Increased Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Activity in Zika Virus-Infected Mouse Brain: Implications for Therapy?

Congenital zika virus syndrome (CZS) has become a significant worldwide concern since the sudden rise of microcephaly related to zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil. Primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, ZIKV shares serologic similarities with dengue virus (DENV), complicating the diagnosis and/or clinical management. The Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) was associated with either neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory properties in the central nervous system (CNS). The possible role(s) of ACE in these two flaviviruses infection remain largely unexplored. In this study, we evaluate ACE activity in the brain of ZIKV- or DENV-infected mice, both compared to MOCK, showing about 30% increased ACE activity only in ZIKV-infected mice (p = 0.024), while no change was noticed in brain from DENV-infected animals (p = 0.888). In addition, the treatment with interferon beta (IFNß), under conditions previously demonstrated to rescue the normal size of microcephalic brains determined by ZIKV infection, also restored ACE activity in ZIKV-infected animals to levels close to that of the MOCK control group. Although inflammatory responses expected for either ZIKV or DENV infections, only ZIKV was associated with microcephaly, as well as with increased ACE activity and reversion by treatment with IFNß. Furthermore, this increase in ACE activity was observed only after intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection (F (2, 16) = 7.907, p = 0.004), but not for intraperitoneal (IP) administration of ZIKV (F (2, 26) = 1.996, p = 0.156), suggesting that the observed central ACE activity modulation may be associated with the presence of this specific flavivirus in the brain.

Validity of equations for estimating fat-free mass in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Equations estimating fat-free mass (FFM) in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) show differences in the validation process. The current study aimed to verify the validity of FFM estimation equations derived from bioelectrical impedance (BIA) in people living with HIV aged 40 years and older. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 68 participants evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and by two BIA devices (Analyzer and Biodynamics). The study aimed to determine the validity of six different FFM equations from four different studies by Lukaski and Bolonchuk (1987), Kotler et al. (1996), Beraldo et al. (2015) and Hegelund et al. (2017). Comparisons were made using the t-test or Wilcoxon test. To verify the validity between DXA and two BIA devices, the following statistical analyses were performed: Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination, standard error of the estimate, differences in the limits of agreement by Bland and Altman analysis, correlation between the average and the differences of the methods by Pearson or Spearman correlation. RESULTS: Only equation 2 of Kotler et al. (1996) for males by Biodynamics BIA showed no difference in FFM. The Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was excellent (0.96), irrespective of sex, for Equation 2 of Kotler et al. (1996) by BIA Analyzer. All equations were reproducible (>0.85). The coefficient of determination ranged from 68% to 92%, and the standard error of the estimates ranged from 1.8 kg to 5.0 kg. The differences between the limits of agreement ranged from 7.2 kg to 14.9 kg, and the correlations between the average and the differences of the methods showed differences in FFM for three equations (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The choice of equations must consider the equipment used and the sex of the sample investigated. Only Equation 2 of Kotler et al. (1996) was considered valid, irrespective of sex, to estimate the FFM by BIA Analyzer.

Association between neuroimaging and clinical outcomes in individuals with central nervous system cryptococcosis.

BACKGROUND: The radiological manifestations of central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis are diverse and often subtle. There is heterogeneity on how different neuroimaging patterns impact prognosis. This study aims to assess the association between the neuroimaging and clinical outcomes of CNS cryptococcosis. METHODS: All patients with CNS cryptococcosis between July 2017 and April 2023 who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. The primary outcome was mortality during hospitalisation. Secondary outcomes were readmission, ventricular shunting, duration of hospitalisation and time to the first negative cerebrospinal fluid culture. We compared the outcomes for each of the five main radiological findings on the brain MRI scan. RESULTS: We included 46 proven CNS cryptococcosis cases. The two main comorbidity groups were HIV infection (20, 43%) and solid organ transplantation (10, 22%), respectively. Thirty-nine patients exhibited at least one radiological abnormality (85%), with the most common being meningeal enhancement (34, 74%). The mortality rates occurred at 11% (5/46) during hospitalisation. We found no significant disparities in mortality related to distinct radiological patterns. The presence of pseudocysts was significantly associated with the need for readmission (p = .027). The ventricular shunting was significantly associated with the presence of pseudocysts (p = .005) and hydrocephalus (p = .044). CONCLUSION: In this study, there is no association between brain MRI findings and mortality. Larger studies are needed to evaluate this important issue.

Objectively measured physical activity among people with and without HIV in Uganda: associations with cardiovascular risk and coronary artery disease.

Background: Africa has a disproportionate burden of HIV-related cardiovascular disease. We aimed to describe physical activity in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people without HIV (PWOH) in Uganda and characterize its relationship with the presence of computed tomography angiography-detected (CCTA) coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Ugandan Study of HIV Effects on the Myocardium and Atherosclerosis using Computed Tomography (mUTIMA-CT) cohort. From 2017-2019, physical activity in PLHIV and PWOH was assessed by accelerometry over seven days. Participants additionally underwent CCTA. Univariable and multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to analyze the relationship between physical activity and CAD presence. Results: 168 participants were analyzed. The median (IQR) age was 57 (53-58) years old and 64% were female. Males had more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week [68 minutes (12-144) vs 15 minutes (0-50), P<0.001] and less light physical activity [788 minutes (497-1,202) vs [1,059 (730-1490), P=0.001] compared to females, but there was no difference by HIV status. After adjusting for age, which accounted for 10% of the variation in steps taken, and sex, no significant associations were found between physical activity and coronary plaque. Conclusion: Objectively measured physical activity was low compared to guideline recommendations, with males being somewhat more active than females and without significant differences by HIV status. Physical activity was not associated with the presence of CAD independently of age and sex.

Analysis of epidemiological and clinical aspects in cases of fungal osteomyelitis caused by non-Candida species.

Osteomyelitis caused by non-Candida species is rare and often neglected, and current recommendations are based on primarily clinical experience and expert opinion. The objective of this study was to describe a case series of non-Candida fungal osteomyelitis. This retrospective study included 10 patients with non-Candida fungal osteomyelitis. Patients with osteomyelitis and microbiologically confirmed non-Candida species from bone fragment cultures were selected from the institution Infection Control Board database. Fusarium spp. were the most commonly isolated fungus from bone fragment cultures in five patients (50%). The majority did not present immunosuppression. The most common etiology was post-traumatic (n = 7, 70%), particularly open fractures. All patients were treated with antifungals associated with surgery. The antifungals used were itraconazole in five patients (50%), and voriconazole in another five patients (50%), with a median duration of antifungal therapy of four weeks (range: 3-25). There were no observed deaths within 30 days and one year. An antifungal approach combined with surgical treatment demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes, including low mortality rates and effective remission.

Fatal hepatic mucormycosis in an allogeneic hematopoietic-stem cell transplanted patient: Case report of a rare presentation and review of the literature.

Hepatic mucormycosis is a rare condition. Our objective is to report a case in a HSCT patient and to perform a review of the literature. A 36-year-old man with acute myeloid leukemia, performed a haploidentical HSCT. In D+132, when treating acute GVHD with methylprednisolone and etanercept, a hepatic abscess was diagnosed. Puncture of the abscess was performed, and fungal hyphae were visualized. The culture of the aspirate identified Mucor sp. Sequencing confirmed the isolate as Mucor indicus. The patient died despite the use of Amphotericin B. Our search identified 24 hepatic mucormycosis reports. Fifteen (62.5 %) were male and 79.1 % were immunocompromised. Fever accompanied with abdominal pain was present in 41.6 %. Twelve (50.0 %) had multiple hepatic lesions. Mortality rate was 45.8 % (n = 11/24). In conclusion, the most common clinical presentation of hepatic mucormycosis in immunocompromised patients might be abdominal pain and fever, along with hepatic abscess findings in abdominal imaging exams.

Repeated doses of captopril induce airway hyperresponsiveness by modulating the TRPV1 receptor in rats.

Although TRPV1 receptors play an essential role in the adverse effects on the airways following captopril treatment, there is no available evidence of their involvement in treatment regimens involving repeated doses of captopril. Comparing the difference in these two treatment regimens is essential since captopril is a continuous-use medication. Thus, this study explored the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the effects of captopril on rat airways using two treatment regimens. Airway resistance, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted in rats administered with single or repeated doses of captopril. This study showed that the hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin and capsaicin in captopril-treated rats was acute. Treatment with the selective B2 antagonist, HOE140 reduced bradykinin hyperresponsiveness and abolished capsaicin exacerbation in single-dose captopril-treated rats. Likewise, degeneration of TRPV1-positive neurones also reduced hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin. Single-dose captopril treatment increased leukocyte infiltration in the BAL when compared with the vehicle and this increase was reduced by TRPV1-positive neurone degeneration. However, when compared with the vehicle treatment, animals treated with repeated doses of captopril showed an increase in leukocyte influx as early as 1 h after the last captopril treatment, but this effect disappeared after 24 h. Additionally, an increase in TRPV1 expression occurred only in animals who received repeated captopril doses and the degeneration of TRPV1-positive neurones attenuated TRPV1 upregulation. In conclusion, these data strongly indicate that a treatment regimen involving multiple doses of captopril not only enhances sensitisation but also upregulates TRPV1 expression. Consequently, targeting TRPV1 could serve as a promising strategy to reduce the negative impact of captopril on the airways.

Role of TRPA1 in the pharmacological effect triggered by the topical application of trans-anethole in mice.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of topical trans-anethole, a natural compound found in anise, star anise, and fennel essential oils, and its relationship with the transient receptor potential of ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). METHODS: The effects of topical anethole were assessed by eye wiping, nociceptive behaviour, and ear oedema in mice. Histological evaluations were performed on the ears of the animals topically treated with anethole. RESULTS: Anethole caused less eye irritation than capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist) and allyl isothiocyanate (a TRPA1 agonist). Anethole (250 and 500 nmol/20 µL/paw) promoted neurogenic nociception in the paw (20.89 ± 3.53 s and 47.56 ± 8.46 s, respectively) compared with the vehicle (0.88 ± 0.38 s). HC030031 (56.1 nmol/20 µL/paw), a TRPA1 antagonist, abolished this nociceptive response. Anethole (4, 10, and 20 µmol/20 µL/ear) induced ear oedema (30.25 ± 4.78 µm, 78.00 ± 3.74 µm, and 127.50 ± 27.19 µm, respectively) compared with the vehicle (5.00 ± 0.5 µm). HC030031 (56.1 nmol/20 µL/ear) inhibited the oedema induced by anethole (10 µmol/20 µL/ear). Ears pre-treated with anethole or allyl isothiocyanate on the first day and re-exposed to these compounds on the third day showed a reduction in oedema (68.16 ± 6.04% and 38.81 ± 8.98.9%, respectively). Cross-desensitisation between anethole and allyl isothiocyanate was observed. Histological analysis confirmed the beneficial effects of anethol. CONCLUSION: As repeated topical applications of anethole induce the desensitisation of TRPA1, we suggest its clinical application as a topical formulation for treating skin diseases or managing pain associated with this receptor. Anethole may also have advantages over capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate because of its low pungency and pleasant aroma.

The ICOPE-WHO and the IVCF-20: a critical view of the Handbook for Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in Primary Care / O ICOPE-OMS e o IVCF-20: observações críticas sobre o Manual de Avaliação Multidimensional da Pessoa Idosa para a Atenção Primária à Saúde

O rápido envelhecimento populacional impulsiona iniciativas com o objetivo de otimizar a saúde da população idosa em todo o mundo. Recentemente, no Brasil, foi publicado pelo Conselho Nacional dos Secretários de Saúde (CONASS) o Manual de Avaliação Multidimensional da Pessoa Idosa, que propõe a adoção combinada e em larga escala da ferramenta de triagem do ICOPE da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e do instrumento Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico-Funcional-20 (IVCF-20) para definir linhas de cuidado à pessoa idosa. Embora iniciativas dessa natureza sejam prementes, os instrumentos propostos ainda não têm validação adequada na população brasileira, e a sua utilização com o objetivo de balizar diretrizes em saúde em todo o território nacional parece precipitada e arriscada. Diante disso, propõe-se um debate amplo e urgente entre os especialistas da área, com o objetivo de planejar políticas de saúde pública eficazes e seguras para a população idosa brasileira. (AU)

Rapid population aging is driving initiatives aimed at optimizing the health of older populations worldwide. In Brazil, the National Council of State Secretaries of Health (CONASS) recently published the Handbook for Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in Primary Care, which proposes the combined, large-scale adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) ICOPE screening tool and the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20) instrument to define care pathways for older people. Although there is a pressing need for initiatives of this nature, the proposed instruments have not yet been adequately validated in the Brazilian population, and their use for the purpose of establishing countrywide health guidelines appears hasty and risky. Therefore, we propose a broad, urgent debate among experts in the field with the aim of planning effective and safe public health policies for the Brazilian older population. (AU)

Qualitative Description of Exercise Perceptions and Experiences Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the High-Intensity Exercise to Attenuate Limitations and Train Habits Study.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of physical activity (PA), specifically exercise, among older adults in general are well known. Yet globally, there is concern regarding limited engagement in PA, increased obesity, and frailty among older people with human immunodeficiency virus related to low levels of PA. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews among 30 older, sedentary people with human immunodeficiency virus participating in the ongoing High-Intensity Exercise to Attenuate Limitations and Train Habits (HEALTH study, NCT04550676) between February 2021 and August 2022. A semistructured interview guide, informed by two minds theory, which frames behavior change as an intention-behavior gap between 2 neurocognitive systems, was used to elicit data from participants. Interviews explored general exercise perceptions, self-efficacy for exercise, mobile health intervention tailoring, outcome expectations, and PA goals. Thirty interviews from 33 participants were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and deductive and inductive thematic analysis were used using Dedoose. RESULTS: Physical activity was defined as maintaining daily living activities and addressing health goals. Previous experiences with PA varied among participants and were influenced by chronic illnesses, including human immunodeficiency virus; motivation; work commitments; interest; and social support. Reported barriers to PA included antiretroviral adverse effects, comorbidities, aging, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in health status, body changes, and relationships were identified as benefits of PA. Conversations with healthcare providers supporting exercise goals were perceived to be important but rarely received by the participants. CONCLUSION: Understanding how older people with human immunodeficiency virus perceive PA is crucial to developing tailored strategies and structuring service delivery within the healthcare setting to promote a physically active life.

Mechanistic insights on the antibacterial action of the kyotorphin peptide derivatives revealed by in vitro studies and Galleria mellonella proteomic analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The selected kyotorphin derivatives were tested to improve their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. The antimicrobial screening of the KTP derivatives were ascertained in the representative strains of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: Kyotorphin derivatives, KTP-NH2, KTP-NH2-DL, IbKTP, IbKTP-NH2, MetKTP-DL, MetKTP-LD, were designed and synthesized to improve lipophilicity and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Peptides were synthesized by standard solution or solid-phase peptide synthesis and purified using RP-HPLC, which resulted in >95 % purity, and were fully characterized by mass spectrometry and 1H NMR. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determined for bacterial strains were between 20 and 419 µM. The direct effect of IbKTP-NH2 on bacterial cells was imaged using scanning electron microscopy. The absence of toxicity, high survival after infection and an increase in the hemocytes count was evaluated by injections of derivatives in Galleria mellonella larvae. Proteomics analyses of G. mellonella hemolymph were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of antibacterial activity of IbKTP-NH2 at MIC. RESULTS: IbKTP-NH2 induces morphological changes in bacterial cell, many differentially expressed proteins involved in DNA replication, synthesis of cell wall, and virulence were up-regulated after the treatment of G. mellonella with IbKTP-NH2. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this derivative, in addition to its physical activity on the bacterial membranes, can elicit a cellular and humoral immune response, therefore, it could be considered for biomedical applications.

Paracoccidioidomycosis after eyebrow micropigmentation: Unusual reactivation or a new form of transmission by cutaneous inoculation?

We report a case of unusual paracoccidioidomycosis reactivation after eyebrow micropigmentation in a Brazilian patient. The cutaneous lesion was the only clinical manifestation. Direct cutaneous inoculation in dermal tissues with Paracoccidioides sp. is extremely rare, explaining why paracoccidioidomycosis is not classically considered a cutaneous implantation mycosis.

Restoration of degraded estuarine and marine ecosystems: A systematic review of rehabilitation methods in Europe.

This article provides a comprehensive study of ecosystem rehabilitation methods widely used in the 21st century, focusing on Europe. The review covers the evolution and trends in scientific article publication, identification of European countries demonstrating high publication outputs, collaboration patterns, leading journals, and thematic areas. Additionally, it examines primary stressors in European aquatic ecosystems, and different methods and treatments commonly employed for remediation purposes. The analysis of selected articles revealed a significant increase in studies over time, driven by public awareness and financial incentives from national, European and global organizations. Italy, Portugal and Spain were the leading countries in degraded ecosystem rehabilitation studies, mainly focusing on remediating contaminated areas where metals were identified as the primary stressor (chemical pollution). Chemical remediation method emerged as the most used, closely followed by biological remediation method, which have gained prominence in recent years due to their ecological, economic, and social combined benefits. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate a growing trend towards the combined use of more than one treatment/method to rehabilitate ecosystems, particularly with biological treatments. This combined approach has the potential for synergistic effects in achieving more effective rehabilitation and their sustainability in the long term, thus, a focus for future research.

Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of central nervous system sporotrichosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical features of central nervous system (CNS) sporotrichosis are derived from case reports and a limited series of cases. Our objective was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of CNS sporotrichosis. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS on 9 September 2023. Our inclusion criteria were documentation of Sporothrix and demonstrated CNS involvement. A metaproportion or metamean analysis was performed to estimate a summary proportion with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: We included 52 cases of CNS sporotrichosis published from 1966 to 2023. Forty-six patients were male (88%, 95% CI: 77-95), and the mean age was 39 years (95% CI: 36-43). Close contact with cats was reported in 55% of cases (95% CI: 37-72). Thirty-two (61.5%) patients were from Brazil, 18 patients from the United State of America (34.6%). Only two Sporothrix species were reported: S. schenckii (26/41, 63%), and S. brasiliensis (15/41, 37%). The most common neurological symptom was headache. Meningitis was chronic in approximately 80% of cases. A significant majority of the patients were immunocompromised. HIV infection was the primary cause of immunosuppression (85%, 95% CI: 61-95). Overall mortality was 56% (22/39). The comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a higher mortality with a statistically significant difference in immunosuppressed patients (p = .019). CONCLUSION: CNS sporotrichosis represents a notable cause of chronic meningitis, especially in individuals living in the Americas with HIV infection and concurrent skin lesions.

Acculturation and glycaemic control in Arab immigrants with type 2 diabetes in Australia.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to investigate acculturation's direct and mediated effects on HbA1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes from Arabic-speaking countries that are members of the Arab League who have emigrated to Australia. METHODS: In this multicentre cross-sectional study, we recruited 382 Arabic-speaking immigrants who were born in any of the 22 countries of the Arab League and who had type 2 diabetes from different healthcare settings in Australia. HbA1c levels were retrieved from medical records. A validated self-report questionnaire was used to assess behavioural and psychosocial outcomes. Acculturation was measured using the General Acculturation Index and the Adherence to Traditional Values tool. We used structural equation modelling to test mediation hypotheses. RESULTS: Participants had a mean HbA1c value of 63.9 mmol/mol (8.0%), a low acculturation level (mean±SD: 1.9±0.6; range: 1-5) and highly adhered to traditional values (mean General Acculturation Index value: 3.7±0.7; range: 1-5). Higher HbA1c was associated with lower acculturation levels (Pearson correlation coefficient [r] = -0.32, p<0.01) and higher adherence to traditional values (r=0.35, p<0.01). Self-efficacy, health literacy and self-care activities partially mediated the relationship between acculturation and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Among Arab immigrants in Australia with type 2 diabetes, the degree of acculturation is related to glycaemic control, suggesting possible avenues for new interventions.

The Predictive Value of Sepsis Scores for In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Left-Sided Infective Endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: As infective endocarditis has particular characteristics compared to other infectious diseases, it is not clear if sepsis scores are reported with good accuracy in these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the qSOFA and SOFA scores to predict mortality in patients with infective endocarditis. METHODS: Between January 2010 and June 2019, 867 patients with suspected left-sided endocarditis were evaluated; 517 were included with left-sided infective endocarditis defined as "possible" or "definite" endocarditis, according to the Modified Duke Criteria. ROC curves were constructed to assess the accuracy of qSOFA and SOFA sepsis scores for the prediction of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The median age was 57 years, 65% were male, 435 (84%) had pre-existing heart valve disease, and the overall mortality was 28%. The most frequent etiologies were Streptococcus spp. (36%), Enterococcus spp. (10%), and Staphylococcus aureus (9%). The sepsis scores from the ROC curves used to predict in-hospital mortality were qSOFA 0.601 (CI95% 0.522-0.681) and SOFA score 0.679 (CI95% 0.602-0.756). A sub-group analysis in patients with and without pre-existing valve disease for SOFA ≥ 2 showed ROC curves of 0.627 (CI95% 0.563-0.690) and 0.775 (CI95% 0.594-0.956), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: qSOFA and SOFA scores were associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patients with infective endocarditis. However, as accuracy was relatively lower compared to other sites of bacterial infections, we believe that this score may have lower accuracy when predicting the prognosis of patients with IE, because, in this disease, the patient's death may be more frequently linked to valvular and cardiac dysfunction, as well as embolic events, and less frequently directly associated with sepsis.

Brief Report: Relationship Between Adiposity and Biomarkers of Aging and Frailty Among Adults Aging With HIV.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationships among adiposity, handgrip, physical function, inflammation (ie, senescence-associated secretory phenotype chemokines as biomarkers of aging and frailty), and sex hormones in aging people with HIV. METHODS: This cross-sectional exploratory study included 150 people with HIV aged ≥40 years (67.3% of participants were male). Our measures included (1) body mass index and waist circumference as measures of adiposity; (2) handgrip as a measure of muscle strength; (3) short physical performance battery as a measure of physical function; (4) interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 also known as fractalkine as senescence-associated secretory phenotype chemokines; and (5) free testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone as sex hormones. Quantile regression analyses were used to identify relationships among inflammatory markers and hormones with age, adiposity, handgrip, and physical function. RESULTS: Overall, 74% (n = 111) of participants were classified as overweight or obese and 53.3% (n = 80) presented with abdominal obesity. After controlling for age and sex, body mass index was positively associated with estradiol (ß = 0.043, P < 0.01), and waist circumference was positively associated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (ß = 2.151, P < 0.01). After controlling for sex, age was positively associated with C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (ß = 0.024, P = 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II (ß = 2.205, P = 0.01). After controlling for age and sex, short physical performance battery was negatively associated with dehydroepiandrosterone (ß = -0.004, P = 0.01); no statistically significant associations were observed for handgrip. CONCLUSION: Adiposity levels and aging were associated with inflammation (ie, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein) among people with HIV aged 40 years and older.

Metabolic profiling of Lomatozona artemisiifolia Baker plants grown in vitro and collected from nature using molecular networking and chemometric analysis.

Brazilian Cerrado is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot due to the presence of endemic species with great biological potential. Particularly, Lomatozona artemisiifolia, is a rare species found in the Cerrado region in midwestern Brazil. Efforts have been made for its conservation in the Cerrado, such as the use of in vitro micropropagation, demanding a comparative analysis between grown plants and those collected from nature. For this purpose, we performed the chemical study of L. artemisiifolia by LC-ESI-MS/MS and molecular networking analysis in the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) with in silico annotation using Network Annotation Propagation (NAP), which led to the observation of labdane diterpenes and flavonoid subclasses as the most representative specialised metabolites of this plant. In addition, molecular networking and chemometric analysis were correlated, allowing the metabolite profile emerging from field growth and micropropagation conditions to be observed.

Cutaneous Naganishia albida (Cryptococcus albidus) infection: a case report and literature review.

Naganishia albida (Cryptococcus albidus) is considered saprophytic fungi, and is rarely reported as a human pathogen. Cutaneous infections caused by non-neoformans cryptococcus are rare. We describe a case of an immunocompetent older male with cutaneous cryptococcosis caused by Naganishia albida following skin trauma, and conduct a literature review in PubMed, Lilacs, and Embase. Only six previous similar reports were found. The seven cases (including ours) were widely distributed geographically (Brazil, the US, the UK, Hungary, South Korea, and Iran), all males, and their ages varied, ranging from 14 to 86 years. Four individuals had underlying skin diseases (Sezary Syndrome, psoriasis, and skin rash without etiology) plus potentially immunosuppressive underlying conditions (diabetes mellitus, kidney transplantation, and the use of etanercept, adalimumab, and methylprednisolone). Cutaneous presentation was polymorphic, with lesions characterized as warts, ulcers, plaques, and even macules. Two patients presented disseminated disease. Serum cryptococcal antigen was negative in six patients, and diagnosis was made by fungal culture in all. There is a lack of data on optimal antifungal treatment and outcomes.

Using seagrass as a nature-based solution: Short-term effects of Zostera noltei transplant in benthic communities of a European Atlantic coastal lagoon.

Seagrass meadows provide several ecological functions that improve the overall ecological health of coastal systems and therefore, it is urgent to promote the restoration of such habitats. In Ria de Aveiro, a coastal lagoon in the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, a restoration initiative was responsible for transplanting the dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltei into a highly degraded area. This eelgrass was used as a nature-based solution (NbS) to mitigate some of the impacts of historical mercury contamination. Comparisons of key-species features (density and biomass), and some community-derived indicators (total density and biomass, species richness and Shannon-Wiener index) between the transplanted seagrass patch, their bare vicinities, and their counterpart habitats on the source area, provided signs of the effectiveness of the restoration action on the benthic communities' recovery. Indicators were higher within the restored meadow, and biomass derived indicators of the restored meadow were similar to the source meadow.