Co-occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in rivers and sewage in India and Brazil.

The genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in riverine and sewage water has been widely used as an epidemiological tool worldwide. But its utility for epidemiological assessments still needs to be evaluated in some areas. Our study encompassed thirteen Brazilian rivers spanning a vast urban expanse across the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Paraná.

Aneurysm clipping on WEB device: A feasibility study using a human ex-vivo aneurysm model.

Background And Objectives: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is a breakthrough in brain aneurysm treatment, widely used for intracranial wide neck and complex aneurysms, especially at bifurcations. Although effective, aneurysm recurrence can occur post-treatment and the impact of clipping angle on the WEB mesh remains unclear. In this study, using a human placenta-based ex-vivo aneurysm model, we simulated the application of aneurysm clipping on WEB-treated aneurysms to elucidate the technical aspects and nuances, particularly the influence of the angle of clip application on WEB collapse.

Impact of Buriti Oil from Palm Tree on the Rheological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene for Improved Sustainability.

Recent advancements highlight the utilization of vegetable oils as additives in polymeric materials, particularly for replacing conventional plasticizers. Buriti oil (BO), extracted from the Amazon's palm tree fruit, boasts an impressive profile of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carotenoids, and tocopherol. This study investigates the impact of incorporating buriti oil as a plasticizer in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrices.

Impact of renal allograft histopathological findings on transplant patient outcomes and graft survival: A retrospective single-center study.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the reasons for kidney transplant dysfunction by analyzing allograft biopsy findings. We also compared clinical outcomes and graft survival rates in patients with and without de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA).

Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included 79 patients who underwent kidney allograft biopsy.

Neurosurgical Microvascular Anastomosis: Systematic Review of the Existing Simulators and Proposal of a New Training Classification System.

Background: The literature lacks a combined analysis of neurosurgical microvascular anastomosis training models. We performed a systematic literature search to provide an overview of the existing models and proposed a classification system based on the level of simulation and reproducibility of the microvascular anastomosis.

Methods: The systematic literature search followed the PRISMA guidelines.

The development of screen-printed electrodes modified with gold and copper nanostructures for analysis of gunshot residue and low explosives.

Due to their portability, sensitivity, and ease of use, electrochemical sensors have recently become a popular method for rapid, on-site analysis. This study presents a proof of principle for the application of modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the detection of signature metals (Pb, Sb, and Zn) commonly found in gunshot residue (GSR), as well as for the detection of nitrate/nitrite in organic GSR and low explosives. To achieve these two aims, we have examined various electrode surface modifications.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy associated with motor control exercise for chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), as an adjunct therapy to exercise, can reduce pain in musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, PBMT associated with exercise decreases fatigue, accelerates muscle recovery and enhances performance and gain through different training protocols. Although it has not been investigated, the association of PBMT and exercise therapy could be an alternative to improve the positive effects of exercise in patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP).

Role of Vaccination Strategies to Host-Pathogen Dynamics in Social Interactions.

This study presents extended Immunity Agent-Based Model (IABM) simulations to evaluate vaccination strategies in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. The application of IABM in the analysis of vaccination configurations is innovative, as a vaccinated individual can be infected depending on how their immune system acts against the invading pathogen, without a pre-established infection rate. Analysis at the microscopic level demonstrates the impact of vaccination on individual immune responses and infection outcomes, providing a more realistic representation of how the humoral response caused by vaccination affects the individual's immune defense.

Genome-Wide Association Studies and QTL Mapping Reveal a New Locus Associated with Resistance to Bacterial Pustule Caused by pv. in Soybean.

Bacterial pustule (BP), caused by pv. , is an important disease that, under favorable conditions, can drastically affect soybean production. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with a panel containing Brazilian and American cultivars, which were screened qualitatively and quantitatively against two Brazilian isolates (IBS 333 and IBS 327).

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Individuals Over 18 Years Old: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of isometric handgrip training (IHT) on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in individuals aged 18 yr and older.

Review Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in Medline and Web of Science, encompassing studies published until July 2023, as well as the gray literature. We calculated the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI using an inverse variance method with a random effects model.

Allelic variability in the Rpp1 locus conferring resistance to Asian soybean rust revealed by genome-wide association.

Soybean is a crucial crop for the Brazilian economy, but it faces challenges from the biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, which causes Asian Soybean Rust (ASR). In this study, we aimed to identify SNPs associated with resistance within the Rpp1 locus, which is effective against Brazilian ASR populations. We employed GWAS and re-sequencing analyzes to pinpoint SNP markers capable of differentiating between soybean accessions harboring the Rpp1, Rpp1-b and other alternative alleles in the Rpp1 locus and from susceptible soybean cultivars.

Enhancing Flame-Retardant Properties of Polyurethane Aerogels Doped with Silica-Based Particles.

In this work, polyurethane (PUR) aerogels doped with different SiO particles, derived from a renewable source, were successfully synthesized, and the effects of SiO content on the properties of PUR aerogels were investigated. Specifically, three types of SiO-based particles obtained from rice husk through different procedures were evaluated to enhance the thermal stability of the composites with special attention given to flame-retardant properties. With the optimal SiO particles, obtained through acid digestion, the influence of their content between 0.

Computer-Aided Intra-Operatory Positioning of an MRgHIFU Applicator Dedicated to Abdominal Thermal Therapy Using Particle Swarm Optimization.

Purpose: Transducer positioning for liver ablation by magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) is challenging due to the presence of air-filled organs or bones on the beam path. This paper presents a software tool developed to optimize the positioning of a HIFU transducer dedicated to abdominal thermal therapy, to maximize the treatment's efficiency while minimizing the near-field risk.

Methods: A software tool was developed to determine the theoretical optimal position (TOP) of the transducer based on the minimization of a cost function using the particle swarm optimization (PSO).

Action of dithiocarbimates salts on the honey bee and its pathogen Nosema ceranae.

Apis mellifera, crucial pollinators for both native and cultivated plants, also yield various products such as honey, wax, royal jelly, and propolis, extensively utilized in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Nosema ceranae, a prevalent microsporidian worldwide, stands as a significant pathogen for A. mellifera, showing resistance to conventional antibiotics.

Trichilia catigua against Helicobacter pylori: An in vitro, molecular and in silico approach.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that is present in the stomach of about 50% of the global population and is associated with several gastric disorders, including cancer. Natural products with antimicrobial activity have been tested against H. pylori, among them Trichilia catigua (catuaba), which is widely distributed in Brazil.

Evaluation of total, soluble and ionic fluoride concentration in whitening and desensitizing toothpastes.

Purposes: Due to the popularity and increasing launch of toothpastes with whitening and sensitivity properties on the market, this study aimed to evaluate the fluoride concentrations in these products, since the concentrations of fluoride directly interfere with the anti-caries potential.

Methods: This is an experimental, in vitro study, where 37 samples from different batches (n = 3) purchased in different countries, were analysed in duplicate, via the ion-selective electrode technique to verify the concentration (μg/g or ppm F) of total fluoride (TF), total soluble fluoride (TSF) and ionic fluoride (IF). For a comparative data analysis, ANOVA was applied followed by a Tukey's test for multiple comparisons.

Effect of American genomic ancestry on severe toxicities in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Amazon region.

Background: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a neoplasm of the hematopoietic system characterized by a clonal expansion of abnormal lymphocyte precursor cells. ALL is the most common form of cancer in children, but despite advances in treatment, it can still be fatal. Ethnic differences influence survival rates, and genomic ancestry plays an important role, especially in mixed-race populations such as Latin America.

Characteristics associated with responsiveness to isometric handgrip training in medicated hypertensive patients: secondary data analysis.

Objective: Isometric handgrip training (IHT) has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. However, factors that predict responsiveness to IHT are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the patient characteristics associated with the antihypertensive response to IHT using a recommended statistical approach for evaluating interindividual responses.

Validation of Endogenous Control Genes by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for Acute Leukemia Gene Expression Studies.

Reference genes are used as internal reaction controls for gene expression analysis, and for this reason, they are considered reliable and must meet several important criteria. In view of the absence of studies regarding the best reference gene for the analysis of acute leukemia patients, a panel of genes commonly used as endogenous controls was selected from the literature for stability analysis: Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (), Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene human homolog 1 (), Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl-transferase 1 (), Ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P0 (), β-actin () and TATA box binding protein (). The stability of candidate reference genes was analyzed according to three statistical methods of assessment, namely, NormFinder, GeNorm and R software (version 4.

Population genetics and genomics of Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in an area of high pressure of domiciliary infestation in Northeastern Brazil.

Understanding the population dynamics of vectors is crucial for effective control of vector-borne diseases. In the Northeastern Brazilian semi-arid region, Triatoma brasiliensis persists as the most significant Chagas disease vector, frequently displaying recurrent domiciliary infestations. This situation raises relevant public health concerns in the municipality of Currais Novos in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.

Ecological modeling, biogeography, and phenotypic analyses setting the tiger cats' hyperdimensional niches reveal a new species.

Recently, the tiger-cat species complex was split into Leopardus tigrinus and Leopardus guttulus, along with other proposed schemes. We performed a detailed analysis integrating ecological modeling, biogeography, and phenotype of the four originally recognized subspecies-tigrinus, oncilla, pardinoides, guttulus-and presented a new multidimensional niche depiction of the species. Species distribution models used > 1400 records from museums and photographs, all checked for species accuracy.

Photobiomodulation therapy combined with static magnetic field is better than placebo in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by generalized chronic pain and tenderness in specific areas. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using low-level laser therapy and/or light emitting diode therapy is an electrophysical agent that can be used alone or together with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) to promote analgesia in several health conditions. Little evidence exists regarding the effects of using PBMT and PBMT-sMF in patients with fibromyalgia; this evidence is conflicting.

In Situ Photo-crosslinkable Hyaluronic Acid/Gelatin Hydrogel for Local Nitric Oxide Delivery.

An increasing number of studies have shown that the local release of nitric oxide (NO) from hydrogels stimulates tissue regeneration by modulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and inflammation. The potential biomedical uses of NO-releasing hydrogels can be expanded by enabling their application in a fluid state, followed by controlled gelation triggered by an external factor. In this study, we engineered a hydrogel composed of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAGMA) and thiolated gelatin (GELSH) with the capacity for in situ photo-cross-linking, coupled with localized NO release.

Quantification of Metal(loid)s in Lubricating Eye Drops Used in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of metal(loid)s in lubricating eye drops used in the treatment of dry eye disease. The concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Pb, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, V, and Zn were determined in 19 eye drop samples using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values for the quantified elements ranged from 0.