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Antifungal resistance represents a growing global health challenge, driven by limited therapeutic options, inadequate use of both clinical and environmental drugs, and the remarkable adaptive capacity of fungal pathogens. While resistance has classically been attributed to genetic alterations affecting drug targets and efflux systems, accumulating evidence indicates that regulatory mechanisms play a critical role in shaping antifungal susceptibility. This review highlights that acetyltransferases constitute important and active components of antifungal resistance, operating through multiple integrated mechanisms. Notably, recent studies have extended this framework by identifying the direct enzymatic inactivation of antifungal agents by acetyltransferases, which emerges as an additional resistance mechanism and establishes a functional parallel with antibiotic acetylation in bacteria. These findings highlight acetyltransferases as clinically relevant drivers of antifungal resistance and suggest that targeting these enzymes may enhance the efficacy of existing antifungal therapies and reduce treatment failure.

This work aimed to evaluate the inclusion of jabuticaba peel flour (JPF) in skin color and productive performance, biochemical, blood, and enzymatic parameters of Carassius auratus. 72 fish (weight 9.67 ± 0.37 g, length 7.38 ± 0.18 cm) were distributed into four treatments (0.00; 1.00; 1.50 and 2.00% JPF), in a completely randomized design with three replications with six fish per box. After 60 days, to evaluate the performance of the fish. To assess the skin color of the fish, a portable photo colorimeter was used using the Hunter coordinate system, where the coordinates of L*, a*, and b*. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis regarding glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The analysis of ALT and AST, albumin and triglycerides in liver tissue, and amylase, lipase, nonspecific protease, and alkaline phosphatase in the intestine. Results obtained showed that there was a significant difference about feed intake and specific growth rate with the inclusion of JPF. It was observed that fish fed with 1.00 and 1.50% JPF obtained an increase in brightness represented by the L coordinate and shades of yellow represented by the b coordinate. Glucose increased with 2.00% of JPF. AST activity was higher with 1.00% JPF and ALT was reduced with the inclusion of JPF, demonstrating an ability to protect against possible liver damage. The inclusion of JPF is effective at levels of up to 1.5% to increase the brightness of the skin of Carassius auratus.

The hyporheic zone (HZ) is a crucial interface in riverbeds that links surface and subterranean waters, supporting a unique ecological community. While recent reviews have explored theoretical and ecological aspects of HZ, this study focuses on evaluating the advances in monitoring the quality and conservation status. We conducted a global systematic review, screening 16,135 articles and retaining a final data pool of 102 peer-reviewed studies published between 1989 and 2024. We address four main areas: (i) spatial and temporal distribution, (ii) monitoring activities, (iii) methodologies employed, and (iv) the impact of legislation. Despite advances in technical knowledge, HZ monitoring efforts remain quantitatively limited. Geographically, research is highly skewed, with Europe (51.0%), Asia (21.6%), and North America (19.6%) dominating the field, while other regions are severely underrepresented. Taxonomically, studies predominantly focus on the entire invertebrate community (35.5%) or microorganisms (30.3%), whereas efficient trait-based approaches remain scarce (6.6%). Methodologically, sampling is largely confined to shallow depths (up to - 50 cm). Furthermore, the enactment of environmental legislation showed a localized, rather than global, stimulus on monitoring outputs. This study emphasizes the urgent need for standardized methodologies, integrated surface-groundwater approaches, and targeted efforts to ensure effective water resource management. Finally, we propose a strategic roadmap with short-, medium-, and long-term actions to guide these improvements.

Facilitative interspecific interactions (FIIs) confer benefits to at least one participant without detriment to others. Although often less emphasised than antagonistic interactions in ecological studies, this review highlights the significant ecological role of FIIs across biological scales - from individual behaviours to population, community, and ecosystem-level effects - with a focus on mobile marine vertebrates such as birds, mammals, and fish. These interactions enhance foraging success, shape predator-prey dynamics and contribute to the structure and function of marine ecosystems. FIIs include diverse associations such as multi-species aggregations among marine apex predators (e.g. dolphins, seabirds, and surface-feeding fish), mixed-species shoals, fish cleaning mutualisms, and cooperative foraging involving predators, including humans. At the population level, FIIs can improve survival and fitness, impacting the life histories and population dynamics of marine apex predators, with some species exhibiting a clear dependence on heterospecific facilitation. Despite recent advances, gaps remain in our understanding of how FIIs scale up to influence marine communities and ecosystem processes, limiting their integration into management tools. Ecosystem models - often used to inform management decisions - typically focus on principles of resource flow and species interactions driven by predation and competition, often overlooking facilitation. Integrating FIIs into ecosystem modelling could enhance Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management, particularly for conserving vulnerable apex predators that may rely on facilitative interactions. Furthermore, FIIs involving humans and apex predators offer unique opportunities for data collection and model development, improving our understanding of the broader impacts of FII in marine environments, from individual behaviours to ecosystem functioning.

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The sand fly genus Trichophoromyia Barretto, 1962 is one of the most diverse inthe subfamily Phlebotominae. The taxonomy and systematics of this group is complex due toboth a high similarity among species and unclear relationships among other sand fly groupswithin the subtribe Psychodopygina Galati, 1995. Despite their great relevance as vectors of Leishmania spp., few studies have explored the usefulness of molecular markers in studyingthe diversity of this group. Here, we evaluated the use of barcode sequences of the cytochrome coxidasesubunit I gene (COI) for identifying several Trichophoromyia spp., by inferring intra- andinterspecific genetic distances, in addition to performing a set of several single-locus speciesdelimitation approaches using discovery methods. Moreover, we employed a multilocusdataset of four independent molecular markers (COI , ITS2 , 28S and PARA) to infer thephylogenetic species tree, estimate divergence times and delimit species under a validationmodel. The phylogenetic inferences confirmed the paraphyly of Trichophoromyia and Nyssomy ia Barretto, 1962. Thus, two new genera, named Reburrus gen. nov. and Shawmyia gen. nov., were proposed to accommodate sand flyspecies that did not fit in the aforementioned groups. Additionally, a new subgenus wasproposed: Trichophoromyia (Dilermandomyia) subg. nov., containing most speciesof Trichophoromyia . A recent speciation history was also estimated, with most of the speciesstudied diversifying during the Pleistocene. However, our dataset was insufficient to fullyresolve relationships within Trichophoromyia (Dilermandomyia) subg. nov. Many speciesshowed paraphyletic patterns in the gene trees, and some could not be reliably identified anddelimited using both COI barcodes and multilocus tools. The sand fly genus Trichophoromyia exhibits a complex diversification history.Our phylogenetic inference and morphological observations of Nyssomyia and Trichophoromy ia, allowed us to propose new groups for the Psychodopygina subtribe. However, theprevalence of species-level paraphyletic patterns for Trichophoromyia (Dilermandomyia) subg.nov., showed that further assessment of this group requires a broader locus sampling combined with detailed morphological analysis.

Effective watershed management is essential for biodiversity conservation and mitigating environmental impacts like deforestation and ecosystem disruptions, especially in the context of climate change. The Tocantins/Araguaia Basin (TOAR), Brazil's second-largest watershed, faces significant challenges due to unsustainable land use practices. To address this, we modeled future land use and cover changes (2015-2045) using the CLUE model under three scenarios: Business-as-usual (BAUS), Conservation-based (CONS), and Production-based (PROD). Key drivers included soil type, average temperature, and yearly precipitation. Projections indicate persistent deforestation and habitat fragmentation, particularly under PROD, while CONS still projects notable losses in forests, savannas, and grasslands. These results highlight the urgent need for proactive conservation measures, stricter environmental regulations, and sustainable land use planning to protect TOAR's ecosystems and biodiversity. Addressing these issues is critical for preserving this vulnerable and understudied region amidst growing environmental pressures.

The homocysteine-methionine cycle is involved in the critical human cellular functions, such as proliferation and epigenetic regulation. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) metabolites are synthesized in this metabolic cycle, and their levels are finely regulated to ensure proper functioning of key enzymes controlling the cellular growth and differentiation. SAM and SAH levels were found altered in the plasma of subjects with trisomy 21 (T21), but how this metabolic dysregulation influences the clinical manifestation of T21 phenotype has not been previously described. SAM and SAH quantifications were performed in urine samples of 58 subjects with T21 and 48 controls (N) through liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. SAH resulted slightly more excreted in urine of subjects with T21 (T21/N mean ratio = 1.16, P value = 0.021), although no difference was found in SAM levels. Metabolite urine levels were compared with those previously observed in plasma, in which higher amounts of SAM and SAH were found. In addition, we examined if an association between the levels of SAM and SAH in T21 and the expression levels of genes involved in their production/utilization exists using the transcriptome map of blood samples of T21 and N subjects. The analysis showed overexpression of 44 methyltransferase genes responsible for the conversion of SAM to SAH, of two genes involved in SAH utilization, adenosylhomocysteinase-like 1, adenosylhomocysteinase-like 2, and of one gene involved in SAM utilization, adenosylmethionine decarboxylase 1. These data support the hypothesis that T21 genetic imbalance is responsible for SAM and SAH excess, which may be involved in the T21 phenotypic features.NEW & NOTEWORTHY S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) are critical metabolites for the fundamental cellular functions, such as proliferation and epigenetic regulation. For the first time, their levels were quantified in the urine of subjects with trisomy 21 (T21) and compared with euploid controls (N). These dosages were compared with their plasma levels, and the expression of genes involved in SAM and SAH production/utilization was further investigated in the differential blood transcriptome map of T21 versus N samples.

Hydroelectric dams, once seen as clean and renewable energy sources, have been the subject of extensive research, particularly concerning their socioenvironmental impacts. The Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant (HPP) relies on the operation of 2 dams that divert water from a 130-km stretch of the Xingu River to generate energy. The dam has disrupted the seasonal flooding cycle (flood pulse) along the Volta Grande do Xingu (VGX) and created a reduced discharge condition analogous to a prolonged and extreme dry season in the watershed. Before the Belo Monte HPP, local communities relied on the highly diverse and abundant fish assemblage supported by seasonal flooding of the ecosystem. Local VGX residents sought partnerships and established the Independent Territorial Environmental Monitoring Program (MATI-VGX). Through this program, locals monitored fish spawning sites and fishing dynamics. This monitoring complemented and quantified local communities' perceptions about the environmental impacts caused by the Belo Monte HPP. The HPP was associated with a water discharge shortage that critically undermined the river's capacity to sustain vital ecosystem processes that support local people's lives. Drastic transformations of traditional lifestyles, shifts in fishing practices, and a significant decline in fishing yield occurred that jeopardized food sovereignty and security. The Belo Monte HPP environmental licensing process ignored local ecological knowledge and the vital links among the river's flood pulse, the aquatic and seasonally flooded ecosystems, and the traditional lifestyles of VGX residents. To ensure the ecological sustainability of the VGX, the Belo Monte HPP operation needs to change to support key spawning areas, maintain water discharge, avoid short-term water fluctuations, and emulate natural interannual discharge variability to mitigate flood pulse disruption. Local ecological knowledge should never be ignored in projects where local communities are the most affected. These communities should be central in decision-making regarding socioenvironmental impact assessment, mitigation, and monitoring. Impacto socio‐ambiental de la central hidroeléctrica Belo Monte revelado por el monitoreo indígena y ribeirinho Resumen Las presas hidroeléctricas, antes consideradas fuentes de energía limpia y renovable, han sido objeto de numerosas investigaciones, sobre todo en lo que respecta a sus repercusiones socioambientales. La central hidroeléctrica de Belo Monte se basa en el funcionamiento de dos presas que desvían el agua de un tramo de 130 km del río Xingu para generar energía. La presa ha interrumpido el ciclo de inundación estacional (pulso de inundación) a lo largo del Volta Grande do Xingu (VGX) y ha creado una condición de descarga reducida análoga a una estación seca prolongada y extrema en la cuenca. Antes de la central hidroeléctrica de Belo Monte, las comunidades locales dependían de la gran diversidad y abundancia de peces que proporcionaba la inundación estacional del bosque. Los residentes locales del VGX buscaron alianzas y establecieron el Programa de Vigilancia Ambiental Territorial Independiente (MATI‐VGX). A través de este programa, la población local vigiló los lugares de desove de los peces y la dinámica de la pesca. Este seguimiento complementó y cuantificó las percepciones de las comunidades locales sobre los impactos ambientales causados por la central hidroeléctrica de Belo Monte. La central hidroeléctrica se asoció a una escasez de descarga de agua que redujo en gran medida la capacidad del río para mantener procesos ambientales vitales que sustentan la vida de la población local. Esto causó transformaciones drásticas en los estilos de vida tradicionales, cambios en las prácticas pesqueras y una importante disminución del rendimiento de la pesca que pusieron en peligro la soberanía y la seguridad alimentarias. El proceso de autorización ambiental de la central hidroeléctrica de Belo Monte ignoró los conocimientos ecológicos locales y los vínculos vitales entre el pulso de crecida del río, los ecosistemas acuáticos y estacionalmente inundados y los estilos de vida tradicionales de los residentes del VGX. Para garantizar la sostenibilidad ecológica del VGX, la operación de la central hidroeléctrica de Belo Monte debe cambiar para apoyar las zonas clave de desove, mantener la descarga de agua, evitar las fluctuaciones de agua a corto plazo y emular la variabilidad natural de la descarga interanual para mitigar la interrupción del pulso de inundación. Los conocimientos ecológicos locales nunca deben ignorarse en los proyectos en los que las comunidades locales son las más afectadas. Estas comunidades deben ocupar un lugar central en la toma de decisiones relativas a la evaluación del impacto socio‐ambiental, la mitigación y el seguimiento. 【摘要】 水电大坝曾被视为一种清洁且可再生的能源来源, 而其社会环境影响目前已成为广泛研究的主题。贝洛蒙特水电站的运作依赖于两座水坝, 它们将辛古河一段130公里的河段水流引流用于发电。水坝打破了Volta Grande do Xingu(VGX)地区的季节性洪水循环(洪水脉冲), 并造成了类似于该流域长时间极端旱季的枯水情况。在贝洛蒙特水电站建成之前, 当地社区依赖于森林季节性洪水带来的高丰度、多样化的鱼群维持生计。VGX地区的居民为此寻求合作, 建立了“VGX独立领地环境监测计划”。当地人通过该计划监测着鱼类产卵地点和捕鱼动态。这一监测行动补充并量化了当地社区对贝洛蒙特水电站所造成环境影响的认知。结果表明, 该水电站的运行导致水流量减少, 严重削弱了河流维持关键生态系统过程的能力, 而这些过程支撑着当地居民的生存。当地传统生活方式的剧烈变化、捕鱼方式的转变, 以及渔获量的显著下降, 威胁着社区的食物主权与粮食安全。贝洛蒙特水电站在申请环境许可的过程中忽视了当地生态知识, 以及洪水脉冲、水生生态系统与季节性洪泛生态系统, 以及VGX居民的传统生活方式之间的紧密关系。为了确保VGX的生态可持续性, 贝洛蒙特水电站需要改变其运行方式, 以支持重要的鱼类产卵区、维持河水流量、避免短期水位波动, 并模拟自然的年际水量变化, 从而减缓对洪水脉冲的影响。在对当地社区产生最大影响的项目中, 绝不应忽视当地生态知识。这些社区应在社会环境影响评估、减缓机制与监测中处于决策的核心地位。【翻译:胡怡思;审校:聂永刚】.

Copaifera langsdorffii is a neotropical tree widely distributed in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Brazilian Savanna. Population genetic analyses can identify the scale at which tree species are impacted by human activities and provide useful demographic information for management and conservation. Using a Restriction site Associated DNA Sequencing approach, we assessed the genomic variability of six C. langsdorffii population relicts in a transition zone between the Seasonal Atlantic Forest and Savanna biomes in Southeastern Brazil. We identified 2797 high-confidence SNP markers from six remnant populations, with 10 to 29 individuals perpopulation, in a transition zone between the Seasonal Atlantic Forest and Savanna biomes in Southeastern Brazil. Observed heterozygosity values (0.197) were lower than expected heterozygosity (0.264) in all populations, indicating an excess of homozygotes. Differentiation among populations (FST) was low (0.023), but significant (0.007-0.044, c.i. 95%). A clear correlation was observed between geographic versus genetic distances, suggesting a pattern of isolation by distance. Bayesian inferences of population structure detected partial structuring due to the transition between the Atlantic Forest and the Brazilian Savanna, also suggested by spatial interpolation of ancestry coefficients. Through the analysis of FST outliers, 28 candidates for selection have been identified and may be associated with adaptation to these different phytophysiognomies. We conclude that the genetic variation found in these populations can be exploited in programs for the genetic conservation of the species.

Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) is a medicinal plant with documented immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies suggest potential anticancer effects, but evidence remains fragmented. This systematic review aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of different U. tomentosa extracts or fractions on normal and cancer cells, summarizing in vitro studies. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scielo up to January 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised in vitro studies evaluating U. tomentosa extracts or fractions on normal and cancer cells, reporting IC50 values or equivalent measures. Data on plant part, extraction method, and chemical composition were collected. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified CAMARADES checklist. Thirteen studies met the eligibility criteria. U. tomentosa extracts exhibited selective cytotoxicity in some cancer cell lines. The most promising findings were observed for crude aqueous bark extracts (72 h incubation) against squamous cell carcinoma and pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid (POA)-rich extracts against prostate cancer and leukemia. In contrast, tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid (TOA)- and proanthocyanidin (PAC)-rich fractions showed limited cytotoxicity. Most extracts were non-toxic to normal cells, except for the crude aqueous bark extract, which exhibited cytotoxicity in keratinocytes. U. tomentosa has potential as a source of selective anticancer agents, particularly through crude aqueous bark and POA-rich extracts. The observed cytotoxic effects vary considerably depending on the extraction method and chemical composition, underscoring the need for standardization in future studies. Further standardized studies and mechanistic investigations are required to validate its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. https://osf.io/hfazq/.

Coastal areas globally face mounting challenges due to increased human activities, resulting in substantial environmental impacts on beaches and marine ecosystems. This study delves into the influence of peak tourist seasons on cigarette butts (CBs) contamination along an urban beach, specifically Mar Grosso beach boardwalk in Laguna, Brazil. The study period spanned peak tourist seasons (PS) and off-seasons (OS), with data collected on CBs density and degradation levels across different areas of the boardwalk. A total of 6621 CBs were collected from the beach boardwalk along Mar Grosso beach, resulting in a density of 0.50 CBs/m2. It is worth noting that higher CBs densities were observed during the PS (0.38 CBs/m2), particularly in areas with urban structures that attract human presence, despite the presence of waste collection bins. Stages II and III of CBs degradation were the most abundant along the Mar Grosso beach boardwalk. Moreover, our research indicates a severe pollution index for the Mar Grosso Beach boardwalk during the PS season in all analyzed sectors (18.25-31.60). The study underscores the urgent need for improved waste management practices, environmental education, and policy interventions to curb CBs contamination and its adverse impacts on coastal ecosystems and public health.

Curcuma longa L. (turmeric, Zingiberaceae) has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties. These characteristics have made it a key component in managing inflammatory and ulcerative conditions like oral mucositis (OM). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various pharmaceutical formulations of C. longa or curcumin in reducing the OM severity, incidence and associated pain in patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42024504111). Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Studies comparing C. longa or curcumin with placebo in cancer patients experiencing oral mucositis, reporting outcomes such as the World Health Organization Oral Mucositis Grading Scale, pain scores (visual analogue scale), or OM incidence were included. Risk ratios and weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. Six studies with 159 patients (mean age ∼50 years, 40% women) were included. C. longa extracts, curcumin, or nanocurcumin were administered in capsules, mouthwash, or gel formulations. The pooled analysis showed significant reductions in WHO scores and oral pain compared to placebo. OM incidence decreased by 6% overall, with a notable 37%-reduction observed in patients using curcumin-containing mouthwash during radiotherapy alone. Subgroup analyses revealed consistent benefits across all oncological treatments. C. longa, curcumin, or nanocurcumin in various formulations, effectively reduce OM severity and pain while curcumin-containing mouthwash reduced OM incidence in cancer patients undergoing treatment. identifier CRD 42024504111.

Here we report a successful initiative between Brazil and Germany to stimulate neuroscience outreach: the POPNeuro Program. The POPNeuro Program is a neuroscience outreach project created in Brazil that has been active for >10 years. It was initiated in Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil and linked to the Physiology Research Group from the Federal University of Pampa. The neuroscience dissemination was developed mainly in school environments by a team that includes neuroscientists and university undergraduate and graduate students. One of the key focuses of POPNeuro is to identify and avoid the dissemination of neuromyths (misconceptions generated by a misunderstanding, a misreading, or a misquoting of scientific facts). After an initial research cooperation, the Brazilian and German teams decided to replicate some of the POPNeuro activities in Germany. The POPNeuro spin-off developed the first activities in Germany, including neuroscience disclosure activities during the Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) Open Campus Day and a Neuroscience of Learning course for sports and physical education teachers. During the activities, participants took a quiz to identify the prevalence of neuromyths and knowledge of neuroscience facts. The results demonstrate a high prevalence of neuromyths between the different participants. Despite the sociocultural differences, these results are in line with previous results from POPNeuro in Brazil. Considering our experience and the participants' evaluations, we are confident that promoting the internationalization of this successful neurophysiology outreach program and expanding the Brazilian POPNeuro program in Germany will have a positive impact. This initiative represents a model of international cooperation that should be stimulated.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The internationalization of scientific work is recognized as an essential resource for quality research in different areas and countries. However, international cooperation is less common in teaching and outreach than in research. We shared the experience of a successful international neurophysiology outreach cooperation between Brazil and Germany: the POPNeuro Program. The success of POPNeuro's spin-off in Germany reveals that promoting internationalization and expanding successful outreach projects have positive impacts.

The microbiota present in the marine environment derives from various sources. The ingestion of raw oysters and mussels contaminated with Vibrio spp., regardless of whether they are wild-caught or farmed, presents health hazards to humans. The consumption of bivalves, particularly oysters and mussels, is an expanding trend in all coastal areas of Brazil. As filter-feeders, they accumulate these bacteria in their tissues, thereby enhancing their concentration in relation to the surrounding aquatic environment. Strains of the genus Vibrio can induce gastroenteritis and infections in open wounds. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 300 specimens of Perna perna bivalve were collected from the rocky shores of Gravatá and Gi beaches, while 103 oysters were obtained from Noca lagoon in the city of Laguna, situated on the southern coast of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Bivalve gill samples were cultured on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar for a presumptive analysis of Vibrio spp. The multiplex-PCR method was employed to amplify a representative genome sequence of each Vibrio for species-specific gene analysis.. Of the 73 positive samples for Vibrio spp. in P. perna, the species Vibrio parahaemolyticus was predominant in 65.7% (48/73), followed by Vibrio alginolyticus 24.6% (18/73) and Vibrio vulnificus, on the other hand, was only present in one sample (1.36%). Following molecular analysis, it was determined that out of the 65 oyster isolates samples examined, 41 (63.0%) were classified as V. parahaemolyticus, 19 (29.2%) as V. alginolyticus, and 2 (3.08%) as V. vulnificus. V. vulnificus was exclusively identified during the summer season. Histological analyses conducted on the bivalve gills to evaluate tissue damage indicated no alterations This study may offer significant insights for novel research perspectives on the environmental conditions of Vibrio spp. in natural habitats, particularly given a lack of information for the region.

In this work, we propose a novel approach for extracting Cu and Ni from vegetable oils (which can be expanded to other metals). The method is based on the transference of the analytes to an aqueous acid phase due to the disruption of a three-component solution. The extraction was carried out in two steps. In the first step, a three-component solution was prepared comprising the sample, 1-octanol, and HNO3 solution. Next, the homogeneous system was disrupted by adding 1.0 mL of deionized water, and two phases were formed. The aqueous extract deposited in the bottom of the flask was collected with a micropipette, and Cu and Ni were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS). The developed method presented limits of quantification (LOQ) of 0.25 and 0.17 ng g-1 for Cu and Ni, respectively, and was successfully applied in the analysis of eleven oil samples from different origins.

This study aimed to assess the leaf aqueous extract composition of Erythrina crista-galli and the effects of its inclusion on the diet of red-eye tetra (Moenkhausia forestii), concerning enzyme content of digestive, hepatic, and oxidation metabolism and pigmentation. Fish (1.78 ± 0.54 g) were divided into groups: fasting (without feeding), control (commercial feed), and treatment (commercial feed with leaf aqueous extract of E. crista-galli) and feeding apparent satiety for 21 days, in the extracted analysis by mass spectrometry, phenolic compost, and flavonoids. The agitation degree and number of dashes, in all supplemented treatments, were lower than those in the control diet when fed for 7 or 15 days. In the digestive enzymatic activity did not differ (p > 0.05). The hepatoprotective treatment group showed lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and higher levels of antioxidant catalase (CAT). The results indicated that the aqueous leaf extract of Erythrina crista-galli assists in function maintenance of the liver; and stimulates CAT in red-eye tetra, suggesting that the identified compounds act on the liver and skin, showing hepatoprotective effects and stimulating tranquility.

Cardiovascular diseases constitute one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Herbal medicines represent viable alternatives to the synthetic drugs currently employed in the control of hypertension. This study aimed to isolate and identify the chemical markers of Kalanchoe crenata and to investigate the antihypertensive and anti-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2) activities of an aqueous extract of the leaves. The main constituents of the aqueous extract of K. crenata were separated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their presence was identified by NMR spectroscopy. Renovascular hypertension was induced in male Wistar rats using the two-kidney one-clip method (HTN groups), while control animals (Sham groups) were submitted to Sham surgery. Six groups of 10 animals each were treated daily for eight weeks as follows: Sham 1 (carrier), Sham 2 (K. crenata extract), HTN.1 (carrier), HTN.2 (K. crenata extract), HTN 3 (losartan), and HTN 4 (K. crenata extract with losartan). The main compounds of the extract were patuletin 3-O-(4&#x2033;-O-acetyl-&#x3b1;-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-7-O-(3&#x2034;-O-acetyl-&#x3b1;-L-rhamnopyranoside) (1), patuletin 3-O-&#x3b1;-L-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), and trans-caffeoyl-malic acid (3), with compounds 1 and 2 being chemical markers of the species. Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in systolic blood pressure and MMP2 (72kDa isoform) activity were observed in the HTN 4 group. The association of K. crenata extract and losartan presented in vivo effects against hypertension.

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. is a medicinal plant used by many ethnic groups in Brazil to treat respiratory diseases, hepatitis and the bites of venomous animals. A methanolic extract of E. prostrata (MEEP), the major components of which are wedelolactone (WED) and demethylwedelolactone (DMW), exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in acute asthma models but the effects on lung inflammation and the mechanisms of action of MEEP in a chronic asthma model are not known. To study the effects of MEEP in vivo using a chronic ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model in mice. The identities of WED and DMW in MEEP were confirmed and the concentrations determined by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Male Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA and experimental animals were treated with MEEP (100, 250 or 500&#xa0;mg/kg) while control animals were treated with dexamethasone (2&#xa0;mg/kg) or normal saline. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and the production of Th2 cytokines in lung homogenates were assessed. Lung inflammation and mucus production were evaluated by histological analysis while nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-&#x3ba;B) activation was assessed immunohistochemically. Concentrations of WED and DMW in MEEP were 5.12% and 1.04%, respectively. Treatments with MEEP (250 or 500&#xa0;mg/kg) significantly decreased bronchial hyperresponsiveness, reduced total cell and eosinophil counts in BAL and IL-4 concentrations in lung homogenate, and inhibited NF-&#x3ba;B activation. Treatment with MEEP at 500&#xa0;mg/kg reduced the level of IL-5 in lung homogenates but did not decrease IL-13 concentration or mucus production. MEEP attenuated bronchial hyperresponsiveness and decreased lung and airway inflammation in a chronic asthma model in mice. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of NF-&#x3ba;B activation, most likely associated with the presence of the coumestans WED and DMW. These results support the ethnopharmacological evidence for the use of E. prostrata against asthma and other respiratory inflammatory diseases.