Copy Number Variation in Asthma: An Integrative Review.

Asthma is a complex disease with varied clinical manifestations resulting from the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. While chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness are central features, the etiology of asthma is multifaceted, leading to a diversity of phenotypes and endotypes. Although most research into the genetics of asthma focused on the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), studies highlight the importance of structural variations, such as copy number variations (CNVs), in the inheritance of complex characteristics, but their role has not yet been fully elucidated in asthma.

Detection of Rocahepevirus ratti in Bivalve Mollusks from São Luís Island, Maranhão, Brazil: A Potential Transmission Route of an Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen?

The attempt to investigate hepatitis E virus (HEV) contamination in naturally growing mangrove bivalve mollusks captured for local sale in a touristic area of Maranhão state in Brazil revealed the detection of rat hepatitis E virus (ratHEV). Using international standard protocols for processing and nucleic acid extraction, we analyzed 89 bivalve samples (Mytella falcata and Crassostrea rhizophorae) with two broadly reactive assays: heminested pan-Hepeviridae (ORF-1) and probe-based HEV-1 to HEV-4 (ORF-2/ORF-3). Heminested reactions presented 2 (2.

Antennal sensilla variability among castes and sexes in the leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus.

Insect antennae play a crucial role in communication, acting as receptors for both chemical and physical cues. This sensory reception is facilitated by specialized cuticular structures known as sensilla, which exhibit diverse morphologies and functions. In ants, caste polymorphism and sexual dimorphism manifest in antennal structure.

Semaglutide restores astrocyte-vascular interactions and blood-brain barrier integrity in a model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a metabolic disorder related to obesity and insulin resistance and is the primary determinant of the development of low-intensity chronic inflammation. This continuous inflammatory response culminates in neuroimmune-endocrine dysregulation responsible for the metabolic abnormalities and morbidities observed in individuals with MetS. Events such as the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, increased plasma concentrations of free fatty acids, tissue hypoxia, and sympathetic hyperactivity in individuals with MetS may contribute to the activation of the innate immune response, which compromises cerebral microcirculation and the neurovascular unit, leading to the onset or progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cardiac conduction system regeneration prevents arrhythmias after myocardial infarction.

Arrhythmias are a hallmark of myocardial infarction (MI) and increase patient mortality. How insult to the cardiac conduction system causes arrhythmias following MI is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate conduction system restoration during neonatal mouse heart regeneration versus pathological remodeling at non-regenerative stages.

Guyton's hemodynamic mosaic: crafting fluid management with precision.

Sheldon Magder's article on applying Arthur Guyton's principles to clinical fluid management provides valuable insights into optimizing hemodynamics in critically ill patients. While emphasizing the role of right atrial pressure (RAP) in assessing cardiac output, challenges arise due to RAP's variable accuracy and the oversimplification of cardiovascular dynamics. Integrating RAP with dynamic assessments and bedside ultrasound can enhance fluid management strategies.

Differential cell architecture and microenvironmental responses of pretumoral and tumoral cellular models exposed to coverslip-induced hypoxia.

The tumor microenvironment is an altered milieu that imposes multiple selective pressures leading to the survival and dissemination of aggressive and fit tumor cell subpopulations. How pre-tumoral and tumoral cells respond to changes in their microenvironment will determine the subsequent evolution of the tumor. In this study, we have subjected pre-tumoral and tumoral cells to coverslip-induced hypoxia, which recapitulates the intracellular hypoxia and extracellular acidification characteristic of the early tumor microenvironment, and we have used a combination of quantitative phase microscopy and epifluorescence to analyze diverse cellular responses to this altered environment.

Rare Mandibular Surgical Ciliated Cysts: First Case Reported in a Brazilian.

This reported case represents the first well-documented mandibular surgical ciliated cyst, following orthognathic surgery consisting of a combination of Le Fort I bimaxillary and sagittal osteotomy concomitantly with genioplasty, reported in a Brazilian patient. A case of 43-year-old female presenting a mandibular surgical ciliated cyst after 16 years of an orthognathic surgery, consisting of a combination of Le Fort I osteotomy and genioplasty, is reported. The cystic lesion was enucleated, and the histopathological analysis showed a cystic cavity lined by pseudostratified columnar respiratory-type epithelium presenting ciliated and mucous cells supported by fibrous connective tissue without inflammation.

In vitro assays identified thiohydantoins with anti-trypanosomatid activity and molecular modelling studies indicated possible selective CYP51 inhibition.

This work investigates the anti-trypanosomal activities of ten thiohydantoin derivatives against the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Compounds with aliphatic chains (THD1, THD3, and THD5) exhibited the most promising IC against the epimastigote form of T. cruzi.

Techno-structural and 3-D geometric morphometric analysis applied for investigating the variability of Holocene unifacial tools in tropical Central Brazil.

During the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene and in the early Holocene period, hunter-gatherer communities across tropical South America deployed a range of technological strategies to adapt to diverse environmental conditions. This period witnessed a rich tapestry of technological practices, from enduring, widely disseminated tools to local and sporadically utilized technologies, shaping a multifaceted landscape of technological traditions. Lithic technology during this period was mainly marked by localized sourcing of raw materials, the use of multifunctional tools, a variety of projectile point designs, and the frequently utilization of unifacial shaping technology.

Evaluation of post-COVID mortality risk in cases classified as severe acute respiratory syndrome in Brazil: a longitudinal study for medium and long term.

Background: There are few studies in the literature evaluating post-COVID mortality in Brazil, along medium and long term, especially in those who presented severe clinical disease.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the factors associated with post-COVID mortality of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases from 2020 to 2023 in Brazil, along medium and long term.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study using notification data of SARS classified as COVID-19 from the Brazilian National Information System, "Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica (SIVEP)," during the period 2020 to 2023.

A Biokinetic Approach in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Prevention and Management - Exploring Movement Profiles and Kinetic Chain Interactions: Current Concepts.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by increasing prevalence and significant physical, psychological, and economic burdens. Despite extensive research, the definition, risk factors, and effective cost-efficient treatments for knee OA remain unclear. This article aims to revisit primary knee OA, understanding its etiology, and focusing on prevention and individualized non-operative treatment modalities.

Prediction of good neurological outcome after return of circulation following paediatric cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To evaluate the ability of blood-biomarkers, clinical examination, electrophysiology, or neuroimaging, assessed within 14 days from return of circulation to predict good neurological outcome in children following out- or in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods: Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Trials databases were searched (2010-2023). Sensitivity and false positive rates (FPR) for good neurological outcome (defined as either 'no, mild, moderate disability or minimal change from baseline') in paediatric survivors were calculated for each predictor.

A portrait of germline pathogenic variants in high and moderate penetrance breast cancer genes in Brazil.

Introduction: The prevalence of germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LP) in high and moderate penetrance (HMP) genes is approximately 7%-10% among breast cancer (BC) patients. The prevalence and spectrum of BC P/LP variants are affected by several factors. There are limited genetic data from Brazilian patients with BC.

Production and Characterization of Silk Fibroin- Hydrogel: A Study on Extraction, Hydrogel Properties, and Release Mechanism.

This work investigated the production and characterization of a silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel incorporated with an (AV) extract. Four extraction methods, ultrasound-assisted extraction with bath and probe, stirring, and Soxhlet, were tested, while the hydrogel was produced by a one-step freeze-thaw method. Besides the extraction yield, the antioxidant capacity of the extracts was accessed, which allowed to select the extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction to be incorporated into the hydrogels.

Automatic segmentation of cardiac structures can change the way we evaluate dose limits for radiotherapy in the left breast.

Purpose: Radiotherapy is a crucial part of breast cancer treatment. Precision in dose assessment is essential to minimize side effects. Traditionally, anatomical structures are delineated manually, a time-consuming process subject to variability.

Investigating the Links Between Food Addiction, Emotional Dysregulation, Impulsivity and Quality of Life in Brazilian and Canadian College Students: A Network Analysis.

Introduction: Food addiction (FA) has been associated with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and reduced quality of life, but its interrelationships remain underexplored. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine these connections using network analysis.

Methods: Data were collected from 1777 university students in Brazil and Canada through an online survey.

Comparison of principal component analysis algorithms for imputation in agrometeorological data in high dimension and reduced sample size.

Meteorological data acquired with precision, quality, and reliability are crucial in various agronomy fields, especially in studies related to reference evapotranspiration (ETo). ETo plays a fundamental role in the hydrological cycle, irrigation system planning and management, water demand modeling, water stress monitoring, water balance estimation, as well as in hydrological and environmental studies. However, temporal records often encounter issues such as missing measurements.

Potential of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates to manage Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae populations.

The growing expansion of eucalyptus plantations in Brazil and the impact of exotic pests, such as Gonipterus platensis, demand effective, and sustainable biological control strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the pathogenicity of 10 Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates to neonate Gonipterus platensis larvae, commonly known as the eucalyptus weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with the specific focus of evaluating their potential to manage this pest while preserving its egg parasitoid, Anaphes nitens. To achieve this, the genomic DNA of the 10 Bt isolates was extracted using the thermal lysis method for molecular characterization of their Cry and Vip proteins.

Greater adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet during pregnancy reduces the likelihood of having a large-for-gestational-age newborn.

Background/objectives: Studies suggest that greater maternal adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet reduces the risk of both maternal and fetal adverse health outcomes. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the DASH diet during pregnancy and the classification of birth weight according to gestational age.

Subjects/methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of 601 mother and child pairs who attended primary healthcare in a Brazilian municipality.

Jararaca GPIb-binding protein causes thrombocytopenia during Bothrops jararaca envenomation.

Inoculation of Bothrops jararaca snake venom (BjV) induces thrombocytopenia in humans and various animal species. Although several BjV toxins acting on hemostasis have been well characterized in vitro, it is not known which one is responsible for inducing thrombocytopenia in vivo. In previous studies, we showed that BjV incubated with metalloproteinase or serine proteinase inhibitors and/or anti-botrocetin antibodies still induced thrombocytopenia in rats and mice.

Biodiversity and Antifungal Activities of Amazonian Actinomycetes Isolated from Rhizospheres of Plants.

Background: Actinobacteria are major producers of antibacterial and antifungal metabolites and are growing their search for substances of biotechnological interest, especially for use in agriculture, among other applications. The Amazon is potentially rich in actinobacteria; however, almost no research studies exist. Thus, we present a study of the occurrence and antifungal potential of actinobacteria from the rhizosphere of , a native South American plant and one that is economically useful in the whole of the Amazon.

Visual Loss after Scoliosis Surgery: What Do Surgeons and Patients Need to Know? Three Case Reports.

Visual deficit after spinal surgery is rare but tragic. The main causes include external eye injury, cortical blindness, central retinal artery occlusion, and ischemic optic neuropathy. In scoliosis surgery, this complication potentially arises from prolonged surgical time, high blood loss, prone position, hydroelectrolytic imbalance, and cerebrospinal fluid loss.