8,921 results match your criteria: "FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF MINAS GERAIS[Affiliation]"

The ecological and evolutionary dynamics of inselbergs.

Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc

October 2024

Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil.

Islands are fundamental model systems in ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology. However, terrestrial islands, unlike their aquatic counterparts, have received comparatively less attention. Among these land islands, inselbergs (i.

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Background: Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor (EMCMT) is a rare neoplasm that mainly affects the tongue and harbors recurrent, although not exclusive, gene fusions. Owing to its rarity, overlapping features with other tumors may lead to challenges in the microscopic diagnosis. We aimed to perform a systematic review focusing on the histomolecular findings of EMCMT of the oral and maxillofacial region and to evaluate the possible association between microscopic features with the genetic background.

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  • Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations generate complex data that are challenging to analyze with traditional methods; however, combining this with deep learning allows for better understanding of structural changes in proteins, such as those caused by mutations.
  • The study specifically focuses on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's receptor-binding domain (RBD), using distance maps and deep convolutional neural networks to predict how point mutations affect the virus's infectivity and ability to evade immune responses.
  • Results showed promising predictive success regarding mutant types that enhance receptor affinity and reduce immunogenicity, with significant correlations found between simulation data and binding free energy changes, potentially aiding in identifying more infectious and immune-evasive strains of the virus.
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Background: This study evaluated the expression of ACE and ACE2 in the placenta and white adipose tissue in lean and obese women, and correlated their levels with anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory parameters, and tissue count of inflammatory cells.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was performed with 49 pregnant women and their respective newborns. Samples of placenta and adipose tissue were used for measuring mRNA expression for ACE and ACE2 through qRT-PCR.

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Background: The Lichtenstein technique is the gold standard for adult open inguinal hernia repair with mesh. The Desarda technique emerged in 2001 as a novel, promising non-mesh technique that has demonstrated low recurrence and postoperative complications.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until April 2024.

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Purpose: Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a novel, minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery corpus callosotomy (CC). We aim to compare both approaches in terms of time of hospitalization and surgical procedure, complications, and efficacy outcomes.

Methods: A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was performed for studies directly comparing MRgLITT and open surgery for refractory epilepsy in children.

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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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  • Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) refers to ongoing symptoms that persist for at least one month after recovering from acute COVID-19, and the study analyzed risks associated with different viral variants among 7,699 hospitalized patients.
  • The research found that the most common PCC symptoms were fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues, with the original wild-type virus being the most prevalent among participants, followed by Alpha, Delta, Gamma, and Omicron variants.
  • Results indicated that infection with Omicron was linked to a lower risk of developing PCC compared to the wild-type strain, while Alpha and Delta variants were associated with a higher risk; ICU admission was a significant factor influencing severity and PCC risk.
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  • * Researchers analyzed the blood of 27 CHIKV-positive patients and 9 healthy controls, finding significant increases in transcription factors and cytokines linked to various T cell types, especially RORγt.
  • * The study revealed complex immune interactions during CHIKV infection, noting that higher levels of some immune markers are associated with either lower or higher viral loads, enhancing understanding of disease mechanisms.
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  • The study investigates how temperature affects the viral cycles of Zika (ZIKV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) in mammalian (Vero) and mosquito (C6/36) cells.
  • At two temperatures, 28 °C and 37 °C, researchers compare the virus's genome quantification to its infectivity in both cell types.
  • Techniques like transmission electron microscopy reveal unique interactions, such as CHIKV's "virus-surfing" behaviors and its larger forms, while ZIKV is less prevalent in mosquito cells compared to mammalian cells.
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  • * Genomic analyses revealed that MRSP strains have larger genomes with more antimicrobial resistance genes and virulent markers than MSSP strains, indicating heightened pathogenicity in MRSP infections.
  • * Pangenome analysis identified a large number of both core and variable genes, while phylogenomic analysis effectively differentiated MRSP from MSSP strains, suggesting distinct evolutionary pathways that are essential for developing strategies to combat resistant infections.
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  • The study examined the oral health issues in individuals with rare genetic conditions affecting skeletal development compared to those without such diseases.
  • It involved 210 participants aged 2 to 54, with half having conditions like mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and the other half being healthy individuals recruited from similar locations in Brazil.
  • Results indicated that those with rare diseases were significantly more likely to experience dental problems, being 12.9 times more likely to have oral issues than their counterparts without rare conditions.
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Diet and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Scoping Review.

Int J Environ Res Public Health

September 2024

Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, Alameda Ezequiel Dias, 275, Belo Horizonte 30130-110, MG, Brazil.

Article Synopsis
  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer worldwide, with rising cases among non-smokers prompting a need to investigate dietary influences alongside smoking.
  • This scoping review utilized a systematic approach to assess the relationship between diet and OSCC, analyzing data from 17 studies involving over 10,000 patients primarily from countries with high human development.
  • Findings suggest that higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and tea may reduce OSCC risk, while diets high in salty meats, dairy, and fried/spicy foods could increase it, highlighting the need for standardized research to clarify these associations.
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Background: Screen time, involving activities like watching television (TV), and using tablets, mobile phones, and computers (electronic devices), is associated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. This study aimed to analyze the association between prolonged leisure screen time and healthy and unhealthy food consumption indicators among Brazilian adults (≥18 years).

Methods: Data from the National Health Survey (NHS), conducted in 2019 (n = 88,531), were used.

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  • Scientists used a technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to study how our brains control movement and the sounds we hear.
  • They found that TMS can help improve how people tell different sounds apart, showing that it can change how our brains work.
  • Their results suggest that TMS might be a good way to understand brain activity better, especially in how we process different types of sounds.
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Background: is a leading causative agent of dental caries and exerts pathogenicity by forming biofilms. Dental caries continues to be a significant public health issue worldwide, affecting an estimated 2.5 billion people, showing a 14.

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Droplet Digital PCR for Diagnosis in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples from Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

Antibiotics (Basel)

September 2024

Departament of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Article Synopsis
  • Advanced diagnostic technologies like droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) provide a precise way to identify and measure pathogens in mini bronchoalveolar lavage samples for diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
  • VAP is a serious lung infection in patients on ventilators, making accurate and timely diagnosis essential for effective treatment and reducing patient risk.
  • The study found that ddPCR was more sensitive and able to detect pathogens in a higher percentage of clinical samples compared to traditional methods, while also avoiding issues with calibration curves.
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Feasibility of new polymeric matrices in the production of ferrous sulphate dosimeters.

Appl Radiat Isot

December 2024

Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Department of Nuclear Engineering, Campus of UFMG, Pampulha, 31.270-901. Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Nuclear Technology Development Center (CDTN) / Brazilian National Nuclear Energy Commission, Campus of UFMG, Pampulha, 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Electronic address:

External beam radiotherapy is a treatment modality that employs high doses for curative or palliative purposes. Safety in such treatments, particularly with high-precision equipment, necessitates strict adherence to quality control protocols to ensure the efficacy of oncological treatments. In this context, chemical dosimeters, particularly the Fricke gel, have emerged as valuable tools for quantitatively analysing absorbed radiation doses.

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  • Tupanviruses are a type of virus that infect special cells in the immune system called phagocytes.
  • Scientists discovered how certain metal ions and hydrogen peroxide can cause these viruses to open up in a specific way.
  • This opening might release the part of the virus that is needed to start an infection, making the treated viruses no longer able to infect cells.
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Background:  Mucosal visualization during upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy can be impaired by the presence of foam, bubbles, and mucus. Some UGI endoscopy visibility scales have been proposed but have not undergone multicenter validation. This study aimed to develop and validate the Gastroscopy RAte of Cleanliness Evaluation (GRACE) scale.

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Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a multifaceted concept that surpasses an exclusively clinical perception and includes functional, social, emotional, and environmental issues. The measure of OHRQoL represents a holistic approach for research and clinical practice. Negative impacts of oral conditions on OHRQoL in childhood can reflect on health development, especially in a life stage marked by social and cognitive maturation.

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Tooth hypersensitivity is a common symptom in molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) patients and can affect children's quality of life. During daily routine, children with MIH often report sensitivity to various thermal and mechanical stimuli, and difficulty in achieving effective analgesia is a common issue becoming a challenge for dentists. Research has focused on the possible pathophysiological mechanisms behind this phenomenon, which, in turn, have not been determined.

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Investigate individual and contextual determinants associated with bullying in schoolchildren eight to ten years of age. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 schoolchildren, who answered a question about episodes of bullying related to oral health and questionnaires addressing childhood anxiety and orofacial dysfunction. The guardians provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, sleep disorders, and oral health literacy.

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Systemic Mycoses by Novel Onygenalean Fungal Pathogens spp and in Rwanda.

Open Forum Infect Dis

September 2024

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.

Article Synopsis
  • Two unique cases of fungal infections were reported in Rwanda, which are not commonly seen in the region.
  • One patient had emergomycosis with widespread disease affecting the skin, while the other had African blastomycosis involving both skin and bones.
  • These cases provide insights into the clinical, pathological, and genetic characteristics of new fungal species in Rwanda.
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