Vitrification of hazardous wastes from ship recycling: circular economy solutions for asbestos and synthetic vitreous fibers.

Ship recycling at the end of its useful life presents significant environmental and health challenges due to the presence of hazardous materials, such as asbestos and synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs). This study aimed to convert SVFs and asbestos into safe, reusable co-products by incorporating them into a glassy matrix. The materials were melted at 1200 °C for 1 h with utilization of niobium pentoxide (NbO) to lower fusion temperatures.

Effects of carbohydrate reduced diet associated with strength training on clinical signs of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet associated with strength training on the clinical signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Research Methods And Procedures: A randomized clinical trial was carried out including 29 women over 18 years old diagnosed with PCOS, randomized into two groups, with follow-up for 12 weeks: the low-carbohydrate diet group associated with strength exercise (LCDE); and the standard diet group associated with strength exercise (SDE). We evaluated manifestations of acne, hirsutism by the Ferriman-Gallwey scale and alopecia by the Ludwig-Savin scale, and assessed laboratory tests for total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids.

Introduction: The uterine leiomyoma is a pelvic solid tumor more frequent in women. The Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a technique aimed at diminishing hypermenorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in symptomatic women.

Objective: To show the effects subsequent to MRgFUS application on symptoms, quality of life, and myoma volume in symptomatic women.

The impact of COVID-19 severity on adult survivors: Is there a relationship between vascular reactivity and cardiorespiratory fitness?

The impact of COVID-19 on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is negative, increasing the likelihood of exertional symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath, and adversely affecting vascular function, impairing cardiovascular health. This study investigated endothelial function and its relationship with CRF in patients who have recovered COVID-19. Patients were evaluated 1 month after infection, including clinical assessment, pulmonary function, endothelial function (measured by flow-mediated dilation), and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Comparison Between Micro- and Micro-Nano Surface Texturization in the Initial Osseointegration Process: An Experimental In Vitro and In Vivo Preclinical Study.

Background: The physicochemical changes of the surface aim to improve cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, that is, better biological interaction with the cells and, consequently, with the peri-implant tissues. In the present study, implants with the same macrogeometry were compared in vitro and in vivo, but with two different surfaces: micro-rough and a new micro-nano-rough surface.

Materials And Methods: A total of 90 implants were used, 10 of which were used for in vitro surface characterization (n = 5 per group) through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface roughness measurements.

Insights into the Role of Proteolytic and Adhesive Domains of Snake Venom Metalloproteinases from spp. in the Control of Infection.

Toxoplasmosis is an alarming public health problem that affects more than one-third of the world's population. In our work, we investigated the antiparasitic effects of catalytically active [BpMP-I and Jararhagin (Jar)] and catalytically inactive [Jararhagin-C (Jar-C)] snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) in human HeLa cells. These toxins impaired the parasite invasion and intracellular growth, and modulated IL-6, IL-8, and MIF cytokines that control the cell susceptibility and response against .

Knowledge and Use of Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology in the Clinical Practice of Brazilian Psychologists: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: The use of scientific evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders is crucial for achieving optimal clinical outcomes and providing high-quality care. This study investigates the knowledge, sources of evidence, and attitudes of Brazilian clinical psychologists regarding evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) and discusses barriers to its implementation. : A total of 696 Brazilian clinical psychologists participated in an online questionnaire designed to assess their understanding of EBPP, their familiarity with scientific platforms/databases, and their professional development investments.

Coronavirus disease 2019 infection severity among different variants in children under 2-years old in Brazil.

To analyze whether there is a significant difference in the virulence, symptoms, and outcomes of different Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) variants in children under 2-years of age. We collected data from the Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe, a nationwide Brazilian database on severe acute respiratory syndrome. The patients were classified according to four variants of concern: wild-type, gamma, delta, and omicron.

Assessing the role of bronchoscopy in the management of patients with acute leukemia-a transversal study and proposal of evaluation.

Introduction: Bronchoscopy is frequently performed in the management of patients with acute leukemia due to their high susceptibility to infections. In this setting, it is performed in the context of lung infiltrates on imaging and persistent fever in immunocompromised subjects. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of bronchoscopy in patients with acute leukemia, its diagnostic yield, and its impact on management decisions.

Comparative study of standard and modified groundwater vulnerability methods in the gold and iron mining regions of Western Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil.

This study aims to evaluate the intrinsic vulnerability of the Moeda Syncline, located in the western portion of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This region stands out for hosting important gold and iron ore mines and is the target of geological studies due to its structural complexity and economic importance. The Moeda Syncline is responsible for feeding springs and important tributaries in the hydrographic basins of the Velhas and Paraopeba rivers, thus contributing with a great part of the water consumed by the population of the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (RMBH).

A metagenomic 'dark matter' enzyme catalyses oxidative cellulose conversion.

The breakdown of cellulose is one of the most important reactions in nature and is central to biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals. However, the microfibrillar organization of cellulose and its complex interactions with other components of the plant cell wall poses a major challenge for enzymatic conversion. Here, by mining the metagenomic 'dark matter' (unclassified DNA with unknown function) of a microbial community specialized in lignocellulose degradation, we discovered a metalloenzyme that oxidatively cleaves cellulose.

Curcumin plus piperine improve body composition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

This study evaluates the effects of oral supplementation of curcumin alone and curcumin plus piperine on body composition, phase angle, and functional capacity in patients with mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients with a diagnosis of IBD, aged 18 years or older with intact kidney and liver function, were into three groups: placebo, curcumin (1000 mg/day), and curcumin plus piperine (1000 mg/day + 10 mg/day). Anthropometric markers, body composition, phase angle (via tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis), and hand-grip strength were assessed before and after the 12-week supplementation period.

Ecology and Spatial Distribution of Magnetotactic Bacteria in Araguaia River Floodplain.

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are Gram-negative, ubiquitous, aquatic, flagellated, microaerophilic, or anaerobic microorganisms exhibiting magnetotactic behaviour based on magnetosomes, which are the structural signature of the group. Magnetosomes are ferrimagnetic nanocrystals surrounded by a lipid bilayer, usually aligned in chain(s) within the cell. Environmental abiotic conditions such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and oxidation-reduction potential may drive the diversity of MTB populations in environments.

Increased macrophages contribute to thyroid hormone-induced cardiac alterations in mice.

Aims: The heart is one of the main targets of thyroid hormone. Patients with hyperthyroidism, a disease with high incidence in the population, have increased arrhythmia risk and cardiac hypertrophy, which is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Recent research has revealed the essential roles of leukocytes in cardiac homeostasis and stress-induced responses.

Lack of basic sanitation influence on the enteropathogen presence in a river of the Brazilian Legal Amazon.

Water systems globally are declining in water quality, largely due to anthropogenic activities, with freshwater contamination reaching unprecedented levels. The Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA), holding 13.56% of the world's fresh water, is affected due to the lack of basic sanitation.

Metabolomics in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A distinct profile in patients under methotrexate.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate biochemical quantitative metabolites in peripheral blood serum samples of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients and healthy controls. A cross-sectional study included 33 post-pubertal JIA (21 without and 12 with Methotrexate (MTX) women and 28 age-matched healthy controls. Metabolomic analyses based on targeted electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry were used to identify possible biochemical pathway modifications in serum from JIA patients.

Efficacy of probiotic adjuvant therapy in women with major depressive disorder: insights from a case series study.

Background: The therapeutic targeting of the intestinal microbiota has gained increasing attention as a promising avenue for addressing mood disorders. This study aimed to assess the potential effect of supplementing standard pharmacological treatment with the probiotic kefir in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Methods: Thirty-eight female participants diagnosed with moderate MDD by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were selected to receive the probiotic kefir in conjunction with antidepressant therapy for 12 weeks.

Retraction notice to "A deep learning approach based on graphs to detect plantation lines" [Heliyon Volume , Issue 11, 15 June 2024, e31730].

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.

Anthelmintic Potential of Conjugated Long-Chain Fatty Acids Isolated from the Bioluminescent Mushroom .

With praziquantel being the sole available drug for schistosomiasis, identifying novel anthelmintic agents is imperative. A chemical investigation of the fruiting body of the bioluminescent mushroom Berk. resulted in the isolation of new conjugated long-chain fatty acids (8,10,12,13)-12,13-dihydroxy-7-oxo-octadeca-8,10-dienoic acid () and (7,8,9,11)-7,8-dihydroxy-13-oxo-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid () and three previously described compounds, (7,8,9)-7,8-dihydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (), (2)-dec-2-ene-1,10-dioic acid (), and a ketolactone marasmeno-1,15-dione ().

Measuring social vulnerability in communities and its association with leprosy burden through spatial intelligence in central West Brazil to guide strategic actions.

Background: It is known that leprosy is a socially determined disease, but most studies using spatial analysis have not considered the vulnerabilities present in these territories.

Objectives: To measure the association between social vulnerability and the burden of leprosy in the urban space of Cuiabá.

Methods: Ecological study, carried out in Cuiabá, Brazil.

Potential of quartzite and Hevea brasiliensis wood in the production of cement-wood panels.

The incorporation of residues in cement matrices is a viable alternative for obtaining new products for civil construction and a sustainable solution for the disposal of materials discarded by industries. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate the potential use of quartzite and particles of Hevea brasiliensis in the production of cement-wood panels. Quartzite residues and Hevea brasiliensis wood particles were obtained and characterized.

Resting ECG findings in male Brazilian soccer players of different ethnicities: Results from the B-Pro Foot ECG study.

Objectives: To compare the prevalence of training-related ECG findings in white, mixed-race, and black male Brazilian soccer players.

Design: Multicenter observational study.

Methods: This study involved athletes aged 15 to 35 years from 82 professional clubs across Brazil's five regions.

Soluble CTLA-4 - A confounding factor in CTLA-4 based checkpoint immunotherapy in cancer.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a receptor that inhibits the activity of T cells. The CTLA-4 gene consists of four different exons that enable four different isoforms of CTLA-4 to be generated through alternative splicing. Although sCTLA-4 might impede the therapeutic effect of anti-CTLA-4 treatments, the role of sCTLA-4 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not well understood.

Higher frequency of interstate over international transmission chains of SARS-CoV-2 virus at the Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil state borders.

Brazil's COVID-19 response has faced challenges due to the continuous emergence of variants of concern (VOCs), emphasizing the need for ongoing genomic surveillance and retrospective analyses of past epidemic waves to reassess and fine tune containment protocols. Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil's southernmost state, has international borders and trades with Argentina and Uruguay, along with significant domestic connections within Brazil. The identification of source and sink transmission chains at national and international scales can identify main hubs and pathways to target future interventions.