Unmasking the intestinal impact: Acute Toxoplasma gondii infection induces severe morphological and immunological changes in female C57BL/6 mice.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a common zoonotic disease with a seropositivity rate of up to 60 % in adults. While often asymptomatic, it can cause severe complications in immunocompromised individuals.

Effects of Glycerol and Phenolics on Endoxylanase Expressed in .

Industrial applications of xylanases in high-temperature settings are limited by enzyme instability. This study evaluated glycerol and phenolic compounds as modulators of the catalytic and structural properties of a recombinant endoxylanase (rMhXyn) expressed in . Glycerol (20% /) significantly improved thermostability (5-fold increase in half-life at 55 °C), decreased the activation energy for catalysis, and enhanced structural rigidity as evidenced by molecular dynamics simulations (reduced RMSD and Rg).

Beyond phototoxicity: The dark side of new methylene blue on mitochondrial and cellular bioenergetics.

New methylene blue (NMB) is a phenothiazine dye with recognized photodynamic properties. This study evaluated both light-dependent and intrinsic (light-independent) effects of NMB on mitochondrial function, hepatic metabolism, and cell viability using three models: isolated rat liver mitochondria, ex vivo perfused rat liver, and HepG2 cells. In isolated mitochondria, NMB uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation, decreasing the respiratory control (RC) and ADP/O ratios, even without irradiation.

Disposable pipette extraction (DPX) of ethylenethiourea and analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in urine samples of vineyard farmers.

Disposable pipette extraction (DPX) is a modern miniaturized solid phase extraction technique that can be applied for analysis of different analytes in biological samples. Ethylenethiourea (ETU), a specific biotransformation product of ethylenebisdithiocarbamates (EBDCs), has antithyroid activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to optimize for the first time the DPX extraction technique for quantification of ETU in urine through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS), validate, and apply this methodology.

Dexmedetomidine in Healthy Dogs: Impact on Electrocardiographic Parameters.

To evaluate whether intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine alters the electrocardiographic parameters of healthy dogs. 22 healthy dogs. prospective blind clinical trial.

Three-dimensional gait kinematics and muscle collagen remodeling in rats of different ages and diets subjected to high-intensity exercise.

Most studies on rodent gait biomechanics focus on pathological conditions, but recent research has begun to explore moderate training. Aging and obesity lead to morphological and functional changes in skeletal muscle, especially in ECM and collagen fibers. Given the growing use of animal models, understanding how morphological and functional changes in skeletal muscle impact the three-dimensional angular kinematics of rat hindlimb gait in relation to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential.

Characterisation of Five Confirmatory Alleles in Brazilians by Next-Generation Sequencing.

Five HLA-DRB1 alleles were confirmed and the sequences extended in our laboratory.

One-hour extraction-free loop-mediated isothermal amplification HPV DNA assay for point-of-care testing in Maputo, Mozambique.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Affordable point-of-care DNA testing is needed for cervical cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries, where most cervical cancer cases occur. HPV DNA testing typically requires complex lab infrastructure and trained personnel.

Determinants of Cyanobacteria and Algae Diversity in Natural Freshwater Micro-Ecosystems.

In this context, estimating the contributions of single sites to overall beta diversity (LCBD-Local Contribution to Beta Diversity, i.e., indicator of site's ecological uniqueness) or partitioning overall beta diversity into contributions of individual species (SCBD-Species Contribution to Beta Diversity, i.

Adaptation of Enterobacter sp. to herbicides is correlated with distinct patterns of quorum sensing molecules.

In this study, we employed a model that examined bacterial response systems in an artificial environment with wash water from the packaging of several pesticides, and no nutrient supplementation, allowing for the investigation of quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecules produced by a Enterobacter strain isolated from this environment. The herbicide saflufenacil, which was present at the isolation site, and glyphosate, which was absent, were utilized as stress agents in an in vitro system to evaluate the biofilm formation. These adaptive mechanisms are regulated by QS, which orchestrates collective behaviors within bacterial communities and initiates stress responses through the release of autoinducer molecules.

Mineral-to-matrix ratio of caries-affected dentin treated with biomimetic analogs using the dentin fluid and a remineralizing solution as ion donors.

Objectives: To evaluate the remineralizing potential of biomimetic analogs applied to caries-affected dentin (CAD) using the simulated body fluid (SBF) and a remineralization solution as Ca and PO ions sources.

Methods: Flat dentin surfaces from caries-free molars (N = 111) were subjected to a biological protocol (Streptococcus mutans) to induce dentin caries in vitro. The mineral and organic content of sound (SD), infected (ID), CAD, and CAD etched with phosphoric acid (CAD-PA) were determined to validate the protocol.

Total proximal tibial osteotomy and cranial closing wedge ostectomy for treating concomitant medial patellar luxation and cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs with excessive tibial torsion.

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) and cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) frequently co-occur in dogs, with excessive tibial torsion adding surgical complexity. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of total proximal tibial osteotomy (tPTO) combined with cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO) for treating MPL and CCLD in dogs exhibiting excessive external tibial torsion. A retrospective case series was conducted at a single referral hospital, including dogs with concomitant MPL and CCLD, exhibiting external tibial torsion ≥20°, and treated with tPTO and CCWO.

Biofilm formation efficiency by Candida species isolated from gastric mucosa of intragastric balloon patient under extremely low pH.

This study characterized biofilms formed by Candida albicans and C. tropicalis isolated from the gastric mucosa biopsies of an intragastric balloon (IGB) patient user. Both were cultivated to form single and mixed artificial biofilms at pH 2.

Nearest neighbor permutation entropy detects phase transitions in complex high-pressure systems.

Understanding the high-pressure phase behavior of carbon dioxide-hydrocarbon mixtures is of considerable interest owing to their wide range of applications. Under certain conditions, these systems are not amenable to direct visual monitoring, and experimentalists often rely on spectrophotometric data to infer phase behavior. Consequently, developing computationally efficient and robust methods to leverage such data is crucial.

Design of Passion Fruit Oil Emulgel for Topical Chrysin Delivery and Ex Vivo Evaluation of Skin Permeation by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy.

Chrysin, a flavonoid effective against various skin cancers, displays poor solubility, skin permeation, and bioavailability. Emulgel emerges as an innovative and promising strategy for the topical administration of chrysin, offering significant advantages over existing systems. Passion fruit oil (PFO) enhances topical formulations with improved safety, compatibility, and drug delivery.

Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Treatment Program for Severe Obesity in Adults Based on the Clinically Significant Weight Loss.

Obesity is a chronic and complex disease; by its nature, it represents an enormous challenge to be solved and managed. For that matter, several guidelines have been published, but there is still a long way to go until concrete scaled results can be presented. Adults with obesity, and especially severe obesity, need to have access to treatment programs, but they are not available for the vast majority of the population.

INPAKTS: Platform for managing and monitoring the impact of external interventions and events in DATASUS time series.

The aim is to present the INPAKTS platform, an innovative online simplified management tool that allows monitoring, visualization, and projection of the impact of external events, such as public policies or pandemics, on health indicators constructed with data from DATASUS. Ecological study where segmented linear models are constructed for interrupted time series that allow estimating temporal trends and their changes after interventions. From descriptive analysis and proportion comparison tests, several associated factors can be analyzed in addition to the spatial distribution of trend changes after interventions.

Growth performance and gut health of broilers fed heat- and enzyme-treated and diets.

Introduction: Optimizing broiler production performance while maintaining digestive health is a key challenge in poultry management. Dietary modifications, including the use of alternative protein sources and enzyme supplementation, can influence growth and gut health.

Methods: This study evaluated the effects of roasting, extrusion, and enzymatic supplementation of (cowpeas) and (pigeon peas) on growth performance and gut health in broilers.

An in vitro, in vivo and in silico assessment of fat absorption inhibition by a gymnemic acid rich extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaves.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disturbance linked to the metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre is a plant used in Ayurvedic folk medicine to control hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. These effects have received support by a fair number of investigations.

The Novel HLA-DRB1*11:341 Allele Identified in a Brazilian Bone Marrow Donor.

The novel HLA-DRB1*11:341 allele differs from DRB1*11:01:01:01 by change of C → A in exon 4.

Biodegradable Pectin/Starch-Based Films Applied on Fresh Pears.

Packaging composed of polysaccharides has emerged as an alternative to petroleum-based commercial products. Thus, this research aimed to develop, optimize, characterize, and apply biodegradable pectin/starch-based films for fresh pears. All film-forming formulations were characterized.

Role of Secondary Metabolites in Reducing the Negative Impact of Pest-Induced Stress in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).

Brinjal, also known as eggplant, is a significant crop in the Solanaceae family, with a high economic value and widespread cultivation in Indian states. Its primary metabolites include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, organic acids, and polyphenolic compounds. Secondary metabolites contribute to the fruit's flavor, color, and potential health benefits, such as chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals.

Cervical Cancer Outcomes in Mozambique: Impact of an International Gynecologic Oncology Training Program.

Purpose: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Mozambique and is a major health burden. Surgery for cervical cancer is currently performed at only one hospital in the country, Maputo Central Hospital. Before 2020, there were no gynecologists in Mozambique trained to care for women with cervical cancer.

Aspartate Is A Determinant of TNF-α Biogenesis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insight Into the Pathogenesis of Noncommunicable Diseases.

Urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa is characterized by a shift toward a proinflammatory state and rising rates of noncommunicable diseases. The biological mechanism(s) linking changes in environmental factors to health and disease are incompletely understood. We propose a TNF-hypersecreting phenotype described in rheumatoid arthritis patients also has a role in the inflammatory response differences observed between rural and urban populations living in Africa.

Characterisation of the Novel HLA-A*03:01:133 Allele by Next-Generation Sequencing in Brazil.

The novel HLA-A*03:01:133 allele differs from A*03:01:01:01 by a change of C ➔ T in exon 4.