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Chronic and excessive glucocorticoid (GC) exposure can cause Cushing's syndrome, resulting in fat accumulation in selected body areas. Particularly in the brown adipose tissue (BAT), GC acts negatively, resulting in whitening of the tissue. We hypothesized that dysregulation of microRNAs by GC could be an additional mechanism to explain its negative actions in BAT. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: (1) Control sham and (2) GC group that was administered dexamethasone 6.25 mg/200 μL via osmotic pump implantation over 28 days. After this period, the animals were euthanized and BAT tissue was properly stored. Human fat cells treated with dexamethasone were used to translate the experimental results found in animals to human biology. GC‐treated rat BAT presented with large lipid droplets, severely impaired thermogenic activation, and reduced glucose uptake measured by 18F‐FDG PET/CT. GC exposure induced a reduction in the mitochondrial OXPHOS system and oxygen consumption. MicroRNA profiling of BAT revealed five top‐regulated microRNAs and among them miR‐21‐5p was the most significantly upregulated in GC‐treated rats compared to the control group. Although upregulation of miR‐21‐5p in the tissue, differentiated primary brown adipocytes from GC‐treated rats had decreased miR‐21‐5p levels compared to the control group. To translate these results to the clinic, human brown adipocytes were treated with dexamethasone and miR‐21‐5p inhibitor. In human brown cells, inhibition of miR‐21‐5p increased brown adipocyte differentiation and prevented GC‐induced glucose uptake, resulting in a lower glycolysis rate. In conclusion, high‐dose GC therapy significantly impacts brown adipose tissue function, with a notable association between glucose uptake and miR‐21‐5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurised donor human milk is recommended for very low birthweight infants who do not have access to their mother's milk. Although the use of donor milk continues to increase, little is known about the donation experiences of milk bank donors. We aimed to describe and compare enablers, barriers and patterns of human milk donation and identify factors predicting donation volume in a convenience sample of approved milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States. A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted from August 2022 to December 2022. Approved milk bank donors (n = 556) from three milk banks in the United States (n = 369, Mothers' Milk Bank of Florida, Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas and Northwest Mothers Milk Bank) and one milk bank in the United Kingdom (n = 187, Hearts Milk Bank) completed the survey. A substantial portion of donors in both settings reported participating in other forms of milk exchange (51% of U.S. donors vs. 39% of UK donors, p = 0.009). Top donation barriers reported in both settings were completing the serological screening and having enough space to store collected milk. Most donors started donating when their infant was 3 months old or older and reported donating mature milk. The most common source of information related to milk banking in each setting was the internet (United Kingdom–70% vs. United States ‐ 63%, p = 0.112). Variables that predicted lifetime donation volume differed between the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of setting‐specific milk banking research. Key messages: Milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States reported primarily receiving milk banking information from the internet and not their health care provider.A substantial portion of human milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States participate in other forms of milk exchange, including sharing with a peer.Participating in other forms of milk exchange did not predict lower milk bank donation volumes.Barriers to donation and predictors of donation volume differed between donors in the United Kingdom and the United States, suggesting setting‐specific research is warranted to improve the donation process globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acral melanoma is rare and associated with a worse prognosis compared to cutaneous melanoma in other locations. Despite this, few studies have focused on the prognosis of acral melanoma, particularly in patients with initial clinical stage. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of clinical and histopathological characteristics on the disease‐free survival (DFS) of stage I‐II patients. Methods: We analyzed 154 stage I‐II acral melanoma cases, all of whom underwent a review of the histopathological and clinical parameters. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of disease recurrence within 5 years. We used Cox proportional regression to analyze independent risk factors and computed DFS curves using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Within 5 years, 27.9% of patients experienced disease recurrence, with 90.4% occurring during the first 3 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not identify any clinical parameters with a significant influence on DFS. The DFS rate at 5 years was 72.7%. The median duration of disease recurrence after the initial diagnosis was 21 months. However, Breslow thickness, presence of ulceration, >3 mitosis/mm2, presence of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and perineural invasion were significantly associated with a decrease in time to first recurrence. Conclusions: Despite the favorable prognosis of stage I‐II acral melanoma compared with advance stage, clinical and histopathological characteristics can impact prognosis. In addition to Breslow thickness and ulceration, attention should be paid to mitotic rate, presence of TIL, and perineural invasion to optimize follow‐up of acral melanoma patients diagnosed in the initial clinical stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholelithiasis is a digestive system disorder of multifactorial origin that occurs due to stones formed in the gallbladder. This study aimed at investigating by abdominal ultrasound examination the prevalence of cholelithiasis in lion tamarins kept under human care. Methods: Thirty lion tamarins from five Brazilian zoos, including 17 golden lion tamarins and 13 golden‐headed lion tamarins, were evaluated. Results: Considering all lion tamarins, the overall frequency of cholelithiasis was 53.3% (16/30). There were no significant differences between species and sex. Cholelithiasis was predominant (75.0%) in lion tamarins older than 5 years. Septate gallbladder was observed in 86.6% (26/30) of the lion tamarins. Of these, 53.8% (14/26) had gallstones. Biochemical analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between gamma‐glutamyl transferase and the number of gallstones. Conclusions: Asymptomatic cholelithiasis is frequent in lion tamarins kept under human care. Therefore, systematic monitoring through ultrasound should be part of the preventive care of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used destructive sampling to assess 14C-calibrated age and growth of five individuals of Oenocarpus bataua from 7.35 to 21.6 m of total height. The largest individual was 59-year-old. Age decreased from the collar to the top of the aboveground stem and was positively correlated with number of leaf-scars and height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Cyanogenic glucosides are important defense molecules in plants with useful biological activities in animals. Their last biosynthetic step consists of a glycosylation reaction that confers stability and increases structural diversity and is catalyzed by the UDP‐dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) of glycosyltransferase family 1. These versatile enzymes have large and varied substrate scopes, and the structure–function relationships controlling scope and specificity remain poorly understood. Here, we report substrate‐bound crystal structures and rational engineering of substrate and stereo‐specificities of UGT85B1 from Sorghum bicolor involved in biosynthesis of the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin. Substrate specificity was shifted from the natural substrate (S)‐p‐hydroxymandelonitrile to (S)‐mandelonitrile by combining a mutation to abolish hydrogen bonding to the p‐hydroxyl group with a mutation to provide steric hindrance at the p‐hydroxyl group binding site (V132A/Q225W). Further, stereo‐specificity was shifted from (S) to (R) by substituting four rationally chosen residues within 6 Å of the nitrile group (M312T/A313T/H408F/G409A). These activities were compared to two other UGTs involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic cyanogenic glucosides in Prunus dulcis (almond) and Eucalyptus cladocalyx. Together, these studies enabled us to pinpoint factors that drive substrate and stereo‐specificities in the cyanogenic glucoside biosynthetic UGTs. The structure‐guided engineering of the functional properties of UGT85B1 enhances our understanding of the evolution of UGTs involved in the biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides and will enable future engineering efforts towards new biotechnological applications. Significance Statement: Glycosylation of plant natural products is an important modification that enhances their stability and solubility and prevents autotoxicity. Understanding the structure–function relationship of glycosyltransferases is critical for our understanding of plant natural product biosynthesis. We provide structural insights into the features controlling substrate and stereo‐specificity of UGT85B1, the glycosyltransferase catalyzing the production of the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin in Sorghum bicolor. This study will enable engineering of UGT85 enzymes for tailored glycosylation of a palette of natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The red‐handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) is one of 116 imperiled Brazilian primate species. We aimed to determine the serum biochemical profile of free‐ranging red‐handed howler monkeys in a highly disturbed area of the eastern Amazon. Methods: We obtained serum samples from 26 monkeys, in which we analyzed 20 biochemical variables. Results and Conclusions: Calcium concentration was significantly lower in adult males (1.82 ± 0.25 mmol/L) than in adult females (2.10 ± 0.50 mmol/L). Both adults (males = 89 ± 85 UI/L, females = 62 ± 23 UI/L) had lower alkaline phosphatase serum activity than juvenile females (178 ± 120 UI/L). Adult male had higher levels of the direct bilirubin (13.9 ± 8.2 µmol/L) and creatinine (74.3 ± 19.4 µmol/L) than juvenile females (5.1 ± 1.4 µmol/L and 38.9 ± 15.0 µmol/L, respectively). This detailed biochemical profile may be useful for the management of red‐handed howler monkeys in the wild and to support further studies at ex situ facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the oral shedding of herpesviruses in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and correlate it with oral mucositis (OM). Methods: Saliva samples were collected before the HSCT and on day D + 8. Multiplex Polymerse Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to detect herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐1 and HSV‐2, Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Variella‐zoster virus (VZV), and human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6, HHV‐7, and HHV‐8. OM was assessed according to WHO criteria. Results: Thirty one patients were enrolled, in which 20 of 31 (64.5%) were males; median age was 50 (21–70) years; 16 of 31 (51.6%) underwent allo‐HSCT; and 15 of 31 (48.4%) underwent auto‐HSCT. On D + 8, OM grades III and IV were observed in 8 of 31 (25.8%) patients. In the first salivary collection, EBV was found in 24 of 31 (77.4%), followed by HHV‐6 (7/31, 22.6%) and HHV‐7 (8/31 25.8%). In the second collection, EBV was found in 24 of 27(89%), followed by HSV‐1 (8/27, 30%) and CMV, HHV‐6, and HHV‐7 (5/27, 18.5%, each one). On D + 8, OM grades II and IV were associated with the presence of HSV‐1. HSV‐1 was also associated with worsening degrees of OM on D + 15. Conclusion: The presence of HSV‐1 and CMV in oral samples was more frequent on day D + 8 after HSCT. HSV‐1 detection was associated with severity and worsening of OM. HSV‐1 and CMV seem to be associated with oral dysbiosis due to HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds has been the subject of studies to treat water and effluents due to its biocoagulant potential. However, one of the factors that prevent its use at an industrial level is its short shelf life after preparation. In view of this problem, the present study aimed to produce an MO biocoagulant for pre‐treatment via the lyophilization method, to prolong the shelf life of the extract. After optimizing the evaluated preparation conditions (2.38 g of MO for 100 ml of distilled water in 4 min of ultrasound extraction) in synthetic wastewater (using the commercial blue 5G dye), the biocoagulant was produced. Using different salt concentrations (NaCl and KCl) with the goal of improving the extraction, the produced biocoagulant was lyophilized, stored and assessed monthly in a comparative study with the inorganic aluminum sulfate coagulant apply to a textile laundry effluent. Although the biocoagulant produced is less efficient than conventional inorganic ones, the performance evaluation proved to be very satisfactory, obtaining 67.13% color removal and 91.98% turbidity for MO, which when compared to aluminum sulfate achieved removal rates of 81.45% and 92%, respectively. Thus, it is presented as a great alternative for pre‐textile wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidagenone (SOL) is a labdane‐type diterpenoid found in Solidago chilensis, a plant traditionally used to treat skin diseases, kidney pain and ovarian inflammation. In this study, the topical anti‐inflammatory activity of SOL was evaluated using in vivo and in silico assays. Croton oil‐, arachidonic acid (AA)‐ and phenol‐induced ear oedema mouse models were applied in the in vivo studies. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) activities and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined, as well as histopathological analyses were conducted. Interaction profiles between SOL and cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), glucocorticoid receptor, estradiol‐17‐β‐dehydrogenase and prostaglandin‐E(2)‐9‐reductase were established using molecular docking. SOL significantly inhibited croton oil‐, AA‐ and phenol‐induced ear oedema (P <.001) at doses of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ear. The MPO and NAG activities and TNF‐α, IL‐6 and NO levels were decreased (P <.001). The histopathological data revealed that inflammatory parameters (oedema thickness, leucocyte infiltration and vasodilatation) were reduced by treatment with SOL at doses of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ear. The docking study showed that SOL interacts with COX‐1 and prostaglandin‐E(2)‐9‐reductase through hydrogen bonding, inhibiting these enzymes. These results indicate that SOL may be a promising compound for the treatment of cutaneous inflammatory disorders and has potential as a topical anti‐inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: The mechanisms involved in hypothermia and fever during systemic inflammation (SI) remain largely unknown.Our data support the contention that brain‐mediated mechanisms are different in hypertension during SI.Considering that, clinically, it is not easy to assess all mechanisms involved in cardiovascular and thermoregulatory control during SI, the present study sheds light on these integrated mechanisms that may be triggered simultaneously in septic hypertensive patients.The result obtained demonstrate that, in lipopolysaccharide‐induced SI, an increased hypothermia is observed in neurogenic hypertension, which is caused by reduced hypothalamic prostaglandin E2 production and increased heat loss in conscious rats.Therefore, the results of the present study provide useful insight for clinical trials evaluating the thermoregulatory outcomes of septic patients with hypertension. Hypertension is a prevalent disease characterized by autonomic‐induced elevated and sustained blood pressure levels and abnormal body core temperature (Tb) regulation. The present study aimed to determine the brain‐mediated mechanisms involved in the thermoregulatory changes observed during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced systemic inflammation (SI; at a septic‐like model) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We combined Tb and skin temperature (Tsk) analysis, assessment of prostaglandin (PG) E2 levels (the proximal mediator of fever) in the anteroventral region of the hypothalamus (AVPO; an important site for Tb control), oxygen consumption analysis, cardiovascular recordings, assays of inflammatory markers, and evaluation of oxidative stress in the plasma and brain of male Wistar rats and SHR that had received LPS (1.5 mg kg−1) or saline. LPS induced hypothermia followed by fever in Wistar rats, whereas, in SHR, a maintained hypothermia without fever were observed. These thermoregulatory responses were associated with an increased heat loss in SHR compared to Wistar rats. We measured LPS‐induced increased PGE2 levels in the AVPO in Wistar rats, but not in SHR. The LPS‐induced drop in blood pressure was higher in SHR than in Wistar rats. Furthermore, LPS‐induced plasma and brain [regions involved in autonomic control: nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM)] cytokine surges were blunted, whereas oxidative stress was higher in SHR. LPS‐induced SI leads to blunted cytokine surges both systemically (plasma) and centrally (NTS and RVLM) and reduced hypothalamic PGE2 production, which are all associated with increased hypothermia mediated by increased heat loss, but not by heat production, in SHR. Key points: The mechanisms involved in hypothermia and fever during systemic inflammation (SI) remain largely unknown.Our data support the contention that brain‐mediated mechanisms are different in hypertension during SI.Considering that, clinically, it is not easy to assess all mechanisms involved in cardiovascular and thermoregulatory control during SI, the present study sheds light on these integrated mechanisms that may be triggered simultaneously in septic hypertensive patients.The result obtained demonstrate that, in lipopolysaccharide‐induced SI, an increased hypothermia is observed in neurogenic hypertension, which is caused by reduced hypothalamic prostaglandin E2 production and increased heat loss in conscious rats.Therefore, the results of the present study provide useful insight for clinical trials evaluating the thermoregulatory outcomes of septic patients with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotypes (rs 762 551) (AA, AC, and CC) modify the ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) on strength, power, muscular endurance, agility, and endurance in adolescent athletes. Methods: One hundred adolescents (age = 15 ± 2 years) were recruited. Participants ingested CAF (6 mg.kg−1) or placebo (PLA, 300 mg of cellulose) 1 hour before performing a sequence of physical tests: handgrip strength, vertical jumps, agility test, sit‐ups, push‐ups, and the Yo‐Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo‐Yo IR1). Results: Compared to PLA, CAF enhanced (P <.05) sit‐up (CAF = 37 ± 9; PLA = 35 ± 8 repetitions) and push‐up repetitions (CAF = 26 ± 11; PLA = 24 ± 11 repetitions), and increased distance covered in Yo‐Yo IR1 test (CAF = 1010.4 ± 378.9; PLA = 903.2 ± 325.7 m). There was no influence of CAF on handgrip strength (CAF = 35.1 ± 8.9; PLA = 33.7 ± 8.7 kgf), countermovement jump height (CAF = 49.3 ± 12.6; PLA = 47.9 ± 13.8 cm), spike jump height (CAF = 54.2 ± 13.6; PLA = 52.9 ± 14.5 cm), and time in agility test (CAF = 15.8 ± 1.1; PLA = 15.9 ± 1.3 s, P >.05). When present, the ergogenic effect of CAF was not dependent of genotype. Conclusion: CAF improves muscular endurance and aerobic performance in adolescent athletes, regardless of their 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species are the most common tick‐borne disease (TBD) pathogens in dogs worldwide. Ehrlichia canis, the aetiological agent of the Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME), is known to replicate within the cytoplasm of mononuclear cells into clusters of organisms called morulae. However, detection of morulae in neutrophils is commonly observed in dogs infected by Ehrlichia ewingii or Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We report uncommon clinical cases of canine ehrlichiosis presenting morulae compatible with E. ewingii and A. phagocytophilum in dogs from two distinct regions of Brazil. Eight dogs were admitted to two veterinary teaching hospitals from Brazil, showing clinical or haematological signs suggestive of TBD. Blood or peritoneal fluid was withdrawn for haematological and cytologic analysis. All samples were evaluated by PCR assays for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma using genus‐specific primers for dsb, 16S rRNA and groEL genes, followed by sequencing. Samples were also evaluated by nested PCR assays for the 16S rRNA gene of E. ewingii and groEL gene of A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys. Seven dogs revealed thrombocytopenia, six dogs had monocytosis and five presented lymphopenia and anaemia. All dogs showed morulae structures compatible with Ehrlichia spp. in neutrophils and were PCR‐positive for the dsb and 16S rRNA gene fragments of Ehrlichia, with sequences showing 100% identity with multiple E. canis sequences deposited in the GenBank™. Sequencing of 16S rRNA and groEL gene fragments from one PCR‐positive dog showed 100% identity with A. platys. Overall, our data suggest that in endemic regions for E. canis, that is Brazil, the presence of morulae in neutrophils may indicate infection by this bacterium. Herein, morulae were also found in neutrophils present in the peritoneal fluid of a dog. Also, this is the first report of E. canis and Hepatozoon canis co‐infection in neutrophils from naturally infected dogs confirmed by DNA sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Whereas some patients have important changes in body core temperature (Tb) during systemic inflammation, others maintain a normal Tb, which is intrinsically associated to immune paralysis. One classical model to study immune paralysis is the use of repeated administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the so‐called endotoxin tolerance. However, the neuroimmune mechanisms of endotoxin tolerance remain poorly understood. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gaseous neuromodulator produced in the brain by the enzyme cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS). The present study assessed whether endotoxin tolerance is modulated by hypothalamic H2S. Methods: Rats with central cannulas (drug microinjection) and intraperitoneal datalogger (temperature record) received a low‐dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 µg kg−1) daily for four consecutive days. Hypothalamic CBS expression and H2S production rate were assessed, together with febrigenic signalling. Tolerant rats received an inhibitor of H2S synthesis (AOA, 100 pmol 1 µL−1 icv) or its vehicle in the last day. Results: Antero‐ventral preoptic area of the hypothalamus (AVPO) H2S production rate and CBS expression were increased in endotoxin‐tolerant rats. Additionally, hypothalamic H2S inhibition reversed endotoxin tolerance reestablishing fever, AVPO and plasma PGE2 levels without altering the absent plasma cytokines surges. Conclusion: Endotoxin tolerance is not simply a reflection of peripheral reduced cytokines release but actually results from a complex set of mechanisms acting at multiple levels. Hypothalamic H2S production modulates most of these mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The community‐based management of Arapaima gigas for sustainable commercial use allows that wild fish legally harvested in the Brazilian Amazon supply the demand for exotic leather in the US, supporting the conservation of the forest and providing income for fishers communities if based in fair‐trade. We provide a more optimistic view than Heinrich et al. (2019) on the effects of international trade of arapaima leather in the conservation of the species in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique, as a qualitative and quantitative analysis, was used for inorganic chemical elements determination (K, S, Cl, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Pb, Zn, Rb, and Bi) in eyeshadows for safe human use. International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients standardized nomenclature was used for labels investigation to obtain data on legal regularity. Data of 23 samples were clustered by similarity, measuring relative concentrations of detected chemical elements. Calculating the correlation among such values, a similarity matrix was used to generate a dendrogram. Pb was found in samples silver color S12E and copper color S22I above permissible limits (20 μg/g). Same composition was reported for the pink (S01A), black (S02A), and brown (S03A) samples, but the same chemical elements were not detected by EDXRF in them. The best correlation was found between samples S08D and S23 J (0.961). The least correlation was 0.0012 between S01A and S12E. The clustering analysis showed 7 groups of similar samples according to EDXRF data. Relations among 6 eyeshadows' colors and chemical compositions were discovered by using decision trees, where the most determinant elements were Mn, S, Cl, Ca, and Fe, in this order. Commercial regularization and International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients standardization of eyeshadows in Brazil are not fully complied by the manufacturers of the investigated brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli ( DEC) pathotypes, a leading cause of diarrhea worldwide, among diarrheal and healthy children, up to 5 years of age, living in the city of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. DEC, investigated by PCR detection of virulence factor-encoding genes associated with the distinct pathotypes, was isolated from 18.0% of the patients, and 19.0% of the controls, with enteroaggregative E. coli ( EAEC), the most frequent pathotype, being detected in equal proportion between patients and controls (10.0%). Among the enteropathogenic E. coli ( EPEC) isolates, only one isolate was able to produce the localized adherence pattern to He La cells, being thus the only typical EPEC identified. All the remaining EPEC were classified as atypical (a EPEC), and detected in 8.0% and 8.5% of the patients and controls, respectively. Regarding the serotypes, 26.5% of the analyzed EPEC isolates belonged to classical EPEC-serogroups, and the only two STEC found were serotyped as O26:H11 (patient) and O119:H7 (control). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that 43.6%, 29.5% and 2.6% of the DEC isolates were resistant to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and gentamicin, respectively. Our data indicate that EAEC remains prevalent among children living in Botucatu, and revealed atypical EPEC as emerging putative diarrheal agents in this geographical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic profile of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection relative to polymorphisms rs12979860 and rs8099917 in gene IL28B and the association of those polymorphisms with the response to treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, performed at a reference center in Brazilian Amazonia. Methods. A total of 75 individuals with chronic hepatitis C and 98 healthy individuals from both genders over 18 years old were assessed. DNA samples were collected from leukocytes and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction to genotype polymorphisms rs12979860 and rs8099917. Results. Analysis of the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the investigated polymorphisms showed that both groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; polymorphism rs12979860 exhibited no significant difference between the groups. For polymorphism rs8099917, allele T was significantly less frequent (P = 0.0195) among the patients (63.3%) than the controls (75.5%), and the patients were 1.7 times as likely to exhibit allele G. No difference in response to treatment was associated with SNP patterns. Conclusion. The results suggest a possible association of SNP rs8099917 with higher odds of chronic HCV infection but do not indicate a putative influence of the investigated SNPs on the sustained virologic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first examples of phosphane-catalyzed [3+2] annulation of allenoates to 6-alkylidenepenicillanates leading to chiral spirocyclopentenyl-β-lactams are reported. The synthesis of this new type of β-lactams involved the generation of either two or three consecutive stereogenic centers, including a quaternary chiral center. Although the reported methodology is highly diastereoselective, the regioselectivity is dependent on the nature of the methylenepenicillanate derivative and on the nature of the allenoate γ-substituent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poly(dimethylamino methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) brush-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was used to test the switch properties of interfacial activity caused by bioelectrochemical signals. The swelling of the polymer brushes increased when the medium's pH changed from alkaline to acid after glucose was added to the system. A pH change generated in situ by means of biocatalytic reactions enabled bioelectrocatalytic interface's reversible activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methoxycarbonyl-, tert-butoxycarbonyl-, phenylcarbonyl- and methylcarbonyl-6-(Z)-alkylidenepenicillanates are transformed with diazomethane, phenyl- and diphenyldiazomethane leading to stereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions providing either single products or mixtures of two compounds as a result of a non-regiospecific addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]