The role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in the immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) trafficking is regulated by chemokines, which modulate leukocyte migration toward tumors and may collaborate in the efficacy of immunotherapy. In our study, we investigated whether the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays a role in the efficacy of immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by analyzing CXCR4 expression for CXCR4 in peripheral blood (PB), and the expression of its ligand CXCL12 in tumor.

Methods: We identified PBMCs expressing CXCR4 using flow cytometry in a prospective cohort of NSCLC patients before starting anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

Combining Fluconazole with Benzo[]phenoxazine Derivatives as a Promising Strategy Against Fluconazole-Resistant Species.

The rise in non- species, exhibiting unpredictable antifungal resistance, complicates treatment and contributes to the growing threat of invasive, life-threatening infections. This study evaluates the antifungal activity of four benzo[]phenoxazine derivatives (, , , and ) against 14 strains following EUCAST standards. Fluconazole interactions are analysed through fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) calculation and response surface analysis based on the Bliss model.

Novel synthetic UV screen compounds inspired in mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs): Antioxidant capacity, photoprotective properties and toxicity.

The combination of environmental stress on the ozone layer, climate change and a greater sun exposure due to outdoor habits has led to an increase in skin cancer cases and other health issues related with UV radiation. Researchers are searching for new alternative UV filters that could protect our skin from the deleterious effects of UV radiation while also presenting low toxicity and biodegradable character (unlike the UV filters currently available in the market). In this work, two compounds inspired in the natural oxo-mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) have been synthesized and their antioxidant and photoprotective properties, as well as their in vitro and in vivo toxicity effects were evaluated.

A Case of Multifocal Primary Pyomyositis Complicated With Toxic Shock Syndrome in a Non-tropical Region.

Primary pyomyositis, also known as tropical pyomyositis, is a primary bacterial infection of skeletal muscle following hematogenous infections. It is primarily caused by  or Group A  and predominantly affects children and young adults. Although rarely observed in temperate climates, its prevalence appears to be increasing.

Tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A exceeds endomysial antibody in specificity of celiac diagnosis at ≥10 times the upper limit of normal.

Objective: Serologic diagnosis using tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (TTG-IgA) and endomysial antibody (EMA) is being integrated into the care of pediatric patients with positive screening for celiac disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of EMA in pediatric patients being considered for serologic diagnosis.

Methods: Patients with TTG-IgA testing performed between May 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023 and with subsequent duodenal biopsy within 6 months were included.

Organic arabic coffee husk: Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties and potential impacts on selected human intestinal bacterial populations of individuals with diabetes.

Coffee husks are the main by-product of the coffee industry and have been traditionally discarded in the environment or used as fertilizers. However, recent studies have shown that coffee husks have bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and fiber-bound macro antioxidants, offering a range of potential health benefits. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity, cytoprotective/cytotoxic properties, and stimulatory effects on the relative abundance of selected intestinal bacterial populations of individuals with diabetes of organic coffee husks.

AMBRA1 levels predict resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma.

Intrinsic and acquired resistance to mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) in melanoma remains a major therapeutic challenge. Here, we show that the clinical development of resistance to MAPKi is associated with reduced tumor expression of the melanoma suppressor Autophagy and Beclin 1 Regulator 1 (AMBRA1) and that lower expression levels of AMBRA1 predict a poor response to MAPKi treatment. Functional analyses show that loss of AMBRA1 induces phenotype switching and orchestrates an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-independent resistance mechanism by activating focal adhesion kinase 1 (FAK1).

Protein fraction from Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. seeds exhibit antioxidant and antifungal activities.

Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. seeds are protein sources with health and environmental benefits.

Association of clinical indicators in TMJ, craniofacial, occlusal, and upper airway changes with symptoms of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and mouth-breathing.

Objective: To assess the association between self-reported symptoms of pediatric OSA and clinical signs in MB children.

Methods: Seventy-three MB children aged 7-14 years answered an interview questionnaire on OSA symptoms in childhood, focusing on chewing, nasal, and sleep disturbances. MB children were checked for changes on the craniofacial, occlusion, TMJ, upper airway, and body posture by a multi-disciplinary team, consisting of medical residents, dental, and psychology postgraduate students.

Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Vaccination of Brazilian Immigrants in Portugal: Risks When Returning to Their Country of Origin?

Vaccination is one of the main advancements in public health in the prophylaxis of infectious diseases. We intend to describe the general knowledge about vaccines/vaccination among Brazilian immigrants in Portugal, characterize their attitudes toward vaccination, and describe their knowledge of the yellow fever (YF) vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-completion questionnaire (face-to-face or remote).

Pyomyositis After a Group C Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Pyomyositis is a bacterial infection deep within the muscles, often leading to multiple intramuscular abscesses. While historically linked with tropical regions, its incidence in temperate zones has been increasing, primarily due to factors such as immunosuppression. Typically, it manifests as a subacute infection, although when caused by Group C and resulting in toxic shock syndrome, it can lead to poorer outcomes.

Dataset of mathematics learning and assessment of higher education students using the MathE platform.

Higher education institutions are promoting the adoption of innovative methodologies and instructional approaches to engage and promote personalized learning paths to their students. Several strategies based on gamification, artificial intelligence, and data mining are adopted to create an interactive educational setting centred around students. Within this personalized learning environment, there is a notable boost in student engagement and enhanced educational outcomes.

SIV Infection Is Associated with Transient Acute-Phase Steatosis in Hepatocytes In Vivo.

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals, even those receiving optimal antiretroviral therapy. Here, we utilized the SIV rhesus macaque model and advanced laparoscopic techniques for longitudinal collection of liver tissue to elucidate the timing of pathologic changes. The livers of both SIV-infected (N = 9) and SIV-naïve uninfected (N = 8) macaques were biopsied and evaluated at four time points (weeks -4, 2, 6, and 16-20 post-infection) and at necropsy (week 32).

Non-animal protein hydrolysates from agro-industrial wastes: A prospect of alternative inputs for cultured meat.

In light of the growing demand for alternative protein sources, laboratory-grown meat has been proposed as a potential solution to the challenges posed by conventional meat production. Cultured meat does not require animal slaughter and uses sustainable production methods, contributing to animal welfare, human health, and environmental sustainability. However, some challenges still need to be addressed in cultured meat production, such as the use of fetal bovine serum for medium supplementation.

Angle Assessment for Upper Limb Rehabilitation: A Novel Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-Based Approach.

The accurate measurement of joint angles during patient rehabilitation is crucial for informed decision making by physiotherapists. Presently, visual inspection stands as one of the prevalent methods for angle assessment. Although it could appear the most straightforward way to assess the angles, it presents a problem related to the high susceptibility to error in the angle estimation.

Prevalence of Postural Changes and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Young Adults.

Background: Postural changes are considered a public health problem, especially those that affect the spine, as they may predispose to degenerative conditions of the spine in adulthood. Musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of chronic pain, illness, reduced educational performance, productivity, and quality of life, and are responsible for increased absenteeism, which could compromise the future career of students. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of postural changes and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in different anatomical regions in the 12 months prior and 7 days prior to the application of the questionnaire and the number of affected anatomical regions.

An Unusual Case of Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma Mimicking Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome in an Adolescent Patient.

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is an indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma rarely seen in pediatric patients. MALT lymphoma most commonly involves the gastrointestinal tract or peri-orbital tissues, potentially as sequela of chronic antigenic stimulation or immune dysregulation. Rare cases of MALT lymphoma arising from the gynecologic tract have been reported in older adult patients.

Candida albicans chitinase 3 with potential as a vaccine antigen: production, purification, and characterisation.

Chitinases are widely studied enzymes that have already found widespread application. Their continued development and valorisation will be driven by the identification of new and improved variants and/or novel applications bringing benefits to industry and society. We previously identified a novel application for chitinases wherein the Candida albicans cell wall surface chitinase 3 (Cht3) was shown to have potential in vaccine applications as a subunit antigen against fungal infections.

T regulatory lymphocytes specific for SARS-CoV-2 display increased functional plasticity.

The study of phenotypic and functional characteristics of immune cells involved in host response to SARS-CoV-2 is relevant for understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis and individual differences in disease progression. We have analyzed chemokine receptor expression in SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes from vaccinated donors, and have found an increase of CCR9+ and CCR6+ cells. CCR9+ specific CD4+ cells are enriched in T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes.

Digestion-resistant whey peptides promote antioxidant effect on Caco-2 cells.

Enteric endothelial cells are the first structure to come in contact with digested food and may suffer oxidative damage by innumerous exogenous factors. Although peptides derived from whey digestion have presented antioxidant potential, little is known regarding antioxidant pathways activation in Caco-2 cell line model. Hence, we evaluated the ability to form whey peptides resistant to simulated gastrointestinal digestive processes, with potential antioxidant activity on gastrointestinal cells and associated with sequence structure and activity.

Diabetes exacerbates inflammatory bowel disease in mice with diet-induced obesity.

Background: The increased prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes suggests a causal link between these diseases, potentially involving the effect of hyperglycemia to disrupt intestinal barrier integrity.

Aim: To investigate whether the deleterious impact of diabetes on the intestinal barrier is associated with increased IBD severity in a murine model of colitis in mice with and without diet-induced obesity.

Methods: Mice were fed chow or a high-fat diet and subsequently received streptozotocin to induce diabetic-range hyperglycemia.