Hot Topics in Biomedical Sciences

Abstract

It is a pleasure to introduce the Special Issue "Hot Topics in Biomedical Sciences" from the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC). We are glad to gather both original papers and reviews from research groups located in different Brazilian regions, permeating topics such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Immunology, Medicine, Biophysics and Neuroscience.A revision discusses the mechanisms through which the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans causes brain damage, focusing on the interaction of host cells with the microorganism. Immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to this infection. Furthermore, regarding infection by fungi, an original paper evaluated the prevalence of Candida strains resistant to fluconazole (a widely used anti-fungal drug) in a Brazilian University Hospital. This study stresses the need for rational use of antifungal drugs and the development of compounds that block the efflux pumps that mediate active transport of antifungals.In the past few years, there is an increase in families that do not vaccinate their children. This resistance may be related tin the increased incidence of infectious diseases, which are easily controlled through vaccination. Based on this analysis, a revision addresses some epidemiological aspects and displays possible arguments that could explain why diseases such as measles, polio, pertussis, diphtheria and tuberculosis are still a threat.In addition, an interesting review describes a plethora of genome modification methods, focusing on transgenic mice models, which allowed great advances in the study of several human diseases. The authors describe the discovery and upgrade of new techniques, discussing their limitations and applications for biomedical research.New therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders are also addressed in the present issue. In this scenario, a review focused on the use of mesenchymal stem cells as an interesting alternative for the treatment of these disorders. In another manuscript, the authors suggested the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. In this original paper the authors evaluate the effects of omega-3 on interleukines and neurotrophin levels in an animal model for schizophrenia. Furthermore,

Editors of Brazilian journals - a hard life that is getting harder!

“…Issues such as scientific integrity (e.g., Vasconcelos et al 2015) and the need of internationalization (e.g., Madeira and Marrenco 2016), for example, are high on the present scientific agenda. The same happens with editors, working very hard to attract relevant manuscripts for their journals, including the publication of special issues (e.g., Cordeiro and Schuck 2015), raising the need for early preparation. As a matter of fairness to authors and editors, the extension of funding for longer periods might not be that much to ask for.…”

Niche overlap analysis of a lizard assemblage from the Atlantic Rainforest, evaluation of arsenic toxicity in cladocerans, and molecular biology of mycoplasmas

“…The fi rst one, entitled Hot topics in Biomedical Sciences (Cordeiro and Schuck 2015), was quite well received and more such collective papers are to follow.…”