L-carnitine protects against oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in cerebral cortex of rats submitted to chronic chemically-induced model of hyperphenylalaninemia.

Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder characterized by high phenylalanine levels, the main toxic metabolite of the disease. Hyperphenylalaninemia can cause neurological impairment. In order to avoid this symptomatology, patients typically follow a phenylalanine-free diet supplemented with a synthetic formula that provides essential amino acids, including L-carnitine.

First report of a cat (Felis catus) infected by Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis from Southeastern Brazil.

Feline leishmaniasis is increasingly recognized as a disease affecting cats worldwide, with notable prevalence in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Basin and in Brazil. An approximately one-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with small papules and nodules (2 mm) on the nasal planum. Physical examination and routine blood analyses were normal.

Trends, outcomes and knowledge gaps in mobile apps for reproductive endocrinology and infertility: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Infertility is a complex condition that affects millions worldwide, with significant physical, emotional and social implications. Mobile apps have emerged as potential tools to assist in the management of infertility by offering features such as menstrual cycle tracking, ovulation prediction, fertility education, lifestyle modification guidance and emotional support, thereby promoting reproductive health. Despite promising advancements such as the development of apps with sophisticated algorithms for ovulation prediction and comprehensive platforms offering integrated fertility education and emotional support, there remain gaps in the literature regarding the comprehensive evaluation of mobile apps for reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Family Perspectives on Functional Priorities for Brazilian Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy.

This study aimed to identify the functional priorities of parents/guardians of Brazilian children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and to examine possible variations in priorities concerning different age groups and functional classifications. This cross-sectional study included 171 children with CP (mean age: 7.68 ± 3.

Comprehensive molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses in Brazil: insights from a nationwide analysis.

Influenza A and B viruses represent significant global health threats, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality rates. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular epidemiology of these viruses in Brazil, a continental-size country and a crucial hub for the entry, circulation, and dissemination of influenza viruses within South America, still needs to be improved. This study addresses this gap by consolidating data and samples across all Brazilian macroregions, as part of the Center for Viral Surveillance and Serological Assessment project, together with an extensive number of other Brazilian sequences provided by a public database during the epidemic seasons spanning 2021-23.

Oral hygiene of stroke patients in a stroke unit: a best practice implementation project.

Introduction: People with stroke are at risk of poor oral hygiene caused by neurological deficits, which can be motor, sensory, or cognitive. Good oral hygiene has been shown to reduce adverse events and improve the patient's quality of life. Although nurses recognize the benefits of oral hygiene, evidence shows that this area of care is frequently overlooked.

Evaluating Variational Quantum Eigensolver Approaches for Simplified Models of Molecular Systems: A Case Study on Protocatechuic Acid.

The Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) is a hybrid algorithm that combines quantum and classical computing to determine the ground-state energy of molecular systems. In this context, this study applies VQE to investigate the ground state of protocatechuic acid, analyzing its performance with various Ansatzes and active spaces. Subsequently, all VQE results were compared to those obtained with the CISD and FCI methods.

Ethnobiology! Until when will the colonialist legacy be reinforced?

In this essay, we will present arguments for a negative answer to the debate question: "Is publishing ethnobiology data respectful of Indigenous and Local Knowledge holders' rights?" We recognize that ethnobiological research has advanced in recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), but we believe that we still have a long way to go in deconstructing colonialism in ethnobiology. In order to be truly respectful, ethnobiologists need to collaborate with IPLC to achieve an ethical science with equity between knowledge systems, fostering the co-production of knowledge from an intercultural science perspective. This essay was written by a group of Brazilian scientists, both IPLC and non-IPLC, and reflects a perspective of the academic universe seen from the place we are, in this multicultural and imbalanced world.

Applying Resin Radial Injection for Manufacturing Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite: Advanced Mathematical Modeling and Simulation.

Recently, the liquid composite molding technique (LCM) has been used for producing fiber-reinforced polymer composites, since it allows the molding of complex parts, presenting good surface finishing and control of the mechanical properties of the product at the end of the process. Studies in this area have been focused on resin transfer molding (RTM), specifically on the resin rectilinear infiltration through the porous preform inserted in the closed cavity neglecting the sorption effect of the polymeric fluid by the reinforcement. Thus, the objective of this work is to predict resin radial flow in porous media (fibrous preform), including the effect of resin sorption by fibers considering a one-dimensional approach.

Probiotic Microorganisms in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Live Biotherapeutics as Food.

(1) Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic and complex inflammatory processes of the digestive tract that evolve with frequent relapses and manifest at any age; they predominantly affect young individuals. Diet plays a direct role in maintaining the gut mucosal integrity and immune function. Regarding the diet, the administration of probiotics stands out.

The effect of conditioned medium from human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells on thymus involution.

Aims: The development and selection of T cells occur within the thymus. This organ involutes throughout life, compromising the generation of T cells and, consequently, the efficacy of the immune system. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have beneficial effects on the immune system.

Factors Associated With Prolonged Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients Admitted to Palliative Care: An Exploratory Study.

Objective: A recently published study concerning variables associated with survival longer than one year in palliative care included several types of cancer. A secondary analysis limited to patients with colorectal cancer was performed to analyze a more homogeneous group of patients.

Methods: Patients were identified through electronic records from 2012 to December 2018.

Knowledge of gross human anatomy among Brazilian physical education students: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Gross human anatomy is essential in undergraduate programs across biological and health sciences. While extensive literature explores medical students' knowledge in this area, studies on non-medical students, particularly those in physical education, are scarce.

Objective: This study assessed the anatomy knowledge among Brazilian physical education students and explored differences based on employment status, type of class instruction (face-to-face vs.

Motivation of nursing undergraduate program entrants: A scoping review protocol.

Motivation is of great importance in the teaching-learning process, because motivated students seek out opportunities and show interest and enthusiasm in carrying out their tasks. The objective of this review is to identify and present the information available in the literature on the status quo of motivation among nursing program entrants. This is a qualitative scoping review study, a type of literature review designed to map out and find evidence to address a specific research objective, following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

A new coamorphous ethionamide with enhanced solubility: Preparation, characterization, in silico pharmacokinetics, and controlled release by encapsulation.

This study reports the synthesis and the experimental-theoretical characterization of a new coamorphous system consisting of ethionamide (ETH) and mandelic acid (MND) as a coformer. The solid dispersion was synthesized using the slow solvent evaporation method in an ethanolic medium. The structural, vibrational, and thermal properties of the system were characterized.

Molecular dynamics of transferrin receptor binder peptides: unlocking blood-brain barrier for enhanced CNS drug delivery.

A cystine-dense peptide (CDP) named TfRB1 was identified for its ability to bind to the transferrin receptor (TfR). CDPs are stabilized by their disulfide bonds, and variants of TfRB1 - specifically TfRB1G1, TfRB1G2, and TfRB1G3 - are explored for their potential to transport molecules across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS). This study employed molecular modeling and dynamics simulations to characterize the interactions between these TfRB1 variants and TfR.

Health literacy and likelihood of death in community-dwelling older people.

Objectives: To investigate the correlation between health literacy and the likelihood of death in ten years among community-dwelling older people; and identify whether health literacy exerts an influence on the likelihood of death in this population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 community-dwelling older people. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, health-related characteristics, health literacy and the likelihood of death in ten years.

In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of ZnO:9Ag nanoparticle and antibiotics on standard strains of Leptospira spp.

Silver nanoparticles are recognized for potent antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria, crucial in addressing the severity of leptospirosis, where an ideal treatment is lacking. This study focuses on assessing the antimicrobial efficacy of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO:9Ag) on standard Leptospira spp. strains (six species and ten serovars).

Newly Isolated LAMA1607 for Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal: A Genomic and Functional Characterization.

Background: Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems utilize phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) to remove phosphorus from wastewater since excessive phosphorus in water bodies can lead to eutrophication. This study aimed to characterize a newly isolated PAO strain for its potential application in EBPR systems and to screen for additional biotechnological potential. Here, sequencing allowed for genomic analysis, identifying the genes and molecules involved, and exploring other potentials.

Characterization of a novel acidic phospholipase A isolated from the venom of Bothrops mattogrossensis: From purification to structural modeling.

Phospholipases A (PLAs) are highly prevalent in Bothrops snake venom and play a crucial role in inflammatory responses and immune cell activation during envenomation. Despite their significance, the specific role of PLAs from Bothrops mattogrossensis venom (BmV) in inflammation is not fully understood. This study sought to isolate and characterize a novel acidic PLA from BmV, designated BmPLA-A, and to evaluate its effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), with a specific focus on cytotoxicity, adhesion, and detachment.

Human driven climate change increased the likelihood of the 2023 record area burned in Canada.

In 2023, wildfires burned 15 million hectares in Canada, more than doubling the previous record. These wildfires caused a record number of evacuations, unprecedented air quality impacts across Canada and the northeastern United States, and substantial strain on fire management resources. Using climate models, we show that human-induced climate change significantly increased the likelihood of area burned at least as large as in 2023 across most of Canada, with more than two-fold increases in the east and southwest.

Plasma mutation profile of precursor lesions and colorectal cancer using the Oncomine Colon cfDNA Assay.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Early detection of precursor lesions or early-stage cancer could hamper cancer development or improve survival rates. Liquid biopsy, which detects tumor biomarkers, such as mutations, in blood, is a promising avenue for cancer screening.

Essential Oil Composition and Anti-Cholinesterase Properties of Foliage Harvested in São Miguel Island (Azores) in Two Different Seasons.

The Azorean forest operations and wood industry generate considerable foliage biomass residues that are used for local essential oil (EO) production. However, research on seasonal variation of EO remains scarce. In this study, the EOs from fresh Azorean foliage (Az-CJF) collected in autumn (Aut) and spring (Spr) were obtained via hydrodistillation and investigated for their physical properties, yield, chemical composition, and bioactivities.