Medico

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a significant porcine pathogen as it impairs reproduction and is a part of the porcine respiratory disease complex in pigs. PRRSV transmits through direct-contact but may also be transmitted over longer distances. Far-ultraviolet C (Far-UVC) radiation inactivates airborne microbes, including viruses, without causing harm to humans or animals. In this pilot study, several experiments were performed to establish an experimental model for airborne PRRSV-1 infection in pigs, and to assess the ability of Far-UVC radiation to reduce PRRSV-1 infections in pigs. In total, 48 pigs were exposed to varying doses of mesh-nebulized PRRSV-1 in different experimental setups. PRRSV-1 viremia was evaluated, and environmental contamination as well as air samples were assessed to investigate the presence of PRRSV-1 RNA. In the final setup of three replicate case-control trials, none of the case-pigs became infected with PRRSV-1, whereas two, one and zero of the controls were infected. These results indicate that Far-UVC exposure can reduce infection of airborne PRRSV-1 in an experimental inoculation model. The infection model does not consistently infect pigs - even with the highest dose of PRRSV-1, but mimics natural settings well, and therefore studies with similar setups are needed to confirm the ability of Far-UVC to reduce infection risk. This experimental setup, albeit it is not perfect, can also be used to investigate the potential effect on Far-UVC to prevent infection of other airborne viruses.

Coronary artery spasm usually results in episodes of chest pain and ST-segment elevation. However, it may occasionally occur in the absence of angina with documented severe ventricular arrhythmias. The incidence of this condition is unknown and should be included in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. We describe the case of a patient with a history of two episodes of syncope without apparent structural heart disease. Continuous ECG monitoring revealed the presence of episodes of ST-segment elevation leading to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Asymptomatic coronary artery spasm was diagnosed and treatment with calcium channel blockers was initiated; an implantable cardioverter defibrillator device was implanted.

Introdução: O uso da tirzepatida tem se mostrado altamente eficaz para o controle do peso corporal. Contudo, a perda ponderal significativa pode acarretar flacidez e ptose glútea, afetando o contorno corporal e a autoestima. Objetivo: Relatar o caso de uma paciente com ptose glútea secundária à perda de peso induzida por tirzepatida, tratada com polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA). Relato do caso: Paciente feminina, 68 anos, apresentou perda ponderal de 12 kg após uso de tirzepatida. Evoluiu com ptose glútea bilateral e foi submetida à correção estética utilizando PMMA (300 mL na primeira sessão e 180 mL após 90 dias). O procedimento foi realizado em ambiente ambulatorial, sob anestesia local e sedação consciente, sem intercorrências. Resultados: Observou-se melhora expressiva do contorno e projeção glútea, sem eventos adversos no seguimento de três meses. Conclusão: O uso de PMMA mostrou-se seguro e eficaz na restauração do volume glúteo em paciente com ptose secundária à perda de peso induzida por tirzepatida, reforçando seu potencial como alternativa terapêutica minimamente invasiva.

There are reference anatomical descriptions for the trachea and choanae in dogs. However, these data do not match the normal pattern of brachycephalic dogs. The present study aimed to describe the anatomical characteristics of the choanae and trachea in clinically healthy brachycephalic dogs using endoscopic examinations such as retrograde nasopharyngoscopy and tracheobronchoscopy. Eleven adult dogs (Pug, Shih Tzu, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Boxer) with no history of respiratory manifestations were evaluated. Observations revealed consistent morphological characteristics, such as pale pink mucosa, visible submucosal vessels, and the absence of obstructive or neoplastic changes. It is noteworthy that the small sample size limits the generalization of the findings, indicating the need for future studies with quantitative analyses, such as measuring tracheal diameter and choanal area, to consolidate anatomical references in brachycephalic dogs.

Radiometal-labeled porphyrin derivatives have emerged candidates for targeted brain tumor imaging and therapy. In this study, we synthesized a boronic-acid-conjugated porphyrin and radiolabeled it with 64Cu to evaluate its dual-function potential for PET imaging and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The 64Cu-labeled 5,10,15,20-(tetra-4-dihydroxyborylphenyl)-porphyrin ([64Cu]-Cu-TDBP) exhibited excellent serum stability and significant uptake in U87MG cells. PET imaging in both xenograft and orthotopic models demonstrated time-dependent tumor accumulation, with selective localization in the brain tumor at 18 h post-injection (p.i.). The tumor-to-brain ratio increased from 7.2 at 4 h p.i. to 26.3 at 18 h p.i., alongside a rise in tumor boron concentration from 0.79 to 1.83 ppm over the same period. These results highlight the potential of [64Cu]-Cu-TDBP as a promising theranostic agent for precise brain tumor imaging and effective BNCT.

This case report describes a 46-year-old male with a history of rectal adenocarcinoma treated with surgical resection and chemotherapy, now presenting for repair of a ventral post-incisional hernia. A laparoscopic eTEP (Endoscopic Total Extraperitoneal) approach was employed, utilizing retromuscular dissection and placement of polypropylene mesh, resulting in a successful hernia repair without perioperative complications. The patient demonstrated satisfactory recovery, with no recurrence observed at one-year follow-up. This report emphasizes the safety, efficacy, and minimally invasive benefits of the eTEP technique for complex ventral hernias, supported by current literature on the approach’s reproducibility and advantages over traditional methods.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kampus Mengajar Program in enhancing elementary school students' learning motivation in rural areas, with a case study at SD 040443 Kabanjahe. The program is part of the Merdeka Belajar–Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) policy, which involves university students as assistant teachers in schools facing limited educational resources. The study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design (one-group pretest-posttest design), involving 94 students as respondents. The analysis results showed a significant increase in students' learning motivation scores from a pretest average of 64.37 to a posttest average of 81.35, with a p-value < 0.05 in the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and an effect size of 0.88, indicating a large effect. Additionally, observations and interviews revealed increased student participation, interest, and confidence in learning. These findings suggest that the Kampus Mengajar Program is effective in creating a learning environment that supports students’ intrinsic motivation and is relevant as a community-based educational intervention model that can be applied in various global contexts facing similar educational challenges.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have drawn a lot of attention in the field of cancer therapy due to their improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to traditional therapeutic antibodies or chemotherapeutics. However, cancer patients still develop resistance against ADCs and there is an urgent need for the development of strategies to reinforce ADC efficacy. Radiolabeling of an antibody with therapeutic radioisotopes (e.g., 177Lu or 225Ac) can be considered an option. Herein, we synthesized radiolabeled ADCs and evaluated their potential therapeutic efficacies in vitro and in vivo for cancer therapy. New trastuzumab-based ADCs utilizing fendiline or gemifloxacin as drug moieties were developed, and they were decorated with therapeutic radionuclide 177Lu or 225Ac. Anticancer effects of radiolabeled ADCs were evaluated using human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressing cancer cells and compared to that of cold ADCs. Radiolabeled versions of newly synthesized ADCs showed significantly improved anticancer efficacy compared to unlabeled ADCs, especially when they were armed with 225Ac, demonstrating the great potential of radiolabeled ADCs in cancer therapy. This study offers an effective strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of ADCs by fortifying them with radionuclides.

Thumb injuries, particularly those affecting the distal tip, significantly compromise hand function due to the thumb’s essential role in fine and gross grasp, opposition, and dexterity. Reconstruction of these defects—especially when bone or tendon is exposed—poses a surgical challenge given the limited availability of local soft tissue and the need for durable and sensate coverage. The first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) flap, commonly known as the Kite flap, has emerged as a reliable option for thumb reconstruction due to its consistent vascular anatomy and favorable outcomes. We report the case of a 54-year-old male with a distal thumb injury (Fassler type C) following trauma with an abrasive tool, presenting with a 2 × 1 cm wound and bone exposure. A heterodigital island flap based on the FDMA was elevated from the dorsal aspect of the index finger and transferred to the defect site. The donor site was reconstructed using a full-thickness skin graft. The procedure resulted in complete flap survival, with early mobilization and satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. The Kite flap offers several advantages, including preservation of thumb length, potential sensory recovery, low donor site morbidity, and applicability to both volar and dorsal defects in a single-stage procedure. Despite the potential risk of distal flap necrosis, technical modifications such as avoiding tunneling and including a skin bridge have improved reliability. In conclusion, the Kite flap remains a versatile, effective, and well-established technique for the reconstruction of distal thumb defects, combining structural restoration with functional and sensory rehabilitation.