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Abstract The term ‘boldo’ is popularly used in the Amazon region to refer to different plant species. This study aimed to identify the chemical profile, evaluate the antioxidant potential and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of leaf infusions of fresh samples of Plectranthus barbatus, Plectranthus ornatus, Gymnanthemum amygdalinum, and Peumus boldus commercially acquired at different retail venues in Manaus and Itacoatiara (AM), Brazil. The compounds tentatively identified included the alkaloids N-methyllaurotetanine, N-methylcoclaurine, isoboldine, and norisoboldine in P. boldus leaves; the flavonoid glycosides luteolin 7-O-glucoside and quercetin 3-O-glucoside, along with diterpenoid coleon H, in P. ornatus; the flavonoid glycoside isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside and rosmarinic acid in P. barbatus; and the flavonoid glycoside apigenin 7-O-glucoside, toguether with 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, in G. amygdalinum. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, with P. boldus exhibiting the highest activity among the samples at 1073.33 μM ET. The remaining extracts showed moderate anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. In the in silico prediction assay, luteolin 7-O-glucoside showed the strongest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, with a binding energy of -10.4 kcal.mol-1. This study enhances the understanding of the chemical and biological knowledge of P. barbatus, P. ornatus, G. amygdalinum, and P. boldus.

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Abstract Tribulus terrestris (Zygophylaceae) has been used by traditional medicine as tonic, aphrodisiac and diuretic agent, as well as to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, the vascular effect of Tribulus terrestris fruits is poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess effect of Tribulus terrestris fruit preparations on rat aortae. Dried crude ethanol deriving from Tribulus terrestris fruit extract (CE) was partitioned to produce hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), butanol (BuOH) and methanol/water-soluble (MWS) fractions. These preparations had their phytochemical profile assessed though UPLC-ESI-MS. Concentration-response curves plotted for CE, or for its fractions, were built in precontracted vessels with, or without, intact endothelium. Cumulative addition of both CE and its fractions (0.1-1,000 µg/mL) to a phenylephrine-induced precontracted vessel (10-7 M) promoted vasorelaxant effect in a concentration-dependent manner, and it did not depend on the vascular endothelium. EtOAc (1,000 µg/mL) applied to endothelium-denuded rings has fully inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions. Likewise, EtOAC (1,000 µg/mL) added to nominally Ca2+-free depolarizing solution inhibited CaCl2-induced contractions. UPLC-ESI-MS analyses have indicated that EtOAC is rich in cinnamic acid amide derivatives. Altogether, the herein analyzed data suggest that the vasorelaxant effect of EtOAc can likely be attributed to the blockage of voltage-gated calcium channels.

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Abstract Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a chronic, multifactorial condition, heightens mortality risks and can exacerbate comorbidities with age due to indiscriminate alcohol consumption. Ingesting food before and during alcohol intake can attenuate peak blood alcohol concentration. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Optimized Food Bar for Blood Alcohol Reduction (OFBAR) in healthy individuals. A four-way Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial enrolled twenty participants, incorporating four alcohol intake intervention, each with different meal conditions (fasting, OFBAR, control meal, full meal), randomized and alternated. Participants underwent morning testing with randomly assigned meals prior to vodka consumption (0.35 g/kg for men and 0.30 g/kg for women). Blood alcohol concentration was measured via breathalyzer for 90 minutes. Post-intervention, participants assessed meal impressions and satiety. Both OFBAR and the control meal reduced alcohol absorption by approximately 30% compared with fasting, as assessed by relative bioavailability based on area under curve (AUC0–t). OFBAR emerged as a viable method, yielding fewer calories than control meal, nutritional value, and convenience. Participants favored its organoleptic attributes, reporting satisfactory satiety without excess. Encouraging strategies like OFBAR could mitigate acute intoxication and associated repercussions, such as accidents, violence, or health deterioration.

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Abstract The present study aimed to determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the miRNA27a rs895819, miRNA222 rs2858060 and miRNA499 rs3746444 polymorphisms and their possible association with endometriosis. This case-control study consisted of 143 women; 54 had endometriosis (case group) and 89 had no endometriosis (control group) ant the polymorphisms were determined by real-time PCR. For the statistical analysis, the chi-square was used to compare genotypic and allelic frequencies, estimate the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and logistic regression test. There were no significant differences in genotype frequencies between case and control of miRNA27a rs895819 (X² = 2.57; p = 0.27) and of miRNA499a rs3746444 (χ2 = 3.65; p = 0.16), in other hand, exist a difference (X² = 8.42; p = 0.01) for miRNA222 rs2858060. Patients and controls were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium to rs895819, however to the polymorphisms rs2858060 and rs 3746444 were in disequilibrium to the controls. In the sample analyzed, the rs895819 polymorphism of miRNA-27a and the rs3746444 miRNA-499a are not associated with endometriosis, while the miRNA-222 rs2858060 displays a preliminary and exploratory indication of association. This work represents an advance in endometriosis genetics since it reveals a link between endometriosis and miRNA variants.

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Abstract Diseases caused by mosquito-borne pathogens have spread globally, posing a growing threat to public health. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of breeding sites and properties that were positive for the presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the health macro-regions of Santa Catarina, between 2013 and 2023, seeking to identify seasonal and geographic occurrence patterns to support vector control strategies. This is an ecological study with secondary data provided by the Diretoria de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Estado de Santa Catarina (DIVE, State of Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate), tabulated by year and macro-region, including mosquito samples grouped by property and breeding site category. Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed, followed by Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner multiple comparisons - DSCF. The analysis revealed that 5.78% of the populations were of Aedes albopictus and 94.22% of Aedes aegypti. The macro-region with the most Aedes aegypti populations was the Grande Oeste, and the most critical year was 2023. The Planalto Norte and Nordeste had the highest concentration of Aedes albopictus, peaking in 2022. Commercial and residential properties were the most affected. The disparities observed between macro-regions, years, and species suggest that regional and temporal factors play an important role in the distribution of mosquitoes.

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Abstract Osteospermum moniliferum is an unexplored shrub with regard to its pharmacological properties. In this study, the antioxidant potential of O. moniliferum was evaluated using the 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The DPPH assay indicated that the stem methanolic extract demonstrated the most pronounced scavenging capability (83.16%) at the minimal concentration of 15 mg/mL, with IC50 values recorded at 5.08 mg/mL. The IC50 values obtained from the FRAP assay were suboptimal for the leaf extracts (>1000 µg/mL), whereas the stem extracts exhibited remarkable activity, with values of 2.75 mg/mL for methanol, 3.52 mg/mL for chloroform, and 4.49 mg/mL for hexane extracts. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against three human cell lines, viz. breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), embryonic kidney (HEK293) and lung carcinoma (A549), using the (MTT) assay. Moderate activity was observed for the leaf (44.66±0.09 µg/µL) and stem (47.37±0.08 µg/µL) hexane extracts for the HEK293 cell line. In contrast, stem methanol, leaf methanol, leaf chloroform and stem chloroform extracts had low cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 cell line. All extracts exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings could potentially contribute to the advancement of naturally derived compounds used in healthcare.

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Abstract The study aimed to develop polymeric films incorporating açaí oil for potential applications in food packaging, analyzing physicochemical, mechanical, and antifungal properties. The açaí palm tree, native to the Amazon region, is recognized for its oil rich in bioactive compounds, with beneficial health properties, including antimicrobial and antifungal activity. The preparation process involved dissolving sodium alginate in distilled water, mixing with açaí oil, adding glycerol and dihydrate calcium chloride, followed by solution deposition onto Petri dishes and drying in an oven. The films were evaluated for continuity, homogeneity, transparency, flexibility, moisture content, solubility, thickness, and water vapor permeability. Results indicated that the formulated films were suitable, with good continuity, homogeneity, and flexibility. Moisture content varied between 10.59% and 44.01%, correlating with glycerol concentration. Water solubility ranged from 4.89% to 52.94%, with positive quadratic effects of alginate concentration and linear effects of glycerol and açaí oil concentration. Higher glycerol concentrations increased moisture content, while higher açaí oil concentrations resulted in lower moisture content. Four formulations exhibited good antifungal parameters against the Curvularia fungus. In summary, polymeric films incorporated with açaí oil showed promise for applications in food packaging, with suitable physicochemical properties and antifungal action influenced by component concentration.

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Abstract Tomato cultivation worldwide faces problems with bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt, which cause significant yield losses. This study evaluated Bacillus sp. SNRUSA4, a polylactic acid (PLA)-degrading bacterium isolated from compost, for plant growth promotion and biocontrol against these diseases. In vitro assays confirmed that SNRUSA4 effectively inhibited Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, the pathogens responsible for bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt, respectively. Important traits, including phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, biofilm formation, and the production of siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, and hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, cellulase, lipase, protease, and chitinase), which are consistent with its PLA-degrading capability, were observed in SNRUSA4. These traits contribute to both plant growth promotion and disease suppression. The seedling tray experiment indicated that the combined application of SNRUSA4 and L-tryptophan synergistically promoted tomato seedling growth, enhancing shoot and root lengths. Seed priming with SNRUSA4 enhanced tomato seedling growth as shown in fresh weight, dry weight, and vigor index. SNRUSA4 demonstrated efficacy in the biocontrol of bacterial and Fusarium wilt diseases, along with promoting tomato growth in pot experiments. Thus, this study highlights the potential of Bacillus sp. SNRUSA4 as a multi-functional strain for bridging bioplastic waste management with tomato growth promotion and disease control.

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Abstract One alternative for soil quality restoration is the use of microorganisms that enhance plant development and contaminant bioavailability. This study evaluated the microbial community in the absence and presence of Leucaena leucocephala cultivated in mining tailings from the Fundão Dam collapse, Mariana, Brazil. Substrates included 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% tailings. Plant growth, total organic carbon (TOC), respiration, and rhizosphere prokaryote density were analyzed. Plant development decreased with higher tailing proportions, while TOC increased in the presence of leucaena. Comparisons between treatments with and without leucaena revealed higher TOC in 0 and 50% tailings. Microbial activity, measured as CO₂ release, was maintained in 25% tailings, matching the control. Prokaryote density was similar across all treatments with leucaena; among tailing treatments, only the 25% condition was statistically comparable to the substrate without tailings. These results indicate that L. leucocephala contributes to improving organic carbon and sustaining microbial communities under tailing-contaminated conditions. Recovery of microbial activity is more effective when tailings are mixed with fertile substrates, highlighting the potential of combining plants and microbial processes for bioremediation of degraded areas.

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Abstract Decomposing logs play a crucial role in sustaining the diversity of epixylic bryophytes; however, research on this group remains limited. This study sought to examine how log circumference size and decomposition stage influence the richness and composition of epixylic bryophyte communities in Atlantic Forest regions of northeastern Brazil. Bryophyte samples were collected from 40 logs representing three decomposition stages: initial, intermediate, and advanced. Most of the species identified on the sampled logs were from the families Calymperaceae and Lejeuneaceae. The cancellinae structures of Calymperaceae and the lobules of Lejeuneaceae enhance the tolerance of these species to moisture fluctuations, particularly during the early stages of decomposition.The results indicated that variations in bryophyte coverage, richness, and species composition were not significantly associated with either decomposition stage or log circumference. Notably, bryophyte richness and species composition remained consistent across different decomposition stages, suggesting a high level of species coexistence. This pattern may be attributed to the availability of abundant resources and reduced competition in this substrate type.

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Abstract Trace elements are present in small concentrations in nature, but have a high potential for contamination and toxicity in aquatic environments. Although they occur naturally, the intensity of human actions increases the contamination of these environments. In this study, we evaluated the bioaccumulation of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in Loricariidae species in streams of the Brazilian Cerrado. Trace elements were quantified in the muscle and liver tissues of different Loricariidae species by atomic absorption spectrometry. In addition, limnological variables and the concentrations of Zn and Cd in the water of the studied streams were measured. We collected 40 individuals belonging to six Loricariidae species. Zn concentrations in the water were higher than Cd concentrations. Zn and Cd were bioaccumulated by all Loricariidae species. Liver tissue accumulated higher concentrations of Zn, while Cd was accumulated in greater quantities in muscle tissue. The concentrations of trace elements accumulated by fish were related to some limnological variables, but especially to the concentrations of Zn and Cd dissolved in the water. The presence of Zn and Cd in the environment and in animals may indicate potential contamination for other communities that use water resources, especially those at higher trophic levels, i.e. humans.

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Abstract Ulva lactuca is a species that is widely distributed in coastal environments, having been recognized for its role as a primary producer, bioindicator, and source of bioactive compounds, as well as been known for its applications in the food, pharmaceutical and bioremediation industries. This study evaluated the effects of hypersaline stress on cultured specimens of U. lactuca exposed to three salinity levels (35, 45, and 55 PSU) for 48 hours under controlled laboratory conditions. The following parameters were analyzed: biomass, growth rate, water nutrients, effective quantum yield of photosystem II (YII), chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, carbon and nitrogen contents, and the C:N ratio. Results indicated that high salinity (55 PSU) significantly reduced biomass, growth rate, and nutrient assimilation. Although photosynthetic performance (YII) and pigment levels did not vary significantly, the C:N ratio increased to 11:1 under this treatment, suggesting changes in the physiological status of the alga. Despite these alterations, U. lactuca remained physiologically active, indicating compensatory mechanisms in response to short-term hypersaline stress. These findings highlight the species’ resilience and its relevance as a model in studies of tolerance to environmental variation.

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Abstract From the first collection to formal description, many new species remain forgotten in herbaria for decades. In the case of Microlicia, a large genus in the Melastomataceae family, this delay is likely due to the high number of species and their remarkable morphological diversity. In this context, we describe Microlicia badiniana, which took more than 80 years to be recognized as a new species. This species occurs in the district of Lavras Novas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We compare M. badiniana with M. cuspidifolia, M. elegans, M. sublaevis, M. tetrasticha, and M. warmingiana, morphologically similar species. The new species is assessed as “Data Deficient” (DD), since information about its distribution remains scarce. An illustrative plate and photographs of leaves and floral buds of M. badiniana and closely related species are also provided. Additionally, we present an identification key for the 34 Microlicia species found in the municipality of Ouro Preto.

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Abstract Amorphinopsis atlantica (Halichondriidae) is the only known species of its genus in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a brittle, massive sponge with variable projections and coloration ranging from yellow to dark green, characterized by oxeas and accessory styles. Originally described from Brazil’s southwestern coast, it has since been reported in several Caribbean sites, typically inhabiting submerged mangrove stilt-roots in coastal lagoons. Although shallow-water sponges in the Colombian Caribbean have been studied, this conspicuous species had not been previously documented in lagoonal systems of the region. This study reports its presence for the first time in the Mallorquín (Atlántico Department) and La Escollera (Magdalena Department) coastal lagoons. The report includes new information on its morphology, habitat, substrata, distribution, and ecology in the Colombian Caribbean. Two potential threats to the species were identified: in some areas of the Mallorquín coastal lagoon, a high degree of sedimentation was observed, causing individuals to become buried within the sediment, while in La Escollera, recent heavy rainfall and runoff events were followed by the disappearance of sponges from mangrove roots. These findings highlight the need to incorporate A. atlantica into local management plans to ensure its protection.

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Abstract The Xique Xique aeolian system is the largest Quaternary interior dune field in Brazil, comprising areas on both margins of the São Francisco River. With a sediment volume of more than 600 km³, the origin of this large amount of sand and its possible sources are issues that have drawn the attention of researchers in the last century. We aim to determine whether the dune fields on each side of the river have distinct sources, understand deposition mechanisms, and investigate variations in sedimentary provenance over time. Through a multi-proxy analysis of granulometry, heavy minerals assemblages, and tourmaline and zircon varieties, we investigated the connection between this aeolian system and the river, regarding source areas and sedimentary pathways. The data obtained show more similarities between the dune fields in both margins than differences. Statistical analysis indicates that, on both margins, fluvial terraces acted as primary source of sediments, exhibiting the intrinsic connection among the dunes fields and the river. There are no signs of mineralogy variation over time, only a lack of unstable minerals in the older deposits. The Xique Xique aeolian system appears to be highly influenced by the river past, climate and wind direction.

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Abstract The rise of arboviruses in tropical countries, such as Brazil, underscores the need for new vector control strategies. This study examines the impact of indigo on the reproductive biology of Aedes aegypti. Females exposed to indigo during the larval stage (150 µg/mL) exhibited a significant decrease in fecundity (150 ± 41 eggs) compared to the control group (204 ± 42 eggs). Fertility was also affected, with lower egg viability and reduced metamorphosis at concentrations of 100 and 150 µg/mL. Males exposed to indigo showed reduced sperm motility, viability, and production, though total protein levels remained unchanged. Interestingly, females preferred ovipositing in indigo-treated containers, with an oviposition activity index (OAI) of +0.58 at 200 µg/mL. In a simulated field, 70% of eggs were laid in indigo-treated areas at 400 µg/mL. Molecular docking suggests indigo may disrupt the function of key proteins, including dopamine N-acetyltransferase and juvenile hormone-binding protein. These results highlight indigo’s potential as an integrated vector control agent, targeting both reproduction and behavior to help reduce Ae. aegypti populations and the spread of arboviruses.

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Abstract This study aimed to incorporate maize distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) into the diet of laying Japanese quail, along with two feed additives, xylanase and a metabolizability enhancer based on clay and algae. A completely randomized design with four treatments, 7 replications, and 6 birds per experimental unit. The treatments were: control, reference diet; DDGS, diet formulated with the inclusion of 150 g/kg DDGS; DDGS + xi, diet formulated with the inclusion of 150 g/kg DDGS and 1 g/kg xylanase enzyme (on top); DDGS + caa, diet formulated with the inclusion of 150 g/kg DDGS and 10 g/kg clay and algae-based metabolizability enhancer (on top). The productive performance of the birds was analyzed in three periods of 21 days each, the quality of the eggs was also measured at the end of each period. No significant differences were observed between the treatments for the variables analyzed. However, for the production cost of feed, the diets containing DDGS showed savings of R$ 10 per 100 kg of feed. Maize DDGS can be included in the diet of laying Japanese quail at 150 g/kg because it has a lower production cost and does not affect egg performance and quality.

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Abstract Plants face several biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogen infections, tending to develop proteins related to the pathogenesis. This study investigates the response capacity for biochemical defense of passion fruit resistant and susceptible to fungi Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae, quantifying the activity of enzymes peroxidase and β-1,3-glucanase. Two experiments were conducted, one with F.solani and another with F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae. Enzymatic activities of peroxidase and β-1,3-glucanase were determined. In general, the accumulation of β-1,3-glucanase activity increased in resistant Passiflora spp. fruit plants inoculated with F. oxysporum f. sp. Passiflorae, indicating a defense mechanism against this pathosystem. The same result was observed for the enzyme peroxidase in the assay with Fusarium solani. However, as ROS accumulated, it was not possible to determine the relationship between the defense mechanism of plants and peroxidase in the assay with F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae.

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Abstract Cassava is present in several countries, including Brazil. It is an important crop for family farming and contributes to the supply of food and income for families. The objective of this study was to evaluate sweet cassava varieties grown in the state of Mato Grosso that have higher yield, resistance to deterioration and the quality of their cooked roots. The study was conducted in the municipality of Claudia, Mato Grosso, using 16 varieties of sweet cassava. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for most trait, with the exception of the average root length and the average root diameter. The results indicate that five varieties exhibited superior performance in terms of mass of fresh aerial part, tuberous root production, fresh commercial root mass and harvest index. As for deterioration, Amarela (04NM) stood out for having no deteriorated roots after four days of storage, in addition to a shorter cooking time (10 min) and its standard cooked mass was classified as “smooth, slightly plastic and sticky”. Farmers are advised to gradually introduce varieties that have performed well in their cropping systems. The introduction of new varieties will promote crop diversification and contribute to the conservation of these varieties.

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Abstract The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), is a major pest that remains inside the coffee fruit, hindering insecticide contact. Dislodging agents may expose the insect, enhancing control effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate products with potential dislodging effects, their association with chemical insecticides and Beauveria bassiana, and the compatibility of dislodging agents with entomopathogenic fungi. Five treatments were tested for dislodging effects, including four products and a water control. For association tests, four treatments were used: two chemical insecticides and B. bassiana combined with the dislodging agent, plus a control. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Scott-Knott test (5%). Compatibility was assessed using an allicin-based adjuvant with B. bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, evaluating conidial germination, vegetative growth, and sporulation. Products containing: (1) amino acids + organic acids + micronutrients, (2) allicin, and (3) sulfur + potassium showed dislodging effects within 15 minutes. Allicin had the highest effect after 36 hours. The insecticide acetamiprid + bifenthrin combined with the dislodging agent caused the highest mortality. The B. bassiana combination increased insect emergence from fruits. However, the products moderately affected fungal growth and viability.

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Abstract The movement for open and reproducible science has promoted several changes in the scientific ecosystem. The Brazilian Reproducibility Network (BrRN), created in 2023, seeks to consolidate these efforts at a national level, promoting a collaborative environment for activism, development of educational resources and metascience. The BrRN encompasses institutions, scientific societies and journals, groups and individuals who are engaged in promoting common values in various areas of knowledge and regions of the country. In this article we present the background to the formation of the BrRN and its activities in its first two years of existence. We hope that the project will contribute to more reliable, responsible and rigorous science in Brazil through collaborative, transparent and reproducible practices.