Comparative Structural and Biophysical Investigation of Toxin I (LyeTx I) and Its Analog LyeTx I-b.

This study investigates the structural and biophysical properties of the wild-type antimicrobial peptide LyeTx I, isolated from the venom of the spider , and its analog LyeTx I-b, designed to enhance antibacterial activity, selectivity, and membrane interactions by the acetylation and increased amphipathicty. : To understand the mechanisms behind these enhanced properties, comparative analyses of the structural, topological, biophysical, and thermodynamic aspects of the interactions between each peptide and phospholipid bilayers were evaluated. Both peptides were isotopically labeled with H-Ala and N-Leu to facilitate structural studies via NMR spectroscopy.

Social representations of oncologic surgery for patients with cancer.

Objectives: to analyze the social representations of patients with cancer regarding oncologic surgery.

Methods: a qualitative study based on Social Representation Theory was conducted with 126 participants between October 2021 and May 2022 in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. A characterization questionnaire, free evocations of the inducing term "surgery", and semi-structured interviews with 60 participants were applied.

Shift work schedules alter immune cell regulation and accelerate cognitive impairment during aging.

Background: Disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms typically precede the age-related deficits in learning and memory, suggesting that these alterations in circadian timekeeping may contribute to the progressive cognitive decline during aging. The present study examined the role of immune cell activation and inflammation in the link between circadian rhythm dysregulation and cognitive impairment in aging.

Methods: C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to shifted light-dark (LD) cycles (12 h advance/5d) during early adulthood (from ≈ 4-6mo) or continuously to a "fixed" LD12:12 schedule.

Umbilical vein remodeling is associated with pregestational maternal overweight.

Introduction: Excess weight during pregnancy is a condition that can affect both mother and fetus, through the maternal-fetal interface, which is constituted by the placenta and umbilical cord. The umbilical vein is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and its proper functioning depends on the integrity of its structure. The remodeling of the umbilical vein represents one of the causes of inadequate transport of nutrients to the fetus, being potentially harmful.

Rheumatic Diseases Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been associated with weight reduction and obesity complications improvement. However, there is no clear evidence of the extent and consistency of the effects of this procedure on rheumatic diseases. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to address the impact of MBS on rheumatic diseases.