Subgenomic RNA Detection in SARS-CoV-2 Assessing Replication and Inactivation Through Serial Passages, RT-qPCR, and Electron Microscopy.

Subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) are potential markers of active SARS-CoV-2 replication, serving as templates for the synthesis of structural and accessory proteins in infectious viral particles. This study aimed to use RT-qPCR to quantify sgRNA and negative RNA intermediates, assessing viral replication in virus samples inactivated by β-propiolactone (βPL). Inactivated viruses subjected to five blind serial passages (BSs) were amplified by RT-qPCR using primers to target the envelope (ENV) and nucleoproteins (N1 and N2) of genomic genes, subgenomic envelope RNA (sgENV), and intermediate envelope RNA (ENV-).

Chlorine-mediated methane activation: an efficient photocatalytic pathway to valuable chemicals.

Methane (CH), a major component of natural gas, is both a valuable energy source and a potent greenhouse gas. Due to the remote locations of many CH reserves and the challenges of transportation, converting methane into liquid compounds under mild, sustainable conditions is highly desirable. Photocatalysis, a solar-driven technology, offers a promising approach for methane activation at ambient temperatures, avoiding issues like catalyst deactivation and product overoxidation associated with conventional high-temperature methods.

Evaluation of the extraction of antioxidant compounds from buriti pulp ( L.) by response surface methodology.

Buriti is a fruit rich in antioxidant compounds, and hydroalcoholic extracts were produced from its pulp to investigate the extraction conditions that result in the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds and maximum antioxidant capacity. The results showed considerable variation in the bioactive compound contents in the pulp: total phenolics (104.64-270.

Evaluation of SB-83, a 2-amino-thiophene derivative, against Leishmania species that cause visceral leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic disease that affects various internal organs and represents the most severe and fatal form of leishmaniasis. Conventional treatment presents significant challenges, such as prolonged management in hospital settings, high toxicity, and an increasing growing number of cases of resistance. In previous studies, our research group demonstrated the effective and selective activity of the 2-amino-thiophene derivative SB-83 in preclinical models of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

MPXV: Update on Morphological and Morphogenesis Aspects Through Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopies and 3D Reconstruction.

An unprecedented global outbreak caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern on July 23, 2022. Therapeutics and vaccines for MPXV are not widely available, necessitating further studies, particularly in drug repurposing area. To this end, the standardization of in vitro infection systems is essential.

Twelve weeks of exercise training improves cognitive status, physical performance and quality of life in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which there is slow and gradual impairment of mental function. Considering the increase in cases due to population aging, the potential benefits of physical training in AD are of great importance and need further elucidation. This study aims to identify the impact of physical training on crucial aspects of AD such as cognitive status, physical performances, quality of life and activities of daily living.

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications.

Biomimetic nanocarriers, engineered to mimic the characteristics of native cells, offer a revolutionary approach in the treatment of various complex human diseases. This strategy enhances drug delivery by leveraging the innate properties of cellular components, thereby improving biocompatibility and targeting specificity. Biomimetic nanocarriers demonstrate significant advancements in drug delivery systems against cancer therapy, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections such as COVID-19.

Hydroxycinnamic Acid Extraction from Multiple Lignocellulosic Sources: Correlations with Substrate Composition and Taxonomy for Flavoring and Antioxidant Applications.

The extraction of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCADs) is a strategy for lignocellulosic biomass valorization due to their high value-added nature and the possibility of application as flavoring and antioxidants. This study proposes correlations between the composition and taxonomy of 28 globally available agro-industrial feedstocks with the production of HCADs using chemometric tools. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between ferulic acid release and hemicellulose type and content, especially in grass biomasses.

Anti-EGFR Rechallenge in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and the Role of ctDNA: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a significant clinical challenge. While anti-EGFR inhibitors have improved survival rates, their long-term efficacy is limited by disease progression, which is often associated with the development of acquired resistance mutations. However, some patients may regain sensitivity to anti-EGFR agents after alternative therapies, suggesting a potential benefit for rechallenge strategies.

Achieving the Optimal AgO Concentrations to Modulate the Anti- Activity of Ag-ZnO/AgO Nanocomposites: In Vivo Investigations.

: For the development of new treatments, the acute phase of Chagas disease (CD) in experimental models acts as a filter to screen out potentially effective interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate ZnO nanocrystals and Ag-ZnO/AgO nanocomposites containing different proportions of silver (ZnO:5Ag, ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag) in an experimental model of the acute phase of CD. : C57Bl/6 mice were infected with 1000 forms of the Colombian strain of .

Color removal in acidogenic reactor followed by aerobic granular sludge reactor: Operational and microbiological aspects.

This work investigated the operational and microbiological aspects of the decolorization of the azo dye Reactive Black 5 in acidogenic reactors followed by aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors, evaluating the effect of the acidogenic hydraulic retention time (HRT) (3, 2, and 1 h), effluent recirculation in the AGS reactor (50 mL min), dye concentration (50 and 100 mg L), and the redox mediator sodium anthraquinone-2-disulfonate (AQS) (50 μM). The acidogenic reactors were mainly responsible for the dye decolorization, with AQS significantly improving its efficiency and enabling the use of a shorter HRT (2 h). The recirculation effect was not so evident, probably masked by the adaptation of the acidogenic microbiota.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of p300, H2AacK5 and H3AcK27 in Odontogenic Cysts and Tumors.

The acetylation of histones H2A on lysine 5 (H2AacK5) and H3 on lysine 27 (H3AcK27) modulate several cellular mechanisms through the p300 enzyme in pathological lesions; however, their role in odontogenic lesions has not been addressed. This study aims to evaluate the immunoexpression of p300, H2AacK5, and H3AcK27 in samples of ameloblastoma (AMB) (n = 30), odontogenic keratocyst (OK) (n = 15), adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) (n = 10), odontogenic fibroma (OF) (n = 8), calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) (n = 8), odontogenic myxoma (MIX) (n = 10), and ameloblastic fibroma (AF) (n = 06). The percentage of p300-positive cells was higher in AOT and decreased in COC, OK, AMB, AF, OF, and MIX.

COVID-19 Inflammatory Syndrome: Lessons from TNFRI and CRP about the Risk of Death in Severe Disease.

: Cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 is responsible for irreversible tissue damage and death. Soluble mediators from the TNF superfamily, their correlation with clinical outcome, and the use of TNF receptors as a potent predictor for clinical outcome were evaluated. : Severe COVID-19 patients had the levels of soluble mediators from the TNF superfamily quantified and categorized according to the clinical outcome (death versus survival).

Unveiling the role of exercise in modulating plasma heat shock protein 27 levels: insights for exercise immunology and cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, primarily driven by atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition contributing significantly to fatalities. Various biological determinants affecting cardiovascular health across different age and sex groups have been identified. In this context, recent attention has focused on the potential therapeutic and preventive role of increasing circulating levels of heat shock protein 27 (plasma HSP27) in combating atherosclerosis.

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose extracted from bamboo culm for bioethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae modified via CRISPR/Cas9.

In the context of biorefinery, researchers have been looking for lignocellulosic biomasses and ideal treatments to produce economically viable biofuels. In this scenario, the bamboo culm appears as a plant matrix of great potential, given the high cellulose content of low crystallinity. Thus, the objective and differential of this work was to determine the best conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose extracted from bamboo culm and to evaluate its potential application in the production of bioethanol through Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) and Saccharification and Simultaneous Fermentation (SSF) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae modified via CRISPR/Cas9.

Sustainable synthesis pathways: Bacterial nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass for circular economy initiatives.

The hydrothermal pretreatment process stands out as a pivotal step in breaking down the hemicellulosic fraction of lignocellulosic biomasses, such as sugarcane bagasse and eucalyptus sawdust. This pretreatment step is crucial for preparing these materials for subsequent processes, particularly in food applications. This technique aims to disintegrate plant wall components like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and facilitating access in later phases such as enzymatic hydrolysis, and ultimately making fermentable sugars available.

Antiprotozoal, Anthelmintic and Antivectorial Activities of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology has been established as a promising alternative for treating a myriad of disease-causing microorganisms that pose threats to human health. The utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) emerges as a strategy to enhance the therapeutic arsenal against these diseases, especially given the tendency of many pathogens to develop resistance to conventional medications. Notably, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) have garnered attention for their multifaceted biomedical applications, encompassing antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and drug delivery properties.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Coronary Revascularization Guided by Intracoronary Physiology: Results of the First Registry with Long-Term Follow-Up in a Latin American Population.

The use of invasive physiology methods in patients with renal dysfunction is not well elucidated. Our objective was to evaluate the in-hospital and long-term results of using intracoronary physiology to guide revascularization in patients with chronic kidney disease. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 151 patients from January 2018 to January 2022, divided into 2 groups: CKD (81 patients [114 lesions]) and non-CKD (70 patients [117 lesions]).

Investigating the Metal-TiO Influence for Highly Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of Methane to Methanol.

Methane conversion to valuable chemicals is a highly challenging and desirable reaction. Photocatalysis is a clean pathway to drive this chemical reaction, avoiding the high temperature and pressure of the syngas process. Titanium dioxide, being the most used photocatalyst, presents challenges in controlling the oxidation process, which is believed to depend on the metal sites on its surface that function as heterojunctions.

Testicular damage without clinical manifestations in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with Zika virus.

In 2015-2016, the Zika virus (ZIKV) caused a major epidemic in the Americas, increasing cases of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. During this period, the discovery of ZIKV sexual transmission intensified studies on the impact of this virus on the reproductive organs. For this study, 2-month-old male BALB/c mice were infected with 1.

Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil in a natural product-based formulation: Antimicrobial and healing effects in Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds.

Owing to its exposed nature, the skin can be injured by various factors, including by Staphylococcus aureus, which inhabits its innate microbiota. Treatment of infected wounds presents an important challenge, making it imperative to develop new treatment options. Plant-derived formulations, such as those containing Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (MaEO), are used for wound treatment because of their healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated via fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion improves outcome in a middle-income country.

Objectives: A recent European randomized trial - Tracheal Occlusion To Accelerate Lung Growth - demonstrated that fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) is associated with increased postnatal survival among infants with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, this differs in middle-income countries such as Brazil, where abortion is illegal and neonatal intensive care is inadequate. This study evaluated the effects of FETO on improving the survival of infants with moderate-to-severe CDH in isolated and non-isolated cases.

A Solar to Chemical Strategy: Green Hydrogen as a Means, Not an End.

Green hydrogen is the key to the chemical industry achieving net zero emissions. The chemical industry is responsible for almost 2% of all CO emissions, with half of it coming from the production of simple commodity chemicals, such as NH, HO, methanol, and aniline. Despite electrolysis driven by renewable power sources emerging as the most promising way to supply all the green hydrogen required in the production chain of these chemicals, in this review, it is worth noting that the photocatalytic route may be underestimated and can hold a bright future for this topic.