Current landscape of clinical use of ex vivo expanded natural killer cells for cancer therapy.

Natural Killer cells are immune leukocytes required for responses against tumor cells and virus-infected cells. In the last decade, natural killer cells have emerged as promising tools in cancer therapy, and clinical studies on patients treated with natural killer cells have revealed increased rates of disease-free survival. In this article, we review results from the major clinical trials that have used natural killer cells for cancer treatment, including their global distribution.

Thermoascus aurantiacus harbors an esterase/lipase that is highly activated by anionic surfactant.

Fungal lipolytic enzymes play crucial roles in various lipid bio-industry processes. Here, we elucidated the biochemical and structural characteristics of an unexplored fungal lipolytic enzyme (TaLip) from Thermoascus aurantiacus var. levisporus, a strain renowned for its significant industrial relevance in carbohydrate-active enzyme production.

Paricalcitol prevents MAPK pathway activation and inflammation in adriamycin-induced kidney injury in rats.

Background: Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway induces uncontrolled cell proliferation in response to inflammatory stimuli. Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy (ADRN) in rats triggers MAPK activation and pro-inflammatory mechanisms by increasing cytokine secretion, similar to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a crucial role in suppressing the expression of inflammatory markers in the kidney and may contribute to reducing cellular proliferation.

Solidagenone from Meyen Protects against Acute Peritonitis and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Shock by Regulating NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Anti-inflammatory agents are widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the associated side effects of the available drugs make it necessary to search for new anti-inflammatory drugs. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of solidagenone.

Film-Forming, Moisturizing, and Sensory Properties of a Cosmetic Formulation Containing Tara Gum and Brazilian Berry Extracts.

The development of cosmetic formulations with moisturizing and film-forming properties has been very important to help keep skin physiology and protection. In this context, this study aimed to develop a cosmetic formulation containing Tara gum and Brazilian berry extract and evaluate its physical-mechanical, film-forming, and sensory properties. A gel formulation was developed based on Tara gum added to Plinia cauliflora extract and was characterized by its spreadability profile and sensory properties.

History of research on Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Europe: approaching the world's most invasive mosquito species from a bibliometric perspective.

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), is an invasive species native to Southeast Asia. This insect, which is an important vector of arbovirus such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, has spread rapidly to several parts of the world over the last few decades. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore, for the first time, Ae.

Do different adhesives influence the color stability and fluorescence of composite restorations after aging?

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dental adhesive color on the chromatic stability and fluorescence intensity of composite resin restorations of different thicknesses. Ninety bovine enamel samples were obtained and restored with resin composite varying thicknesses of restorative material and enamel (1.0 mm enamel and 1.

Plant bZIP Proteins: Potential use in Agriculture - A Review.

With global climate changes and the increased demand for food due to expected world population growth, genetic improvement programs have aimed at producing crops with increased yield and tolerance to environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity, and pathogens. On the other hand, genetic improvement programs biotechnology require candidate genes that confer traits of interest to be incorporated into improved crops. In this regard, genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) can be promising since they are proteins that transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes related to the most diverse roles in the plant, including defense against stresses.

Vitamin D deficiency contributes to the diabetic kidney disease progression via increase ZEB1/ZEB2 expressions.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality in diabetic patients worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency (VitDD) is one of the main consequences of different chronic kidney disease (CKD) types and is associated with rapid progression to ESRD. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that lead to this process are poorly understood.

Paricalcitol Improves the Angiopoietin/Tie-2 and VEGF/VEGFR2 Signaling Pathways in Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy.

Renal endothelial cell (EC) injury and microvascular dysfunction contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In recent years, increasing evidence has suggested that EC undergoes an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), which might promote fibrosis. Adriamycin (ADR) induces glomerular endothelial dysfunction, which leads to progressive proteinuria in rodents.

Calcitriol Reduces the Inflammation, Endothelial Damage and Oxidative Stress in AKI Caused by Cisplatin.

Cisplatin treatment is one of the most commonly used treatments for patients with cancer. However, thirty percent of patients treated with cisplatin develop acute kidney injury (AKI). Several studies have demonstrated the effect of bioactive vitamin D or calcitriol on the inflammatory process and endothelial injury, essential events that contribute to changes in renal function and structure caused by cisplatin (CP).

and approaches to assess surface water genotoxicity from Tocantins River, in the cities of Porto Nacional and Palmas, Brazil.

The main environmental problem in urban areas, especially in Brazil, is the discharge of untreated sewage. The Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) was used to assess the genotoxicity of surface waters from three different sites in the Tocantins River, Brazil. The approach was used to search for known and predicted interactions between environmental chemicals found in our samples and a and human proteins.

Gestational diabetes mellitus according to different diagnostic criteria: Prevalence and related factors.

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has an impact on maternal health; however, there is no consensus about the diagnostic criterion and frequency of disease. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GDM and to evaluate the clinical characteristics of normoglycemic pregnant women and of those diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, based on each criterion.

Methods: Prospective cohort study.

An Introduction to the Callithrix Genus and Overview of Recent Advances in Marmoset Research.

We provide here a current overview of marmoset (Callithrix) evolution, hybridization, species biology, basic/biomedical research, and conservation initiatives. Composed of 2 subgroups, the aurita group (C aurita and C flaviceps) and the jacchus group (C geoffroyi, C jacchus, C kuhlii, and C penicillata), this relatively young primate radiation is endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest biomes. Significant impacts on Callithrix within these biomes resulting from anthropogenic activity include (1) population declines, particularly for the aurita group; (2) widespread geographic displacement, biological invasions, and range expansions of C jacchus and C penicillata; (3) anthropogenic hybridization; and (4) epizootic Yellow Fever and Zika viral outbreaks.

Development and psychometric properties of the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire for Adolescents (CD-Quest-T).

Introduction: The Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest) is an instrument that identifies logical errors or cognitive distortions and is used in trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT). However, it had previously only been available for adults.

Objectives: To develop and validate a version of the CD-Quest for teens (CD-Quest-T) aged 11 to 17 years and test its psychometric properties.

Genetic contribution and functional impairment of inflammasome in sickle cell disease.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD), one of the most common single-gene disorders, is caused by mutations in the hemoglobin ß-chain gene. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous, and inflammation is a common condition. Thereby, we hypothesized that inflammasome and related cytokine IL-1ß could represent significant SCD pathogenesis contributors.

Halophytes and other molecular strategies for the generation of salt-tolerant crops.

The current increase in salinity can intensify the disparity between potential and actual crop yields, thus affecting economies and food security. One of the mitigating alternatives is plant breeding via biotechnology, where advances achieved so far are significant. Considering certain aspects when developing studies related to plant breeding can determine the success and accuracy of experimental design.

Schistosoma antigens as activators of inflammasome pathway: from an unexpected stimulus to an intriguing role.

Parasites of the genus Schistosoma are organisms capable of living for decades within the definitive host. They interfere with the immune response by interacting with host's receptors. In this review, we discuss from the first reports to the most recent discoveries regarding the ability of Schistosoma antigens in triggering intracellular receptors and inducing inflammasome activation.

Spray-Dried Structured Lipid Carriers for the Loading of : New Nutraceutical and Food Preservative.

Rosemary, an aromatic herb with significant antioxidative activity, is frequently used as food preservative and a source of nutraceuticals. Its antioxidant effect is mainly related to the presence of phenolic compounds, molecules considerably unstable and prone to irreversible physicochemical changes when exposed to external agents. We here proposed the loading of rosemary into structured lipid systems to improve its physicochemical properties.

Central giant cell granuloma mimicking a periapical lesion of endodontic origin: A case report.

This paper aims to report a case in which central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) mimicked a periapical lesion of endodontic origin. An 18-year-old female patient was referred for diagnosis and treatment of extensive radiolucent periapical lesion involving 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 teeth. Clinically, the patient presented slight facial asymmetry and healthy teeth on the affected side with positive response to thermal vitality tests.

A new Piper nigrum cysteine proteinase inhibitor, PnCPI, with antifungal activity: molecular cloning, recombinant expression, functional analyses and molecular modeling.

A new Piper nigrum cysteine proteinase inhibitor, PnCPI, belonging to group I of phytocystatins, with inhibitory activity against papain and growth of Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis, was isolated and characterized.

Caring in the age of COVID-19: lessons from science and society.

This paper focuses on our research and intervention in health promotion with patients and communities affected by various infectious diseases, in the project Knowledge-Sharing Platform. This project is developed at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Evandro Chagas in the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and promotes the continuing involvement of health researchers and professionals in the collaborative production of knowledge on health with patients and community groups and in their training as community health promoters. The new epidemic scenario created the demand for a space of dialogue and knowledge-sharing on the prevention of COVID-19 transmission.