Vascular Extracellular Matrix in Atherosclerosis.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a central role in the structural integrity and functionality of the cardiovascular system. Moreover, the ECM is involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability. In fact, ECM remodeling affects plaque stability, cellular migration, and inflammatory responses.

How Does Physical Activity Modulate Hormone Responses?

Physical activity highly impacts the neuroendocrine system and hormonal secretion. Numerous variables, both those related to the individual, including genetics, age, sex, biological rhythms, nutritional status, level of training, intake of drugs or supplements, and previous or current pathologies, and those related to the physical activity in terms of type, intensity, and duration of exercise, or environmental conditions can shape the hormonal response to physical exercise. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of physical exercise on hormonal levels in the human body, focusing on changes in concentrations of hormones such as cortisol, testosterone, and insulin in response to different types and intensities of physical activity.

Feeding and eating disorders in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: real-word data from an observational, naturalistic study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. The literature lacks large-scale research evaluating its consequences on teenagers with feeding and eating disorders (FED). This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a population of patients of developmental age.

Larval and adult morphology of Olivier (Coleoptera, Lampyridae) and a Halloweeny case of cave-dwelling firefly larva feeding on bat guano.

The predatory firefly is common throughout the Atlantic Forest and has been proposed as a biomonitor due to the species' narrow niche and elevational range. However, the species is only known from adults, and a more effective monitoring of its populations hinges on the lack of knowledge on their immature stages. Recent sampling in ferruginous caves and inserted in other lithologies, on sites in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, have led to the capture of firefly larvae later reared to adults in the lab.

The Third-Generation Sequencing Challenge: Novel Insights for the Omic Sciences.

The understanding of the human genome has been greatly improved by the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS). Despite the undeniable advantages responsible for their widespread diffusion, these methods have some constraints, mainly related to short read length and the need for PCR amplification. As a consequence, long-read sequencers, called third-generation sequencing (TGS), have been developed, promising to overcome NGS.

Glowing wonders: exploring the diversity and ecological significance of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil.

Bioluminescence, the emission of light by living organisms, is a captivating and widespread phenomenon with diverse ecological functions. This comprehensive review explores the biodiversity, mechanisms, ecological roles, and conservation challenges of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil, a country known for its vast and diverse ecosystems. From the enchanting glow of fireflies and glow-in-the-dark mushrooms to the mesmerizing displays of marine dinoflagellates and cnidarians, Brazil showcases a remarkable array of bioluminescent species.

Efficacy of either orally administered fluralaner or topically administered imidacloprid/flumethrin for controlling Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato premises infestations.

Background: Adult, nymph, and larval Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato infest dogs and thrive in premises including homes and kennels. Ticks emerge from hiding to seek and attach to dogs, engorge, then leave their hosts to hide then molt or oviposit. This study evaluated the effect of either external or systemic canine treatment on R.

Epidemiological Profile of Victim Patients of Facial Canine and Human Bites in a Public Hospital.

Introduction: Bites are among the most common types of trauma to which humans are exposed. The possibility of disfiguring lesions and the transmission of infectious diseases with high morbidity make this trauma a public health problem.

Method: This was a retrospective, descriptive study that analyzed the medical records of patients treated at the Emergency Unit of the Plastic Surgery Service of the Asa Norte Regional Hospital from March 2019 to March 2020.

Description of immature stages and redescription of adults of Monocrepidius fuscofasciatus (Eschscholtz, 1829) (Elateridae, Agrypninae, Oophorini).

Monocrepidius Eschscholtz, 1829, previously Conoderus Eschscholtz, 1829, is one of the largest genera in Elateridae, with about 380 species distributed worldwide, with the majority of diversity in Australian and Neotropical regions. Several species groups have been recognized in Monocrepidius. Monocrepidius fuscofasciatus (Eschscholtz 1829) belongs to Candèze's section I with seven species distributed in South America, predominantly in Brazil.

Lithium treatment in children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa: clinical use, side effects and tolerability.

Purpose: Current guidelines, due to potential toxicity and lack of clinical evidence, do not recommend the use of lithium in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Scarce evidence is available on the use, side effects, and tolerability of this drug in children and adolescents with AN, a population characterized by specific clinical, metabolic, and hydro-electrolytic balance features. Here we report a case series of children and adolescents hospitalized for AN and treated with lithium.

A comprehensive review and call for studies on firefly larvae.

Background: Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are commonly recognized by adult traits, such as a soft exoskeleton, lanterns and associated glow and flash patterns, but their larval stage is far less appreciated. However, fireflies spend most of their lives as larvae, and adults of most species rely solely on resources previously obtained. Therefore, studying the immature stages is imperative towards a comprehensive understanding of fireflies.

Association among Autistic Traits, Treatment Intensity and Outcomes in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: Preliminary Results.

The present study investigates the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits on the treatment intensity and outcomes (psychopathology and weight) of 22 adolescent inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), who were selected on the basis of suspected ASD traits. ASD traits were measured at admission (T0) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Psychopathology was measured with Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and Self-Administered Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA) at admission and discharge (T0, T1).

Hide-and-Seek with Tiny Neotenic Beetles in One of the Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots: Towards an Understanding of the Real Diversity of Jurasaidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Jurasaidae are a family of neotenic elateroid beetles which was described recently from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot based on three species in two genera. All life stages live in the soil, including the larviform females, and only adult males are able to fly. Here, we report the discovery of two new species, sp.

Morphology of immature stages of Pyrearinus pumilus (Candèze, 1863 (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Pyrophorini): the click beetle responsible for the luminous canga caves in the state of Pará, Brazil.

The Pyrearinus pumilus species group from South America includes luminescent click beetles (Agrypninae: Pyrophorini) associated with the phenomena of "luminescent termite mounds" and "luminous canga caves". The latter was recently reported in the state of Pará, Brazil. This group includes six species based on the morphology of adults, of which two have immature stages already described.

What Is the Impact of Residual Obesity on the Risk for Postoperative Body-Contouring Surgery Complications in Postbariatric Patients?

Background: There are an increasing number of patients presenting for plastic surgery after massive weight loss, and many of these patients have residual obesity that may compromise outcomes. The impact of residual obesity on the development of postoperative complications in postbariatric patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures is unclear.

Methods: We report the outcomes of 207 patients who underwent plastic surgery following RYGB from January 2011 to December 2018.

Author Correction: Hidden diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest: the discovery of Jurasaidae, a new beetle family (Coleoptera, Elateroidea) with neotenic females.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Hidden diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest: the discovery of Jurasaidae, a new beetle family (Coleoptera, Elateroidea) with neotenic females.

Beetles are the most species-rich animal radiation and are among the historically most intensively studied insect groups. Consequently, the vast majority of their higher-level taxa had already been described about a century ago. In the 21st century, thus far, only three beetle families have been described de novo based on newly collected material.

Quality of life and predictive factors for complications in patients undergoing abdominoplasty after gastric bypass: A retrospective cohort.

Background: Obesity is a major health risk factor associated with medical complications, such as cardiovascular disease, that may compromise outcomes. Furthermore, obesity may lead to difficulties in daily life, altering the quality of life and generating psychological disorders such as devalued self-image and depression.

Objectives: This study evaluated the quality of life and predictive factors of postoperative complications in patients who underwent abdominoplasty after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

What Is the Impact of Comorbidities on the Risk for Postoperative Body-Contouring Surgery Complications in Postbariatric Patients?

Background: There is an increasing number of patients presenting after massive weight loss for plastic surgery, and many of these patients have residual diseases that may compromise outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of comorbidities on the development of postoperative complications in postbariatric patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures at the Federal District North Wing Regional Hospital, Brasília, Brazil.

Methods: Descriptive, analytical, and prospective study was performed on patients who underwent plastic surgery following RYGB from January 2011 to December 2016.

Anthropometric and clinical profiles of post-bariatric patients submitted to procedures in plastic surgery.

Objective: to evaluate the profile of patients submitted to post-bariatric plastic surgery at the North Wing Regional Hospital, Brasília, DF.

Methods: we conducted a prospective, descriptive and analytical study of patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastroplasty, and subsequently to plastic surgery, from January 2011 to December 2016. We assessed body mass index before gastroplasty and after surgery plastic surgery, postoperative complications and comorbidities.

Reconstruction of soft-tissue lesions of the foot with the use of the medial plantar flap.

Objective: To study use of the medial plantar flap for reconstruction of the heel and foot.

Method: The authors share their clinical experience with the use of the medial plantar artery flap for coverage of tissue defects around the foot and heel after trauma. Twelve cases of medial plantar artery flap performed from January 2001 to December 2013 were included.