Identification of potent schistosomicidal compounds predicted as type II-kinase inhibitors against c-Jun N-terminal kinase SMJNK.

Introduction: Schistosomiasis has for many years relied on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ) for treatment of the disease. Immense efforts have been invested in the discovery of protein kinase (PK) inhibitors; however, given that the majority of PKs are still not targeted by an inhibitor with a useful level of selectivity, there is a compelling need to expand the chemical space available for synthesizing new, potent, and selective PK inhibitors. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the ATP pocket of the catalytic domain of PKs have the potential to become drugs devoid of (major) side effects, particularly if they bind selectively.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 on tibial fracture resistance in nicotine-exposed rats.

The study aimed to evaluate the potential protection against fractures of oral Q10 supplementation in the tibias of rats exposed to nicotine. Nicotine is known to negatively impact bone density and increase the risk of fractures, in addition to affecting other systems such as the gastrointestinal system, impairing its absorption capacity, negatively affecting bone health. To investigate this, eighty male rats were divided into four groups (n = 20) receiving either nicotine hemisulfate or saline solution (SS) for 28 days.

Consumption, nicotine dependence and motivation for smoke cessation during early stages of COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed smoking habits. For the smoking population, information regarding smoking habits and the pandemic could potentially aid COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tobacco consumption, nicotine dependence levels, and motivation for smoking cessation.

Main Features of DNA-Based Vectors for Use in Lactic Acid Bacteria and Update Protocols.

DNA vaccines have been used as a promising strategy for delivery of immunogenic and immunomodulatory molecules into the host cells. Although, there are some obstacles involving the capability of the plasmid vector to reach the cell nucleus in great number to promote the expected benefits. In order to improve the delivery and, consequently, increase the expression levels of the target proteins carried by DNA vaccines, alternative methodologies have been explored, including the use of non-pathogenic bacteria as delivery vectors to carry, deliver, and protect the DNA from degradation, enhancing plasmid expression.

Polymerase chain reaction screening for fungemia and/or invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Introduction: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a life-threatening complication in patients with hematologic malignancies, mainly in acute leukemia patients, following chemotherapy. IFI incidence is increasing, and associated mortality remains high due to unreliable diagnosis. Antifungal drugs are often limited by inadequate antimicrobial spectrum and side effects.

Fetal hemoglobin elevation in Hb Lepore heterozygotes and its correlation with beta globin cluster linked determinants.

We have analysed, at the hematological and molecular level, 51 Hb lepore heterozygotes and three compound heterozygotes for Hb Lepore and HbS (HbLep/HbS) in 26 unselected Portuguese families. The Lepore Boston variant was present in one family, in association with classical haplotype V. All of the other Lepore alleles present haplotype III in association with XmnI (+)5' of (G)gamma gene, in tight linkage disequilibrium to the major mutation found in the Portuguese population, the Lepore Baltimore variant ( delta(68Leu)-beta(84Thr)).