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Patients with refractory severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who lack a matched sibling or unrelated donor need new therapeutic approaches. Hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) using mismatched or haploidentical related donors has been used in the past, but was associated with a significant risk of GVHD and mortality. Recently, the use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (Cy) has been shown to be an effective strategy to prevent GVHD in recipients of haploidentical HSCT, but the majority of reports have focused on patients with hematology malignancies. We describe the outcome of 16 patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation using a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen with post-transplant Cy. Stem cell sources were BM ( N =13) or PBSCs ( N =3). The rate of neutrophil engraftment was 94% and of platelet engraftment was 75%. Two patients had secondary graft failure and were successfully salvaged with another transplant. Three patients developed acute GVHD being grades 2–4 in two. Five patients have died and the 1-year OS was 67.1% (95% confidence interval: 36.5–86.4%). In our small series, the use of a reduced-intensity conditioning with post-transplant Cy in haploidentical BMT was associated with high rates of engraftment and low risk of GVHD in patients with relapsed/refractory SAA.

Nano and microfluidic technologies have shown great promise in the development of controlled drug delivery systems and the creation of microfluidic devices with logic-like functionalities. Here, we focused on investigating a droplet-based logic gate that can be used for automating medical diagnostic assays. This logic gate uses viscoelastic fluids, which are particularly relevant since bio-fluids exhibit viscoelastic properties. The operation of the logic gate is determined by evaluating various parameters, including the Weissenberg number, the Capillary number, and geometric factors. To effectively classify the logic gates operational conditions, we employed a deep learning classification to develop a reduced-order model. This approach accelerates the prediction of operating conditions, eliminating the need for complex simulations. Moreover, the deep learning model allows for the combination of different AND/OR branches, further enhancing the versatility of the logic gate. We also found that non-operating regions, where the logic gate does not function properly, can be transformed into operational regions by applying an external force. By utilizing an electrical induction technique, we demonstrated that the application of an electric field can repel or attract droplets, thereby improving the performance of the logic gate. Overall, our research shows the potential of the droplet-based logic gates in the field of medical diagnostics. The integration of deep learning classification algorithms enables rapid evaluation of operational conditions and facilitates the design of complex logic circuits. Additionally, the introduction of external forces and electrical induction techniques opens up new possibilities for enhancing the functionality and reliability of these logic gates.

Epigenetic changes have been identified in recent years as important factors in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) regulate the acetylation of histones as well as other non-histone protein targets. Treatment with HDACIs results in chromatin remodeling that permits re-expression of silenced tumor suppressor genes in cancer cells, which, in turn, can potentially result in cellular differentiation, inhibition of proliferation and/or apoptosis. Several classes of HDACIs are currently under development for the treatment of patients with MDS and AML. Although modest clinical activity has been reported with the use of HDACIs as single-agent therapy, marked responses have been observed in selected subsets of patients. More importantly, HDACIs appear to be synergistic in vitro and improve response rates in vivo when combined with other agents, such as hypomethylating agents. Furthermore, HDACIs are also being investigated in combination with non-epigenetic therapies. This article synthesizes the most recent results reported with HDACIs in clinical trials conducted in patients with MDS and other myeloid malignancies.

Pluto's twin is out in the cold Four trans-Neptunian objects are currently recognized as dwarf planets: Eris, Haumea, Makemake and Pluto. Of these, the 'demoted' planet Pluto has been studied for many years and has a detected atmosphere. The others are difficult to observe because of their extreme distance from the Sun, but a stellar occultation event on 6 November 2010 provided an opportunity for a closer look at Eris. The data obtained reveal Eris as a 'twin' for Pluto in terms of size, and previous work showed the two to have similar surface compositions. Eris, however, has no detectable atmosphere and its surface is bright, possibly a result of atmospheric collapse in an extremely cold environment. The dwarf planet Eris is a trans-Neptunian object with an orbital eccentricity of 0.44, an inclination of 44 degrees and a surface composition very similar to that of Pluto 1 . It resides at present at 95.7 astronomical units (1  au is the Earth-Sun distance) from Earth, near its aphelion and more than three times farther than Pluto. Owing to this great distance, measuring its size or detecting a putative atmosphere is difficult. Here we report the observation of a multi-chord stellar occultation by Eris on 6 November 2010 ut . The event is consistent with a spherical shape for Eris, with radius 1,163 ± 6 kilometres, density 2.52 ± 0.05 grams per cm 3 and a high visible geometric albedo, . No nitrogen, argon or methane atmospheres are detected with surface pressure larger than ∼1 nanobar, about 10,000 times more tenuous than Pluto's present atmosphere 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 . As Pluto's radius is estimated 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 to be between 1,150 and 1,200 kilometres, Eris appears as a Pluto twin, with a bright surface possibly caused by a collapsed atmosphere, owing to its cold environment. We anticipate that this atmosphere may periodically sublimate as Eris approaches its perihelion, at 37.8 astronomical units from the Sun.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is widely known for its medicinal properties, being one of the most used medicinal plants for its immunostimulant properties. Nevertheless, there is still scarce information on its cytotoxic activity. Thus, this study aims at evaluating the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of several aqueous and organic extracts of the aerial parts of this plant and chemically characterizing the obtained extracts. The analysis was performed by HPLC–DAD–ESI/MS. Fifteen compounds were identified; of these, seven were phenolic acids and eight were flavonoids. Non-polar compounds were evaluated by GC/MS, with a total of sixty-four compounds identified, and the most abundant groups were the sterols, fatty acids and long-chain hydrocarbons. The highest antimicrobial activity was exhibited by the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and acetone extracts. Dichloromethane and n-hexane extracts showed the highest cytotoxic activity. Therefore, they were fractionated, and the obtained fractions were also assessed for their cytotoxicity. Notwithstanding, the cytotoxicity of the extracts was superior to that of the obtained fractions, evidencing a possible synergistic effect of different compounds in the whole extracts.

Acute erythroleukemia (AML-M6) is an uncommon subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML); it is considered to have a poor prognosis. From 1 January 1980 to 21 May 2008, 91 patients with newly diagnosed AML-M6 were seen at the University of Texas–M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (UT–MDACC). Forty-five patients (50%) had a history of myelodysplatic syndrome (MDS), compared with 41% in our control group (patients with other AML subtypes) ( P =0.08). Poor-risk cytogenetics were more common in patients with AML-M6 (61% versus 38%, P =0.001). Complete remission rates were 62% for patients with AML-M6, comparing with 58% for the control group ( P =0.35). Median disease free survival (DFS) for patients with AML-M6 was 32 weeks, versus 49 weeks for the control group ( P =0.05). Median overall survival (OS) of patients with AML-M6 was 36 weeks, compared with 43 weeks for the control group ( P =0.60). On multivariate analysis for DFS and OS, AML-M6 was not an independent risk factor. AML-M6 is commonly associated with a previous diagnosis of MDS and poor-risk karyotype. The diagnosis of AML-M6 does not impart by itself a worse prognosis, and treatment decisions on this disease should be guided by well known AML prognostic factors.

Norms for visual stimuli are critical for designing reliable psychological and neuroscientific studies. However, such normative sets of stimuli are scarce for the Brazilian population. Here, we report norms for the Bank of Standardized Stimuli (BOSS) for Brazilian college students. Sixty-five Brazilian university students rated the initial normative set of BOSS images for familiarity and visual complexity, and produced a name for each object. Data analysis focused on comparing the present norms to prior BOSS norms (English-Canadian, French-Canadian, and Thai) across four normative dimensions: familiarity, visual complexity, modal name agreement, and H value, and considered these dimensions according to whether items pertained to living or non-living domains. Correlation analyses revealed that the present norms show strong similarities to prior BOSS norms, although objects were scored as more familiar in the Brazilian relative to all prior norms, especially relative to the Thai norms. In addition, familiarity was greater for living than for non-living items in the English- and French-Canadian norms, but such difference was absent in the Brazilian and Thai norms, suggesting that familiarity is more strongly affected by culture than by semantic domain. In sum, even when cultural differences are considered, the current study reveals that the images of the BOSS data set are in general well known for Brazilians, demonstrating that they can be useful for psychological and neuroscientific research in Brazil.

The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on real-world transmission remains poorly understood and represents a key public health challenge. This study aimed to investigate natural, vaccine-induced immunity and the probability of experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of families living in Rio de Janeiro. The participants were categorized into immune groups based on recent infection (within the past 9 months) and vaccination status, considering the type of vaccine received, the number of doses, and the strength of their immune response over time. We estimated the transmission probability within clusters using a multivariate model. From May 2020 to June 2023, we enrolled 669 individuals from 182 households; 272 clusters and 288 index cases were identified. Household transmission occurred in 124 (45.6%) clusters. During the pre-VoC period we did not find any factors associated with transmission. In the Gamma/Delta period, previous infections reduced the probability of transmission (OR = 0.088; 95%CI 0.023–0.341), while in the Omicron period, having a healthcare worker in the household (OR = 0.486; 95%CI 0.256–0.921) and hybrid immunity (OR = 0.095; 95%CI 0.010–0.924) decreased the probability of transmission. Our findings provide strong support for the protective effect of regular vaccination against household transmission in a cohort of families exposed to successive SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The effect of gamma irradiation therapy on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of enamel and dentin in relation to prism orientation, dentin tubule orientation, and location is unknown. It was hypothesized that tubule and prism orientation, location, and irradiation have an effect on the UTS of dental structures. Forty human third molars were used, half of which were subjected to 60 Gy of gamma irradiation, in daily increments of 2 Gy. The specimens were evaluated by microtensile testing. Results showed that irradiation treatment significantly decreased the UTS of coronal and radicular dentin and of enamel, regardless of tubule or prism orientation. With or without irradiation, enamel was significantly stronger when tested parallel to its prismatic orientation. Coronal and radicular dentin of non-irradiated specimens presented significantly higher UTS when tested perpendicularly to tubule orientation. However, when the teeth were irradiated, the influence of tubule orientation disappeared, demonstrating that irradiation is more harmful to organic components.

In this paper, we propose a new way of making pure zinc tungstate (ZnWO 4 ) nanocrystals through thermal plasma processing. Initially, we prepared amorphous powders by the coprecipitation method at room temperature and then, these powders were processed at different temperatures between 400 and 600 °C for 1 h by the thermal plasma technique. Structural analyses with characterizations by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement data, micro-Raman, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopies indicate a transition from the amorphous phase (coprecipitated) to intermediate (W 18 O 49 and ZnO phases) and desired ZnWO 4 phase between 400 and 550 °C for 1 h. These characterizations confirmed the best effect of thermal plasma at 600 °C for 1 h to obtain single-phase ZnWO 4 pristine with a wolframite-type monoclinic structure and typical vibrational modes. The ultravioleta-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed a decrease in optical band energy values from 3.97 to 3.20 eV. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed clear images of a considerable morphological modification of small spherical and irregular particles referring to the W 18 O 49 and ZnO phases to a growth more homogeneous of rod-like ZnWO 4 nanocrystals related to pristine phase with size from 132 to 155 nm. The sonocatalytic, photocatalytic, and sonophotocatalytic (SPC) properties for degradation of Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) were investigated. The better SPC degradation rate at Rh6G dye in 80 min was performed with ZnWO 4 nanocrystals processed at 600 °C. Finally, the radical scavengers assays indicated that hydroxyl (·OH) and superoxide ( O 2 · - ) radicals are the main ones responsible for the chemical reactions to Rh6G dye degradation. Graphical abstract A new method of processing using thermal plasma was employed to make pristine ZnWO 4 nanocrystals at 600 ºC for 1 h and their structural evolution, shape, photocatalytic, sonocatalytic, and sonophotocatalytic properties were investigated in detail.