Prevalence of myopic eyes in private practice and public care services in Brazil: 11 years of retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of myopic eyes over 11 years (2008-2018) in a private clinic and a public assistance service. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 6332 individuals (12,664 eyes) between 5 and 25 years old, seen at a private clinic-CEMO (2,663 individuals) and a public service-HOIP (3,669 individuals) from 2008 to 2018. We evaluated the prevalence of myopic eyes (EE ≤-0.50) and high myopic eyes (EE ≤-6.00). Results: Sex and services did not show statistical differences. The variation in the prevalence of myopic and high myopic eyes showed a random pattern during the study period (this prevalence could not be increased). Prevalences ranged from 20.7% (in 2017) to 32.4% (in 2015) for myopic eyes and from 1.6% (in 2009 and 2016) to 3.3% (in 2015) for eyes with high myopia. The prevalence of myopia showed a statistically significant increase based on the age group. Conclusion: The prevalence of myopic eyes did not increase in our study. The mean prevalence of myopic eyes was similar in the private clinic and public service.

Prevalence of myopic eyes in private practice and public care services in Brazil: 11 years of retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of myopic eyes over 11 years (2008-2018) in a private clinic and a public assistance service. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 6332 individuals (12,664 eyes) between 5 and 25 years old, seen at a private clinic-CEMO (2,663 individuals) and a public service-HOIP (3,669 individuals) from 2008 to 2018. We evaluated the prevalence of myopic eyes (EE ≤-0.50) and high myopic eyes (EE ≤-6.00). RESULTS: Sex and services did not show statistical differences. The variation in the prevalence of myopic and high myopic eyes showed a random pattern during the study period (this prevalence could not be increased). Prevalences ranged from 20.7% (in 2017) to 32.4% (in 2015) for myopic eyes and from 1.6% (in 2009 and 2016) to 3.3% (in 2015) for eyes with high myopia. The prevalence of myopia showed a statistically significant increase based on the age group. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of myopic eyes did not increase in our study. The mean prevalence of myopic eyes was similar in the private clinic and public service.

The Anti-Arthritic Potential of the Ethanolic Extract of Salvia Lachnostachys Benth. Leaves and Icetexane Dinor-Diterpenoid Fruticuline B.

The decoction of Salvia lachnostachys Benth. leaves is used in Brazilian folk medicine for anti-spasmodic, antipyretic, and anxiolytic purposes. Some of the biological effects of an S. lachnostachys extract have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antidepressant effects. In addition, this medicinal plant produces several compounds including icetexane diterpenoids, such as fruticuline A and fruticuline B. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of fruticuline B (FRUT B) and the ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of S. lachnostachys (EESL) in experimental mouse models. EESL (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) and FRUT B (1 mg/kg) were evaluated in articular inflammation-induced models in Swiss mice. In articular inflammation induced by Zymosan, EESL (300 mg/kg) and FRUT B (1 mg/kg) significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia (83.17% inhibition for EESL and 81.19% for FRUT B); edema (68.75% reduction for EESL and 33.66% for FRUT B); leukocyte migration (81.3% for EESSL and 92.2% for FRUT B), and nitric oxide production (88.3% for EESL and 74.4% for FRUT B). The exposure to fruticuline B significantly inhibited the edema (51.5%), mechanical (88.12%) and cold hyperalgesia (80.8%), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) (63.4%) activity 24 h after CFA injection. In the pleurisy model, FRUT B reduced 89.1% of leukocyte migration and 50.3% in nitric oxide production. Four hours after carrageenan injection, FRUT B (1 mg/kg) diminished 89.11% of mechanical hyperalgesia, 65.8% of paw edema, and 82.12% of the response to cold hyperalgesia. In the MTT test, EESL and fruticuline B caused no cytotoxicity. The present study revealed, for the first time, the anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive effects of FRUT B, pointing out the therapeutic potential of the species to control inflammation and nociception. Future studies are needed to evaluate other biological properties of fruticuline B and to better understand its mechanism of action.

The number of fundamental constants from a spacetime-based perspective.

We revisit Duff, Okun, and Veneziano's divergent views on the number of fundamental constants and argue that the issue can be set to rest by having spacetime as the starting point. This procedure disentangles the resolution in what depends on the assumed spacetime (whether relativistic or not) from the theories built over it. By defining that the number of fundamental constants equals the minimal number of independent standards necessary to express all observables, as assumed by Duff, Okun, and Veneziano, it is shown that the same units fixed by the apparatuses used to construct the spacetimes are enough to express all observables of the physical laws defined over them. As a result, the number of fundamental constants equals one in relativistic spacetimes.

A transcontinental threat: Plastic waste from Africa invades Brazil's coast.

Identifying the origin of plastic pollution is essential for the development of effective preventive and mitigatory strategies and guidelines for companies, governments, and stakeholders. In 2022, a considerable amount of plastic waste stranded on beaches of the northeastern coast of Brazil. A preliminary analysis of this waste revealed that most of the items were likely foreign made, and a brand auditing approach was applied to identify the brands, parent companies, and potential origin of the plastic waste. The items were also examined to determine their degree of degradation, polymer resin codes, colors, and probable uses. Given their probable foreign origin, a numerical simulation was employed using the OpenDrift dispersion model to determine the likely route each item would have taken before reaching the Brazilian coast. The brand audit confirmed that most of the plastic waste came from Africa (78.5 % of the items), followed by Brazil (15.7 %), and other nations (5.8 %). A total of 31 brands from seven African countries were identified, of which, >90 % originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Drift simulations were consistent with the results of the brand audit, indicating that the plastics originated from the west coast of African, primarily between latitudes 5° N and 10° S. This analysis indicated that the Congo river was the principal source of the plastic waste that found its way to the Brazilian beaches. The present study highlights the widespread occurrence of plastic pollution across the Atlantic Ocean and underscores the need for mitigatory and regulatory measures that consider foreign sources, as well as local drivers of pollution. In this context, continuous monitoring programs will be essential to advance our understanding of the magnitude of the international plastic pollution problem, and provide insights to delineate specific enforcements dealing with this issue.

Effects of an Oral Nutritional Supplementation and Physical Exercise Intervention on Older Adults at Risk for Sarcopenia.

Objectives: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle mass (SMM) disease characterized by loss of strength with generalized loss of SMM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intervention on SMM, strength, and functionally in older adults. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of an intervention protocol with older adults at risk of sarcopenia who performed a daily intake of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and resistance training exercise (RET), 3 times a week. Calf circumference (CC), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), handgrip strength (HGS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: Fifty-one older adults were included. The mean age was 76.3 ± 8.3 years and 68.6% were women. After 12 weeks, the study showed an increase of CC in cm (1.9 ± 2.5, p < 0.001), increase of strength in kg (5.4 ± 2.1, p < 0.001), reduction of TUG in seconds (-2.4 ± 4.8, p = 0.001), increase of free-fat mass in kg (1.0 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) and SMM in kg (0.9 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nutritional intervention with ONS associated with RET, can increase muscle strength, SMM and functionality among older adults at risk for sarcopenia.

[Efficacy of transdermal lidocaine 5% patches in postoperative analgesia following knee arthroscopy]. / Efectividad del parche transdérmico de lidocaína 5% en la analgesia postoperatoria después de la artroscopía de rodilla.

INTRODUCTION: knee arthroscopy is a common orthopedic procedure associated with postoperative pain, so optimizing pain management is essential for patient recovery and satisfaction. Lidocaine, a local anesthetic with well-established safety profiles, offers a potential alternative to traditional analgesic methods. Research regarding lidocaine patches has been conducted in several types of surgeries (laparoscopy, gynecological surgery, prostatectomy, etc.) showing promising results for some. This study investigates the effectiveness of transdermal lidocaine 5% patches as a novel approach to postoperative analgesia after knee arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with participants undergoing knee arthroscopy. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving transdermal lidocaine 5% patches and the other a placebo, both along traditional postoperative pain management, and using opioid only in cases with moderate-severe pain. Pain scores, opioid consumption, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed at various postoperative intervals. RESULTS: there was a significant reduction in pain scores and opioid consumption in the lidocaine patch group compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: transdermal lidocaine 5% patches emerge as a promising adjunct to postoperative pain management in knee arthroscopy patients. Their ease of application, minimal side effects, and opioid-sparing effects contribute to a multifaceted analgesic approach. This study underscores the potential of transdermal lidocaine patches in enhancing the overall postoperative experience for knee arthroscopy patients, advocating for their consideration in clinical practice.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la artroscopía de rodilla es un procedimiento ortopédico común asociado con dolor postoperatorio, por lo que optimizar el manejo del dolor es esencial para la recuperación y la satisfacción del paciente. La lidocaína, un anestésico local con perfiles de seguridad bien establecidos, ofrece una alternativa potencial a los métodos analgésicos tradicionales. Se ha llevado a cabo investigación sobre los parches de lidocaína en diversos tipos de cirugías (laparoscopía, cirugía ginecológica, prostatectomía, etcétera), mostrando resultados prometedores en algunos casos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, ciego simple y controlado con placebo que incluyó participantes sometidos a artroscopía de rodilla. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: uno recibió parches transdérmicos de lidocaína al 5% y otro un placebo, ambos junto con el manejo tradicional del dolor postoperatorio y utilizando opioides sólo en casos de dolor moderado a severo. Se evaluaron las puntuaciones de dolor, el consumo de opioides y los resultados informados por los pacientes en varios intervalos postoperatorios. RESULTADOS: se registró una reducción significativa en las puntuaciones de dolor y el consumo de opioides en el grupo de parches de lidocaína en comparación con el grupo de placebo. CONCLUSIONES: los parches transdérmicos de lidocaína al 5% emergen como un complemento prometedor para el manejo del dolor postoperatorio en pacientes sometidos a artroscopía de rodilla. Su facilidad de aplicación, mínimos efectos secundarios y efectos ahorradores de opioides contribuyen a un enfoque analgésico multifacético. Este estudio destaca el potencial de los parches de lidocaína transdérmica para mejorar la experiencia postoperatoria general de los pacientes con artroscopía de rodilla, abogando por su consideración en la práctica clínica.

Can microplastic contamination affect the wing morphology and wingbeat frequency of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes?

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly widespread in the environment, which raises questions about their potential effects at different biological levels. It is essential to assess the impacts on biodiversity, and it is also crucial to understand whether the presence of MPs can interfere with the biological traits of species of relevance in public health. Considering that the life-history traits of mosquitoes, such as size and the wingbeat frequency (WBF), are related to its vector competence, here, we study the effects of 106 particles L-1 (as expected concentration of MPs on the environment, using the polyethylene type) on WBF, as well as wing morphology, testing the Culicidae species found across all continents, Aedes aegypti, as an indicator. Results show that larvae survival and development were not affected by the tested concentration of MP. Geometric morphometrics showed some asymmetry in female mosquito wings, which were also smaller for individuals reared in MP suspension. As for WBF, results did not indicate any significant differences between females. Male mosquitoes, however, showed alterations in WBF and wing morphology, suggesting possible sex-specific reactions to microplastic exposure. Also, the combination of morphological parameters analyzed as covariates (wing centroid size and body weight) did not significantly affect WBF for both female and male mosquitoes. Overall, this study shows an inaugural investigation of the effects of MP on wing size and WBF on Ae. aegypti, shedding light on these parameters tested for a current pollution issue and its impact on a virus vector.

Time toxicity among older patients with cancer treated with palliative systemic therapy.

PURPOSE: The time toxicity of anticancer therapy, defined as days spent with healthcare contact during treatment, represents a critical but understudied outcome. This study aims to quantify time toxicity among older patients with cancer receiving palliative systemic treatment. METHODS: All patients aged ≥ 65 years with metastatic cancer receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy at a single center in Mexico were selected from a prospective patient navigation cohort. Patients completed a baseline assessment, including the G8 screening and quality of life measures. Physical healthcare contact days within the first 6 months were extracted from medical records and divided by days alive during the same period. Beta regression models were used to identify predictors of time toxicity. RESULTS: We identified 158 older patients (median age 71 years); 86% received cytotoxic chemotherapy. Seventy-three percent had an impaired G8 score and were considered vulnerable/frail. Six-month overall survival was 74%. Within the first 6 months, patients spent a mean of 21% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19-23%) of days with healthcare contact. Concurrent radiotherapy (odds ratio (OR) 1.55; 95%CI 1.21-1.97), cytotoxic chemotherapy versus targeted therapy (OR 1.64; 95%CI 1.13-2.37), and an impaired G8 (OR 1.27; 95%CI 1.01-1.60) were associated with increased time toxicity. CONCLUSION: Older adults with metastatic cancer spend 1 in 5 days with healthcare contact during treatment, with a higher burden of time toxicity for patients receiving radiotherapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy and those with potential frailty. These findings underscore the importance of informing patients about their expected healthcare contact days within the context of a limited life expectancy.

Effects of sulfamethazine and tetracycline at molecular, cellular and tissue levels in Eisenia fetida earthworms.

Soil contamination by antibiotics is a global issue of great concern that contributes to the rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance and can have toxic effects on non-target organisms. This study evaluated the variations of molecular, cellular, and histological parameters in Eisenia fetida earthworms exposed to sulfamethazine (SMZ) and tetracycline (TC), two antibiotics commonly found in agricultural soils. The earthworms were exposed for 14 days to a series of concentrations (0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg) of both antibiotics. SMZ and TC did not affect the survival of E. fetida, however, other effects at different levels of biological complexity were detected. The two highest concentrations of SMZ reduced the viability of coelomocytes. At the highest TC concentration, there was a noticeable decline in cell viability, acetylcholinesterase activity (neurotoxicity), and the relative presence of mucopolysaccharides in the epidermis (mucous production). Glutathione S-transferase activity decreased in all TC treatments and at the highest SMZ concentration. However, levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls did not change, suggesting an absence of oxidative stress. Tetracycline was neurotoxic to E. fetida and changed the integrity of the epidermis. Both antibiotics altered the intestinal microbiota of E. fetida, leading to a reduction in the relative abundance of bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, while causing an increase in the phylum Actinobacteroidota. All observed changes indicate that both SMZ and TC can disrupt the earthworms' immune system and gut microbiome, while fostering the growth of bacteria that harbour antibiotic resistance genes. Finally, both antibiotics exerted additional metabolic and physiological effects that increased the vulnerability of E. fetida to pathogens.

Evaluation of hepcidin-25/erythroferrone ratio as a potential biomarker for iron utility and erythropoiesis responsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating therapy in comparison to immature erythrocyte/reticulocyte parameters in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Anemia-associated chronic kidney disease increases in more advanced stages with a subsequent acceleration in renal impairment progressing to end-stage renal disease. Although hepcidin and erythroferrone have been described as novel biomarkers of iron metabolism, there is still an area of ambiguity regarding iron utility in anemia-associated end-stage renal disease. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the correlations between erythropoietin, erythroferrone, and hepcidin-25 in hemodialysis, and to evaluate the clinical utility of the hepcidin-25/erythroferrone ratio as a biomarker of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent effectiveness compared to reticulocyte maturation parameters. METHODS: Serum erythropoietin, erythroferrone, and hepcidin-25 levels in 35 dialysis-dependent patients on a maintenance dose of a short-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent were consequently assessed on Days 0, 5, and 7. The erythropoiesis activity was monitored by measuring the increment in reticulocyte maturation parameters. RESULTS: Though the effectiveness of erythropoiesis in these patients was not associated with the hepcidin-25/erythroferrone ratio, it was lower among those with effective erythropoiesis than those with ineffective erythropoiesis. The effective group showed a statistically significant increase in reticulocyte maturation parameters compared to the ineffective group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show the pathogenesis of iron homeostasis in hemodialysis, the validity of hepcidin-25/erythroferrone ratio as a biomarker of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent effectiveness, and the advantageous monitoring of reticulocyte maturation measures to improve management of anemia-associated chronic kidney disease.

Estimating the burden of care for oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer in Brazilian dental practice.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer (OC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) pose significant challenges to public health in Brazil. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral cancer (OC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) among patients who would be treated by Brazilian dentists during their careers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on the number of dentists in Brazil were extracted from the 2022 census data, while incidence rates for OC cases were sourced from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). Population estimates for Brazil and data on dental check-up rates were obtained from relevant national sources. RESULTS: Our analysis indicates that a general dentist in Brazil can expect to encounter on average two to three OC patients and on average 675 patients with OPMDs over a 35-year career. Regional disparities were observed, with certain regions showing higher than the average number of encounters due to low density of dentists in some rural districts. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian dentists are likely to confront a substantial number of OC and OPMD cases during their professional tenure, emphasizing the need for public health policies aimed at enhancing dental surgeons' education in oral cancer prevention and early detection.

Analysis of the citation impact of Brazilian researchers in oral pathology and oral medicine over two decades.

BACKGROUND: Brazilian Oral Pathology (OP) and Oral Medicine (OM) have gained significant international recognition. However, no study has yet evaluated the impact of citations in scientific publications. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of citations from Brazilian researchers in OP and OM over the last two decades. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 50 researchers linked to postgraduate programs in OP/OM. Data collected from each professional's Lattes curriculum included gender, academic affiliation, the corporate category of the institution, and location. The number of papers published and citations received between 2004 to 2013 and 2014 to 2023 was also collected from the Web of Science database. RESULTS: Most researchers were male (56%) and from public institutions (90%), mainly in the Southeast region (60%). Over two decades, they collectively published 8,033 scientific articles, with significant growth (p<0.001) from to 2004-2013 to 2014-2023. While the average citations per researcher did not differ significantly between 2004-2013 and 2014-2023 (p=0.538), there was a notable 67.67% increase in citations in the last decade. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian researchers in the areas of OP and OM have demonstrated a significant academic impact over the past two decades, with a marked increase in publications and citations over the last ten years. This highlights the contribution of Brazilians to the global scientific community in these areas.

Clinicogenetic characterization of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis in Brazil.

There are few cerebrotendineous xanthomatosis (CTX) case series and observational studies including a significant number of Latin American patients. We describe a multicenter Brazilian cohort of patients with CTX highlighting their clinical phenotype, recurrent variants and assessing possible genotype-phenotype correlations. We analyzed data from all patients with clinical and molecular or biochemical diagnosis of CTX regularly followed at six genetics reference centers in Brazil between March 2020 and August 2023. We evaluated 38 CTX patients from 26 families, originating from 4 different geographical regions in Brazil. Genetic analysis identified 13 variants in the CYP27A1 gene within our population, including 3 variants that had not been previously described. The most frequent initial symptom of CTX in Brazil was cataract (27%), followed by xanthomas (24%), chronic diarrhea (13.5%), and developmental delay (13.5%). We observed that the median age at loss of ambulation correlates with the age of onset of neurological symptoms, with an average interval of 10 years (interquartile range 6.9 to 11 years). This study represents the largest CTX case series ever reported in South America. We describe phenotypic characteristics and report three new pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants.

Identification of QTLs associated with grain-filling duration and heading date in wheat.

An increase in genetic diversity of bread wheat caused by spring x winter forms leads to an alteration of genetic control of maturity time. Maturity time (MAT) is one of major yield components in wheat, which has two components: the heading date (HD) and grain-filling period (GFP). Using the Illumina Infinium 25k platform we analyzed the genetic control of the HD, GFP and MAT in the F2 and F2:3 populations from a cross between late-ripening spring/winter line 124-1 and spring wheat cultivar Novosibirskaya 31, possessing the same allelic composition of the VRN1 and PPD-D1 genes. The phenotypic evaluation of the populations studied was performed during three years. A total of 17 QTLs were mapped, out of which 4 QTLs for MAT or its components were confirmed over two years. Two common MAT and HD QTLs were identified on the 4A chromosome, and two loci controlling GFP and MAT were found on 6B chromosome. An environmentally stable HD QTL QHd.icg-7B.1 was associated with the FT-B1 gene having a non-synonymous polymorphism [G/C] in its coding region. A novel НD QTL was identified on 7D chromosome. QTL dissection allowed to propose putative genes for QMat.icg4-A and QMat.icg6-B, namely the SPL family gene (TraesCS4A02G359500) and the TCP transcription factor (TraesCS6B02G462100), respectively. The results of this study provide information for further investigation into wheat development.

Technologies for Mechanical Recycling of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) Composites: End Mill, High-Energy Ball Milling, and Ultrasonication.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have very high specific properties, which is why they are used in the aerospace, wind power, and sports sectors. However, the high consumption of CFRP compounds leads to a high volume of waste, and it is necessary to formulate mechanical recycling strategies for these materials at the end of their useful life. The recycling differences between cutting-end mills and high-energy ball milling (HEBM) were evaluated. HEBM recycling allowed us to obtain small recycled particles, but separating their components, carbon fiber, epoxy resin, and CFRP particles, was impossible. In the case of mill recycling, these were obtained directly from cutting a CFRP composite laminate. The recycled materials resulted in a combination of long fibers and micrometric particles-a sieving step allowed for more homogeneous residues. Although long, individual carbon fibers can pass through the sieve. Ultrasonication did not significantly affect HEBM recyclates because of the high energy they are subjected to during the grinding process, but it was influential on end mill recyclates. The ultrasonication amplitude notably impacted the separation of the epoxy resin from the carbon fiber. The end mill and HEBM waste production process promote the presence of trapped air and electrostatics, which allows recyclates to float in water and be hydrophobic.

Acute liver failure: Management update and prognosis.

Acute liver failure is a rare but serious syndrome, with an incidence of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases per year in North America. Its pathophysiology and clinical course vary, depending on the cause of the primary liver injury, and can lead to high morbidity and mortality or the need for liver transplantation, despite available therapies. This syndrome involves excessive activation of the immune system, with damage in other organs, contributing to its high mortality rate. The most accepted definition includes liver injury with hepatic encephalopathy and coagulopathy within the past 26 weeks in a patient with no previous liver disease. The main causes are paracetamol poisoning, viral hepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury, among others. Identifying the cause is crucial, given that it influences prognosis and treatment. Survival has improved with supportive measures, intensive therapy, complication prevention, and the use of medications, such as N-acetylcysteine. Liver transplantation is a curative option for nonresponders to medical treatment, but adequate evaluation of transplantation timing is vital for improving results. Factors such as patient age, underlying cause, and severity of organ failure influence the post-transplant outcomes and survival.

Full-spectrum cannabidiol reduces UVB damage through the inhibition of TGF-ß1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome.

The thermodynamic characteristics, antioxidant potential, and photoprotective benefits of full-spectrum cannabidiol (FS-CBD) against UVB-induced cellular death were examined in this study. In silico analysis of CBD showed antioxidant capacity via proton donation and UV absorption at 209.09, 254.73, and 276.95 nm, according to the HAT and SPLET methodologies. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced bacterial death for 30 min. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced cell death by 42% (1.5 µg/mL) and 35% (3.5 µg/mL) in an in vitro keratinocyte cell model. An in vivo acute irradiated CD-1et/et mouse model (UVB-irradiated for 5 min) presented very low photoprotection when FS-CBD was applied cutaneously, as determined by histological analyses. In vivo skin samples showed that FS-CBD regulated inflammatory responses by inhibiting the inflammatory markers TGF-ß1 and NLRP3. The docking analysis showed that the CBD molecule had a high affinity for TGF-ß1 and NLRP3, indicating that protection against inflammation might be mediated by blocking these proinflammatory molecules. This result was corroborated by the docking interactions between CBD and TGF-ß1 and NLRP3, which resulted in a high affinity and inhibition of both proteins The present work suggested a FS-CBD moderate photoprotective agent against UVB light-induced skin damage and that this effect is partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity.

Endolithic Fungal Diversity in Antarctic Oligocene Rock Samples Explored Using DNA Metabarcoding.

In this study, we evaluated the fungal diversity present associated with cores of Oligocene rocks using a DNA metabarcoding approach. We detected 940,969 DNA reads grouped into 198 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) representing the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota, Rozellomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Zoopagomycota, Aphelidiomycota (Fungi) and the fungal-like Oomycota (Stramenopila), in rank abundance order. Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Aspergillaceae sp. and Diaporthaceae sp. were assessed to be dominant taxa, with 22 fungal ASVs displaying intermediate abundance and 170 being minor components of the assigned fungal diversity. The data obtained displayed high diversity indices, while rarefaction indicated that the majority of the diversity was detected. However, the diversity indices varied between the cores analysed. The endolithic fungal community detected using a metabarcoding approach in the Oligocene rock samples examined contains a rich and complex mycobiome comprising taxa with different lifestyles, comparable with the diversity reported in recent studies of a range of Antarctic habitats. Due to the high fungal diversity detected, our results suggest the necessity of further research to develop strategies to isolate these fungi in culture for evolutionary, physiological, and biogeochemical studies, and to assess their potential role in biotechnological applications.