Structural characterization of an arabinogalactan rich fraction from Bauhinia forficata Link leaves and evaluation of its effect on THP-1 macrophages.

Bauhinia forficata is a medicinal plant known as cow's paw, used for many purposes. Although there are studies that aimed to elucidate compounds from the plant leaves, there is no information about its polysaccharides. This study intended to obtain a polysaccharide rich fraction from its leaves, structurally characterize the water-soluble polysaccharides, as well as evaluate their effect on THP-1 cells.

Effect of an abdominal binder on postoperative outcomes after ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Abdominal binders consist of a wide compression belt that encircles the abdomen, theoretically supporting the abdominal wall. However, their use after ventral hernia repair is debated. Therefore, this meta-analysis evaluates their efficacy.

Spontaneous ependymoma in a free-ranging juvenile black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus).

A young free-ranging black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus) with a history of ataxia, anisocoria, diminished threat and pupil reflexes and increased cranial circumference was referred for evaluation to the Medicine and Wildlife Conservation Section, Federal University of Paraná, Paraná, Brazil. Due to the clinical presentation and radiographic findings of hydrocephalus, euthanasia was performed. Necropsy revealed a dark red mass (1.

Assessment of the adherence to perioperative nutritional care protocols in Brazilian hospitals: The PreopWeek study.

Objectives: The study (PreopWeek) aimed to assess the perioperative nutritional care for major surgical patients in Brazilian hospitals, focusing on adherence to emerging multimodal protocols like Enhanced Recovery After Surgery and Acceleration of Total Postoperative Recovery.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazilian hospitals enrolled voluntarily from June 19 to June 23, 2023 (convenience sample). Data were collected through patient interviews and medical records review.

Enhancing variant of uncertain significance (VUS) interpretation in neurogenetics: collaborative experiences from a tertiary care centre.

Background: The findings of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) on a clinical genetic testing report pose a challenge for attending healthcare professionals (HCPs) in patient care. Here, we describe the outcomes of multidisciplinary VUS Rounds, implemented at a neurological disease tertiary care centre, which aid in interpreting and communicating VUS identified in our neurogenetics patient population.

Methods: VUS Rounds brought together genetic counsellors, molecular geneticists and scientists to evaluate VUS against genomic and phenotypic evidence and assign an internal temperature classification of 'VUS Hot', 'True VUS' or 'VUS Cold', corresponding to potential pathogenicity.

Patient satisfaction with synchronous telehealth care after strabismus surgery.

Background: To measure patient satisfaction with synchronous telehealth care, we administered the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ) to assess the quality of care provided, its similarity to face-to-face meetings, and patients' perception of the interaction.

Methods: The Portuguese version of the TSQ was administered during 2022 to patients who received postoperative synchronous telehealth care after strabismus surgery in Curitiba, Brazil, from 2020 to 2022. The interval between the questionnaire application and teleconsultation ranged from 2 to 22 months after the telehealth encounter.

Induction of ectosome formation by binding of phospholipases D from Loxosceles venoms to endothelial cell surface: Mechanism of interaction.

Members of the phospholipase D (PLD) superfamily found in Loxosceles spider venoms are potent toxins with inflammatory and necrotizing activities. They degrade phospholipids in cell membranes, generating bioactive molecules that activate skin cells. These skin cells, in turn, activate leukocytes involved in dermonecrosis, characterized by aseptic coagulative necrosis.

Vascular hamartoma in horse limbs: presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of two case studies.

Vascular hamartoma is an abnormal development of endothelial tissue that rarely affects horses. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, yet the presence of abnormal vascular structures must be carefully differentiated from other vascular anomalies and neoplasms. This report describes two cases of vascular proliferation affecting the skin on the lateral side over the left tarsus and the dorsolateral region over the fetlock joint of two fillies.

Impact of conservative therapy on otologic signs and symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of conservative therapeutic interventions in adult patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and associated otologic symptoms.

Methods: An electronic search across six databases and grey literature was conducted. Studies were assessed for risk of bias, a random-effects meta-analysis, and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool.

Heterotopic pregnancy and amniotic embolism: a case report.

Background: Heterotopic pregnancy and amniotic embolism are rare conditions that can be challenging to diagnose. To date, there are no cases of heterotopic pregnancy associated with amniotic embolism described in the literature. Therefore, we report the case of a pancreatic heterotopic pregnancy, which led to amniotic embolism and an unfavorable maternal outcome.

Modulation of starch-based film properties for encapsulation of microbial inoculant.

Controlled release of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture by encapsulation in biopolymeric matrices can improve biofertilizer efficacy, but it requires the modulation of properties to ensure more efficient and predictable release patterns. This study investigated the effect of a starch-based system to protect and release Priestia megaterium (former Bacillus megaterium) processed as films modified with potential cell-protective additives (maltodextrin, cellulose, and bentonite). The release kinetics, physicochemical and morphological film characteristics, and their protection against UV (Ultraviolet) radiation and temperature were evaluated.

Mistletoes have higher hydraulic safety but lower efficiency in xylem traits than their hosts.

Both mistletoes and their hosts are challenged by increasing drought, highlighting the necessity of understanding their comparative hydraulic properties. The high transpiration of mistletoes requires efficient water transport, while high xylem tensions demand strong embolism resistance, representing a hydraulic paradox. This study, conducted across four environments with different aridity indices in Yunnan, China, examined the xylem traits of 119 mistletoe-host species pairs.

Petrographic and Petrophysical Characterization of Sandstones from Rio Bonito Formation, Paraná Basin (Southern Brazil).

This study focuses on the laboratory-scale petrophysical characterization of sandstones from the Rio Bonito Formation (Lower Permian), Paraná Basin, carried out from drill core samples from well PN-14-SC.02 obtained by CPRM-Brazilian Geological Service in the 1980s on the eastern edge of the Basin. This study includes integrating experimental data from routine petrophysics, sedimentary petrography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) obtained from 6 samples arranged in the normal direction of the stratification, present between 40 and 200 m deep.

Cascade Cyclization/Annulation of β-Enamino Diketones and -Phenylenediamine: A Strategy to Access Pyrrole-fused 1,5-Benzodiazepines.

Herein, we introduce an unprecedented cascade reaction for the assembly of pyrrole-fused 1,5-benzodiazepine frameworks. These diverse privileged scaffolds were controllably constructed by intramolecular cyclization of β-enamino diketone, followed by annulation with -phenylenediamine. The protocol features efficient one-pot cascade cyclization/annulation, performed under simple and mild reaction conditions.

Unveiling the Role of Electronic, Vibrational, and Optical Features of the 1T' WSe Monolayer.

Understanding the optoelectronic profile and chemical stability of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is crucial for advancing two-dimensional (2D) material applications, particularly in electronics, optoelectronics, and energy devices. Here, we investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and excitonic properties of the 1T' WSe monolayer. Phonon dispersion analysis confirmed the thermodynamic stability of this system.

Neutralizing antibody correlate of protection against severe-critical COVID-19 in the ENSEMBLE single-dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine efficacy trial.

Assessment of immune correlates of severe COVID-19 has been hampered by the low numbers of severe cases in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy (VE) trials. We assess neutralizing and binding antibody levels at 4 weeks post-Ad26.COV2.

Cutaneous infection in an immunocompromised domestic cat caused by Setosphaeria turcica (Luttr.) Leonard & Suggs.

This is the first report of a cutaneous infection in an immunocompromised domestic cat caused by Setosphaeria turcica. The investigation encompasses an assessment of its virulence factors and susceptibility to antifungal drugs. The isolated strain originated from a domestic cat displaying cutaneous lesions that tested positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection.

Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in ruminants from Somalia.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, including humans, in the case of T. gondii, and cause economic losses in livestock due to abortion and neonatal mortality. In Somalia, zoonotic diseases are concerning due to cultural practices and livestock's economic importance, but surveillance is limited.

Ultra-processed food consumption is related to screen time among Brazilian adolescents, adults and older adults.

This study investigated the association between screen time and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption across the lifespan, using data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey, a cross-sectional and population-based study. A score was used to evaluate UPF consumption, calculated by summing the positive answers to questions about the consumption of ten UPF subgroups on the previous day. Scores ≥5 represented high UPF consumption.