Layer-by-Layer Nanoparticle Assembly for Biomedicine: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Advancement via Acoustofluidics.

The deposition of thin films plays a crucial role in surface engineering, tailoring structural modifications, and functionalization across diverse applications. Layer-by-layer self-assembly, a prominent thin-film deposition method, has witnessed substantial growth since its mid-20th-century inception, driven by the discovery of eligible materials and innovative assembly technologies. Of these materials, micro- and nanoscopic substrates have received far less interest than their macroscopic counterparts; however, this is changing. The catalogue of eligible materials, including nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymers, proteins, cells and liposomes, along with some well-established layer-by-layer technologies, have combined to unlock impactful applications in biomedicine, as well as other areas like food fortification, and water remediation. To access these fields, several well-established technologies have been used, including tangential flow filtration, fluidized bed, atomization, electrophoretic assembly, and dielectrophoresis. Despite the invention of these technologies, the field of particle layer-by-layer still requires further technological development to achieve a high-yield, automatable, and industrially ready process, a requirement for the diverse, reactionary field of biomedicine and high-throughput pharmaceutical industry. This review provides a background on layer-by-layer, focusing on how its constituent building blocks and bonding mechanisms enable unmatched versatility. The discussion then extends to established and recent technologies employed for coating micro- and nanoscopic matter, evaluating their drawbacks and advantages, and highlighting promising areas in microfluidic approaches, where one distinctly auspicious technology emerges, acoustofluidics. The review also explores the potential and demonstrated application of acoustofluidics in layer-by-layer technology, as well as analyzing existing acoustofluidic technologies beyond LbL coating in areas such as cell trapping, cell sorting, and multidimensional particle manipulation. Finally, the review concludes with future perspectives on layer-by-layer nanoparticle coating and the potential impact of integrating acoustofluidic methods.

Drugs with a negative impact on cognitive functions (part 3): antibacterial agents in patients with chronic kidney disease.

The relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cognitive function has received increased attention in recent years. Antibacterial agents (ABs) represent a critical component of therapy regimens in patients with CKD due to increased susceptibility to infections. Following our reviewing work on the neurocognitive impact of long-term medications in patients with CKD, we propose to focus on AB-induced direct and indirect consequences on cognitive function. Patients with CKD are predisposed to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to altered drug pharmacokinetics, glomerular filtration decline, and the potential disruption of the blood-brain barrier. ABs have been identified as a major cause of ADRs in vulnerable patient populations. This review examines the direct neurotoxic effects of AB classes (e.g. beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and metronidazole) on the central nervous system (CNS) in patients with CKD. We will mainly focus on the acute effects on the CNS associated with AB since they are the most extensively studied effects in CKD patients. Moreover, the review describes the modulation of the gut microbiota by ABs, potentially influencing CNS symptoms. The intricate brain-gut-kidney axis emerges as a pivotal focus, revealing the interplay between microbiota alterations induced by ABs and CNS manifestations in patients with CKD. The prevalence of antibiotic-associated encephalopathy in patients with CKD undergoing intravenous AB therapy supports the use of therapeutic drug monitoring for ABs to reduce the number and seriousness of ADRs in this patient population. In conclusion, elucidating AB-induced cognitive effects in patients with CKD demands a comprehensive understanding and tailored therapeutic strategies that account for altered pharmacokinetics and the brain-gut-kidney axis.

Brief report: caregivers' well-being in families with neurodevelopmental disorders members during COVID-19: implications for family therapy.

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect the lifespan of diagnosed individuals and their families. COVID-19 challenged these families with daily routine unpredictability requiring rapid adaptations. Moreover, associations and schools were closed, leaving these families without regular social support. Here, we investigate which individual and family factors can predict the caregiver's depressive state and overall burden. An online study took place between 2021 and 2022. A total of 32 caregivers (30 women; 48 ± 8.22 years old; range 26 to 63 years old) reported having a family member with a neurodevelopmental disorder, the majority diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Caregivers responded to a protocol to assess the burden, resilience, depressive, anxious, and stress symptomatology, as well as the behavior of the diagnosed individual. Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to identify protective and risk factors for the caregivers' well-being. Caregivers' depressive state was explained by 29.3% of the variance of the family cohesion factor, indicating that high levels of balanced family cohesion represent a crucial protective factor for reducing the caregiver's depressive state. Additionally, overall caregiver burden was explained by 17.8% of the variance due to self-perception and 26.4% due to family cohesion, with the caregiver's self-perception playing an important protective role in the overall perception of burden. The proportion of male and female respondents seems to corroborate the significant role of women in caregiving. These results emphasize the importance of considering both individual and family factors of caregivers during interventions, which have implications for family therapy with families of members diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically with autism.

Cognitive Dysfunction Screening in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has been described as a risk factor for worse outcomes such as peritonitis, technique failure, and mortality. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of MCI in a population of PD patients and identify the possible risk factors associated with MCI. Materials and Methods: We performed an observational, cross-sectional study to evaluate cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) test and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test in PD patients. Patients with diagnosis of dementia or severe neurologic impairment, active cancer, or infection were excluded. Results: We evaluated 66 patients (mean age 60 years); 53% were male. Prevalence of MCI assessed by MOCA test and MMSE test was 65% and 33%, respectively. Predictors of MCI with MOCA test were higher age (P = 0.0001), lower education level (P = 0.005), need of a helper (P = 0.009), and continuous ambulatory PD modality (P = 0.019). Higher Charlson comorbidity index (P = 0.002), coronary artery disease (P = 0.006), and peripheral artery disease (P = 0.033) were also associated with MCI. Lower Kt/V (P = 0.012) and lower levels of normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR; P < 0.000) were related to MCI. MCI patients had more episodes of peritonitis (P = 0.047). Multivariable analysis showed that lower education, Kt/V, and nPCR were the most relevant factors connected to MCI (P = 0.029, P = 0.037, and P = 0.019, respectively). Conclusion: In our PD population, MCI was detected in more than half of the patients. Patients with MCI were older, had lower education level, more disease burden, and higher risk for developing peritonitis. Lower Kt/V and nPCR levels were associated with MCI.

Urinary dysfunction after spinal cord injury: Comparing outcomes after thoracic spinal transection and contusion in the rat.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) above the lumbosacral spinal cord induces loss of voluntary control over micturition. Spinal cord transection (SCT) was the gold standard method to reproduce SCI in rodents, but its translational value is arguable and other experimental SCI methods need to be better investigated, including spinal cord contusion (SCC). At present, it is not fully investigated if urinary impairments arising after transection and contusion are comparable. To explore this, we studied bladder-reflex activity and lower urinary tract (LUT) and spinal cord innervation after SCT and different severities of SCC. Severe-contusion animals presented a longer spinal shock period and the tendency for higher residual volumes, followed by SCT and mild-contusion animals. Urodynamics showed that SCT animals presented higher basal and peak bladder pressures. Immunostaining against growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) at the lumbosacral spinal cord demonstrated that afferent sprouting is dependent on the injury model, reflecting the severity of the lesion, with a higher expression in SCT animals. In LUT organs, the expression of GAP43, CGRP cholinergic (vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT)) and noradrenergic (tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)) markers was reduced after SCI in the LUT and lumbosacral cord, but only the lumbosacral expression of VAChT was dependent on the injury model. Overall, our findings demonstrate that changes in LUT innervation and function after contusion and transection are similar but result from distinct neuroplastic processes at the lumbosacral spinal cord. This may impact the development of new therapeutic options for urinary impairment arising after spinal cord insult.

Subcutaneous versus intravenous infliximab therapy - a real-world study: toward higher drug concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a formula of subcutaneous infliximab (SC-IFX) has been approved for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), demonstrating a better pharmacokinetic and immunogenic profiles, compared to intravenous infliximab (IV-IFX), with similar efficacy and safety. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and pharmacological outcomes of IBD patients in clinical remission, who switched from IV-IFX to SC-IFX, with a follow-up period of 6 months. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, including IBD patients in clinical remission, previously medicated with IV-IFX, who switched to SC-IFX 120 mg every other week. Biochemical parameters were evaluated before the switch and 6 months after, namely infliximab serum concentrations, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal calprotectin. RESULTS: Included 41 patients in clinical remission, 32 with Crohn's disease (78.0%) and 9 with ulcerative colitis (22.0%). All patients maintained clinical remission during the 6 months after the switch, with a treatment persistence rate of 100%, and no patients requiring corticosteroid therapy, switching back to IV-IFX, or IBD-related hospitalization. The mean infliximab serum concentrations were significantly higher after 6 months of SC-IFX (17.3 ±â€…6.6 vs. 9.1 ±â€…5.5 µg/ml, P < 0.001). However, there were no differences between values of ESR, CRP, and fecal calprotectin, before and after the switch (P = 0.791, P = 0.246, and P = 0.639). Additionally, none of the patients developed antibodies to infliximab. CONCLUSION: Switching from IV-IFX to SC-IFX in IBD patients in clinical remission is effective and leads to higher infliximab serum concentrations, regardless of the combination with immunomodulatory therapy.

Association between the third trimester maternal serum metabolome and child growth and development through the first year of life.

Evidence suggests that maternal metabolome may be associated with child health outcomes. We analyzed the association between the maternal metabolome between 28-35 gestational weeks and child growth and development during the first year. A prospective cohort of 98 mother-child dyads was followed at birth, 1, 6, and 12 months. Maternal serum samples were collected for targeted LC-MS/MS analysis, which measured 132 metabolites. The child's growth and development were assessed at each time-point. Z-scores were calculated based on WHO growth standards, and the domains of development were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3). Multiple linear mixed-effects models were performed and confounders were identified using a Diagram Acyclic Graph. The Benjamini-Hochberg correction was used for multiple comparison adjustments. We found a positive association between lysophosphatidylcholines (14:0; 16:0; 16:1; 17:0; 18:0; 18:1; 18:2; 20:4) with the z-score of weight-for-age, and lysophosphatidylcholines (14:0; 16:0; 16:1; 18:0) and taurine with the z-score of weight-for-length, and lysophosphatidylcholines (14:0; 16:0; 16:1; 17:0; 18:0; 18:1; 18:2; 20:4) and glycine with the z-score of BMI-for-age. The leucine, methionine, tryptophan, and valine were negatively associated with the fine motor skills domain. We observed an association between maternal metabolome and the growth and child's development throughout the first year.

ILC2-derived LIF licences progress from tissue to systemic immunity.

Migration and homing of immune cells are critical for immune surveillance. Trafficking is mediated by combinations of adhesion and chemokine receptors that guide immune cells, in response to chemokine signals, to specific locations within tissues and the lymphatic system to support tissue-localized immune reactions and systemic immunity1,2. Here we show that disruption of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) production from group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) prevents immune cells leaving the lungs to migrate to the lymph nodes (LNs). In the absence of LIF, viral infection leads to plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) becoming retained in the lungs where they improve tissue-localized, antiviral immunity, whereas chronic pulmonary allergen challenge leads to marked immune cell accumulation and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures in the lung. In both cases immune cells fail to migrate to the lymphatics, leading to highly compromised LN reactions. Mechanistically, ILC2-derived LIF induces the production of the chemokine CCL21 from lymphatic endothelial cells lining the pulmonary lymphatic vessels, thus licensing the homing of CCR7+ immune cells (including dendritic cells) to LNs. Consequently, ILC2-derived LIF dictates the egress of immune cells from the lungs to regulate tissue-localized versus systemic immunity and the balance between allergen and viral responsiveness in the lungs.

Amine-reactive crosslinking enhances type 0 collagen hydrogel properties for regenerative medicine.

Introduction: Collagen is extensively utilised in regenerative medicine due to its highly desirable properties. However, collagen is typically derived from mammalian sources, which poses several limitations, including high cost, potential risk of immunogenicity and transmission of infectious diseases, and ethical and religious constraints. Jellyfish-sourced type 0 collagen represents a safer and more environmentally sustainable alternative collagen source. Methods: Thus, we investigated the potential of jellyfish collagen-based hydrogels, obtained from Rhizostoma pulmo (R. pulmo) jellyfish, to be utilised in regenerative medicine. A variety of R. pulmo collagen hydrogels (RpCol hydrogels) were formed by adding a range of chemical crosslinking agents and their physicochemical and biological properties were characterised to assess their suitability for regenerative medicine applications. Results and Discussion: The characteristic chemical composition of RpCol was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the degradation kinetics, morphological, and rheological properties of RpCol hydrogels were shown to be adaptable through the addition of specific chemical crosslinking agents. The endotoxin levels of RpCol were below the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limit for medical devices, thus allowing the potential use of RpCol in vivo. 8-arm polyethylene glycol succinimidyl carboxyl methyl ester (PEG-SCM)-crosslinked RpCol hydrogels preserved the viability and induced a significant increase in the metabolic activity of immortalised human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (TERT-hMSCs), therefore demonstrating their potential to be utilised in a wide range of regenerative medicine applications.

Regenerative anemia identification in cats: Red blood cell indices or morphology, what to use?

Background and Aim: Anemia, a clinical condition characterized by reduced erythrocytes, is often observed in cats. Regeneration indicates that the bone marrow can respond appropriately to anemia. The absolute reticulocyte count is the reference for differentiating regenerative and non-regenerative anemia, while red blood cell (RBC) indices and morphology provide supplementary information. This study aimed to identify anemia types and establish the most reliable RBC indices and morphology methods in agreement with the reference method. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-five cases of cat anemia were prospectively classified using two methods: RBC indices and RBC morphology, and subsequently compared with the absolute reticulocyte count. Results: Based on RBC indices assessment, 27 cases (19%) exhibited regenerative anemia. Based on RBC morphology, 29 (20%) cases were identified as having regenerative anemia. Using the reticulocyte absolute count as a reference method, 34 (23.4%) cases of regenerative anemia were identified. The findings indicated that RBC indices and RBC morphology did not align in evaluating medullary regeneration and that there is a good degree of agreement between RBC morphology assessment and the reticulocyte absolute count in identifying regenerative anemias. Conclusion: Blood smear analysis of RBC morphology was more dependable for classifying regenerative anemia than RBC indices. Further studies should be conducted with a larger number of animals and that allow the identification of the cause of anemia and the monitoring of the animal.

Health-illness transition processes in children with complex chronic conditions and their parents: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of complex chronic conditions (CCC), which cause serious limitations and require specialized care, is increasing. The diagnosis of a CCC is a health-illness transition for children and their parents, representing a long-term change leading to greater vulnerability. Knowing the characteristics of these transitional processes is important for promoting safe transitions in this population. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on health-illness transition processes in children with complex chronic conditions and their parents in the context of healthcare. METHODS: Six databases were searched for studies focusing on children aged 0-21 years with CCC and their parents experiencing health-illness transition processes, particularly concerning adaptation to illness and continuity of care, in the context of healthcare. Studies within this scope carried out between 2013 and 2023 and written in Portuguese or English were identified. The articles were selected using the PRISMA methodology. The data were extracted to an instrument and then presented with a synthesizing approach supporting the interpretation of the results. RESULTS: Ninety-eight methodologically broad but predominantly qualitative articles were included in this review. Children with CCC have specific needs associated with complex and dynamic health-illness transitions with a multiple influence in their daily lives. Several facilitating factors (p.e. positive communication and a supportive therapeutic relationship with parents and professionals, as well as involvement in a collaborative approach to care), inhibiting factors (p.e. the complexity of the disease and therapeutic regime, as well as the inefficient organization and coordination of teams) and both positive (p.e. well-being and better quality of life) and negative response patterns (p.e. negative feelings about the chronic illness) were identified. Some interventions to support the transitional process also emerged from the literature. Pediatric palliative care is seen as a good practice and an integrative approach for these children and families. CONCLUSION: Health professionals play a fundamental role in supporting the transitional process and promoting positive response patterns. More significant investment is needed at the clinical and academic levels regarding production and dissemination of knowledge in this area to ensure the awareness of children with CCC and that their needs are fully enhanced. REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QRZC8 .

Preconditioning by Moderate-Intensity Exercise Prevents Gentamicin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

A strict correlation among proximal tubule epithelial cell dysfunction, proteinuria, and modulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Kalikrein-Kinin System are crucial factors in the pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect of preconditioning by moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on gentamicin-induced AKI. Male Wistar rats were submitted to a moderate-intensity treadmill exercise protocol for 8 weeks, and then injected with 80 mg/kg/day s.c. gentamicin for 5 consecutive days. Four groups were generated: 1) NT+SAL (control); 2) NT+AKI (non-trained with AKI); 3) T+SAL (trained); and 4) T+AKI (trained with AKI). The NT+AKI group presented: 1) impairment in glomerular function parameters; 2) increased fractional excretion of Na + , K + , and water; 4) proteinuria and increased urinary γ-glutamyl transferase activity (a marker of tubular injury) accompanied by acute tubular necrosis; 5) an increased renal angiotensin-converting enzyme and bradykinin B1 receptor mRNA expression. Interestingly, the preconditioning by moderate-intensity aerobic exercise attenuated all alterations observed in gentamicin-induced AKI (T+AKI group). Taken together, our results show that the preconditioning by moderate-intensity aerobic exercise ameliorates the development of gentamicin-induced AKI. Our findings help to expand the current knowledge regarding the effect of physical exercise on kidneys during physiological and pathological conditions.

An engineered POSS drug delivery system for copper(II) anticancer metallodrugs in a selective application toward melanoma cells.

In this work, a polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) was used as an engineered drug delivery system for two oxindolimine-copper(II) anticancer complexes, [Cu(isaepy)]+ and [Cu(isapn)]+. The interest in hybrid POSS comes from the necessity of developing materials that can act as adjuvants to improve the cytotoxicity of non-soluble metallodrugs. Functionalization of POSS with a triazole ligand (POSS-atzac) permitted the anchorage of such copper complexes, producing hybrid materials with efficient cytotoxic effects. Structural and morphological characterizations of these copper-POSS systems were performed by using different techniques (IR, NMR, thermogravimetric analysis). A combination of continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed EPR (HYSCORE) spectroscopies conducted at the X-band have enabled the complete characterization of the coordination environment of the copper ion in the POSS-atzac matrix. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of the loaded materials, [Cu(isapn)]@POSS-atzac and [Cu(isaepy)]@POSS-atzac, were assessed toward melanomas (SK-MEL), in comparison to non-tumorigenic cells (fibroblast P4). Evaluation of their nuclease activity or ability to facilitate cleavage of DNA indicated concentrations as low as 0.6 µg mL-1, while complete DNA fragmentation was observed at 25 µg mL-1. By using adequate scavengers, investigations on active intermediates responsible for their cytotoxicity were performed, both in the absence and in the presence of ascorbate as a reducing agent. Based on the observed selective cytotoxicity of these materials toward melanomas, investigations on the reactivity of these complexes and corresponding POSS-materials with melanin, a molecule that contributes to melanoma resistance to chemotherapy, were carried out. Results indicated the main role of the binuclear copper species, formed at the surface of the silica matrix, in the observed reactivity and selectivity of these copper-POSS systems.

Brain natriuretic peptide is a long-term cardiovascular predictor in carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: In noncardiac surgery, several biomarkers are known to play a role in predicting long-term complications, such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction, or death. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is considered a low to medium-risk surgery for carotid stenosis aimed at preventing stroke events. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker with potential prognostic value regarding MACE. Since its role in patients undergoing CEA is unknown, this study aims to assess the potential role of BNP as a short and long-term predictor of all-cause mortality and MACE in patients undergoing CEA. METHODS: From a prospective database, patients who underwent CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) at a tertiary hospital center were enrolled, and a post hoc analysis was conducted. Patients on which BNP levels were measured up to fifteen days before surgery, and two groups based on the BNP threshold (200 pg/mL) were defined and compared. Kaplan Meier survival curves and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were assessed by multivariable Cox regression. The primary outcome was the incidence of long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of AMI and AHF. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the cohort was 71.2 ± 8.7 years, with 71 (79.8%) males, and presented a median follow-up of 30 [13.5-46.4] months. BNP > 200 pg/mL has demonstrated positive predictive value for MACE (aHR: 5.569, confidence interval (CI): 2.441-12.7, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR: 3.469, CI: 1.315-9.150, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: BNP has been demonstrated to independently predict long-term all-cause mortality, MACE and AMI following CEA. It serves as a low-cost, ready-to-use biomarker, although further studies are necessary.

Biochemical and Anthropometric Outcomes in Paediatric Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia after COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: An Exploratory Analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns affected the lifestyles of children and adolescents, leading to an increase in childhood obesity. Paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) may be more susceptible to lockdown effects due to their increased cardiovascular risk. However, data are lacking. We investigated the effect of lockdowns on the metabolic profile of paediatric patients with FH. Blood lipids and anthropometry measured in September 2021-April 2022 were retrospectively compared with pre-pandemic values. Thirty participants were included (1-16 years; 57% female). From baseline to post-pandemic, median [P25, P75] blood LDL-C concentration was 125 [112, 150] mg/dL vs. 125 [100, 147] mg/dL (p = 0.894); HDL-C was 58 [52, 65] mg/dL vs. 56 [51, 61] mg/dL (p = 0.107); triglycerides were 64 [44, 86] mg/dL vs. 59 [42, 86] mg/dL (p = 0.178). The BMI z-score did not change significantly (0.19 [-0.58, 0.89] vs. 0.30 [-0.48, 1.10], p = 0.524). The lack of deterioration in metabolic profiles during lockdowns is positive, as some deterioration was expected. We speculate that patients and caregivers were successfully educated about healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Our results should be interpreted with caution since the study sample was small and heterogeneous. Multicentre research is needed to better understand the impact of lockdowns on this population.

Radiotolerant endophytic bacteria and analysis of the effects of 137Cesium on the metabolome of Pantoea sp.

Some bacteria have developed mechanisms to withstand the stress caused by ionizing radiation. The ability of these radioresistant microorganisms to survive high levels of radiation is primarily attributed to their DNA repair mechanisms and the production of protective metabolites. To determine the effect of irradiation on bacterial growth, we propose to compare the metabolites produced by the irradiated isolates to those of the control (non-irradiated isolates) using mass spectrometry, molecular networking, and chemometric analysis. We identified the secondary metabolites produced by these bacteria and observed variations in growth following irradiation. Notably, after 48 h of exposure to radiation, Pantoea sp. bacterial cells exhibited a significant 6-log increase compared to non-irradiated cells. Non-irradiated cells produce exclusively Pyridindolol, 1-hydroxy-4-methylcarbostyril, N-alkyl, and N-2-alkoxyethyl diethanolamine, while 5'-methylthioadenosine was detected only in irradiated cells. These findings suggest that the metabolic profile of Pantoea sp. remained relatively stable. The results obtained from this study have the potential to facilitate the development of innovative strategies for harnessing the capabilities of endophytic bacteria in radiological protection and bioremediation of radionuclides.

Green extraction of phenolic compounds from the by-product of purple araçá (Psidium myrtoides) with natural deep eutectic solvents assisted by ultrasound: Optimization, comparison, and bioactivity.

The recovery of bioactive compounds is a promising approach for obtaining rich extracts from fruit by-products. This study investigated the influence of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) on the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro antidiabetic activity of Psidium myrtoides by-product. Among eight NADES evaluated based on choline chloride, NADES ChCl:Gly (1:2) was selected for its efficiency in extracting total phenolic compounds (TPC) with high antioxidant capacity. The optimized conditions were 61 °C, a solid-liquid ratio of 100 mg 5 mL-1, and a 60-minute extraction time. ChCl:Gly exhibited superior TPC recovery (2.6-fold greater effectiveness) compared to the 60 % hydroethanolic solution. Twenty-six phenolic compounds were identified, including significant levels of catechin (336.48 mg g-1) and isoquercetin (26.09 mg g-1). Phenolic acids, such as p-anisic acid (5.47 mg g-1) and methoxyphenylacetic acid (0.23 mg g-1), were identified for the first time in the purple araçá by-product. The ChCl:Gly extract demonstrated the highest bioactivity, showcasing antioxidant and antidiabetic capacities. This study introduces an innovative and sustainable alternative for recovering phenolic compounds from fruit by-products, offering enhanced recovery efficiency and/or selectivity compared to organic solvents.

Sedentary behavior, increasing age, and overweight/obesity increase the presence and intensity of the chronic joint pain in individuals affected by Chikungunya fever.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever (CF) is a viral disease, transmitted by alphavirus through Aedes aegypti, and albopictus mosquitoes, affecting several people, mainly in tropical countries, when its transmitter is not under control, and the main symptom of the chronic phase of CF is joint pain. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to observe the prevalence, most affected joints, and intensity of chronic joint pain in individuals affected by CF, and also identify the factors associated with chronic joint pain in these individuals. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that evaluated one hundred and thirty volunteers, of both sexes, aged between 20-65 years, with a clinical and/or laboratory diagnosis of CF. The presence of joint pain was investigated using the Brazilian version of the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and the intensity of pain using the Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: Of the 130 volunteers evaluated, n = 112 (86%) reported currently experiencing chronic joint pain, persistent, for approximately 38.6 ± 1.73 months, with the greatest predominance in the morning (58%). The joints most affected by pain were: the ankles (65.5%), interphalangeal joints of the hands (59.2%), and knees (59.2%). The joints that presented the greatest intensity of pain were: the ankles (5.13 ± 0.34), interphalangeal joints of the hands (4.63 ± 0.34), and knees (4.33 ± 0.33). Sedentary behavior (p = 0.037), increasing age (p = 0.000), and overweight/obesity (p = 0.002) were factors associated with chronic joint pain. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of chronic, persistent joint pain was observed, with a greater prevalence in the morning. The joints most affected by chronic pain and with the greatest pain intensity were the ankles, and interphalangeal joints of the hands and knees. Sedentary behavior, increasing age, and overweight/obesity were the factors associated with chronic joint pain in individuals affected by CF in this study. Key Points • Individuals affected by CF had a high prevalence of chronic joint pain, persistent and more prevalent in the mornings • The ankles and interphalangeal joints of the hands and knees were the joints with the highest prevalence of pain • The ankles and interphalangeal joints of the hands and knees were the joints with the greatest pain intensity • Sedentary behavior, increasing age, and overweight/obesity were factors associated with chronic joint pain in individuals affected by CF.