Publications by authors named "Stefano J"

Camera traps are widely used in wildlife research and monitoring, so it is imperative to understand their strengths, limitations, and potential for increasing impact. We investigated a decade of use of wildlife cameras (2012-2022) with a case study on Australian terrestrial vertebrates using a multifaceted approach. We (i) synthesised information from a literature review; (ii) conducted an online questionnaire of 132 professionals; (iii) hosted an in-person workshop of 28 leading experts representing academia, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government; and (iv) mapped camera trap usage based on all sources.

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Climate change is resulting in larger, more frequent, and more severe wildfires which have increasingly negative impacts on people and the environment. Under these circumstances, it is critical to determine whether fire management actions can mitigate biodiversity impacts under future fire regimes. However, it is currently unclear how changing climate and management interact to influence the spatial distribution of risks to biodiversity.

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  • Brain organoids are 3D cultures derived from stem cells that mimic in vivo brain development and functions, offering advantages over traditional 2D cell cultures and animal models.
  • A significant limitation is their lack of diverse cell types, particularly from endodermal and mesodermal origins, prompting research on integrating functional vasculature and microglial cells.
  • The review focuses on immune-competent brain organoids, emphasizing their potential for studying neuronal network formation and inflammatory responses, while highlighting the need for further validation in therapeutic applications against inflammation-related neurodegeneration.
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In an era where global climate change is shifting plant phenology, global meta-analyses of multiple species are required more than ever. Common language or references for enhanced data compatibility are key for such analyses. Although the Plant Phenology Ontology (PPO) addresses this challenge, it does not capture several relevant reproductive structures that are critical in species with long reproductive cycles, like many Eucalyptus species.

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  • * The study analyzed how human neural-like cells (neurospheroids) respond to VZV infection compared to Sendai virus (SeV), finding that SeV triggers a strong immune response while VZV appears to evade detection.
  • * The research indicates that VZV not only avoids activating the immune system but also disrupts cellular integrity and prompts stress response mechanisms in the long term.
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The development of a tailored filament is reported composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon black (CB) in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and its use in the production of electrochemical sensors. The electrodes containing rGO showed superior performance when compared with  those prepared in the absence of this material. Physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations of the electrodes showed the successful incorporation of both rGO and CB and an improved conductivity in the presence of rGO (lower resistance to charge transfer).

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Herein, we present the first 3D-printed electrochemical portable biodevice for the detection of monkeypox virus (MKPV). The electrochemical device consists of two biosensors: an immunosensor and a genosensor specifically designed for the detection of the protein A29 and a target DNA of MKPV, respectively. The electrodes were manufactured using lab-made ultraflexible conductive filaments composed of carbon black, recycled PLA from coffee pods, and castor oil as a plasticizer.

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Background: This study aimed to assess the frequency and intensity of anxious and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study, resulting from 106 patients from the Hepatology outpatient clinic at the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil without a history of alcohol abuse, verified by the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT). These were assessed using the sociodemographic data sheet, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D).

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induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurospheroid (NSPH) models are an emerging in vitro toolkit to study the influence of inflammatory triggers on neurodegeneration and repair in a 3D neural environment. In contrast to their human counterpart, the absence of murine iPSC-derived NSPHs for profound characterisation and validation studies is a major experimental research gap, even though they offer the only possibility to truly compare or validate in vitro NSPH responses with in vivo brain responses. To contribute to these developments, we here describe the generation and characterisation of 5-week-old CXCR1 CCR2 murine (m)iPSC-derived bi-partite (neurons + astrocytes) and tri-partite (neurons + astrocytes + microglia) NSPH models that can be subjected to cellular activation following pro-inflammatory stimulation.

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A fully reusable electrochemical device is proposed for the first time made from laser cutting and a homemade conductive ink composed of carbon and nail polish. As a sensor substrate, we applied polymethyl methacrylate, which allows the surface to be renewed by simply removing and reapplying a new layer of ink. In addition to the ease of renewing the sensor's conductive surface, the design of the device has allowed for the integration of different forms of analysis.

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•In this review, we described different murine models of carcinogenesis: classic models, new transgenic and combined models, that reproduce the key points for HCC and CCA genesis allowing a better understanding of its genetic physiopathological, and environmental abnormalities. •Each model has its advantages, disadvantages, similarities, and differences with the corresponding human disease and should be chosen according to the specificity of the study. Ultimately, those models can also be used for testing new anticancer therapeutic approaches.

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The efficacy of systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is poorly understood. In this study we evaluated the effects of sorafenib based on the expression of molecular markers related to major hepatocarcinogenesis pathways and angiogenesis in a NASH-related HCC model. Forty male rats were submitted to NASH-HCC induction through the combination of a high-fat and choline deficient diet and diethylnitrosamine (100 mg/L) administration in the drinking water for 13 and 16 weeks.

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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) pair to sites in mRNAs to direct the degradation of these RNA transcripts. Conversely, certain RNA transcripts can direct the degradation of particular miRNAs. This target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD) requires the ZSWIM8 E3 ubiquitin ligase.

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Predation influences prey survival and drives evolution of anti-predator behaviour. Anti-predator strategies by prey are stimulated by direct encounters with predators, but also by exposure to indicators of risk such as moonlight illumination and vegetation cover. Many prey species will suffer increased risk on moonlit nights, but risk may be reduced by the presence of dense vegetation.

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  • Researchers are using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural models to study the interactions between the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) and the immune system in neurons.
  • A new study explored whether macrophages could help activate an antiviral response in VZV-infected hiPSC-neurons, but found the macrophages were ineffective in suppressing the infection.
  • RNA sequencing results showed a weak immune response in both infected neurons and co-cultured macrophages, indicating that other immune cells, like T-cells, may be necessary for a strong antiviral response against VZV.
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Background: Recent studies show an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in populations with higher consumption of red meat, processed and cooked at high temperatures. On the other hand, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs738409 in the Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene has been implicated in susceptibility to NAFLD and liver fibrosis. However, the synergistic effect between red meat consumption and the PNPLA3 gene polymorphism in NAFLD has not yet been evaluated.

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Lifestyle changes should be the main basis for any treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), aiming to increase energy expenditure, reduce energy intake and improve the quality of nutrients consumed. As it is a multifactorial disease, approaches such as physical exercise, a better dietary pattern, and possible pharmacological intervention are shown to be more efficient when used simultaneously to the detriment of their applications. The main treatment for MAFLD is a lifestyle change consisting of diet, activity, exercise, and weight loss.

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Background: Public institutions have the opportunity to implement environmental sustainability policies through leveraging their buying potential. Given the role of hospitals within the food system, the implementation of sustainable initiatives into hospital foodservices is a priority. Compared to conventional agricultural methods, organic food production uses more sustainable practices and warrants consideration for utilisation in hospitals.

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Background: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the rs738409 polymorphism in the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its impact on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk and severity. We also evaluated other risk factors associated with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 163 patients with PCOS at a tertiary center.

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Analytical assurance of coffees' geographical indication (GI) authenticity is essential for producers and consumers. In this way, chemometric methods, electrochemical techniques, and 3D printed sensors become attractive to assure the coffee's quality. These sensors are low-cost, fast, and simple, with the possibility of miniaturization and portability.

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The development of a homemade carbon black composite filament with polylactic acid (CB-PLA) is reported. Optimized filaments containing 28.5% wt.

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  • Obesity is a major global health issue, and this study explores the effects of synbiotic supplementation on obesity and gut microbiota in ob/ob mice, divided into four groups for comparison.
  • After 8 weeks of treatment, synbiotic supplementation in obese mice led to reduced weight gain and changes in gut bacteria composition, specifically an increase in Enterobacteriaceae and a decrease in Cyanobacteria.
  • The findings also indicated a significant reduction in β-Catenin gene expression in the treated obese group, suggesting that synbiotics may help manage obesity by influencing gut health and microbiota.
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Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical features, Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) screening, treatment modalities, and Overall Survival (OS) in a series of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma (NAFLD-HCC) Brazilian patients.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo, at the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo with the approval of the local research ethics committee. NAFLD patients with HCC diagnosed, from May 2010 to May 2019, were included.

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A low-cost and disposable graphene polylactic (G-PLA) 3D-printed electrode modified with gold particles (AuPs) was explored to detect the cDNA of SARS-CoV-2 and creatinine, a potential biomarker for COVID-19. For that, a simple, non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor, based on a Au-modified G-PLA platform was applied. The AuPs deposited on the electrode were involved in a complexation reaction with creatinine, resulting in a decrease in the analytical response, and thus providing a fast and simple electroanalytical device.

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