Search Results (37)

Background/Objectives: The Zika virus (ZIKV) represents an ongoing threat to public health due to its neurological and congenital complications. Even after 10 years since the first major outbreak, correlated with an increase in congenital ZIKV syndrome, there is still no vaccine or treatment for this infection. Among the various existing platforms, DNA vaccines combined with the use of immunoinformatics tools allow for the efficient selection of immunogenic epitopes and immunostimulatory molecules with greater flexibility, in addition to being simple to manufacture and having a higher cost–benefit ratio in production. Methods: In this work, we conducted an integrated approach, combining in silico analyses and in vivo experimental validations, for the development of multi-epitope DNA vaccines against ZIKV. The computational analyses confirmed structural stability, adequate solubility, absence of toxicity, and immune induction potential for constructs based on epitopes from the Envelope (E) and NS1 proteins. Therefore, we evaluated DNA constructs containing the ENV + NS1 epitopes, both with and without fusion to the ssPGIP signal peptide, in BALB/c mice. Results: Both vaccines increased the population of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, in addition to the production of IgG antibodies associated with the Th1 profile. The fusion with ssPGIP broadened the response, stimulating the release of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines, as well as enhancing antibody formation. In contrast, its absence was associated with a slight increase in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, accompanied by restricted cytokine production. Conclusions: These results indicate that epitope-targeted techniques offer a viable and safe method for inducing robust immune responses, demonstrating that combining immunoinformatics methods with early preclinical testing is an effective strategy for ZIKV vaccine development. Furthermore, although the present study focused on initial immunogenic characterization, future studies involving viral challenge in a suitable animal model will be essential to conclusively determine the protective efficacy of these vaccine candidates. Full article

Algae-derived bioactives have emerged as promising nutraceuticals due to their ability to modulate key molecular pathways under physiological stress. Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), a cyanobacterium widely recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is proposed as a functional supplement to preserve smooth muscle physiology. Progressive strength training (PST) can induce oxidative stress and disrupt electromechanical coupling in the uterus, potentially impairing female reproductive function. This study investigated whether supplementation with A. platensis prevents PST-induced uterine dysfunction and elucidated the molecular mechanisms involved. Virgin Wistar rats were divided into five groups: sedentary with saline (GS), sedentary with A. platensis (GAP100), adapted control (GC), PST-trained (GT), and PST-trained with A. platensis (GTAP100). An eight-week water-jump PST protocol was applied. Uterine contractile responses were recorded in isolated organ baths after cumulative KCl stimulation, in the absence or presence of pathway-specific inhibitors targeting nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase, NADPH oxidase, or superoxide dismutase. Histological evaluations of uterine and ovarian tissues were also performed. PST increased contractile efficacy and myometrial thickness, associated with oxidative stress and activation of NO, COX, and NADPH oxidase pathways. Supplementation with A. platensis attenuated these alterations by enhancing NO signaling, stimulating relaxant prostanoids, and reducing superoxide production. These protective effects were abolished by inhibitors, confirming mechanistic involvement. Overall, our findings provide molecular evidence that A. platensis supplementation preserves uterine smooth muscle physiology under high-intensity resistance training, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical strategy for female reproductive health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The expanding focus on novel therapeutic pathways for long-term pain relief has directed interest toward compounds obtained from Cannabis sativa. This study evaluated the antinociceptive potential of cannabigerol-enriched extract (CBG) in models of acute and chronic hypernociception, along with morphological outcomes. Methods: Formalin and hot plate tests were used on male Swiss mice to assess acute oral antinociception. To the chronic pain model, 8-week-old male Wistar rats underwent spinal nerve ligation (SNL), and CBG was administered orally by gavage once daily for 14 days. Results: CBG reduced nociceptive responses in the formalin test and hot plate tests, mainly at a dose of 30 mg/kg, showing antinociceptive activity. CBG attenuated SNL-induced thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, accompanied by reduced microglial density and spinal morphological changes. Importantly, cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) signaling contributed to the antinociceptive effects of orally administered CBG, whereas cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) did not appear to play major roles under our experimental conditions. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings support CBG as a promising alternative for chronic pain management. Full article

This study focuses on the Unified Health System (SUS) in five regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one of Brazil’s most important states, as part of a comprehensive analysis of a research project, which has generated publications in earlier phases. The objective was to assess users’ perceptions of SUS in terms of access to and the quality of public health services, including primary care and pharmaceutical services. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising 66 questions, administered to a purposive sample of 1000 participants between August 2023 and August 2024. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test with R software version 4.3. Among the participants, 54.5% were female, 62.5% were aged between 26 and 60 years, and 29% reported having private health insurance. Vaccination services were the most frequently used SUS service (25.1% of respondents). Participants who reported more frequent use of SUS services rated access more positively than those who used them less frequently (p = 0.002). The regions that evaluated SUS access and quality most favorably were Middle Paraíba and the metropolitan region, while the Coastal Lowlands region received the most negative assessments. Participants with lower socioeconomic status gave more favorable evaluations of access to public health services (p = 0.001). These findings highlight concerns about access to, and the quality of, SUS healthcare services and regional disparities in users’ perceptions of SUS services in Rio de Janeiro. The results underscore the importance of social participation as a key element in the evaluation and continuous improvement of responsive public healthcare. Full article

Background: This study investigated the impact of crack cocaine smoke exposure on the submandibular salivary gland of Wistar rats. Methods: The animals were distributed into four groups: control (CTRL); 25 mg exposure (CK25); 50 mg exposure (CK50); and 100 mg exposure (CK100). The animals were exposed to crack cocaine smoke once a day for five consecutive days. Results: Exposure to crack cocaine smoke-induced histopathological changes in submandibular salivary glands in all groups under exposure. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrates that exposure to crack cocaine smoke led to an increase in BCL-2 and P16 expression in all groups exposed to crack cocaine (p < 0.05). The analysis of Ki-67 expression revealed a significant increase in immunoreactive cells across all exposure groups (p < 0.05). Although MYD88 expression was observed in all crack cocaine-exposed groups, only the group treated with the highest dose (100 mg) exhibited a statistically significant increase compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrates that exposure to crack cocaine smoke-induced tissue degeneration in the submandibular salivary gland, increasing cellular senescence and promoting compensatory cell proliferation in Wistar rats. Full article

This study aims to describe neurological, visual, and auditory findings in children whose mothers had confirmed Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy, with most of these children not presenting congenital microcephaly; Methods: an observational, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from March 2015 to January 2017, involving children with in utero exposure to Zika virus, following from birth up to 30 months of age. Results: Of the 2882 pregnant women admitted, 116 had a suspected ZIKV infection, of whom 33 had laboratory confirmation. Only one child presented with congenital microcephaly. Despite this, neurodevelopment delay was observed in 36.4% of children evaluated, radiological abnormalities in 29.1%, auditory abnormalities in 8.3%, and ophthalmological abnormalities in 10%. Conclusions: Newborns of mothers with confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy may present with varying degrees of visual, auditory, and neurological impairment, despite the presence of congenital microcephaly. Full article

Background: The rapid advancement of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants reinforced the importance of developing easy-to-edit vaccines with fast production, such as multi-epitope DNA vaccines. The present study aimed to construct a synthetic antigen multi-epitope SARS-CoV-2 to produce a DNA vaccine. Methods: A database of previously predicted Spike and Nucleocapsid protein epitopes was created, and these epitopes were analyzed for immunogenicity, conservation, population coverage, and molecular docking. Results: A synthetic antigen with 15 epitopes considered immunogenic, conserved even in the face of variants and that were able to anchor themselves in the appropriate HLA site, together had more than 90% worldwide coverage. A multi-epitope construct was developed with the sequences of these peptides separated from each other by linkers, cloned into the pVAX1 vector. This construct was evaluated in vivo as a DNA vaccine and elicited T CD4+ and T CD8+ cell expansion in the blood and spleen. In hematological analyses, there was an increase in lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils between the two doses. Furthermore, based on histopathological analysis, the vaccines did not cause any damage to the organs analyzed. Conclusions: The present study generated a multi-epitope synthetic vaccine antigen capable of generating antibody-mediated and cellular immune responses. Full article

Background: The association between mental health and work has led to multiple meanings and definitions, leading to generalizations and equivalences that do not always reflect similar meanings. Objectives/Methods: To map and analyze the definitions of mental health related to work in the literature and identify the professional practices arising, a systematic review was carried out following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six databases were selected for consultation, which was carried out in March 2023. Results: From the search, 26 articles were selected and most of them do not define the concept of mental health, nor the influence of work on mental health–illness processes. Few articles report working conditions and the professional environment as generators of stress. Even if these conditions exist, the studies highlight that individuals already had previous personality traits that made them susceptible to disorders. Conclusions: Failure to adopt clear theoretical–methodological references regarding the concept of mental health and its relationship with work weakens the field and professional practice. Moreover, the literature does not point to changes in work or indicate possibilities for returning to assisted/compatible work, vocational reorientation, or other means of overcoming the problem within work and organizations, with significant impacts on the design of public policies in the field. Full article

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rates worldwide, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with its carcinogenesis. In this study, HPV16 genes’ expressions were investigated in patient samples, along with the immunological response promoted by lymphocytes and monocytes in A549 cells transfected with HPV oncogenes and co-cultured with PBMC. An increase in the expression of E5 was observed in the patients’ samples. In the in vitro analysis, a decrease in the number of monocytes and cytotoxic cells was observed when co-stimulated by E6 and E7, and it promoted an increase in the Th2 profile. In contrast, the high proliferation of cytotoxic cells in A549 cells transfected with E5, associated with the high expression of costimulatory molecules in monocytes, suggests a low capacity of E5 to inhibit the presentation of antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APC) and a possible use of E5 in future therapeutic strategies against lung cancers associated with HPV. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an extruded whole-grain sorghum beverage containing L. paracasei on body composition, lipid profiles, and intestinal health in overweight and obese adults. (2) Methods: A chronic, single-blind randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 30 volunteers allocated to three groups (n = 10/group): extruded sorghum beverage (ESB), extruded sorghum beverage with L. paracasei (ESPB), and control beverage (CB) (waxy maize starch). The chemical composition of the beverages was analyzed. Volunteers consumed the beverages for ten weeks at breakfast, along with individual dietary prescriptions. Body composition, biochemical markers, gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acids, fecal pH, and stool L. paracasei DNA concentration were analyzed at the beginning and end of the intervention period. (3) Results: The ESB showed better composition than the CB, particularly in terms of resistant starch content, total phenolic compounds, condensed tannins, and antioxidant capacity. Both the ESB and the ESPB had an effect on body composition (estimated total visceral fat and waist volume), biochemical markers (Castelli index I), and intestinal health (Bristol scale, diarrhea score, valeric acid, and L. paracasei DNA concentration). No changes were observed in the CB group after the intervention. (4) Conclusions: Whole-grain sorghum beverages demonstrated good nutritional value, and consumption of these beverages, with or without L. paracasei, provided health benefits, including improvements in body composition, Castelli index I scores, and intestinal health, in overweight and obese adults. Full article

Moringa oleifera Lam. (horseradish tree) leaves demonstrate high nutritional value, are rich in proteins, and are widely used in folk medicine and food. This study investigated the presence of secondary metabolites and antinutritional proteins in leaf extract (LE) and the protein-rich fraction (PRF) derived from M. oleifera leaves, as well as the cytotoxicity to human cells, hemolytic activity, and in vivo acute toxicity and genotoxicity in mice. The flavonoids rutin and vitexin as well as trypsin inhibitors and lectins were detected in LE and PRF. Neither sample demonstrated toxicity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and both showed low hemolytic action. In vivo, LE and PRF did not show antinutritional effects and caused no death. The hematological parameters of the animals in the treated group were similar to those of the control. A significant increase in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and a discrete leukocyte infiltration with cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes in the liver were detected in LE-treated animals. The preparations were not genotoxic or mutagenic. This study shows that LE and PRF are not antinutritional agents and presented low acute toxicity and no genotoxicity or mutagenicity. The present study contributes to the determination of the safety of using M. oleifera leaf proteins. Full article

The persistence of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) infection on the cervical epithelium contributes to the progression of cervical cancer. Studies have demonstrated that HPV16 genetic variants may be associated with different risks of developing cervical cancer. However, the E5 oncoprotein of HPV16, which is related to several cellular mechanisms in the initial phases of the infection and thus contributes to carcinogenesis, is still little studied. Here we investigate the HPV16 E5 oncogene variants to assess the effects of different mutations on the biological function of the E5 protein. We detected and analyzed the HPV16 E5 oncogene polymorphisms and their phylogenetic relationships. After that, we proposed a tertiary structure analysis of the protein variants, preferential codon usage, and functional activity of the HPV16 E5 protein. Intra-type variants were grouped in the lineages A and D using in silico analysis. The mutations in E5 were located in the T-cell epitopes region. We therefore analyzed the interference of the HPV16 E5 protein in the NF-kB pathway. Our results showed that the variants HPV16E5_49PE and HPV16E5_85PE did not increase the potential of the pathway activation capacity. This study provides additional knowledge about the mechanisms of dispersion of the HPV16 E5 variants, providing evidence that these variants may be relevant to the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Full article

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm worldwide. Viral infections are involved with carcinogenesis, especially those caused by oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. Despite the detection of HPV in breast carcinomas, the virus’s activity against this type of cancer remains controversial. HPV infection promotes remodeling of the host’s immune response, resulting in an immunosuppressive profile. This study assessed the individual role of HPV oncogenes in the cell line MDA-MB-231 transfected with the E5, E6, and E7 oncogenes and co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Immunophenotyping was conducted to evaluate immune system modulation. There was an increase in CD4⁺ T cell numbers when compared with non-transfected and transfected MDA-MB-231, especially in the Treg profile. Pro-inflammatory intracellular cytokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17, were impaired by transfected cells, and a decrease in the cytolytic activity of the CD8⁺ and CD56⁺ lymphocytes was observed in the presence of HPV oncogenes, mainly with E6 and E7. The E6 and E7 oncogenes decrease monocyte expression, activating the expected M1 profile. In the monocytes found, a pro-inflammatory role was observed according to the cytokines released in the supernatant. In conclusion, the MDA-MB-231 cell lineage transfected with HPV oncogenes can downregulate the number and function of lymphocytes and monocytes. Full article

Precision agriculture requires accurate methods for classifying crops and soil cover in agricultural production areas. The study aims to evaluate three machine learning-based classifiers to identify intercropped forage cactus cultivation in irrigated areas using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). It conducted a comparative analysis between multispectral and visible Red-Green-Blue (RGB) sampling, followed by the efficiency analysis of Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Random Forest (RF) algorithms. The classification targets included exposed soil, mulching soil cover, developed and undeveloped forage cactus, moringa, and gliricidia in the Brazilian semiarid. The results indicated that the KNN and RF algorithms outperformed other methods, showing no significant differences according to the kappa index for both Multispectral and RGB sample spaces. In contrast, the GMM showed lower performance, with kappa index values of 0.82 and 0.78, compared to RF 0.86 and 0.82, and KNN 0.86 and 0.82. The KNN and RF algorithms performed well, with individual accuracy rates above 85% for both sample spaces. Overall, the KNN algorithm demonstrated superiority for the RGB sample space, whereas the RF algorithm excelled for the multispectral sample space. Even with the better performance of multispectral images, machine learning algorithms applied to RGB samples produced promising results for crop classification. Full article