Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and complex mechanisms are involved in the physiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease.However,there is data suggesting that inflammation plays a role in its developmen...Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and complex mechanisms are involved in the physiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease.However,there is data suggesting that inflammation plays a role in its development and progression.Indeed,some non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs,such as meloxicam,which act by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 have been used as neuroprotective agents in different neurodegenerative disease models.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of co-nanoencapsulated curcumin and meloxicam in lipid core nanocapsules(LCN)on cognitive impairment induced by amyloid-beta peptide injection in mice.LCN were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method.Male Swiss mice received a single intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta peptide aggregates(fragment 25–35,3 nmol/3μL)or vehicle and were subsequently treated with curcumin-loaded LCN(10 mg/kg)or meloxicam-loaded LCN(5 mg/kg)or meloxicam+curcumin-co-loaded LCN(5 and 10 mg/kg,respectively).Treatments were given on alternate days for 12 days(i.e.,six doses,once every 48 hours,by intragastric gavage).Our data showed that amyloid-beta peptide infusion caused long-term memory deficits in the inhibitory avoidance and object recognition tests in mice.In the inhibitory avoidance test,both meloxicam and curcumin formulations(oil or co-loaded LCN)improved amyloid-beta-induced memory impairment in mice.However,only meloxicam and curcumin-co-loaded LCN attenuated non-aversive memory impairment in the object recognition test.Moreover,the beneficial effects of meloxicam and curcuminco-loaded LCN could be explained by the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs through cortical cyclooxygenase-2 downregulation.Our study suggests that the neuroprotective potential of meloxicam and curcumin co-nanoencapsulation is associated with cortical cyclooxygenase-2 modulation.This study was approved by the Committee on Care and Use of Experimental Animal Resources,the Federal University of Pampa,Brazil(approval No.02-2015)on April 16,2015.展开更多
Objective:The violent death of a young parent from cancer has a profound effect on both spouse and children.The family must adapt to the absence of the bereaved and reorganize to raise the children as best they can.Ve...Objective:The violent death of a young parent from cancer has a profound effect on both spouse and children.The family must adapt to the absence of the bereaved and reorganize to raise the children as best they can.Very young children are particularly vulnerable,as they are generally unable to express their suffering.To give them a voice,we have designed an innovative system,The Little Match Girl,as part of a health democracy approach.Methods:We assessed the effects of their participation in the group for a population of eight children and their parents.The six parents assessed their child(ren)’s emotion regulation before and after therapy using the ERC-vf scale.The FACES IV enabled us to assess the cohesion and adaptability of each family.Results:All eight children showed improved emotion regulation.The program promotes family resilience.However,difficulties persist in rigid or disengaged families.Conclusion:We hope that other cancer centers will follow our model to give a place to very young children dealing with the death of a parent from cancer,and to encourage family empowerment.展开更多
The objective of this article was to carry out a statistical study of the occurrences of CMEs from solar cycles 23 and 24 and to deduce interpretations as a contribution to a greater understanding of heliosphere dynam...The objective of this article was to carry out a statistical study of the occurrences of CMEs from solar cycles 23 and 24 and to deduce interpretations as a contribution to a greater understanding of heliosphere dynamics. Thus, from the statistical examination of the occurrences according to the phases it appeared that solar cycle 23 (SC23) counted 13207 occurrences of CMEs while 16510 were counted for solar cycle 24 (SC24). These occurrences of CMEs are correlated to the sunspot cycle because in each of these cycles we would note the predominance of the phase maximum (1478 for SC23 and 2338 for SC24) over the ascending phases (550 for SC23 and 1559 for the SC24) and descending (1197 for the SC23 and 1178 for the SC24) and these predominate on the minimum phase (206 for the SC23 and 834 for the SC24). However, the percentages per phase in each cycle show that SC23 was only predominant over SC24 at the maximum phase (43.08% for SC23 and 39.57% for SC24). From this correlation, some authors therefore suggest that the toroidal magnetic field would be the cause of the ejections of these CMEs. The annual statistical examination confirms the correlation with the sunspot cycle but nevertheless reveals in the descending phase of SC23 two unusual peaks in 2005 and 2007 and a drop-in sunspot activity of 42% from SC23 to SC24 while that we would note an increase in the activity of CME occurrences of 36% at SC24, thus suggesting that CMEs can occur without the toroidal magnetic field being the cause, particularly from the coronal holes. The seasonal statistical examination shows for its part that out of the total of 29717 occurrences of CMEs of the two cycles that spring (28%) was the most active than summer (25%) and summer over autumn (24%) and finally autumn over winter (23%) thus revealing that: The ascending phase of the cycle was only the most active during the winter seasons in spring and the descending phase only during the rest of the seasons. Finally, the monthly statistical examination of the occurrences of CMEs corroborates the seasonal statistical examination by the presence of two maximum peaks (May and October) and two minimum peaks (February and August).展开更多
This article presents a three-dimensional analysis of the impact of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity on the electrical performance (series resistance, shunt resistance) of a bifacial polycrystall...This article presents a three-dimensional analysis of the impact of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity on the electrical performance (series resistance, shunt resistance) of a bifacial polycrystalline silicon solar cell. The cell is illuminated simultaneously from both sides. The continuity equation for the excess minority carriers is solved at the emitter and at the depth of the base respectively. The analytical expressions for photocurrent density, photovoltage, series resistance and shunt resistance were deduced. Using these expressions, the values of the series and shunt resistances were extracted for different values of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity. The study shows that as the angle of incidence increases, the slopes of the minority carrier density for the two modes of operation of the solar cell decrease. This is explained by a drop in the accumulation of carriers in the area close to the junction due to the fact that the Lorentz force is unable to drive the carriers towards the lateral surfaces due to the weak action of the magnetic field, which tends to cancel out as the incidence angle increases, and consequently a drop in the open circuit photovoltage. This, in turn, reduces the Lorentz force. These results predict that the p-n junction of the solar cell will not heat up. The study also showed a decrease in series resistance as the incidence angle of the magnetic field intensity increased from 0 rad to π/2 rad and an increase in shunt resistance as the incidence angle increased. His behaviour of the electrical parameters when the angle of incidence of the field from 0 rad to π/2 rad shows that the decreasing magnetic field vector tends to be collinear with the electron trajectory. This allows them to cross the junction and participate in the external current. The best orientation for the Lorentz force is zero, in which case the carriers can move easily towards the junction.展开更多
By analysing a long series of data (1996-2019), we show that solar cycle 23 was more marked by violent solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) compared to solar cycle 24. In particular, the halo coronal mass ej...By analysing a long series of data (1996-2019), we show that solar cycle 23 was more marked by violent solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) compared to solar cycle 24. In particular, the halo coronal mass ejections associated with X-class flares appear to be among the most energetic events in solar activity given the size of the flares, the speed of the CMEs and the intense geomagnetic storms they produce. Out of eighty-six (86) X-class halo CMEs, thirty-seven (37) or 43% are highly geoeffective;twenty-four (24) or approximately 28% are moderately geoeffective and twenty-five (25) or 29% are not geoeffective. Over the two solar cycles (1996 to 2019), 71% of storms were geoeffective and 29% were not. For solar cycle 23, about 78% of storms were geoeffective, while for solar cycle 24, about 56% were geoeffective. For the statistical study based on speed, 85 halo CMEs associated with X-class flares were selected because the CME of 6 December 2006 has no recorded speed value. For both solar cycles, 75.29% of the halo CMEs associated with X-class flares have a speed greater than 1000 km/s. The study showed that 42.18% of halo (X) CMEs with speeds above 1000 km/s could cause intense geomagnetic disturbances. These results show the contribution (in terms of speed) of each class of halo (X) CMEs to the perturbation of the Earth’s magnetic field. Coronal mass ejections then become one of the key indicators of solar activity, especially as they affect the Earth.展开更多
The UK Met Office Unified Model（UM） is employed by many weather forecasting agencies around the globe. This model is designed to run across spatial and time scales and known to produce skillful predictions for large...The UK Met Office Unified Model（UM） is employed by many weather forecasting agencies around the globe. This model is designed to run across spatial and time scales and known to produce skillful predictions for large-scale weather systems. However, the model has only recently begun running operationally at horizontal grid spacings of ～1.5 km [e.g.,at the UK Met Office and the Korea Meteorological Administration（KMA）]. As its microphysics scheme was originally designed and tuned for large-scale precipitation systems, we investigate the performance of UM microphysics to determine potential inherent biases or weaknesses. Two rainfall cases from the KMA forecasting system are considered in this study： a Changma（quasi-stationary） front, and Typhoon Sanba（2012）. The UM output is compared to polarimetric radar observations in terms of simulated polarimetric radar variables. Results show that the UM generally underpredicts median reflectivity in stratiform rain, producing high reflectivity cores and precipitation gaps between them. This is partially due to the diagnostic rain intercept parameter formulation used in the one-moment microphysics scheme. Model drop size is generally both underand overpredicted compared to observations. UM frozen hydrometeors favor generic ice（crystals and snow） rather than graupel, which is reasonable for Changma and typhoon cases. The model performed best with the typhoon case in terms of simulated precipitation coverage.展开更多
Adjunctive melatonin use in schizophrenia, as supported by a modicum ofevidence, has multiple transcending chronobiotic actions, including fixingconcurrent sleep problems to bona fide augmentative antipsychotic action...Adjunctive melatonin use in schizophrenia, as supported by a modicum ofevidence, has multiple transcending chronobiotic actions, including fixingconcurrent sleep problems to bona fide augmentative antipsychotic actions,mitigating the risk of tardive dyskinesias, curbing the drastic metabolic syndromeand ultimately providing neuroprotective actions. Its use is rather an art thanscience!展开更多
Mushrooms are a group of fungi with great diversity and ultra-accelerated metabolism.As a consequence,mushrooms have developed a protective mechanism consisting of high concentrations of antioxidants such as selenium,...Mushrooms are a group of fungi with great diversity and ultra-accelerated metabolism.As a consequence,mushrooms have developed a protective mechanism consisting of high concentrations of antioxidants such as selenium,polyphenols,β-glucans,ergothioneine,various vitamins and other bioactive metabolites.The mushrooms of the Pleurotus genus have generated scientific interest due to their therapeutic properties,especially related to risk factors connected to the severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).In this report,we highlight the therapeutic properties of Pleurotus mushrooms that may be associated with a reduction in the severity of COVID-19:antihypertensive,antihyperlipidemic,antiatherogenic,anticholesterolemic,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic properties.These properties may interact significantly with risk factors for COVID-19 severity,and the therapeutic potential of these mushrooms for the treatment or prevention of this disease is evident.Besides this,studies show that regular consumption of Pleurotus species mushrooms or components isolated from their tissues is beneficial for immune health.Pleurotus species mushrooms may have a role in the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases either as food supplements or as sources for pharmacological agents.展开更多
Diabetic retinopathy(DR) is the worldwide leading cause of legal blindness. In 2010, 1.9% of diabetes mellitus(DM) patients were legally blind and 10.2% had visual impairment. The control of DM parameters(glycemia, ar...Diabetic retinopathy(DR) is the worldwide leading cause of legal blindness. In 2010, 1.9% of diabetes mellitus(DM) patients were legally blind and 10.2% had visual impairment. The control of DM parameters(glycemia, arterial tension and lipids) is the gold standard for preventing DR complications, although, unfortunately, DR still appeared in a 25% to 35% of patients. The stages of severe vision threading DR, include proliferative DR(6.96%) and diabetic macular edema(6.81%). This review aims to update our knowledge on DR screening using telemedicine, the different techniques, the problems, and the inclusion of different professionals such as family physicians in care programs.展开更多
Background: Eberconazole is a topical, broad-spectrum imidazole derivative, effective in dermatophytoses, candidiasis, and pityriasis treatment. In previous trials, it showed a higher efficacy than clotrimazole in the...Background: Eberconazole is a topical, broad-spectrum imidazole derivative, effective in dermatophytoses, candidiasis, and pityriasis treatment. In previous trials, it showed a higher efficacy than clotrimazole in the treatment of dermatophytoses. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of eberconazole 1% cream compared with miconazole 2% cream in the treatment of dermatophytoses. Methods: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial was performed in 653 patients with dermatophytoses, randomized to eberconazole 1% cream every 12 h or miconazole 2% cream every 12 h for 4 weeks. Treatment efficacy was assessed on the basis of the percentage of effective response after 4 weeks through mycologic and clinical assessment. Results: Of the 653 patients included in the trial, 360 produced positive baseline mycologic cultures and were included in the efficacy assessment. Clinical efficacy was shown in 76.1% of patients receiving eberconazole and in 75.0% of patients receiving miconazole. The incidence of adverse events related to treatment was 0.91% for eberconazole and 0.92% for miconazole, none being serious, and all being local and transient. Conclusions: Eberconazole 1% cream is an effective treatment for fungal infections produced by dermatophytes, with a good safety and tolerability profile, and can be considered a good alternative for the treatment of dermatophytoses.展开更多
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) for the diagnosis and management of many cardiac diseases has been established in clinical practice.It provides anatomic and functional information and is the most precise techn...Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) for the diagnosis and management of many cardiac diseases has been established in clinical practice.It provides anatomic and functional information and is the most precise technique for quantification of ventricular volume,function and mass.Among cardiac MRI sequences used in clinical practice,delayed contrast enhancement is an accurate and reliable method used in the diagnosis of ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies.In addition,new technology applied in echocardiographic imaging has permitted quantification of myocardial deformations with 2-dimensional strain imaging(longitudinal,circumferential and radial strain).Cardiac MRI and echocardiography therefore both play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease.Dr.Di Bella and colleagues have defined the roles of cardiac MRI and echocardiography in many clinical and experimental settings.展开更多
<strong>Objectives:</strong> The objective of this study was to examine the impact of large scale non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 pandemic. <strong>Methods:</strong> We used interr...<strong>Objectives:</strong> The objective of this study was to examine the impact of large scale non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 pandemic. <strong>Methods:</strong> We used interrupted time series analysis (ITS), a quasi-experimental model to evaluate the effect of interventions in four states of India by comparing the COVID-19 positivity before lockdown, during lockdown and opening-up period. <strong>Results:</strong> The positivity in all the four states declined during lockdown and the trends reversed soon after the lockdown measures were relaxed as the states opened-up. The rate of reduction of positivity was significantly different between states. Between the lockdown and opening-up period, an increase in positivity was recorded in all the states with significant variation between states. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The analysis provides conclusive evidence that the lockdown measures had a positive effect in reducing the burden of COVID-19 and establishes a causal relationship.展开更多
基金This study was supported by the Rio Grande do Sul Science Foundation(FAPERGS),grants#16/2551-0000207-0 and 16/0526-5(PRONUPEQ)(to SP)National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development(CNPq)(Universal grants#423435/2016-7 and 460122/2014-2)and for student scholarships(to CL,SEH and DSÁ).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and complex mechanisms are involved in the physiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease.However,there is data suggesting that inflammation plays a role in its development and progression.Indeed,some non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs,such as meloxicam,which act by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 have been used as neuroprotective agents in different neurodegenerative disease models.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of co-nanoencapsulated curcumin and meloxicam in lipid core nanocapsules(LCN)on cognitive impairment induced by amyloid-beta peptide injection in mice.LCN were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method.Male Swiss mice received a single intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta peptide aggregates(fragment 25–35,3 nmol/3μL)or vehicle and were subsequently treated with curcumin-loaded LCN(10 mg/kg)or meloxicam-loaded LCN(5 mg/kg)or meloxicam+curcumin-co-loaded LCN(5 and 10 mg/kg,respectively).Treatments were given on alternate days for 12 days(i.e.,six doses,once every 48 hours,by intragastric gavage).Our data showed that amyloid-beta peptide infusion caused long-term memory deficits in the inhibitory avoidance and object recognition tests in mice.In the inhibitory avoidance test,both meloxicam and curcumin formulations(oil or co-loaded LCN)improved amyloid-beta-induced memory impairment in mice.However,only meloxicam and curcumin-co-loaded LCN attenuated non-aversive memory impairment in the object recognition test.Moreover,the beneficial effects of meloxicam and curcuminco-loaded LCN could be explained by the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs through cortical cyclooxygenase-2 downregulation.Our study suggests that the neuroprotective potential of meloxicam and curcumin co-nanoencapsulation is associated with cortical cyclooxygenase-2 modulation.This study was approved by the Committee on Care and Use of Experimental Animal Resources,the Federal University of Pampa,Brazil(approval No.02-2015)on April 16,2015.
文摘Objective:The violent death of a young parent from cancer has a profound effect on both spouse and children.The family must adapt to the absence of the bereaved and reorganize to raise the children as best they can.Very young children are particularly vulnerable,as they are generally unable to express their suffering.To give them a voice,we have designed an innovative system,The Little Match Girl,as part of a health democracy approach.Methods:We assessed the effects of their participation in the group for a population of eight children and their parents.The six parents assessed their child(ren)’s emotion regulation before and after therapy using the ERC-vf scale.The FACES IV enabled us to assess the cohesion and adaptability of each family.Results:All eight children showed improved emotion regulation.The program promotes family resilience.However,difficulties persist in rigid or disengaged families.Conclusion:We hope that other cancer centers will follow our model to give a place to very young children dealing with the death of a parent from cancer,and to encourage family empowerment.
文摘The objective of this article was to carry out a statistical study of the occurrences of CMEs from solar cycles 23 and 24 and to deduce interpretations as a contribution to a greater understanding of heliosphere dynamics. Thus, from the statistical examination of the occurrences according to the phases it appeared that solar cycle 23 (SC23) counted 13207 occurrences of CMEs while 16510 were counted for solar cycle 24 (SC24). These occurrences of CMEs are correlated to the sunspot cycle because in each of these cycles we would note the predominance of the phase maximum (1478 for SC23 and 2338 for SC24) over the ascending phases (550 for SC23 and 1559 for the SC24) and descending (1197 for the SC23 and 1178 for the SC24) and these predominate on the minimum phase (206 for the SC23 and 834 for the SC24). However, the percentages per phase in each cycle show that SC23 was only predominant over SC24 at the maximum phase (43.08% for SC23 and 39.57% for SC24). From this correlation, some authors therefore suggest that the toroidal magnetic field would be the cause of the ejections of these CMEs. The annual statistical examination confirms the correlation with the sunspot cycle but nevertheless reveals in the descending phase of SC23 two unusual peaks in 2005 and 2007 and a drop-in sunspot activity of 42% from SC23 to SC24 while that we would note an increase in the activity of CME occurrences of 36% at SC24, thus suggesting that CMEs can occur without the toroidal magnetic field being the cause, particularly from the coronal holes. The seasonal statistical examination shows for its part that out of the total of 29717 occurrences of CMEs of the two cycles that spring (28%) was the most active than summer (25%) and summer over autumn (24%) and finally autumn over winter (23%) thus revealing that: The ascending phase of the cycle was only the most active during the winter seasons in spring and the descending phase only during the rest of the seasons. Finally, the monthly statistical examination of the occurrences of CMEs corroborates the seasonal statistical examination by the presence of two maximum peaks (May and October) and two minimum peaks (February and August).
文摘This article presents a three-dimensional analysis of the impact of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity on the electrical performance (series resistance, shunt resistance) of a bifacial polycrystalline silicon solar cell. The cell is illuminated simultaneously from both sides. The continuity equation for the excess minority carriers is solved at the emitter and at the depth of the base respectively. The analytical expressions for photocurrent density, photovoltage, series resistance and shunt resistance were deduced. Using these expressions, the values of the series and shunt resistances were extracted for different values of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity. The study shows that as the angle of incidence increases, the slopes of the minority carrier density for the two modes of operation of the solar cell decrease. This is explained by a drop in the accumulation of carriers in the area close to the junction due to the fact that the Lorentz force is unable to drive the carriers towards the lateral surfaces due to the weak action of the magnetic field, which tends to cancel out as the incidence angle increases, and consequently a drop in the open circuit photovoltage. This, in turn, reduces the Lorentz force. These results predict that the p-n junction of the solar cell will not heat up. The study also showed a decrease in series resistance as the incidence angle of the magnetic field intensity increased from 0 rad to π/2 rad and an increase in shunt resistance as the incidence angle increased. His behaviour of the electrical parameters when the angle of incidence of the field from 0 rad to π/2 rad shows that the decreasing magnetic field vector tends to be collinear with the electron trajectory. This allows them to cross the junction and participate in the external current. The best orientation for the Lorentz force is zero, in which case the carriers can move easily towards the junction.
文摘By analysing a long series of data (1996-2019), we show that solar cycle 23 was more marked by violent solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) compared to solar cycle 24. In particular, the halo coronal mass ejections associated with X-class flares appear to be among the most energetic events in solar activity given the size of the flares, the speed of the CMEs and the intense geomagnetic storms they produce. Out of eighty-six (86) X-class halo CMEs, thirty-seven (37) or 43% are highly geoeffective;twenty-four (24) or approximately 28% are moderately geoeffective and twenty-five (25) or 29% are not geoeffective. Over the two solar cycles (1996 to 2019), 71% of storms were geoeffective and 29% were not. For solar cycle 23, about 78% of storms were geoeffective, while for solar cycle 24, about 56% were geoeffective. For the statistical study based on speed, 85 halo CMEs associated with X-class flares were selected because the CME of 6 December 2006 has no recorded speed value. For both solar cycles, 75.29% of the halo CMEs associated with X-class flares have a speed greater than 1000 km/s. The study showed that 42.18% of halo (X) CMEs with speeds above 1000 km/s could cause intense geomagnetic disturbances. These results show the contribution (in terms of speed) of each class of halo (X) CMEs to the perturbation of the Earth’s magnetic field. Coronal mass ejections then become one of the key indicators of solar activity, especially as they affect the Earth.
基金supported by a research grant of “Development of a Polarimetric Radar Data Simulator for Local Forecasting Model (Ⅱ)” by the KMAsupport was provided by a NOAA Warn-on-Forecast grant (Grant No. NA16OAR4320115)a National Science Foundation grant (Grant No. AGS-1261776)
文摘The UK Met Office Unified Model（UM） is employed by many weather forecasting agencies around the globe. This model is designed to run across spatial and time scales and known to produce skillful predictions for large-scale weather systems. However, the model has only recently begun running operationally at horizontal grid spacings of ～1.5 km [e.g.,at the UK Met Office and the Korea Meteorological Administration（KMA）]. As its microphysics scheme was originally designed and tuned for large-scale precipitation systems, we investigate the performance of UM microphysics to determine potential inherent biases or weaknesses. Two rainfall cases from the KMA forecasting system are considered in this study： a Changma（quasi-stationary） front, and Typhoon Sanba（2012）. The UM output is compared to polarimetric radar observations in terms of simulated polarimetric radar variables. Results show that the UM generally underpredicts median reflectivity in stratiform rain, producing high reflectivity cores and precipitation gaps between them. This is partially due to the diagnostic rain intercept parameter formulation used in the one-moment microphysics scheme. Model drop size is generally both underand overpredicted compared to observations. UM frozen hydrometeors favor generic ice（crystals and snow） rather than graupel, which is reasonable for Changma and typhoon cases. The model performed best with the typhoon case in terms of simulated precipitation coverage.
文摘Adjunctive melatonin use in schizophrenia, as supported by a modicum ofevidence, has multiple transcending chronobiotic actions, including fixingconcurrent sleep problems to bona fide augmentative antipsychotic actions,mitigating the risk of tardive dyskinesias, curbing the drastic metabolic syndromeand ultimately providing neuroprotective actions. Its use is rather an art thanscience!
文摘Mushrooms are a group of fungi with great diversity and ultra-accelerated metabolism.As a consequence,mushrooms have developed a protective mechanism consisting of high concentrations of antioxidants such as selenium,polyphenols,β-glucans,ergothioneine,various vitamins and other bioactive metabolites.The mushrooms of the Pleurotus genus have generated scientific interest due to their therapeutic properties,especially related to risk factors connected to the severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).In this report,we highlight the therapeutic properties of Pleurotus mushrooms that may be associated with a reduction in the severity of COVID-19:antihypertensive,antihyperlipidemic,antiatherogenic,anticholesterolemic,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic properties.These properties may interact significantly with risk factors for COVID-19 severity,and the therapeutic potential of these mushrooms for the treatment or prevention of this disease is evident.Besides this,studies show that regular consumption of Pleurotus species mushrooms or components isolated from their tissues is beneficial for immune health.Pleurotus species mushrooms may have a role in the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases either as food supplements or as sources for pharmacological agents.
文摘Diabetic retinopathy(DR) is the worldwide leading cause of legal blindness. In 2010, 1.9% of diabetes mellitus(DM) patients were legally blind and 10.2% had visual impairment. The control of DM parameters(glycemia, arterial tension and lipids) is the gold standard for preventing DR complications, although, unfortunately, DR still appeared in a 25% to 35% of patients. The stages of severe vision threading DR, include proliferative DR(6.96%) and diabetic macular edema(6.81%). This review aims to update our knowledge on DR screening using telemedicine, the different techniques, the problems, and the inclusion of different professionals such as family physicians in care programs.
文摘Background: Eberconazole is a topical, broad-spectrum imidazole derivative, effective in dermatophytoses, candidiasis, and pityriasis treatment. In previous trials, it showed a higher efficacy than clotrimazole in the treatment of dermatophytoses. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of eberconazole 1% cream compared with miconazole 2% cream in the treatment of dermatophytoses. Methods: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial was performed in 653 patients with dermatophytoses, randomized to eberconazole 1% cream every 12 h or miconazole 2% cream every 12 h for 4 weeks. Treatment efficacy was assessed on the basis of the percentage of effective response after 4 weeks through mycologic and clinical assessment. Results: Of the 653 patients included in the trial, 360 produced positive baseline mycologic cultures and were included in the efficacy assessment. Clinical efficacy was shown in 76.1% of patients receiving eberconazole and in 75.0% of patients receiving miconazole. The incidence of adverse events related to treatment was 0.91% for eberconazole and 0.92% for miconazole, none being serious, and all being local and transient. Conclusions: Eberconazole 1% cream is an effective treatment for fungal infections produced by dermatophytes, with a good safety and tolerability profile, and can be considered a good alternative for the treatment of dermatophytoses.
文摘Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) for the diagnosis and management of many cardiac diseases has been established in clinical practice.It provides anatomic and functional information and is the most precise technique for quantification of ventricular volume,function and mass.Among cardiac MRI sequences used in clinical practice,delayed contrast enhancement is an accurate and reliable method used in the diagnosis of ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies.In addition,new technology applied in echocardiographic imaging has permitted quantification of myocardial deformations with 2-dimensional strain imaging(longitudinal,circumferential and radial strain).Cardiac MRI and echocardiography therefore both play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease.Dr.Di Bella and colleagues have defined the roles of cardiac MRI and echocardiography in many clinical and experimental settings.
文摘<strong>Objectives:</strong> The objective of this study was to examine the impact of large scale non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 pandemic. <strong>Methods:</strong> We used interrupted time series analysis (ITS), a quasi-experimental model to evaluate the effect of interventions in four states of India by comparing the COVID-19 positivity before lockdown, during lockdown and opening-up period. <strong>Results:</strong> The positivity in all the four states declined during lockdown and the trends reversed soon after the lockdown measures were relaxed as the states opened-up. The rate of reduction of positivity was significantly different between states. Between the lockdown and opening-up period, an increase in positivity was recorded in all the states with significant variation between states. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The analysis provides conclusive evidence that the lockdown measures had a positive effect in reducing the burden of COVID-19 and establishes a causal relationship.
