The Healthy Oral Microbiome: A Changing Ecosystem throughout the Human Lifespan.

Microorganisms have co-evolved with a variety of plants and animals, developing complex symbiotic relationships with their hosts and the environment. The diversity of symbionts acquired over time help their hosts to adapt, survive, and evolve more rapidly and efficiently, improving fitness across the lifespan. Understanding these synergistic relationships between humans and their endogenous microbiota may provide valuable information on human physiology and on potential mechanisms associated with the onset of diseases.

Platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia.

Background: Although rare, vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) following adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccination is a concerning and often severe adverse effect of vaccination. The generation of high antiplatelet factor 4 antibody titers promotes the formation of immune complexes capable of activating platelets and neutrophils through FcγRIIa.

Objectives: Given that platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation and inflammasome activation are common features of thromboinflammatory diseases, we aimed to evaluate if these are also features of VITT.

Palm and interesterified palm oil-enhanced brown fat whitening contributes to metabolic dysfunction in C57BL/6J mice.

Palm oil is widely used in the food industry owing to its high stability and versatility. The interesterified version has been used as an alternative to oils rich in trans fatty acids. However, the health effects of these vegetable oils are not yet fully understood.

The effects of exercise on anxiety and depression in adults with cancer: A meta-review of meta-analyses.

Background: This meta-review aimed to synthesize the evidence of the effects of exercise on anxiety and depression symptoms amongst adults with cancer, and cancer-survivors, comparing effects sizes between meta-analysis.

Methods: Major databases were searched up to February 9, 2024 for meta-analyses evaluating the effects of exercise, using anxiety and/or depression scales. Effect size (ES) values were calculated as standardized differences in the means and expressed as the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with the 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Comparison between 2- and 4-plate fixation in Le Fort I osteotomy: a mixed methods systematic review.

Objective: Achieving postsurgical skeletal stability is crucial for successful outcomes and patient satisfaction. Precision maxillofacial surgery, which integrates precision techniques with minimally invasive approaches, is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance long-term stability and reduce surgical risks and complications. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of fixation techniques (2 vs 4 plates) during Le Fort I osteotomy in orthognathic surgery on skeletal stability.

Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility in a Patient with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Intellectual Disability.

The current study presents the case of a young man with intellectual disability related to fetal alcohol syndrome, referred for forensic psychiatric examination of criminal liability following charges of armed robbery, and who was considered not criminally liable. In such cases, it is crucial to perform early diagnosis and rely on educational and developmental services and a supportive home environment to decrease complications such as substance use and criminal involvement.

Comparative outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery versus open thoracic surgery in pediatric pulmonary metastasectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy in pediatric patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy for various malignancies. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies comparing VATS and open thoracotomy in pediatric patients. The treatment effects for continuous outcomes were compared using mean differences (MDs), and binary endpoints were evaluated using odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Interictal burden in migraine patients at the outset of CGRP monoclonal antibody prevention.

Background: The total burden of migraine includes not only the episodes with headache pain but extends throughout the interictal periods. Interictal symptoms and associated psychological responses may profoundly impact well-being and drive treatment-seeking behavior.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with participants aged ≥ 18 years, 250 with episodic migraine (EM) and 250 with chronic migraine (CM), having ≥ 4 monthly migraine headache days.

Multi-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography images of carbonate rocks from brazilian pre-salt.

The recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI) advancements has been driven by the availability of open datasets for model development and evaluation. However, in the field of earth sciences, particularly in digital rock physics applications, open data remains scarce. To bridge this gap, we introduce a dataset comprising 16 rock samples from the Brazilian pre-salt region, available in both low resolution (48 μm - 64 μm) and high resolution (6 μm - 8 μm).

Risk assessment of pesticide residues ingestion in food offered by institutional restaurant menus.

The chronic ingestion of pesticide residues through food appears to be a global public health issue, especially in Brazil. This study evaluates 120 menus across six Brazilian institutional restaurants, estimating the allowance of active pesticide ingredients, residue characterization, and chronic exposure risk through food. Data analysis reveals 263 authorized active ingredients, predominantly insecticides (43%), fungicides (40%), and herbicides (14%) for use in 40 foods.

Challenges in Transitioning from Controlled to Assisted Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Management.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) presents significant challenges in critical care, primarily due to its inflammatory nature, which leads to impaired gas exchange and respiratory mechanics. While mechanical ventilation (MV) is essential for patient support, the transition from controlled to assisted ventilation is complex and may be associated with intensive care unit-acquired weakness, ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction and patient self-inflicted lung injury. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges encountered during this transition, with a focus on respiratory effort, sedation management, and monitoring techniques, and investigates innovative approaches to enhance patient outcomes.

Immune Profile and MRI-Detected Cardiac Fibrosis and Edema in Hypertensive and Non-Hypertensive Patients with COVID-19.

Cardiac involvement in 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) survivors has been reported frequently. An exacerbated immune response may be the main mechanism of myocardial injury and late cardiac sequelae in this population. We investigated the immune profile in hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients with COVID-19 who developed late cardiac fibrosis and edema, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Did social isolation affect anxiety and sleep quality of elite soccer players during the COVID-19 lockdown? Comparisons to training before distancing in the pandemic and outlook for mental health.

Objective: To analyze the anxiety levels and sleep quality of elite soccer athletes in training pre-pandemic and during the lockdown caused by COVID-19.

Method: This is an exploratory study with a longitudinal design carried out with elite soccer athletes from two Brazilian soccer clubs. Data collection took place in person pre-pandemic (training) and online (during lockdown) between February and May 2020.

Influence of pre-existing maternal diabetes mellitus on fetal myocardial performance index and systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of pre-existing maternal diabetes mellitus on fetal myocardial performance index and systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio.

Methods: Prospective cohort study included 179 pregnant women between 20 and 36w6d, divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (120, normal), Group 2 (31, type 1 diabetes mellitus), and Group 3 (28, type 2 diabetes mellitus). Systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio was calculated as the sum of isovolumic contraction time and ejection time divided by the sum of isovolumic relaxation time and ventricular filling time.

Non-invasive telemonitoring programs for patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aims: To assess whether telemonitoring improves outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods And Results: A literature search was conducted on studies of randomized controlled trials involving non-invasive telemonitoring and heart failure using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, and hospitalization for heart failure.

Pumpkin seed protein as a carrier for Astaxanthin: Molecular characterization of interactions and implications for stability.

This study investigated pumpkin seed protein (PSP) as a carrier for astaxanthin (AST). Interaction mechanisms revealed through fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking, showed that hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces form the PSP-AST complex. AST binding altered PSP's secondary structure, increasing α-helix (7.

IL-17A/IFN-γ producing γδ T cell functional dichotomy impacts cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice.

γδ T cells play diverse roles in immune responses, producing either IL-17A or IFN-γ. Here we investigated the impact of this functional dichotomy on cutaneous leishmaniasis. We demonstrate that in Sv129 mice susceptible to Leishmania amazonensis, Vγ4+ γδ T cells are the main source of IL-17A.

Global epidemiology and characteristics of MASLD in type 1 diabetes mellitus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is often overlooked in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the burden of MASLD in T1DM by assessing the prevalence of MASLD and its advanced forms in individuals with T1DM.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Embase databases (from inception to May 5, 2024) for original articles on the prevalence or characteristics of MASLD (as detected by blood biomarkers/scores, imaging techniques or liver biopsy) in adults with T1DM.

Heritability, phenotypic, and genetic correlations across dimensional and categorical models of bipolar disorder in a family sample.

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) presents with a wide range of symptoms that vary among relatives, casting doubt on categorical illness models. To address this uncertainty, we investigated the heritability and genetic relationships between categorical and dimensional models of BD in a family sample.

Methods: This retrospective study included participants (n = 397 Females, n = 329 Males, mean age 47 yr) in the Amish-Mennonite Bipolar Genetics (AMBiGen) study from North and South America that were assigned categorical mood disorder diagnoses ("narrow" or "broad") by structured psychiatric interview and completed the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), which assesses lifetime history of manic symptoms and associated impairment.

Optimized pipeline for personalized neurobiological insights from single patient-derived Neurospheres.

This pipeline presents a refined approach for deriving personalized neurobiological insights from iPSC-derived neurospheres. By employing Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) labeling, we optimized sample pooling and multiplexing for robust comparative analysis across experimental conditions, maximizing data yield per sample. Through single-patient-derived neurospheres-composed of neural progenitor cells, early neurons, and radial glia-this study explores proteomic profiling to mirror the cellular complexity of neurodevelopment more accurately than traditional 2D cultures.