Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, is crucial for keeping homeostasis during and after infections. Cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is an inhibitor of death receptor-mediated apoptosis, of which three isoforms have been characterized so far. While the isoforms c-FLIP long and c-FLIP short are well characterized, the function of c-FLIP R remains poorly understood. To study the role of c-FLIP R in influenza A...

Background Chronic inflammatory pain is associated with persistent sensory and immune dysregulation. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of two cannabinoids formulations—Cannabigerol (CBG) and Standardized Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract (FULL) in a preclinical model of acute and Chronic inflammatory pain and examined their effects on peripheral and central inflammatory mediators. Methods Cannabinoid analgesic effects were as...

Atta robusta is a narrow endemic leaf-cutting ant restricted to restinga habitats along Brazil’s southeastern coast. Despite its conservation status, little is known about its evolutionary history and genetic structure. Here, we investigate patterns of genetic variation in A. robusta using mitochondrial (COI–IGS–tRNALeu–COII) and nuclear (EF1alpha copy one) DNA markers sampled across its known range. We assess genetic diversit...

This study aimed to evaluate the exposure of Chelonia mydas (green turtles) inhabiting the south coast of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, to essential and toxic elements. Concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined in shell, muscle, liver, and kidney samples from 43 individuals using ICP-OES. Element concentrations varied according to tissue type. Specifically, the average concentrations of A...

Winery wastewater contains readily biodegradable organic matter, but some of its components can inhibit anaerobic microbial activity. This study compares two enriched microbial consortia, derived from anaerobic digester sludge (ADS) and mining-process wastewater (MPW), exposed to alcohols, carboxylic acids, and phenolics. Assays were conducted in acetate–fumarate-based media containing low or high concentrations of each compou...

Objective To develop an endoscope reprocessing system using ozonated water jets. Methods The system features a jet head with concentric orifices that moves vertically to disinfect the external surface of the endoscope. Simultaneously, ozonated water is injected into the internal channel to ensure complete disinfection. Endoscopes were experimentally contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . Quantitative an...

Aim We investigate the distribution of dispersal modes — endozoochory (via animal ingestion), synzoochory (via animal seed accumulation) and anemochory (via wind)—and seed mass of woody plants across Brazilian ecosystems, testing whether their relative abundance in local plant communities could be predicted by climate, edaphic factors and dispersal agents (e.g., the main vectors moving seeds). We expected climate to be the mai...

Potato yield is highly dependent on phosphorus (P) availability. Although high rates of P fertilizers are commonly applied to potatoes even in high P test soils, the efficiency of these practices is questionable. Foliar P fertilization, particularly during the tuber bulking stage, has emerged as a potential complementary strategy. This study aimed to evaluate whether adjusting the conventional P application rate at planting an...