Aminotransferase trends in propionic acidemia.

Propionic acidemia is a metabolic condition with multiple serious acute and chronic presentations that require strict monitoring. Literature on liver function abnormalities in propionic acidemia is scarce, and the mechanism of liver impairment in this condition remains unclear. Currently, there is no indication for liver-function tests during follow-up and their clinical or prognostic utility is unknown. This study aimed to determine aminotransferase trends in individuals with propionic acidemia at a single institution. We retrospectively evaluated and classified the aminotransferases of 12 patients with propionic acidemia during hospital admissions and routine office visits. The present findings suggest that aminotransferase elevations are very common in this population and can persist beyond acute illness. During hospitalization events, aminotransferases were not a predictor of severity, duration of stay, and readmission within 1 month. Understanding aminotransferase trends in these patients will help clinicians make decisions in the acute setting and potentially in the follow-up of new therapies.

Aging amplifies a gut microbiota immunogenic signature linked to heightened inflammation.

Aging is associated with low-grade inflammation that increases the risk of infection and disease, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Gut microbiota composition shifts with age, harboring microbes with varied immunogenic capacities. We hypothesized the gut microbiota acts as an active driver of low-grade inflammation during aging. Microbiome patterns in aged mice strongly associated with signs of bacterial-induced barrier disruption and immune infiltration, including marked increased levels of circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) and colonic calprotectin. Ex vivo immunogenicity assays revealed that both colonic contents and mucosa of aged mice harbored increased capacity to activate toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) whereas TLR5 signaling was unchanged. We found patterns of elevated innate inflammatory signaling (colonic Il6, Tnf, and Tlr4) and endotoxemia (circulating LBP) in young germ-free mice after 4 weeks of colonization with intestinal contents from aged mice compared with young counterparts, thus providing a direct link between aging-induced shifts in microbiota immunogenicity and host inflammation. Additionally, we discovered that the gut microbiota of aged mice exhibited unique responses to a broad-spectrum antibiotic challenge (Abx), with sustained elevation in Escherichia (Proteobacteria) and altered TLR5 immunogenicity 7 days post-Abx cessation. Together, these data indicate that old age results in a gut microbiota that differentially acts on TLR signaling pathways of the innate immune system. We found that these age-associated microbiota immunogenic signatures are less resilient to challenge and strongly linked to host inflammatory status. Gut microbiota immunogenic signatures should be thus considered as critical factors in mediating chronic inflammatory diseases disproportionally impacting older populations.

Chitosan Coating with Rosemary Extract Increases Shelf Life and Reduces Water Losses from Beef.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of films based on chitosan and rosemary extract on the physicochemical, microbiological, and oxidative characteristics of beef. Refrigerated steaks of Longissimus dorsi were distributed in a factorial arrangement (4 × 4) into four treatments consisting of four edible films (control; chitosan; chitosan + 4% rosemary extract; and chitosan + 8% rosemary extract) and four days of aging (0, 2, 4, and 8 days). Incorporating 4% or 8% rosemary extract into the chitosan film improved the characteristics of the films in terms of moisture absorption and elasticity. The edible coatings with chitosan and rosemary extract and the different days of aging increased the tenderness and decreased the lipid oxidation of beef. In addition, the chitosan films containing rosemary extract increased the water-holding capacity and decreased the cooking losses of beef. The films containing 4% and 8% rosemary extract decreased the development of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Staphylococcus ssp. in beef. We recommend incorporating 4% rosemary extract into chitosan-based coatings to preserve the quality of refrigerated beef.

Advancing molecular modeling and reverse vaccinology in broad-spectrum yellow fever virus vaccine development.

Yellow fever outbreaks are prevalent, particularly in endemic regions. Given the lack of an established treatment for this disease, significant attention has been directed toward managing this arbovirus. In response, we developed a multiepitope vaccine designed to elicit an immune response, utilizing advanced immunoinformatic and molecular modeling techniques. To achieve this, we predicted B- and T-cell epitopes using the sequences from all structural (E, prM, and C) and nonstructural proteins of 196 YFV strains. Through comprehensive analysis, we identified 10 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and 5T-helper (Th) epitopes that exhibited overlap with B-lymphocyte epitopes. These epitopes were further evaluated for their affinity to a wide range of human leukocyte antigen system alleles and were rigorously tested for antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and conservation. These epitopes were linked to an adjuvant ( ß -defensin) and to each other using ligands, resulting in a vaccine sequence with appropriate physicochemical properties. The 3D structure of this sequence was created, improved, and quality checked; then it was anchored to the Toll-like receptor. Molecular Dynamics and Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics simulations were employed to enhance the accuracy of docking calculations, with the QM portion of the simulations carried out utilizing the density functional theory formalism. Moreover, the inoculation model was able to provide an optimal codon sequence that was inserted into the pET-28a( +) vector for in silico cloning and could even stimulate highly relevant humoral and cellular immunological responses. Overall, these results suggest that the designed multi-epitope vaccine can serve as prophylaxis against the yellow fever virus.

Anatomopathological changes in laying quails.

The objective of the current study was to carry out a survey of the main anatomopathological alterations in raising quails and evaluate possible interference of these in the bone tissue. To obtain the data, 23 quails were collected from farm in the central Serrana region of Espírito Santo. Necropsies with macroscopic descriptions, microbiological, coproparasitological, radiographic and histomorphometric tests were carried out. It was done data descriptive analysis and average comparision using Student T test. It was found that they presented lesions predominantly in the digestive system, followed by urinary and reproductive, and muscular system, were the altered color of the liver (47%) was the most frequent lesion. In the parasitological exams, it was found oocysts of Eimeira sp. (39.13%). In the microbiological exams, it was detected predominantly Escherichia coli (83%). Moderate osteopenia in quails, but the percentage of trabecular bone on bones was similar between healthy and diseased quails, without bone changes in histology. Microscopically, it was observed lung congestion as predominant lesion. It is concluded that there was predominance of alterations in the digestive system and mild parasitic infection; and although there was moderate level of osteopenia, there wasn't bone change as a result of the observed infections.

Magnesium whitlockite nanoparticles: Hydrothermal synthesis, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential.

This study revealed the potential of magnesium whitlockite [WH: Ca18Mg2(HPO4)2(PO4)12] nanoparticles (WH NPs) for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. Although magnesium whitlockite possesses promising biological properties, its effects on inflammation and cancer remain unexplored. In this study, we address this gap by synthesizing WH NPs and demonstrating their multifaceted functionalities. Through detailed characterization, we revealed the synthesis pathway involving brushite as a precursor, with magnesium ions incorporated during hydrothermal treatment. WH NPs exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by significantly reducing the production of key inflammatory markers (NO, TNF-α, and IL-6). Furthermore, they display promising anti-cancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our findings not only establish a deeper understanding of WH NP synthesis but also highlight their potential for the development of innovative cancer and inflammatory treatments.

Drastic reduction in the notification of acute cases of Chagas disease in the Northeast region of Brazil. Epidemiological evaluation in the period 2001-2021.

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a neglected disease endemic to some Latin American countries, including Brazil. Soon after infection, individuals develop an acute phase, which in most cases is asymptomatic and may go undetected. However, when CD is detected early, notification in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), is mandatory. This study aimed to evaluate the information registered in the SINAN database and to determine the epidemiological profile of acute CD in Northeast Brazil, an endemic region, from 2001 to 2021. According to this survey, 1,444 cases of acute CD were reported in the Northeastern region of Brazil during this period. During the first six years, referred to as period 1, 90.24% of the notifications were registered, while the number of notifications significantly decreased in the subsequent years, referred to as period 2. Most individuals diagnosed with acute CD were Afro-Brazilian adults. All known routes of infection by the parasite were reported. Vector-borne transmission was predominant during period 1 (73.29%) and oral transmission during period 2 (58.87%). All nine states in Northeast Brazil reported cases in both periods. A higher incidence of disease was reported in Rio Grande do Norte (RN) during period 1, and in Maranhão (MA) during period 2. Our results show that CD remains a significant public health challenge.

Effects of conceptus proteins on endometrium and blood leukocytes of dairy cattle using transcriptome and meta-analysis.

This study investigates the short and long-term effects of IFNT and PAG on the transcriptome of endometrium and blood leukocytes. Holstein heifers received intrauterine infusions of one of the following treatments: 20 mL of a 200 µg/mL bovine serum albumin solution (BSA; vehicle) from day 14 to 16 of the estrous cycle (BSA), vehicle + 10 µg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 (IFNT3), vehicle + 10 µg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 19 (IFNT6), and vehicle + 10 µg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 followed by vehicle + 10 µg/mL of IFNT + 5 µg/mL of PAG from day 17 to 19 (IFNT+PAG). RNA-seq analysis was performed in endometrial biopsies and blood leukocytes collected after treatments. Acute IFNT signaling in the endometrium (IFNT3 vs BSA), induced differentially expressed genes (DEG) associated with interferon activation, immune response, inflammation, cell death, and inhibited vesicle transport and extracellular matrix remodeling. Prolonged IFNT signaling (IFNT6 vs IFNT3) altered gene expression related to cell invasion, retinoic acid signaling, and embryo implantation. In contrast, PAG induced numerous DEG in blood leukocytes but only 4 DEG in the endometrium. In blood leukocytes, PAG stimulated genes involved in development and TGFB signaling while inhibiting interferon signaling and cell migration. Overall, IFNT is a primary regulator of endometrial gene expression, while PAG predominantly affected the transcriptome of circulating immune cells during early pregnancy. Further research is essential to fully grasp the roles of identified DEG in both the endometrium and blood leukocytes.

Ibrutinib combined with immunochemotherapy with or without autologous stem-cell transplantation versus immunochemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation in previously untreated patients with mantle cell lymphoma (TRIANGLE): a three-arm, randomised, open-label, phase 3 superiority trial of the European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network.

BACKGROUND: Adding ibrutinib to standard immunochemotherapy might improve outcomes and challenge autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in younger (aged 65 years or younger) mantle cell lymphoma patients. This trial aimed to investigate whether the addition of ibrutinib results in a superior clinical outcome compared with the pre-trial immunochemotherapy standard with ASCT or an ibrutinib-containing treatment without ASCT. We also investigated whether standard treatment with ASCT is superior to a treatment adding ibrutinib but without ASCT. METHODS: The open-label, randomised, three-arm, parallel-group, superiority TRIANGLE trial was performed in 165 secondary or tertiary clinical centres in 13 European countries and Israel. Patients with previously untreated, stage II-IV mantle cell lymphoma, aged 18-65 years and suitable for ASCT were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to control group A or experimental groups A+I or I, stratified by study group and mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index risk groups. Treatment in group A consisted of six alternating cycles of R-CHOP (intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 0 or 1, intravenous cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 on day 1, intravenous doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 on day 1, intravenous vincristine 1·4 mg/m2 on day 1, and oral prednisone 100 mg on days 1-5) and R-DHAP (or R-DHAOx, intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 0 or 1, intravenous or oral dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1-4, intravenous cytarabine 2 × 2 g/m2 for 3 h every 12 h on day 2, and intravenous cisplatin 100 mg/m2 over 24 h on day 1 or alternatively intravenous oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1) followed by ASCT. In group A+I, ibrutinib (560 mg orally each day) was added on days 1-19 of R-CHOP cycles and as fixed-duration maintenance (560 mg orally each day for 2 years) after ASCT. In group I, ibrutinib was given the same way as in group A+I, but ASCT was omitted. Three pairwise one-sided log-rank tests for the primary outcome of failure-free survival were statistically monitored. The primary analysis was done by intention-to-treat. Adverse events were evaluated by treatment period among patients who started the respective treatment. This ongoing trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02858258. FINDINGS: Between July 29, 2016 and Dec 28, 2020, 870 patients (662 men, 208 women) were randomly assigned to group A (n=288), group A+I (n=292), and group I (n=290). After 31 months median follow-up, group A+I was superior to group A with 3-year failure-free survival of 88% (95% CI 84-92) versus 72% (67-79; hazard ratio 0·52 [one-sided 98·3% CI 0-0·86]; one-sided p=0·0008). Superiority of group A over group I was not shown with 3-year failure-free survival 72% (67-79) versus 86% (82-91; hazard ratio 1·77 [one-sided 98·3% CI 0-3·76]; one-sided p=0·9979). The comparison of group A+I versus group I is ongoing. There were no relevant differences in grade 3-5 adverse events during induction or ASCT between patients treated with R-CHOP/R-DHAP or ibrutinib combined with R-CHOP/R-DHAP. During maintenance or follow-up, substantially more grade 3-5 haematological adverse events and infections were reported after ASCT plus ibrutinib (group A+I; haematological: 114 [50%] of 231 patients; infections: 58 [25%] of 231; fatal infections: two [1%] of 231) compared with ibrutinib only (group I; haematological: 74 [28%] of 269; infections: 52 [19%] of 269; fatal infections: two [1%] of 269) or after ASCT (group A; haematological: 51 [21%] of 238; infections: 32 [13%] of 238; fatal infections: three [1%] of 238). INTERPRETATION: Adding ibrutinib to first-line treatment resulted in superior efficacy in younger mantle cell lymphoma patients with increased toxicity when given after ASCT. Adding ibrutinib during induction and as maintenance should be part of first-line treatment of younger mantle cell lymphoma patients. Whether ASCT adds to an ibrutinib-containing regimen is not yet determined. FUNDING: Janssen and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Enhancing diagnostic accuracy of multiple myeloma through ML-driven analysis of hematological slides: new dataset and identification model to support hematologists.

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells within the bone marrow. Diagnosing MM presents considerable challenges, involving the identification of plasma cells in cytology examinations on hematological slides. At present, this is still a time-consuming manual task and has high labor costs. These challenges have adverse implications, which rely heavily on medical professionals' expertise and experience. To tackle these challenges, we present an investigation using Artificial Intelligence, specifically a Machine Learning analysis of hematological slides with a Deep Neural Network (DNN), to support specialists during the process of diagnosing MM. In this sense, the contribution of this study is twofold: in addition to the trained model to diagnose MM, we also make available to the community a fully-curated hematological slide dataset with thousands of images of plasma cells. Taken together, the setup we established here is a framework that researchers and hospitals with limited resources can promptly use. Our contributions provide practical results that have been directly applied in the public health system in Brazil. Given the open-source nature of the project, we anticipate it will be used and extended to diagnose other malignancies.

Nigrostriatal Inflammation Is Associated with Nonmotor Symptoms in an Experimental Model of Prodromal Parkinson's Disease.

Recent evidence has supported a pathogenic role for neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD). Inflammatory response has been associated with symptoms and subtypes of PD. However, it is unclear whether immune changes are involved in the initial pathogenesis of PD, leading to the non-motor symptoms (NMS) observed in its prodromal stage. The current study aimed to characterize the behavioral and cognitive changes in a toxin-induced model of prodromal PD-like syndrome. We also sought to investigate the role of neuroinflammation in prodromal PD-related NMS. Male mice were subjected to bilateral intranasal infusion with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or saline (control group), followed by comprehensive behavioral, pathological and neurochemical analysis. Intranasal MPTP infusion was able to cause the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). In parallel, it induced impairment in olfactory discrimination and social memory consolidation, compulsive and anxiety-like behaviors, but did not influence motor performance. Iba-1 and GFAP expressions were increased in the SN, suggesting an activated state of microglia and astrocytes. Consistent with this, MPTP mice had increased levels of IL-10 and IL-17A, and decreased levels of BDNF and TrkA mRNA in the SN. The striatum showed increased IL-17A, BDNF, and NFG levels compared to control mice. In conclusion, neuroinflammation may play an important role in the early stage of experimental PD-like syndrome, leading to cognitive and behavioral changes. Our results also indicate that intranasal administration of MPTP may represent a valuable mouse model for prodromal PD.

Inhibition of the morphological transition of Candida spp. by riparins I-IV.

Candida spp. is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing superficial to invasive infections. Morphological transition is one of the main virulence factors of this genus and, therefore, is an important variable to be considered in pharmacological interventions. Riparins I, II, III, and IV are alkamide-type alkaloids extracted from the unripe fruit of Aniba riparia, whose remarkable pharmacological properties were previously demonstrated. This work aimed to evaluate in silico and in vitro the inhibitory effects of Riparins on the morphological transition of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. Molecular docking was applied to analyze the inhibitory effects of riparins against proteins such as N-acetylglucosamine, CYP-51, and protein kinase A (PKA) using the Ramachandran plot. The ligands were prepared by MarvinSketch and Spartan software version 14.0, and MolDock Score and Rerank Score were used to analyze the affinity of the compounds. In vitro analyses were performed by culturing the strains in humid chambers in the presence of riparins or fluconazole (FCZ). The morphology was observed through optical microscopy, and the size of the hyphae was determined using the ToupView software. In silico analysis demonstrated that all riparins are likely to interact with the molecular targets: GlcNAc (>50%), PKA (>60%), and CYP-51 (>70%). Accordingly, in vitro analysis showed that these compounds significantly inhibited the morphological transition of all Candida strains. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that riparins inhibit Candida morphological transition and, therefore, can be used to overcome the pathogenicity of this genus.

A nationwide study on immunosenescence biomarkers profile in older adults: ELSI-Brazil.

Immunosenescence is a phenomenon caused by changes in the immune system, and part of these changes involves an increase in circulating immunological biomarkers, a process known as "Inflammaging." Inflammaging can be associated with many diseases related to older people. As the older population continues to grow, understanding changes in the immune system becomes essential. While prior studies assessing these alterations have been conducted in countries with Caucasian populations, this investigation marks a pioneering effort. The object of the study is to describe for the first time that the distribution of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors serum levels, assessed by Luminex platform, has been examined in a Brazilian population-based study of older adult females and males by age. Blood samples from 2111 participants (≥50 years old) were analyzed at the baseline (2015/2016) of the ELSI-Brazil study. The exploratory variables considered in the study were age, sex, educational level, residence area, geographic region, alcohol and smoking consumption, physical activity, and self-reported medical diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and cancer. The association between serum biomarker levels and age was assessed by a quantile regression model adjusted in the total population and stratified by sex. The significance level considered in the analysis was 0.05. The mean age of the participants was 62.9 years, with a slight majority of female (52.7 %). Differences were found between the sexes in the median circulating levels of the CCL11, CXCL10, and FGF biomarkers. Eight biomarkers showed significant associations with age, including the pro-inflammatory CXCL10, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-2; and type 2/regulatory CCL11 and IL-4, showing positive associations, and anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra showing a negative association. The results suggest similar associations between the sexes, revealing an inflammatory profile characterized by types 1 and 2. Remarkably, these findings reinforce the concept of the Inflammaging process in Brazilian population. These findings add novel insights to about the immunosenescence aspects in middle-income countries and help define biomarkers capable of monitoring inflammation in older adults.

Changes in Bone Mineral Density in Patients With Non-dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Are Associated With Body Composition.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low bone mineral density (BMD) are highly prevalent and can co-exist. Parameters of mineral metabolism are associated with BMD in CKD, but other contributing factors may contribute. The aim of this study was to assess changes in BMD and its determinants in patients with nondialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD). METHODS: Body composition and biochemical profiles were assessed in a retrospective hospital-based cohort study of patients with NDD-CKD. BMD, lean soft tissue (LST), appendicular LST (ALST), and percentage fat mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The ALST index (ALSTI, ALST/height2) and load-capacity index (LCI, fat mass/LST) were calculated. Low BMD was defined as T-score ≤ -1.0. RESULTS: The mean time between assessments was 2.8 ± 1.3 years; 46 patients were included. A reduction in renal function was observed. Changes in body composition included reductions in ALST (P = .031), ALSTI (P = .021), a trend for BMD (P = .053), and an increase in percentage fat mass (P = .044) and LCI (P = .032). Females had a reduction in BMD (P = .034), ALST (P = .026), and ALSTI (P = .037). Patients with low BMD at baseline had lower LST (P = .013), ALST (P = .023), and percentage fat mass (P = .037) than those with normal BMD. Additionally, reductions in LST (P = .041), ALST (P = .006), and ALSTI (P = .008) were observed in patients who had low BMD at baseline, while no significant changes in body composition were observed in those with normal BMD at baseline. The following body composition parameters at baseline were determinants of BMD status at follow-up: LST (odds ratio [OR]: 0.899, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.829-0.976, P = .010), ALST (OR: 0.825, 95% CI: 0.704-0.967, P = .017), and ALSTI (OR: 0.586, 95% CI: 0.354-0.968, P = .037), independent of fat mass and LCI. CONCLUSIONS: Detrimental body composition changes were observed without changes in body weight; these were more significant in females. Moreover, this is the first longitudinal study showing a protective effect of LST against BMD loss in patients with NDD-CKD.

Type and timing of ultra-processed foods consumption and its association with dietary intake and physical activity in women with obesity living in poverty.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the type and timing of ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and its association with dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA) in women with obesity living in poverty. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was employed. Obesity was defined by at least two criteria (body mass index, waist circumference or % fat mass). Poverty was defined as the three lowest classes of the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion. PA was measured with triaxial accelerometers and DI was assessed with three 24-h dietary recalls. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification, with UPF classified into five subgroups, as well as the timing of consumption into six meals. RESULTS: In total, 56 adult women were included. Overall energy intake was 1653.21 (503.22) kcal/day. UPF intake was 21.62% (11.94%) kcal/day, being higher at breakfast (4.91% kcal/day), afternoon snack (5.39% kcal/day) and dinner (5.01% kcal/day). Only UPF subgroup 4 (sandwich biscuits, sweets, or treats) showed a positive association with energy intake (ß = 54.40 [27.6, 81.10] kcal/day) and a negative association with protein intake (ß = -0.31% [-0.48%, -0.14%] kcal/day). UPF consumption in morning (ß = -0.41% [-0.79%, -0.02%] kcal/day) and afternoon (ß = -0.18% [-0.33%, -0.04%] kcal/day) snacks was associated with lower protein intake. Furthermore, lunchtime UPF consumption was positively associated with walking time (ß = 0.16% [0.02%; 0.30%]) and steps/hour (ß = 8.72 [1.50; 15.94] steps/h). CONCLUSIONS: Women with obesity living in poverty consume more UPF during breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. Physical activity is positively associated with UPF consumption at lunch. UPF, such as sandwich biscuits, sweets or treats, contribute to increasing energy intake and reducing protein intake.

The Role of Parental Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Family Time Together in Children's Weight Status: The BeE-School Project.

The family context has been associated with children's weight status. This study aims to investigate the association of parents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet and family time with the weight status of children. The research is part of BeE-school, a cluster-randomized trial implemented in primary schools located in socially vulnerable contexts. A total of 735 children (380 boys and 355 girls) aged 6 to 10 participated in the study. Anthropometrics were assessed during school time, and weight status was categorized, while parents self-reported sociodemographic variables, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS questionnaire), and family time. Children from families with higher education levels whose parents have a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet have lower odds of overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR) 0.301, 95% CI 0.143-0.634, p = 0.002). Also, children from families with lower education levels who have more time together with their family have lower odds of overweight/obesity (OR 0.731, 95% CI 0.573-0.934, p = 0.012). The family environment, mainly family time together and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, exerts a significant influence on children's weight status. Professionals working in children's health should consider the family when fostering health-promoting behaviors.

Correlations between the degree of infection by wild strain of Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and porcine hematological parameters.

The apicomplexa Toxoplasma gondii is capable of actively proliferating in numerous types of nucleated cells, and therefore has a high potential for dissemination and resistance. Thus, the present work aimed to correlate the inoculum concentrations and amount of post-infection parasites with porcine hematological parameters (including biochemistry) through in vitro culture. Porcine blood was incubated with different concentrations of parasites (1.2 × 107, 6/3/1.5 × 106 cells/mL), then the concentrations of red blood cells (RBC) and their morphology, total and differential leukocytes, and free peptides were evaluated. In addition, eight different blood samples analyzed before inoculation, where subsequent multivariate analysis was applied to correlate different variables with trophozoite concentration. The results showed no significant variation (p < 0.05) in the relative levels of free peptides, or the relative percentage of RBC at all the parasite concentrations tested. However, the normalized percentages of leukocytes and neutrophils showed a significant reduction, while those of lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes showed the opposite behavior. Semi-automatic processing of images exhibited significant microcytosis and hypochromia. The multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between the amount number of protozoa (AP) and the variables: "Red cells" and "Neutrophils", an indifference between the AP and the content of free peptides, and the concentration of monocytes in the samples; and a negative correlation for AP and the percentages of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Our results suggest that specific changes in hematological parameters may be associated with different degrees of parasitemia, demanding a thorough diagnostic process and adequate treatment.

Cotton plants overexpressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa binary-like toxins exhibit high resistance to the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis).

The cotton boll weevil (CBW, Anthonomus grandis) stands as one of the most significant threats to cotton crops (Gossypium hirsutum). Despite substantial efforts, the development of a commercially viable transgenic cotton event for effective open-field control of CBW has remained elusive. This study describes a detailed characterization of the insecticidal toxins Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa against CBW. Our findings reveal that CBW larvae fed on artificial diets supplemented exclusively with Cry23Aa decreased larval survival by roughly by 69%, while supplementation with Cry37Aa alone displayed no statistical difference compared to the control. However, the combined provision of both toxins in the artificial diet led to mortality rates approaching 100% among CBW larvae (LC50 equal to 0.26 PPM). Additionally, we engineered transgenic cotton plants by introducing cry23Aa and cry37Aa genes under control of the flower bud-specific pGhFS4 and pGhFS1 promoters, respectively. Seven transgenic cotton events expressing high levels of Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa toxins in flower buds were selected for greenhouse bioassays, and the mortality rate of CBW larvae feeding on their T0 and T1 generations ranged from 75% to 100%. Our in silico analyses unveiled that Cry23Aa displays all the hallmark characteristics of ß-pore-forming toxins (ß-PFTs) that bind to sugar moieties in glycoproteins. Intriguingly, we also discovered a distinctive zinc-binding site within Cry23Aa, which appears to be involved in protein-protein interactions. Finally, we discuss the major structural features of Cry23Aa that likely play a role in the toxin's mechanism of action. In view of the low LC50 for CBW larvae and the significant accumulation of these toxins in the flower buds of both T0 and T1 plants, we anticipate that through successive generations of these transgenic lines, cotton plants engineered to overexpress cry23Aa and cry37Aa hold promise for effectively managing CBW infestations in cotton crops.