Consortium profile: the methylation, imaging and NeuroDevelopment (MIND) consortium.

Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, show potential as biological markers and mechanisms underlying gene-environment interplay in the prediction of mental health and other brain-based phenotypes. However, little is known about how peripheral epigenetic patterns relate to individual differences in the brain itself. An increasingly popular approach to address this is by combining epigenetic and neuroimaging data; yet, research in this area is almost entirely comprised of cross-sectional studies in adults.

Transient and Shear-Wave Elastography in the Detection of Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), or veno-occlusive disease (VOD), is a severe complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), often leading to liver dysfunction and poor outcomes if not detected early. Traditional diagnostic methods, including ultrasound and liver biopsy, have limitations in sensitivity and feasibility. Non-invasive elastography techniques, such as transient elastography (TE) and shear-wave elastography (SWE), offer a promising alternative by quantitatively assessing liver stiffness.

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.

Real-world validation of a bleeding prediction algorithm in levonorgestrel intrauterine device users using the MyIUS mobile app.

Objective: This study aimed to validate the real-world performance of the MyIUS mobile-application algorithm in predicting bleeding intensity and regularity in levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) 52 mg, 19.5 mg, and 13.5 mg users following device insertion.

Sensory neurons shape local macrophage identity via TGF-β signaling.

Resident macrophages play integral roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. In the skin, prenatally seeded, specialized macrophages patrol sensory nerves and contribute to their regeneration after injury. However, mechanisms underlying the long-lasting postnatal commitment of these nerve-associated macrophages remain largely elusive.

Huntington's disease-like 2 patients' profile in a Brazilian cohort.

Background: Huntington disease-like 2 (HDL2) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an abnormal CAG/CTG repeat in exon 2A of junctophilin-3. This is the most common Huntington's Disease phenocopy and is characterized by psychiatric, cognitive, and movement disorders. This study aimed to describe the clinical phenotype of HDL2 patients in Brazil and compare the findings with those in the literature.

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.

Paroxetine attenuates sepsis by preserving the expression of the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR2 on neutrophils.

Sepsis, a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, is associated with impaired neutrophil migration to the infectious focus owing to G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK2)-dependent CXCR2 internalization. In the present study, we investigated whether paroxetine, an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs and that is also identified as a GRK2 inhibitor, can improve neutrophil recruitment in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis model. Moderate (mCLP) and severe (sCLP) polymicrobial peritonitis were induced in C57BL/6 mice.

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.

Fractionation and biological evaluation of passion fruit Pectins: HG and RG-I backbone ratios are associated with TLR2-1 interaction and signaling.

Passion fruit mesocarp is rich in pectin, and high-temperature/pressure modification of this pectin has been shown to yield bioactive fragments with anticancer potential. To clarify the structure-function relationship of passion fruit pectins, we purified native and modified pectins using two fractionation methods. Comprehensive chemical characterization revealed molecular weight as the primary difference between fractions, along with varying proportions of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I).

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.

Comparison of Functional Performance Across Age Groups in Older Adults: A Community-Based Study.

Objectives: To investigate the association among 5 clinical functional performance tests-single-leg stance, gait speed, tandem gait, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and forward step- as indicators of functional decline in older adults, and to examine whether these associations vary across different age groups.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting And Participants: Data were collected from 191 community-dwelling older adults, stratified into 4 age groups: 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75-79 years.

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.

Initial results in the automatic visual recognition of endometriosis lesions by artificial intelligence during laparoscopy: a proof-of-concept study.

Objective: To develop a machine learning method for the automatic recognition of endometriosis lesions during laparoscopic surgery and evaluate its feasibility and performance.

Design: Collecting and annotating surgical videos and training, validating, and testing a deep neural network.

Setting: Multicenter proof-of-concept study using surgical videos from expert centers in France, Hungary, Brazil, and Denmark.

Investigating the Influence of Hepatic Neoplasms on Bothrops Venom Biochemistry.

Snake envenoming is a relevant public health issue, especially in tropical regions worldwide. Bothrops venom is essential for antivenom production in Brazil; however, the impacts of hepatic neoplasms on venom composition remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate whether hepatic neoplasms and/or cysts influence the biochemical profile and enzymatic activity of venoms from five Bothrops species.

Heterologous expression and immunological reactivity of the recombinant lipoprotein GUDIV-517 from Ureaplasma diversum.

Ureaplasma diversum infects cattle and plays a significant role in economic losses in the livestock sector, as it is associated with the development of reproductive and respiratory disorders in these animals. Studies have suggested that membrane-associated lipoproteins (LAMPs) are closely linked to the pathogenicity of these bacteria. Thus, this study aimed to express the lipoprotein GUDIV-517 from U.

Efficacy of adjunctive lacosamide in children with drug-resistant epilepsy: A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Background: To systematically evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide (LCM) in children and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).

Methods: A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to April 2025.

Exploring the Antiproliferative Activity of Flavolignans From the Leaves of Casearia arborea (Salicaceae).

The Casearia genus (Salicaceae) is well known as a source of natural antitumor prototypes, as described for clerodane diterpenes. In this way, the dichloromethane phase from leaves of Casearia arborea was phytochemically evaluated in liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry, furnishing flavonoid, flavolignan, and phenylpropanoid derivatives, and apocarotenoid terpenoids according to Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) dereplication. The flavolignans were chemically monitored by liquid chromatography using a UV-Vis detector and purified by a semi-preparative liquid chromatographic system, furnishing tricin, tricin-4″-O-(threo-guaiacylglyceryl) ether (salcolin A), and tricin-4″-O-(erythro-guaiacylglyceryl) ether (salcolin B).

Trends In Reported Outcomes For Growth Hormone Therapy In Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency.

Objective: To understand the frequency and trends in reported outcomes of safety and effectiveness for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in childhood.

Methods: A systematic review was performed in seven English and Chinese language databases. Eligibility criteria included all studies published between 2003 and 2022, with participants who started rhGH before the age of 16 years for GHD.

Oxytocinergic signalling in the respiratory parafacial region increases the activity of chemosensitive neurons and respiratory output.

The retrotrapezoid nucleus, located in the parafacial medullary region (RTN/pFRG), is crucial for respiratory activity and central chemoreception. Recent evidence suggests that neuromodulation, including peptidergic signalling, can influence the CO/H sensitivity of RTN neurons. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) projects to the ventral medullary surface, including the RTN, and is considered the primary source of oxytocin to the brainstem.

Assessing Nurses' Knowledge of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) in Inpatient Settings: Indications, Maintenance, Complications, and Removal.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used in hospital settings. To ensure optimal patient care, it is essential to assess nurses' knowledge before implementing targeted training interventions. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of nurses working in inpatient settings regarding the indications, maintenance, complications, and removal of PICCs.

Thalamocortical Auditory Processing Across the Lifespan: A Study with Speech-Evoked Cortical Potentials.

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to identify electrophysiological markers distinguishing stages of development, stability, and early aging in cortical auditory processing to elucidate neurophysiological changes in healthy auditory aging.MethodsWe evaluated 149 healthy participants (both sexes; aged 7-59 years) recruited from the general community via electronic media, posters, radio, and regional television, divided into six age groups (7-11, 12-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years). Eligibility criteria included normal hearing, no neurological disorders, and normal otoscopy.