Ecological Profile of the Flea Beetle Genus Heyden in South Africa (Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini).

In this work, the 25 species of the flea beetle genus Heyden recorded for South Africa are considered. Starting from the updated species distribution and the topographic, temperature, and precipitation variables, as well as the vegetation types in the occurrence sites, through an analysis of ecological niche modelling, a possible ecological profile is provided, both for each species and the entire genus, highlighting some of the factors that drive their occurrence and distribution patterns. Along with the vegetation type, some climatic variables were found to be particularly influential, such as the mean temperature of both the wettest and driest quarters and also the mean precipitation of the wettest period.

Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment Among Indigenous People in a Canadian Context: Challenges and Community-Led Solutions.

The historical and ongoing impacts of the influence of colonization are experienced by Indigenous people in systemic racism, inequity in healthcare access, and intergenerational trauma; originating in the disruption of a way of life and seen in a grief response, with links to disparate hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence. Despite this, the focus often remains on the increased incidence without a strengths-based lens. Although HCV is a global concern that can result in cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer, diagnosing and linking people to care and treatment early can prevent advanced liver disease.

Silibinin-Loaded Amphiphilic PLGA-Poloxamer Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Characterization, Release Kinetics, and Bioactivity Evaluation in Lung Cancer Cells.

Despite its potential against several carcinomas, the pharmacological efficacy of silibinin (SLB) is hampered by poor solubility, absorption, and oral bioavailability. To face these issues, we developed polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with hydrophilic polyethene oxide (PEO) for controlled and targeted SLB delivery. NPs were produced at two different SLB loadings and presented a spherical shape with smooth surfaces and stable size in water and cell culture medium.

Surfactant-derived protein type B: a new biomarker linked to respiratory failure and lung damage in mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant concern due to its impact on human health, particularly through pneumonia-induced lung damage. Surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D) are implicated in COVID-19 lung damage, but the role of surfactant protein B (SP-B) remains unclear.

Methods: We conducted a single-centre, prospective observational study involving 73 hospitalised COVID-19 pneumonia patients.