State University of Maringá

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) represents the second cause of vaginal infections in childbearing-age women. It mainly affects the vulva and vagina; however, other organs can be compromised, with consequences that are not well known yet. To evaluate the ability of Candida albicans, inoculated into the vaginal lumen of mice, to migrate to the uterus and ovaries. Female Balb/c mice, 6 weeks old, were estrogenized and infected intravaginally with 1 × 106 CFU/ml of C. albicans for the dual objectives of histopathological evaluation and fungal burden quantification in the vaginal, uterus, and ovary tissues, on days 1, 3, and 5 post-infection. Estrogenized and infected mice presented vaginal exudate and an edematous and erythematous uterus. Vaginal histopathological analysis showed intense desquamation, keratinization, fungal structures, and an inflammatory reaction one day after infection. In the uterus, an inflammatory response and a few fungi from the third day onwards were observed. Similarly, the ovary showed the same changes, but at a lower intensity. A high fungal burden was detected in the vaginal tissue from the first day, reaching nearly 6 log CFU/g on the fifth day. C. albicans inoculated into the vaginal lumen of estrogenized mice was able to invade the vaginal tissue one-day post-infection and was detected in the uterus and ovaries within three days.

This study introduces a mathematical model of a sustainable electricity generation system whose energy source is from aluminum and water. The system is composed by a batch reactor for greenhouse gas-free hydrogen (H2) generation, a gas dehumidifier, a 5 kW Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) stack and ancillary equipment. A transient mathematical model for hydrogen and electricity generation was conceived based on mass, energy and species conservation principles, and was experimentally validated. The mobile system prototype was mounted on an automotive trailer with the intention to be applied as a range extender (REX) device to electric vehicles (EV) or even provide total independence of battery charging stations, assuming that aluminum, water and catalyst (NaOH) are available. The numerical results were shown to be in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with experimental data and give insight on the main operating parameters that must be considered to control the system. Notably, the approach contributes to mitigate adverse environmental effects associated with fossil fuel use, leveraging residual aluminum—an abundant global waste. In essence, the herein sustainable, in situ production of green hydrogen and electricity places the hydrogen generation & fuel cell system technology in the category of a clean and renewable energy source. Therefore, the system is expected to be applicable to electric vehicles, all electric ships and stationary distributed power generation.

Despite the emergence of the first human papillomavirus vaccine, the incidence of cervical cancer is still responsible for more than 350,000 deaths yearly. Over the past decade, ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73/5′-NT) and extracellular adenosine (ADO) signalling has been the subject of many investigations to target cancer progression. In general, the adenosinergic axis has been linked to tumourigenic effects. However, CD73 can play contradictory effects, probably dependent on the tumour type, tumour microenvironment and tumour stage, thus being in some circumstances, inversely related to tumour progression. We herein reviewed the pathophysiological function of CD73 in cervical cancer and performed in silico analysis of the main components of the adenosinergic signalling in human tissues of cervical cancer compared to non-tumour cervix tissue. Our data showed that the NT5E gene, that encoded CD73, is hypermethylated, leading to a decreased CD73 expression in cervical cancer cells compared to normal cells. Consequently, the high availability of ADO cytoplasmatic/extracellular leads to its conversion to AMP by ADK, culminating in global hypermethylation. Therefore, epigenetic modulation may reveal a new role for CD73 in cervical cancer.

We evaluated whether the taxonomic (TD), functional (FD), and proxy for phylogenetic (PPD) diversity of endoparasites differ among fish species from the upper Paraná River floodplain. We compared the different facets of biodiversity (TD, FD, and PPD) at the sampling unit level (α-diversity or parasite diversity at the level of a host individual) and among sampling units (parasite diversity within (β1) or between (β2) host individuals of a species). We found that the α-diversity of the infracommunities was strongly affected by the host species, and we found differences mainly at the level of taxonomic and proxy for phylogeny. At the β1 level, parasitic communities of fish of the same species tended to be more similar. At the β2 level, the parasitic communities differed significantly from randomness, indicating that the similarity of the infracommunities was lower than the simulated values. These results suggest that the composition of endoparasite infracommunities, in terms of species and phylogeny, is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the host species (e.g., trophic level, feeding, trophic category, length body, weight body, etc.), which are crucial for the acquisition of parasites, primarily because parasites rely on trophic interactions to reach their hosts.

The current study focuses on the screening and quantification of capsaicinoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, alongside the evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant and antifungal activities, in eighteen varieties of red pepper (Capsicum spp.). For this, a miniaturized analytical approach, based on μ-QuEChERS method combined to HPLC–DAD, was developed for the first time. The developed method was validated and met all analytical performance criteria. The amounts of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin found for all pungent red pepper varieties evaluated ranged from 110 to 5213 mg kg⁻¹ and 51 to 2433 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, with the highest abundance as “Brazilian Moruga” variety. Despite cytotoxicity response, the red pepper extracts revealed antioxidant and antifungal potential against some Candida species, which increases as higher the amounts of capsaicinoids. Overall, this study will contribute for the expansion of future applications for red pepper extracts as well as provide a powerful analytical tool, the μ-QuEChERS method, for capsaicinoids analysis.

Compositionally complex doping of spinel oxides toward high-entropy oxides is expected to enhance their electrochemical performance substantially. We successfully prepared high-entropy compounds, i.e., the oxide (Zn 0.25 Mg 0.25 Co 0.25 Cu 0.25 )Fe 2 O 4 (HEOFe), lithiated oxyfluoride Li 0.5 (Zn 0.25 Mg 0.25 Co 0.25 Cu 0.25 ) 0.5 Fe 2 O 3.5 F 0.5 ...

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding Lacticaseibacillus casei as probiotic culture and/or camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pulp on the chemical profile, technological, functional, and sensory properties, phenolics concentration and bioaccessibility, and microbiota of kombucha. Adding L. casei decreased some volatile compounds and fruity flavor intensity and increased the Lactobacillus relative abundance (+35.73 %) and lactic acid content (from 1.26 to 1.54 g/L), decreasing flavor and overall impression acceptances. Adding camu-camu pulp resulted in more acidic products (pH of 2.75 vs 3.24), with a higher concentration of some phenolic compounds. The kombucha with L. casei and camu-camu pulp was characterized by a higher concentration of citric and acetic acids, ethanol, ascorbic acid, and most of the phenolic compounds and volatile compounds, higher bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, increased consistency index, improved functional properties (inhibition of α-glucosidase and antioxidant activity), and better sensory properties. Furthermore, it showed an increased relative abundance of Lactobacillus (+15.11 %) and a decreased relative abundance of Acetobacter (−5.56 %) and Komagataeibacter (−9.12 %) compared to the conventional kombucha. L. casei survived the processing (> 7 log CFU/mL) and simulated gastrointestinal conditions (>5 log CFU/mL). In conclusion, the association of L. casei and camu-camu pulp resulted in potentially probiotic kombuchas with improved chemical profile, functional, technological, and sensory properties, phenolic compounds concentration and bioaccessibility, and bacterial microbial diversity.

World demand for wood products and the shortage of good quality lumber species are exerting pressure on native forests. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Eremanthus erythropappus crude oil in improving the resistance of Pinus taeda wood to Rhodonia (≈Postia) placenta, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Neolentinus lepideus (brown rot) and Pycnoporus sanguineus (white rot) in accelerated laboratory decay tests. Test samples measured 1.90 × 1.90 × 1.90 cm. Oil was applied to wood surfaces using a brush to obtain nominal retentions of 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg of oil per m³ of wood. After treatment, the samples reached average retentions of 16.25, 28.75, 41.50, and 53.75 kg m⁻³, respectively, and were submitted to a soil block decay test (accelerated decay test) for 12 weeks. Increased oil retention caused a decline in the mass loss of Pinus taeda wood exposed to the fungi tested. A retention of 16.25 kg m⁻³ inhibited Rhodonia placenta degradation and prevented other xylophagous fungi attacks. The most severe decay occurred with Rhodonia placenta and the least with Pycnoporus sanguineus. Oil improved Pinus taeda resistance to the decay fungi, indicating that it is useful for treating wood in contact with domestic animals and humans, since it is not toxic to them. Keywords: Biological assays; Natural products; Wood protection

An explicit solution for linear control systems on Lie groups is presented using the variation of parameters method. This solution is formulated as a series of Lie brackets, and the convergence of these series is analyzed. Additionally, a concept of equivalence between two elements within this class is introduced.

Biodegrabable and edible coatings were applied on fresh strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch), ‘Camarosa cultivar’, produced in organic system and stored at 10ºC for nine days. Color, mass loss, incidence of rottenness and chemical analyses contents was evaluated. Suspension of cassava starch and grains of kefir milk reduced evolution of fruit coloration when compared uncoated fruits. Treatment associated cassava starch and kefir liquid resulted in a lower rottenness incidence and less mass loss of the fruits, is therefore recommended for postharvest organic strawberries. Anthocyanin and titrable acidity contents increased during storage, regardless of the treatments in general.

To determine the nutritional quality of the lipid segment in tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) during different periods of development (alevins and juveniles), the total lipids (TL), linolenic (LNA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DHA), linoleic (LA) and arachidonic (AA) acids were quantified , and the lipid nutritional quality indexes were calculated for the tilapia. The lipid profile showed that the species present high indexes of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in both development phases. The indexes of nutritional quality of lipids, atherogenic index (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI) present low values and represent beneficial health effects, both in the alevin and juvenile fish. The quantifications of LNA, EPA, DHA, LA and AA show the greatest values (mg/g of total lipids) for the juveniles. However, regardless of the development phase in which the tilapia is, the fish may be considered a source of essential fatty acids a kind of potential and nutritional food, reflecting beneficial effects for consumer’s health.

Floodplains function as global hotspots for the natural production of methane. Some of this methane can be oxidized by methanotrophic bacteria and assimilated into their biomass before reaching the atmosphere. Consequently, aquatic invertebrates that feed on methanotrophic bacteria may transfer methane-derived carbon to higher trophic levels in the aquatic food chain. Our objective was to investigate the proportion of methanederived carbon in the biomass of apex fish across 34 lakes from four major Neotropical floodplains (Amazon, Pantanal, Araguaia, and Paran´ a) using stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C). We found that methane-derived carbon contributed between 5 % and 16 % to the biomass of 37 apex fish species, providing, for the first time, evidence of the fish's role in the methane cycle in the Neotropics. Consumers in the Amazon and Pantanal floodplains, the largest and most significant regions for methane production, exhibited higher levels of methane-derived carbon in their biomass (11.06 ± 2.87 % and 9.84 ± 3.08 %, respectively). These results underscore the role of aquatic consumers in mitigating methane emissions in floodplains, as methane oxidation and assimilation are linked to reduced emissions. Therefore, conserving fish assemblages in floodplains through strategies that maintain the natural dynamics of these ecosystems is essential for controlling natural methane emissions.

Background: Aspirin is largely used for cardiovascular prevention. While its adverse effect on bleeding is well-documented, the prevalence of anemia remains uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis on how low-dose aspirin affects hemoglobin and other hematologic parameters in the elderly. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for studies comparing the hematological parameters and the prevalence of anemia between low-dose aspirin (≤325 mg) and non-aspirin users in individuals aged older than 60 years. We pooled mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes and odds ratio (OR) for binary outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), under a random-effects model for both. Results: Seven studies were included, including three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), totaling 19,792 participants. Among them, 9,771 (49.3%) were treated with aspirin; 55.4% were women and 44% had a history of smoking. There was no significant difference in anemia prevalence (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.52-1.38; p = 0.50). Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MD 0.06 pg; 95% CI -0.37 to 0.49; p = 0.79), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MD -0.31 fl; 95% CI -1.17 to 0.56; p = 0.49), and hemoglobin concentration (MD -0.02 g/dL; 95% CI -0.26 to 0.21; p = 0.85) between the two groups. However, hemoglobin decline from baseline was higher in aspirin users (MD -0.11 g/dL; 95% CI -0.17 to -0.05; p = 0.0002; I2 = 0%). Discussion: Our study employs rigorous methodology and a substantial patient cohort, marking the first quantitative meta-analysis in the past decade. Limitations include diverse study designs, short follow-up durations, gender-specific anemia criteria, and insufficient ferritin and iron levels data. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that while low-dose aspirin does not increase anemia prevalence, it is associated with declining hemoglobin levels over time.