Search Results (525)

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) represent a promising cell source for true periodontal regeneration due to their ability to form bone, cementum, and functional ligament. This review critically synthesised twelve in vivo studies (rats = 5, pigs = 2, dogs = 2, sheep = 2, one human trial) evaluating PDLSC transplantation for periodontal defects. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (to May 2025) identified 358 records, of which 12 met predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction encompassed cell source, scaffold, dose, follow-up, and quantitative regenerative outcomes. Nine studies reported cell doses (5 × 10⁵–2 × 10⁷ cells) and six PDLSC regeneration rates (33–100%). After normalisation for host mass, effective delivery ranged from 10⁵ to 10⁶ cells·kg⁻¹, with optimal outcomes typically above 10⁵ cells·kg⁻¹. PDLSC transplantation consistently enhanced alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal-ligament regeneration compared with scaffold-alone or untreated controls, with the highest outcomes obtained using biocompatible scaffolds such as Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate (HA/TCP), Gelfoam, or amniotic membrane. Both autologous and allogeneic PDLSC achieved equivalent performance and excellent safety, while xenogeneic models confirmed immune tolerance. Despite encouraging results, the evidence remains preliminary—most studies were short-term and small-scale, and only one randomised human trial has been published. Standardisation of cell preparation, scaffold selection, dosing (absolute and mass-normalised), and follow-up is urgently needed. Future research should include Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant clinical trials and mechanistic studies on PDLSC differentiation, paracrine signalling, and exosome-mediated effects to consolidate their translational potential for predictable periodontal regeneration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Carvacrol and thymol are monoterpenes present in phenolic-rich essential oils extracted from aromatic plants that exhibit antimicrobial activity. This study evaluates the antiprotozoal effect of carvacrol, thymol and their precursor, p-Cymene, against Giardia lamblia and investigates their mechanism of action and cytotoxicity profile. Methods: G. lamblia susceptibility, cell viability, swelling and adhesion abilities following application of carvacrol, thymol and p-Cymene were assessed. Ultrastructural changes were evaluated using electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity was determined in mammalian cell lines (murine macrophages RAW 264.7 and bovine aortic endothelial cells) exposed to the same IC₅₀ concentrations effective against G. lamblia. Results: Carvacrol and thymol led to significant inhibition of G. lamblia trophozoite proliferation (IC₅₀ ≅ 50 µg/mL). After 7 h of incubation, total cell number decreased by 30% (p < 0.01) with carvacrol and by 50% (p < 0.001) with thymol, accompanied by reduced motility and adhesion (<20% attached cells). At IC₅₀ concentrations, G. lamblia trophozoites exposed to carvacrol and thymol underwent considerable ultrastructural alterations (e.g., aberrant-shaped cells, mitochondrial swelling and autophagosomal structures). Reduced trophozoite motility and adhesion capacity were also observed. In mammalian cells, thymol showed no significant cytotoxicity, whereas carvacrol significantly reduced viability in both cell lines. In contrast, p-Cymene showed no antigiardial activity. Conclusions: Our data suggests that carvacrol and thymol disrupt G. lamblia trophozoite integrity, possibly through alterations in membrane permeability and osmoregulatory processes. In conclusion, these compounds reveal in vitro antigiardial activity, supporting their potential as antigiardial drugs. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is one of the most common chronic liver disorders worldwide and can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and liver cancer. To better understand the impact of an unbalanced hypercaloric diet on liver phenotype in impaired autophagy, the study compared C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and MAPK15-ERK8 knockout (KO) male mice with C57BL/6J background fed for 17 weeks with “Western-type” (WD) or standard diet (SD). Liver features were monitored in vivo by high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) using a semi-quantitative and parametric assessment of pathological changes in the parenchyma complemented by computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods. Liver histology was considered the reference standard. WD induced liver steatosis in both genotypes, although KO mice showed more pronounced dietary effects than WT mice. Overall, HFUS reliably detected steatosis-related parenchymal changes over time in the two mouse genotypes examined, consistent with histology. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of extracting quantitative features from conventional B-mode ultrasound images of the liver in murine models at early clinical stages of MASLD using a computationally efficient and vendor-independent CAD method. This approach may contribute to the non-invasive characterization of genetically engineered mouse models of MASLD according to the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs), with interesting translational implications. Full article

Tempol, a synthetic nitroxide, exhibits dual antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity, requiring millimolar concentrations to induce oxidative stress, which limits its therapeutic use. Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a critical lipid peroxidase that prevents ferroptosis, and its inhibition has emerged as a strategy to sensitize cancer cells to oxidative stress. To enhance Tempol’s efficacy, we investigated its interaction with ML210, a GPX4 inhibitor, in human colon (HT29) and gastric (CRL-1739) cancer cell lines. We quantified cell viability, oxidative stress markers (H₂O₂, Total Oxidant Status (TOS), and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS)) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins (ATF6, GRP78, and IRE1α) in in vitro assays. Synergy was assessed using Bliss independence analysis. The combination of Tempol (2 mM) and ML210 (0.05 μM) markedly reduced viability in both cell lines. Bliss analysis revealed slight/moderate synergy for cytotoxicity (Δ = +0.15 in HT29; Δ = +0.26 in CRL-1739) and strong synergy for H₂O₂ accumulation (Δ = +1.92–2.23 across replicates). In contrast, TOS showed moderate-to-strong antagonism across both cell lines, and TAS demonstrated slight synergistic or antagonistic effects. ER stress markers exhibited marker and cell line specific synergy: ATF6 showed strong synergy, IRE1α slight synergy in both lines, and GRP78 activation was highly variable, showing strong synergy in CRL-1739 cells but moderate antagonism in HT29 cells. These findings indicate that the cooperative action of Tempol and ML210 is ROS-pool–specific and pathway-selective in the ER. These findings demonstrate that ML210 potentiates Tempol’s pro-oxidant pressure by targeting GPX4, selectively amplifying H₂O₂ accumulation and ER stress engagement without collapsing global redox balance. This study provides mechanistic rationale for redox–proteostasis co-targeting in gastric and colon cancers and establishes a foundation for in vivo validation. Full article

This study evaluated whether the combined Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL1506 and MPL16 nasal priming more effectively modulated the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3- and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-mediated respiratory immune responses in mice than single strains. The interaction of single and combined strains with porcine alveolar macrophages (AMs) and porcine respiratory epithelial cells (PBE cells) in the context of TLR3 activation and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was also evaluated. The in vivo studies in mice revealed that the CRL1506 + MPL16 combination was more effective than the individual strains at reducing RSV replication, protecting the lung from TLR3-mediated inflammatory injury and modulating innate antiviral responses, particularly in AMs. In vitro, lactobacilli treatment also increased the resistance of porcine AMs to PRRSV infection. Notably, the CRL1506 + MPL16 combination was not more effective than the single strains in modulating AMs antiviral immunity. Complementary assays in PBE cells revealed that L. plantarum CRL1506 induced higher production of IFN-λ than the MPL16 strain in response to TLR3 activation. Thus, the superior in vivo protection against RSV seen with the L. plantarum CRL1506–MPL16 combination likely reflects complementary actions of lactobacilli: MPL16 would efficiently modulate AMs, whereas CRL1506 would be more effective to target respiratory epithelial cells driving greater IFN-λ production that further boosts AM antiviral activity. The results from the animal models of this work furnish the scientific basis for proposing future human trials to assess the efficacy of the CRL1506 + MPL16 combination in improving respiratory antiviral immunity. Full article

The widespread adoption of deep learning (DL) models in neuroscience research has introduced a fundamental epistemological paradox: while these models demonstrate remarkable performance in pattern recognition and prediction tasks, their inherent opacity contradicts neuroscience’s foundational goal of understanding biological mechanisms. This review article examines the growing trend of using DL models to interpret neural dynamics and extract insights about brain function, arguing that the black box nature of these models fundamentally undermines their utility for mechanistic understanding. We explore the distinction between computational performance and scientific explanation, analyze the limitations of current interpretability techniques, and discuss the implications for neuroscience research methodology. We propose that the field must critically evaluate whether DL models can genuinely contribute to our understanding of neural processes or whether they merely provide sophisticated curve-fitting tools that obscure rather than illuminate the underlying biology. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa), particularly the japonica subspecies, is a vital global food source but often suffers from short grain length and heat sensitivity, highlighting the need for genetic improvement. This study employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to investigate the effects of Grain Size3 (GS3) gene editing in the japonica cultivar, ‘Nipponbare’. Successful GS3 editing increased grain size across stable T₃ and T₄ generations. Importantly, different GS3-edited lines, even when all targeted within exon 1, resulted in varied effects on grain length and other yield components. Transcriptomic analyses revealed unique gene expression profiles for each edited line, highlighting the fact that subtle GS3 mutations trigger diverse transcriptional cascades. While common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in ethylene signaling and chitinase activity, line-specific KEGG analyses showed distinct pathway enrichments. Crucially, the CR-L5 line exhibited significantly enhanced heat tolerance at heading stage. Under high-temperature stress, CR-L5 maintained a higher relative seed setting rate and a 15% greater grain yield than the wild type. This enhanced thermotolerance in CR-L5 correlated with differing expressions of several wax biosynthesis and chitinase-related genes. Our study provides evidence that specific gs3 mutations can confer enhanced reproductive-stage thermotolerance, offering a strategy for breeding climate-resilient japonica rice with improved grain quality and yield under stress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is increasingly reported among young nulliparous women, especially those engaged in high-impact sports. This may increase the risk of developing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) later in life. This scoping review aims to synthesise current evidence on UI in gymnasts, identify the gymnastics modalities with the highest prevalence of UI, and examine the outcomes measures and interventions considered for UI. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scielo, EBSCO, PEDro, and NIH. Studies published in English or Portuguese between January 2012 and May 2023 were included. Review articles, qualitative studies, and conferences abstracts were excluded. Studies were analysed according to the PRISMA-ScR framework. Results: Out of 169 identified studies, 4 were included. SUI emerged as the most prevalent type of UI, particularly in artistic and trampoline modalities. All the studies used the ICIQ-UI-SF to assess UI. Reported outcomes included prevalence of UI and SUI, impact on quality of life and athletic performance, as well as knowledge about UI and pelvic floor. No studies investigated treatments for UI. Conclusions: The prevalence of SUI is high among gymnasts (70%), especially in artistic and trampoline disciplines. Although there is outcome heterogeneity across studies, all used the ICIQ-UI-SF. There is a critical gap regarding interventions for UI in this population. Full article

In the Brazilian Amazon biome, there has been a rise in human spotted fever cases, but still significant knowledge gaps regarding the diversity and epidemiology of the tick–host–Rickettsia relationship. In the herein study, rickettsiae were investigated in ticks from captured live wild hosts in the Amazon biome by PCR targeting a partial sequence of ompB and gltA genes. All 343 ticks were morphologically identified as belonging to five species of the genus Amblyomma. Amblyomma varium (n = 24, 7%) were collected from a Rhinella marina and a Bradypus tridactylus. Amblyomma geayi (n = 51, 15%) were collected from two Bradypus tridactylus. Amblyomma goeldii (n = 116, 34%) were collected from three Tamandua tetradactyla. Amblyomma dissimile (n = 131, 38%) were collected from two Boa constrictor. Amblyomma humerale (n = 21, 6%) were collected from a Chelonoidis spp. Four A. geayi ticks (one female and three males) collected from a three-toed sloth (B. tridactylus) in 2015 were found to be positive for Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. The molecular findings herein have confirmed that R. parkeri spotted fever may occur in the Amazon Rainforest associated with A. geayi, expanding the geographical distribution of the R. parkeri strain to the Central Amazon Rainforest. Full article

The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is the most critically endangered sea turtle species, with a distribution primarily restricted to the Gulf of Mexico. Its occurrence along the Iberian Peninsula is exceedingly rare. This study describes the postmortem findings of a juvenile L. kempii rescued off the Portuguese coast in 2024, which died after 11 days in rehabilitation despite intensive supportive care. Necropsy revealed severe, diffuse pneumonia. Histopathological examination showed interstitial inflammation and branching septate hyphae, while fungal culture and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Beauveria bassiana. Mycotic diseases in reptiles are often underrecognised but can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised or stressed individuals such as stranded marine turtles. This rare occurrence of a L. kempii on the Portuguese coast provides important insights into the species’ dispersal patterns and underlines the potential conservation implications of opportunistic fungal infections in endangered species. Full article

Proper management of water resources in agriculture is of utmost importance for sustainable productivity, especially under the current context of climate change. However, many smart agriculture systems, including for managing irrigation, involve costly, complex tools for most farmers, especially small/medium-scale producers, despite the availability of user-friendly and community-accessible tools supported by well-established providers (e.g., Google). Hence, this paper proposes an irrigation management system integrating low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with community-accessible cloud-based data management tools. Specifically, it resorts to sensors managed by an ESP32 development board to monitor several agroclimatic parameters and employs Google Sheets for data handling, visualization, and decision support, assisting operators in carrying out proper irrigation procedures. To ensure reproducibility for both digital experts but mainly non-technical professionals, a comprehensive set of guidelines is provided for the assembly and configuration of the proposed irrigation management system, aiming to promote a democratized dissemination of key technical knowledge within a do-it-yourself (DIY) paradigm. As part of this contribution, a market survey identified numerous e-commerce platforms that offer the required components at competitive prices, enabling the system to be affordably replicated. Furthermore, an irrigation management prototype was tested in a real production environment, consisting of a 2.4-hectare yellow kiwi orchard managed by an association of producers from July to September 2021. Significant resource reductions were achieved by using low-cost IoT devices for data acquisition and the capabilities of accessible online tools like Google Sheets. Specifically, for this study, irrigation periods were reduced by 62.50% without causing water deficits detrimental to the crops’ development. Full article

Enzyme entrapment in alginate hydrogel microbeads is an effective method of immobilization for industrial applications, but many fabrication methods for alginate microbeads involve oil, organic solvents, or high temperatures that reduce enzymatic activity. In this study, we employed an oil- and solvent-free gas-shearing technique to prepare alginate microbeads for the entrapment of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL), thereby minimizing thermal- and solvent-induced inactivation. To enhance immobilization efficiency and reusability, the effects of gas flow rate, alginate concentration, and cross-linking metal ions were systematically investigated. CRL entrapped in Ba- and Fe-alginate microbeads showed superior immobilization yield, activity retention, and activity recovery compared with CRL entrapped in conventional Ca-alginate microbeads. Notably, both Ba- and Fe-alginate microbeads exhibited significantly enhanced stability, with half-lives up to 127-fold greater than that of free CRL at 60 °C, and maintained substantially higher pH stability across the tested range. Ba-alginate microbeads provided greater pH stability and substrate affinity, whereas Fe-alginate microbeads demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and catalytic turnover. These findings highlight gas-shearing as a scalable and gentle fabrication method for producing high-performance alginate microbeads with tunable properties, making them suitable for enzyme entrapment in diverse biocatalytic applications. Full article

This study explores the implementation of competency-based professional development for correctional staff through the DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) methodology. A National Adaptation Workshop in Portugal engaged professionals from multiple sectors—psychologists, social workers, educators, prison officers, re-education and reintegration technicians—to validate occupational profiles and training needs. Thematic analysis revealed gaps between required and available training, especially in conflict management, mental health, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key findings show strong support for participatory, practice-informed training, provided it is contextually adapted and accessible. The results underscore the practical need for flexible, modular training frameworks in correctional settings, offering implications for policy and staff retention strategies. Full article

This study proposes a system identification (SI) technique based on the constrained recursive least squares (CRLS) method to model the dynamics of the P-SUROII. By simplifying the dynamic model in consideration of the inherent characteristics of underwater vehicles and minimizing the number of parameters to be estimated, the proposed approach aims to improve estimation accuracy. In addition, a simplified thruster input model was applied to quantify the actual thruster output and improve the reliability of the input data. To satisfy the persistent excitation (PE) condition during the estimation process, experiments incorporating various motion modes were designed, and free-running and S-shaped maneuvering tests were additionally conducted to validate the model’s generalization capability and prediction performance. The coefficients estimated using the CRLS method, which is robust to noise and bias, were evaluated using quantitative similarity metrics such as root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), confirming their validity. The proposed method effectively captures the actual dynamics of the underwater vehicle and is expected to serve as a key enabling technology for the future development of high-performance control systems and autonomous operation systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a critical public health concern due to its multidrug resistance and capacity to form persistent infections, particularly in the context of implanted medical devices. Alternative therapeutic strategies that target bacterial virulence instead of viability are increasingly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antivirulence activity of an extract derived from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244 against two MRSA strains—USA300 and M86—and to elucidate its effects on bacterial physiology and gene expression under host-mimicking conditions. Methods: Antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion, MIC, and time-kill assays. Scanning electron microscopy of cells exposed to the extract confirmed decreased cellular density and morphological changes. Phenotypic assays evaluated biofilm formation, staphyloxanthin production, and adhesion to fibronectin. RT-qPCR analyzed transcriptional responses. Viability was assessed in the presence of human serum and type I collagen. Results: The CRL 2244 extract demonstrated bactericidal activity with up to 6-log₁₀ CFU/mL reduction at 1× MIC. In USA300, the extract reduced the expression of hla, lukAB, fnbA, and icaA, correlating with decreased staphyloxanthin levels. In M86, a significant reduction in biofilm formation and repression of lukAB, nucA, and fnbA were observed. Adhesion to fibronectin was impaired in both strains. The extract showed no cytotoxicity in human serum but reduced viability in collagen-enriched conditions. Conclusions: The Lcb. rhamnosus CRL 2244 extract modulates MRSA virulence in a strain-specific manner, targeting key regulatory and structural genes without inducing cytotoxic effects. Full article