Spirituality-Based Intervention in Hypertension: EFfects on Blood PrEssure and EndotheliaL Function-FEEL Trial Results.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that spirituality improves patient outcomes, however, this has undergone only limited evaluation in randomized trials. Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Objectives: To evaluate whether a spirituality-based intervention, compared to a control group, can reduce blood pressure (BP) and improve endothelial function after 12 weeks in patients with mild or moderate hypertension (HTN).

Reactive oxygen species attenuation improves the quality of vitrified-warmed bovine embryos.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitrified bovine in vitro produced (IVP) embryos. In experiment I we compared ROS production in fresh and vitrified-warmed blastocysts. In experiment II we evaluated the effects of antioxidant supplementation (100 μM of 2-mercaptoethanol; BME; 0 h to 2 h during warming) on ROS levels in vitrified-warmed blastocysts, and in experiment III we compared the development of fresh and vitrified-warmed blastocysts in the presence (BME) or absence (Control) of antioxidant (100 μM BME; 0 h to 48 h during warming).

Comparative ovarian morphophysiology of rats and Zebrafish after exposure to nandrolone decanoate.

This study aimed to compare the effects of nandrolone decanoate on the morphology and physiology of ovarian tissues in two experimental models, Zebrafish and rats, after in vitro cultivation. A total of 136 animals were used ( rats, n=36, and Zebrafish, n=100). In both experiments, the animals were divided into two groups (Control and Deca) and were exposed to nandrolone decanoate for seven weeks.

Swine clones: potential application for animal production and animal models.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), or cloning, is used to reprogram cells and generate genetically identical embryos and animals. However, the cloning process is inefficient, limiting its application to producing valuable animals. In swine, cloning is mainly utilized to produce genetically modified animals.

Lipedema: exploring pathophysiology and treatment strategies - state of the art.

Lipedema is characterized by abnormal fat deposition in areas such as the arms, hips, buttocks, and thighs, sparing the hands and feet. Symptoms include pain, bruising, edema, and subcutaneous nodules, which resist traditional interventions such as diet and exercise. Despite increasing recognition, comprehensive understanding, including pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects, has not been fully achieved.

Transposition of the gastroduodenal artery for vascular reconstruction of invasive lesion of the hepatic hilum due to colorectal adenocarcinoma metastasis: case report.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms in Brazil. Hepatectomy for resection of liver metastases plays an essential role in increasing disease-free survival, with the possibility of cure. The feasibility of liver resection depends on factors related to the remaining liver after surgery.

Idiopathic pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: a rarity in clinical practice.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are characterized by abnormal pulmonary vessels forming arteriovenous shunts that compromise oxygenation of the blood, causing hypoxemia, and predispose to infections and cerebral ischemia. The patient in this case was a 38-year-old male who presented with tachypnea and dyspnea, cyanosis of extremities, and significant digital clubbing. The patient had structural epilepsy secondary to neurosurgery for a cerebral abscess during childhood.

Techniques for randomization and allocation for clinical trials.

Intervention studies require all participants to originate from the same population, with random allocation to intervention groups to ensure comparability. Randomization is crucial for minimizing confounding factors, allowing differences in outcomes to be attributed to the intervention. Simple randomization performs well for large samples (>100 per group), but smaller samples may require block or stratified randomization to balance group sizes and covariates.

Machine learning approach for noninvasive intracranial pressure estimation using pulsatile cranial expansion waveforms.

Noninvasive methods for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring have emerged, but none has successfully replaced invasive techniques. This observational study developed and tested a machine learning (ML) model to estimate ICP using waveforms from a cranial extensometer device (brain4care [B4C] System). The model explored multiple waveform parameters to optimize mean ICP estimation.

Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up in Children with Intrauterine and Perinatal Exposure to Chikungunya Virus.

Objective: To investigate the effects of intrauterine and perinatal exposure to chikungunya virus (CHIKV) on neurodevelopment in infants and toddlers.

Study Design: We conducted a cohort study comparing children with intrauterine or perinatal exposure to maternal CHIKV infection with unexposed controls in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Neurodevelopment was assessed with General Movement Assessments (GMA) in the first six months of life, and the Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) for older children.

Evaluation of l-cell activity in the small intestine according to the extension of the biliopancreatic loop in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric by-pass.

Background: Individuals with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus have reduced secretion of incretins by L cells. Studies suggest an increase in L cell activity according to the length of the Biliopancreatic Loop (BPL).

Objective: Compare the effect of biliopancreatic loop extension on the number and expression of L cells in patients undergoing RYGB METHODS: Subjects (n = 13) undergoing RYGB with a BPL of 100 cm (G1) or 200 cm (G2).

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC-LC-HRMS): An approach to study natural peptides in Viperidae snake venom.

Although proteins in snake venoms have been extensively studied and characterized, low-mass molecules remain relatively unexplored, mainly due to their low abundance, secondary role in envenomation, and some analytical technique limitations. However, these small molecules can provide new important data related to venom toxins' molecular structure, functions, and evolutionary relationships. This research aimed to characterize molecules below 10 kDa in the venoms of snakes from the Viperidae families (Bothrops, Agkistrodon, and Bitis) and compare two chromatographic approaches: reverse-phase chromatography (RP), a classic technique, and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), an alternative technique, both coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).

The interaction between third molars and surrounding periapical tissues in mandibular stress distribution during high-impact trauma: a finite element study.

Background: The presence of mandibular third molars has been associated with the risk of mandibular fractures, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies considering the interaction with other mandibular structures. This study investigates how mandibular third molars and neighboring tissues can influence the structural fragility of the mandible using finite element analysis.

Material And Methods: A finite element analysis study following the guidelines proposed by RIFEM 1.

Natural infection and diversity of hemotropic mycoplasmas in free-ranging Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) and margay cat (Leopardus wiedii) populations in Southern Brazil.

Hemoplasma infection significantly impacts felines health, yet there is a research gap regarding free-ranging wild small felids. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of hemoplasma in Leopardus geoffroyi and Leopardus wiedii in southern Brazil. For this purpose, we conducted molecular research for Mycoplasma spp.

Three-dimensional kinematics in patients with anterior shoulder instability - A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Anterior Shoulder Instability (ASI) is a common orthopedic condition often resulting in altered shoulder kinematics. Understanding the biomechanics of the unstable shoulder is critical to determine the most appropriate treatment. This study aims to conduct the first systematic review and meta-analysis of three-dimensional (3D) shoulder kinematic studies in ASI patients.

Forensic characterization of Brazilian gemstones: A pilot study employing raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis.

Forensic gemstone analysis faces many challenges. One of the most critical aspects of gemological research is the classification of a gemstone. It is necessary to understand the mineral species, purity, origin, and identification of treatments to identify and classify a gem correctly, as well as assign a monetary value to it.

Determinants of fertility in timed artificial insemination programs in beef cattle: predictive ability and risk factors from almost 2 million data points.

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) is a technology widely used in cattle production based on controlling ovarian follicular growth. This study analyzed a large database aiming to determine the influence of several intrinsic and extrinsic female factors, as well as their interactions to determine risk factors and produce prediction ability in beef cattle. A total of 1 832 999 TAIs conducted on 2 002 farms across South American countries were considered for the analysis, including 15 main fixed effects or interactions in the statistical model, in addition to five random effects.

Osteogenic Effects of Bioactive Compounds Found in Fruits on Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Review.

Phytochemicals, which are bioactive compounds contained in fruits, vegetables, and teas, have a positive effect on human health by having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic effects. Several studies have highlighted the ability of bioactive compounds to activate key cellular enzymes associated with important signaling pathways related to cell division and proliferation, as well as their role in inflammatory and immunological responses. Some phytochemicals are associated with increased proliferation, differentiation, and expression of markers related to osteogenesis, bone formation, and mineralization by activating various signaling pathways.

Diversity of the Amoebozoa and Ciliophora Groups in Non-Human Primates Kept Ex Situ and in Their Handlers in Different Institutions in Brazil.

Parasitic infections in non-human primates (NHPs) kept ex situ can be caused by zoonotic protists like and . In Brazil, little is known about these infections in neotropical species. This study aimed to identify Amoebozoa and Ciliophora groups in fecal samples through in vitro isolation and molecular analysis, mapping their distribution in Brazil.

and Evaluation of the Antischistosomal Activity of Polygodial and 9-Deoxymuzigadial Isolated from Branches.

In the present study, the hexane extract from branches of (Winteraceae) displayed potent activity against parasites (100% mortality of the worms at 200 μg/mL). Bioactivity-guided fractionation afforded, in addition to the previously reported bioactive sesquiterpene 3,6-epidioxy-bisabola-1,10-diene, two chemically related drimane sesquiterpenes-polygodial () and 9-deoxymuzigadial (). The anti- effects for compounds and were determined in vitro, with compound demonstrating significant potency (EC value of 10 μM for both male and female worms), while was inactive.

Guanidines Conjugated with Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A New Approach for the Development of Antileishmanial Molecules.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which has visceral and cutaneous forms. The symptoms of leishmaniasis include high fever and weakness, and the cutaneous infection also causes lesions under the skin. The drugs used to treat leishmaniasis have become less effective due to the resistance mechanisms of the protozoa.

Quality Assessment and Host Preference of (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) for Fresh and Cryopreserved (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Eggs.

The development of the mass rearing technique for the egg parasitoid has been under study for about 20 years, with increasing attention on the development of quality control. Here, we evaluated the behavior, biological parameters, morphometrics and presence of endosymbionts of produced in cryopreserved eggs compared to those produced in traditional fresh stink bug eggs. Parasitoids reared from cryopreserved eggs showed similar parasitism and emergence rates, sex ratios, longevity, morphometrics, and proportions of flyers compared to those originating from fresh eggs.

Edible Alginate-Fungal Chitosan Coatings as Carriers for LC03 and Their Impact on Quality Parameters of Strawberries During Cold Storage.

This study investigated the efficacy of an innovative edible coating, composed of fungal chitosan and alginate, functionalized with LC03, in both free and microencapsulated forms, to extend the shelf life and enhance the nutritional value of strawberries. LC03 cells were successfully encapsulated in alginate microparticles (MAL) and further coated with chitosan (MALC), resulting in enhanced protection (cell reduction below 1.4 CFU/mL), viability (8.

Mobility of South America's transcontinental drainage divide and shrinkage of the Paraná river basin linked to lithologic and geodynamic controls.

The South American Transcontinental Drainage Divide (TDD) is roughly oriented NE-SW from its Atlantic termination in SE Brazil to its NW termination in the limits between the southwestern edges of the Amazon Craton and the Andean Foreland. Based on a weak spatial coincidence with 90 - 70 Ma igneous intrusions, the origin and stability of the TDD have been attributed to intraplate magmatic activity. Using geomorphic analysis of drainage divides, we infer an overall southward migration of the TDD, even in areas with constrained uplift associated with intrusions.