Citronellal: a natural aldehyde with important properties.

Among the several terpenes existing in nature, Citronellal, a monoterpene aldehyde, deserves to be highlighted for its biological properties that have been pointed out in numerous studies. This work aimed to conduct a literature review on its biological properties. Citronellal is a prominent compound in the essential oils of Cymbopogon genus plants. Apart from being employed as a fragrance ingredient in aromas, fragrances, and cosmetics, it is also used as an intermediate in synthesising (-)-menthol. Various studies have demonstrated Citronellal's potential as an antibacterial compound, particularly anti-Staphylococcus and Escherichia bacteria. Citronellal also has antifungal properties against several fungi, especially fungi of the genus Candida. The studies found showed that Citronellal also has insecticidal, acaricidal, antiparasitic, anaesthetic, antiviral, antioxidant, antinociceptive, cardioprotective, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.

Utilising SNP Association Analysis as a Prospective Approach for Personalising Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent, multifactorial form of hair loss involving complex aetiological factors, such as altered androgen regulation and energy metabolism. Existing treatments offer limited success, thus highlighting the need for advanced, personalised therapeutic strategies. This study focuses on correlating the genetic mechanisms of AGA with molecular targets involved in the response to current treatment modalities. METHODS: An anonymised database including 26,607 patients was subjected to analysis. The dataset included information on patients' genotypes in 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), specifically, and diagnosed AGA grades, representing a broad range of ethnic backgrounds. RESULTS: In our sample, 64.6% of males and 35.4% of females were diagnosed with female pattern hair loss. This distribution aligns well with prior studies, thus validating the representativeness of our dataset. AGA grading was classified using the Hamilton-Norwood and Ludwig scales, although no association was found to the grade of the disease. SNP association analysis revealed eight SNPs, namely rs13283456 (PTGES2), rs523349 (SRD5A2), rs1800012 (COL1A1), rs4343 (ACE), rs10782665 (PTGFR), rs533116 (PTGDR2), rs12724719 (CRABP2) and rs545659 (PTGDR2), to be statistically significant with a p-value below 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The study establishes a preliminary association between eight specific SNPs and AGA. These genetic markers offer insights into the variability of therapeutic responses, thus underlining the importance of personalised treatment approaches. Our findings show the potential for more targeted research to understand these SNPs' and further roles in AGA pathophysiology and in modulating treatment response.

Chemodiversity essential oil from three species of Croton (Euphorbiaceae) and assessment of antimicrobial potential.

The Croton genus is known for its various biological properties, which inspired this study to investigate the anti-bacterial pro-perties and chemodiversity of the essential oils of three Croton species: Croton blanchetianus, Croton jacobinensis, and Croton nepetifolius. The essential oils were characterised by gas chromatography (GC-MS) and demonstrated anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the disc diffusion method. The essential oil composition of C. blanchetianus showed bicyclogermacrene (16.04%) and spathulenol (16.44%) as the main compounds. In C. jacobinensis, bicyclogermacrene (22.04%), caryophyllene (17.95%), and ß-phellandrene (12.30%) were the most prevalent. Meanwhile, C. nepetifolius's essential oil consisted mainly of bicyclogermacrene (17.69%), caryophyllene (15.15%), and germacrene D (11.78%). The principal component analysis (PCA) results showed three distinct chemotypes for each Croton species, suggesting that they have well-defined and unique chemical profiles. Interestingly, the three Croton species demonstrated activity only against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Cytomolecular diversity among Vigna Savi (Leguminosae) subgenera.

The genus Vigna (Leguminosae) comprises about 150 species grouped into five subgenera. The present study aimed to improve the understanding of karyotype diversity and evolution in Vigna, using new and previously published data through different cytogenetic and DNA content approaches. In the Vigna subgenera, we observed a random distribution of rDNA patterns. The 35S rDNA varied in position, from terminal to proximal, and in number, ranging from one (V. aconitifolia, V. subg. Ceratotropis) to seven pairs (V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, V. subg. Vigna). On the other hand, the number of 5S rDNA was conserved (one or two pairs), except for V. radiata (V. subg. Ceratotropis), which had three pairs. Genome size was relatively conserved within the genus, ranging from 1C = 0.43 to 0.70 pg in V. oblongifolia and V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, respectively, both belonging to V. subg. Vigna. However, we observed a positive correlation between DNA content and the number of 35S rDNA sites. In addition, data from chromosome-specific BAC-FISH suggest that the ancestral 35S rDNA locus is conserved on chromosome 6 within Vigna. Considering the rapid diversification in the number and position of rDNA sites, such conservation is surprising and suggests that additional sites may have spread out from this ancestral locus.

Common bean under different water availability reveals classifiable stimuli-specific signatures in plant electrome.

Plant electrophysiology has unveiled the involvement of electrical signals in the physiology and behavior of plants. Spontaneously generated bioelectric activity can be altered in response to changes in environmental conditions, suggesting that a plant's electrome may possess a distinct signature associated with various stimuli. Analyzing electrical signals, particularly the electrome, in conjunction with Machine Learning (ML) techniques has emerged as a promising approach to classify characteristic electrical signals corresponding to each stimulus. This study aimed to characterize the electrome of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. BRS-Expedito, subjected to different water availabilities, seeking patterns linked to these stimuli. For this purpose, bean plants in the vegetative stage were subjected to the following treatments: (I) distilled water; (II) half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution; (III) -2 MPa PEG solution; and (IV) -2 MPa NaCl solution. Electrical signals were recorded within a Faraday's cage using the MP36 electronic system for data acquisition. Concurrently, plant water status was assessed by monitoring leaf turgor variation. Leaf temperature was additionally measured. Various analyses were conducted on the electrical time series data, including arithmetic average of voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, Probability Density Function (PDF), autocorrelation, Power Spectral Density (PSD), Approximate Entropy (ApEn), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and Multiscale Approximate Entropy (ApEn(s)). Statistical analyses were performed on leaf temperature, voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, PDF µ exponent, autocorrelation, PSD ß exponent, and approximate entropy data. Machine Learning analyses were applied to identify classifiable patterns in the electrical time series. Characterization of the electrome of BRS-Expedito beans revealed stimulus-dependent profiles, even when alterations in water availability stimuli were similar in terms of quality and intensity. Additionally, it was observed that the bean electrome exhibits high levels of complexity, which are altered by different stimuli, with more intense and aversive stimuli leading to drastic reductions in complexity levels. Notably, one of the significant findings was the 100% accuracy of Small Vector Machine in detecting salt stress using electrome data. Furthermore, the study highlighted alterations in the plant electrome under low water potential before observable leaf turgor changes. This work demonstrates the potential use of the electrome as a physiological indicator of the water status in bean plants.

Cytomolecular trends in Chamaecrista Moench (Caesalpinioideae, Leguminosae) diversification.

Chamaecrista is a Pantropical legume genus of the tribe Cassieae, which includes six other genera. In contrast to most of the other Cassieae genera, Chamaecrista shows significant variability in chromosome number (from 2n = 14 to 2n = 56), with small and morphologically similar chromosomes. Here, we performed a new cytomolecular analysis on chromosome number, genome size, and rDNA site distribution in a molecular phylogenetic perspective to interpret the karyotype trends of Chamaecrista and other two genera of Cassieae, seeking to understand their systematics and evolution. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that Chamaecrista is monophyletic and can be divided into four major clades corresponding to the four sections of the genus. Chromosome numbers ranged from 2n = 14, 16 (section Chamaecrista) to 2n = 28 (sections Absus, Apoucouita, and Baseophyllum). The number of 5S and 35S rDNA sites varied between one and three pairs per karyotype, distributed on different chromosomes or in synteny, with no obvious phylogenetic significance. Our data allowed us to propose x = 7 as the basic chromosome number of Cassieae, which was changed by polyploidy generating x = 14 (sections Absus, Apoucouita, and Baseophyllum) and by ascending dysploidy to x = 8 (section Chamaecrista). The DNA content values supported this hypothesis, with the genomes of the putative tetraploids being larger than those of the putative diploids. We hypothesized that ascending dysploidy, polyploidy, and rDNA amplification/deamplification are the major events in the karyotypic diversification of Chamaecrista. The chromosomal marks characterized here may have cytotaxonomic potential in future studies.

Oligo-barcode illuminates holocentric karyotype evolution in Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae).

Holocentric karyotypes are assumed to rapidly evolve through chromosome fusions and fissions due to the diffuse nature of their centromeres. Here, we took advantage of the recent availability of a chromosome-scale reference genome for Rhynchospora breviuscula, a model species of this holocentric genus, and developed the first set of oligo-based barcode probes for a holocentric plant. These probes were applied to 13 additional species of the genus, aiming to investigate the evolutionary dynamics driving the karyotype evolution in Rhynchospora. The two sets of probes were composed of 27,392 (green) and 23,968 (magenta) oligonucleotides (45-nt long), and generated 15 distinct FISH signals as a unique barcode pattern for the identification of all five chromosome pairs of the R. breviuscula karyotype. Oligo-FISH comparative analyzes revealed different types of rearrangements, such as fusions, fissions, putative inversions and translocations, as well as genomic duplications among the analyzed species. Two rounds of whole genome duplication (WGD) were demonstrated in R. pubera, but both analyzed accessions differed in the complex chain of events that gave rise to its large, structurally diploidized karyotypes with 2n = 10 or 12. Considering the phylogenetic relationships and divergence time of the species, the specificity and synteny of the probes were maintained up to species with a divergence time of ~25 My. However, karyotype divergence in more distant species hindered chromosome mapping and the inference of specific events. This barcoding system is a powerful tool to study chromosomal variations and genomic evolution in holocentric chromosomes of Rhynchospora species.

Arboviruses epidemic associates with Guillain-Barré syndrome: temporal series in northeast Brazil / Epidemia de arboviroses associada à síndrome de Guillain-Barré: série temporal no nordeste brasileiro / Epidemia de arbovirosis asociada al síndrome de Guillain-Barré: serie temporal en el noreste de Brasil

Arboviruses cause public health problems in several countries, and records show that they can generate central and peripheral neurological complications with permanent sequelae. However, it is not certain which arbovirus is responsible for outbreaks of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), especially in Brazil. Thus, the objective of this study is to verify if there is a coincidence between the GBS outbreak and the most common arboviruses in Northeastern Brazil, as well as their relationship. An ecological time series study was designed with the federative units of Northeastern Brazil, using hospitalizations for Guillain-Barré syndrome and notifications of arbovirus infections between 2014 and 2019 as a data source. Distribution incidence curves were constructed for the conditions studied, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were applied to estimate the relationship between arboviruses and Guillain-Barré. The results showed a similar distribution for the incidences of Chikungunya virus (z=7.82; p=0.001), Zika virus (z=3.69; p=0.03), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (z=2.98; p=0.05) from 2014 to 2019. The GEE model revealed that the distribution of Chikungunya incidence is associated with the distribution of GBS incidence in each year (x2Wald=3,969; p=0.046). This pattern was repeated in seven of the nine states, while the Zika virus had a significant relationship with GBS in only two states. The outbreak of GBS in Northeastern Brazil appears to be probabilistically related to outbreaks of the Chikungunya virus.

As arboviroses são problemas de saúde pública em vários países e há registros de que podem produzir complicações neurológicas centrais e periféricas com sequelas permanentes. Entretanto, não se sabe ao certo qual delas é realmente responsável pelos surtos da Síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB), principalmente no Brasil. Assim, o objetivo é verificar se há coincidência entre o surto de SGB e as arboviroses mais comuns no Nordeste do Brasil e suas relações. Foi desenhado um estudo ecológico de série temporal com as unidades federativas do Nordeste do Brasil, adotando como fonte de dados as internações Guillain-Barré e as notificações de infecções por arbovírus entre 2014 e 2019. Curvas de distribuição de incidência foram construídas para as condições estudadas, e foram aplicados modelos de equações generalizadas estimadas (GEE) para estimar a relação entre arbovírus e Guillain-Barré. Evidencia-se que há distribuição semelhante para as incidências do vírus Chikungunya (z=7,82; p=0,001), vírus Zika (z=3,69; p=0,03) e síndrome de Guillain-Barré (z=2,98; p=0,05) entre 2014 e 2019. O modelo GEE revelou que a distribuição da incidência de Chikungunya está associada à distribuição da incidência de SGB em cada ano (x2Wald=3,969; p=0,046). Esse padrão se repetiu em sete dos nove estados, enquanto o zika vírus teve uma relação significativa com o GBS em apenas dois estados. Conclui-se, então, que o surto de SGB no Nordeste do Brasil parece estar probabilisticamente relacionado aos surtos do vírus Chikungunya.

Los arbovirus causan problemas de salud pública en varios países y, según indican los reportes, pueden producir complicaciones neurológicas centrales y periféricas con secuelas permanentes. Sin embargo, no se sabe cuál de ellos es realmente el responsable de los brotes del síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB), especialmente en Brasil. Así, el objetivo de este estudio es verificar si existen coincidencias entre el brote del SGB y los arbovirus más comunes en el Noreste de Brasil y sus asociaciones. Se diseñó un estudio de series temporales ecológico en las unidades federativas del Noreste de Brasil, adoptando como fuente de datos las hospitalizaciones y las notificaciones de arbovirosis de Guillain-Barré entre 2014 y 2019. Se construyeron curvas de distribución de incidencia para las condiciones científicas, y se aplicó una ecuación estimada generalizada (GEE) para estimar la relación entre arbovirus y Guillain-Barré. Se encontró que existe una distribución similar en las incidencias de virus del chikunguña (z=7,82; p=0,001), virus del Zika (z=3,69; p=0,03) y síndrome de Guillain-Barré (z =2,98; p=0,05) entre 2014 y 2019. El modelo GEE reveló que la distribución de la incidencia de chikunguña está asociada con la distribución de la incidencia de SGB en cada año (x2Wald=3,969; p=0,046). Este patrón se repitió en siete de los nueve estados, mientras que el virus del Zika presentó una relación significativa con el SGB en solo dos estados. El brote del SGB en el Noreste de Brasil parece estar relacionado probabilísticamente con los brotes del virus del chikunguña.

Use of adipose derived stem cells accelerates the healing process in third-degree burns.

INTRODUCTION: Burns are defined as a traumatic injury, usually of thermal origin, that affects the epithelial and adjacent tissue and is classified according to the depth reached. Tissue repair involved in this type of injury is often a challenge both due to its severity and the multiplicity of complications. Regenerative medicine has focused on the use of low-level laser photobiomodulation therapy (LLLT) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), especially in the early stages of the process, to promote better healing and shorten repair time. Therefore, aim of this study was to evaluate the action of LLLT (660 nm) and ADSC in the repair process of burned skin tissue and investigate the association of the techniques (LLLT and ADSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vivo study was carried out using 96 rats (Wister) with a scald burn model at a temperature of 95ºC, exposing the animal's back for 14 s. Animals were randomized into seven groups and three periods, five, 14 and 21 days. The groups included GC: Control group, ADSC-: Group treated with CD49d negative cells, ADSC+ : Group treated with positive CD49d cells, CULT: Group treated with conventional isolation cells, LLLT: Group treated only with LLLT Low Power Laser, ADSC-LLLT: Group treated with CD49d negative cells and LLLT. ADSC+LLLT: Group treated with positive CD49d cells and LLLT. The groups treated with LLLT (660 nm; 5 J/cm2) received irradiation three times a week, on alternate days for five, 14 and 21 days, according to the time of biopsy. ADSC-treated groups received one to three applications of the cells in a total volume of 1000 µL starting soon after the surgical debridement of the burn. Photographic monitoring was carried out at 5, 14 and 21 days after the beginning of the experiment to assess the degree of lesion contraction. Macroscopic, morphometric and histopathological analyzes were performed. RESULTS: We showed significant re-epithelialization as well as an improvement in the healing process in the ADSC+, LLLT and ADSC+LLLT groups. We observed effects in the reduction of the inflammatory phase, increase in angiogenesis, decrease in oedema, greater collagen deposition, and better organization of the extracellular matrix compared to the other treatments. Moreover, the immunomagnetic separation of ADSC cells through the expression of the CD49d protein proved to be a useful means to obtain a more homogeneous population of cells with a role in tissue regeneration compared to the ADSC- and CULT groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the association of ADSC+ with LLLT was effective in accelerating the burn repair process, stimulating cell proliferation and formation of more normal skin tissue.

Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Potential of Vestitol Isolated from Lyophilized Red Propolis.

Chagas disease (CD) is a worldwide public health problem, and the drugs available for its treatment have severe limitations. Red propolis is a natural extract known for its high content of phenolic compounds and for having activity against T. cruzi. The aim of this study was to investigate the trypanocidal potential of red propolis to isolate, identify, and indicate the mode of action of the bioactive compounds. The results revealed that the total phenolic content was 15.4 mg GAE/g, and flavonoids were 7.2 mg QE/g. The extract was fractionated through liquid-liquid partitioning, and the trypanocidal potential of the samples was evaluated using the epimastigote forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi. In this process, one compound was characterized by MS, 1H, and 13C NMR and identified as vestitol. Cytotoxicity was evaluated employing MRC-5 fibroblasts and H9C2 cardiomyocytes, showing cytotoxic concentrations above 15.62 µg/mL and 31.25 µg/mL, respectively. In silico analyses were applied, and the data suggested that the substance had a membrane-permeation-enhancing effect, which was confirmed through an in vitro assay. Finally, a molecular docking analysis revealed a higher affinity of vestitol with farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS). The identified isoflavan appears to be a promising lead compound for further development to treat Chagas disease.

Bacterial Brain Abscesses Expand Despite Effective Antibiotic Treatment: A Process Powered by Osmosis Due to Neutrophil Cell Death.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A bacterial brain abscess is an emergency and should be drained of pus within 24 hours of diagnosis, as recently recommended. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated whether delaying pus drainage entails brain abscess expansion and what the underlying mechanism might be. METHODS: Repeated brain MRI of 47 patients who did not undergo immediate pus drainage, pus osmolarity measurements, immunocytochemistry, proteomics, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. RESULTS: Time from first to last MRI before neurosurgery was 1 to 14 days. Abscesses expanded in all but 2 patients: The median average increase was 23% per day (range 0%-176%). Abscesses expanded during antibiotic therapy and even if the pus did not contain viable bacteria. In a separate patient cohort, we found that brain abscess pus tended to be hyperosmolar (median value 360 mOsm; range 266-497; n = 14; normal cerebrospinal fluid osmolarity is ∼290 mOsm). Hyperosmolarity would draw water into the abscess cavity, causing abscess expansion in a ballooning manner through increased pressure in the abscess cavity. A mechanism likely underlying pus hyperosmolarity was the recruitment of neutrophils to the abscess cavity with ensuing neutrophil cell death and decomposition of neutrophil proteins and other macromolecules to osmolytes: Pus analysis showed the presence of neutrophil proteins (protein-arginine deiminases, citrullinated histone, myeloperoxidase, elastase, cathelicidin). Previous studies have shown very high levels of osmolytes (ammonia, amino acids) in brain abscess pus. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed focal neocortical hypometabolism 1 to 8 years after brain abscess, indicating long-lasting damage to brain tissue. CONCLUSION: Brain abscesses expand despite effective antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, brain abscesses cause lasting damage to surrounding brain tissue. These findings support drainage of brain abscesses within 24 hours of diagnosis.

Trends in the decapod crustacean community at the southernmost estuary of the Atlantic coast of Europe.

Climate change may enhance the establishment of introduced species, as well as the poleward shift in distribution of numerous species over decades. Long-term research and monitoring of an ecosystem at the southernmost point of the Atlantic coast of Europe should be an important priority in order to detect and understand trends in species composition and the related environmental changes. The Guadalquivir estuary (South West Spain) is more likely to suffer the exacerbated effects of climate change due to its location in the Mediterranean-climate zone. The long-term data set between 1997 and 2006 has allowed us to analyse the variability of the natural and anthropogenic stressors. The mean interannual dissimilarity of the estuarine fauna (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index) has showed important differences throughout the years, and the species that most contributed to these differences were the exotic species capable of completing their life cycles. This long-term monitoring of the estuarine community has allowed us to anticipate future events and ecological risk assessment in European waters.

Injection of freshly collected adipose tissue for the treatment complex cryptoglandular anal fistula: case report

Introduction: Perianal fistula is a common colorectal disease which is caused mainly by cryptoglandular disease. Although most cases are treated successfully by surgery, management of complex perianal fistulas (CPAF) remains a challenge with limited results in recurrence and sometimes associated with fecal incontinence. The CPAF treatment with autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) had become a research hotspot. The technique started to be used in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) fistulas, where the studies showed safe and goods result from the procedure. Cultured ASCs have been used but this approach requires the preceding collection of adipose tissue, time for isolation of ASCs and subsequent in vitro expansion, need for laboratory facilities, and expertise in cell culturing. These factors have been getting over by using the commercially available alternative, allogenic ASCs. Treatment with allogeneic ASCs has shown good results in patients with CD fistulas, however with the disadvantage of being expensive. Objective: To show that the injection with freshly collected adipose tissue is an alternative to treatment with autologous or allogenic ASCs with several advantages. Methods: In this case report, we show our first experience in the treatment of CPAF with the application of collected adipose tissue in a tertiary referral hospital from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Results The patient had a good postoperative recuperation with a complete fistula healing after 8 months without adverse effects. Conclusion: Injection with freshly collected adipose tissue is a promising and apparently safe sphincter-sparing technique in the treatment of CPAF. (AU)

Genetic variant panel allows predicting both obesity risk, and efficacy of procedures and diet in weight loss.

Purpose: Obesity is a multifactorial condition with a relevant genetic correlation. Recent advances in genomic research have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes such as FTO, MCM6, HLA, and MC4R, associated with obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the association of 102 SNPs with BMI and weight loss treatment response in a multi-ethnic population. Methods: The study analyzed 9,372 patients for the correlation between SNPs and BMI (dataset A). The correlation between SNP and weight loss was accessed in 474 patients undergoing different treatments (dataset B). Patients in dataset B were further divided into 3 categories based on the type of intervention: dietary therapy, intragastric balloon procedures, or surgeries. SNP association analysis and multiple models of inheritance were performed. Results: In dataset A, ten SNPs, including rs9939609 (FTO), rs4988235 (MCM6), and rs2395182 (HLA), were significantly associated with increased BMI. Additionally, other four SNPs, rs7903146 (TCF7L2), (rs6511720), rs5400 (SLC2A2), and rs7498665 (SH2B1), showed sex-specific correlation. For dataset B, SNPs rs2016520 (PPAR-Delta) and rs2419621 (ACSL5) demonstrated significant correlation with weight loss for all treatment types. In patients who adhered to dietary therapy, SNPs rs6544713 (ABCG8) and rs762551 (CYP1A2) were strongly correlated with weight loss. Patients undergoing surgical or endoscopic procedures exhibited differential correlations with several SNPs, including rs1801725 (CASR) and rs12970134 (MC4R), and weight loss. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the genetic factors influencing BMI and weight loss response to different treatments. The findings highlight the potential for personalized weight management approaches based on individual genetic profiles.

HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL AND SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATIC NECROINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C.

•HDL cholesterol levels <60 mg/dL were independently associated with necroinflammatory activity in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). •CHC patients with hypertension are at an increased risk of developing necroinflammatory activity. •In patients with CHC, liver fibrosis was independently associated with old age, steatosis, and HDL-C <60 mg/dL. •Triglycerides levels ≥150 mg/dL were associated with lobular inflammatory activity in patients with CHC. Background - Approximately 71 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. A significant number of these individuals will develop liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Beyond the liver, there is a sizeable body of scientific evidence linking cardiovascular disease and chronic hepatitis C (CHC); however, the biological mechanisms behind the concurrence of these conditions have not been completely clarified yet. Objective - To evaluate associations between hepatic histology, clinical comorbidities and lipid profile in patients with CHC. To investigate associations between liver histology and demographic, nutritional, biochemical and virological parameters. Methods - Eight-five patients with CHC prospectively underwent hepatic biopsy. Liver fragments were obtained from each patient by percutaneous route using a Menghini needle. Fibrosis was evaluated according to the METAVIR scoring system, as follows: F0, no fibrosis; F1, fibrous portal expansion; F2, fibrous portal widening with few septa; F3, bridging fibrosis with architectural distortion; and F4, liver cirrhosis. The activity was classified based on the degree of lymphocyte infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis, from A0 to A3. The diagnosis of liver disease was based on clinical, biochemical, histological, and radiological methods. The data were analyzed by logistic regression models. Results - This cross-sectional study included 85 outpatients followed at the tertiary care ambulatory centre with a mean age of 57.2±10.7 years and 45 (52.9%) were females. There were 10 patients with cirrhosis. Patients with a METAVIR F3-F4 were significantly older (P=0.02) and had higher levels of ALT (P=0.0006), AST (P<0.0001), γ-GT (P=0.03) and bilirubin (P=0.001) and higher prothrombin time than patients with F0-F2 score. Albumin levels (P=0.01) were significantly lower in METAVIR F3-F4. Age (OR=1.09; 95%CI=1.02-1.16; P=0.02), steatosis (OR=4.03; 95%CI=1.05-15.45; P=0.04) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <60 mg/dL (OR=7.67; 95%CI=1.71-34.49; P=0.008) were independently associated with fibrosis. Hypertension (OR=6.36; 95%CI=1.31-30.85; P=0.02) and HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=9.85; 95%CI=2.35-41.39; P=0.002) were independently associated with necroinflammatory activity. Hypertension (OR=6.94; 95%CI=1.92-25.05; P=0.003) and HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=3.94; 95%CI=1.27-12.3; P=0.02) were associated with interface inflammatory activity. Triglycerides (TG ≥150 mg/dL) remained associated with lobular inflammatory activity. Conclusion - cholesterol levels <60 mg/dL were independently associated with necroinflammatory activity in chronic hepatitis C. Patients with hypertension are at an increased risk of developing necroinflammatory activity.

A new way of analyzing tooth movement using universal coordinate system geometry single point superposition in a 3D model.

INTRODUCTION: Superposing 3D models is an imminent need. However, current methods rely on marking multiple points on the maxilla and mandible, which could increase point marking and overlapping errors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at developing a method for superimposing 3D models of the maxillary and mandibular arches with Autodesk Inventor® engineering software, using a single universal coordinate system (UCS) point superposition. METHODS: A total of 104 STL (stereolithography) models of the maxillary and mandibular arches exported from My iTero® platform were retrospectively selected, in which T0 and T1 were the initial and refinement periods, respectively (n=26 per group). The X, Y, and Z coordinates associated with a single point in each arch were inserted into the models with SlicerCMF® software for model orientation. The arch models with UCS registration were transferred to Autodesk Inventor® for superimposition and to measure tooth movements performed during Invisalign® treatment. Arch expansion, intrusion and rotation were analyzed by two examiners. The statistics were performed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Dahlberg's formula, and t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: A reliable method of superimposing 3D digital models using a single UCS point in the maxilla and mandible was developed. ICC showed excellent intra- and inter-examiner correlation (ICC>0.90). A systematic error was not found concerning linear and angular measurements (<1mm and <1.5°, respectively). Digital dental movements could be analyzed, including arch expansion, dental intrusion, and tooth rotation. CONCLUSIONS: The developed method was proven reliable and reproducible for superimposing 3D models of the maxillary and mandibular arches by using UCS system.

The Electrome of a Parasitic Plant in a Putative State of Attention Increases the Energy of Low Band Frequency Waves: A Comparative Study with Neural Systems.

Selective attention is an important cognitive phenomenon that allows organisms to flexibly engage with certain environmental cues or activities while ignoring others, permitting optimal behaviour. It has been proposed that selective attention can be present in many different animal species and, more recently, in plants. The phenomenon of attention in plants would be reflected in its electrophysiological activity, possibly being observable through electrophytographic (EPG) techniques. Former EPG time series obtained from the parasitic plant Cuscuta racemosa in a putative state of attention towards two different potential hosts, the suitable bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and the unsuitable wheat (Triticum aestivum), were revisited. Here, we investigated the potential existence of different band frequencies (including low, delta, theta, mu, alpha, beta, and gamma waves) using a protocol adapted from neuroscientific research. Average band power (ABP) was used to analyse the energy distribution of each band frequency in the EPG signals, and time dispersion analysis of features (TDAF) was used to explore the variations in the energy of each band. Our findings indicated that most band waves were centred in the lower frequencies. We also observed that C. racemosa invested more energy in these low-frequency waves when suitable hosts were present. However, we also noted peaks of energy investment in all the band frequencies, which may be linked to extremely low oscillatory electrical signals in the entire tissue. Overall, the presence of suitable hosts induced a higher energy power, which supports the hypothesis of attention in plants. We further discuss and compare our results with generic neural systems.

Water Deficit at Vegetative Stage Induces Tolerance to High Temperature during Anthesis in Rice.

BACKGROUND: Crop yields have been affected by many different biotic and abiotic factors. Generally, plants experience more than one stress during their life cycle, and plants can tolerate multiple stresses and develop cross-tolerance. The expected rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) can contribute to cross-tolerance. Priming is a strategy to increase yield or to maintain yield under stress conditions. Thus, our objective was to evaluate if priming the rice plants with water deficit during the vegetative stage can induce tolerance to heat stress at anthesis and to evaluate the contribution of e[CO2]. METHODS: The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement. Factor A consisted of the following treatments: water deficit at four-leaf stage (no-stress, and drought stress), heat at anthesis (normal temperature, high temperature), and priming with water deficit at four-leaf stage and heat stress at anthesis; and Factor B was two [CO2] treatments: a[CO2] = 400 ± 40 µmol mol-1 and e[CO2] = 700 ± 40 µmol mol-1. We assessed the effect of the treatments on plant growth, yield, biochemical, and transcriptome alterations. RESULTS: Although e[CO2] affected rice growth parameters, it did not affect the priming effect. Primed plants showed an increase in yield and number of panicles per plant. Primed plants showed upregulation of OsHSP16.9A, OsHSP70.1, and OsHSP70.6. These results showed induced cross-tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Water deficit at the rice vegetative stage reduces the effect of heat stress at the reproductive stage. Water deficit at the vegetative stage can be used, after further testing in field conditions, to reduce the effect of heat stress during flowering in rice.

Evaluation of massive education in prison health: a perspective of health care for the person deprived of freedom in Brazil.

Education, with an emphasis on prison health, has acted as a policy inducing changes in work processes, which the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) has used, and which is present in permanent health education, which promotes health care for people deprived of liberty. This article aims to present an analysis of the impacts of the strategy of massive education on prison health in Brazil from the perspective of health professionals and other actors operating in the Brazilian prison system. The data used in the study come from a questionnaire consisting of 37 questions applied nationwide between March and June 2022. Responses were collected from students who completed the course "Health Care for People Deprived of Freedom" of the learning pathway "Prison System", available in the Virtual Learning Environment of the Brazilian Health System (AVASUS). This course was offered nationally, whose adhesion (enrollment) occurred spontaneously, i.e., the course was not a mandatory. The data collected allowed us to analyze the impacts of massive education on prison health. The study also shows that the search for the course is made by several areas of knowledge, with a higher incidence in the health area, but also in other areas, such as humanities, which also work directly with the guarantee of the rights of people deprived of liberty, which are professionals in the areas of social work, psychology, and education. The analysis based on the data suggests that the massive education mediated by technology through the courses of the learning pathway, besides disseminating knowledge-following the action plan of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-, are an effective tool to promote resilience in response to prison health and care demands of people deprived of liberty.

Repeat-based phylogenomics shed light on unclear relationships in the monocentric genus Juncus L. (Juncaceae).

The repetitive fraction (repeatome) of eukaryotic genomes is diverse and usually fast evolving, being an important tool for clarify plant systematics. The genus Juncus L. comprises 332 species, karyotypically recognized by having holocentric chromosomes. However, four species were recently described as monocentric, yet our understanding of their genome evolution is largely masked by unclear phylogenetic relationships. Here, we reassess the current Juncus systematics using low-coverage genome skimming data of 33 taxa to construct repeats, nuclear rDNA and plastome-based phylogenetic hypothesis. Furthermore, we characterize the repeatome and chromosomal distribution of Juncus-specific centromeric repeats/CENH3 protein to test the monocentricity reach in the genus. Repeat-base phylogenies revealed topologies congruent with the rDNA tree, but not with the plastome tree. The incongruence between nuclear and plastome chloroplast dataset suggest an ancient hybridization in the divergence of Juncotypus and Tenageia sections 40 Myr ago. The phylogenetic resolution at section level was better fitted with the rDNA/repeat-based approaches, with the recognition of two monophyletic sections (Stygiopsis and Tenageia). We found specific repeatome trends for the main lineages, such as the higher abundances of TEs in the Caespitosi and Iridifolii + Ozophyllum clades. CENH3 immunostaining confirmed the monocentricity of Juncus, which can be a generic synapomorphy for the genus. The heterogeneity of the repeatomes, with high phylogenetic informativeness, identified here may be correlated with their ancient origin (56 Mya) and reveals the potential of comparative genomic analyses for understanding plant systematics and evolution.