Abstract Seed coating technologies can enhance germination and seedling vigor, thereby improving the success of direct seeding in ecological restoration. These techniques involve applying protective and bioactive materials to the seed surface to improve performance under field conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different seed coating materials on germination and early seedling development of two native tree species, commonly used in ecological restoration: Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. and Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) Kuntze. Eight treatments were tested, comprising three coating techniques and an uncoated control. For pelleting, coating mass, agricultural limestone, potassium silicate, and gypsum were used. Film coating included drying powder with graphite and without finishing agent, and encapsulation involved sodium alginate and copper sulfate. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with ten replicates of 30 seeds, totaling 2,400 seeds per species. Pelleting and film coating did not significantly affect germination or early development, although responses varied depending on the species and materials used. In M. bimucronata, pelleting with limestone promoted the greatest root length. In G. ulmifolia, pelleting with gypsum delayed germination, while potassium silicate pellets yielded the most uniform germination speed. Encapsulation reduced germination percentages in both species. Overall, pelleting and film coating show potential as viable techniques for enhancing seed performance in ecological restoration efforts.
Abstract Helichrysum stoechas (L.), commonly known as the eternal flower, has long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Previous phytochemical studies have reported that H. stoechas contains a variety of secondary metabolites, including the pyrones helipyrone, norhelipyrone, bisnorhelipyrone, plicatipyrone and italipyrone, which have been isolated from the plant. In this study, the inhibitory potential of these compounds against monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and stable 5-lipoxygenase (stable-5-LOX) was investigated using in silico approaches, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA analyses, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles of the compounds were evaluated using ADME/T and PASS prediction tools. The molecular docking results indicated that italipyrone and plicatipyrone exhibited relatively strong binding affinities toward several target enzymes. The MD simulations and MM/PBSA analyses revealed that the ACE-N-domain-plicatipyrone and stable-5-LOX-italipyrone complexes showed binding free energies of -42.79 and -26.32 kcal/mol, respectively. The DFT results showed favorable electronic stability characteristics for the compounds studied, while ADME/T estimates showed relatively high blood-brain barrier permeability for italipyrone and plicatipyrone, and no toxicity was predicted for the tested molecules. Overall, the findings suggest that these compounds may be promising candidates for further experimental evaluation; however, additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm their biological activities and pharmacological potential.
Abstract Plastination is a technique for the preservation of biological tissues, whose principle is the replacement of water and tissue lipids by a cured polymer. In the forced impregnation step in the cold temperature method, the silicone polymer PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) with the catalyst DBTL (dibutyltin dilaurate) permeates the tissue and occupies the cellular and interstitial space. However, this impregnation mixture is reactive, increasing its viscosity over time and, therefore, must be kept at low temperatures to reduce the reaction rate. It is known, however, that the more viscous the mixture, the greater the tissue shrinkage it promotes. There are no comparative studies in the literature of reactive mixtures with different silicones that analyze viscosity changes as a function of temperature and time. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the variation in the viscosities of Biodur® S10 (control) and Polisil® P1 silicones stored at defined temperatures (-25, -15, 5, and 25 ºC) for 18 months to evaluate their use in plastination. Viscosity measurements were performed using a rotational rheometer from ThermoFisher Scientific brand, Haake Mars IV model. Mixtures stored at -25 °C had the smallest viscosity increases over time, especially for mixtures with silicone with lower initial viscosity (P1). In view of the results, it is advantageous to use impregnation mixtures composed of low viscosity silicones, such as P1, stored at temperaturesbelow -15 ºC.
Abstract The objective was to determine the growth and yield of maize plants and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (Marandu grass) in a crop-livestock integration system in Eastern Maranhão. Two trials were carried out: (1) maize intercropping x maize monoculture, (2) Marandu grass intercropping x Marandu grass monoculture. The two experiments were conducted in the field, in a randomized block design with plots divided over time. In the trial with maize, eight assessments were made: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf area index, and grain yield at R6. In the Marandu grass trial, collections were carried out at 12 different times, divided into a first period up to maize harvest and a second post-intercropping period. Canopy height, tiller population density, living leaves per tiller, number of tillers, leaf area, leaf area index (LAI) and leaf:stem ratio were evaluated. Following analysis of variance, “t” test was carried out for cultivation systems and regression analysis for collection times. For the variables analyzed in maize, no significant differences were observed resulting from treatments with intercropping or maize monoculture. As for Marandu grass, negative effects of the intercropping were observed, reducing tiller population density, leaf area and LAI. Marandu grass from the intercropping, even in the weeks following maize harvest, showed a higher leaf:stem ratio due to the preferential allocation of photoassimilates to produce leaves to the detriment of stems.
Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thymol on alveolar bone loss and viability of ovarian follicles in mice with induced periodontitis. Female Swiss mice (n=60) were allocated into five groups (n=12 per group): (1) naïve controls, (2) healthy animals treated with vehicle, (3) healthy animals treated with thymol (100 mg/kg), (4) animals with periodontitis, and (5) animals with periodontitis treated with thymol. Following a 30-day period of periodontitis induction and treatment, mice were euthanized and their mandibles were collected for histological analysis to evaluate alveolar bone loss and periodontal integrity. The ovaries were fixed to evaluate collagen fiber organization and follicular morphology. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were stained with calcein-AM and ethidium homodimer-1. The percentages of normal follicles and viable COCs were compared by chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. Ovarian collagen levels and alveolar bone loss were compared by ANOVA and Tukey test. The results showed that thymol reduced alveolar bone loss in mice with periodontitis (p<0.0001). Animals with periodontitis exhibited a lower percentage of normal follicles and a higher percentage of degenerated follicles compared to vehicle-treated mice (p<0.05). Periodontitisinduced mice treated with thymol displayed percentages of normal and degenerated follicles similar to those from from naïve group (p>0.05). The oocytes from mice with periodontitis without thymol treatment showed reduced calcein-AM staining, by thymol increased calcein-AM labeling (p<0.05). A higher number of denuded oocytes were observed in animals with periodontitis (p<0.05). In conclusion, thymol attenuated alveolar bone loss associated with induced periodontitis and had protective effect on ovarian follicles.
Abstract Lung cancer continues to be a major contributor to cancer-related deaths globally. Antifolate agents and platinum-based medications form the basis of chemotherapy treatments. This study examined the distinct effects of pemetrexed disodium and cisplatin, both separately and sequentially, on cell cycle regulation in immortalized bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. The MTT assay was used to measure cytotoxicity, and caspase-3, -7, and -9 activities were used to measure apoptotic activation. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze cell cycle gene expression profiles. Critically, while the sequential Cisplatin→Pemetrexed regimen maintained potent efficacy against A549 cells, it exhibited a distinct protective antagonistic interaction (CI>10) in non-malignant BEAS-2B cells, significantly mitigating cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin monotherapy. This treatment strategy significantly increased caspase-3, -7, and -9 activation in A549 cells. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of most cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and DNA repair genes in A549 cells, whereas these genes were upregulated in BEAS-2B cells. These findings demonstrate preferential cytotoxicity toward lung cancer cells compared to immortalized bronchial epithelial cells, providing a molecular basis for optimizing combination chemotherapy strategies.
Abstract The rise in microbial resistance has driven the search for sustainable alternatives, such as kraft lignin, an abundant biopolymer with antimicrobial potential. This study evaluated four methods of lignin solubilization (magnetic stirring with ultrasound, decoction in a rotary evaporator, decoction with ultrasound, and ethanolic extraction by Soxhlet) and their influence on the physicochemical, structural, and biological properties of the extracts obtained. The samples were characterized in terms of pH, solids content, molecular weight, polydispersity, morphology, functional composition, and phenolic hydroxyl content, as well as antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, and cytotoxicity. FTIR analysis indicated the preservation of syringyl and guaiacyl structural units in all extracts. Soxhlet extraction with ethanol yielded the highest molecular weight (1103 g/mol) and phenolic hydroxyl content (3.253 mmol/g), which correlated with greater antifungal activity (MICs of 0.625 and 0.312 mg/mL). Decoction in a rotary evaporator showed lower activity against C. albicans, but demonstrated antibacterial action against S. aureus (MIC 0.625 and MBC 2.5 mg/mL). The extracts were considered non-toxic, and both showed significant cell viability. The results demonstrate that solubilization methods directly influence the bioactivity of kraft lignin, highlighting its potential as a bioactive agent in sustainable microbiological control strategies.
Abstract A waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) above 0.5 is considered a threshold for elevated cardiometabolic risk. However, whether this cutoff is associated with altered cardiac autonomic control at rest, during exercise, and throughout post-exercise recovery remains unclear. This study compared cardiac autonomic indexes between young men categorized according to WHtR. Thirteen young men (24.8 ± 4.4 years) with WHtR ≥ 0.5 (G1) and 18 age-matched men (23.1 ± 4.1 years) with WHtR < 0.5 (G2) performed a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill. Heart rate and heart rate variability measurements were taken at rest, during exercise, and throughout recovery using a portable cardiac monitor. At rest, G1 exhibited higher resting heart rate (81 ± 13 vs. 71 ± 8 bpm; P = 0.014) and lower parasympathetic activity (P < 0.05) compared with G2. During exercise, the percentage of chronotropic response did not differ between groups (G1: 92 ± 7% vs. G2: 95 ± 7%; P = 0.233). On post-exercise recovery, G1 had decreased heart rate recovery after 300 s (G1: 60 ± 8 bpm vs. G2: 69 ± 8 bpm; P = 0.007) and decreased cardiac parasympathetic reactivation (P < 0.05) compared with G2. Overall, young men with high and low WHtR exhibit similar chronotropic responses to maximal exercise, but individuals with high WHtR have impaired baseline cardiac autonomic control and slower post-exercise cardiac autonomic recovery.
Abstract Chiltepin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum), a wild chili pepper valued for its pungency, may benefit from colonization by endophytic fungi to enhance plant growth; however, such interactions have not yet been studied in this species. This study compared two sodium hypochlorite concentrations (3% and 5%) for surface disinfection during endophyte isolation from Beauveria bassiana-inoculated seedlings (leaf, stem, and root tissues evaluated at 7 days post-inoculation, dpi). Additionally, two inoculation methods (foliar spray and soil drench) were assessed for colonization efficiency under four shading levels (0%, 20%, 55%, and 70%), monitored at 14 and 30 dpi. Fungal isolates exhibiting morphological characteristics consistent with Beauveria were recovered from colonized tissues and confirmed by molecular identification. Plant height and stem diameter were measured at 14 and 28 dpi to evaluate growth promotion. Results demonstrated equivalent surface disinfection efficacy between NaOCl concentrations for endophyte studies. Foliar application achieved greater B. bassiana colonization in stems (14-35%) and leaves (up to 73%) compared with soil drench, while shading had no significant effect. Molecular analyses confirmed the identity of B. bassiana isolated from plant tissues. In terms of growth promotion, control plants exhibited greater height and stem diameter than inoculated plants. These findings demonstrate that a NaOCl concentration of 3-5% is effective for chiltepin tissue disinfection and provide the first report of B. bassiana colonization in this species, identifying foliar application as the most effective method for endophytic establishment.
Abstract This study evaluated the changes in nutritional content, chemical properties, and microbiological quality of a probiotic-containing commercial powdered infant formula, prepared according to usage instructions and stored for 0-24 hours. Microbiological analyses showed a slight but statistically insignificant increase (P > 0.05) in total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and lactic streptococci counts over time. Coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, and yeast-mould levels remained consistently below 1 log cfu/mL during the entire storage period. Chemical analysis revealed no significant differences in pH, acidity, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) levels, antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH), or vitamin B12 and folic acid contents (P > 0.05) across different time points. However, fluctuations were noted in the amino acid profile and cholesterol concentrations over time. In terms of color parameters, a statistically significant change was observed along the yellow-blue axis (b*), indicating potential pigment or composition changes during storage. Despite these fluctuations, infant formula largely maintained its microbiological and chemical stability within the first 24 hours post-preparation. These findings are specific to the product in question and, based on them, it is recommended that reconstituted infant formula is consumed within two to six hours of preparation. If longer storage is necessary, the product should be kept under refrigeration at temperatures below 5 °C to minimize any potential quality degradation and ensure infant safety.
HIGHLIGHTS Hospitalized COVID-19 patients often exhibit poor oral hygiene, which may contribute to higher mortality. Integrating oral health care into hospital protocols could improve overall patient health outcomes.
HIGHLIGHTS Latex from P. pudica contains molecules with pro (DLPp) and anti-inflammatory activities (LPPp). DLPp pro-inflammatory activity depended on the administered dose and could be inhibited by the LPPp. Pro-inflammatory activity of DLPp is related to histamine-like molecules in the fraction. Antihistaminic drugs can be used to treat inflammation associated with P. pudica latex exposure.
HIGHLIGHTS Exploring new shapes of attraction-and-infection devices can enhance fungal viability. High hates of horizontal transmission can be found even with small sources of inoculum. Methodology to bring adhesive traps from the field.
HIGHLIGHTS Mahaleb extracts exhibited hormetic effects in yeast growth. Mahaleb extracts showed phase-dependent effects in proliferating and resting yeast cells. Water and methanol extracts of mahaleb significantly extended yeast lifespan. Polar extracts outperformed E-CR and willow bark in extending chronological lifespan.
HIGHLIGHTS The pickle strains exhibited high survival rates in gastric juice and bile salts. The isolates had antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. Typhimurium. No virulence genes or biogenic amine production were detected in any isolate. Several strains possessed the gad gene, indicating a capacity for GABA production.
HIGHLIGHTS Mushroom residue boosts annatto seedling germination and growth up to 60% inclusion. Annatto residue supports Pleurotus yields with substitutions up to 80%. Pleurotus strain 16/01 shows superior mushroom productivity and efficiency. Mushroom and annatto residue use cuts costs and supports regional small producers.
HIGHLIGHTS Bioaugmentation enhances tebuthiuron degradation in sandy soil. Pseudomonas strain (M3) boosts CO2 emissions by 42% over control. Fungal strain (M5) shows promise in herbicide bioremediation. Soil amendments and microbial inoculation synergize for remediation.
HIGHLIGHTS B. pseudomycoides efficiently degrades Catechol up to 600 mg.L-1. Growth and degradation follow the integrated Haldane model. Kinetic parameters guided design of a 10 L aerobic bioreactor. Provides eco-friendly strategy for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
HIGHLIGHTS A temperature control system coded in C++ was implemented via Arduino. Based on simple tests, operators were able to adjust the controller parameters. Implemented controller acted successfully on the temperature variable. High ethanol conversion rate and high final product concentration were obtained.
HIGHLIGHTS Induction of obesity in rats was done using a high-fat diet (HFD) and tap water containing 25% sucrose for a duration of 16 weeks. Obese control group exhibited significant increases in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, dyslipidemia. Increase in cardiac injury markers, oxidative stress, altered adipokine levels, and impaired liver and kidney function in obese group were detected. Obese control group exhibited elevated levels of leptin and reduced levels of adiponectin, reflecting an imbalance in adipokine signaling. Apigenin modulated various signaling pathways involved in lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and adipogenesis, as well as exert protective effects against oxidative stress.
