Publications by authors named "Paula Cunha"

β-glucosidases (BGLs) are key enzymes in the depolymerization of cellulosic biomass, catalyzing the conversion of cello-oligosaccharides into glucose. This conversion is pivotal for enhancing the production of second-generation ethanol or other value-added products in biorefineries. However, the process is often cost-prohibitive due to the high enzyme loadings required.

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Article Synopsis
  • Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a special treatment that helps improve gum health when combined with regular dental cleanings, especially for people with type 1 diabetes.
  • In a study with 38 patients, those with diabetes who received aPTD along with their regular treatment showed some improvement in gum health, but not as much as those without diabetes.
  • Overall, aPDT helped reduce inflammation and improve gum conditions for both groups, but patients without diabetes had better results.
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Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising alternative for producing biofuels, despite its recalcitrant nature. There are microorganisms in nature capable of efficiently degrade biomass, such as the filamentous fungi. Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus var.

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Resistance to African trypanosomes in humans relies in part on the high affinity targeting of a trypanosome lytic factor 1 (TLF1) to a trypanosome haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor (HpHbR). While TLF1 avoidance by the inactivation of HpHbR contributes to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense human infectivity, the evolutionary trade-off of this adaptation is unknown, as the physiological function of the receptor remains to be elucidated. Here we show that uptake of hemoglobin via HpHbR constitutes the sole heme import pathway in the trypanosome bloodstream stage.

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The influence of chloride ion concentration during the photo-assisted electrochemical degradation of simulated textile effluent, using a commercial Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.7O2 anode, was evaluated.

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Aim: To report a well succeeded use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for fixating a resorbable membrane during a guided tissue regeneration procedure (GTR).

Background: The immobilization of membranes in GTR is essential for establishing proper environment for cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. However, some membranes are very difficult to be kept in position by sutures and its fixation by mini screws or pins may be time consuming and expensive.

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Trypanosoma cruzi proliferate and differentiate inside different compartments of triatomines gut that is the first environment encountered by T. cruzi. Due to its complex life cycle, the parasite is constantly exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS).

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