Publications by authors named "Renata de Faria Barbosa"

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNI) are agonists of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) that induce non-elucidate mechanisms of abnormal behavior in insects. In this work, we investigated the effects of sublethal doses of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam (TMX) on neurochemical and physiological parameters in cockroaches. Sublethal doses of TMX (0.

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Fipronil, a pesticide widely used to control agricultural and household insect pests, blocks insect GABA and glutamate (GluCl) ionotropic receptors, resulting in uncontrolled hyperexcitation and paralysis that eventually leads to death. The use of fipronil is controversial because unintentional exposure to this compound may contribute to the ongoing global decline of insect pollinator populations. Although the sublethal effects of fipronil have been linked to aberrant behavior and impaired olfactory learning in insects, the precise mechanisms involved in these responses remain unclear.

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Marine fish are considered a source of high quality proteins and fatty acids. However, the consumption of fish may pose a health risk as it may have potentially toxic elements in high concentrations. In this study we quantify the multielemental composition of muscle and fins for three species of commercial marine fish from Brazil: Sphyraena guachancho (Barracuda), Priacantus arenatus (Common bigeye) and Genidens genidens (Guri sea catfish).

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The placenta is fundamental for fetal development. The aim of this study was to determine Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in the fetal and maternal portions of the placentas of teenage and adult women. Measurement of the minerals was conducted using Synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence.

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Article Synopsis
  • Adolescence is a critical time for growth, and when pregnant, nutritional needs increase significantly.
  • This study compared levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in the plasma of pregnant teenagers and adults, finding that iron levels were higher in teenagers, while overall mineral levels in placentas were lower for teenagers than adults.
  • The study suggests that despite lower mineral levels in teenagers' placentas, it doesn't affect mineral levels in cord plasma, and further research is needed on how these minerals are transferred through the placenta in pregnant teens.
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