Tenascin-C-Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Phenotype and the Risk of Tendinopathy in High-Performance Athletes: A Case-Control Study.

Tendon structure is predominantly composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and genetic variants in non-collagenous ECM components may influence susceptibility to tendinopathy. We investigated the potential influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in fibrillin-2 (), tenascin-C (), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 () on the tendon regeneration failure phenotype and impact on the susceptibility to tendinopathy in Brazilian high-performance athletes. This case-control study was conducted with 397 high-performance athletes from different sports modalities (197 tendinopathy cases and 200 controls), and they were analyzed by validated TaqMan SNP genotyping assays of the SNPs (rs331079), (rs2104772), and (rs591058).

Cadmium Exposure and Noncommunicable Diseases in Environmentally Exposed Brazilian Population: Cross-Sectional Study without Association of Polymorphism.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal which is harmful to humans and the environment. Cd levels and adverse effects may be associated with genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in its toxicokinetics. This study investigated Cd levels in 198 residents of a condominium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, built on industrial steel slag waste and the influence of glutathione S-transferase pi isoform 1 () rs1695 A>G polymorphism.

Differential distribution of NAT2 polymorphisms and NAT2 acetylator phenotypes among indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon.

Objectives: We report, for the first time, the distribution of four no-function NAT2 single nucleotide polymorphisms and inferred NAT2 acetylator phenotypes in three indigenous groups (Munduruku, Paiter-Suruí, and Yanomami), living in reservation areas in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods: Two hundred and seventy-six participants from three indigenous groups (92 for each group) were included and genotyped for four NAT2 polymorphisms (rs1801279, rs1801280, rs1799930, and rs1799931) by the TaqMan system. Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) was determined and NAT2 acetylator phenotypes were inferred.

The rs1695 Polymorphism Is Associated with Mercury Levels and Neurodevelopmental Delay in Indigenous Munduruku Children from the Brazilian Amazon.

Genetic polymorphisms may influence mercury (Hg) toxicity. The aims of this study were to evaluate individual factors, such as the presence of the rs1695 polymorphism, associated with internal Hg dose and child neurodevelopment in indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon chronically exposed to Hg. Eighty-two indigenous children were clinically evaluated, hair Hg was measured, and the rs1695 polymorphism was genotyped.

EPR Viscometric Measurements Using a C-Labeled Triarylmethyl Radical in Protein-based Biotherapeutics and Human Synovial Fluids.

The viscosity measurements are of clinical significance for evaluation of the potential pathological conditions of biological lubricants such as synovial fluids of joints, and for formulation and characterization of peptide- and protein-based biotherapeutics. Due to inherent potential therapeutic activity, protein drugs have proven to be one of the most efficient therapeutic agents in treatment of several life-threatening disorders, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases. However, home-use applications for treating chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, necessitate the development of high-concentration insulin and monoclonal antibodies formulations for patient self-administration.

Genetic Variations in Susceptibility to Traumatic Muscle Injuries and Muscle Pain among Brazilian High-Performance Athletes.

Traumatic muscle injuries (TMIs) and muscle pain (MP) negatively impact athletes' performance and quality of life. Both conditions have a complex pathophysiology involving the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Yet, the existing data are scarce and controversial.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Mercury Levels and Neurological Symptoms: An Overview.

Mercury (Hg) pollution is a global public health concern because of its adverse effects on the environment and health. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with Hg levels and outcomes. The aim of this review was to describe the research and discuss the evidence on the genetic susceptibility of Hg-exposed individuals to the development of neurocognitive disorders.

Micellar solution of [Ra]RaCl: Reaching renal excretion, potent efficacy in osteoblastic osteosarcoma in PDX model, biochemistry alterations and pharmacokinetics.

Despite the successful use of the radiopharmaceutical radium-223 dichloride ([Ra]RaCl) for targeted alpha therapy of castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with bone metastases, some short-term side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting, have been documented, causing patient discomfort. Hence, we prepared a nanosized micellar solution of [Ra]RaCl and evaluated its biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and induced biochemical changes in healthy mice up to 96 h after intraperitoneal administration as an alternative to overcome the previous limitations. In addition, we evaluated the bone specificity of micellar [Ra]RaCl in patient-derived xenografts in the osteosarcoma model.

Association of polymorphism in leptin receptor gene with susceptibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Purpose: Abnormal leptin bioavailability has play key roles in the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Both leptin and its receptor levels may be modulated by the presence of genetic polymorphisms. This study aimed to evaluate the role of polymorphisms in the leptin (LEP) and its main receptor (LEPR) genes in the AIS susceptibility in girls.

Euterpe oleracea extract (açaí) exhibits cardioprotective effects after chemotherapy treatment in a breast cancer model.

Background: Açaí, a Brazilian native fruit, has already been demonstrated to play a role in the progress of breast cancer and cardiotoxicity promoted by chemotherapy agents. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the combined use of açaí and the FAC-D chemotherapy protocol in a breast cancer model in vivo.

Methods: Mammary carcinogenesis was induced in thirty female Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 25 mg/kg 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) in the mammary gland.

Influence of interleukin-8 polymorphism on endometriosis-related pelvic pain.

Endometriosis presents a pro-inflammatory microenvironment influenced by cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8, which expression may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-8 rs4073 polymorphism in endometriosis' development and its related symptoms. A case-control study was conducted with 207 women with endometriosis and 193 healthy controls.

Network Analysis of Biomarkers Associated with Occupational Exposure to Benzene and Malathion.

Complex diseases are associated with the effects of multiple genes, proteins, and biological pathways. In this context, the tools of Network Medicine are compatible as a platform to systematically explore not only the molecular complexity of a specific disease but may also lead to the identification of disease modules and pathways. Such an approach enables us to gain a better understanding of how environmental chemical exposures affect the function of human cells, providing better perceptions about the mechanisms involved and helping to monitor/prevent exposure and disease to chemicals such as benzene and malathion.

Chronic Mercury Exposure and Polymorphism in Munduruku Indigenous from Brazilian Amazon.

Genetic polymorphisms may be involved with mercury levels and signs and symptoms of intoxication from this exposure. Therefore, the aims were to describe the frequency of the polymorphism and to evaluate its effects on mercury levels and neurological signs in three Munduruku indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-seven indigenous (over 12 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1695) using a TaqMan validated assay.

Clotrimazole is effective, safe and tolerable for the treatment of endometriosis and functions by downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase and modulating oxidative stress biomarkers.

This study investigated the mechanism of action of clotrimazole (CTZ) and its adverse effects in a model of endometriosis. After autologous endometrial implantation, 18 rats were randomized into two treatment groups: 200 mg/kg CTZ or vehicle for 15 consecutive days. The lesion growth, implant size, glandular atrophy, nitric oxide (NO) serum levels, number of macrophage cells and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactivity were significantly reduced in the CTZ group compared with the control.

Chronic Cadmium Exposure and Genetic Polymorphisms of and in a Population Exposed to Steel Slag in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Genetic polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinases () family genes may be associated with cadmium (Cd) levels and its adverse effects. This study investigated the impact of and polymorphisms on Cd levels in 238 residents of a condominium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, built over an industrial steel slag waste. Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan validated assays, and the Cd levels were measured in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) samples by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Pregnancy in a Transgender Male: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Pregnancy in transgender men is an area of increasing study due to data showing that pregnancy can occur in this population despite the reduction in fertility that generally accompanies treatment with gender-affirming hormone therapies.

Case: In this case, we describe a healthy 21-year-old transgender man who was able to achieve pregnancy without reproductive assistance after stopping his testosterone therapy for 2 months. .

Association of FBN1 polymorphism with susceptibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case-control study.

Background: Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein essential to the structural component of microfibrils and FBN1 gene polymorphisms can be associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) susceptibility. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of the FBN1 rs12916536 polymorphism in AIS development or severity and the variation in Cobb angle in relation to patient's characteristics.

Methods: DNA from 563 subjects (185 AIS patients and 378 controls) were genotyped using a validated TaqMan allelic discrimination assay.

Maximal vs. explosive knee extensor strength in professional soccer players: inter-limb asymmetries and relationship with knee function.

The main aims of this study were to compare the magnitude of inter-limb asymmetry (ILA) and the relation with self-reported knee function between maximal and explosive knee extensor strength outcomes in professional soccer players. Forty-six male soccer players completed different maximal isokinetic and isometric contractions of the knee extensors for the assessment of maximal strength (peak torque and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque) and explosive strength (early, intermediate, late, and peak rate of torque development (RTD)). Self-reported knee function was assessed with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scoring scales.

Modification of Ti/TiONT with ZrO nanoparticles to enhance photoelectrocatalytic performance in removal of dibutyl phthalate.

This work shows that ZrO, used as a modifier of TiO, can be highly effective as a co-catalyst in the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The monoclinic phase of ZrO was easily obtained by chemical deposition on TiO nanotubes (E ~3.06 eV), increasing the occurrence of hydroxyl groups and acidity on the surface of the material, as observed by electrophoretic mobility measurements.

Surface facet FeO-based visible light photocatalytic activation of persulfate for the removal of RR120 dye: nonlinear modeling and optimization.

Photocatalytic activation of persulfate (PS) is recently emerged as an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable approach for pollutants degradation, which enables to leverage the strengths of low-cost solar energy and heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we investigated the photocatalytic decomposition of reactive red 120 (RR120) dye using PS-activated FeO nanoparticles and elucidated the effect of their facets, α-FeO (001), β-FeO (100), and γ-FeO (111). β-FeO not only boosted the charge carrier separation but also provided more active sites for PS activation resulting in 6- and 3.