Intermittent fasting preserves the function and histological structure but induces oxidative stress in the salivary glands of male Wistar rats.

Studies indicate that dietary patterns influence the function and redox balance of salivary glands. This study examined the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on the function, histological structure, and redox balance of the salivary glands. Twenty 12-weeks-old male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups: ad libitum (AL), with continuous access to water and chow, and IF, subjected to 24-hour fasting on alternate days for 12 weeks.

Maternal Phthalate Exposure Alters Prostate Proteome in Rat Offspring: Linking Omics Insights to Prostate Cancer Risk in Humans.

Background: Phthalates are compounds used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility of plastics and are considered endocrine disruptors. Some studies suggest that the origin of prostate cancer (PCa) may be associated with disturbances during embryo-fetal development. Previous data showed that perinatal exposure to the same phthalate mixture (PM) used here increased the incidence of adenocarcinomas in the prostates of aged rats.

Glutamate modulation of physiological and behavioral responses to restraint stress: Participation of supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Aims: Acute restraint stress (RS) has been reported to activate the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SON). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the SON on autonomic [mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and tail cutaneous temperature], neuroendocrine (plasma levels of corticosterone, oxytocin, and vasopressin), and behavioral responses to RS.

Methods: Male Wistar rats with bilateral SON cannulas received microinjections of NMDA or non-NMDA receptor antagonists or vehicle before restraint stress, and the effects on cardiovascular, tail temperature, hormonal, and behavioral responses were evaluated RESULTS: Microinjection of DL-AP7 or NBQX into the SON reduced MAP increases and tail temperature decreases induced by RS.

Comparison of compressive forces generated by dynamic compression angle-stable interlocking nail versus traditional dynamic compression plate and locking compression plate.

The aim of this study was to compare the compressive forces generated by Dynamic Compression Angle-Stable Interlocking Nail (DCASIN) with those of traditional Dynamic Compression Plates (DCP) and Locking Compression Plates (LCP) using synthetic diaphyseal bone models (SDBM). Three groups were established based on the fixation method (G-DCASIN, G-DCP, and G-LCP), with implants fixed to SDBM simulating a transverse fracture, comprising 10 repetitions per group. A strain-gauge load cell was positioned in the SDBM gap to measure compressive forces in kilograms, recorded 30 s after the completion of each group-specific compression technique.

Phosphatidylserine translocation, cholesterol spatial distribution, and acrosome reaction reliably distinguish sperm capacitation from cryoinjury in bovine sperm.

Sperm capacitation is a critical process for successful fertilization, involving multiple regulated cellular changes. On the other hand, cryopreservation induces membrane changes that can mimic capacitation, potentially leading to misinterpretation of sperm function. Distinguishing true capacitation from cryoinjury remains challenging, as both share surface markers despite involving distinct mechanisms and impacts on fertilization.

Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation: Insights into prostaglandin synthesis and in vitro embryonic development.

Modulation of prostaglandin synthesis, specifically, decreasing prostaglandin F (PGF) and increasing prostaglandin E (PGE) and interferon-tau (IFNT), can support maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) in cattle. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is known to influence prostaglandins (PG) synthesis in cell cultures; however, its effect on in vitro-cultured bovine oocytes and embryos remain unclear. We hypothesized that CLA supplementation in oocytes and embryo culture media would reduce PGF synthesis, increases PGE synthesis and PGE:PGF ratio in embryos, modulate the expression of genes involved in PG and IFNT synthesis, and enhance embryo development.

Body and Testicular Biometry and Epididymal Sperm Characteristics in Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor (Kerr, 1792)).

Characterising body and reproductive morphometry and their association with epididymal sperm quality can contribute to the conservation of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Five adult males maintained in captivity at the Getúlio Vargas Zoobotanical Park (Salvador, BA, Brazil) were captured, anaesthetised, and subjected to bilateral orchiectomy as part of a population-control strategy. Body measurements included head circumference, thoracic diameter, total length, withers height, and body weight.

Mapping advance care planning and advance directives in Latin America.

Background/aims: The extent to which low- and middle-income countries have implemented Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Advance Directives (AD) remains unclear. We aimed to map the current status of ACP/AD in Latin America.

Methods: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey of ACP/AD in LA comprised interviews with 18 key informants from 18 out of 20 countries, most of whom were appointed by national Palliative Care Associations.

Association of Energy, Macronutrients, and Fiber Intakes with Bone Health in Adolescent Athletes.

This study investigated the association between energy and macronutrient intake and bone health in 63 adolescents of both sexes who participated in volleyball, track and field, or swimming. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of the total body less head (TBLH), lumbar spine (L1-L4), and femoral neck were assessed using DXA. Bone geometry parameters, including cross-sectional area (CSA), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), and section modulus, were estimated.

Enhancing Breast Density Assessment in Mammograms Through Artificial Intelligence.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Early detection through mammography significantly improves outcomes, with breast density acting as both a risk factor and a key interpretive feature. Although the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) provides standardized density categories, assessments are often subjective and variable.

Odanacatib Coating Supports Osseointegration of Implants: A Preclinical Study.

Introduction: Odanacatib (ODN), a cathepsin K inhibitor, is a drug that reduces bone resorption while preserving bone formation. ODN was initially developed for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, but further development as a systemic medication has been discontinued. Here, we propose ODN as a topical treatment, the coating of dental implants, to achieve an anabolic shift of early osseointegration.

Interleukin-6 Modulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling and Mitochondrial Protein Complexes in the Kidney Following Acute Exhaustive Exercise.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) homeostasis is closely regulated by an adaptive signaling network identified as the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is tightly related to the inflammatory pathway. However, physical exercise increases plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which exhibits both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties that mediate ER function and mitochondrial metabolism, making its investigation relevant in physiological and pathological contexts. In kidney diseases, the IL-6 levels are effective in predicting mortality risk.

Reference intervals for blood biochemical parameters in growing male water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Reference intervals for blood variables in domestic animals are essential to diagnosing diseases and identifying physiological abnormalities in animal production. Establishing such intervals for water buffaloes is important due to the growing use of this species in livestock, their relevance as a major source of meat and milk, and the lack of specific reference data for certain categories within the species. This study evaluated the blood parameters in growing male water buffaloes.

Hexagonal ice density dependence on interatomic distance changes due to nuclear quantum effects.

Hexagonal ice (Ih), the most common structure of ice, displays a variety of fascinating properties. Despite major efforts, a theoretical description of all its properties is still lacking. In particular, correctly accounting for its density and interatomic interactions is of utmost importance as a stepping stone for a deeper understanding of other properties.

Citrus flavonoid supplement enhances glycemic and metabolic control in prediabetic patients on metformin: a randomized controlled trial.

Background And Objective: Combining natural compounds with conventional drugs is an emerging strategy to improve the management of type 2 diabetes and its precursor, prediabetes. While metformin effectively lowers blood glucose and improves insulin sensitivity, it may cause side effects or lose efficacy over time. Natural agents, particularly polyphenols, are being explored as adjunct therapies to enhance glycemic control, mitigate adverse effects, and slow disease progression.

Traumatic brain abscess due to Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus in a Foal.

Bacterial infection of the equine central nervous system is rare. This report describes the clinical features, computed tomography (CT) findings, and postmortem results of a 3-month-old female Quarter Horse with an intracranial abscess. Clinical signs included seizures, depression, and bilateral blindness.

From resting-state to movement: The role of cortical networks in parkinsonian gait.

Background: Gait impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) arise from disruptions in automatic motor control, requiring compensatory engagement of cortical networks. This study compared resting-state functional connectivity in specific cortical regions (frontal, central, parietal, occipital, and temporal) between people with PD and healthy individuals and explored its potential association with multidimensional gait domains.

Methods: Twenty individuals with PD and 19 healthy controls participated.

One Health approach to : first serosurvey of owners and dogs living on oceanic islands and mainland seashore areas of Brazil.

, the causative agent of Q fever, a zoonotic pathogen with primarily airborne transmission and diverse host species, have been reported in serosurveys of vulnerable populations worldwide. Although vulnerable populations from oceanic islands and mainland seashore areas in Brazil may be also exposed , no study to date has concomitantly assessed owners and dogs in such environmental setting. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence in owners and their dogs from oceanic islands and mainland seashore areas of southern Brazil.

Frozen sperm viability and seminiferous epithelium cytology of the coati (Nasua nasua).

This study aimed to describe the cells of the seminiferous epithelium collected by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), reproductive tract observations, semen collection, and sperm cryopreservation from coatis (Nasua nasua). Seven adult coatis were anesthetized, the reproductive tract was examined, and semen was collected by electroejaculation and cryopreserved using an extender based on protocol for domestic dogs, except that prior to cryopreservation, no centrifugation to remove the seminal plasma was performed. Testicular FNAC was also performed on each testis.

Inflammatory markers as potential mediators on the negative association between training load and bone mineral density in adolescent competitive swimmers: ABCD-growth study.

Introduction: Competitive swimming during adolescence has been linked to poor bone development, potentially influenced by training load, inflammation, hormones, and bone markers. However, this influence has been poorly investigated in the literature.

Objective: To compare whether competitive adolescent swimmers present differences in inflammatory, immunological, anabolic, and bone markers compared with non-sport group and to analyse whether inflammatory variables mediate the association between training load and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in the swimmers group.

Analysis of the Thermal Oxidation of Biodiesel with and without Coffee Leaf Extract Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H NMR).

Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable alternative fuel, but its susceptibility to oxidative degradation compromises its storage stability and performance. Synthetic antioxidants are commonly used to mitigate this issue. However, there is growing interest in natural antioxidants as sustainable alternatives.

Enhancing SO and NO Gas Sensing Using ZnCdO‑Based Porous Nanosheets: A DFT Perspective.

The exceptional electronic properties, high surface area, and structural versatility of two-dimensional materials make them excellent candidates for gas-sensing applications. In this study, we propose novel biphenylene (b) and graphenylene (g) lattices of ZnCdO and explore their potential for detecting NO and SO gases via density functional theory calculations. The dynamic and thermal stability of b-(g)-ZnCdO monolayers is confirmed through phonon dispersion and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.

Poly(butylene adipate--terephthalate)/Graphene Oxide/Carbon Black Nanocomposite Films for Agricultural Applications: From Mechanical Performance to Ecotoxicological Effects.

Poly-(butylene adipate--terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposite films containing graphene oxide (GO) and carbon black (CB) were prepared through plane extrusion to assess their potential for agricultural applications. The films with 0.25% and 0.

Space closure after premolar extraction using clear aligners: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: The efficacy of clear aligner treatment (CAT) in space closure following premolar extraction (SCaPE) and its resistance to unwanted tooth movement remain uncertain. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy, predictability, and resistance to unwanted tooth movement by CAT for SCaPE.

Methods: Pre-post studies, randomized, and non-randomized clinical trials were included.