It was in the 1980s that research on somatostatin(SST)in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)truly gained traction,demonstrating consistent colocalization with amyloid-β(Aβ),along with massive SST/SST cell losses(Almeida,2024)....It was in the 1980s that research on somatostatin(SST)in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)truly gained traction,demonstrating consistent colocalization with amyloid-β(Aβ),along with massive SST/SST cell losses(Almeida,2024).Although the field already had some grasp over the neuroendocrine and hypothalamic functions of the peptide,very little was known about the GABAergic interneurons(SST-INs)that synthesize it in cortical/hippocampal regions.Quite excitingly,over 40 years later,research has grown effervescent.展开更多
The intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases complicates the search for effective therapeutic approaches.Photoreceptor degeneration,the common endpoint in various retinal diseases,including retinitis pigmento...The intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases complicates the search for effective therapeutic approaches.Photoreceptor degeneration,the common endpoint in various retinal diseases,including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration,leads to vision loss or blindness.While primary cell death is driven by genetic mutations,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation,additional mechanisms contribute to disease progression.In retinitis pigmentosa,a multitude of genetic alterations can trigger the degeneration of photoreceptors,while other retinopathies,such as agerelated macular degeneration,are initiated by combinations of environmental factors,such as diet,smoking,and hypertension,with genetic predispositions.Nutraceutical therapies,which blend the principles of nutrition and pharmaceuticals,aim to harness the health benefits of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.These compounds generally possess multi-target effects.Polyphenols and flavonoids,secondary plant metabolites abundant in plant-based foods,are known for their antioxidant,neuroprotective,and anti-inflammatory properties.This review focuses on the potential of polyphenols and flavonoids as nutraceuticals to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.Furthermore,the importance of developing reliable delivery methods to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of these compounds will be discussed.By combining nutraceuticals with other emerging therapies,such as genetic and cell-based treatments,it is possible to offer a more comprehensive approach to treating retinal degenerative diseases.These advancements could lead to a viable and accessible option,improving the quality of life for patients with retinal diseases.展开更多
Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient element that is critical for plant growth and ecosystem functionality.The soil P cycle plays multiple roles,such as sustaining plant growth and productivity,regulating nutrient ...Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient element that is critical for plant growth and ecosystem functionality.The soil P cycle plays multiple roles,such as sustaining plant growth and productivity,regulating nutrient balance within ecosystems,and enhancing ecosystem adaptability and resilience.This cycle is influenced by factors such as the restoration approach and microbial community dynamics.However,the extent to which the restoration approach alters the P cycle in karst ecosystems and the underlying microbial mechanisms remain poorly understood.The P-cycle multifunctionality index (P-cycle MFI) serves as a comprehensive indicator for evaluating soil P cycle function,and it provides insights into changes in the P cycle between different restoration approaches.To investigate the shifts in soil P-cycle MFI and microbial mechanisms between different restoration approaches,we analyzed soil available P (AP),total P (TP),microbial biomass P (MBP),and the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).These data were used to calculate the P-cycle MFI by averaging the Z-scores between two restoration approaches(artificial restoration of forest (AF) and natural restoration of forest (NF)) and a control (cropland,CP) at six subtropical karst ecosystem sites in China.We also determined the soil organic carbon (SOC),exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg),pH,bulk density (BD),microbial biomass C (MBC),and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN),as well as the community structure,relative abundance,diversity indices,and co-occurrence networks of phoD-harboring bacteria.The results showed that the community structure of phoD-harboring bacteria varied significantly among AF,NF,and CP and across different temperature gradients.These bacteria exhibited increasing complexity and tightness in co-occurrence networks from CP to AF and then to NF,along with the ACP and ALP activities,but not the TP and AP contents.The P-cycle MFI values were significantly higher in NF compared to AF and CP,and the variation was significantly explained by restoration approach,temperature,MBC,MBN,SOC,exchangeable Ca,BD,community structure of phoD-harboring bacteria,and exchangeable Mg.Furthermore,natural restoration had a more substantial impact on the P-cycle MFI than temperature by enhancing SOC,microbial biomass,the complexity and co-occurrence network tightness of the phoD-harboring bacterial community structure,and ACP and ALP activities,but it reduced soil BD.The rare genera of phoD-harboring bacteria significantly influenced the variation of soil P-cycle MFI compared to the dominant genera.This study highlights the importance of rare genera of phoD-harboring bacteria in driving soil P-cycle multifunctionality in karst ecosystems,with natural restoration being more effective than artificial methods for enhancing soil organic matter and microbial community complexity.展开更多
The probative value of animal forensic genetic evidence relies on laboratory accuracy and reliability.Inter-laboratory comparisons allow laboratories to evaluate their performance on specific tests and analyses and to...The probative value of animal forensic genetic evidence relies on laboratory accuracy and reliability.Inter-laboratory comparisons allow laboratories to evaluate their performance on specific tests and analyses and to continue to monitor their output.The International Society for Animal Genetics(ISAG)administered animal forensic comparison tests(AFCTs)in 2016 and 2018 to assess the limitations and capabilities of laboratories offering forensic identification,parentage and species determination services.The AFCTs revealed that analyses of low DNA template concentrations(≤300 pg/μL)constitute a significant challenge that has prevented many laboratories from reporting correct identification and parentage results.Moreover,a lack of familiarity with species testing protocols,interpretation guidelines and representative databases prevented over a quarter of the participating laboratories from submitting correct species determination results.Several laboratories showed improvement in their genotyping accuracy over time.However,the use of forensically validated standards,such as a standard forensic short tandem repeat(STR)kit,preferably with an allelic ladder,and stricter guidelines for STR typing,may have prevented some common issues from occurring,such as genotyping inaccuracies,missing data,elevated stutter products and loading errors.The AFCTs underscore the importance of conducting routine forensic comparison tests to allow laboratories to compare results from each other.Laboratories should keep improving their scientific and technical capabilities and continuously evaluate their personnel’s proficiency in critical techniques such as low copy number(LCN)analysis and species testing.Although this is the first time that the ISAG has conducted comparison tests for forensic testing,findings from these AFCTs may serve as the foundation for continuous improvements of the overall quality of animal forensic genetic testing.展开更多
Here we compare the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs alone or combined with exercise training on body weight and exercise capacity of obese patients.Randomized clinical trials that assessed the impact of any anti-obesit...Here we compare the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs alone or combined with exercise training on body weight and exercise capacity of obese patients.Randomized clinical trials that assessed the impact of any anti-obesity drug alone or combined with exercise training on body weight,body fat,fat-free mass and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese patients were retrieved from Pubmed and EMBASE up to May 2024.Risk of bias assessment was performed with RoB 2.0,and the GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence(CoE)of each main outcome.We included four publications summing up 202 patients.Two publications used orlistat as an anti-obesity drug treatment,while the other two adopted GLP-1 receptor agonist(liraglutide or tirzepatide)as a pharmacotherapy for weight management.Orlistat combined with exercise was superior to change body weight(mean difference(MD):−2.27 kg;95%CI:−2.86 to−1.69;CoE:very low),fat mass(MD:−2.89;95%CI:−3.87 to−1.91;CoE:very low),fat-free mass(MD:0.56;95%CI:0.40–0.72;CoE:very low),and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.64;95%CI:2.52–2.76;CoE:very low).GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs combined with exercise had a great effect on body weight(MD:−3.96 kg;95%CI:−5.07 to−2.85;CoE:low),fat mass(MD:−1.76;95%CI:−2.24 to−1.27;CoE:low),fat-free mass(MD:0.50;95%CI:−0.98 to 1.98;CoE:very low)and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.47;95%CI:1.31–3.63;CoE:very low).The results reported here suggest that exercise training remains an important approach in weight management when combined with pharmacological treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Skin wounds are common injuries that affect quality of life and incur high costs.A considerable portion of healthcare resources in Western countries is allocated to wound treatment,mainly using mechanical,b...BACKGROUND Skin wounds are common injuries that affect quality of life and incur high costs.A considerable portion of healthcare resources in Western countries is allocated to wound treatment,mainly using mechanical,biological,or artificial dressings.Biological and artificial dressings,such as hydrogels,are preferred for their biocompatibility.Platelet concentrates,such as platelet-rich plasma(PRP)and platelet-rich fibrin(PRF),stand out for accelerating tissue repair and minimizing risks of allergies and rejection.This study developed PRF and PRP-based dressings to treat skin wounds in an animal model,evaluating their functionality and efficiency in accelerating the tissue repair process.AIM To develop wound dressings based on platelet concentrates and evaluating their efficiency in treating skin wounds in Wistar rats.METHODS Wistar rats,both male and female,were subjected to the creation of a skin wound,distributed into groups(n=64/group),and treated with Carbopol(negative control);PRP+Carbopol;PRF+Carbopol;or PRF+CaCl_(2)+Carbopol,on days zero(D0),D3,D7,D14,and D21.PRP and PRF were obtained only from male rats.On D3,D7,D14,and D21,the wounds were analyzed for area,contraction rate,and histopathology of the tissue repair process.RESULTS The PRF-based dressing was more effective in accelerating wound closure early in the tissue repair process(up to D7),while PRF+CaCl_(2) seemed to delay the process,as wound closure was not complete by D21.Regarding macroscopic parameters,animals treated with PRF+CaCl_(2) showed significantly more crusting(necrosis)early in the repair process(D3).In terms of histopathological parameters,the PRF group exhibited significant collagenization at the later stages of the repair process(D14 and D21).By D21,fibroblast proliferation and inflammatory infiltration were higher in the PRP group.Animals treated with PRF+CaCl_(2) experienced a more pronounced inflammatory response up to D7,which diminished from D14 onwards.CONCLUSION The PRF-based dressing was effective in accelerating the closure of cutaneous wounds in Wistar rats early in the process and in aiding tissue repair at the later stages.展开更多
Developmental instability(DI)is a phenomenon whereby organisms are unable to buffer developmental disturbances,resulting in asymmetricvariation of paired traits.Previous research has demonstrated a negative relationsh...Developmental instability(DI)is a phenomenon whereby organisms are unable to buffer developmental disturbances,resulting in asymmetricvariation of paired traits.Previous research has demonstrated a negative relationship between DI,measured as forearm asymmetry,and survivalin the bat Carollia perspicillata.This study aims to test the hypothesis that individuals with higher DI exhibit a lower immune response.We measured a delayed-type hypersensitivity to the antigen phytohemagglutinin(PHA)on 74 males and 65 females of C.perspicillata before and after thebreeding season(BS).Linear models were used to predict the immunological response based on body mass(BM),forearm asymmetry,sex,BS,and testicle length.The best-ftting model accounted for 29% of the variation in immune response and included asymmetry,BM,sex,and BS aspredictors.The immune response was negatively associated with asymmetry and testicle length in males but positively related to asymmetryin females.Both sexes showed a reduced immune response in the late BS.Additionally,the association between immune response and BMchanged direction seasonally,with heavier individuals showing weaker responses early in the BS and stronger responses later.Individual variation in male immunity was predicted by individual attributes,whereas variation in immune response in females was mostly seasonal.Our resultssupport the link between DI,survival,and immune response in short-tailed bats,and suggest that the immunological component measured bythe PHA response may be under fner selection in males due to its stronger correlation with individual traits.展开更多
Objective:To investigate mutations in the Chikungunya(CHIKV)envelope genome region and evaluate their potential impact on B lymphocyte epitopes via in silico analysis.Methods:E1,E2 and 6K protein genes were sequenced ...Objective:To investigate mutations in the Chikungunya(CHIKV)envelope genome region and evaluate their potential impact on B lymphocyte epitopes via in silico analysis.Methods:E1,E2 and 6K protein genes were sequenced from viral RNA isolated from 13 CHIKV-positive serum samples from Alagoas State,Brazil,during the 2016 outbreak.Phylogenetic analysis,experimental epitope identification in the immune epitope database(IEDB)and in silico approaches were employed to predict the potential impact of the detected mutations.Results:The sequences were clustered via phylogenetic analysis.The CHIKV isolates belong to the ECSA genotype,with 13 detected amino acid mutations.Five mutations are located on the surface of the viral particle in regions critical for cellular receptor interaction.Nine mutations are known experimentally validated epitopes for B and T cells.In B-cell epitope predictions,mutations affect sequences within three conformational epitopes in E2 and one in E1,as well as linear epitopes.Notably,the E2-G60D mutation found in the Alagoas strain has been previously reported to influence the vector competence of Aedes aegypti,the primary vector in Brazil.Conclusions:Genomic surveillance and an in-depth understanding of viral mutations are crucial for adapting public health strategies and improving the outbreak response.These findings could have significant public health implications,such as the development of more effective vaccines,diagnostic tests,and antiviral therapies.展开更多
The microstructures and corrosion behavior of 1.0wt%Gd-containing neutron-absorbing duplex stainless steel annealed at different temperatures were studied.Results reveal that the content of Gd-containing secondary pha...The microstructures and corrosion behavior of 1.0wt%Gd-containing neutron-absorbing duplex stainless steel annealed at different temperatures were studied.Results reveal that the content of Gd-containing secondary phase increases with increasing the annealing temperatures to 1080℃,and then decreases.In the sample annealed at 1080℃,M-Gd(M=Fe,Cr,Ni)intermetallic with M_(3)Gd as the core phase and M_(12)Gd as the shell is the primary secondary phase.In the sample annealed at 1140℃,M_(3)Gd phase is dominant.The corrosion behavior of the two annealed steel samples were analyzed in NaCl,HCl and H_(3)BO_(3) solutions.It is found that the sample annealed at 1140℃ has lower corrosion rate.M_(3)Gd is more electrochemically active than M_(12)Gd when the sample is immersed in NaCl and HCl solutions,but more noble in H_(3)BO_(3) solution.展开更多
Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and ne...Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and nestedness could disentangle community assembly rules and offer the opportunity to encompass the processes that structure the communities and maintain theβ-diversity on the campo rupestre.We evaluatedα-andβ-diversity and species conservation status of rocky outcrop communities in the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó,as well as the decomposed component of theβ-diversity index.Due to the isolation characteristics of rocky outcrops,we expect to find high taxonomic turnover among the communities.The study was performed on five quartzitic rocky outcrops divided into two sampling stations.We used field expeditions and plant inventory data of shrubs and herbaceous layers.We recorded 286 angiosperms taxa among rocky outcrops of campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó.The structure andα-diversity showed significant differences among rocky outcrops and an evident oligarchic structure in the plant communities analyzed.Taxonomicβ-diversity showed high turnover with a significant contribution of the turnover component to this index.This pattern reflects the interplay between regional and local scale processes.Therefore,we believe this approach becomes a unified framework,which allows the comparison of diversity patterns and ecological processes in rocky outcrops ecosystems.We highlight the high percentage of not evaluated species for threats and the need to fill this lack.展开更多
Tissue engineering holds promise in developing materials for biological applications,such as bone tissue repair.This study focuses on bioabsorbable and biocompatible polymers like Poly(L-lactic acid)(PLLA),Polyurethan...Tissue engineering holds promise in developing materials for biological applications,such as bone tissue repair.This study focuses on bioabsorbable and biocompatible polymers like Poly(L-lactic acid)(PLLA),Polyurethane(PU),and Polycaprolactone(PCL),along with nanohydroxyapatite(nHA),an essential osteoconductive ceramic.The main objective was the development and characterization of scaffolds obtained by Rotary Jet Spinning(RJS)using PLLA,PU,and PCL incorporated with nHA,for bone-related applications.The resulting scaffolds exhibited uniform fiber morphology and a rough surface,ideal for effective bone-tissue interaction.The crystallinity indicated the scaffolds’bioactivity by apatite deposition in simulated body fluid.In addition,in vitro biological assays using preosteoblastic cells showed the biocompatibility of cells based on cell viability and adhesion parameters on the scaffolds.The results underscore the capacity of scaffolds incorporating nHA to promote both cell proliferation and osteoconduction,which are key elements essential for achieving effective bone regeneration.展开更多
The Amazon boasts high diversity in fauna,flora,and microorganisms,but anthropogenic actions could lead to environmental imbalances,resulting in degradation.An alternative to restore these ecological processes is ecol...The Amazon boasts high diversity in fauna,flora,and microorganisms,but anthropogenic actions could lead to environmental imbalances,resulting in degradation.An alternative to restore these ecological processes is ecological restoration,involving ecosystem recovery.One way to assess changes in these environments during ecological restoration processes is through studies using microbiological indicators of soil quality.Thus,the hypothesis of this study was that the quantity and activity of microorganisms would vary according to the vegetative cover provided by different ecological restoration strategies and over time.This study aimed to evaluate whether different ecological restoration strategies influence the quantity of microbial biomass carbon,enzyme activity,and functional diversity of soil microbial communities.Seven treatments were set up:planting native and eucalyptus seedlings;planting native,açaí,and rubber tree seedlings;planting native seedlings;seeding of native species and green manure and planting of eucalyptus seedlings;row seeding of native plants,green manure,and eucalyptus;passive natural regeneration management;and planting native seedlings without thinning and pruning.In addition,native forest was included as a reference.Microbial biomass carbon showed great variation at the beginning of the experiment,and it became uniform across treatments over seven years.The activity ofβ-glucosidase did not exhibit differences between treatments,and acid phosphatase activity showed variation in the second year.Evaluation of these microbiological parameters revealed that the treatments with green manure achieved better results over time,aiding in directing ecological restoration strategies and maintaining microbial biodiversity.展开更多
文摘It was in the 1980s that research on somatostatin(SST)in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)truly gained traction,demonstrating consistent colocalization with amyloid-β(Aβ),along with massive SST/SST cell losses(Almeida,2024).Although the field already had some grasp over the neuroendocrine and hypothalamic functions of the peptide,very little was known about the GABAergic interneurons(SST-INs)that synthesize it in cortical/hippocampal regions.Quite excitingly,over 40 years later,research has grown effervescent.
基金Fundação de AmparoàPesquisa do Estado de São Paulo(FAPESP,Brazil,#2020/11667-0)and Universidade Federal do ABC(UFABC,Brazil)were recipients of fellowships from FAPESP:THLV(#2021/11969-9 and#2024/00828-3),GBS(#2021/14227-3),and GMB(#2024/10858-7)+1 种基金recipients of fellowships from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES,Brazil):MIM(Finance Code 001,#88887.597402/2021-00)recipients of fellowships from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq,Brazil.):GKD(#145164/2024-1),and DRA(#308819/2022-5).
文摘The intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases complicates the search for effective therapeutic approaches.Photoreceptor degeneration,the common endpoint in various retinal diseases,including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration,leads to vision loss or blindness.While primary cell death is driven by genetic mutations,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation,additional mechanisms contribute to disease progression.In retinitis pigmentosa,a multitude of genetic alterations can trigger the degeneration of photoreceptors,while other retinopathies,such as agerelated macular degeneration,are initiated by combinations of environmental factors,such as diet,smoking,and hypertension,with genetic predispositions.Nutraceutical therapies,which blend the principles of nutrition and pharmaceuticals,aim to harness the health benefits of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.These compounds generally possess multi-target effects.Polyphenols and flavonoids,secondary plant metabolites abundant in plant-based foods,are known for their antioxidant,neuroprotective,and anti-inflammatory properties.This review focuses on the potential of polyphenols and flavonoids as nutraceuticals to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.Furthermore,the importance of developing reliable delivery methods to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of these compounds will be discussed.By combining nutraceuticals with other emerging therapies,such as genetic and cell-based treatments,it is possible to offer a more comprehensive approach to treating retinal degenerative diseases.These advancements could lead to a viable and accessible option,improving the quality of life for patients with retinal diseases.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1300705)the Key Research and Development Project of Guangxi,China (Guike AB24010051)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (42261011,32271730 and U20A2011)the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes,Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (2023020)。
文摘Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient element that is critical for plant growth and ecosystem functionality.The soil P cycle plays multiple roles,such as sustaining plant growth and productivity,regulating nutrient balance within ecosystems,and enhancing ecosystem adaptability and resilience.This cycle is influenced by factors such as the restoration approach and microbial community dynamics.However,the extent to which the restoration approach alters the P cycle in karst ecosystems and the underlying microbial mechanisms remain poorly understood.The P-cycle multifunctionality index (P-cycle MFI) serves as a comprehensive indicator for evaluating soil P cycle function,and it provides insights into changes in the P cycle between different restoration approaches.To investigate the shifts in soil P-cycle MFI and microbial mechanisms between different restoration approaches,we analyzed soil available P (AP),total P (TP),microbial biomass P (MBP),and the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).These data were used to calculate the P-cycle MFI by averaging the Z-scores between two restoration approaches(artificial restoration of forest (AF) and natural restoration of forest (NF)) and a control (cropland,CP) at six subtropical karst ecosystem sites in China.We also determined the soil organic carbon (SOC),exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg),pH,bulk density (BD),microbial biomass C (MBC),and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN),as well as the community structure,relative abundance,diversity indices,and co-occurrence networks of phoD-harboring bacteria.The results showed that the community structure of phoD-harboring bacteria varied significantly among AF,NF,and CP and across different temperature gradients.These bacteria exhibited increasing complexity and tightness in co-occurrence networks from CP to AF and then to NF,along with the ACP and ALP activities,but not the TP and AP contents.The P-cycle MFI values were significantly higher in NF compared to AF and CP,and the variation was significantly explained by restoration approach,temperature,MBC,MBN,SOC,exchangeable Ca,BD,community structure of phoD-harboring bacteria,and exchangeable Mg.Furthermore,natural restoration had a more substantial impact on the P-cycle MFI than temperature by enhancing SOC,microbial biomass,the complexity and co-occurrence network tightness of the phoD-harboring bacterial community structure,and ACP and ALP activities,but it reduced soil BD.The rare genera of phoD-harboring bacteria significantly influenced the variation of soil P-cycle MFI compared to the dominant genera.This study highlights the importance of rare genera of phoD-harboring bacteria in driving soil P-cycle multifunctionality in karst ecosystems,with natural restoration being more effective than artificial methods for enhancing soil organic matter and microbial community complexity.
文摘The probative value of animal forensic genetic evidence relies on laboratory accuracy and reliability.Inter-laboratory comparisons allow laboratories to evaluate their performance on specific tests and analyses and to continue to monitor their output.The International Society for Animal Genetics(ISAG)administered animal forensic comparison tests(AFCTs)in 2016 and 2018 to assess the limitations and capabilities of laboratories offering forensic identification,parentage and species determination services.The AFCTs revealed that analyses of low DNA template concentrations(≤300 pg/μL)constitute a significant challenge that has prevented many laboratories from reporting correct identification and parentage results.Moreover,a lack of familiarity with species testing protocols,interpretation guidelines and representative databases prevented over a quarter of the participating laboratories from submitting correct species determination results.Several laboratories showed improvement in their genotyping accuracy over time.However,the use of forensically validated standards,such as a standard forensic short tandem repeat(STR)kit,preferably with an allelic ladder,and stricter guidelines for STR typing,may have prevented some common issues from occurring,such as genotyping inaccuracies,missing data,elevated stutter products and loading errors.The AFCTs underscore the importance of conducting routine forensic comparison tests to allow laboratories to compare results from each other.Laboratories should keep improving their scientific and technical capabilities and continuously evaluate their personnel’s proficiency in critical techniques such as low copy number(LCN)analysis and species testing.Although this is the first time that the ISAG has conducted comparison tests for forensic testing,findings from these AFCTs may serve as the foundation for continuous improvements of the overall quality of animal forensic genetic testing.
基金supported by Brazilian agencies CAPES(Finance Code 001)CNPq through PQ productivity scholarship.
文摘Here we compare the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs alone or combined with exercise training on body weight and exercise capacity of obese patients.Randomized clinical trials that assessed the impact of any anti-obesity drug alone or combined with exercise training on body weight,body fat,fat-free mass and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese patients were retrieved from Pubmed and EMBASE up to May 2024.Risk of bias assessment was performed with RoB 2.0,and the GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence(CoE)of each main outcome.We included four publications summing up 202 patients.Two publications used orlistat as an anti-obesity drug treatment,while the other two adopted GLP-1 receptor agonist(liraglutide or tirzepatide)as a pharmacotherapy for weight management.Orlistat combined with exercise was superior to change body weight(mean difference(MD):−2.27 kg;95%CI:−2.86 to−1.69;CoE:very low),fat mass(MD:−2.89;95%CI:−3.87 to−1.91;CoE:very low),fat-free mass(MD:0.56;95%CI:0.40–0.72;CoE:very low),and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.64;95%CI:2.52–2.76;CoE:very low).GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs combined with exercise had a great effect on body weight(MD:−3.96 kg;95%CI:−5.07 to−2.85;CoE:low),fat mass(MD:−1.76;95%CI:−2.24 to−1.27;CoE:low),fat-free mass(MD:0.50;95%CI:−0.98 to 1.98;CoE:very low)and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.47;95%CI:1.31–3.63;CoE:very low).The results reported here suggest that exercise training remains an important approach in weight management when combined with pharmacological treatment.
文摘BACKGROUND Skin wounds are common injuries that affect quality of life and incur high costs.A considerable portion of healthcare resources in Western countries is allocated to wound treatment,mainly using mechanical,biological,or artificial dressings.Biological and artificial dressings,such as hydrogels,are preferred for their biocompatibility.Platelet concentrates,such as platelet-rich plasma(PRP)and platelet-rich fibrin(PRF),stand out for accelerating tissue repair and minimizing risks of allergies and rejection.This study developed PRF and PRP-based dressings to treat skin wounds in an animal model,evaluating their functionality and efficiency in accelerating the tissue repair process.AIM To develop wound dressings based on platelet concentrates and evaluating their efficiency in treating skin wounds in Wistar rats.METHODS Wistar rats,both male and female,were subjected to the creation of a skin wound,distributed into groups(n=64/group),and treated with Carbopol(negative control);PRP+Carbopol;PRF+Carbopol;or PRF+CaCl_(2)+Carbopol,on days zero(D0),D3,D7,D14,and D21.PRP and PRF were obtained only from male rats.On D3,D7,D14,and D21,the wounds were analyzed for area,contraction rate,and histopathology of the tissue repair process.RESULTS The PRF-based dressing was more effective in accelerating wound closure early in the tissue repair process(up to D7),while PRF+CaCl_(2) seemed to delay the process,as wound closure was not complete by D21.Regarding macroscopic parameters,animals treated with PRF+CaCl_(2) showed significantly more crusting(necrosis)early in the repair process(D3).In terms of histopathological parameters,the PRF group exhibited significant collagenization at the later stages of the repair process(D14 and D21).By D21,fibroblast proliferation and inflammatory infiltration were higher in the PRP group.Animals treated with PRF+CaCl_(2) experienced a more pronounced inflammatory response up to D7,which diminished from D14 onwards.CONCLUSION The PRF-based dressing was effective in accelerating the closure of cutaneous wounds in Wistar rats early in the process and in aiding tissue repair at the later stages.
基金supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifco e Tecnologico(CNPq),Fundacaode Amparoa Pesquisa do Rio de Janeiro(FAPERJ),Fundacaode Amparoa Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo(FAPESPGrant nº2014/16/320-7)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamentode Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES)-Finance Code 001+1 种基金by grants to LGHM and APCN from the Visiting Research Program of the FAPESP(nº2017-17607-6)supported by the PASPA-DGAPA program of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico(nº814-2018).
文摘Developmental instability(DI)is a phenomenon whereby organisms are unable to buffer developmental disturbances,resulting in asymmetricvariation of paired traits.Previous research has demonstrated a negative relationship between DI,measured as forearm asymmetry,and survivalin the bat Carollia perspicillata.This study aims to test the hypothesis that individuals with higher DI exhibit a lower immune response.We measured a delayed-type hypersensitivity to the antigen phytohemagglutinin(PHA)on 74 males and 65 females of C.perspicillata before and after thebreeding season(BS).Linear models were used to predict the immunological response based on body mass(BM),forearm asymmetry,sex,BS,and testicle length.The best-ftting model accounted for 29% of the variation in immune response and included asymmetry,BM,sex,and BS aspredictors.The immune response was negatively associated with asymmetry and testicle length in males but positively related to asymmetryin females.Both sexes showed a reduced immune response in the late BS.Additionally,the association between immune response and BMchanged direction seasonally,with heavier individuals showing weaker responses early in the BS and stronger responses later.Individual variation in male immunity was predicted by individual attributes,whereas variation in immune response in females was mostly seasonal.Our resultssupport the link between DI,survival,and immune response in short-tailed bats,and suggest that the immunological component measured bythe PHA response may be under fner selection in males due to its stronger correlation with individual traits.
基金supported by Decit/SCTIE-Ministério da Saúde,Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq),Fundação de AmparoàPesquisa do Estado de Alagoas(FAPEAL)and Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Alagoas(SESAU-AL)[PPSUS 60030000841/2016].
文摘Objective:To investigate mutations in the Chikungunya(CHIKV)envelope genome region and evaluate their potential impact on B lymphocyte epitopes via in silico analysis.Methods:E1,E2 and 6K protein genes were sequenced from viral RNA isolated from 13 CHIKV-positive serum samples from Alagoas State,Brazil,during the 2016 outbreak.Phylogenetic analysis,experimental epitope identification in the immune epitope database(IEDB)and in silico approaches were employed to predict the potential impact of the detected mutations.Results:The sequences were clustered via phylogenetic analysis.The CHIKV isolates belong to the ECSA genotype,with 13 detected amino acid mutations.Five mutations are located on the surface of the viral particle in regions critical for cellular receptor interaction.Nine mutations are known experimentally validated epitopes for B and T cells.In B-cell epitope predictions,mutations affect sequences within three conformational epitopes in E2 and one in E1,as well as linear epitopes.Notably,the E2-G60D mutation found in the Alagoas strain has been previously reported to influence the vector competence of Aedes aegypti,the primary vector in Brazil.Conclusions:Genomic surveillance and an in-depth understanding of viral mutations are crucial for adapting public health strategies and improving the outbreak response.These findings could have significant public health implications,such as the development of more effective vaccines,diagnostic tests,and antiviral therapies.
基金Research Foundation of Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science(L2019F15)Ling Chuang Research Project of China National Nuclear Corporation(CNNC-LCKY-202279)。
文摘The microstructures and corrosion behavior of 1.0wt%Gd-containing neutron-absorbing duplex stainless steel annealed at different temperatures were studied.Results reveal that the content of Gd-containing secondary phase increases with increasing the annealing temperatures to 1080℃,and then decreases.In the sample annealed at 1080℃,M-Gd(M=Fe,Cr,Ni)intermetallic with M_(3)Gd as the core phase and M_(12)Gd as the shell is the primary secondary phase.In the sample annealed at 1140℃,M_(3)Gd phase is dominant.The corrosion behavior of the two annealed steel samples were analyzed in NaCl,HCl and H_(3)BO_(3) solutions.It is found that the sample annealed at 1140℃ has lower corrosion rate.M_(3)Gd is more electrochemically active than M_(12)Gd when the sample is immersed in NaCl and HCl solutions,but more noble in H_(3)BO_(3) solution.
基金the Graduate Program in Ecology, Conservation and Wildlife Management (ECMVS)Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB)+1 种基金Department of Botany, Biodiversitas Foundation, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for supporting this study
文摘Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and nestedness could disentangle community assembly rules and offer the opportunity to encompass the processes that structure the communities and maintain theβ-diversity on the campo rupestre.We evaluatedα-andβ-diversity and species conservation status of rocky outcrop communities in the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó,as well as the decomposed component of theβ-diversity index.Due to the isolation characteristics of rocky outcrops,we expect to find high taxonomic turnover among the communities.The study was performed on five quartzitic rocky outcrops divided into two sampling stations.We used field expeditions and plant inventory data of shrubs and herbaceous layers.We recorded 286 angiosperms taxa among rocky outcrops of campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó.The structure andα-diversity showed significant differences among rocky outcrops and an evident oligarchic structure in the plant communities analyzed.Taxonomicβ-diversity showed high turnover with a significant contribution of the turnover component to this index.This pattern reflects the interplay between regional and local scale processes.Therefore,we believe this approach becomes a unified framework,which allows the comparison of diversity patterns and ecological processes in rocky outcrops ecosystems.We highlight the high percentage of not evaluated species for threats and the need to fill this lack.
基金financial support from FAPESP-Sao Paulo Research Foundation[grants #2020/07923-0,and #2023/11076-0]the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development-CNPq[grant #406514/2021-6].
文摘Tissue engineering holds promise in developing materials for biological applications,such as bone tissue repair.This study focuses on bioabsorbable and biocompatible polymers like Poly(L-lactic acid)(PLLA),Polyurethane(PU),and Polycaprolactone(PCL),along with nanohydroxyapatite(nHA),an essential osteoconductive ceramic.The main objective was the development and characterization of scaffolds obtained by Rotary Jet Spinning(RJS)using PLLA,PU,and PCL incorporated with nHA,for bone-related applications.The resulting scaffolds exhibited uniform fiber morphology and a rough surface,ideal for effective bone-tissue interaction.The crystallinity indicated the scaffolds’bioactivity by apatite deposition in simulated body fluid.In addition,in vitro biological assays using preosteoblastic cells showed the biocompatibility of cells based on cell viability and adhesion parameters on the scaffolds.The results underscore the capacity of scaffolds incorporating nHA to promote both cell proliferation and osteoconduction,which are key elements essential for achieving effective bone regeneration.
基金funded by Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Mato Grosso(FAPEMAT),Brazil.
文摘The Amazon boasts high diversity in fauna,flora,and microorganisms,but anthropogenic actions could lead to environmental imbalances,resulting in degradation.An alternative to restore these ecological processes is ecological restoration,involving ecosystem recovery.One way to assess changes in these environments during ecological restoration processes is through studies using microbiological indicators of soil quality.Thus,the hypothesis of this study was that the quantity and activity of microorganisms would vary according to the vegetative cover provided by different ecological restoration strategies and over time.This study aimed to evaluate whether different ecological restoration strategies influence the quantity of microbial biomass carbon,enzyme activity,and functional diversity of soil microbial communities.Seven treatments were set up:planting native and eucalyptus seedlings;planting native,açaí,and rubber tree seedlings;planting native seedlings;seeding of native species and green manure and planting of eucalyptus seedlings;row seeding of native plants,green manure,and eucalyptus;passive natural regeneration management;and planting native seedlings without thinning and pruning.In addition,native forest was included as a reference.Microbial biomass carbon showed great variation at the beginning of the experiment,and it became uniform across treatments over seven years.The activity ofβ-glucosidase did not exhibit differences between treatments,and acid phosphatase activity showed variation in the second year.Evaluation of these microbiological parameters revealed that the treatments with green manure achieved better results over time,aiding in directing ecological restoration strategies and maintaining microbial biodiversity.
