Biosocial Technical Systems: An Emerging Approach to Analyse Responses to Novel Diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the context of a parallel epidemic of information, namely an infodemic. With the development of vaccines occurring in record time, a disinformation campaign ensued rendering the infodemic ever more troubling. As COVID-19 had to be curbed with vaccines opinion pools and surveys indicated that a minority, but relevant, part of the general public had weakened trust in public health policies and also on governmental responses to the pandemic in general.

Extracellular Vesicles: The Next Generation of Biomarkers and Treatment for Central Nervous System Diseases.

It has been widely established that the characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly small EVs (sEVs), shed by different cell types into biofluids, helps to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies are also exploring the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles naturally enriched with therapeutic microRNAs and proteins for treating various diseases. In addition, EVs released by various neural cells play a crucial function in the modulation of signal transmission in the brain in physiological conditions.

ISG15/USP18/STAT2 is a molecular hub regulating IFN I-mediated control of Dengue and Zika virus replication.

The establishment of a virus infection is the result of the pathogen's ability to replicate in a hostile environment generated by the host's immune system. Here, we found that ISG15 restricts Dengue and Zika viruses' replication through the stabilization of its binding partner USP18. ISG15 expression was necessary to control DV replication driven by both autocrine and paracrine type one interferon (IFN-I) signaling.

Synthesis of ionically imprinted Poly(Alylthiourea) in the presence of 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-Napthol (PAN) for preconcentration in magnetic dispersive solid phase of nickel ions in water and food samples.

In the present study, a magnetic ion-imprinted polymer based on n-allylthiourea in the presence of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (MIIP-PAN) was synthesized, characterized, and applied in the preconcentration of nickel ions by dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction (DMSPE) with FAAS detection. For comparison, non-imprinted polymer (MNIP-PAN) and imprinted polymer without PAN were synthesized. The characterization of the polymers was performed by FT-IR, DRX, TEM, TGA, VSM, and BET.

The utilisation of primary health care system concepts positively impacts the assistance of patients with rare diseases despite limited knowledge and experience by health care professionals: A qualitative synopsis of the evidence including approximately 78 000 individuals.

Background: Individuals with rare diseases (RD) have been historically understudied. Previous publications reported that existing primary health care (PHC) workforces and associated infrastructure had been shown to improve their access and health-related outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As current evidence about the impact of PHC on patients diagnosed with RD is yet highly dispersed, this scoping review aimed to collate available evidence of the impact of PHC on patients with RD and summarize published information from multiple stakeholders about the perceived usefulness and barriers to effective use of the PHC system.

Entomopathogenic Fungi, Isolated From Soils and Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Adults, to Manage the Eucalyptus Red Gum Lerp Psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae).

The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), entomopathogenic fungi, and chemical insecticides are the main strategies to manage the eucalypts pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore. The objective of this study was to isolate and to identify entomopathogenic fungi, collected from Bemisia tabaci Gennadius adults in soybean and tomato crops, and from soil samples in eucalypts, soybean, and native forest areas to evaluate their potential to manage G. brimblecombei.

Immunophenotypic Analysis of T Lymphocytes and Cytokine Production in Elderly Practicing Physical Activities and Its Relationship with Quality of Life and Depression.

Aging is a complex process often associated with a chronic inflammatory profile that alters several biological functions, including the immune system and cognitive and physical capacity. The practice of physical activity is increasingly gaining popularity as a method of preventing infections, depression, and other disorders that affect the quality of life of the elderly. Thus, this work analyzes the profile of cytokines and molecular markers expressed in immune cells of elderly people who practice physical activities or not, evaluating their impacts on the immune system and quality of life.

When to test for COVID-19 using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction: a systematic review.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the time in days between symptom onset and first positive real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result for COVID-19.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Scopus databases using the following descriptors: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "coronavirus", "RT-PCR", "real time PCR", and "diagnosis".

Results: The included studies were conducted in 31 different countries and reported on a total of 6831 patients.

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant prevents rat depression and modulates inflammatory and neurogenic molecules.

Introduction: Major depressive disorder is associated with chronic inflammation and deficient production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has an anti-inflammatory effect and has been proven effective in restoring non-depressive behavior. This study investigated whether BMMC transplantation can prevent the development of depression or anxiety in chronic mild stress (CMS), as well as its effect on inflammatory and neurogenic molecules.

Traffic-related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occurrence in a tropical environment.

Traffic-related PAH emissions over the urban area of Natal, Brazil, have shown a significant increase because of automobile usage and have become a major concern due to their potential effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, this research measured PAH contamination on major roads and river compartments in a tropical catchment (Pitimbu River) over an expanding urban area. Road PAH concentrations spanned from 692 to 2098 ng g and suggest the predominance of heavy (diesel-powered) and light-duty (gasoline plus alcohol-powered) vehicle emission sources.

Entomopathogenic fungi as the microbial frontline against the alien Eucalyptus pest Gonipterus platensis in Brazil.

The eucalyptus snout beetle (ESB), Gonipterus platensis, is endemic to Australia but has become a major invasive, destructive pest of Brazilian eucalyptus plantations. Efforts to develop insecticides based on entomopathogenic fungi against ESB are limited by the lack of known virulent strains. We therefore explored the virulence of indigenous Brazilian strains of major entomopathogenic fungi-Beauveria spp.

Structural insights and molecular dynamics into the inhibitory mechanism of a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor from L.

Trypsin inhibitors from tamarind seed have been studied and in preclinical studies for the treatment of obesity, its complications and associated comorbidities. It is still necessary to fully understand the structure and behaviour of these molecules. We purifed this inhibitor, sequenced by MALDI-TOF/TOF, performed its homology modelling, and assessed the interaction with the trypsin enzyme through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation under physiological conditions.

Cytotoxicity of fluconazole on canine dental pulp-derived stem cells.

Objective: In order to use fluconazole as an antifungal in cell cultures, we evaluated its possible cytotoxic effects and its influence on the proliferation and viability of canine dental pulp-derived stem cells (cDPSCs).

Methods: Samples from permanent canine teeth were placed in a sterile tube with IMDM, penicillin-streptomycin, sodium heparin, and different concentrations of fluconazole. Dental pulp was digested (collagenase type II) and expanded After 12 days of culture, enzymatic dissociation of the cDPSCs was performed to quantify, differentiate, and characterize the cells.

Antitumor activity associated with hyperthermia and 4-nitrochalcone loaded in superparamagnetic poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles.

The combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy has a potential synergic effect in antitumor activity. The development of new biocompatible and biodegradable polymers to simultaneously encapsulate magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and antitumoral drugs offer new cancer treatment opportunities. Here, biodegradable and biocompatible poly(thioether-ester) (PTEe) was used to encapsulate MNPs and 4-nitrochalcone (4NC) using miniemulsification and solvent evaporation.

Amazon Fruits Inhibit Growth and Promote Pro-apoptotic Effects on Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines.

Murici ( (L.) Kunth and (L.) DC.

Tropical climate effect on the toxic heavy metal pollutant course of road-deposited sediments.

In modern society, the intense vehicle traffic and the lack of effective mitigating strategies may adversely impact freshwater systems. Road-deposited sediments (RDS) accumulate a variety of toxic substances which are transported into nature during hydrologic events, mainly affecting water bodies through stormwater runoff. The aim of this study was to evaluate the RDS metal enrichment ratio between the end of wet season and the middle of the dry season for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in samples from Natal, Brazil.

The antidepressant effect of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in chronic stress.

Background: Inflammation could be a risk factor for the development of depression and change the outcome of this common chronic-recurrent mental disorder.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate if bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation is effective in restoring sucrose preference in rats subjected to chronic stress (CS), if it has an anti-inflammatory effect and is able to restore damaged DNA.

Methods: The effect of BMMC transplantation was studied in a controlled protocol (compared with a control group and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram group) involving sucrose preference in CS in rats.

Human T Lymphocytes Are Permissive for Dengue Virus Replication.

Dengue virus (DV) infection can cause either a self-limiting flu-like disease or a threatening hemorrhage that may evolve to shock and death. A variety of cell types, such as dendritic cells, monocytes, and B cells, can be infected by DV. However, despite the role of T lymphocytes in the control of DV replication, there remains a paucity of information on possible DV-T cell interactions during the disease course.

ISG15-Induced IL-10 Is a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Myeloid Axis Disrupted during Active Tuberculosis.

IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) deficiency in humans leads to severe IFNopathies and mycobacterial disease, the latter being previously attributed to its extracellular cytokine-like activity. In this study, we demonstrate a novel role for secreted ISG15 as an IL-10 inducer, unique to primary human monocytes. A balanced ISG15-induced monocyte/IL-10 versus lymphoid/IFN-γ expression, correlating with p38 MAPK and PI3K signaling, was found using targeted in vitro and ex vivo systems analysis of human transcriptomic datasets.

Beyond ISGlylation: Functions of Free Intracellular and Extracellular ISG15.

ISG15 is a ubiquitin-like type I IFN-stimulated protein of 15 kDa and is one of the most prominently expressed proteins in viral infections. ISG15 is widely known to be involved in a process called ISGylation, where it binds to over 150 targets from a variety of classes of proteins including central immune signaling pathways such as those mediated by NFκB, JNK, and IRF-3. However, ISG15 also exists in a free form that can act intra- or extracellularly.

Genome-wide analyses reveal a highly conserved Dengue virus envelope peptide which is critical for virus viability and antigenic in humans.

Targeting regions of proteins that show a high degree of structural conservation has been proposed as a method of developing immunotherapies and vaccines that may bypass the wide genetic variability of RNA viruses. Despite several attempts, a vaccine that protects evenly against the four circulating Dengue virus (DV) serotypes remains elusive. To find critical conserved amino acids in dengue viruses, 120 complete genomes of each serotype were selected at random and used to calculate conservation scores for nucleotide and amino acid sequences.

Molecular characterization of lipoamide dehydrogenase gene in Trypanosoma cruzi populations susceptible and resistant to benznidazole.

Lipoamide dehydrogenase (LipDH) is a flavin-containing disulfide oxidoreductase from the same group of thioredoxin reductase, glutathione reductase and trypanothione reductase. This enzyme is found in the mitochondria of all aerobic organisms where it takes part in at least three important multienzyme complexes from the citric acid cycle. In this study, we performed a phylogenetic analysis comparing the amino acid sequence of the LipDH from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcLipDH) with the LipDH from other organisms.

Antioxidants from Annatto Seeds as Possible Inhibitory Agents of the Hepatotoxicity Induced by the Antitumor Agent Cisplatin.

The effects of annatto seeds and of bixin on the oxidative damage induced by cisplatin in male Wistar rats was evaluated in the present study by way of lipid peroxidation, weight gain, the food efficiency coefficient, fat deposits in the hepatocytes and dosing of the enzymes in this organ. The animals were divided into four groups: control group (CG), cisplatin group (CPG), bixin+cisplatin group (CBG) and annatto+cisplatin group (CUG). Cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally 48 hours before the end of the experiment.

Adhesion and cytotoxicity of Aeromonas caviae to rabbit intestinal epithelium ex vivo.

Unlabelled: Aeromonads are considered potential pathogens for humans and animals and are responsible for the etiology of intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. The presence of Aeromonas spp. in food and water shows that it is an important vehicle of infection in humans.