Parasite infections: how inflammation alters brain function.

Parasitic infections can profoundly impact brain function through inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS). Once viewed as an immune-privileged site, the CNS is now recognized as vulnerable to immune disruptions from both local and systemic infections. Recent studies reveal that certain parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, can invade the CNS or influence it indirectly by triggering neuroinflammation.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity Using the Aqueous Extract of Pterodon emarginatus Seeds.

The decline in research for new antimicrobials, combined with the rise in bacterial resistance, has become a critical issue that is expected to worsen over time. As an alternative, health sciences have integrated materials engineering to develop new bioactive compounds through the interaction of nanoparticles with plant-derived compounds. These compounds offer advantages such as high bioavailability and low cost, exemplified by , a plant native to the Brazilian Cerrado.

Effects of wildfire ash on the fatty acid and sugar profiles of bivalves - A comparative study of a freshwater and a marine species.

Wildfires can impact both freshwater and marine ecosystems through post-fire runoff, but its effects on bivalves, particularly those living in marine habitats, remain largely overlooked. While evidence exists that wildfire ash can alter the fatty acid (FA) and sugar profiles of aquatic biota, its influence on the biochemical profiles of bivalves have not been addressed to date. This study aimed to assess the effects of ash exposure on the FA and sugar profiles of two bivalve species used for human consumption: a freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) and a marine bivalve (Cerastoderma edule), additionally evaluating potential effects on their nutritional value.

Morphological . molecular identification of trematode species infecting the edible cockle across Europe.

Identifying marine trematode parasites in host tissue can be complicated when there is limited morphological differentiation between species infecting the same host species. This poses a challenge for regular surveys of the parasite communities in species of socio-economic and ecological importance. Our study focused on identifying digenean trematode species infecting the marine bivalve across Europe by comparing morphological and molecular species identification methods.

Impact of Plant-Based School Meals on Gut spp. Abundance and Health Outcomes in Schoolchildren from Bahia, Brazil.

Plant-based diets have been linked to various health benefits, including an improved gut microbiota composition, potentially influencing non-communicable diseases. This study investigates the impact of a school meal intervention on the gut microbiota, specifically the abundance of spp. (BIF), in Brazilian schoolchildren.