Performance of a rapid multi-analyte 2-photon excitation assay in children with acute respiratory infection

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the novel 2-photon excitation-based mariPOC© Assay (ArcDia Laboratories, Turku, Finland) for antigen detection of respiratory viruses versus real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mariPOC Assay and 2 multiplex real-time PCR techniques were performed on nasopharyngeal samples from pediatric patients with suspicion of acute respiratory infection admitted to a children's hospital in Spain during October 2011 to January 2013. A total of 233 samples were studied. Sensitivities and specificities (95% confidence interval) of the mariPOC Assay were for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), 78.4% (69.7–85.6) and 99.2% (96.3–100.0); influenza virus (IFV) A, 66.7% (26.2–94.0) and 99.6% (97.9–100.0); IFV-B, 63.6% (33.6–87.2) and 100.0% (98.7–100.0); human metapneumovirus (hMPV), 60.0% (34.5–81.9) and 100.0% (98.6–100.0); adenovirus (ADV), 12.5% (0.6–48.0) and 100.0% (98.7–100.0), respectively. The mariPOC Assay is a highly specific method for simultaneous detection of 8 respiratory viruses but has sensitivities that range from moderately high for RSV to moderate for IFV and hMPV and low for ADV.     

In vitro method for the screening and monitoring of estrogen-deficiency osteoporosis by targeting peripheral circulating monocytes

Bone loss occurs insidiously and initially asymptomatically; therefore, osteoporosis is frequently diagnosed only after the first clinical fracture. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis is that by simply observing the behavior of cultured peripheral monocytes, it might be possible to diagnose altered bone remodeling and, therefore, limit the complications associated with osteoporosis, especially fractures. Monocytes isolated as mononuclear precursors from healthy and ovariectomized rats were cultured both in basal and differentiation medium for up to 3 weeks. Viability and differentiation capability towards the osteoclastic phenotype was checked by light microscopy at early times, whereas differentiation state and synthetic activity (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining; phalloidin, fluorescin isothiocynate (FITC) staining, cathepsin K, metalloproteinase 7 and 9, MMP-7 and MMP-9) were measured at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Compared to their controls, monocytes isolated from ovariectomized rats proliferate and lean toward the osteoclastic phenotype in the absence of differentiating factors. In both culture conditions, osteoclasts from ovariectomized rats showed significantly higher productions of cathepsin K, MMP-7, and MMP-9 than those of cells isolated from healthy rats, steadily over time. These results obtained in an animal osteoporotic model, if confirmed by clinical studies, open up the possibility to assess the presence of an alteration in bone remodeling with a simple in vitro diagnostic test requiring a small blood sample and less than 48 h. This might allow to early select patients with a spontaneous viability and differentiation of monocytes to osteoclasts for further diagnostic techniques.     

Studies of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of acrylates by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl, butyl and tert‐butyl acrylates was studied at conditions when low molecular weight polymers (M_n ≅ 2·10³) are formed, i. e., at relatively high concentration of initiator (ethyl 2‐bromopropionate) and catalyst (CuBr/amine). MALDI TOF analysis of the polymer samples isolated at different stages of polymerization revealed that in the course of polymerization potentially active macromolecules terminated with bromine are gradually converted into inactive macromolecules devoid of terminal bromine. A possible transfer mechanism, involving amine is a component of the catalytic system, is proposed. It was shown that quantitative analysis of the MALDI TOF spectra allows one to estimate the ratio of apparent rate constants of propagation and degradative transfer, providing quantitative information to what extent the system conforms to the contolled polymerization scheme.     

Efectos adversos de la acumulación renal de hemoproteínas. Nuevas herramientas terapéuticas

Haemoglobin and myoglobin are haem proteins that play a key role as they help transport oxygen around the body. However, because of their chemical structure, these molecules can exert harmful effects when they are released massively into the bloodstream, as reported in certain pathological conditions associated with rhabdomyolysis or intravascular haemolysis. Once in the plasma, these haem proteins can be filtered and can accumulate in the kidney, where they become cytotoxic, particularly for the tubular epithelium, inducing acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. In this review, we will analyse the different pathological contexts that lead to the renal accumulation of these haem proteins, their relation to both acute and chronic loss of renal function, the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause adverse effects and the defence systems that counteract such actions. Finally, we will describe the different treatments currently used and present new therapeutic options based on the identification of new cellular and molecular targets, with particular emphasis on the numerous clinical trials that are currently ongoing.     

Teaching dementia care to physical therapy doctoral students: A multimodal experiential learning approach

ABSTRACT

As the population aged 65 and older grows, it becomes imperative for health care providers to expand their knowledge regarding geriatric conditions and concerns. Dementia is a devastating degenerative disease process that is affecting millions of individuals in the United States, with significant economic and emotional burden on family and caregivers. The need for further dementia education in physical therapy school is essential to improve attitudes and treatment that affect patient outcomes and quality of care. This physical therapy program implemented a 12-hour multimodal experiential learning module designed to educate their students on the challenges associated with dementia to increase knowledge and confidence when treating these patients. The results of this study showed statistically significant improvements in overall confidence and knowledge of treating patients with dementia. The study finds the addition of experiential learning to traditional didactic coursework improves students’ reported confidence in working with patients with dementia and understanding the challenges associated with treating patients with dementia.     

Hipertensão Arterial e Ácido Úrico Sérico em Idosos - Estudo SEPHAR III

Background:Hyperuricemia is a frequent finding in patients with arterial hypertension, and there is increasing evidence that this entity is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Objective:In the context of an aging population, this study aims to evaluate serum uric acid levels and arterial hypertension prevalence and control in a subgroup of Romanian adults (>65 years), concerning the influence of age on these parameters.Method:The study sample consists of 1,920 adults included in SEPHAR III survey, of whom 447 were elderly patients (>65 years of age). During the two study visits, three blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed at 1-min intervals and serum uric acid levels, kidney function by estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, and intima media thickness measurements were conducted. Hypertension and controls were defined according to the current guidelines. Intima-media thickness evaluation was assessed by B-mode Doppler ultrasound evaluation. A significance level p < 0.05 was adopted for the statistical analysis.Results:Adult patients had a significant lower serum uric acid levels, compared to elderly patients, regardless of glomerular filtration rate levels. Adult patients showed a significantly lower intima-media thickness levels, when compared to elderly patients.Conclusion:Similar to previous studies, in the present study, age represented one of the factors contributing to the increased level of serum uric acid. An increasing prevalence of arterial hypertension with age, together with a poor control of blood pressure, was also obtained.