors associated with worse clinical outcomes. Most of the data presented show a tendency to favor the outcomes of patients who do not undergo androgen deprivation therapy, which can be explained by the fact that, in general, their clinical conditions are better and their performance status scores are lower than those of patients who undergo androgen deprivation therapy. Abstract presented to the oncology department of A.C.Camargo Cancer Center as a conclusion of the Scientific Initiation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 in patients with prostate cancer who received androgen deprivation therapy and those who did not.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and those who did not undergo androgen deprivation therapy. These patients were treated at the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center between March 2020 and March 2021.

RESULTS: Of the 78 patients with prostate cancer and positive RT-PCR test results, 50% were undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, and 49% were experiencing a non-metastatic biochemical relapse. Of these, 80.6% were symptomatic on the day of examination compared to 97.2% in the Control Group. A total of 82.1% of the patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy required hospitalization, with 30.8% admitted to the intensive care unit compared to 21.6% in the Control Group. There was no statistically significant difference in the use of a high-flow oxygen cannula, the need for orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, the need for dialysis, multiple organ failure, or death. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the average length of stay in the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION: Androgen deprivation therapy was not associated with protective factors or potential treatments in patients with prostate cancer and COVID-19. Although the number of patients analyzed was limited, and there may have been a selection bias, this is a unique study that cannot be expanded or replicated in similar (unvaccinated) populations.

PMID:37878968 | DOI:10.31744/einstein_journal/2023AO0273

Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2023 Oct 23;31:e4028. doi: 10.1590/1518-8345.6736.4028. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to synthesize available evidence related to menstrual hygiene access and practices in Latin America and the Caribbean.

METHOD: literature scoping review with research protocol registered in the Open Science Framework, carried out in the bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

RESULTS: 15 publications were included, the majority of which addressed adolescents in Brazil: 12 articles, two technical reports and a course conclusion monograph. As recurring themes in the publications, the following stand out: Access to dignified conditions for managing menstrual hygiene; Need for access to information on menstrual hygiene management; and Practices for managing menstrual hygiene.

CONCLUSION: adolescents report difficulties in accessing toilets, water and absorbent materials, and lack of information about menstrual health, including in schools, leading to school absenteeism. Thus, gaps in the Latin American scientific literature reveal inequalities and diversity in menstrual experiences intersected by categories such as gender, social class and ethnicity.

HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Lack of access to hygiene products, toilets and water for personal hygiene. (2) Invisibility of the problem of period poverty in Latin America. (3) Lack of physical structure in schools aggravates and leads to school absenteeism. (4) Menstrual health literacy was insufficient for the demands of adolescents. (5) Primary studies on menstrual hygiene in Latin America are scarce.

PMID:37878965 | DOI:10.1590/1518-8345.6736.4028

Codas. 2023 Oct 23;36(1):e20220318. doi: 10.1590/2317-1782/20232022318pt. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: to verify the performance of children with Developmental Language Disorder in decoding and writing tests in order to better understand their manifestations and the process of acquiring written language skills.

METHODS: The study subjects were 80 children. The Research Group consisted of 16 children diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder, 13 males and 3 females, mean age of 7.3. The Control Group counted on 64 subjects paired in gender, age, education and socioeconomic level with the Control Group in a 4:1 ratio. The ability to decode words and pseudowords of both groups was evaluated, measuring the time spent to correctly read words and the percentage of correct answers, also considering the length of the word/pseudoword. The writing evaluation was carried out in the control group, which had its spelling errors analyzed and categorized. All data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The data indicated a longer decoding time and a lower percentage of correct answers for the children from the Research Group. Regarding spelling errors, there was a predominance of arbitrary spelling errors.

CONCLUSION: The data showed that children with Developmental Language Disorder tend to have a longer decoding time, greater percentage of errors than their peers and tend to present spelling errors more concentrated in natural orthography.

PMID:37878958 | DOI:10.1590/2317-1782/20232022318pt

Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2023 Oct 9;86(5):e20210353. doi: 10.5935/0004-2749.2021-0353. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

We assessed the effects of anti-inflammatory treatment after selective laser trabeculoplasty through a systematic search of the MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The outcome measures were intraocular pressure, anterior chamber inflammation, and discomfort. Evidence synthesis was performed using fixed effects or random-effects model according to the heterogeneity of the included studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using Q-statistic and I2. For an overall estimate of continuous outcomes, the mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were applied, while odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were applied for dichotomous outcomes. Six studies were included in all. No significant difference was noted in the patients for intraocular pressure and discomfort when treated with anti-inflammatory drops. However, the patients showed benefit from reduced anterior chamber inflammation in the first postoperative week [FE OR=0.43, 95% CI=(0.19, 0.95), PQ=0.97, I2=0%], with no significant difference between the outcomes of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids [FE OR=0.75, 95% CI=(0.20, 2.82), PQ=0.37, I2=0%]. Anti-inflammatory drops reduce anterior chamber inflammation after selective laser trabeculoplasty but showed no effect on the intraocular pressure.

PMID:37878950 | DOI:10.5935/0004-2749.2021-0353

JMIR Serious Games. 2023 Oct 25;11:e46243. doi: 10.2196/46243.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The application of virtual reality (VR) in health care has grown rapidly in China, where approximately half of the population is directly exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS). As VR headsets have become increasingly popular and short video platforms have incorporated 360° videos in China, new formats and opportunities for health campaigns about SHS have emerged.

OBJECTIVE: In a simulated environment of exposure to SHS, this study aims to explore the emotional and behavioral responses to enhanced social presence brought about by VR in contrast to flat-screen videos. It also aims to examine whether and to what extent video modality (360° video vs flat-screen video) and contextual cues (high threat vs low threat) influence psychometric and intentional variables among viewers.

METHODS: A total of 245 undergraduate and graduate students who were nonsmokers and from a large university in China participated in this study between October 2020 and January 2021. This study created 4 different versions of a SHS experience in a café with a 2 (360° video on a head-mounted display vs flat-screen display) × 2 (high threat vs low threat) experimental design. It developed and tested a path model examining the effects of experience modality and threat levels on social presence, emotions (anger and disgust), and eventually behavioral intentions (staying away and asking for help).

RESULTS: We found that both video modality (P<.001) and threat level (P=.005) significantly influenced social presence, whereas the interaction of video modality and threat level did not have a statistically significant effect on social presence (P=.55). Negative emotions mediated the relationships between social presence and SHS-related self-protective behaviors. Specifically, anger positively predicted the intention to ask smokers to stop smoking through the waitress (P<.001). Disgust and fear both positively predicted the intention to stay away from the SHS environment (P<.001 for disgust; P=.002 for fear).

CONCLUSIONS: This study explored the potential mediating mechanisms that influence individuals’ responses to the risks of SHS in public areas. The results demonstrated that social presence and negative emotions are 2 important mediators that underlie the relationship between video modality and behavioral intention regarding SHS in a VR setting. These findings suggest that an immersive environment could be a better stimulator of anti-SHS emotions and behaviors than flat-screen videos.

PMID:37878358 | DOI:10.2196/46243