Triatomines know no boundaries: Triatoma delpontei Romaña & Abalos, 1947 (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) discovered in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.

Triatominae are recognized as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan which is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. A specimen of Triatoma delpontei was found at Porto Murtinho in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. This is the first report of the occurrence of T. delpontei to the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. With the present finding, the total number of triatomines recorded in Mato do Grosso do Sul reaches 17 species, while T. delpontei, previously recorded only from Rio Grande do Sul, is now recorded to a second Brazilian state. Based on the information available in the literature, a meticulous and organized compilation has been crafted, highlighting the cytogenetics differentiations of the species occurring in this state. This work emphasizes the importance of continuous research and surveillance on Triatominae, recognized as vectors of T. cruzi.

Impact of Elevated Serum Triglycerides on Children with Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis from INSPPIRE-2.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if mild-moderate hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is associated with increased development of chronic pancreatitis (CP) or pancreatitis-associated complications in children with acute recurrent or CP. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal data from the INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE-2 (INSPPIRE-2) cohort of children with acute recurrent or CP (n = 559) were analyzed. Subjects were divided into normal triglycerides (<150 mg/dL; 1.7 mmol/L), any HTG (≥150 mg/dL; ≥1.7 mmol/L), mild-moderate HTG (150-499 mg/dL; 1.7-5.6 mmol/L), moderate HTG (500-999 mg/dL; 5.6-11.3 mmol/L), and severe HTG groups (≥1000 mg/dL; ≥11.3 mmol/L), based on highest serum triglyceride value. Laboratory, imaging, pancreatitis and hospital events, complications, and quality of life data were analyzed. RESULTS: In children with acute recurrent or CP and HTG, there was no increase in the number of pancreatitis attacks per person-years, nor an increase in CP prevalence. However, HTG severity was associated with increased pancreatic inflammation, pancreatic cysts, pain, hospital days, number of hospitalizations, intensive care, and missed school days. CONCLUSIONS: Mild-moderate HTG in children with acute recurrent or CP was not associated with increased pancreatitis frequency, nor increased development of CP, but was associated with increased pancreatitis complications and disease burden. As a treatable condition, treatment of mild-moderate HTG may be considered to reduce pancreatitis-associated complications and medical burden in children with acute recurrent or CP.

Irida-graphene phonon thermal transport via non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.

Recently, a new 2D carbon allotrope called Irida-Graphene (Irida-G) was proposed, and its reliable stability has been previously predicted. Irida-G is a flat sheet topologically arranged into 3-6-8 carbon rings exhibiting metallic and non-magnetic properties. In this study, we investigated the thermal transport properties of Irida-G using classical reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The findings indicate that Irida-G has an intrinsic thermal conductivity of approximately 215 W mK-1 at room temperature, significantly lower than that of pristine graphene. This decrease is due to characteristic phonon scattering within Irida-G's porous structure. Additionally, the phonon group velocities and vibrational density of states for Irida-G were analyzed, revealing reduced average phonon group velocities compared to graphene. The thermal conductivity of Irida-G is isotropic and shows significant size effects, transitioning from ballistic to diffusive heat transport regimes as the system length increases. These results suggest that while Irida-G has lower thermal conductivity than graphene, it still holds potential for specific thermal management applications, sharing characteristics with other two-dimensional materials.

Transforming Two-Dimensional Carbon Allotropes into Three-Dimensional Ones through Topological Mapping: The Case of Biphenylene Carbon (Graphenylene).

In this work, we propose a new methodology for obtaining three-dimensional (3D) carbon allotrope structures from 2D ones through topological mapping. The idea is to select a 3D target structure and "slice" it along different structural directions, creating a series of 2D structures. As a proof of concept, we chose the tubulane structure 12-hexa(3,3) as a target. Tubulanes are 3D carbon allotropes based on cross-linked carbon nanotubes. One of the obtained 2D "sliced" structures was mapped into the biphenylene carbon (BPC). We showed that compressing BPC in-plane, biaxially, followed by compression along the z direction using different strain rates could generate not only the target tubulane 12-hexa(3,3) structure but also at least two others: bcc-C6 and an unreported member of the tubulane family, which we called tubulane X. The methodology proposed here is entirely general; it can be used coupled with any quantum method. Considering that the 2D biphenylene carbon network, which is closely related to BPC, has been recently synthesized, the approach proposed here opens new perspectives to obtain new 3D carbon allotropes from 2D structures.

Genomic decoding of Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuassu) at chromosomal scale: evolutionary insights for horticultural innovation.

BACKGROUND: Theobroma grandiflorum (Malvaceae), known as cupuassu, is a tree indigenous to the Amazon basin, valued for its large fruits and seed pulp, contributing notably to the Amazonian bioeconomy. The seed pulp is utilized in desserts and beverages, and its seed butter is used in cosmetics. Here, we present the sequenced telomere-to-telomere genome of cupuassu, disclosing its genomic structure, evolutionary features, and phylogenetic relationships within the Malvaceae family. FINDINGS: The cupuassu genome spans 423 Mb, encodes 31,381 genes distributed in 10 chromosomes, and exhibits approximately 65% gene synteny with the Theobroma cacao genome, reflecting a conserved evolutionary history, albeit punctuated with unique genomic variations. The main changes are pronounced by bursts of long-terminal repeat retrotransposons at postspecies divergence, retrocopied and singleton genes, and gene families displaying distinctive patterns of expansion and contraction. Furthermore, positively selected genes are evident, particularly among retained and dispersed tandem and proximal duplicated genes associated with general fruit and seed traits and defense mechanisms, supporting the hypothesis of potential episodes of subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization following duplication, as well as impact from distinct domestication process. These genomic variations may underpin the differences observed in fruit and seed morphology, ripening, and disease resistance between cupuassu and the other Malvaceae species. CONCLUSIONS: The cupuassu genome offers a foundational resource for both breeding improvement and conservation biology, yielding insights into the evolution and diversity within the genus Theobroma.

Schwarzites and Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces: From Pure Topology Mathematics to Macroscale Applications.

Schwarzites are porous (spongy-like) carbon allotropes with negative Gaussian curvatures. They are proposed by Mackay and Terrones inspired by the works of the German mathematician Hermann Schwarz on Triply-Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS). This review presents and discusses the history of schwarzites and their place among curved carbon nanomaterials. The main works on schwarzites are summarized and are available in the literature. Their unique structural, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties are discussed. Although the synthesis of carbon-based schwarzites remains elusive, recent advances in the synthesis of zeolite-templates nanomaterials have brought them closer to reality. Atomic-based models of schwarzites are translated into macroscale ones that are 3D-printed. These 3D-printed models are exploited in many real-world applications, including water remediation and biomedical ones.

Enhanced Elastocaloric Effects in γ-Graphyne.

The global emphasis on sustainable technologies has become a paramount concern for nations worldwide. Specifically, numerous sustainable methods are being explored as promising alternatives to the well-established vapor-compression technologies in cooling and heating devices. One such avenue gaining traction within the scientific community is the elastocaloric (eC) effect. This phenomenon holds promise for efficient cooling and heating processes without causing environmental harm. Studies carried out at the nanoscale have demonstrated the efficiency of the eC effect, proving to be comparable to that of state-of-the-art macroscopic systems. In this study, we used classical molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the elastocaloric effect for the recently synthesized γ-graphyne. Our analysis goes beyond obtaining changes in eC temperature and the coefficient of performance (COP) for two species of γ-graphyne nanoribbons (armchair and zigzag). We also explore their dependence on various conditions, including whether they are deposited on a substrate or prestrained. Our findings reveal a substantial enhancement in the elastocaloric effect for γ-graphyne nanoribbons when subjected to prestrain, amplifying it by at least 1 order of magnitude. Under certain conditions, the changes in the eC temperature and the COP of the structures reach expressive values as high as 224 K and 14, respectively. We discuss the implications of these results by examining the shape and behavior of the carbon-carbon bond lengths within the structures.

Reversible actuation of α-borophene nanoscrolls.

In this work, we proposed and investigated the structural and electronic properties of boron-based nanoscrolls (armchair and zigzag) using the DFTB+ method. We also investigated the electroactuation process (injecting and removing charges). A giant electroactuation was observed, but the results show relevant differences between the borophene and carbon nanoscrolls. The molecular dynamics simulations showed that the scrolls are thermally and structurally stable for a large range of temperatures (up to 600 K), and the electroactuation process can be easily tuned and can be entirely reversible for some configurations.

Photobiomodulation therapy combined with static magnetic field is better than placebo in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by generalized chronic pain and tenderness in specific areas. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using low-level laser therapy and/or light emitting diode therapy is an electrophysical agent that can be used alone or together with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) to promote analgesia in several health conditions. Little evidence exists regarding the effects of using PBMT and PBMT-sMF in patients with fibromyalgia; this evidence is conflicting. AIM: We aimed to investigate the effects of using PBMT-sMF versus a placebo on reduction of the degree-of-pain rating, impact of fibromyalgia, pain intensity, and satisfaction with treatment in patients with fibromyalgia. DESIGN: A prospectively registered, monocentric, randomized placebo-controlled trial, with blinding of patients, therapists, and assessors, was performed. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT) in Brazil, between March and October 2020. POPULATION: Ninety female patients with fibromyalgia were randomized to undergo either PBMT-sMF (N.=45) or placebo (N.=45) treatment. METHODS: Patients from both groups received nine treatment sessions, three times a week, for 3 weeks. Clinical outcomes were collected at baseline, the end of treatment, and at the follow-up appointment 4 weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome was the degree-of-pain rating, measured by the reduction of the tender point count. RESULTS: A decrease in the degree-of-pain rating was observed in patients allocated to the PBMT-sMF group, decreasing the number of tender points when compared to placebo group at the end of treatment (P<0.0001) and at the follow-up assessment (P<0.0001). Patients did not report any adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: PBMT-sMF is superior to placebo, supporting its use in patients with fibromyalgia. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: PBMT-sMF might be considered an important adjuvant to the treatment regimens of patients with fibromyalgia.

Tetra-penta-deca-hexagonal-graphene (TPDH-graphene) hydrogenation patterns: dynamics and electronic structure.

The advent of graphene has renewed the interest in other 2D carbon-based materials. In particular, new structures have been proposed by combining hexagonal and other carbon rings in different ways. Recently, Bhattacharya and Jana have proposed a new carbon allotrope, composed of different polygonal carbon rings containing 4, 5, 6, and 10 atoms, named tetra-penta-deca-hexagonal-graphene (TPDH-graphene). This unusual topology results in interesting mechanical, electronic, and optical properties with several potential applications, including UV protection. Like other 2D carbon structures, chemical functionalizations can be used to tune TPDH-graphene's physical/chemical properties. In this work, we investigate the hydrogenation dynamics of TPDH-graphene and its effects on its electronic structure, combining DFT and fully atomistic reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that H atoms are mainly incorporated on tetragonal ring sites (up to 80% at 300 K), leading to the appearance of well-delimited pentagonal carbon stripes. The electronic structure of the hydrogenated structures shows the formation of narrow bandgaps with the presence of Dirac cone-like structures, indicative of anisotropic transport properties.

Temporal progress of gene expression analysis with RNA-Seq data: A review on the relationship between computational methods.

Analysis of differential gene expression from RNA-seq data has become a standard for several research areas. The steps for the computational analysis include many data types and file formats, and a wide variety of computational tools that can be applied alone or together as pipelines. This paper presents a review of the differential expression analysis pipeline, addressing its steps and the respective objectives, the principal methods available in each step, and their properties, therefore introducing an organized overview to this context. This review aims to address mainly the aspects involved in the differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis from RNA sequencing data (RNA-seq), considering the computational methods. In addition, a timeline of the computational methods for DEG is shown and discussed, and the relationships existing between the most important computational tools are presented by an interaction network. A discussion on the challenges and gaps in DEG analysis is also highlighted in this review. This paper will serve as a tutorial for new entrants into the field and help established users update their analysis pipelines.

Comparative analyses of Theobroma cacao and T. grandiflorum mitogenomes reveal conserved gene content embedded within complex and plastic structures.

Unlike the chloroplast genomes (ptDNA), the plant mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) are much more plastic in structure and size but maintain a conserved and essential gene set related to oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, the plant mitochondrial genes and mtDNA are good markers for phylogenetic, evolutive, and comparative analyses. The two most known species in Theobroma L. (Malvaceae s.l.) genus are T. cacao, and T. grandiflorum. Besides the economic value, both species also show considerable biotechnology potential due to their other derived products, thus, aggregating additional economic value for the agroindustry. Here, we assembled and compared the mtDNA of Theobroma cacao and T. grandiflorum to generate a new genomics resource and unravel evolutionary trends. Graph-based analyses revealed that both mtDNA exhibit multiple alternative arrangements, confirming the dynamism commonly observed in plant mtDNA. The disentangled assembly graph revealed potential predominant circular molecules. The master circle molecules span 543,794 bp for T. cacao and 501,598 bp for T. grandiflorum, showing 98.9% of average sequence identity. Both mtDNA contains the same set of 39 plant mitochondrial genes, commonly found in other rosid mitogenomes. The main features are a duplicated copy of atp4, the absence of rpl6, rps2, rps8, and rps11, and the presence of two chimeric open-reading frames. Moreover, we detected few ptDNA integrations mainly represented by tRNAs, and no viral sequences were detected. Phylogenomics analyses indicate Theobroma spp. are nested in Malvaceae family. The main mtDNA differences are related to distinct structural rearrangements and exclusive regions associated with relics of Transposable Elements, supporting the hypothesis of dynamic mitochondrial genome maintenance and divergent evolutionary paths and pressures after species differentiation.

Cytotoxicity of Extracts from Petiveria alliacea Leaves on Yeast.

Petiveria alliacea L. is a plant used in traditional medicine harboring pharmacological properties with anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hypoglycemiant and anesthetic activities. This study assessed the potential cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of ethanolic extract of P. alliacea on Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. S. cerevisiae FF18733 (wild type) and CD138 (ogg1) strains were exposed to fractioned ethanolic extracts of P. alliacea in different concentrations. Three experimental assays were performed: cellular inactivation, mutagenesis (canavanine resistance system) and loss of mitochondrial function (petites colonies). The chemical analyses revealed a rich extract with phenolic compounds such as protocatechuic acid, cinnamic and catechin epicatechin. A decreased cell viability in wild-type and ogg1 strains was demonstrated. All fractions of the extract exerted a mutagenic effect on the ogg1 strain. Only ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions increased the rate of petites colonies in the ogg1 strain, but not in the wild-type strain. The results indicate that fractions of mid-polarity of the ethanolic extract, at the studied concentrations, can induce mutagenicity mediated by oxidative lesions in the mitochondrial and genomic genomes of the ogg1-deficient S. cerevisiae strain. These findings indicate that the lesions caused by the fractions of P. alliacea ethanolic extract can be mediated by reactive oxygen species and can reach multiple molecular targets to exert their toxicity.

Proteomic Analysis Identifies Molecular Players and Biological Processes Specific to SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Endothelial Cells.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for the severe pandemic of acute respiratory disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), experienced in the 21st century. The clinical manifestations range from mild symptoms to abnormal blood coagulation and severe respiratory failure. In severe cases, COVID-19 manifests as a thromboinflammatory disease. Damage to the vascular compartment caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to thrombosis, triggered by an enhanced immune response. The molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial activation have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to identify the proteins correlated to the molecular response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, which might help to unravel the molecular mechanisms of endothelium activation in COVID-19. In this direction, we exposed HUVECs to SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed the expression of specific cellular receptors, and changes in the proteome of HUVECs at different time points. We identified that HUVECs exhibit non-productive infection without cytopathic effects, in addition to the lack of expression of specific cell receptors known to be essential for SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. We highlighted the enrichment of the protein SUMOylation pathway and the increase in SUMO2, which was confirmed by orthogonal assays. In conclusion, proteomic analysis revealed that the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 induced oxidative stress and changes in protein abundance and pathways enrichment that resembled endothelial dysfunction.

A Kunitz-type inhibitor from tick salivary glands: A promising novel antitumor drug candidate.

Salivary glands are vital structures responsible for successful tick feeding. The saliva of ticks contains numerous active molecules that participate in several physiological processes. A Kunitz-type factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, similar to the tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) precursor, was identified in the salivary gland transcriptome of Amblyomma sculptum ticks. The recombinant mature form of this Kunitz-type inhibitor, named Amblyomin-X, displayed anticoagulant, antiangiogenic, and antitumor properties. Amblyomin-X is a protein that inhibits FXa in the blood coagulation cascade and acts via non-hemostatic mechanisms, such as proteasome inhibition. Amblyomin-X selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells and promotes tumor regression through these mechanisms. Notably, the cytotoxicity of Amblyomin-X seems to be restricted to tumor cells and does not affect non-tumorigenic cells, tissues, and organs, making this recombinant protein an attractive molecule for anticancer therapy. The cytotoxic activity of Amblyomin-X on tumor cells has led to vast exploration into this protein. Here, we summarize the function, action mechanisms, structural features, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of this tick Kunitz-type inhibitor recombinant protein as a promising novel antitumor drug candidate.

Physiological and Molecular Responses of Woody Plants Exposed to Future Atmospheric CO2 Levels under Abiotic Stresses.

Climate change is mainly driven by the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere in the last century. Plant growth is constantly challenged by environmental fluctuations including heat waves, severe drought and salinity, along with ozone accumulation in the atmosphere. Food security is at risk in an increasing world population, and it is necessary to face the current and the expected effects of global warming. The effects of the predicted environment scenario of elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) and more severe abiotic stresses have been scarcely investigated in woody plants, and an integrated view involving physiological, biochemical and molecular data is missing. This review highlights the effects of elevated CO2 in the metabolism of woody plants and the main findings of its interaction with abiotic stresses, including a molecular point of view, aiming to improve the understanding of how woody plants will face the predicted environmental conditions. Overall, e[CO2] stimulates photosynthesis and growth and attenuates mild to moderate abiotic stress in woody plants if root growth and nutrients are not limited. Moreover, e[CO2] does not induce acclimation in most tree species. Some high-throughput analyses involving omics techniques were conducted to better understand how these processes are regulated. Finally, knowledge gaps in the understanding of how the predicted climate condition will affect woody plant metabolism were identified, with the aim of improving the growth and production of this plant species.

Long-term persistence of viral RNA and inflammation in the CNS of macaques exposed to aerosolized Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a positively-stranded RNA arbovirus of the genus Alphavirus that causes encephalitis in humans. Cynomolgus macaques are a relevant model of the human disease caused by VEEV and are useful in exploring pathogenic mechanisms and the host response to VEEV infection. Macaques were exposed to small-particle aerosols containing virus derived from an infectious clone of VEEV strain INH-9813, a subtype IC strain isolated from a human infection. VEEV-exposed macaques developed a biphasic fever after infection similar to that seen in humans. Maximum temperature deviation correlated with the inhaled dose, but fever duration did not. Neurological signs, suggestive of virus penetration into the central nervous system (CNS), were predominantly seen in the second febrile period. Electroencephalography data indicated a statistically significant decrease in all power bands and circadian index during the second febrile period that returned to normal after fever resolved. Intracranial pressure increased late in the second febrile period. On day 6 post-infection macaques had high levels of MCP-1 and IP-10 chemokines in the CNS, as well as a marked increase of T lymphocytes and activated microglia. More than four weeks after infection, VEEV genomic RNA was found in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and cervical lymph nodes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines & chemokines, infiltrating leukocytes and pathological changes were seen in the CNS tissues of macaques euthanized at these times. These data are consistent with persistence of virus replication and/or genomic RNA and potentially, inflammatory sequelae in the central nervous system after resolution of acute VEEV disease.

Guided fractures in graphene mechanical diode-like structures.

The concept of a diode is usually applied to electronic and thermal devices but very rarely for mechanical ones. A recently proposed fracture rectification effect in polymer-based structures with triangular void defects has motivated us to test these ideas at the nanoscale using graphene membranes. Using fully-atomistic reactive molecular dynamics simulations we showed that robust rectification-like effects exist. The fracture can be 'guided' to more easily propagate along one specific direction than its opposite. We also observed that there is an optimal value for the spacing between each void for the rectification effect.