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Cupisnique (2000–200 BC) is one of the first complex societies that developed in the Jetequepeque valley in the “Formative period.” It includes several settlements: Puémape on the coast, Limoncarro in middle valley, Montegrande and Tembladera in the upper valley, and Kuntur Wasi in San Pablo. Currently the valley comprises two provinces, Pacasmayo and Chepen in the La Libertad region, north of Lima. Consideration should be given to cupisniques as premetallurgical culture, and the only used metal was gold, which is present in the native state, on the soil surface or shallow, and attracted attention because of color, brightness, weight, ductility, and inalterability. We analyzed three Cupisnique metal objects belonging to the Larco Museum of Lima designated with No. 4 (pectoral), No. 7 (pendant), and No. 12 (bracelet), using a portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence equipment. Mean value for the pectoral were Au (62 %), Ag (23 %), Cu (15 %); for the pendant, Au (81 %), Ag (16.5 %), Cu (2.5 %); and for the bracelet, Au (69.1 %), Ag (20 %), and Cu (10.9 %).

Tarin, purified from taro ( ), promotes anticancer effect against glioblastoma cells, a heterogeneous and aggressive primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most challenging tumors for oncotherapy. If able to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB), tarin may comprise a natural defense against glioblastomas in a context of the development of novel drugs to control these malignant cell proliferations. The anticancer effects of nano-encapsulated tarin were tested against U-87 MG cells and the molecular mechanisms involved in cell proliferation control were assessed by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The scratch assay was performed to investigate cell migration capacity, while nano-encapsulated tarin transport across the BBB was tested on the hCMEC/D3 endothelial cell line. Nano-encapsulated tarin induced autophagy in U-87 MG cells, characterized by the presence of autophagosomes as revealed by TEM and corroborating the flow cytometry analysis employing acridine orange. Additional ultrastructural changes, such as mitochondrial swelling, were also observed. The presence of apoptotic cells and caspase 3/7 activation indicate that nano-encapsulated tarin may also induce cell death through apoptosis. Glioblastoma cell proliferation was arrested in the G2/M cell cycle phase, and cell migration was delayed. Reduced cell proliferation and glioblastoma cell migration inhibition were significant, as tarin was efficiently transported across the BBB during in vitro assays. Nano-encapsulated tarin may be effectively employed to inhibit glioblastoma cell proliferation and migration, as this novel formulation can overcome the BBB and induces carcinoma cell apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, nano-encapsulated tarin may comprise a novel chemotherapeutic agent against different tumoral lines, as it is able to control glioblastoma tumor proliferation by the same molecular mechanisms previously reported for breast adenocarcinomas. Additional studies should be carried out to clarify if nano-encapsulated tarin has a general effect on distinct carcinoma lines.

Background: Tarin, a lectin purified from Colocasia esculenta, promotes in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory effects allied to promising anticancer and antimetastatic effects against human adenocarcinoma mammary cells. This makes this 47 kDa- protein a natural candidate against human breast cancer, a leading cause of death among women. Tarin encapsulated in pegylated nanoliposomes displays increased effectiveness in controlling the proliferation of a mammary adenocarcinoma lineage comprising MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: The mechanisms enrolled in anticancer and antimetastatic responses were investigated by treating MDA-MB-231 cells with nano-encapsulated tarin at 72 [micro]g/mL for up to 48h through flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The safety of nano-encapsulated tarin towards healthy tissue was also assessed by the resazurin viability assay, and the effect of nanoencapsulated tarin on cell migration was evaluated by scratch assays. Results: Ultrastructural analyses of MDA-MB-231 cells exposed to nanoencapsulated tarin revealed the accumulation of autophagosomes and damaged organelles, compatible with autophagy-dependent cell death. On the other hand, the flow cytometry investigation detected the increased occurrence of acidic vacuolar organelles, a late autophagosome trait, along with the enhanced presence of apoptotic cells, activated caspase-3/7, and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1. No deleterious effects were observed in healthy fibroblast cells following tarin nanoencapsulated exposition, in contrast to reduced viability in cells exposed to free tarin. The migration of MDA-MB -231 cells was inhibited by nano-encapsulated tarin, with delayed movement by 24 h compared to free tarin. Conclusion: The nanoliposome formulation delivers tarin in a delayed and sustained manner, as evidenced by the belated and potent antitumoral and anti-migration effects on adenocarcinoma cells, with no toxicity to healthy cells. Although further investigations are required to fully understand antitumorigenic tarin mechanisms, the activation of both apoptotic and autophagic machineries along with the caspase-3/7 pathway, and cell cycle arrest may comprise a part of these mechanisms. Keywords: tarin-controlled release, MDA-MDB-231 cells damage, kinetics of ultrastructural changes, cell cycle arrest, cell migration assay, caspase 3/7 pathway

Zn deficiency compromises its biological functions, its effect on the immune system and its antiviral activity, increasing vulnerability to infectious diseases. This narrative review aims at presenting and discussing functional aspects and possible mechanisms involved in the potential role of Zn in the immune response and antiviral activity for coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19) prevention and control. The searches were conducted in PubMed and Science Direct databases, using clinical trials, experimental studies in animals and humans, case–control studies, case series, letters to the editor, and review articles published in English, without restrictions on year of publication. Search approach was based on using the terms: ‘zinc’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘antiviral agents’, ‘immunologic factors’ and ‘respiratory tract infections’. Literature shows the importance of Zn as an essential mineral immunomodulator with relevant antiviral activity in the body. Thus, although there is still a scarcity of studies evaluating Zn supplementation in patients with COVID-19, the results on the topic show the necessity of controlling Zn mineral deficiency, as well as maintaining its homoeostasis in the body in order to strengthen the immune system and improve the prevention of highly complex viral infections, such as that of the COVID-19.

The present study evaluates the effect of including microencapsulated hot chili pepper (MHCP) in the diet of crossbred dairy cows on the volume and quality of milk and on ovarian morphofunctionality. Twenty-four crossbred females in their lactating period were used. The cows were divided into two experimental groups, a control (CT) and an MHCP -supplemented group (CP) given 1 g a day per animal of microencapsulated hot chili in concentrate for 42 days. Over seven weeks of daily milk production was measured, and sample milk was collected weekly for composition analysis. Animals were subject to an ovulation synchronization protocol on day 0 (D0), and an intravaginal progesterone (P4) implant, estradiol benzoate, and prostaglandin (PGF2α) were administered. On D8, the P4 implant was removed and PGF2α, equine chorionic gonadotropin, and estradiol cypionate were administered to the animals. The ovarian dynamics were evaluated in B mode and color Doppler. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the group X time interaction, the volume of milk produced, and the amount in kg/day of milk components. There was a higher percentage of vascularization in the preovulatory follicle in the CP group (p ≥ 0.10). The findings show that the inclusion of MHCP in the diet of dairy cows does influence their milk production and reproduction.

Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV) is an emerging public health concern due to its expanding geographic range and increasing case numbers. In Brazil, 13,785 cases were confirmed in 2024, with an additional 3680 reported by January 2025, according to the Ministry of Health. Initially restricted to the Amazon region, OROV has recently been detected in new areas, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and vector control strategies. While Culicoides paraensis is the primary vector, the potential role of other species in transmitting the currently circulating OROV strain in Brazil remains unclear. Here, we experimentally assessed the infectivity and dissemination of a recently isolated Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV) strain in two widespread mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, collected from diverse regions of Brazil. Our results demonstrated that both mosquito species were refractory to oral infection, suggesting that natural transmission through these vectors is unlikely. However, in artificial systemic infection, Ae. aegypti showed viral replication and immune system activation, indicating its potential to support OROV replication under specific conditions. Additionally, to assess the potential impact of coinfection, we investigated whether Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arbovirus that naturally infects Ae. aegypti, could facilitate OROV infection dynamics in this mosquito species. Our results suggest that coinfection does not promote OROV oral infection. Furthermore, we examined whether OROV systemic infection induced an immune response in Ae aegypti. We analyzed the major immune response pathways—RNAi, Toll, IMD, and JAK-STAT—and observed that the RNAi pathway was the most strongly activated in response to OROV infection in Ae. aegypti. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance and further studies on OROV evolution, vector adaptation, and transmission dynamics, particularly in urban settings where vector populations and viral interactions may facilitate new epidemiological scenarios.

Patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 were randomly assigned to receive hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine alone, or usual care. The primary outcome was clinical status at 15 days, assessed on a seven-level ordinal scale. There were no significant differences between groups in the primary outcome.

Background: Ctenomys is a subterranean rodent genus known for exhibiting the highest levels of chromosome variation, both among species (2n = 10 to 70) and within species. Ctenomys minutus is particularly notable for its extensive chromosomal diversity, comprising the greatest number of described cytotypes within this genus. In contrast, Ctenomys lami presents the highest degree of karyotypic variation within a comparatively restricted geographic range. Both species inhabit the coastal plain of southern Brazil: C. minutus occurs in dunes and sandy fields extending from Laguna (Santa Catarina State) to São José do Norte (Rio Grande do Sul State), whereas C. lami is restricted to the “Coxilha das Lombas” region, which lies parallel to the distribution of C. minutus in Rio Grande do Sul State. Despite their close evolutionary relationship and the absence of external morphological differences, the mechanism underlying their karyotypic divergence remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we applied whole-chromosome painting using probes from Ctenomys flamarioni to investigate chromosomal evolution in C. minutus and C. lami. Results: The resulting homology maps revealed a variety of chromosomal rearrangements that differentiate cytotypes both within and between these species. Comparative analyses demonstrated substantial karyotypic divergence from C. flamarioni, although some entire chromosomes and large chromosomal segments remained conserved between C. minutus and C. lami. Our findings underscore the critical role of chromosomal rearrangements in shaping the diversification of Ctenomys. Additionally, we identified shared chromosomal rearrangements in C. minutus and C. lami, which are likely restricted to the torquatus group. Conclusions: These rearrangements provide new insights into the processes driving chromosomal evolution in genus Ctenomys.

The Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP) in Brazil has reduced its vehicular emissions in the last decades. However, it is still affected by air pollution events, mainly in the winter, characterized as a dry season. The chemical composition of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was studied in the MASP during a 100 d dry period in 2019. PM2.5 samples underwent an extensive chemical characterization (including inorganic and organic species), ecotoxicity was assessed using a bioluminescence-based assay, and submicrometer particle number size distributions were simultaneously monitored. PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the new World Health Organization's daily guidelines on 75 %​​​​​​​ of sampling days, emphasizing the need for strengthening local regulations. Source apportionment (positive matrix factorization, PMF5.0) was performed, and the sources related to vehicular emissions remain relevant (over 40 % of PM2.5). A high contribution of biomass burning was observed, reaching 25 % of PM2.5 mass and correlated with sample ecotoxicity. This input was associated with north and northwest winds, suggesting other emerging sources besides sugarcane burning (forest fires and sugarcane bagasse power plants). A mixed factor of vehicular emissions and road dust resuspension increased throughout the campaign was related to stronger winds, suggesting a significant resuspension. The sulfate secondary formation was related to humid conditions. Additionally, monitoring size particle distribution allowed the observation of particle growth on days impacted by secondary formation. The results pointed out that control measures of high-PM2.5 events should include the control of emerging biomass-burning sources in addition to stricter rules concerning vehicular emissions.