New Isolates of Betachloroviruses Shed Light on the Diversity and Biological Complexity of an Unexplored Group of Giant Algal Viruses.

The majority of giant algal viruses belong to the family , class , phylum . Among them, the genus is the most studied, with three recognized groups based on genomics and host range, although many fundamental questions remain to be elucidated, particularly regarding their diversity. In this study, we focus on betachloroviruses, a poorly explored subgroup that infects the alga Pbi.

Lyme-Borreliosis Disease: IgM Epitope Mapping and Evaluation of a Serological Assay Based on Immunodominant Bi-Specific Peptides.

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a tick-borne infection of global relevance that remains underrecognized, hindering effective surveillance and diagnosis. This lack of awareness and the limited specificity and low antibody titters of current serological assays underscore the need for improved diagnostic tools. Here, we investigated the molecular fine specificity of IgM antibody responses to five proteins of .

Genetic engineering of Saccharomyces boulardii: Tools, strategies and advances for enhanced probiotic and therapeutic applications.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that has been extensively studied in clinical trials, and it is used to treat several gut disorders. Its high survivability and the ability of secreting recombinant proteins, make S. boulardii an attractive delivery vessel for molecules of interest in the gut.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and medication overuse headache: is stopping excessive pain medication still necessary?

Recent studies demonstrate a significant paradigm shift concerning migraine patients suffering from medication overuse (MO). Traditionally, doctors used to demand that patients who overused medications be withdrawn before beginning any preventive therapy; however, such a belief has recently been challenged by emerging evidence about the benefit of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs), which have shown similar effectiveness in several clinical trials and real-world studies, regardless of whether a patient has previously stopped taking excessive medications. The data indicates that patients undergoing CGRP mAb therapy naturally decreased their acute medication consumption as migraine frequency diminished without requiring forced discontinuation.

Three-Dimensional Comparison of CBCT and Intraoral Scans for Assessing Orthodontic Traction of Impacted Canines with Clear Aligners.

: Canine impaction complicates treatment and prolongs duration, requiring precise localization. CBCT is the gold standard for diagnosis and assessment. However, it involves high radiation exposure and cost.

Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy.

The main neurologic manifestation of definitive human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) is spastic paraparesis, but it only occurs in 5% of the patients. In contrast, about 40% of HTLV-1-infected subjects present symptoms of urologic dysfunction, including nocturia, urgency, and incontinence, which may progress to an inability to void urine. As these patients do not present motor dysfunction, they are classified as .

Radiobiological Modeling with Monte Carlo Tools - Simulating Cellular Responses to Ionizing Radiation.

As the prevalence of cancer continues to rise in a rapidly aging population, the integration of advancements in computational capabilities with oncological practices presents promising opportunities for enhancing cancer treatment management. modeling has emerged as a key approach for studying the radiobiological aspects of cancer, providing novel pathways for understanding cellular mechanisms and potential future improvements in clinical radiotherapy. This review examines significant advancements and ongoing challenges in simulating the complex interactions of ionizing radiation with cancer cells.

Blastocystis in free-ranging wild ruminant species across the Iberian Peninsula.

The growing wild ungulate populations across Europe represents an increasingly important source for the spread of zoonotic pathogens. Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist observed in humans and animals worldwide. Studies on Blastocystis occurrence and subtype (ST) diversity in free-ranging wild ruminants are lacking globally, and more data are needed to understand the epidemiological scenario in wild European ruminants.

Valorization of organic rich saline streams by purple phototrophic bacteria mixed cultures through polyhydroxyalkanoates production.

Saline wastewaters rich in organic compounds present significant disposal management challenges. A cost-effective alternative to expensive treatment methods is their utilization as feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production, a biodegradable substitute for traditional plastics, using purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB). This study evaluates the feasibility of using PPB mixed cultures for PHA production under near-seawater salinity conditions (30g.

Xylan-chitosan based films with deep eutectic solvents for wound healing applications.

Wound care is a critical issue for healthcare systems, which translates into an increased demand for innovative wound dressings that can expedite the healing process while ensuring patient comfort and safety. In this context, the development of sustainable biopolymeric materials for wound care applications has gained considerable interest. In this study, functional biopolymeric films, composed of xylans, chitosan, and a deep eutectic solvent (DES), were prepared by solvent casting.

Computational Structural Comparison of Toxoplasma gondii CDPK1 and Human BUB1 kinases: Implications for Selective Inhibitor Design.

Toxoplasmosis, affecting one-third of the global human population, urgently requires new therapeutic strategies due to current treatment limitations and drug resistance. Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (TgCDPK1) is a promising drug target due to its essential role in parasite survival and its presumed unique glycine gatekeeper residue. Aiming at identifying new and selective inhibitors of TgCDPK1, we performed computational structural analyses and unexpectedly found that a human kinase (BUB1), despite having only 14% sequence identity, shares this glycine gatekeeper with TgCDPK1, which initially raised concerns for selective inhibitor development.

Sol-Gel Synthesis and Comprehensive Study of Structural, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties of BiBaO Perovskite.

In this study, BiBaO perovskite was successfully synthesized via the sol-gel method and thoroughly characterized to evaluate its structural, microstructural, dielectric, electrical, and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a single-phase perovskite structure with high crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed a uniform grain morphology and elemental composition consistent with the intended stoichiometry.

Short-term follow-up complications associated with inferior alveolar nerve block using different anesthetics: A systematic review.

Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is considered the most widely used anesthetic technique and the gold standard for blocking the hemimandible. This method is used in routine dental and oral surgical practice. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze reports related to the IANB technique combined with different local anesthetics.

Assessing the Quality of Stroke Services in Brazil Using the World Stroke Organization Roadmap.

Introduction: Organizing acute stroke care effectively reduces disability and mortality. Since the Ministry of Health in Brazil established the National Stroke Policy in 2012, stroke care has improved significantly. However, despite the increase in stroke centers, some hospitals have not fully implemented the recommended structure and protocols.

Understanding Acceleration-Based Load Metrics: From Concepts to Implementation.

Accelerometer-based wearables offer a cost-effective solution for managing match and training loads in invasion team sports. However, a multitude of acceleration-derived metrics, each employing different algorithms, has led to inconsistent and incomparable outcomes across studies and devices. This article reviews the mathematical procedures underlying whole-body mechanical load metrics, clarifies their conceptual differences, and proposes refinements to enhance standardization.

Dynamics of IgM and IgA Antibody Response Profile Against Toxins A, B, and P.

The first immune response controls many bacterial and viral inflammatory diseases. Oral immunization with cholera toxin (CT) elicits antibodies and can prevent cholerae in endemic environments. While the IgG immune response to the toxin is well-documented, the IgA and IgM epitopes responsible for the initial immune reaction to the toxin remained uncharted.

Revealing the hidden diversity of Chlorella heliozoae-infecting giant viruses.

A new level of viral complexity has emerged from the isolation of green algae-infecting chloroviruses from diverse aquatic environments around the world over the past few decades. This study focuses on describing and comparing the genomic features of gammachloroviruses, previously referred to as SAG-viruses. We present 24 novel isolates capable of forming plaques on lawns of Chlorella heliozoae SAG 3.

The Development and Characterization of an Andiroba Oil-Based Nanoemulsion (, Aubl.): Insights into Its Physico-Chemical Features and In Vitro Potential Healing Effects.

Andiroba oil, extracted from seeds, possesses therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. This study aimed to develop and characterize a nanoemulsion formulation containing andiroba oil (NeAnd) and to evaluate its cytotoxicity and wound healing potential in vitro. : The oil was evaluated for acidity, antioxidant activity, and fatty acid composition.

Ultrasensitive Peptide-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Universal Diagnostic of Dengue.

Dengue is a neglected disease mainly affecting tropical and subtropical countries. The diagnosis of dengue fever is still a problem since most of it is made from whole or recombinant DENV proteins, which present cross-reactions with other members of the Flavivirus family. Therefore, there is still a huge demand for new diagnostic methods that provide rapid, low-cost, easy-to-use confirmation.

Biofabrication of HepG2 Cells-Laden 3D Structures Using Nanocellulose-Reinforced Gelatin-Based Hydrogel Bioinks: Materials Characterization, Cell Viability Assessment, and Metabolomic Analysis.

The successful replication of the intricate architecture of human tissues remains a major challenge in the biomedical area. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a promising approach for the biofabrication of living tissue analogues, taking advantage of the use of adequate bioinks and printing methodologies. Here, a hydrogel bioink based on gelatin (Gel) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), cross-linked with genipin, was developed for the 3D extrusion-based bioprinting of hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2).

Social Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Free-Roaming Cats and Dogs in Portugal: An Exploratory Study.

Free-roaming cats and dogs impact biodiversity, public health, and the welfare of other animals. Attitudes towards free-roaming animals can influence their population dynamics and management success. We conducted an online survey to evaluate social perceptions and attitudes towards free-roaming animals among self-selected Portuguese residents aged 18 or older with internet access.

Investigations into the Diversity and Distribution of tRNA and Phylogenetics of Translation Factors in Amoebozoa-Infecting .

Translation is a sine qua non process for life as we know it. Translation factors (TFs) and tRNAs are rare among viruses but are commonly found in giant viruses of the class . In this study, we explored the diversity and distribution of tRNAs in giant viruses that were isolated and replicated in amoebae (phylum Amoebozoa), and investigated the evolutionary history of TFs to gain insights into their origins in these viruses.

A retrospective cohort study assessing medication coverage in patients with prostate cancer prescribed luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists in England.

Purpose: This study aims to assess adherence to luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist treatment for prostate cancer (PC) in England, considering formulation-related differences, their impact on overall survival, and the association with changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels over time.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, utilising primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum database linked to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and Office for National Statistics (ONS) death registrations, we assessed male patients aged 40 and above diagnosed with PC and prescribed 1-, 3-, or 6-monthly LHRH agonist injections between January 2007 and December 2019. The primary objectives were to measure adherence through proportion of days covered (PDC) and characterize delayed injections, while secondary objectives included assessment of patient demographics, comorbidities, overall survival, and PSA levels.

Impact of Diagnosis of Urologic Cancer on Male Sexuality and Patients' Perceptions of Health Professional's Approach.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a urological neoplasm diagnosis on male sexuality and examine patient perceptions of healthcare professionals' engagement with sexuality at diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: This study included adult men diagnosed with urological neoplasms across two urology cancer centers from October 2022 to April 2024. Exclusions applied to those with prior cancer treatment, inactive sexual lives, or histories of anxiety/depression treatment.

Optimization of Magnetoplasmonic Behavior in Ag/Fe Bilayer Nanostructures Towards Refractometric Sensing.

Magneto-optic surface plasmon resonances (MOSPRs) rely on the interaction of magnetic fields with surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) to modulate plasmonic bands with magnetic fields and enhance magneto-optical activity. In the present work, a study on the magnetoplasmonic behavior of Ag/Fe bilayers is carried out by VIS-NIR spectroscopy and backed with SQUID measurements, determining the thickness-dependent magnetization of thin-film samples. The MOSPR sensing properties of Ag/Fe planar bilayers are simulated using Berreman's matrix formalism, from which an optimized structure composed of 15 nm of Ag and 12.