Search Results (405)

Oral anticoagulants, including warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, have been used for anticoagulation therapy, but their limitations, such as drug interactions and complex dosing, have prompted the development of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban. This study reviews the interactions of both warfarin and DOACs, particularly those influenced by cytochrome P450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein. Warfarin is metabolized by various cytochrome P450 isoforms, making it vulnerable to interactions with medications and herbs that modulate these enzymes. In contrast, DOACs, while having fewer interactions, are still affected by strong inducers or inhibitors of cytochrome 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, depending on the specific drug. Some herbs may also interfere with these pathways. Continuous monitoring of these interactions is crucial to ensure the safe use of oral anticoagulants. The findings underscore the importance of identifying and understanding these interactions to improve patient safety and guide appropriate anticoagulant therapy. Full article

We examined the physiological demands of trained rowers across four exercise intensity domains (considering the effects of weight category and sex). Twenty-four trained rowers (12 lightweight and 12 heavyweight) performed 7 × 3 min incremental bouts on a Concept2 rowing ergometer (30 W power increases and 60 s rest intervals). Performance, cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses were continuously assessed throughout the experimental protocol to characterize internal load across progressive exercise intensities. Statistical analyses included a repeated measures ANOVA test and independent t-tests (p ≤ 0.05). Heavyweight rowers exhibited greater absolute anaerobic energy production in the severe domain (41.25 ± 10.39 vs. 32.54 ± 5.92 kJ) (p = 0.02), higher peak metabolic power (up to 1.57 ± 0.30 vs. 1.48 ± 0.30 kW) (p = 0.001) and greater total energy expenditure (up to 277.52 ± 51.23 vs. 266.69 ± 51.59 kJ) (p = 0.001) than lightweight rowers, whereas the latter showed comparable relative cardiorespiratory responses to heavyweights. With respect to sex differences, males demonstrated higher oxygen uptake (from ~43–59 vs. ~34–48 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) (p = 0.001), ventilation (from ~78–146 vs. ~49–99 L·min⁻¹) (p = 0.001), metabolic power (from ~1.1–1.7 vs. ~0.7–1.0 kW) (p = 0.001) and energy expenditure (from ~193–305 vs. ~119–209 kJ) (p = 0.001) across all intensity domains. However, blood lactate levels and anaerobic energy contributions were similar between sexes. These findings demonstrated that domain-based physiological profiling effectively differentiates internal responses among rowers by weight category and sex. Heavyweights showed greater absolute energy output, while lightweights demonstrated higher metabolic efficiency. Males had elevated cardiorespiratory and metabolic values, but relative bioenergetic responses were similar across groups. These findings support individualized training based on physiological profiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Young female cancer survivors often face specific informational needs related to the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its impact on life plans, particularly fertility and parenthood. However, few tools are tailored to assess these needs during this critical life stage. This study aimed to (i) validate a multidimensional measure—the Satisfaction with Information Provided to Young Oncology Patients Scale (SIPYF-CPS)—to assess the specific informational needs of young adult female cancer survivors; and (ii) explore preferences regarding the provision of information and counseling. Methods: A total of 124 women (M[age] = 38.18; SD = 5.49; range 21–45), 76.6% diagnosed with breast cancer, participated in the study. Psychometric analyses included exploratory factor analysis and correlation coefficients to assess reliability and construct validity. Convergent validity was evaluated through standardized measures of anxiety, reproductive concerns, and quality of life. Results: A final 22-item measure demonstrated strong reliability and validity, capturing four factors: (i) Disease-Related Information, (ii) Symptoms and Functional Limitations, (iii) Implications for Fertility and Parenthood, and (iv) Support Services. Participants expressed low satisfaction with information on fertility preservation, sexual health, and support services. Lower satisfaction was moderately associated with higher anxiety and depression while positively related to quality of life. Most participants preferred phased, face-to-face communication throughout the illness trajectory. Conclusions: The SIPYF-CPS is a valid, multidimensional tool that captures the complex and evolving informational needs of young female cancer survivors. Its clinical use may promote earlier, personalized, and emotionally responsive communication—supporting psychological well-being, informed decision-making, and long-term survivorship care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is metabolically active and is in dynamic crosstalk with the surrounding cardiomyocytes, modulating their function and metabolism. Oxidative stress is a key contributor to cell death and cardiac remodeling, is a hallmark of diabetes (DM) and cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known about these processes in EAT from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study investigates changes in mitochondrial dynamics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antioxidant defense levels in EAT compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with a focus on the impact of DM and CAD. Methods: Adipose tissue biopsies were collected from 128 patients undergoing surgical cardiac intervention. Mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results: EAT exhibited increased expression of mitochondrial fusion markers [mitofusin 1 (p ≤ 0.001), mitofusin 2 (p = 0.038), and optic atrophy 1 (p ≤ 0.001)], as well as fission markers [fission 1 (p ≤ 0.001) and dynamin-related protein 1 (p ≤ 0.001)] relative to SAT. Additionally, ROS levels (dihydroethidium, p = 0.004) were elevated, while lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, p ≤ 0.001) was reduced in EAT compared to SAT. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels (p ≤ 0.001) and the redox buffer ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG, p ≤ 0.001) were significantly increased in EAT. Interestingly, glutathione peroxidase activity (p ≤ 0.001) and the antioxidant defense markers catalase (p ≤ 0.001) and superoxide dismutase 2 (p = 0.001) were significantly reduced in EAT compared to SAT. Conclusions: The findings provide a unique molecular insight into the mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress profiles of EAT, highlighting potential avenues for a novel diagnostic method and therapeutic strategies for cardiac disease. Full article

Medical phantoms are essential to imaging calibration, clinician training, and the validation of therapeutic procedures. However, most ultrasound phantoms prioritize acoustic realism while neglecting the viscoelastic and anisotropic properties of fibrous soft tissues. This gap limits their effectiveness in modeling realistic biomechanical behavior, especially in wave-based diagnostics and therapeutic ultrasound. Current materials like gelatine and agarose fall short in reproducing the complex interplay between the solid and fluid components found in biological tissues. To address this, we developed a soft, anisotropic composite whose dynamic mechanical properties resemble fibrous biological tissues such as skin and skeletal muscle. This material enables wave propagation and vibration studies in controllably anisotropic media, which are rare and highly valuable. We demonstrate the tunability of damping and stiffness aligned with fiber orientation, providing a versatile platform for modeling soft-tissue dynamics and validating biomechanical simulations. The phantoms achieved Young’s moduli of 7.16–11.04 MPa for skin and 0.494–1.743 MPa for muscles, shear wave speeds of 1.51–5.93 m/s, longitudinal wave speeds of 1086–1127 m/s, and sound absorption coefficients of 0.13–0.76 dB/cm/MHz, with storage, loss, and complex moduli reaching 1.035–6.652 kPa, 0.1831–0.8546 kPa, and 2.138–10.82 kPa. These values reveal anisotropic response patterns analogous to native tissues. This novel natural fibrous composite system affords sustainable, low-cost ultrasound phantoms that support both mechanical fidelity and acoustic realism. Our approach offers a route to next-gen tissue-mimicking phantoms for elastography, wave propagation studies, and dynamic calibration across diverse clinical and research applications. Full article

Despite remarkable progress in cancer immunotherapy, many agents that show efficacy in murine or in vitro models fail to translate clinically. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful complementary model that addresses several limitations of traditional systems. Their optical transparency, genetic tractability, and conserved immune and oncogenic signaling pathways enable high-resolution, real-time imaging of tumor–immune interactions in vivo. Importantly, zebrafish offer a unique opportunity to study the core mechanisms of health and sickness, complementing other models and expanding our understanding of fundamental processes in vivo. This review provides an overview of zebrafish immune system development, highlighting tools for tracking innate and adaptive responses. We discuss their application in modeling immune evasion, checkpoint molecule expression, and tumor microenvironment dynamics using transgenic and xenograft approaches. Platforms for high-throughput drug screening and personalized therapy assessment using patient-derived xenografts (“zAvatars”) are evaluated, alongside limitations, such as temperature sensitivity, immature adaptive immunity in larvae, and interspecies differences in immune responses, tumor complexity, and pharmacokinetics. Emerging frontiers include humanized zebrafish, testing of next-generation immunotherapies, such as CAR T/CAR NK and novel checkpoint inhibitors (LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT). We conclude by outlining the key challenges and future opportunities for integrating zebrafish into the immuno-oncology pipeline to accelerate clinical translation. Full article

Anurans, commonly known as frogs and toads, comprise a diverse group of amphibians distributed across all continents except Antarctica. This manuscript provides a detailed overview of the global anuran fauna, emphasizing their biology, remarkable adaptations, and ecological importance. A particular focus is placed on their specialized cutaneous glands, which are crucial for defense, communication, and survival. These glands secrete a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including peptides, alkaloids, and other secondary metabolites, shaped by evolutionary pressures. Among these compounds, toxins with potent antimicrobial properties stand out due to their ability to combat a broad spectrum of microbial pathogens. We explore the chemical diversity of these secretions, analyzing their modes of action and their potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other pathogens. By integrating knowledge, this study underscores the importance of anurans as both ecological keystones and a valuable resource for biotechnological innovations. Furthermore, it highlights the urgent need to conserve anuran biodiversity for harnessing their potential in the development of novel antimicrobial agents to address global health challenges. Full article

Considering that effective selection strategies are essential for the development of new ornamental pepper cultivars, the objective of this work was to select superior partially endogamic lines (PEL) of pepper in a F_2:3 generation, using the combination of the genealogical method with mixed linear models. The experiment consisted of four cycles: parents and generations F₁, F₂ and F_2:3. Qualitative (QLD) and quantitative (QTD) descriptors were evaluated. QLD were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and QTD were analyzed through estimates of genetic parameters and prediction of genetic values by REML/BLUP. Multivariate analysis was performed to group and select individuals based on QLD and QTD simultaneously. The descriptors number of flowers per axil, flower position, mature fruit color, fruit position, fruit brightness, and capsaicin in the placenta presented no variation within the F_2:3 population. The selection accuracy varied from high to very high, denoting a high experimental precision. Higher additive genetic action was detected for descriptors, considering the individual heritability in the strict sense and the additive heritability within the progeny. Forty-eight PELs were selected quantitatively and, considering QLD and QTD descriptors simultaneously, the number of individuals was reduced from 48 to 30 PELs. The combined strategies used enabled to establish the best strategy for an efficient selection of superior PEL of ornamental pepper. Full article

The knowledge about the potential toxic effects of microplastics (MPs) combined with herbicides at lower trophic levels is still largely unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential toxic effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA), isolated or combined with the pesticide glyphosate (GLY), on the microalgae Arthrospira platensis. For this, microalgae were exposed to control, GLY (3 μg/L), PET (0.5 and 1 mg/L), PA (0.5 and 1 mg/L), and the respective mixtures of each MP with GLY, for 12 days. The photosynthetic pigment content, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and enzymatic activity were determined. Cell growth was significantly enhanced on day 4 in the GLY+PA1 group (~80%), compared to the control. At day 12, biomass was significantly higher in the GLY (~25%) and GLY+PET0.5 (~26%) groups relative to the control. Significant effects on the enzymatic and detoxification mechanisms were observed, including increased SOD (PET0.5, p = 0.011) and CarE (GLY, PA and GLY+PA, p < 0.01), and decreased GST in combined exposures, which support stress-induced enzymatic activation and adaptive biochemical responses. Significant effects on phytochemicals and antioxidant activity were also observed, with PET0.5 significantly reducing total carotenoids (~65%), and flavonoids (p < 0.001) and ortho-diphenols (p < 0.05) being decreased in all exposure groups, in comparison to the control group. The decrease in flavonoids and ortho-diphenols, important antioxidant molecules, suggests the depletion of these key compounds under stress. DPPH scavenging activity, a measure of antioxidant potential, was inhibited in the GLY+PA groups, indicating compromised antioxidant defense. Results confirmed that combined stressors elicit distinct and sometimes deleterious responses not predicted by single exposures. Our findings highlight that the combined exposure to glyphosate and MPs significantly disrupts antioxidant defenses and enzymatic activity in A. platensis, indicating potential risks to primary producers in aquatic ecosystems and underscoring the ecological implications of co-contaminant stressors. In fact, the results indicate that MPs can modify herbicide toxicity, posing enhanced risks to microalgal physiology and potentially affecting primary productivity and nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. In turn, negative effects of MPs on microalgae can have serious consequences for food webs, food security, and ecological health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with sleep disturbances, particularly sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and is often linked to an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is underdiagnosed in this population due to the lack of standardized methods and limited access to appropriate diagnostic technologies and appropriate equipment. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the presence and severity of sleep disorders, with a particular focus on OSA, in children and adolescents with CP compared to their typically developing peers. Methods: This observational, clinical, and prospective study included 28 children and adolescents with CP and 32 age- and sex-matched typically developing individuals. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and a high-resolution oximeter plus actigraphy combined with a cloud-based algorithm for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea (Biologix^® system), which provided data on oxygen saturation, snoring, movement during sleep, and total sleep time. Results: According to the SDSC, 92% of children and adolescents with CP presented scores indicative of sleep disturbances, compared to 31% of typically developing individuals. SDB was the most prevalent subtype (64%) and overnight oximetry revealed that 100% of the CP group presented oxygen desaturation index (ODI) values consistent with a diagnosis of OSA. The CP group also exhibited significantly lower mean SpO₂, longer snoring duration, shorter total sleep time, and prolonged sleep latency compared to the typically developing group. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, with increasing evidence indicating a significant occurrence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Full article

Background/Objectives: The industrial extraction and purification processes of Cannabis sativa L. compounds are critical steps in creating formulations with reliable and reproducible therapeutic and sensorial attributes. Methods: For this study, standardized preparations of chemotype I were chemically analyzed, and the sensory attributes were studied to characterize the extraction and purification processes, ensuring the maximum retention of cannabinoids and minimization of other secondary metabolites. The industrial process used deep-cooled ethanol for selective extraction. Results: Taking into consideration that decarboxylation occurs in the process, the cannabinoid profile composition was preserved from the herbal substance to the herbal preparations, with wiped-film distillation under deep vacuum conditions below 0.2 mbar, as a final purification step. The profiles of the terpenes and cannabinoids in crude and purified Full-spectrum Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) were analyzed at different stages to evaluate compositional changes that occurred throughout processing. Subjective intensity and acceptance ratings were received for taste, color, overall appearance, smell, and mouthfeel of FECO preparations. Conclusions: According to sensory analysis, purified FECO was more accepted than crude FECO, which had a stronger and more polarizing taste, and received higher ratings for color and overall acceptance. In contrast, a full cannabis extract in the market resulted in lower acceptance due to taste imbalance. The purification process effectively removed non-cannabinoids, improving sensory quality while maintaining therapeutic potency. Terpene markers of the flower were remarkably preserved in SOMAÍ’s preparations’ fingerprint, highlighting a major qualitative profile reproducibility and the opportunity for their previous separation and/or controlled reintroduction. The study underscores the importance of monitoring the extraction and purification processes to optimize the cannabinoid content and sensory characteristics in cannabis preparations. Full article

Polymer residues can be reused in civil construction by partially replacing mineral aggregates in concrete, thereby reducing the extraction of natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate the use of powdered poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polyethylene (PE) residues, accumulated in shaving-mill filters during the extrusion of multilayer films used in food packaging, in the production of sealing masonry blocks. The PET/PE residues were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cylindrical specimens were produced in which part of the sand, by volume, was replaced with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% polymer residue. The cylindrical specimens were evaluated for specific mass, water absorption and axial and diametral compressive strengths. The 10% content provided the highest compressive strength. This formulation was selected for the manufacture of concrete blocks, which were evaluated and compared with the specifications of ABNT NBR 6136:2014. The concrete blocks showed potential for applications without structural function and were classified as Class C. The results, in line with previous investigations on the incorporation of plastic waste in concrete, underscore the promising application potential of this strategy. Full article

Coastal environments have been recognized as key reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The present study evaluated marine gastropods, Phorcus lineatus, as potential bioindicators to assess the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. P. lineatus was sampled in four sites, with different anthropogenic pressures, along the northwest Portuguese coastal area. From these specimens, bacteria were isolated and tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility, followed by their phylogenetic and pathotypic determination. All the Escherichia coli isolates showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent. The highest levels of multidrug resistance (25%) were observed in E. coli isolates obtained from SITE 2, which is impacted by the city of Porto and industrial settlements, while nearly 17% of these isolates showed a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index higher than 0.2. Among the isolates, phylogroups A and B2 were the most prevalent, followed by phylogroup B1. The isolates of phylogroup A showed a higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. This study offers valuable insights into the antibiotic resistance risks posed to marine ecosystems and underscores the need for microbiological monitoring and the development of effective management strategies. The findings suggest P. lineatus as a potential bioindicator of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in marine environments. Full article

Critical-sized bone defects (CSBDs) are injuries that exceed the body’s natural capacity for repair and require external intervention. These defects are particularly challenging in the mandible, often resulting from trauma, tumor resection, or implant-related complications. Effective treatment involves scaffold designs that support vascularization, bone formation, and sufficient mechanical strength. This systematic review aims to assess whether ceramic-based scaffold properties, including porosity, pore size, and macroscopic characteristics, improve vascularization, bone formation, and the mechanical properties in the treatment of CSBDs in large animal models. A search of databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) identified 11 in vivo studies involving CSBDs (>2 cm), ceramic scaffolds, and histological analysis. Findings indicate that scaffolds with porosity exceeding 50% yield optimal outcomes by striking a balance between cell infiltration and mechanical stability. Pore sizes ranging from 300 μm to 700 μm are ideal for vascularization and bone ingrowth. Three-dimensional (3D) printing shows promise in creating scaffolds with precise and reproducible features. However, the studies varied significantly in their methodologies and outcomes, with no consensus on the optimal scaffold properties for mandibular CSBDs. Scaffold porosity and pore size play key roles in promoting vascularization and bone regeneration. Various animal models reinforce this finding, suggesting that scaffold architecture is crucial for biological integration and functional outcomes. This review highlights the importance of standardized research protocols and clear design criteria in enhancing the success of bone regeneration. Future research should investigate emerging biomaterials and new scaffold technologies to overcome current limitations in clinical applications. Full article

Malaria remains a public health issue across the world. Different methods have been analyzed to achieve this disease’s elimination, such as the vector control of Anopheles spp. Control strategies include the use of different classes of insecticides, although the accelerated evolution of vectors resistant to them makes the development of alternative control methods necessary. Therefore, entomopathogenic fungi have been considered to be promising biopesticides, given that they are safe for human beings and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the entomopathogenic activity of fungi collected in the Amazon Rainforest against adult female Anopheles aquasalis mosquitoes. Females were exposed to four different species of fungi and observed daily to evaluate their survival rate. Also, fungi species’ behavior was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Those exposed to Trichoderma harzianum and Penicillium citrinum had their survival rate reduced. SEM confirmed the development of fungi on the mosquitoes after 48 h. The findings suggest that the entomopathogenic potential of the fungi used in this study should be considered, given the reduction in the survival rate of Anopheles aquasalis mosquitoes. Full article