Coumarins and Hesperetin Inhibit Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most prevalent viruses that causes severe acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) in the elderly and young children. There is no specific drug to treat RSV, only a broad-spectrum antiviral, ribavirin, which is only used in critical cases. Our research group is investigating antiviral agents of natural origin, such as coumarins and flavonoids, that may help reduce or prevent RSV infection.

Positive secular trend in excess body weight in adolescents: A comparative study of 2007 and 2017/2018 data.

Background: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of excess weight in adolescents living in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017/2018 and assess associations with physical activity level, screen time, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted with adolescents (14 to 19 years old). The body mass index was calculated from measurements of body weight (kg) and height (m2).

Interaction of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) Matrix Protein with Resveratrol Shows Antiviral Effect.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) matrix protein plays key roles in the virus life cycle and is essential for budding, as it stimulates the optimal membrane curvature necessary for the emergence of viral particles. Resveratrol, a polyphenol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) produced by plants, exhibits pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In this study, resveratrol was tested in HEp-2 (Epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx cell) cells for its post-infection effects, and recombinant M protein was produced to characterize the biophysical mechanisms underlying this interaction.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Pseudocereals with C3 and C4 Photosynthetic Metabolism in an Environment with Elevated CO.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of increasing CO concentration on the growth, productivity, grain quality, and biochemical changes in quinoa and amaranth plants. An experiment was conducted in open chambers (OTCs) to evaluate the responses of these species to different levels of CO {[CO] = 400 ± 50 μmol mol CO for ambient CO concentration, [CO] = 700 ± 50 μmol mol CO for the elevated CO concentration}. Growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments reflected changes in gas exchange, saccharolytic enzymes, and carbohydrate metabolism when plants were grown under [CO].