Biotechnology in Agro-Industry: Valorization of Agricultural Wastes, By-Products and Sustainable Practices.

Agricultural and industrial residues are increasingly recognized as valuable resources for sustainable innovation, offering significant potential for biotechnological applications. By integrating waste valorization into production systems, this approach aims to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance economic value across various sectors. The findings underline the critical need for further research and policy support to scale these solutions, advancing global sustainability goals through innovative resource management.

Health team practices to improve vaccination coverage of children in a favela.

Introduction: The Brazilian National Immunization Program currently faces numerous challenges, such as vaccine hesitancy, the spread of fake news, and the impacts of COVID-19, especially in vulnerable communities, where social and structural barriers affect vaccination coverage.

Objective: To report the experience of planning and implementing practices to expand vaccination coverage for children up to two years old in a favela in Rio de Janeiro.

Method: An experience report carried out between June and November 2023, structured in two stages: planning, using GeoVacina Rio to identify vaccination gaps; and execution, which included active search, vaccination "D-Days", educational activities and digital communication with guardians.

Metamorphosis-associated immune system maturation in Senegalese sole.

The thyroid hormones (THs) are proposed as putative regulators of immune system maturation in developing teleost fish. To gain insight into this process the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) that has a well-characterized TH-driven metamorphosis was used. Differential gene expression analysis was performed across developmental stages (n = 3 per stage): pre-metamorphosis, onset of metamorphosis, metamorphosis, early climax, climax, and post-metamorphic juveniles.

Risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection caused by ribotype 027 strains in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System: a matched case-control study.

Background: In case-control studies, a variety of factors have been associated with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) due to the epidemic ribotype 027 strain. However, many studies have been limited due to small sample size and inclusion of only one facility.

Methods: Using a nationwide cohort of hospitalized patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, we conducted a retrospective, 1:3 matched case-control study of patients with CDI due to the ribotype 027 strain versus non-027 strains from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2020.

Biostimulation with rams improved embryo quality without modifying the ovulatory response in superovulated ewes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether extended ram exposure during FSH superovulatory treatment improves follicular growth, embryo production, and embryo quality in ewes. Twenty Santa Inês ewes were subjected to a superovulation protocol based on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration with or without male biostimulation in a crossover arrangement (n = 20 per treatment). Follicular development and corpus luteum functionality were monitored with ultrasound, and embryo collection was performed non-surgically.

A Comprehensive Understanding of Postural Tone Biomechanics: Intrinsic Stiffness, Functional Stiffness, Antagonist Coactivation, and COP Dynamics in Post-Stroke Adults.

Objective: To analyse the relationship between traditional stiffness and muscle antagonist coactivation in both stroke and healthy participants, using linear and non-linear measures of coactivation and COP during standing, stand-to-sit, and gait initiation.

Methods: Participants were evaluated through a cross-sectional design. Electromyography, isokinetic dynamometer, and force plate were used to calculate coactivation, intrinsic and functional stiffness, and COP displacement, with both linear and non-linear metrics.

A community-engaged implementation mapping approach to increase SNAP participation in a diverse Latine community.

Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an underutilized program. SNAP uptake is limited in Latine households in particular due to concerns about immigration eligibility, even when there are SNAP-eligible household members. Implementation strategies are urgently needed to increase SNAP participation rates among those who are eligible.

Specific immunohistochemical expression of Mmp-26 in prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been identified as biomarkers for several diseases, including cancer. The increase in the expression of these enzymes has been related to greater tumor aggressiveness. MMP-26 is expressed constitutively in the endometrium and some cancer cells of epithelial origin.

Early-Stage Luminal B-like Breast Cancer Exhibits a More Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment than Luminal A-like Breast Cancer.

Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignant disease with a varying prognosis and is classified into four molecular subtypes. It remains one of the most prevalent cancers globally, with the tumor microenvironment playing a critical role in disease progression and patient outcomes.

Methods: This study evaluated tumor samples from 40 female patients with luminal A and B breast cancer, utilizing flow cytometry to phenotypically characterize the immune cells and tumor cells present within the tumor tissue.

Retrospective epidemiologic and genomic surveillance of arboviruses in 2023 in Brazil reveals high co-circulation of chikungunya and dengue viruses.

Background: The rapid spread and increase of chikungunya (CHIKV) and dengue (DENV) cases in Brazilian regions in 2023 has raised concerns about the impact of arboviruses on public health. Epidemiological and genomic surveillance was performed to estimate the introduction and spread of CHIKV and DENV in Brazil.

Methods: This study obtained results from the Hermes Pardini (HP), a private medical laboratory, and the Health Department of Minas Gerais state (SES-MG).

Multiplatform metabolomic interlaboratory study of a whole human stool candidate reference material from omnivore and vegan donors.

Introduction: Human metabolomics has made significant strides in understanding metabolic changes and their implications for human health, with promising applications in diagnostics and treatment, particularly regarding the gut microbiome. However, progress is hampered by issues with data comparability and reproducibility across studies, limiting the translation of these discoveries into practical applications.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the fit-for-purpose of a suite of human stool samples as potential candidate reference materials (RMs) and assess the state of the field regarding harmonizing gut metabolomics measurements.

Biodegradation of the Antiretroviral Tenofovir Disoproxil by a Cyanobacteria/Bacterial Culture.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is an antiretroviral drug extensively used by people living with HIV. The TDF molecule is hydrolysed in vivo and liberates tenofovir, the active part of the molecule. Tenofovir is a very stable drug and the discharge of its residues into the environment can potentially lead to risk for aquatic species.

European Portuguese version of the Mini-BESTest: a cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric measurements in individuals with sensorimotor impairments.

Purpose: This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Mini-BESTest into European Portuguese and to evaluate its psychometric properties in individuals with sensorimotor impairments.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional cross-cultural adaptation and validation study was conducted according to the COSMIN guidelines and the STROBE statement. The study included 100 participants with sensorimotor impairments who were able to walk 6 m.

Cationic Serine-Based Gemini Surfactant:Monoolein Aggregates as Viable and Efficacious Agents for DNA Complexation and Compaction: A Cytotoxicity and Physicochemical Assessment.

Cationic gemini surfactants have emerged as potential gene delivery agents as they can co-assemble with DNA due to a strong electrostatic association. Commonly, DNA complexation is enhanced by the inclusion of a helper lipid (HL), which also plays a key role in transfection efficiency. The formation of lipoplexes, used as non-viral vectors for transfection, through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions is affected by various physicochemical parameters, such as cationic surfactant:HL molar ratio, (+/-) charge ratio, and the morphological structure of the lipoplexes.

Holistic in silico developability assessment of novel classes of small proteins using publicly available sequence-based predictors.

The development of novel therapeutic proteins is a lengthy and costly process, with an average attrition rate of 91% (Thomas et al. Clinical Development Success Rates and Contributing Factors 2011-2020, 2021). To increase the probability of success and ensure robust drug supply beyond approval, it is essential to assess the developability profile of new potential drug candidates as early and broadly as possible in development (Jain et al.

Translation and Validation of the Brazilian Version of the European Obesity Academy Questionnaire on Patients' Motivations for Seeking Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Purpose: Understanding patients' motives for undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is key to managing postoperative expectations. We aimed to translate and validate the 14-item European Obesity Academy Questionnaire on Expectations about Surgical Treatment (EOAQ-EST) to Brazilian Portuguese for research and clinical use.

Materials And Methods: This study included a total of 198 candidates for MBS at a reference academic hospital in Brazil from January 2021 to February 2022.

Developing a consensus-based motivational care pathway for individuals with lower limb fractures: a Delphi protocol.

Older adults with lower limb fractures often harbor concerns about losing their mobility, fearing a loss of independence. It is vital to develop strategies that foster their active engagement in the rehabilitation process. The present protocol aims to create a care pathway tailored to motivate individuals with lower limb fractures to adhere to rehabilitation.

Selective Caries Removal: A Case Report with 21-Year Follow-Up.

Dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease globally, and its management should adhere to the principles of minimal intervention dentistry. This study reports a series of successful cases involving the selective removal of carious tissue in permanent molars, with follow-up periods of up to 21 years. Six permanent molars with severe and deep carious lesions were treated with selective caries removal and restored with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement.

Multinational experience with next-generation sequencing: opportunity to identify transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and Fabry disease.

Background: Sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) must be differentiated from phenotypically similar conditions because clinical management and prognosis may greatly differ. Patients with unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy require an early, confirmed genetic diagnosis through diagnostic or predictive genetic testing. We tested the feasibility and practicality of the application of a 17-gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel to detect the most common genetic causes of HCM and HCM phenocopies, including treatable phenocopies, and report detection rates.

Biomechanical Assessment Methods Used in Chronic Stroke: A Scoping Review of Non-Linear Approaches.

Non-linear and dynamic systems analysis of human movement has recently become increasingly widespread with the intention of better reflecting how complexity affects the adaptability of motor systems, especially after a stroke. The main objective of this scoping review was to summarize the non-linear measures used in the analysis of kinetic, kinematic, and EMG data of human movement after stroke. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed, establishing the eligibility criteria, the population, the concept, and the contextual framework.

CD20+ T cells in monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: frequency, phenotype and association with disease progression.

Introduction: In monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the expansion of malignant B cells disrupts the normal homeostasis and interactions between B cells and T cells, leading to immune dysregulation. CD20+ T cells are a subpopulation of T cells that appear to be involved in autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Methods: Here, we quantified and phenotypically characterized CD20+ T cells from MBL subjects and CLL patients using flow cytometry and correlated our findings with the B-cell receptor mutational status and other features of the disease.

Synthesis and and Anti-inflammatory Activity of New Thiazolidinedione-quinoline Derivatives.

Background: Inflammation is a series of complex defense-related reactions. The inflammation cascade produces various pro-inflammatory mediators. Unregulated production of these pro-inflammatory mediators can lead to a wide range of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, and inflammatory bowel disease.