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Bone and mineral metabolism abnormalities are frequent in kidney transplant recipients and have been associated with cardiovascular morbidity. The primary aim of this study was to analyse the association between routine clinically available biochemical evaluation, non-routine histomorphometric bone evaluation, and vascular disease in kidney transplanted patients. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 69 patients, 1-year after kidney transplantation. Laboratory analysis, radiography of hands and pelvis, bone biopsy, bone densitometry, and coronary CT were performed. One-year post-transplantation, nearly one-third of the patients presented with hypercalcemia, 16% had hypophosphatemia, 39.3% had iPTH levels > 150 pg/mL, 20.3% had BALP levels > 40 U/L, and 26.1% had hypovitaminosis D. Evaluation of extraosseous calcifications revealed low Adragão and Agatston scores. We divided patients into three clusters, according to laboratory results routinely used in clinical practice: hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism (Cluster1); hypercalcemia and high BALP levels (Cluster2); hypophosphatemia and vitamin D deficiency (Cluster 3). Patients in clusters 1 and 2 had higher cortical porosity (p = 0.001) and osteoid measurements, although there was no difference in the presence of abnormal mineralization, or low volume. Patients in cluster 2 had a higher BFR/BS (half of the patients in cluster 2 had high bone turnover), and most patients in cluster 1 had low or normal bone turnover. Cluster 3 has no differences in volume, or turnover, but 60% of the patients presented with pre-osteomalacia. All three clusters were associated with high vascular calcifications scores. Vascular calcifications scores were not related to higher bone mineral density. Instead, an association was found between a higher Adragão score and the presence of osteoporosis at the femoral neck (p = 0.008). In conclusion, inferring bone TMV by daily clinical biochemical analysis can be misleading, and bone biopsy is important for assessing both bone turnover and mineralization after kidney transplantation, although hypophosphatemia combined with vitamin D deficiency is associated with abnormal mineralization. The presence of hypercalcemia with high levels of PTH or high levels of BALP, or hypophosphatemia and vitamin D deficiency should remind us to screen vascular calcification status of patients.Clinical Research: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02751099.

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p> Red macroalgae represent an underexplored yet promising resource due to their rich composition in proteins, pigments, and bioactive compounds with potential uses in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. However, despite their abundance in coastal regions many species remain neglected and the development of efficient extraction and valorisation methods is still limited. This work assesses the optimization of protein and phycoerythrin extraction from three abundant red macroalgae species, <jats:italic>Grateloupia lanceola</jats:italic> , <jats:italic>Asparagopsis taxiformis</jats:italic> , and <jats:italic>Nemalion elminthoides</jats:italic> collected in Madeira island. Its major objective was to study a new biorefinery concept. The response surface methodology (RSM) results indicate that <jats:italic>G. lanceola</jats:italic> , harvested from offshore fish farms, exhibits the highest concentrations of both protein (2967 mg L <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> ) and phycoerythrin (212 mg L <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> ) when subjected to specific extraction parameters such as higher biomass weight (400 g) and increased number of cycles (18) using the Solid–Liquid Extraction system. In contrast, <jats:italic>A. taxiformis</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>N. elminthoides</jats:italic> demonstrated varied extraction patterns, with <jats:italic>A. taxiformis</jats:italic> producing substantial protein concentrations (328 mg L <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> ) but lower phycoerythrin yields (11 mg L <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> ). Sequential biorefinery methods were also employed to obtain bioactive compounds, and polysaccharides extracts. <jats:italic>G. lanceola</jats:italic> yields the highest concentration of soluble proteins (6.25 ± 0.59 g (100 g) <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> dw) and polysaccharides (11.13 ± 4.85 g (100 g) <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> dw), while <jats:italic>N. elminthoides</jats:italic> showed superior bioactive extract concentration (11.81 ± 0.31 g (100 g) <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> dw). The phenolic content in bioactive extracts has also been assessed using the Folin Ciocalteu method, finding a significant variation in total phenolic content among the species (1.38 ± 0.22 and 5.16 ± 0.06 mg GAE g <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> dw). The chromatographic analysis, formed by a Waters HPLC system and a photodiode array detector (Waters 2996) allowed to detect phenolic compounds within the bioactive extract, which include protocatechuic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. Furthermore, the agronomic potential of the biorefinery residues was explored, revealing high nitrogen and phosphorus contents in liquid and solid residues, suggesting their potential to be used as biofertilizers. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable extraction processes for bioactive compounds from red macroalgae, enhancing the efficiency of biorefinery strategies and promoting the marine biomass valorization. </jats:p>

The global occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment has been considered a particularly concerning problem with unknown consequences. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including diclofenac (DCF) and salicylic acid (SA), are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world, being consequently commonly found in the aquatic environment. Prolonged experiments (with duration of exposure that surpass those recommended by already established testing guidelines) are important to obtain ecologically relevant data to address the issue of NSAIDs ecotoxicity, because by being more realistically (namely in terms of levels and durations of exposure), such tests may indicate realistic challenges posed to aquatic organisms. Among the most common test species that are used for assessing environmental quality, plants play a leading role. Lemna species are among the most important plants used for ecotoxicity testing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal effect of a prolonged exposure of DCF and SA on Lemna minor. To attain this purpose, L. minor plants were chronically exposed to 0, 4, 20, and 100 μg/L of both pharmaceuticals, and samplings were performed at 6, 10 and 14 days of exposure. The analyzed endpoints were: levels of chlorophyll a, b and total, carotenoids; and enzymatic biomarkers, such as catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferases. Diclofenac was responsible for alterations in all analyzed parameters in different intervals of exposure. Salicylic acid exposure was not capable of causing alterations on pigment contents of L. minor, however, enzymatic biomarkers were altered at all sampling intervals. Thus, it is possible to conclude that both pharmaceuticals can cause damage on the tested macrophyte species, biochemical parameters being more sensitive than physiological ones. Additional prolonged experiments are required to understand the chronic effects of different pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment, especially in plants.

The Neolithic was a period of important cultural transformations across different regions. Applying state-ofthe-art geoarchaeological techniques to archaeological sites from this period has shown to contribute relevant data on site formation processes and occupation dynamics. Combined microcontextual and biomolecular analysis of archaeological combustion features helps us approach fuel use, often associated to dung residues in Neolithic contexts, which offer an insight into herding strategies. Here, we present micromorphological, microremains (fecal spherulites, ash pseudomorphs, and phytoliths), and biomarker data (n-alkanes, fecal sterols, and bile acids) obtained from a Neolithic combustion feature at Abric del Xicoto´ (Alo` s de Balaguer, Lleida, Spain). Preliminary data shed light on the functionality of the combustion feature, the presence of husbandry activity at the rockshelter, and the nature of the animals and their diet. This research adds detail to the existing Neolithic archaeological record of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula.

Based on the importance of establishing reference laboratory values for each species and its groups, the main objective of this study was to establish physiological reference parameters for the variables associated with the energy, protein and mineral profile in Creole donkeys (Equus asinus) from Colombia. Serum biochemical tests were performed on blood samples from 85 male donkeys aged 4 to 15 years using spectrophotometry. The average values obtained for the determined energy profile were: glucose 53.26 ± 13.76 mg / dL, cholesterol 61.53 ± 54.3 mg / dL and triglycerides with 62.28 ± 29.88 mg / dL. The mean values of the constituents of the analyzed protein profile were: total proteins was 6.31 ± 0.65 g / dL, albumin 3.04 ± 1.26 g / dL, globulins 3.34 ± 1.45 g / dL , Urea 34.56 ± 10.23 mg / dL and BUN of 17.73 ± 4.98 mg / dL. The mean values obtained for mineral metabolites were: calcium of 10.72 ± 1.52 mg / dL, phosphorus 3.25 ± 1.7 mg / dL and magnesium 3.12 ± 1.07 mg / dL. The results indicate that there are differences compared to donkeys of other breeds and different geographic conditions. These results may be useful in the veterinary clinical routine for the diagnosis, monitoring and control of diseases.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is used as an immunosuppressive agent and its prominent side effect is the induction of gingival overgrowth, which remains a significant problem. The risk factors appraised include the duration of treatment. However, there are no stereological and biochemical studies exploring the effects of long-term CsA therapy on gingival tissue. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the level of TGF-beta1 in saliva and describe the densities of fibroblasts and collagen fibers in the gingival tissue of rats treated with CsA for long periods. Rats were treated for 60, 120, 180 and 240 days with a daily subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg of body weight of CsA. At the end of the experimental periods, saliva was collected for the determination of TGF-beta1 levels. After histological processing, the oral epithelium and the connective tissue area were measured as well as the volume densities of fibroblasts (Vf) and collagen fibers (Vcf). After 60 and 120 days of CsA treatment, there was a significant increase in Vf and Vcf as well as a significant increase in TGF-beta1 levels. After 180 and 240 days, reduction in the gingival overgrowth associated with significant decreases in the level of TGF-beta1, and also decreased Vf and Vcf, were observed. The data presented here suggest that after long-term therapy, a decrease in TGF-beta1 levels occurs, which might contribute to an increase in the proteolytic activity of fibroblasts in the gingiva, favoring the normality of extracellular matrix synthesis.

Soybeans in natura can be used in the feed of confined animals as a source of protein and energy. We measured consumption, performance, in vivo biometry, and metabolic profiles lambs fed whole grain soybean in natura. We used Ile de France breed lambs, weaned and confined in a completely randomized design with six repetitions and three treatments: Control, soybean grain (SG) 6.25%, and SG 14% (based on dry matter) in feed. The control and SG 6.25% groups showed higher average daily gain (0.296 kg/day) and total weight gain (17.57 kg) than did the SG 14% group. There were no differences among groups in terms of consumption of dry matter, protein, neutral detergent fiber, acidic detergent fiber, or feed conversion. The inclusion of soybean grain was associated with linear increases in consumption of ethereal extract, and in percentage of live weight. There were no differences among groups in terms of concentrations of studied metabolites. Regarding in vivo biometrics, the control treatment and SG 6.25% groups were superior in terms of conformation and body conditions. Inclusion of soybean whole grain in natura in the feed of confined lambs may be reduced consumption of dry matter and average daily weight gain.

This study aimed to evaluate the leaf primary metabolism in two woody species, Sterculia foetida and Bombacopsis glabra. Both species have seeds rich in oil and they are largely found in regions with irregularities in water availability. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse from seeds. At 140 days after emergence, 50% of the plants were subjected to salt stress for 23 days, daily receiving 100 mM of NaCl solution. In both species, leaf stomata conductance and water potential decreased quickly under salt stress. The two species showed different strategies in photosynthetic pigment concentration and components of nitrogen metabolism. S. foetida kept the pigment concentration unchanged after 23 days of stress, while B. glabra increased concentration of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. S. foetida showed a high leaf concentration of K+ in stressed plants and a Na+/K+ ratio without differences when compared to control. Thus, S. foetida presented a better ionic balance, while B. glabra invested in photoprotection. Therefore, both species present potential to be planted in Brazilian Northeast, where water deficit and salt stress are challenging for annual crops.