Explore the vast range of titles available.

Treatment development for parasitic infestation is often limited to disease resolution as an endpoint response, and physiological and immunological consequences are not thoroughly considered. Here, we report the impact of exposing Atlantic salmon affected with amoebic gill disease (AGD) to peracetic acid (PAA), an oxidative chemotherapeutic. AGD-affected fish were treated with PAA either by exposing them to 5 ppm for 30 min or 10 ppm for 15 min. Unexposed fish from both infected and uninfected groups were also included. Samples for molecular, biochemical, and histological evaluations were collected at 24 h, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks post-treatment. Behavioral changes were observed during PAA exposure, and post-treatment mortality was higher in the infected and PAA treated groups, especially in 10 ppm for 15 min. Plasma indicators showed that liver health was affected by AGD, though PAA treatment did not exacerbate the infection-related changes. Transcriptome profiling in the gills showed significant changes, triggered by AGD and PAA treatments, and the effects of PAA were more notable 24 h after treatment. Genes related to immune pathways of B- and T- cells and protein synthesis and metabolism were downregulated, where the magnitude was more remarkable in 10 ppm for 15 min group. Even though treatment did not fully resolve the pathologies associated with AGD, 5 ppm for 30 min group showed lower parasite load at 4 weeks post-treatment. Mucous cell parameters (i.e., size and density) increased within 24 h post-treatment and were significantly higher at termination, especially in AGD-affected fish, with some treatment effects influenced by the dose of PAA. Infection and treatments resulted in oxidative stress—in the early phase in the gill mucosa, while systemic reactive oxygen species (ROS) dysregulation was evident at the later stage. Infected fish responded to elevated circulating ROS by increasing antioxidant production. Exposing the fish to a crowding stress revealed the interference in the post-stress responses. Lower cortisol response was displayed by AGD-affected groups. Collectively, the study established that PAA, within the evaluated treatment protocols, could not provide a convincing treatment resolution and, thus, requires further optimization. Nonetheless, PAA treatment altered the mucosal immune and stress responses of AGD-affected Atlantic salmon, shedding light on the host-parasite-treatment interactions.

We report a case of fertility preservation through ex vivo oocyte aspiration in an adolescent who underwent bilateral oophorectomy due to asynchronous borderline ovarian tumors. A 17-year-old nulligravid patient was initially diagnosed with a left-sided serous borderline ovarian tumor and treated with left salpingo-oophorectomy. One year later, a lesion was identified in the contralateral ovary, with surgical indication for salpingo-oophorectomy. Ovarian stimulation was performed using recombinant FSH and hMG, with final oocyte maturation triggered by a GnRH agonist. Oocyte retrieval was conducted ex vivo, immediately after surgical removal of the ovary. A total of 13 oocytes were obtained, 10 of which were in metaphase II and successfully cryopreserved. This case highlights the feasibility and efficacy of ex vivo oocyte retrieval as a fertility preservation strategy in oncology patients requiring urgent bilateral oophorectomy.

Changes in metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) have been associated with tumor progression in colorectal cancer. However, the role of MMP-14 and TIMP-2 has yet to be determined. We investigated the differential expression of MMP-14 and TIMP-2 in colorectal carcinomas of the left and the right colon, as well as in mononuclear cells in primary tumors and their lymph node metastases. We performed an immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor samples obtained from 50 cases of colorectal cancer. We found that MMP-14 staining was positive in 100 % of cases, in contrast to normal mucosa (86 % positivity, P  = 0.0451). Additionally, neoplastic cells showed a higher frequency of TIMP-2-positive staining (70 % versus 14 % of normal mucosa, P  = 0.0004). Furthermore, MMP-14 expression in primary tumor-associated mononuclear cells was higher in cases without lymph node metastases (N0) in comparison to more advanced carcinomas (N1–N3) ( P  = 0.0353). MMP-14 and TIMP-2 expression was observed in neoplastic cells in primary tumors, with a higher frequency of increased expression of MMP-14 (82 %) than increased expression of TIMP-2 (22 %, P  < 0.0001). The expression of MMP-14 and TIMP-2 was evaluated in each cell type and at each site, and the frequency of TIMP-2 expression in colonic lesions and in the lymph nodes was significantly higher than in tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells ( P  = 0.0003 and P  = 0.0406, respectively). Expression of MMP-14 and TIMP-2 in primary colorectal carcinomas and in their lymph node metastases suggests the involvement of these proteins in local invasion and tumor progression.

A Amoebic gill disease(AGD), doença parasitária causada pelo ectoparasita Neoparamoeba perurans, é um problema grave na cultura do salmão do Atlântico (Salmo salar). As atuais estratégias de tratamento (banhos de água doce e de peróxido de hidrogénio) apresentam vários problemas (económicos, logísticos, resolução da AGD e bem-estar animal). Posto isto, o ácido paracético (PAA), poderoso oxidante, é uma possível boa alternativa, uma vez que se degrada rapidamente em resíduos inócuos, exigindo um tempo de contacto curto e é eficaz numa baixa concentração contra vários microrganismos.Neste estudo, foi investigada a eficácia do PAA no tratamento da AGD e a resposta fisiológica do salmão durante o tratamento. A AGD em smoltsfoi induzida experimentalmente e quando na escala de pontuação (GS) as brânquias atingiram valores entre 1 e 2, os peixes foram expostos ao tratamento com PAA através de um banho. Foram testadas três formulações comerciais de PAA (Perfectoxid, AquaDes e ADDIAqua) a uma concentração de 5 ppm. Foram avaliados dois tempos de exposição, 30 e 60 minutos. A amostragem foi realizada um dia e duas semanas após o tratamento.Os níveis de radicais de oxigénio (ROS) no plasma aumentaram ao longo do tempo, especialmente nos grupos tratados durante 30 minutos. Os grupos expostos a AquaDes e Perfectoxid durante 30 minutos tiveram níveis de ROS mais elevados do que os do grupo infetados não-tratados (IUC) duas semanas após o tratamento. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na capacidade total antioxidante do plasma (TAC) entre os tratamentos e os pontos de amostragem. 13 biomarcadores de stress oxidativo foram avaliados nas brânquias e no órgão olfativo. Globalmente, os tratamentos com PAA resultaram na modulação da expressão dos genes marcadores. O parasitismo não causou alterações significativas na expressão dos genes na roseta olfatória, no entanto observou-se uma regulação induzida pelo tratamento. Nas brânquias, a infeção provocou inibição da expressão de alguns dos genes, que se manteve na maioria dos indivíduos, mesmo após o tratamento com PAA. Na roseta olfatória, o PAA não alterou o estado do órgão, comparativamente ao IUC. Nas brânquias, o tratamento reduziu a proporção de tecidos danificados em quase todos os grupos. Os órgãos mucosos responderam ao parasitismo e ao tratamento com PAA de formas distintas.Este estudo demonstrou que o tratamento da AGD com PAA resultou em perfis de resposta variados. A resolução da doença não foi total, como foi possível avaliar através da observação das lesões, histopatologia e qPCR. Ficaram, no entanto, indícios de que o tipo de PAA usado poderia ter um papel relevante na eficácia do tratamento.

Estudo sobre a relação entre sinestesia como condição neurológica e a metáfora sinestésica. Propõe-se uma escuta sinestésica do 5º movimento Joie du sang des étoiles de Turangalîla de Olivier Messiaen, seguida de uma análise da relação entre os elementos apontados na escuta sinestésica e a estrutura da obra. A partir desta análise e da fenomenologia, sugere-se a sistematização de categorias sinestésicas, tomando-se a sensação sonora como primária entre as sensações sinestésicas mais comuns.This paper studies the relationship between synaesthesia as a neurological condition and synaesthesic metaphor. It aims at investigating synaesthesia as a way of conscious listening and proposes a synaesthesic listening of the 5th movement Joie du sang des étoiles of Olivier Messiaen's Turangalîla, including an analysis of the relationship between the elements found in the synaesthesic listening and the structure of the work. Relating analysis and phenomenology, it also suggests a systematization of synaesthesics categories, departing from the sound as the primary sensation among the most common sensations.

Estudo sobre a relação entre sinestesia como condição neurológica e a metáfora sinestésica. Propõe-se uma escuta sinestésica do 5º movimento Joie du sang des étoiles de Turangalîla de Olivier Messiaen, seguida de uma análise da relação entre os elementos apontados na escuta sinestésica e a estrutura da obra. A partir desta análise e da fenomenologia, sugere-se a sistematização de categorias sinestésicas, tomando-se a sensação sonora como primária entre as sensações sinestésicas mais comuns. This paper studies the relationship between synaesthesia as a neurological condition and synaesthesic metaphor. It aims at investigating synaesthesia as a way of conscious listening and proposes a synaesthesic listening of the 5th movement Joie du sang des étoiles of Olivier Messiaen's Turangalîla, including an analysis of the relationship between the elements found in the synaesthesic listening and the structure of the work. Relating analysis and phenomenology, it also suggests a systematization of synaesthesics categories, departing from the sound as the primary sensation among the most common sensations.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different organic substrates (sheep manure, litter from cultivated area, agroforestry system litter, and native vegetation litter) on the initial growth of açaí seedlings under greenhouse conditions.   Theoretical Framework: The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) holds great socioeconomic and environmental importance in the Amazon region, especially in the states of Pará, Amapá, and Amazonas. Although it is a hardy species, it is commonly cultivated in naturally low-fertility soils, such as dystrophic Yellow Latossols, which have high acidity and limit the early growth of seedlings. Organic fertilization has shown promise by improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Among organic materials, litter stands out for supplying nutrients gradually and improving soil structure and microbiology.   Method: A completely randomized design experiment was conducted with four treatments and eight replications (total of 32 seedlings). Açaí seedlings were transplanted and grown for 90 days in plastic bags, evaluated every 10 days. Measured variables included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and grouped using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability (Sisvar 5.6).   Results and Discussion: Seedlings treated with agroforestry system litter (LITSAF) and cultivated area litter (LITCULT) showed superior growth in height (33.90 cm and 31.77 cm), stem diameter (50.95 mm and 48.83 mm), and number of leaves (17.75 and 17.63) compared to sheep manure (29.16 cm; 44.90 mm; 15.00 leaves) and native litter (28.18 cm; 41.30 mm; 14.50 leaves). Chlorophyll index remained similar across treatments (37.79–44.39 SPAD). Litter from SAF and cultivated areas favored açaí seedling growth, outperforming sheep manure and native litter due to higher nutrient release. Chlorophyll index was stable among treatments. These data indicate that such litters are sustainable and effective alternatives for seedling production.   Research Implications: This study provides support for more sustainable practices in açaí seedling production, with potential to reduce chemical fertilizer use, optimize nursery costs, and improve field planting success.   Originality/Value: This research expands knowledge on using organic residues in açaí seedling production by addressing little-explored sources. Its relevance lies in valuing local and sustainable substrates with direct application in agroforestry and extractivist systems in the Amazon.

As doenças cardiovasculares estão entre as principais causas de morte no Mundo, e a sua patologia está associada à perda de cardiomiócitos, resultando, eventualmente, em insuficiência cardíaca. O coração de mamífero neonatal possui capacidade regenerativa, a qual é perdida quando os cardiomiócitos saem do ciclo celular e alteram o seu metabolismo de glicólise para respiração mitocondrial. Além da sua importância a nível bioenergético, os metabolitos são também importantes reguladores de modificações das histonas, uma vez que influenciam a actividade de enzimas modificadoras da cromatina, ligando, assim, o metabolismo à epigenética e à regulação da expressão génica. Os RNAs longos não codificantes (lncRNAs) também são considerados importantes reguladores da expressão génica. Estas moléculas de RNA não codificam proteínas, exibem perfis de expressão únicos e têm sido associadas ao desenvolvimento cardíaco. A sobre-expressão dos factores de transcrição cardíacos Mef2c, Gata4 e Tbx5 (colectivamente conhecidos como MGT) resulta na reprogramação directa de fibroblastos em cardiomiócitos induzidos (iCMs), que têm potencial para reporem a população de cardiomiócitos. No entanto, este processo é estocástico e afectado por diversas barreiras, entre as quais metabólicas e epigenéticas. Os nossos resultados indicam que as transições epigenéticas que ocorrem durante a reprogramação de fibroblastos de ratinho em iCMs diferem com a idade, contribuindo, possivelmente, para a menor eficiência observada em fibroblastos de adulto. Apesar de os iCMs exibirem uma maior dependência da respiração mitocondrial, apenas aqueles que derivam de fibroblastos embrionários reestruturam a sua rede mitocondrial. Por sua vez, os fibroblastos adultos apresentam uma acumulação de mitocôndrias danificadas, podendo afectar a reestruturação da rede mitocondrial nestas células. A remoção de mitocôndrias danificadas, quer por indução de mitofagia, quer por manipulações dietéticas, potencia o processo de reprogramação directa por um mecanismo que poderá depender de um melhoramento da qualidade e da maturação da rede mitocondrial. Com isto, um aumento na respiração mitocondrial poderá aumentar a quantidade de metabolitos derivados da mitocôndria que poderão ser usados em processos metaboloepigenéticos, regulando não só a expressão de genes cardíacos, mas também de genes envolvidos na dinâmica e homeostasia mitocondrial. Além disso, a manipulação da expressão do lncRNA Phlda1-otpromove a eficiência da reprogramação cardíaca directa, potencialmente por um mecanismo dependente da indução da autofagia. Assim, os resultados apresentados nesta tese sugerem que, tanto manipulações metabólicas, como aquelas que envolvem a expressão de lncRNAs, evidenciam a regulação da autofagia como um ponto em comum, possibilitando futuras investigações para melhorar o processo de reprogramação cardíaca directa para fins regenerativos.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with prostate cancer being the second most common neoplasia amongst men. Thus, strategies that can provide an early diagnosis of this disease are of great importance. Because biochemical alterations precede morphological changes in cells, cancer metabolome has gained relevance and may contribute to the understanding of tumor biology and to the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers.Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a metabolomics technique that, unlike staining procedures and other histopathologic approaches, is rapid, non-destructive and does not require reagents. This technique probes the biochemical composition of the analyzed samples and allows the discrimination of samples with distinct metabolic profiles, thus discriminating cancerous and non-cancerous samples.The main goals of this work were to explore the ability of FTIR spectroscopy, coupled with multivariate analysis, in the: (1) discrimination between prostate cancer cells derived from a primary tumor (22Rv1) and normal epithelial cells (PNT1A and PNT2); and (2) discrimination between prostate primary tumor cells (22Rv1) from metastatic cells derived from two distinct sites (LNCaP, from lymph node, and PC-3, from bone).A clear discrimination between the different prostate cell lines was observed, indicating that they exhibit different metabolic profiles. This discrimination can be attributed to an altered lipid metabolism (3000-2800 cm-1, 1800-1700 cm-1 and 1500-1400 cm-1) and the presence of protein aggregates (1622 cm-1).Our results suggest that studying cancer metabolome with FTIR spectroscopy not only allows the understanding of tumor pathogenesis, but also may be a valuable tool for the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers, which are crucial for a good prognosis.