Production and Characterization of Silk Fibroin- Hydrogel: A Study on Extraction, Hydrogel Properties, and Release Mechanism.

This work investigated the production and characterization of a silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel incorporated with an (AV) extract. Four extraction methods, ultrasound-assisted extraction with bath and probe, stirring, and Soxhlet, were tested, while the hydrogel was produced by a one-step freeze-thaw method. Besides the extraction yield, the antioxidant capacity of the extracts was accessed, which allowed to select the extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction to be incorporated into the hydrogels.

Serum hCG levels in the prediction of molar pregnancy below 11 weeks of gestational age.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum hCG level in the differential diagnosis between non-molar miscarriage and complete hydatidiform mole in<11 weeks gestation.

Methods: This was a retrospective collaborative cohort study. This study included women with gestational age<11 weeks, with ultrasound evidence of failed pregnancy and available serum hCG pre-uterine evacuation, divided into two groups: the non-molar miscarriage group and the complete hydatidiform mole group.

Stillbirth and Congenital Syphilis: Autopsy and Placental Findings of 11 Cases and Review of the Literature.

Syphilis is a preventable and treatable disease, which continues to strike low-income countries and vulnerable populations in high-income countries. It is caused by , a spirochete capable of traversing the placental barrier, with a high rate of fetal and placental infection. Congenital syphilis (CoS) has poor prognosis if left untreated.

Unveiling mycobacterial infections in Brazilian swine: Insights from epidemiological and diagnostic studies.

Stringent sanitary standards are imperative for swine production, ensuring high biosecurity and safe meat. However, granulomatous lesions, often detected as "lymphadenitis" in slaughterhouses, lack routine laboratory examination, potentially overlooking tuberculosis among other etiologies. This study aimed to: (i) explore epidemiological variables linked to swine carcasses condemned due to "tuberculosis" or "lymphadenitis" in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil in a retrospective survey; and (ii) evaluate the frequency of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in granulomatous lymphadenitis lesions.