Biological and Health-Promoting Potential of Fruits from Three Cold-Hardy Actinidia Species.

Fruits are essential components of the human diet, valued for their diverse bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. This study focuses on three cold-hardy species, namely , , and , examining their polyphenolic content, antioxidant/antiradical activities, scavenging capacity and effects on intestinal cell viability (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX). A comprehensive profile of their phenolic compounds was identified, in descending order of total polyphenol content: > > .

Polymorphisms Influence the Expression of the Fas and FasL Genes in COVID-19.

The apoptotic molecule Fas and its ligand FasL are involved in the process of T-lymphocyte death, which may lead to lymphopenia, a characteristic of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we investigated the influence of polymorphisms in the and genes, and gene expression, and plasma cytokine levels on COVID-19 severity and long COVID occurrence. A total of 116 individuals with severe COVID-19 and 254 with the non-severe form of the disease were evaluated.

Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal.

Introduction: This study analyzes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a hospital in Central Portugal over a five-year period, focusing on bacterial prevalence, patient demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. This investigation aims to provide insights that can guide improved infection control and treatment strategies.

Methods: A total of 6161 positive urine cultures collected over five years were examined, with particular emphasis on 2019 due to a peak in infection rates.

Integrated systems improve soil microclimate, soybean photosynthesis and growth.

This study aimed to compare the conventional soybean ( L.) cultivation method with integrated systems in an Latossolo Vermelho Acriférrico típico and how these systems affect soil cover biomass production, initial nutrient concentration in plant residues, soil respiration and microclimate, as well as soybean growth, physiology and productivity. A comparative analysis of microclimate and soil respiration, plant physiology, and growth was conducted between a conventional soybean monoculture (soybean grown without plant residues on the soil from the previous crop) and soybean grown in soil containing maize residues.

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 induces acute skeletal muscle damage in human K18-hACE2 transgenic mice.

The pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in over 7 million global fatalities and billions of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Acute and chronic muscle impairment associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection affected a substantial number of patients, leading to the development of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and exercise intolerance. Our study introduces an animal model to improve understanding of the pathogenicity caused by SARS-CoV-2 in human skeletal muscle.