Caspase-1 Activation Drives Vascular Inflammatory Processes and Hypoperfusion in Intravascular Hemolysis.

Intravascular hemolysis (IVH), a pathological process associated with various conditions, triggers inflammatory responses, yet the key molecular drivers of these responses are poorly defined, particularly within the vasculature. To explore the role of NLRP3 inflammasome- and caspase-1-dependent pathways in IVH-induced vascular dysfunction, we used models of acute and chronic IVH, alongside heme stimulation of endothelial cells, thereby isolating this disease mechanism from its etiological causes. IVH induced rapid inflammatory responses in C57BL/6J mice, including IL-1β release within 15 minutes, and NLRP3-dependent caspase-1 activation in circulating leukocytes.

Insights from the first 820 patients from the Brazilian Multicenter Registry of Hereditary Angioedema: the key role of genetic testing and targeted therapies.

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with a prevalence of 1:50,000 individuals. Delayed diagnosis and deaths from asphyxia still occur.

Objective: To identify knowledge and management gaps regarding clinical, genetic, and therapeutic aspects of HAE in Brazil, aiming to improve patient care and outcomes.

Effects of Lycopene Supplementation on Bone Tissue: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Evidence.

: Bone tissue undergoes continuous remodeling, and imbalances in this process can lead to osteometabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis. Thus, bioactive compounds, like lycopene (LYC), have been investigated for their potential protective effects in bone health. This systematic review (SR) aimed to evaluate the effects of LYC supplementation on bone tissue.

Self-emulsifying and lyotropic nanocarriers enhance solubility and antiparasitic efficacy of artesunic acid against different strains of Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis currently relies on the long-term use of a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Artesunic acid (AcART) has emerged as a promising alternative, as it is efficient against juvenile worms. However, like PZQ, it has low aqueous solubility.

Changes in Gray Matter Morphology and White Matter Microstructure Across the Adult Lifespan in People With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Background And Objectives: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is commonly associated with mesiotemporal pathology and widespread alterations of gray and white matter structures. Evidence supports a progressive condition, although the temporal evolution of TLE is poorly defined. In this ENIGMA-Epilepsy study, we aim to investigate structural alterations in gray and white matter across the adult lifespan in patients with TLE by charting both gray and white matter changes and explore the covariance of age-related alterations in both compartments.

ILAE neuroimaging task force highlight: Tuberous sclerosis complex-related epilepsy.

The ILAE Neuroimaging Task Force publishes educational case reports that highlight basic aspects of neuroimaging in epilepsy consistent with the ILAE's educational mission. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, complex, and multisystem autosomal dominant genetic disorder that arises from variations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. While characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, TSC commonly presents with epilepsy, which is a clinically challenging feature of the condition.

Associations between epilepsy-related polygenic risk and brain morphology in childhood.

Extensive neuroimaging research in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) has identified brain atrophy as a disease phenotype. While it is also related to a complex genetic architecture, the transition from genetic risk factors to brain vulnerabilities remains unclear. Using a population-based approach, we examined the associations between epilepsy-related polygenic risk for HS (PRS-HS) and brain structure in healthy developing children, assessed their relation to brain network architecture, and evaluated its correspondence with case-control findings in TLE-HS diagnosed patients relative to healthy individuals We used genome-wide genotyping and structural T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 3,826 neurotypical children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study.

Authentication of 'Robusta Amazônico' geographical indication for green coffee: UV-vis and NIR spectroscopy-based approaches combined with chemometrics.

Robusta Amazônico coffee is a highly valued specialty coffee with a registered geographical indication, making it a potential target for fraud. In this context, near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy are highlighted as environmentally friendly analytical techniques with strong potential for verifying authenticity. In this study, 114 samples of Robusta Amazônico green coffee and 108 samples of other coffees (in intact, ground, and extracted forms) were analyzed using both benchtop and handheld NIR instruments, as well as a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

Taxonomic Diversity and Clinical Correlations in Periapical Lesions by Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis.

The aim of this study was to assess the taxonomic diversity of the microbiota associated with periapical lesions of endodontic origin and to determine whether microbial profiles vary across different populations and clinical characteristics using a unified in silico analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Raw 16S rRNA sequencing data from three published studies were retrieved from the NCBI Sequence Read Archive and reprocessed using a standardized bioinformatics pipeline. Amplicon sequence variants were inferred using DADA2, and taxonomic assignments were performed using BLASTN against a curated 16S rRNA reference database.

The Critical Role of the Bile Acid Receptor TGR5 in Energy Homeostasis: Insights into Physiology and Therapeutic Potential.

Over the past decades, bile acids have been recognized as important signaling molecules with significant roles in metabolic health and disease. Many of their beneficial effects are mediated through the activation of the Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), a G protein-coupled receptor ubiquitously expressed in both humans and animals. Upon activation, TGR5 stimulates adenylate cyclase, leading to increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and subsequent activation of protein kinase A (PKA).

Evaluation of Mandibular Bone Alterations by Panoramic Radiography: A Potential Tool in the Identification of Signs of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the validity of panoramic radiography as an auxiliary method for identifying mandibular bone features consistent with a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Ninety panoramic radiographs were analyzed to assess the quality of the mandibular cortical layer below the mental foramen on both sides of the mandible. Scores C1 (normal), C2 (osteopenia), and C3 (osteoporosis) were attributed according to the cortical morphology.

Effectiveness of the iVac System Compared to Conventional Irrigation and Ultrasonic Activation in Reducing Microbial Biofilm, Lipopolysaccharides and Apical Extrusion.

This in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of irrigation techniques (IT)-conventional irrigation (CI), ultrasonic activation (UA), and iVac system (IA)- using 2.5% NaOCl and saline in reducing Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans in root canals and intratubular dentine. It also assessed the reduction of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and apical extrusion.

The Fundamental Role of Nutrients for Metabolic Balance and Epigenome Integrity Maintenance.

Epigenetic modifications act as crucial regulators of gene activity and are influenced by both internal and external environmental factors, with diet being the most impactful external factor. On the other hand, cellular metabolism encompasses a complex network of biochemical reactions essential for maintaining cellular function, and it impacts every cellular process. Many metabolic cofactors are critical for the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes, influencing methylation and the global acetylation status of the epigenome.

Knowledge and attitudes about rare genetic diseases among practitioners of oral medicine/pathology in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and attitudes of Brazilian Oral Medicine and Pathology (OM/OP) specialists about genetic diseases.

Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with Brazilian OM/OP specialists, using a pre-structured online formulary. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®).

Antibacterial activity of a bioactive composite resins containing surface pre-reacted glass in a complex multispecies subgingival biofilm.

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of three S-PRG composite resins on the microbial profile of subgingival multispecies biofilm. A 96-well cell plate was employed to cultivate a 39-species biofilm associated with periodontitis over 7 days. Cylindrical specimens with 2 mm high and 2 mm diameters were prepared of each bioactive tested group (Beautifil II, Beautifil LS, Beautifil Bulk-Shofu) and for a control non-bioactive group (Z350 XT-3M ESPE).

Resin matrix ceramic crowns cemented on titanium bases: effect of surface treatments and stress distribution.

Using Titanium bases (TBs) has shown excellent results in implant-supported rehabilitation. However, failures due to decementation can occur, and bonding success depends on the TB surface treatment. This study evaluated the effect of different TB surface treatments on the retention and failure mode of resin matrix ceramic (RMC) crowns after thermocycling and the stress distribution of RMC cemented on the TBs.

Conformational Dynamics and Binding Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variants: Omicron, XBB.1.9.2, and EG.5.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has continuously evolved, generating numerous variants with varying degrees of infectivity and transmissibility. The EG.5 subvariant of SARS-CoV-2 emerged globally in mid-2023 as part of the ongoing evolution of the Omicron lineage.

Correlation Between LPS and LTA Levels With Clinical Features in Secondary Endodontic Infections.

This study aimed to quantify LPS and LTA levels in root canals requiring endodontic retreatment due to secondary or persistent infection and evaluate the relationship between Gram-positive and Gram-negative virulence factors and clinical symptoms and signs. Samples were collected from the root canals of 40 patients who needed endodontic retreatment and had radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) were quantified using Limulus amebocyte lysate and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests, respectively.

Effect of a New Formulation Bleaching Gel Containing Nanosized β-Calcium Glycerophosphate on Mechanical Properties, Color, and Cytotoxicity Response: In Vitro Study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate, in vitro, the effects of fluoride (F) and nano-sized β-calcium glycerophosphate (β-CaGPnano) added to a 35% HO bleaching gel (HP) on the enamel hardness, morphological properties, the color change, trans-amelodentinal diffusion of HO, and cytotoxicity.

Methods: Bovine enamel/dentin samples (n = 126) were divided according to the bleaching gel: a) 35% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP); b) HP Blue 35%-FGM-Produtos Odontológicos (HP Blue); c) HP + 0.1% NaF (HP/F); d) HP + 0.

Outcomes After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Adults With Myelodysplastic Syndrome With 65 Years or Older Compared to Youngers. A Retrospective Analysis of the Latin America Registry.

This retrospective multicenter study aimed to compare outcomes and evaluate risks associated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in myelodysplastic syndrome patients aged ≥ 65 versus < 65 years in Latin America, across 38 transplant centers (1988-2023). Of the 441 patients, 70 (16%) were ≥ 65 years (median age 68 ± 3.7).

Replication of Missense Gene Variants in a Brazilian Patient with Menière's Disease.

Ménière's Disease (MD) is a chronic inner ear disorder defined by recurring episodes of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and/or fullness in the ear. Its prevalence varies by region and ethnicity, with scarce epidemiological data in the Brazilian population. Although most MD cases are sporadic, familial MD (FMD) is observed in 5% to 20% of European cases.

Intake of Pyriproxyfen Through Contaminated Food by the Predator Navás, 1911 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): Evaluation of Long-Term Effects on Testes via Transcriptome Analysis.

Understanding the sublethal effects of insecticides on non-target insects is essential for integrated pest management (IPM). This study aimed to evaluate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the testes of adults exposed to pyriproxyfen during the larval stage. Larvae (0-12 h) were fed eggs treated with pyriproxyfen (50 and 100 mg a.

Fluorescence Spectroscopy Reveals Resveratrol Binding to a Hydrophobic Pocket in Leishmania amazonensis Sir2-Related Protein 1 (LaSir2RP1).

Resveratrol, a natural phytoalexin synthesized by certain plants in response to injury, exhibits antimicrobial properties and various medically significant effects, including anticancer and antiaging activities. Although its exact mechanism of action is still under investigation, it is believed to involve its interaction with a group of protein deacetylases known as sirtuins. Sirtuins are crucial in regulating metabolism, stress responses, and processes such as lifespan extension through caloric restriction.

Greener Decellularization of Porcine Auricular Cartilage Using Supercritical Technology and Different Pretreatments for Application in Tissue Engineering.

Scaffolds for tissue engineering can be obtained from synthetic or natural materials, with decellularized tissues being particularly attractive. Among these, porcine auricular cartilage is of special interest because of its availability, similarity to the human extracellular matrix (ECM), and cost-effectiveness. Decellularization of animal tissues yields extracellular matrices (ECM) rich in collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are essential for providing mechanical support and creating a favorable environment for cell adhesion and tissue development.