Search Results (265)

Background/Objectives: Dermatitis is frequently treated with dexamethasone cutaneous application, which causes adverse effects mainly when it is chronically administered. Sesamol is a phytochemical compound known for its anti-inflammatory activity and low toxicity. Therefore, this study reports the optimization of a guar gum hydrogel with enhanced physicochemical and microbiological stability, providing an effective dosage form for topical application of sesamol nanocapsules to treat irritant contact dermatitis. Methods: Nano-based hydrogel containing 1 mg/g sesamol was prepared by adding the nanocapsule suspension to form a 2.5% (w/v) guar gum dispersion. Dynamic rheological analysis indicates that the formulations exhibit a non-Newtonian flow with pseudoplastic behavior. Hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and, following spectrum acquisition, an unsupervised chemometrics model was developed to identify crucial variables. Additionally, the physicochemical and microbiological stability of the hydrogel was evaluated over a 60-day period. Results: ATR-FTIR spectra of all hydrogels evaluated are very similar after preparation and 60 days of storage. However, it showed a slight increase in average diameter and PDI and decreased pH values after 60 days. Microbiological assessment demonstrated that the hydrogel met the requirements for the microbial count over 60 days. The dermatitis model was induced by repeated applications of croton oil in the right ears of mice. The effectiveness of the hydrogels was evaluated by assessing ear edema and migration of polymorphonuclear cells. The nano-based hydrogel exhibited anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of dexamethasone. Conclusions: Therefore, the nano-based hydrogel containing sesamol exhibits therapeutic potential for treating cutaneous inflammatory diseases. Full article

Soil microbial communities are crucial for ecosystem services, soil fertility, and the resilience of agroecosystems. This study investigated how long-term (31 years) agronomic practices—tillage, NPK fertilization, and cropping system—along with measured environmental variables influence the microbial biomass and its community composition in Chernozem soil under corn cultivation. The polyfactorial field experiment included three tillage treatments ((moldboard (MT), ripped (RT), strip (ST)), two fertilization regimes (NPK (N: 160; P: 26; K: 74 kg/ha), and unfertilized control) and two cropping systems (corn monoculture and corn–wheat biculture). The soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected in June and September 2023. Microbial biomass and community structure were quantified using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, which allowed the estimation of total microbial biomass and community composition (arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, fungi, Gram-negative (GN) and Gram-positive (GP) bacteria, actinomycetes). Our results showed that microbial biomass increased from June to September, rising by 270% in unfertilized plots and by 135% in NPK-fertilized plots, due to higher soil moisture. Reduced tillage, especially ST, promoted significantly higher microbial biomass, with biomass reaching 290% and 182% of that in MT plots in June and September, respectively. MT had a higher ratio of bacteria-to-fungi compared to RT and ST, indicating a greater sensitivity of fungi to disturbance. NPK fertilization lowered soil pH by about one unit (to 4.1–4.8) and reduced microbial biomass—by 2% in June and 48% in September—compared to the control, with the particular suppression of AM fungi. The cropping system had a smaller overall effect on microbial biomass. Full article

The scientific literature currently lacks studies that evaluate the nutritional composition of the tissues of cattle raised in different systems, so that the nutritional effects can be known and used to enhance consumption and use in the diet. The aim was therefore to assess whether the mineral content of muscle tissue (longissimus lumborum) in cattle finished during the rainy season in the Eastern Amazon is influenced by different farming systems. The treatments consisted of four systems (three pasture production systems and one feedlot system). 1. native wetland pasture in Santa Cruz do Arari (Mesoregion of Marajó); 2. native wetland pasture in Monte Alegre (Mesoregion of Baixo Amazonas); 3. cultivated dryland pasture in São Miguel do Guamá (Mesoregion of Nordeste Paraense); and 4. Confinement in Santa Izabel do Pará (Metropolitan Region of Belém). The analyses were carried out on samples of the longissimus lumborum muscle tissue of 48 male, castrated, crossbred Nelore cattle, twelve per breeding system, from commercial farms, destined for meat production, finished during the rainiest period of the year (between January and June). In systems 1 and 2, the animals were slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses; the animals in systems 3 and 4 were slaughtered in commercial slaughterhouses. Food sampling and chemical analysis, soil sample collection and analysis, longissimus lumborum muscle tissue collection, sample preparation and digestion, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized in a linear model with four rearing systems and one period (rainy). The data was compared using the Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) program. All analyses were carried out considering a significance level of 0.05. Samples of the diets offered (pasture and concentrate) were also collected. The Amazon systems influenced the macro- and micromineral content in the muscles of cattle (p < 0.05). The interaction between pasture systems vs. confinement showed differences in the minerals calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the values of sodium (Na), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) between the rearing systems (p > 0.05). By contrast, the cultivated pasture system vs. extensive pasture showed differences in all the elements evaluated (p < 0.05). The rearing systems of the Eastern Amazon influenced the mineral content of beef, which continues to be an excellent source of macro- and microminerals and can compose the human diet. Full article

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by bone fragility, most often caused by pathogenic variants in type I collagen genes. In this context, we aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with OI who were hospitalized for coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in Brazil between 2020 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis using data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, which stands for the Portuguese Sistema Único de Saúde) through the Open-Data-SUS platform. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of OI and hospitalization due to COVID-19 were included. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to evaluate demographic, clinical, and outcome-related variables. We included all hospitalized COVID-19 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of OI between 2020 and 2024. Results: Thirteen hospitalized patients with OI and COVID-19 were identified. Most were adults (9; 69.2%), male (7; 53.8%), self-identified as White (9; 69.2%), and all were residents of urban areas (13; 100.0%). The most frequent symptoms were fever (10; 76.9%), cough (9; 69.2%), oxygen desaturation (9; 69.2%), dyspnea (8; 61.5%), and respiratory distress (7; 53.8%). Two patients had heart disease, one had chronic lung disease, and one was obese. As for vaccination status, five patients (38.5%) had been vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Four patients (30.8%) required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and six (46.2%) required noninvasive ventilatory support. Among those admitted to the ICU, only two required invasive mechanical ventilation. The clinical outcome was death in two cases (15.4%). Both patients were male, White, and had not been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. One was 47 years old, was not admitted to the ICU, but required noninvasive ventilation. Despite the underlying condition most patients had favorable outcomes, consistent with an international report. Conclusions: This is the first report to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with OI hospitalized for COVID-19 in Brazil, providing initial insights into how a rare bone disorder intersects with an acute respiratory infection. The generally favorable outcomes observed—despite the underlying skeletal fragility—suggest that individuals with OI are not necessarily at disproportionate risk of severe COVID-19, particularly when appropriately monitored. The occurrence of deaths only among unvaccinated patients underscores the critical role of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population. Although pharmacological treatment data were unavailable, the potential protective effects of bisphosphonates and vitamin D merit further exploration. These findings support the need for early preventive strategies, systematic vaccination efforts, and dedicated clinical protocols for rare disease populations during infectious disease outbreaks. Full article

Background: COVID-19 led to social isolation, potentially reducing physical activity (PA), increasing sedentary time, and lowering quality of life (QoL). This study investigated the association between these factors in patients with Chagas disease (ChD) during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 187 patients with ChD. PA and sedentary time were assessed by the IPAQ-short and QoL by the WHOQOL-Bref. The relationship between PA levels and sedentary time with QoL were assessed using unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear models. Results: The highest tertile of total PA was positively associated with the psychological (Exp β = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.02–1.22) and environmental (Exp β = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.23) QoL domains. The intermediate (Exp β = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.25) and highest (Exp β = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.27) tertiles of moderate-to-vigorous PA were positively associated with the physical domain. Similarly, both the intermediate (Exp β = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01–1.22) and highest (Exp β = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.21) tertiles of moderate-to-vigorous PA were positively associated with the psychological domain. The highest tertile of sedentary time was associated with a decrease in the physical domain (Exp β = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79–0.98). Conclusions: Higher levels of total and moderate-to-vigorous PA were associated with better QoL, while greater sedentary time was associated with poorer QoL. Full article

Breast cancer is a condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of breast cancer cells. The treatment for the disease, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, can significantly impact patients’ body image and overall quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate body image perceptions and cancer-related quality of life in women who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer at a reference hospital in southern Brazil. One hundred six women with breast cancer, aged 21 to 93 years (M = 55.3; SD = 12.9), participated in this cross-sectional study. They responded to the Body Image and Relationships Scale (BIRS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Breast Cancer scale (FACT-B), and a questionnaire on clinical and sociodemographic variables. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that general perceived body image, as measured by BIRS, was significantly predicted by younger age and chemotherapy (F(2, 99) = 7.376, p = 0.003). These predictors accounted for 11.2% of the variance in BIRS (adjusted R² = 0.112). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that cancer-related quality of life was significantly predicted by younger age, use of psychiatric medication, and body image domains, including strength and health, social barriers, and appearance and sexuality. The complete model, encompassing all predictors, was significant (F(5, 96) = 15.970, p < 0.001) and explained 42.6% of the variance in FACT-B (adjusted R² = 0.426). Clinicians should be aware that younger patients who have undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer may experience changes in body image perception following surgery. Contributing factors such as younger age, use of psychiatric medications, and negative postoperative body image may be associated with a diminished quality of life related to cancer. Full article

Environmental xenobiotics, including heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pesticides, air pollutants, nano- and microplastics, mycotoxins, and phycotoxins, are widespread compounds that pose significant risks to human health. These substances, originating from industrial and agricultural activities, vehicle emissions, and household products, disrupt cellular homeostasis and contribute to a range of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Emerging evidence indicates that epigenetic alterations, such as abnormal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, aberrant histone modifications, and altered expression of non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs), may play a central role in mediating the toxic effects of environmental xenobiotics. Furthermore, exposure to these compounds during critical periods, such as embryogenesis and early postnatal stages, can induce long-lasting epigenetic alterations that increase susceptibility to diseases later in life. Moreover, modifications to the gamete epigenome can potentially lead to effects that persist across generations (transgenerational effects). Although these modifications represent significant health risks, many epigenetic alterations may be reversible through the removal of the xenobiotic trigger, offering potential for therapeutic intervention. This review explores the relationship between environmental xenobiotics and alterations in epigenetic signatures, focusing on how these changes impact human health, including their potential for transgenerational inheritance and their potential reversibility. Full article

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections, particularly those caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DTR-Pa), present a growing global healthcare challenge, especially in critically ill populations. Imipenem–relebactam (I/R), a novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination, has shown efficacy in clinical trials, but real-world data remain limited. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective–prospective observational study across tertiary-care hospitals in Italy between January 2020 and May 2025. Adult patients (≥18 years) treated with I/R for ≥48 h for suspected or confirmed MDR Gram-negative infections were included. Primary endpoints were clinical success at the end of therapy and 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included microbiological eradication, recurrence, safety, and predictors of treatment failure. Statistical analysis involved descriptive methods and correlation analysis for mortality predictors. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included (median age 66 years; 58.6% ICU admission; 71.4% mechanical ventilation). Clinical success was achieved in 22/29 patients (75.9%), while 30-day mortality was 24.1% (7/29). The most common pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.1%), with 41.4% of infections being polymicrobial. Microbiological eradication was confirmed in all the BSIs. Parenteral nutrition (p = 0.016), sepsis at presentation (p = 0.04), candidemia (p = 0.036), and arterial catheter use (p = 0.029) were significantly more frequent in non-survivors. Survivors showed significant reductions in CRP, PCT, and bilirubin at 48 h, while non-survivors did not. Parenteral nutrition (rho = 0.427, p = 0.023), sepsis (rho = 0.378, p = 0.043), and arterial catheter use (rho = 0.384, p = 0.04) were significantly correlated with mortality. Conclusions: In this Italian multicenter cohort of critically ill patients, imipenem–relebactam demonstrated high clinical success and acceptable mortality rates in the treatment of severe MDR Gram-negative infections, particularly those caused by KPC-producing K. pneumoniae. Early biomarker dynamics may aid in monitoring treatment response. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and define optimal treatment strategies. Full article

Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) have garnered considerable interest due to their unique magnetic properties and potential for integration into multifunctional biomaterials. In particular, their incorporation into bacterial cellulose (BC) matrices offers a promising route for developing sustainable and high-performance magnetic composites. Numerous studies have explored BC-magnetite systems; however, innovations combining ex situ coprecipitation synthesis within BC matrices, tailored reagent molar ratios, stirring protocols, and purification processes remain limited. This study aimed to optimize the ex situ coprecipitation method for synthesizing superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles embedded in BC membranes, focusing on enhancing particle stability and crystallinity. BC membranes containing varying concentrations of magnetite (40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The resulting magnetic BC membranes demonstrated homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles, improved crystallite size (6.96 nm), and enhanced magnetic saturation (Ms) (50.4 emu/g), compared to previously reported methods. The adoption and synergistic optimization of synthesis parameters—unique to this study—conferred greater control over the physicochemical and magnetic properties of the composites. These findings position the optimized BC-magnetite nanocomposites as highly promising candidates for advanced applications, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electronic devices, gas sensors, MRI contrast agents, and targeted drug delivery systems. Full article

Background: DNA damage response (DDR) pathway alterations contribute to genomic instability and malignant progression in several cancers. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed molecular profiles from 5309 sarcoma patient samples, including 746 from pediatric/adolescent and young adults (ped/AYA), encompassing 38 histologic subtypes. The gene expression profiles were further analyzed for immunotherapy-related biomarker associations, including analysis of the T cell-inflamed score. Results: Pathogenic/likely pathogenic DDR alterations were detected in 15.9% (N = 842) of samples overall and 9.25% (N = 69) of Ped/AYA tumors, with mutations occurring most frequently in ATRX (10.1%). Shorter overall survival was observed for patients with DDR-alterations compared to those with DDR-wildtype tumors (Hazard Ratio = 1.172, 95% CI: 1.068–1.287; p < 0.001). In many subtypes, DDR-mutated tumors were found to have increased rates of immune markers, including PD-L1+, dMMR/MSI-high, and TMB. Conclusions: Our study of somatic DDR-pathway mutations provides a better understanding of the molecular associations across sarcoma subtypes that may aid in developing future prognostic and therapeutic options for these rare cancers. Full article

Molecules from animals or plant species have been investigated with the aim of treating diseases of epidemiological importance, such as rabies, which is a viral, acute, and infectious disease with approximately 100% lethality. Rabies has been one of the main causes of death in humans concerning infectious diseases. This work investigated the action and preliminary mechanisms of the alkaloid bufotenine in an in vivo model with the rabies virus. A wild-type virus was titrated and injected into mice for the determination of DL50 in the presence or absence of bufotenine. The results reveal that bufotenine has possible action in modulating the immune response of the studied host, suggesting interference in delaying symptom manifestation. Regarding the histological analysis of the CNS of the animals, bufotenine possibly prevented the presence of mononuclear cell inflammatory infiltrate in the meninx’s region compared to the positive control and possibly contributed to reducing neuronal degeneration. The use of the bufotenine extracted from the seed of white angico, a plant representative of Brazilian flora, contributed to antiviral activity with effects on the immunological aspects of the host infected by the rabies virus. Full article

The parasites of the genus Trypanosoma have a great diversity of vertebrate hosts and can be transmitted by several groups of invertebrates. All rodent and marsupial species are potential hosts of different trypanosome species. Most species descriptions of trypanosomes have been based only on morphological characteristics. In this study, we conducted a survey on trypanosome infection in small mammals that were caught in an area of the Brazilian Pantanal (Wetlands) and Cerrado (Savanna) biomes in the state of Mato Grosso. The trypanosomes isolated were included in phylogenetic studies based on the SSUrDNA and gGAPDH genes, which were complemented through morphological studies based on scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The morphological and biological discontinuities, along with the phylogenetic position, made it possible to describe four new species of trypanosome hosted by marsupials and rodents, which we described and named as Trypanosoma daniloi sp. nov., Trypanosoma favoritoae sp. nov., Trypanosoma percequilloi sp. nov., and Trypanosoma trefauti sp. nov. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a global race for a preventive vaccine, with a few becoming available just one year after describing this novel coronavirus disease. Among these are inactivated virus vaccines like CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech), which are used in several countries to reduce the pandemic’s effects. However, its use was associated with low protection, particularly against novel virus variants that quickly appeared in the following months. Vaccines play a crucial role in activating the immune system to combat infections, with Memory B-cells being a key part of this mechanism, eliciting protective neutralizing antibodies. This work focused on studying B-cell memory repertoire after two consecutive doses of CoronaVac. Methodology: Memory B-cells were isolated from five CoronaVac vaccinated and five pre-pandemic individuals and subsequently stimulated in vitro before high-throughput Illumina sequencing of the Heavy Chain Variable repertoire. Results: We observed a shift in the VH repertoire with increased HCDR3 length and enrichment of IGVH 3-23, 3-30, 3-7, 3-72, and 3-74 for IgA BCRs and IGHV 4-39 and 4-59 for IgG BCRs. A high expansion of IgA-specific clonal populations was observed in vaccinated individuals relative to pre-pandemic controls, accompanied by shared IgA variable heavy chain (VH) sequences among memory B cells across different vaccine recipients of IgA clones was also observed in vaccinated individuals compared to pre-pandemic controls, with several IgA VH sharing between memory B cells from different vaccines. Moreover, a high convergence was observed among vaccinees and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody sequences found in the CoV-abDab database. Conclusion: These data show the ability of CoronaVac to elicit antibodies with characteristics similar to those previously identified as neutralizing antibodies, supporting its protective efficacy. Furthermore, this analysis of the immunological repertoire in the context of viral infections reinforces the importance of immunization in generating convergent antibodies for the antiviral response. Full article

Agricultural expansion and intensification are major drivers of biodiversity loss, particularly through habitat fragmentation. In the Mediterranean region, traditional farming systems like olive groves have historically supported biodiversity by creating heterogeneous landscapes. This study evaluates the role of olive groves in maintaining ecological connectivity for reptiles in Liguria, Italy. Using a dataset of 5211 georeferenced reptile records and habitat suitability models, we constructed taxon-specific resistance maps and applied circuit theory to model landscape-scale connectivity. We addressed three key questions: (1) Do olive groves act as barriers to reptile movement? (2) Do olive groves provide connectivity levels comparable to those of natural habitats? (3) Do olive groves serve as corridors connecting protected areas? Our results indicate that olive groves do not impede reptile movement, with normalized current flow (NCF) values close to 1, similar to those of natural habitats. Additionally, olive groves frequently intersect with least-cost paths between protected areas, highlighting their role as connectivity corridors. These findings underscore the conservation value of traditional olive groves in fragmented landscapes. By integrating these agroecosystems into regional conservation strategies, we can enhance biodiversity while supporting sustainable agriculture. This study provides critical insights for land management practices that balance ecological and agricultural priorities. Full article

Objective: This in vitro study aimed to investigate the impact of folic acid on DNA methylation and gene expression in adipocytes from subcutaneous adipose tissue of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with a focus on the influence of obesity on these epigenetic changes. Methods: Tissue biopsies were collected from patients with normal weight (NW) and obesity (OBS). Adipocytes were isolated via enzymatic digestion and density separation. Each group was divided into control (standard medium) and folic acid treatment (2 mg/24 h for 48 h) conditions. After treatment, DNA methylation levels were analyzed using the Infinium Methylation EPIC v2.0 Kit, and gene expression analyses were performed by RT-qPCR. A pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using the KEGG database for functional insight. Results: Folic acid induced differential methylation at 755 CpG sites in NW adipocytes, which were associated with immune regulation, including MAPK signaling. Also, OBS adipocytes showed methylation changes at 92 CpG sites, affecting pathways related to metabolic regulation, such as cAMP signaling. LEP gene expression was upregulated (5.2-fold) in OBS adipocytes, while CREM2 expression was increased (2.8-fold) in NW adipocytes after treatment. These gene expression differences underscore weight-dependent responses to folic acid, with LEP upregulation in OBS cells suggesting links to metabolic dysregulation and CREM2 upregulation in NW cells potentially contributing to immune modulation. Conclusions: Folic acid treatment exerts distinct epigenetic and gene expression effects in adipocytes of SLE patients, modulated by obesity status. This weight-dependent response, marked by changes in pathways relevant to immune and metabolic function, highlights the need for further investigation into how nutrient-based interventions might support SLE management. From a clinical perspective, this study underscores the potential of targeted nutrient-based interventions to address immunometabolic dysfunctions in SLE patients. Further research could explore folic acid supplementation as a complementary approach to personalized treatment strategies, particularly for patients with obesity. Full article