Maiko L Tonini

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This study focused on how well pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are being used among gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Among 1,139 participants, 21.4% used PrEP and 20.5% used PEP, but usage was notably lower among individuals of mixed race (pardo), highlighting a gap in access. It’s important because while many (86.3%) expressed a desire to access PrEP through public healthcare, actual usage remains low, indicating a need for better healthcare policies to ensure everyone can get these preventive services. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those at higher risk for HIV, and healthcare providers focused on HIV prevention.

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This study looked at how losing certain genes on chromosome 9 can make cancer cells dependent on other genes, specifically focusing on a gene called HBS1L. Researchers found that when cancer cells have a specific deletion that includes the FOCAD gene, they become reliant on HBS1L, and without it, the tumors stop growing. This is important because it highlights a potential target for new treatments for cancers with these specific genetic deletions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with tumors that have FOCAD deletions.

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This study looked at how levels of HPV circulating tumor DNA (HPV-ctDNA) in the blood can be used to track how well advanced HPV-related cancers are responding to a combination of treatments called pembrolizumab and vorinostat. Researchers found that higher HPV-ctDNA levels were linked to worse treatment responses, specifically a lower overall response rate and shorter survival times. For example, increased HPV-ctDNA during treatment was associated with a response rate decrease (P = 0.01) and decreased progression-free and overall survival (both P = 0.01). Who this helps: This research benefits patients with advanced HPV-related cancers by providing a way to monitor their treatment response more effectively.

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Researchers studied a drug called TNG908, which targets a specific protein that gets overactive in cancers lacking a gene called MTAP, found in about 10-15% of all cancers. They found that TNG908 effectively attaches to and inhibits this protein in cancers missing the MTAP gene, showing strong effectiveness in lab models and even the ability to reach the brain, which is important for treating brain tumors. This is significant because it could lead to a new treatment option for patients with certain hard-to-treat tumors, including glioblastoma. Who this helps: This helps patients with tumors that have the MTAP deletion.

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This study looked at how certain genetic factors might affect the severity and death rates of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients in Brazil. Researchers examined the levels of key proteins involved in the virus's interactions with the body and the presence of a specific genetic variation. While age was linked to more severe cases and higher mortality (with older patients more affected), the particular genetic variation studied did not seem to impact these outcomes, though another genetic factor increased the risk of severe illness by about 39%. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand which patients may be at higher risk for severe COVID-19, allowing for better treatment and management.

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Researchers studied how certain compounds can specifically target cancer cells that lack the MTAP gene. They discovered new drugs that can more effectively bind to a protein called PRMT5 in a way that makes them kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. By changing how these drugs work, they found they could better treat these types of cancer, which is important because up to 15% of some cancers show the MTAP gene deletion. Who this helps: This finding benefits cancer patients with MTAP gene deletions.

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This study is about a new cancer treatment called TNG462, which targets a specific type of cancer that often has a gene deletion called MTAP. Researchers found that TNG462 is a stronger and more focused inhibitor of the PRMT5 protein, which plays a role in the growth of these cancer cells, and it is currently being tested in early clinical trials. This development is important because it could lead to more effective treatments for cancers that have this specific gene deletion, which occurs in about 10-15% of all cancer cases. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancers that have the MTAP gene deletion.

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This study examined different blood tests to see how well they detect syphilis in Brazil. Among 250 participants, 125 tested positive for syphilis using a quick test, and 97.6% of those were also confirmed by a more detailed test called ELISA. The findings show that these tests are highly accurate, with sensitivities and specificities between 93% and 98% for detecting the disease, which is important for improving diagnosis and treatment efforts. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of syphilis and healthcare providers involved in testing and treatment.

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This study looked at a combination treatment of two drugs, pembrolizumab and vorinostat, in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) from various sources. It found that 39% of patients with cervical cancer and 31% with anal cancer showed a positive response to the treatment, while the overall response rate across all patients was 26%, with an average survival time of about 11 months. This research matters because it offers hope for better treatment options in certain types of SCC, but also highlights significant side effects that need further investigation. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinomas, particularly those with cervical or anal cancer.

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This study looked at how common HIV is and what social factors influence its spread in southern Brazil, where the virus has been a significant problem. Researchers tested nearly 8,000 adults and found that about 1% had HIV, with higher rates (1.64%) in the Rio Grande do Sul metropolitan area. They discovered that people's socioeconomic status played a big role in whether they had HIV, underscoring the need for better policies to address social inequalities and improve testing for those who might not know their HIV status. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in lower socioeconomic groups, and healthcare providers working to prevent and treat HIV.

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This study looked at how Magellanic penguins navigate back to their colonies while swimming through changing tidal currents. Researchers found that when the currents were calm, the penguins swam directly home, but when the currents were stronger, they adjusted their paths to take advantage of the water flow, which helped them save energy and find more food. They discovered that the penguins' paths often formed an "S" shape, allowing them to return home efficiently even in challenging conditions. Who this helps: This benefits the penguins by helping them conserve energy and find food more effectively.

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This study looked at how effective and cost-efficient it would be to expand tuberculosis (TB) screening and prevention treatment in Brazil, Georgia, Kenya, and South Africa. It found that by 2050, implementing a comprehensive intervention could reduce TB cases by about 15% in Brazil, 14% in Georgia, 21% in Kenya, and 26% in South Africa compared to maintaining the current approach. Although this plan requires significant funding—up to 67% of the national TB budget in some countries—it could save lives and offers good returns on the investment made. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of tuberculosis, healthcare providers, and public health systems.

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This study investigated traditional animal medicine practices used by herders in southwestern Angola. Researchers interviewed 434 people and identified 89 different plants and animals used to treat 16 livestock diseases, including contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, which was the most commonly mentioned illness. The findings highlight a rich variety of knowledge among different ethnic groups and point out that some traditional practices and species are at risk due to environmental changes and human impact, stressing the importance of integrating this knowledge into broader veterinary care efforts. Who this helps: This benefits livestock farmers, veterinarians, and conservationists.

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Researchers developed a new drug called TNG908 that selectively targets and kills cancer cells that have lost a specific gene, leading to the accumulation of a compound called MTA. In their tests, TNG908 was found to be 15 times more effective at killing these cancer cells than those with the gene intact. This is important because TNG908 can potentially treat various brain and other tumors that have this genetic deletion. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients with specific genetic deletions in their tumors.

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This study looked at various mouse models used to research a liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which affects humans in similar ways. The researchers found that mice following a Western diet were the closest match to human liver disease, while models lacking choline induced rapid damage but didn't closely mimic human cases. This ranking is important because it helps scientists choose the best mouse models for studying the disease, which can lead to better treatments for people. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on liver disease treatments.

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This research examined how land use and land cover has changed in the Lake Kivu area of Rwanda from 1990 to 2020. It found that forest cover decreased from 26.6% to 18.7% and agricultural land increased from 27.7% to 43% between 1990 and 2000, largely due to conflicts and population changes, but there was some recovery with forest cover rising to 24.8% by 2020 thanks to sustainable development efforts. The study predicts future land use scenarios for 2030 and 2050, emphasizing the importance of urban proximity and population density in shaping these changes, and suggests following a Green Growth Economy approach to support conservation and land restoration. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and conservationists working on sustainable development in Rwanda.

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This study looked at how common a specific type of germ, Streptococcus pneumoniae, was found in people showing COVID-19 symptoms in Brazil. Out of 1,644 participants, 14.9% were found to carry this germ, with the highest occurrence being a type called 19A, which appeared in 25.2% of cases. This is important because many vaccines do not protect against this type, showing the need for ongoing monitoring to improve vaccination strategies and public health. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials by guiding vaccination policies.

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This study looked at 46 cases of breast infections caused by a specific type of bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Brazil. The researchers found that 93% of these infections were caused by a strain known as USA300, which is particularly tough to treat. This discovery is important because it highlights the spread of this resistant strain in breast infections, which could lead to challenges in treatment and recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients who may be at risk of breast infections, as well as doctors treating these cases.

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This study looked at how the herbicide Glyphosate, commonly found in Roundup, affects human cells and their ability to repair DNA damage. Researchers exposed human kidney cells to different concentrations of Glyphosate and found that the highest concentrations (70, 700, and 3,500 micrograms per liter) caused increased DNA damage, with cells exposed to the highest concentration unable to repair the damage even after 4 hours. This matters because Glyphosate is present in food and can affect human health by damaging DNA, potentially increasing cancer risk. Who this helps: This information is important for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers focused on public health and food safety.

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This study looked at the financial impact of tuberculosis (TB) on households in Brazil from 2019 to 2021. It found that nearly half (48.1%) of the households affected by TB faced costs exceeding 20% of their annual income, with those suffering from drug-resistant TB faring even worse at 78.5%. These high costs often stemmed from nutritional supplements and medical expenses, despite TB treatment being free in the public health system. Who this helps: This research helps patients and policymakers understand the economic challenges faced by TB-affected households.

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This study looked at Brazil's ability to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are essential components of medicines. It found that only 5% of the APIs needed by Brazilian companies are made in Brazil, indicating a strong reliance on imports and highlighting the country's vulnerability in healthcare. As the global market for APIs is expected to grow significantly, reaching nearly $356 billion, boosting domestic production could lead to more reliable medicine availability and lower costs for Brazil. Who this helps: This benefits patients by ensuring better access to medicines made within Brazil.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients who were hospitalized, specifically how their ability to exercise and quality of life were impacted six months after they left the hospital. The researchers found that these patients had significantly lower exercise capacity compared to healthy individuals; for example, they had a peak oxygen consumption of 83%, compared to 95% for the controls. This matters because it highlights that many COVID-19 survivors experience lasting health issues, affecting their daily lives and overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on a protein called POLIE in the Trypanosoma brucei parasite, which causes sleeping sickness in humans. The researchers found that when POLIE is depleted, telomeres—protective caps on the ends of chromosomes—become longer and experience more problems during copying, leading to increased genetic diversity in the parasite. Specifically, they observed a 10-fold increase in telomerase activity, which helps extend these telomeres, and an increase in telomeric circles, indicating instability. Understanding how POLIE works is important because it reveals new details about how this parasite maintains its genetic material and evades the human immune system. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying sleeping sickness and developing treatments for it.

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This study looked at how plastic waste from coastal cities and fishing activities affects southern giant petrels in Argentina. Researchers tracked 31 of these birds and found that they often traveled to areas with high plastic pollution, with 93.9% of their locations overlapping with debris hotspots. Young petrels were more exposed to plastic from cities, but overall, they encountered 10% more debris from fisheries, indicating that improving waste management in fishing could significantly protect these birds. Who this helps: This research helps conservationists and wildlife managers working to protect seabirds and reduce ocean pollution.

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This study looked at two computer-driven methods for mapping landforms in mountain areas: Direct Sampling (DS) and Random Forest (RF). The researchers found that both methods worked well overall, but DS produced clearer maps by considering how different landforms relate to each other. This matters because it makes mapping in challenging alpine regions more efficient and accurate, potentially leading to better environmental management. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and land planners.

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This study looked at how children's immune systems respond to COVID-19 compared to adults. Researchers found that children quickly develop a strong immune memory focused on certain virus components, particularly the nucleocapsid, and their antibody levels increase over time. However, these antibodies may not effectively protect against some virus variants, highlighting a need for vaccinations in children to better prepare them against COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps children, their parents, and healthcare providers.

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The study looked at how people with migraines, their caregivers, and doctors experience and understand the condition. It gathered 107 stories from patients, 26 from caregivers, and 45 from clinicians, revealing that migraines severely impact daily life, including work and home activities. The findings highlight the significant burden migraines place on both patients and caregivers, which is often underestimated, and emphasize the need for better awareness and support in clinical practice. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with migraines, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

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This study examined how often scientists should correct the movement paths of animals tracked by GPS to ensure accuracy. The researchers found that dead-reckoning, a method that tracks movement based on sensors, showed higher errors, especially for animals moving through air or water. By refining how often corrections are made, they can improve the accuracy of tracking these animals and better understand their behaviors and interactions with their environments. Who this helps: This helps ecologists and wildlife researchers understand animal movement more accurately, which can inform conservation efforts.

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This study looked at how larvae of a type of marine worm called nemerteans spread across different regions in the Southwest Atlantic. Researchers found that these larvae can live in the water for up to 30 days and their movement is mostly influenced by ocean currents rather than swimming, meaning they can travel across biogeographic boundaries without getting stuck. This understanding is important because it helps explain how populations of nemerteans can remain genetically similar over wide areas, which is useful for managing marine life and fishing resources. Who this helps: This benefits marine biologists and fisheries managers responsible for sustaining fish and invertebrate populations.

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This study looked at a new way to treat leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites, by using tiny particles filled with a compound called octyl gallate. The researchers found that these particles could kill nearly three times as many parasites compared to octyl gallate alone, while not harming human blood cells. This is important because it offers a potentially more effective and safer treatment option for leishmaniasis at a time when effective medicines are hard to find. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from leishmaniasis.

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This study looked at how certain proteins work together to create essential iron-sulfur clusters in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which can cause sleeping sickness. Researchers found that two versions of a protein, TbCIA2A and TbCIA2B, interact differently with another protein, TbCIA1, and that shutting down most of the proteins in this system hurt the parasite's growth in culture. Specifically, when these proteins were reduced, there was less iron available for proteins, leading to decreased activity of an important enzyme. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying parasitic diseases and could lead to new treatments for patients affected by infections like sleeping sickness.

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This study looked at 84 patients with a heart condition called constrictive pericarditis, focusing on their symptoms, diagnostic tests, and factors that predicted death after surgery. Researchers found that most patients showed symptoms of right heart failure, like swelling and breathing difficulties, and that while imaging tests like cardiac MRI were very effective in diagnosing the condition (with a 95.9% success rate), echocardiograms were much less effective (53.6%). Important factors linked to a higher risk of death included having anemia, high levels of certain proteins, severe lung hypertension, and irregular heartbeats. Who this helps: This research helps doctors treat and manage patients with constrictive pericarditis more effectively.

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This study looked at noroviruses, which cause stomach bugs in people worldwide, particularly in children. Researchers found a new type of norovirus called GII.P16-GII.4 Sydney in Brazil for the first time, appearing in 26.8% of the samples from children with gastroenteritis. This discovery is important because it helps track the spread of different norovirus strains and could affect how future outbreaks are managed. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and pediatricians who treat young patients.

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This study looked at the psychological and eating behavior traits of 79 women with a condition called normal weight obese (NWO) syndrome, which means they appeared to be a healthy weight but had a high percentage of body fat. The researchers found that nearly half (48.1%) of the women were classified as NWO, and these women showed higher levels of issues related to eating disorders compared to those who were lean or overweight, specifically indicating feelings of body dissatisfaction and a strong desire to be thinner. Understanding NWO is important because it is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, and identifying these psychological aspects may help in treating patients better. Who this helps: This helps patients with NWO syndrome and healthcare professionals looking to understand and manage their condition.

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Researchers studied how local communities in Mopane woodlands of southern Angola use wild plants for food and medicine. They found that people reported using 132 different plant types, with 116 used for medicinal purposes and 33 for food. For instance, 52 of the medicinal plants treat digestive issues and 25 are used for colds, highlighting the communities' deep knowledge of these plants and their importance in their everyday lives. Who this helps: This study benefits local communities, health practitioners, and researchers interested in traditional medicine.

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This study examined wildfires in Portugal, focusing on how different weather conditions and fire management strategies affect where and when fires occur. The researchers found that specific weather patterns contribute to the clustering of fires, confirming two different fire patterns across the country due to varying climates. Their evaluation showed that a national fire prevention policy has been effective in reducing fire incidents, demonstrating the importance of good data in understanding fire behavior. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and fire management officials.

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This study examined eye function in 28 patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy, a condition that can cause vision problems. Researchers found that these patients had significant changes in their eye responses compared to 27 healthy individuals, including a 24.7% decrease in important electrical signals from the eyes and increased response times. These findings suggest that regular eye tests can help doctors monitor and adjust treatments for better vision management. Who this helps: This helps patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how organizations fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in India and Vietnam operate in different ways due to local government rules and funding priorities. It found that while the HIV epidemic has harmed gay men significantly, it has also helped these organizations gain attention and support for their cause. This matters because it highlights how health issues can create opportunities for advancing human rights, shaping the experiences of LGBT individuals in both countries. Who this helps: This helps LGBT individuals and organizations seeking recognition and support in India and Vietnam.

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This research paper focuses on acute pericarditis, a common condition where the lining around the heart becomes inflamed, often due to viral infections. It accounts for about 5% of chest pain cases in emergency rooms. The study highlights that most patients respond well to treatment with anti-inflammatory medications and typically feel better within a few days, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and management. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing chest pain and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at a new way to deliver a potential treatment for skin leishmaniasis using tiny oil drops called nanoemulsions, specifically focusing on a compound known as synthetic chalcone. Researchers found that a formulation with soybean lecithin and polysorbate 20 worked best, showing a drug content of 91% and improving the compound's ability to penetrate skin, with an impressive retention rate of 3.03 micrograms per gram of skin. This is important because it suggests that these nanoemulsions could be a more effective way to treat skin leishmaniasis. Who this helps: This benefits patients with skin leishmaniasis and their doctors.

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Researchers created and tested a series of new compounds to see if they could kill parasites that cause Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) and leishmaniasis (Leishmania amazonensis). They found that six of these compounds were effective against Chagas, with the ability to kill at concentrations between 7 and 249 micromoles, and eight compounds were effective against leishmaniasis, with concentrations as low as 0.6 micromoles. Two of the compounds showed particularly promising results, being effective at very low doses and with a good safety profile, which is important for future treatments. Who this helps: Patients suffering from Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.

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This study focuses on ocular syphilis, a rare eye condition linked to the sexually transmitted infection syphilis. Researchers found that uveitis, an inflammation of the eye, is the most common ocular issue related to syphilis, affecting 1-5% of patients referred to specialized eye centers. Timely diagnosis and treatment with penicillin can effectively cure most cases, highlighting the importance of recognizing syphilis in patients showing symptoms like eye inflammation, especially those with high-risk sexual behaviors or other STDs. Who this helps: This helps patients with syphilis and eye conditions, as well as doctors diagnosing and treating these issues.

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This research studied the effectiveness of 17 new chemical compounds against parasites that cause diseases like leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. The most effective compounds were N-tetradecyl-1,4-butanediamine, which was especially strong against leishmania, and N-decyl-1,6-hexanediamine, which was more than six times stronger than the standard treatment for Chagas disease. These findings are important because they could lead to new, more effective treatments for these diseases that currently lack sufficient options. Who this helps: Patients suffering from leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.