Autoantibody clusters in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Insights from a multicenter study with 912 patients.

To identify clusters of autoantibodies in a large cSLE population and to verify possible associations between different autoantibody clusters and the following variables: demographic data, cumulative clinical and laboratory manifestations, disease activity, cumulative damage and mortality. A cross-sectional study was performed in 27 Pediatric Rheumatology University centers, including 912 cSLE patients. The frequencies of seven selected autoantibodies (anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, aCL IgM and/or IgG and LA) were used for cluster analysis using the K-means method.

Renal damage-induced hepcidin accumulation contributes to anemia in angiotensinogen-deficient mice.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the most active peptide hormone produced by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Genetic deletion of genes that ultimately restrict Ang II formation has been shown to result in marked anemia in mice. In this study, adult mice with a genetic deletion of the RAS precursor protein angiotensinogen (Agt-KO) were used.

Glioprotective Effects of Resveratrol Against Glutamate-Induced Cellular Dysfunction: The Role of Heme Oxygenase 1 Pathway.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has shown promising neuroprotective effects in several in vivo and in vitro experimental models. However, the mechanisms by which resveratrol mediates these effects are not fully understood. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain; however, excessive extracellular glutamate levels can affect neural activity in several neurological diseases.

Retained versus removed copper intrauterine device during pregnancy: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective contraceptives. Despite their effectiveness, pregnancies can occur during IUD use, and the management of such cases, particularly when the pregnancy is desired, remains controversial.

Material And Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate outcomes in women who unintentionally conceived while using IUDs and chose to continue their pregnancies.

Apical Surgery and Resurgery After Recurrent Failure in Traumatised Immature Teeth: Reflections on Management Based on Two Case Reports.

This study reports two cases of traumatised non-vital immature teeth (IT). Both underwent surgical and nonsurgical treatments after healing failure. In the first case, both maxillary central incisors underwent revascularization as the first treatment option.

Can Spp. Contribute to the Bioremediation and Biostimulation of Plants in Soil Contaminated with Herbicides?

This work aimed to evaluate the potential of spp. in the bioremediation of herbicides and biostimulation of plants in herbicide-contaminated soils. In the first phase, the experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 × 4 factorial scheme with five replications, four strains of spp.

Drying behavior and thermodynamic properties of cashew nut almonds in thin layers: A mathematical modeling approach.

Innovation in the drying process during the roasting of cashew nut almonds has the potential to significantly improve product quality. This study aimed to investigate the drying kinetics of the almond, comparing the experimental data with the mathematical models of Fick, Page, Cavalcanti Mata, and Henderson and Pabis. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Physical Measurements and Drying of the Academic Unit of Food Engineering at the Federal University of Campina Grande.

Meningioma in the fourth ventricle in 2 cats.

Feline meningiomas typically arise on the surface of the brain but can occur in the third ventricle. Meningiomas in the fourth ventricle have not been reported in cats, to our knowledge. Here, we describe the clinical and pathologic findings of meningioma in the fourth ventricle in 2 cats.

Comparison of the diagnostic performance of non-contrast MR angiography and planar V/Q scintigraphy for pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To conduct a meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of non-contrast magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography (NC-MRPA) and ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy for the detection of acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Materials And Methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases were conducted from 2000 to 2024. Primary outcomes were per-patient sensitivity and specificity of NC-MRPA and V/Q scintigraphy.

ALTERNATIVE BIOLOGICAL MODELS FOR EVALUATION OF THE TOXIC, GENOTOXIC AND MUTAGENIC POTENTIAL OF Ectatomma brunneum Smith VENOM.

The venom of Ectatomma brunneum is considered promising for drugs development. Therefore, it is important to evaluate its toxic potential and genetic instability using biological assays. To this end, toxicity assays were performed with Artemia salina, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity with Allium cepa and mutagenicity with Ames.

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.

Clinical effectiveness of progestogens compared to combined oral contraceptive pills in the treatment of endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrium-like cells outside the uterus, affecting reproductive-aged women. Symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and infertility significantly impair quality of life. Among therapeutic options, progestogens have demonstrated efficacy in managing pain and reducing recurrence rates.

Conservative Management of Pediatric Patients With Appendicolith Appendicitis Versus Non-appendicolith Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Up to one-third of pediatric patients with acute appendicitis present with radiological evidence of appendicoliths. However, whether appendicolith presence influences prognosis under conservative management compared to non-appendicolith appendicitis remains uncertain.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies comparing pediatric appendicolith and non-appendicolith appendicitis managed conservatively with antibiotics, fluids, and percutaneous drainage.

Shared Pheromone Compounds in Neotropical Rice Stink Bugs: The Role of Zingiberenol and Sesquipiperitol.

The small black stem bug, Paratibraca (= Glyphepomis) spinosa (Campos and Grazia 1998), is a rice pest in Brazil and is part of a complex of stink bugs that includes Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) and Tibraca limbativentris Stål. Together, these pentatomid species pose a serious threat to rice crops throughout South America. In this study, we identified the sex pheromone of P.

Mitochondria as a Therapeutic Target: Focusing on Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mitochondria are organelles of eukaryotic cells delimited by two membranes and cristae that consume oxygen to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and are involved in the synthesis of vital metabolites, calcium homeostasis, and cell death mechanisms. Strikingly, normal mitochondria function as an integration center between multiple conditions that determine neural cell homeostasis, whereas lesions that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction can desynchronize cellular functions, thus contributing to the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, TBI leads to impaired coupling of the mitochondrial electron transport system with oxidative phosphorylation that provides most of the energy needed to maintain vital functions, ionic homeostasis, and membrane potentials.

Real-World Impact of Olaparib Exposure in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients Harboring Germline BRCA1-2 Pathogenic Variants.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer arising in the context of BRCA predisposition may benefit from poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. We analyzed real-world data on the impact of olaparib on survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients harboring germline BRCA mutations in Italy, where olaparib is not reimbursed for this indication.

Methods: Clinico/pathological data of pancreatic cancer patients with documented BRCA1-2 germline pathogenic variants who had received first-line chemotherapy for metastatic disease were collected from 23 Italian oncology departments and the impact of olaparib exposure on overall survival (OS) was analyzed.

Two Years of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Genomic Evolution in Brazil (2022-2024): Subvariant Tracking and Assessment of Regional Sequencing Efforts.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has undergone significant genetic evolution since its emergence in 2019. This study examines the genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil after the worst phase of the pandemic, the wider adoption of routine vaccination, and the abolishment of other non-pharmacological preventive measures from July 2022 to July 2024 using 55,951 sequences retrieved from the GISAID database. The analysis focuses on the correlation between confirmed COVID-19 cases, sequencing efforts across Brazilian states, and the distribution and evolution of viral lineages.

Effect of Bacterial Nanocellulose with Chemisorbed Antiseptics on Alveolar Bone Repair in Rats Undergoing Bisphosphonate Therapy.

: This work investigated the effect of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) alone or with chemisorbed chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine on post-tooth extraction repair in rats undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. : Forty Wistar rats were treated with zoledronic acid, subjected to tooth extractions and allocated into groups according to the material inserted in the post-extraction socket: (1) BNC ( = 10); (2) BNC/Iodine ( = 10); (3) BNC/Chlorhex ( = 10); (4) Control ( = 10). Maxillae were dissected and macro- and microscopically analyzed.

Exploring the Effect of Annealing on PLA/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites: In Search of Efficient PLA/MWCNT Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Shielding.

In this research, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were produced by extrusion, injection, and compression molding, focusing on electromagnetic shielding. Various amounts of carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were tested in PLA matrix, specifically ranging from 1 to 4 parts per hundred resin (phr). The resulting nanocomposites were analyzed before and after undergoing annealing heat treatment.

Targeting Cytokine-Mediated Inflammation in Brain Disorders: Developing New Treatment Strategies.

Cytokine-mediated inflammation is increasingly recognized for playing a vital role in the pathophysiology of a wide range of brain disorders, including neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental problems. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cause neuroinflammation, alter brain function, and accelerate disease development. Despite progress in understanding these pathways, effective medicines targeting brain inflammation are still limited.

(-)-Fenchone Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats via Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory, and Cytoprotective Mechanisms.

Background: (-)-Fenchone is a bicyclic monoterpene present in the plant species Mill, L. (tuja), and (lavender). These plants have therapeutic value in the treatment of intestinal disorders.

Fibroin-Hybrid Systems: Current Advances in Biomedical Applications.

Fibroin, a protein extracted from silk, offers advantageous properties such as non-immunogenicity, biocompatibility, and ease of surface modification, which have been widely utilized for a variety of biomedical applications. However, in vivo studies have revealed critical challenges, including rapid enzymatic degradation and limited stability. To widen the scope of this natural biomacromolecule, the grafting of polymers onto the protein surface has been advanced as a platform to enhance protein stability and develop smart conjugates.

Trends in Microbiology 2024.

Microbiology is a key component of modern science, significantly influencing various fields, such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental management, particularly through the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health [...

Experimental Study of Carbonation and Chloride Resistance of Self-Compacting Concretes with a High Content of Fly Ash and Metakaolin, with and Without Hydrated Lime.

The durability of reinforced concrete is associated with several factors that can trigger the corrosion of reinforcement bars. Among these factors, the most significant are chloride-ion attack and carbonation. This study evaluated, through accelerated testing, self-compacting concretes (SCCs) with reduced cement content in binary, ternary, and quaternary mixtures using high-early-strength Portland cement, fly ash (FA), metakaolin (MK), and hydrated lime (HL).

Structure and Morphological Properties of Cobalt-Oxide-Based (CoO) Materials as Electrodes for Supercapacitors: A Brief Review.

Over the past 15 years, there has been a significant increase in the search for environmentally friendly energy sources, and transition-metal-based energy storage devices are leading the way in these new technologies. Supercapacitors are attractive in this regard due to their superior energy storage capabilities. Electrode materials, which are crucial components of supercapacitors, such as cobalt-oxide-based electrodes, have great qualities for achieving high supercapacitor performance.