Publications by authors named "Ana M M de A Melo"

The introduction of optimized nanoheaters, which function as theranostic agents integrating both diagnostic and therapeutic processes, holds significant promise in the medical field. Therefore, developing strategies for selecting and utilizing optimized plasmonic nanoheaters is crucial for the effective use of nanostructured biomedical agents. This work elucidates the use of the Joule number (Jo) as a figure of merit to identify high-performance plasmonic theranostic agents.

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snails constitute the main vector of schistosomiasis in Brazil, and Kurz, the leaves of which contain BmoLL lectin with biocidal action, is a plant widely found on continents in which the disease is endemic. This work describes the composition of preparations and the effect on embryos and adult snails, their reproduction parameters and hemocytes. We also describe the results of a comet assay after exposure to sublethal concentrations of the preparations.

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This study describes for the first time the effect of saline extract and Parkia pendula seed fraction on Biomphalaria glabrata adult embryos and molluscs well as the reproductive parameters (fecundity and fertility) and survival, in addition to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity through the profile of blood cells after exposure to sublethal concentrations. Furthermore, we analyzed the action of both preparations against the cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and their environmental safety using the bioindicator Artemia salina. The saline extract and fraction showed toxic effects for embryos (CL of 464.

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Waste produced in homes is one of the main sources of pollutants in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, it is imperative to implement methodologies that aid in environmental monitoring procedures. The use of organisms as biomonitors has grown increasingly prevalent as they are models that provide data that can be adequately evaluated.

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Article Synopsis
  • Industrial development has improved quality of life but has also increased the use of toxic chemicals that harm ecosystems, necessitating knowledge on pollution monitoring techniques and organisms.
  • This study focused on using the mollusk Biomphalaria glabrata to examine the effects of industrial sewage sludge on its health and vitality through various biomarker and biomonitoring tests.
  • Results showed that while embryos exposed to the sludge had similar viability rates compared to controls, significant cellular and genetic damage in hemocytes was detected, particularly at higher sludge concentrations, indicating that this mollusk is effective for monitoring freshwater ecosystem health.
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In this study, the molluscicidal activities against Biomphalaria glabrata and cercaricidal activities against Schistosoma mansoni of the ether extract of Ramalina aspera were evaluated. Additionally, toxicity parameters were evaluated at sublethal doses in terms of the influence of the extract on the fertility and fecundity of snails, as well as morphological alterations and quantification of their immunological cells. A test with Artemia salina was also carried out, in order to verify the environmental toxicity of the compound.

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This text presents complementary data corresponding to schistosomiasis mansoni׳s vector control and toxicity on cercariae using potassium usnate. This information support our research article "Potassium Usnate Toxicity Against Embryonic Stages of the Snail and Cercariae" [1], and focuses on the analysis of the detailed data regarding the different concentrations of potassium usnate and their efficiency to mortality and non-viability and cercariae mortality etiologic agent of the disease.

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An increase of health problems has been reported in the city of Triunfo, Paraíba, NE Brazil. This pattern has been attributed to environmental radiation since there are uranium deposits in the neighboring municipalities. The present study aimed to carry a radiometric survey in Triunfo to determine effective dose from external outdoor radiation exposure.

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In this study, a leaf extract from Schinus terebinthifolius was evaluated for effects on survival, development, and midgut of A. aegypti fourth instar larvae (L4), as well as for toxic effect on Artemia salina. Leaf extract was obtained using 0.

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The present study evaluated the toxicity of Microgramma vacciniifolia rhizome lectin (MvRL) to Artemia salina, human tumour cell lines (larynx epidermoid carcinoma Hep-2, NCI-H292 lung mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and chronic myelocytic leukaemia K562), and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as to Biomphalaria glabrata embryos and adults. MvRL was toxic to A. salina (LC50=159.

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