Probing the interaction of mannose-binding lectin with healthy and sickle cell anemia red blood cells and its role in cellular biomechanics.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important glycoprotein of the human innate immune system. Furthermore, individuals with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and MBL deficiency seem more susceptible to vaso-occlusive crises, suggesting an MBL role on HbSS red blood cells (RBCs). This study investigated the interaction of MBL with HbA (healthy) and HbSS RBCs using optical tweezers (OT) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Targeting effective treatment to cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A preclinical investigation on photodynamic therapy mediated by the water-soluble Zn(II) porphyrin, ZnTnHex-2-PyP.

The current chemotherapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is accompanied by side effects and drug resistance emergence, encouraging the proposal of new treatment approaches for this disease. ZnTnHex-2-PyP (ZnP hexyl) is a water-soluble Zn(II) porphyrin that exhibits remarkable potential for photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study aimed to investigate the ZnP hexyl-PDT against CL in vivo.

Research trends in pediatric splenic trauma in Brazil: how much has changed in the last two decades?

Purpose: Research in high-income countries has extensively documented the non-operative management of spleen injuries in children, resulting in low splenectomy rates (5%). However, there is a lack of literature on this topic in low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs), including Brazil. This scoping review analyzed pediatric spleen trauma research trends in Brazil and the United States of America (USA).

Acute toxicity and biodistribution assessment of quantum dots conjugated to lectins from leaves (SteLL) and sarcotesta (PgTeL).

This work reports the investigation of telluride cadmium quantum dots (CdTe QDs) conjugated to plant lectins from (SteLL) and (PgTeL) for acute toxicity and genotoxicity in healthy mice and 24-h biodistribution in sarcoma 180-bearing animals. Acute toxicity data indicated their safety, despite some histopathological alterations. Comet assay revealed that the QDs-PgTeL group presented a higher damage index and frequency of damage than the negative control.