Efficacy of probiotic adjuvant therapy in women with major depressive disorder: insights from a case series study.

Background: The therapeutic targeting of the intestinal microbiota has gained increasing attention as a promising avenue for addressing mood disorders. This study aimed to assess the potential effect of supplementing standard pharmacological treatment with the probiotic kefir in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Methods: Thirty-eight female participants diagnosed with moderate MDD by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were selected to receive the probiotic kefir in conjunction with antidepressant therapy for 12 weeks.

Silver Nanoparticles-Functionalized Textile against SARS-CoV-2: Antiviral Activity of the Capping Oleylamine Molecule.

COVID-19 disease, triggered by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, has led to more than 7.0 million deaths worldwide, with a significant fraction of recovered infected people reporting postviral symptoms. Smart surfaces functionalized with nanoparticles are a powerful tool to inactivate the virus and prevent the further spreading of the disease.

Non-native species have higher consumption rates than their native counterparts.

Non-native species can be major drivers of ecosystem alteration, especially through changes in trophic interactions. Successful non-native species have been predicted to have greater resource use efficiency relative to trophically analogous native species (the Resource Consumption Hypothesis), but rigorous evidence remains equivocal. Here, we tested this proposition quantitatively in a global meta-analysis of comparative functional response studies.

Health Literacy and Numeracy in Self-monitoring of Capillary Glycemia: A Systematic Review of Mixed Methods.

Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize scientific evidence on the influence of health literacy and numerical knowledge on self-monitoring of capillary blood glucose.

Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines and the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, OPENGREY, and NDLTD. The review included studies published in any language that examined the relationship between HL, numeracy, and SMBG.

Trends, outcomes and knowledge gaps in mobile apps for reproductive endocrinology and infertility: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Infertility is a complex condition that affects millions worldwide, with significant physical, emotional and social implications. Mobile apps have emerged as potential tools to assist in the management of infertility by offering features such as menstrual cycle tracking, ovulation prediction, fertility education, lifestyle modification guidance and emotional support, thereby promoting reproductive health. Despite promising advancements such as the development of apps with sophisticated algorithms for ovulation prediction and comprehensive platforms offering integrated fertility education and emotional support, there remain gaps in the literature regarding the comprehensive evaluation of mobile apps for reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Heart failure risk stratification using artificial intelligence applied to electrocardiogram images: a multinational study.

Background And Aims: Current heart failure (HF) risk stratification strategies require comprehensive clinical evaluation. In this study, artificial intelligence (AI) applied to electrocardiogram (ECG) images was examined as a strategy to predict HF risk.

Methods: Across multinational cohorts in the Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), UK Biobank (UKB), and Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), individuals without baseline HF were followed for the first HF hospitalization.

Comprehensive molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses in Brazil: insights from a nationwide analysis.

Influenza A and B viruses represent significant global health threats, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality rates. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular epidemiology of these viruses in Brazil, a continental-size country and a crucial hub for the entry, circulation, and dissemination of influenza viruses within South America, still needs to be improved. This study addresses this gap by consolidating data and samples across all Brazilian macroregions, as part of the Center for Viral Surveillance and Serological Assessment project, together with an extensive number of other Brazilian sequences provided by a public database during the epidemic seasons spanning 2021-23.

Enhancing rare cancer care in developing countries through patient advocacy: insights from the Desmoid Tumor Brazilian Association.

Introduction: Desmoid tumors are soft-tissue neoplasms that can have profound impacts on the lives of people living with such diseases. As they are rare tumors, patients often have difficulty finding teams specialized in sarcomas and support networks. In low- and middle-income countries, the challenges are exacerbated due to a need for established networks and medication access.

In vivo efficacy of uvangoletin from Piper aduncum (Piperaceae) against Schistosoma mansoni and in silico studies targeting SmNTPDases.

Schistosomiasis stands as one of the most significant parasitic diseases on a global scale, with approximately 250 million infections worldwide. It is imperative to address this pressing issue by developing new antischistosomal drugs. Chalcones have emerged as a promising class of natural compounds, demonstrating noteworthy effects observed in in vitro experiments with Schistosoma mansoni, and demonstrating the ability to inhibit SmNTPDases and apyrase from potatoes.

Kyphectomy followed by self-sliding pedicle screw and translumbosacral rod impaction and fixation: a novel growth-friendly technique in myelomeningocele patients.

Introduction: Congenital lumbar kyphosis is present in about 15% of patients with myelomeningocele. Worsening of deformity with complications such as chronic skin ulcers and bone exposure is common. In patients under 8 years of age, treatment becomes even more challenging: in addition to resecting the apex of the kyphotic deformity, we should ideally stabilize the spine with fixation methods that do not interrupt the growth of the rib cage, associated with the challenging pelvic fixation in this population.

Isotemporal substitution of physical activity patterns and sitting time with obesity indicators among workers in São Paulo.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between substituting 10, 30, and 60 min/day of physical activity and sitting time with obesity indicators among workers. It is a cross-sectional study involving 394 adults (76.6% women) from São Paulo, Brazil.

Twelve weeks of exercise training improves cognitive status, physical performance and quality of life in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which there is slow and gradual impairment of mental function. Considering the increase in cases due to population aging, the potential benefits of physical training in AD are of great importance and need further elucidation. This study aims to identify the impact of physical training on crucial aspects of AD such as cognitive status, physical performances, quality of life and activities of daily living.

Impact of Chemotherapy Treatment on the Functionality and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients.

Background And Purpose: Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the general population, and is one of the main causes of changes in the population's illness profile. In this study, we assessed changes in the functional status and quality of life of patients in the first months of chemotherapy treatment.

Method: A prospective cohort study was carried out, collecting data from cancer patients seen at an outpatient clinic in the Midwest of Santa Catarina who had breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate and head and neck cancer.

Research Tools for Eating Behavior in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Objective: To identify the tools used to assess eating behaviors in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and summarize their distribution, citation rates, journal publication, JCR scores, and psychometric properties.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify studies on eating behavior in individuals with ASD. The search included various descriptors and combinations of keywords in databases such as Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SciELO, and Web of Science.

Systematic review of outcome measures used in support programs designed to enhance the functioning for autistic children and adolescents and ICF content mapping.

Purpose: 1) To identify outcome measures used in support programs designed to enhance functioning in autistic children and adolescents, and 2) To map the content of these measures to the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Searches were performed in Medline/PubMed, EMBASE and Virtual Health Library databases, with no restrictions imposed regarding language or year of publication.

Performance of Culture Using a Semi-Automatic Needle as a Novel Tool for Collecting Lymph Node Samples for the Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by () and dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study compared the performance of parasitological tests using semi-automatic needle puncture (SANP) for collecting popliteal lymph node samples with samples collected from the same lymph node by fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) and by necropsy for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Popliteal lymph node samples were collected from 30 CVL-seropositive dogs from an endemic region in Brazil.

Immunogenicity of a recombinant chimera composed of CROP domain segments from the hemorrhagic and lethal toxins of Paeniclostridium sordellii.

Paeniclostridium sordellii is responsible for severe infections in horses, cattle, and sheep; however, conventional vaccines exhibit limitations in production and immunogenicity. This study assessed the immunogenicity of a recombinant bacterin composed of a chimera (rQTcsHL) that combines segments from the lethal (TcsL) and hemorrhagic (TcsH) toxins in mice and sheep. Both immunized animal groups exhibited elevated levels of IgG, with the mice demonstrating moderate protection (<50%) against lethal challenges, comparable to that of the conventional vaccine.

Analysis of fibrinogenolytic activity of South American Bothrops and Crotalus venoms reveals widespread variation on human fibrinogen cleavage.

Fibrinogen is a common target of SVMP and SVSP. These toxins can destructively cleave fibrinogen, leading to the depletion of its levels. Herein we comparatively describe the fibrinogenolytic activity of the venom of Bothrops and Crotalus snakes, viperids of high epidemiological importance in Brazil.

Pathogenic Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. in coastal waters from southern Brazil: an one health approach.

Aspergillus and Candida are ubiquitous fungi included in the group of high priority in the World Health Organization list of fungal pathogens. They are found in various ecosystems and the environmental role in increasing the resistance to antifungals has been shown. Thus, we aimed to determine the occurrence of Aspergillus spp.

Types of Environmental Enrichments Offered for Cats and their Association with Housing Features and Cat Personality.

Environmental enrichment designed in accordance with the cats' individuality and household characteristics is one of the most effective and widely used tools to enhance feline welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the types of environmental enrichments provided by cat guardians and their associations with housing features and cat personality. An online questionnaire was developed including questions about types of enrichment provided, housing features (indoor .

Seroepidemiology, molecular detection, and isolation attempts of Toxoplasma gondii in dairy goats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Goats are the one of the most susceptible domestic species to toxoplasmosis affecting animal health and production. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as to evaluate associated risk factors, parasitic DNA detection in raw goat milk samples, and attempts to isolate the parasite from raw goat milk samples.

Understanding the effects of Bothrops erythromelas and Bothrops leucurus venoms on human blood coagulation.

Coagulation disorders are a primary symptom of envenomation caused by snakes belonging to the genus Bothrops. In the Northeast region of Brazil, the species Bothrops erythromelas and Bothrops leucurus are the main responsible for snakebite accidents. Due to the specific action of Bothrops venoms on several components of the coagulation cascade, the objective of this work was to characterize the coagulotoxic profile of B.

Deloyers Technique for Restoration of Bowel Continuity Following Extended Left Hemicolectomy: A Comprehensive Analysis of 97 Cases and Literature Review.

Background: Deloyers technique addresses challenges in restoring bowel continuity following extended left hemicolectomies. Despite being first described in 1958, the technique remains underutilized, with limited data on long-term outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the indications, surgical and functional outcomes of Deloyers technique and review existing literature.

Laboratory readiness and genomic surveillance of Covid-19 in the capital of Brazil.

This study aims to analyze the diagnostic readiness to Covid-19 and the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Brasília, the capital of Brazil. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study, with data from: cases/deaths-Ministry of Health; RT-PCR analyses Brasília Central Public Health Laboratory (LACEN); genomics-Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). It was found that in March 2021, with the Gamma variant was predominant, RT-PCR diagnostic tests administered by LACEN reached their peak, followed by a reduction, possibly due to the start of vaccination.

Could the Effect of Arsenic on the Testis be Reversed after Removing the Insult? A Meta-analysis Study.

Arsenic in drinking water has been associated with an increased risk of health concerns. This metalloid is ingested and distributed throughout the body, accumulating in several organs, including the testis. In this organ, arsenic disturbs steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and affects male fertility.