Unlocking the molecular realm: advanced approaches for identifying clinically and environmentally relevant bacteria

Rapid, effective, and specific identification of clinical and environmental bacterial pathogens is of major importance for their control. Traditionally, bacteria have been identified by phenotypic methods based on morphological, biochemical, and metabolic properties. While these methods are very useful in clinical practice, they have limitations including a poor ability to differentiate within and between species and time-consuming workflows. Newly developed molecular methods can greatly improve the accuracy of taxonomic characterization, identifying specific strains of medical or environmental importance. However, due to high costs and the need for trained professionals, these methods are not yet routine in diagnostic laboratories. Thus, disseminating knowledge on advances in molecular identification techniques is pivotal to make these methodologies accessible. The objective of this work was to review and discuss current molecular techniques for bacteria identification aiming to track and monitor microbial agents in clinical and environmental samples.

Thermal Performance of Multifunctional Facade Solution Containing Phase Change Materials: Experimental and Numerical Analysis

This work focuses on the development and analysis of a new multifunctional facade panel incorporating PCM in foam layers. The thermal performance was analysed recurring to a hotbox heat flux meter method to determine the thermal transmittance (U-value) and the main findings are presented. The experimental setup was based on the steady-state approach, using climatic chambers, assuring a stable thermal environment. Even small fractions of PCM achieved a small reduction in thermal amplitude. Numerical simulations using Ansys Fluent were developed to evaluate the performance of PCM use over a wide range of temperature boundary conditions and operating modes. These numerical models were calibrated and validated using the results of experimental tests, achieving a correlation factor of 0.9674, and, thus, accurately representing a real-world scenario. The decrement factor (f) was used to analyse the data. It was identified that the efficiency of the panel and size of the optimum region increased with the PCM fraction growth. The results showed the significant potential of the multi-layered panel, with the thermal regulator effect of the PCM incorporated, on indoor space temperature so as to reach good thermal comfort levels. The efficiency of the panel can be improved by nearly 50% depending on the input boundary conditions. The efficiency of the panel and the size of the optimum region increase with growth in the PCM fraction. The simulated behaviour was at an optimum when the input mean temperature was 20 °C for a room temperature of between 18-20 °C.

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS BASED ON PATIENT BODY MASS INDEX FOR SELECT INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES IN MINAS GERAIS/BRAZIL

This work establishes local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in interventional radiology based on adult patient body mass index (BMI). The monitoring was carried out from 23 institutions and patient data from 3015 procedures were collected, being 907 Catheterism (CAT), 921 Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and 1187 CAT/PTCA and 6 BMI ranges were taken, going from under 18 up to 40 kg·m-2. It is presented that 18 initial DRL values to be used in the county of Minas Gerais. The overall 75th kerma-area product (KAP), commonly considered DRL, in Gy·cm2, is 94.6(SD 119)-CAT, 88.6(SD 121)-PTCA and 33.0(SD 47.6)-CAT/PTCA. In considering KAP-BMI individual values, one obtain the min-max ranges, in Gy·cm2, 3.2-BMI A to 101-BMI B for CAT, 65-BMI A to 102-BMI F for PTCA and 10.4-BMI A to 59.2-BMI E for CAT/PTCA. The KAP-BMI approach has shown to be feasible as a DRL optimization process.

CCR5 closes the temporal window for memory linking

Real-world memories are formed in a particular context and are often not acquired or recalled in isolation1-5. Time is a key variable in the organization of memories, as events that are experienced close in time are more likely to be meaningfully associated, whereas those that are experienced with a longer interval are not1-4. How the brain segregates events that are temporally distinct is unclear. Here we show that a delayed (12-24 h) increase in the expression of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5)-an immune receptor that is well known as a co-receptor for HIV infection6,7-after the formation of a contextual memory determines the duration of the temporal window for associating or linking that memory with subsequent memories. This delayed expression of CCR5 in mouse dorsal CA1 neurons results in a decrease in neuronal excitability, which in turn negatively regulates neuronal memory allocation, thus reducing the overlap between dorsal CA1 memory ensembles. Lowering this overlap affects the ability of one memory to trigger the recall of the other, and therefore closes the temporal window for memory linking. Our findings also show that an age-related increase in the neuronal expression of CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 leads to impairments in memory linking in aged mice, which could be reversed with a Ccr5 knockout and a drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that inhibits this receptor, a result with clinical implications. Altogether, the findings reported here provide insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that shape the temporal window for memory linking.

Weibel instability beyond bi-Maxwellian anisotropy

The shape of the anisotropic velocity distribution function, beyond the realm of strict Maxwellians can play a significant role in determining the evolution of the Weibel instability dictating the dynamics of self-generated magnetic fields. For non-Maxwellian distribution functions, we show that the direction of the maximum growth rate wave vector changes with shape. We investigate different laser-plasma interaction model distributions which show that their Weibel generated magnetic fields may require closer scrutiny beyond the second moment (temperature) anisotropy ratio characterization.

North African dust intrusions and increased risk of respiratory diseases in Southern Portugal

The study of dust intrusions in Portugal is still a subject on which little investigation has been made, especially in terms of their effects. Thus, this work aims to achieve two goals: firstly, to characterize the dust intrusions in the study area; and secondly, to evaluate the possible statistical association between the dust intrusion days and hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases. Dust intrusions in Portugal are prevalent during the summer season. During this season, the dust plumes tend to cover broader areas than in the other seasons and they have origin in the North African countries. In the study area for the period between 2005 and 2015, the relative risk of urgent hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases was 12.6% higher during dust intrusion days. In order to obtain this statistical association, a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model was developed. With this work, we expect to help the development of further studies regarding North African dust intrusions in Portugal, more precisely their effects on human health.

Stable Positron Acceleration in Thin, Warm, Hollow Plasma Channels

Hollow plasma channels are attractive for lepton acceleration because they provide intrinsic emittance preservation regimes. However, beam breakup instabilities dominate the dynamics. Here, we show that thin, warm hollow channels can sustain large-amplitude plasma waves ready for high-quality positron acceleration. We verify that the combination of warm electrons and thin hollow channels enables positron focusing structures. Such focusing wakefields unlock beam breakup damping mechanisms. We demonstrate that such channels emerge self-consistently during the long-term plasma dynamics in the blowout's regime aftermath, allowing for experimental demonstration.

Dissipation of electron-beam-driven plasma wakes

Metre-scale plasma wakefield accelerators have imparted energy gain approaching 10 gigaelectronvolts to single nano-Coulomb electron bunches. To reach useful average currents, however, the enormous energy density that the driver deposits into the wake must be removed efficiently between shots. Yet mechanisms by which wakes dissipate their energy into surrounding plasma remain poorly understood. Here, we report picosecond-time-resolved, grazing-angle optical shadowgraphic measurements and large-scale particle-in-cell simulations of ion channels emerging from broken wakes that electron bunches from the SLAC linac generate in tenuous lithium plasma. Measurements show the channel boundary expands radially at 1 million metres-per-second for over a nanosecond. Simulations show that ions and electrons that the original wake propels outward, carrying 90 percent of its energy, drive this expansion by impact-ionizing surrounding neutral lithium. The results provide a basis for understanding global thermodynamics of multi-GeV plasma accelerators, which underlie their viability for applications demanding high average beam current.

Development of a Virtual Game with Android Operating System for the Rehabilitation of Chewing and Swallowing in the Elderly

Introduction With the aging, the orofacial structures may suffer changes related to disorganization of the stomatognathic system, with a reduction in the strength and resistance of the tongue reflecting delays in the handling of the boluses in the mouth and the elevation of the hyolaryngeal complex; it may result in changes in swallowing (presbifagia or dysphagia). Changes in swallowing may be adjuvants for the illness of the elderly with great socioeconomic impact due to the high costs that bring to the public health with prolonged hospitalizations.

Objectives Before it an app was created with a board game for android operating system with the possibility of training in the functions of chewing and swallowing in elderly using biofeedback.

Methodology A hardware was built capable of capturing, conditioning and transmitting the electrical signal of the masseter and supra-hyoid muscles, with surface electrodes, using an interface system scan with four channels for a mobile device with Android operating system via Bluetooth. The electrical signal is received by software through a biogame, which originally held the calibration of the data, being the value range of the strength of the bite ranging from zero to 255 µV. The participant will receive the information to chew and swallow through the simulation of a “virtual farm” with the displacement of a tractor irrigating the earth which will create a plantation. The chewing cycle was standardized in 10 insect chewing’s, five for each side, ending with the swallowing.

Results At the end of the game a report stating: date of the examination, consistency of the food chosen, testing time, masticatory cycles completed and incomplete, maximum and average power of bite and muscle activity of the swallowing of each side.

Conclusion The application with game developed is a promising resource for training of the masticatory muscles and the swallowing of the elderly.

Effects of mental practice strategies associated to physiotherapy on gait and risk of falls in Parkinson’s disease: a pilot study of a randomized clinical trial

Introduction Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder that interferes with the voluntary movements due to dysfunction of the basal ganglia and presenting with motor signals, such as the reduction of gait speed. This contributes to an increased risk of falls. In rehabilitation, mental practice (MP) has been shown to promote plastic modulation of neural circuits and improve motor learning, but the results of research with MP in PD are still ambiguous due to the diversity of intervention strategies.

Objectives To compare the effects of MP strategies associated to physiotherapy in gait and risk of falls in PD patients.

Methodology We performed a pilot study of a clinical randomized, single blind, trial, conducted in accordance with the consort checklist. Patients with idiopathic PD were included and allocated to four groups: Control group (CG); Group with mental practice guided by images (MPI); Group with mental practice guided by audio (MPA); group with mental practice without a guide (MPWG). The subjects of the experimental groups were submitted to 15 sessions of physiotherapy and mental practice, while the CG received only physiotherapy. The sessions were held 2 times per week, 40 minutes for physiotherapy and approximately 5-10 minutes for the corresponding mental practice protocol. Spatial-temporal parameters of gait were assessed with the 10 meters Walking Test (TC10m), and the risk of falls was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Results The MPI group showed significant results for the parameters time (p = 0.027) and speed (p = 0.025) when compared with the results of the CG. No main effects for the group were observed concerning cadence and risk of falls had. Groups MPWG and MPA showed no significant results for the TC10m and TUG when compared with the CG.

Conclusion The results of this pilot study suggest that MP guided by images associated to physical therapy was more effective to increase the gait speed than the alternative strategies.

Cognitive appraisal in fish: stressor predictability modulates the physiological and neurobehavioural stress response in sea bass

The role of cognitive factors in triggering the stress response is well established in humans and mammals (aka cognitive appraisal theory) but very seldom studied in other vertebrate taxa. Predictability is a key factor of the cognitive evaluation of stimuli. In this study, we tested the effects of stressor predictability on behavioral, physiological and neuromolecular responses in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Groups of four fish were exposed to a predictable (signalled) or unpredictable (unsignalled) stressor. Stressor predictability elicited a lower behavioural response and reduced cortisol levels. Using the expression of immediate early genes (c-fos, egr-1, bdnf and npas4) as markers of neuronal activity, we monitored the activity of three sea bass brain regions known to be implicated in stressor appraisal: the dorsomedian telencephalon, Dm (putative homologue of the pallial amygdala); and the dorsal (Dld) and ventral (Dlv) subareas of the dorsolateral telencephalon (putative homologue of the hippocampus). The activity of both the Dm and Dlv significantly responded to stressor predictability, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role of these two brain regions in information processing related to stressor appraisal. These results indicate that stressor predictability plays a key role in the activation of the stress response in a teleost fish, hence highlighting the role of cognitive processes in fish stress.

P715 When "wait and see" is the best option: a case report of a spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Introduction

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome and is now being identified more frequently, in part because of increased awareness.

Case report

We present the case of a 63-year-old female, without cardiovascular risk factors or relevant past medical history. She complained of atypical chest pain in the last year. The patient was admitted due to acute chest pain at rest, hemodynamically stable, with unremarkable physical examination, including absence of heart failure signs. The EKG revealed a dynamic ST depression in leads V4-V6. The peak of high sensitivity troponin I was 13744pg/mL (ULN< 15.6) and CK 874U/l (ULN <168). The echocardiogram showed preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and hypokinesia of mid-apical segments of anterior wall. Considering the diagnosis of NSTEMI the patient underwent coronary angiography that revealed luminal narrowing of 70% in left main artery, 70% in proximal anterior descending artery (LAD) and 99% in first obtuse marginal. Given the absence of cardiovascular risk factors, the smooth angiographic appearance of coronary lesions and absence of calcium, we suspected of spontaneous dissection or vasculitis. Considering the absence of angina revascularization was delayed. A first coronary angio-CT confirmed the luminal narrowing and suggested a spontaneous dissection. Two weeks later the coronariography and the angio-CT were repeated with a significant improvement, showing only intermediate stenosis of proximal LAD. The additional imaging study revealed a 45mm ascending aortic dilation and a left primitive carotid stenosis without other vascular territory alterations, excluding fibromuscular dysplasia. The auto-immune study was unremarkable. With all these results it was assumed the diagnosis of a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and the patient was discharged asymptomatic under single antiplatelet therapy and Rivaroxaban. Three months later a new coronary angio-CT showed no significant coronary artery stenosis and the patient was asymptomatic.

Discussion and conclusion

The recognition of spontaneous coronary artery dissection is essential to the correct management of these cases because, unlike acute coronary syndrome due to atherosclerotic disease, the results of revascularization in these patients are suboptimal and conservative management is probably the best option.

Abstract P715 Figure. angio-CT

Making stratigraphy in the Anthropocene: climate change impacts and economic conditions controlling the supply of sediment to Lake Geneva

The Anthropocene has been proposed as a profound, globally synchronous rupture in the history of the Earth System with its current state fundamentally different to that of the Holocene and driven by the geological force of human activity. Here, we show how stratigraphy is being made in a lake that is heavily impacted upon by climate change and human activities. For one of the largest inner-Alpine catchments in the European Alps, we draw attention to how sedimentation rates are a product of non-stationary, reflexive, human actions. In Lake Geneva, we identify both a human-induced climate change (HCC) signature and the effects of a recent economic shock on sediment extraction upon sediment loading to and sedimentation rates in the lake. The HCC signature thus reflects the nature of climate change impacts in this basin, where sediment accumulation rates evolve with climate, but where economic conditions contribute to shifts in the supply of sediment to the lake. Following social theory, we call this glocalization because of the combined importance and inseparability of human impacts across different spatial scales. The nature of human impacts on sediment delivery to the lake mean that the influence of humans is unlikely to be captured in the long-term depositional record.

Comparison of the Results of Living Donor Liver Transplantation Due to Acute Liver Failure and Biliary Atresia in a Quaternary Center

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the complications, outcomes, and survival prevalence in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation due to biliary atresia (BA) or acute liver failure (ALF).

RESULTS

In the period of June 1998-July 2016, 199 children underwent living transplantation due to BA or ALF. Of these 199, 184 were included in the analysis. The average age, weight, and body mass index of BA patients were lower than those of ALF (P < .001). The chi-square test showed a higher prevalence of infection in transplant recipients due to BA (P = .0001) and a higher prevalence of hepatic artery stenosis in those who underwent transplantation due to ALF (P = .001). In the multivariate analysis, the infection remains statistically more prevalent in the BA group (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.60), while hepatic artery stenosis loses significance. The mortality rate was similar in both groups and the survival in 5 years also. The prevalence of hepatic artery thrombosis, portal vein thrombosis/stenosis, biliary stenosis, and acute and chronic cellular rejection showed no statistical difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Living donor liver transplantation should be a valid option in cases of fulminant hepatitis with an indication for liver transplantation, especially in places where the number of cadaverous donors is low and the length of time on the waiting list is high.

Comparing benthic biogeochemistry at a sandy and a muddy site in the Celtic Sea using a model and observations

Results from a 1D setup of the European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (ERSEM) biogeochemical model were compared with new observations collected under the UK Shelf Seas Biogeochemistry (SSB) programme to assess model performance and clarify elements of shelf-sea benthic biogeochemistry and carbon cycling. Observations from two contrasting sites (muddy and sandy) in the Celtic Sea in otherwise comparable hydrographic conditions were considered, with the focus on the benthic system. A standard model parameterisation with site-specific light and nutrient adjustments was used, along with modifications to the within-seabed diffusivity to accommodate the modelling of permeable (sandy) sediments. Differences between modelled and observed quantities of organic carbon in the bed were interpreted to suggest that a large part (>90%) of the observed benthic organic carbon is biologically relatively inactive. Evidence on the rate at which this inactive fraction is produced will constitute important information to quantify offshore carbon sequestration. Total oxygen uptake and oxic layer depths were within the range of the measured values. Modelled depth average pore water concentrations of ammonium, phosphate and silicate were typically 5-20% of observed values at the muddy site due to an underestimate of concentrations associated with the deeper sediment layers. Model agreement for these nutrients was better at the sandy site, which had lower pore water concentrations, especially deeper in the sediment. Comparison of pore water nitrate with observations had added uncertainty, as the results from process studies at the sites indicated the dominance of the anammox pathway for nitrogen removal; a pathway that is not included in the model. Macrofaunal biomasses were overestimated, although a model run with increased macrofaunal background mortality rates decreased macrofaunal biomass and improved agreement with observations. The decrease in macrofaunal biomass was compensated by an increase in meiofaunal biomass such that total oxygen demand remained within the observed range. The permeable sediment modification reproduced some of the observed behaviour of oxygen penetration depth at the sandy site. It is suggested that future development in ERSEM benthic modelling should focus on: (1) mixing and degradation rates of benthic organic matter, (2) validation of benthic faunal biomass against large scale spatial datasets, (3) incorporation of anammox in the benthic nitrogen cycle, and (4) further developments to represent permeable sediment processes.

Antimicrobial activity of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole released from environmentally friendly nanostructured layered double hydroxides

AIMS

The objective of this work was to assess the antibacterial effect of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), used as model-biocide, immobilized in a layered double hydroxide (LDH) structure, under different conditions of pH and salinity, envisaging possible applications of the system in active antifouling and anticorrosion coatings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Biological effects of MBT immobilized in LDH were assessed by monitoring bacterial bioluminescence of cell suspensions of either Allivibrio fischeri or a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli, as a proxy for bacterial activity. Salinity (1, 2 and 3% NaCl) and pH (4, 5, 6 and 7) of the suspension media were experimentally manipulated and biocide release tests were performed in parallel. The release profiles obtained by UV-visible spectrophotometry indicated a fast release of biocide from MBT@LDH, slightly enhanced in 3% NaCl and under alkaline conditions. However, biological effects were more pronounced at 1% NaCl and at neutral pH.

CONCLUSIONS

The release and toxic effect of MBT immobilized in LDH is dependent on the concentration of solutes in the suspension medium.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results confirm LDH as a biologically compatible material with potential to be used for biocide delivery.

Experimental study of cross-flow wet electrostatic precipitator

This paper reports development and testing of a novel cross-flow wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP), recently patented at Ohio University, that utilizes vertical columns of permeable material in the form of polypropylene ropes placed in a cross-flow configuration within a flue gas stream. The cross-flow design has large surface area, which provides scrubbing action; therefore, it has the potential for removing multiple pollutants, including particulates, gases, vapors, and mists. In this new method, the ropes are kept wet by the liquid (water) introduced from the top of the cells running downward on the ropes by capillary action, making the permeable materials act as the ground electrode for capturing particles from the flue gas. Preliminary testing has shown an efficiency of well above 80% using two cells and three sets of discharge electrodes. Since the material of construction is primarily corrosion-resistant polymeric material, both weight and cost reductions are expected from this new design.

IMPLICATIONS

The newly invented cross-flow WESP exhibit particulate collection efficiency of well above 80% when introduced in particulate-laden exhaust flow. This value was obtained using a two cells and three discharge electrodes configuration. The electric field strength has a substantial effect on the collection efficiency. Also, the pressure drop test results indicate that there is a potential to increase the collection area, which, in turn, will increase the collection efficiency further.

Lessons from black pepper: piperine and derivatives thereof

INTRODUCTION

Piperine is a simple and pungent alkaloid found in the seeds of black pepper (Piper nigrum). Following its isolation and full characterization, the biological properties of piperine have been extensively studied, and piperine-like derivatives have shown an interesting range of pharmacological activities. In this context, significant advances have been made in the discovery of new chemical entities based on the piperine scaffold endowed with therapeutic potential.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to provide a thorough inquiry on the therapeutic potential of piperine and related derivatives. It provides an overview of recent developments in patented processes and applications thereof between 2000 and 2015.

EXPERT OPINION

Cumulative evidence shows that piperine is currently paving its way to become a privileged scaffold for the development of bioactive compounds with therapeutic application in multiple human diseases. In particular, piperine derivatives were shown to modulate the activity of several targets related to neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, depression and pain related disorders. Moreover, the efflux pump inhibitory ability of piperine and its analogues tackles important drug resistance mechanisms and may improve the clinical efficacy of antibiotic and anticancer drugs. Although the use of piperine as a scaffold for bioactive compounds is still in its early stages, the continuous exploration of this structure may lead to remarkable advances in drug discovery programs.

A new formula as a predictive score of post-liver transplantation outcome: postoperative MELD-lactate

INTRODUCTION

Liver transplantation (OLT) involves a 5% to 10% 30-day mortality rate. Multiple scores have been used as predictors of early postoperative mortality, such as the original Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and MELD sodium. Investigations have been conducted over the last 5 years to find new predictors of early post-OLT mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a new mathematical model to predict the individual chance of 30-day mortality after OLT.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 58 patients submitted to OLT at the University Hospital, between October 2008 and March 2012. The 29 latest survivor and 29 latest nonsurvivor cases were selected. Arterial blood sodium, lactate, international normalized ratio, total bilirubin, and creatinine values were determined 1 hour after the end of surgery. The MELD original equation, MELD sodium, and new MELD lactate were also elaborated. The results were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. The level of significance was set at .05.

RESULTS

The new formula elaborated was as follows: MELD lactate = 5.68 × loge (lactate) + 0.64 × (Original MELD) + 2.68. The MELD lactate values were significantly higher than the MELD sodium and original MELD values (P < .05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MELD lactate in predicting the outcome of patients submitted to OLT was 0.80, as opposed to 0.71 for the original MELD and 0.72 for MELD sodium (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The postoperative MELD lactate score proved to be more specific and sensitive than the original MELD and MELD sodium as a predictive model of the outcome of patients submitted to OLT.

Long-term ventilation in children: ten years later

INTRODUCTION

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) represents a treatment option for patients with chronic respiratory failure and has changed prognosis and survival of many disorders in children. The aim of this study was to characterize a group of children on long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) for a period longer than 10 years.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out including patients on LTMV for more than 10 years (LTMV-10) in a tertiary pediatric hospital.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

PASW Statistics 18(®).

RESULTS

Thirty-one children (61% female) belong to the LTMV-10 group. Median age at the beginning of ventilatory support was 3 years (birth to 13 years). Main indications for assisted ventilation were neuromuscular disease (n=12, 39%), metabolic disease (n=7, 23%) and central hypoventilation (n=6, 19%). Volume ventilation was used in 2 children, and positive pressure ventilation in the others, mainly bilevel positive airway pressure (n=25, 81%). Invasive ventilation via tracheostomy was used since the beginning in four cases, and subsequently in two other children. The mean time of ventilatory support was 146 months and the maximum was 219 months. Respiratory morbidity was the most frequent cause of hospitalization and the annual rate of such episodes was 0.17 per child. Global mortality rate was 19%.

CONCLUSIONS

HMV programs provide necessary and safe assistance for children with severe chronic respiratory failure. As shown in our series, it is possible to be kept on this respiratory support modality for long periods with good compliance and a small number of hospitalizations.

Discovery of two new classes of potent monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors by tricky chemistry

Discovery of monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors based on chromane-2,4-dione and chromone-3-carboxamide scaffolds for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Hydroxycinnamic acid as a novel scaffold for the development of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors

The most active hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, caffeic acid diethyl ester (CA-DE), demonstrated 88.5/30.5% inhibition at 100/20 μM against COX-2 and negligible COX-1 inhibitory effect. CA-DE showed preferred interactions with COX-2 active site.

Biology-oriented development of novel lipophilic antioxidants with neuroprotective activity

Discovery of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives with enhanced in lipophilicity, blood brain barrier permeability and neuroprotective potential.

New insights into the antioxidant activity of hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic systems: spectroscopic, electrochemistry, and cellular studies

A series hydroxycinnamic and gallic acids and their derivatives were studied with the aim of evaluating their in vitro antioxidant properties both in homogeneous and in cellular systems. It was concluded from the oxygen radical absorbance capacity-fluorescein (ORAC-FL), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and cyclic voltammetry data that some compounds exhibit remarkable antioxidant properties. In general, in homogeneous media (DPPH assay), galloyl-based cinnamic and benzoic systems (compounds 7-11) were the most active, exhibiting the lowest oxidation potentials in both dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and phosphate buffer. Yet, p-coumaric acid and its derivatives (compounds 1-3) disclosed the highest scavenging activity toward peroxyl radicals (ORAC-FL assay). Interesting structure-property- activity relationships between ORAC-FL, or DPPH radical, and redox potentials have been attained, showing that the latter parameter can be a valuable antioxidant measure. It was evidenced that redox potentials are related to the structural features of cinnamic and benzoic systems and that their activities are also dependent on the radical generated in the assay. Electron spin resonance data of the phenoxyl radicals generated both in DMSO and phosphate buffer support the assumption that radical stability is related to the type of phenolic system. Galloyl-based cinnamic and benzoic ester-type systems (compounds 9 and 11) were the most active and effective compounds in cell-based assays (51.13 ± 1.27% and 54.90 ± 3.65%, respectively). In cellular systems, hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic systems operate based on their intrinsic antioxidant outline and lipophilic properties, so the balance between these two properties is considered of the utmost importance to ensure their performance in the prevention or minimization of the effects due to free radical overproduction.