Biofabricated 3D Intestinal Models as an Alternative to Animal-Based Approaches for Drug Toxicity Assays.

Background: The main challenge in new drug development is accurately predicting the human response in preclinical models.

Methods: In this study, we developed three different intestinal barrier models using advanced biofabrication techniques: (i) a manual model containing Caco-2 and HT-29 cells on a collagen bed, (ii) a manual model with a Caco-2/HT-29 layer on a HDFn-laden collagen layer, and (iii) a 3D bioprinted model incorporating both cellular layers. Each model was rigorously tested for its ability to simulate a functional intestinal membrane.

Intrinsic Coexistence of Miscibility and Segregation in Gold-Silver Nanoalloys.

Bimetallic nanoparticles are used in numerous applications in catalysis, plasmonics or fuel cell technology. The addition of the second metal to the nanoparticles allows enhancing and fine-tuning their properties by choosing their composition, size, shape and environment. However, the crucial additional parameter of chemical structure within the particle is difficult to predict and access experimentally, even though segregated core-shell structures and random alloys can have drastically different physicochemical properties.

Effects of biochar on soil contaminated by metals and metalloids from slag disposal of an old environmental liability in Ribeira Valley, Brazil.

Contamination with potentially toxic metals and metalloids (PTMs) in mining areas poses significant environment and human health risks. Using biochar as an amendment can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to reduce PTM bioavailability in contaminated soils, thus lowering plant uptake. This study investigated biochar derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) at three pyrolysis temperatures (300, 500, and 700 °C) and two application rates (1% and 5%, w/w) for the remediation of slag-contaminated soils from an old environmental liability in the Ribeira Valley (Brazil).

Racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease hospitalizations in Brazil before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction And Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a greater incidence of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and simultaneously magnified health-related inequalities. We evaluated the impact of race and ethnicity on ALD-related hospitalizations in Brazil.

Materials And Methods: An interrupted time series analysis was used to estimate ALD-related hospitalization in public hospitals in Brazil.

Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines in visceral leishmaniasis-HIV co-infected patients from Brazilian high endemic area.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in Latin America, and the clinical outcome worsens when a patient has HIV co-infection. In these patients, the immune response is complex and cytokines profile variable. We evaluate Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile in VL/HIV patients from Brazilian high endemic area.

Isoorientin: Unveiling the hidden flavonoid's promise in combating cancer development and progression - A comprehensive review.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the ability of tumors to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs. Despite significant advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, many cancers still present substantial challenges due to their heterogeneity, resistance to conventional therapies, and severe side effects of existing treatments. Consequently, there is an ongoing need for novel therapeutic agents to selectively target cancer cells, enhance the efficacy of current treatments, and minimize adverse effects.

Implementation and evaluation of a navigation program for people with cancer in old age and their family caregivers: study protocol for the EU NAVIGATE International Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cancer navigation programs aim to support, educate, and empower patients and families, addressing barriers to diagnostics, treatment, and care. Navigators engage with people to ensure timely access to services and resources. While promising for older people with cancer, these programs are scarce in Europe, and research on their effectiveness and implementation is limited.

Predictors of Hepatic Fibrosis in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Background/objectives: Approximately 25% of the world's population and more than 60% of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The association between these pathologies is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil and worldwide due to the high frequency of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiologic and clinical-laboratory profile of patients with T2D and MASLD treated at an endocrinology reference service in a state in northeastern Brazil, and to investigate the association of liver fibrosis with anthropometric and laboratory measurements.

Targeting AMPK with Irisin: Implications for metabolic disorders, cardiovascular health, and inflammatory conditions - A systematic review.

Irisin-based interventions have gained attention for their potential to modulate the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in various diseases. Physiologically, irisin is a myokine released during physical exercise that exerts anti-inflammatory effects and is a metabolic and cardiometabolic enhancer. On the other hand, AMPK is crucial for maintaining energy balance and metabolic homeostasis.

Impact of cooking knowledge refresher classes on improving the cooking skills of university students.

To develop, apply and evaluate the impact of cooking knowledge refresher classes (CKRC) on the cooking skills of university students. University students who participated in the first phase of the Nutrition and Culinary in the Kitchen (NCK) intervention A quasi-experimental cooking class intervention was conducted to reinforce cooking skills. Participants completed a validated online survey before and after the intervention.

Exploring the Impact of Catechins on Bone Metabolism: A Comprehensive Review of Current Research and Future Directions.

Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases represent a global health problem due to the progressive deterioration of affected individuals. As a bioactive compound, catechins have shown osteoprotective properties by stimulating osteoblastic cells and inhibiting bone resorption. Thus, this review aimed to address the mechanism of action of catechins on bone tissue.

The expression of and family genes in pituitary adenomas: clinical correlations and postsurgical outcomes.

Introduction: Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are benign tumors with high prevalence and, occasionally, aggressive course. The tumorigenesis of these lesions is not completely understood at the molecular level. BAK1 and BAX proteins play fundamental roles in apoptosis and seem to interact with VDAC proteins, whose expressions have been markedly altered in cancer, impacting their prognosis.

Effects of Biochar on Arsenic-Contaminated Soil: Chemical Fractionation, Vegetation Growth, and Oral Bioaccessibility.

Contamination by arsenic (As) is a pressing environmental and public health issue requiring urgent remediation strategies. One cost-effective and eco-friendly method involves adding stabilizing agents to soils to reduce As mobility. However, remediation projects must also address potential ecotoxicological effects.

Clinical response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy is associated with decreased serum leukocyte count and uric acid levels in kidney transplant recipients.

Objective: This study sought to investigate the relationship between clinical response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) and serum changes in leukocyte count, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, and uric acid in kidney transplant recipients (KTR).

Methodology: A prospective study was performed on 20 KTRs. Periodontal and serum data were collected before and 90 days after NSPT, and delta values (Δ = after NSPT - before) were calculated.

Impact of malocclusion and oral habits on oral health-related quality of life and sleep disturbance in young adults : A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of malocclusion and oral habits on oral health-related quality of life and sleep disturbance in young adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 213 young adults aged 18-30 years. Dental occlusion data were assessed through clinical examination.

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived Apamin and Melittin conjugates in cancer treatment: A systematic review.

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived peptides, particularly apamin and melittin, in cancer treatment has garnered significant attention as a promising avenue for advancing oncology. This systematic review examines preclinical studies highlighting the emerging role of these peptides in enhancing cancer therapies. Melittin and apamin, when conjugated with other therapeutic agents or formulated into novel delivery systems, have demonstrated improved efficacy in targeting tumor cells.

Mechanisms and effects of AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist, on ovarian granulosa cells-a systematic review.

Granulosa cells, crucial components of ovarian follicles, play a fundamental role in follicle development, hormone production, and overall reproductive health. These cells are integral to steroidogenesis, including the synthesis and secretion of key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Dysregulation of granulosa cells can lead to reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility.

Clinical factors associated with salivary flow rate in adults with acromegaly.

Objective: To investigate the stimulated salivary flow (SSF) and unstimulated salivary flow (USF) in adults with acromegaly and to identify possible clinical factors associated with salivary flow.

Study Design: A case-control study was conducted with a group composed of adults diagnosed with acromegaly (n = 29, mean age = 50.2 years) and a control group (n = 29, mean age = 54.

Exploring the benefits of astaxanthin as a functional food ingredient: Its effects on oxidative stress and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS - A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent gynecological-endocrinological disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, and metabolic disturbances. Recent research has highlighted the role of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in exacerbating PCOS symptoms and impeding reproductive outcomes. Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant found in marine organisms, has been suggested as a potential therapeutic intervention due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Validation of a Portable Respiratory Monitoring System for the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Crossectional Study.

 Portable respiratory monitoring (PM) has been used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the general population. However, its validation in patients with both OSA and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), remains unclear.  The aim of the study was to validate PM for the diagnosis of OSA in patients with COPD.

Exploring the Logic and Conducting a Comprehensive Evaluation of the Adiponectin Receptor Agonists AdipoRon and AdipoAI's Impacts on Bone Metabolism and Repair-A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Adiponectin replacement therapy shows promising outcomes in various diseases, especially for bone-related disorders. Challenges in using the complete protein have led to alternative approaches, with AdipoRon and AdipoAI emerging as extensively researched drug candidates. Their influence on models of bone-related disorders has progressed considerably but there has been no review of their effectiveness in modulating bone metabolism and repair.