Modelling mixed crop-livestock systems and climate impact assessment in sub-Saharan Africa.

Climate change significantly challenges smallholder mixed crop-livestock (MCL) systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), affecting food and feed production. This study enhances the SIMPLACE modeling framework by incorporating crop-vegetation-livestock models, which contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices in response to climate change. Applying such a framework in a domain in West Africa (786,500 km) allowed us to estimate the changes in crop (Maize, Millet, and Sorghum) yield, grass biomass, livestock numbers, and greenhouse gas emission in response to future climate scenarios.

Shark-on-a-dish: Elasmobranch cell cultures as a promising tool for the conservation of threatened species.

Anthropogenic activities have increasingly contaminated aquatic ecosystems worldwide, requiring the development of adequate methods to assess the effects of environmental pollution on aquatic biota. Currently, ecotoxicological research on fish is largely based on in vivo studies, many times using post-mortem fish samples bought in fish markets or obtained through capture-and-release programs. However, such samples provide a narrow window to the cellular and molecular processes that occur to fish upon exposure to pollutants and other toxicants or pathogens.

A global review on ecotoxicological studies concerning metal and metalloid contamination in Hammerhead Sharks.

Sharks, are highly vulnerable to fishing pressures, a key factor in their global population decline. Chemical pollution, however, especially metal and metalloid contamination, poses significant additional risks. Of around 520 shark species, about 170 are threatened, including the Sphyrna genus (hammerheads).

Cocaine and other illicit drugs in the marine environment: Potential effects and future directions.

Cocaine and its primary metabolite, benzoylecgonine, have been recently detected in sharks, indicating a growing concern over marine drug pollution. The presence of this drug in marine fauna poses risks such as physiological stress, impaired growth, reproduction, and altered behaviors, potentially leading to biodiversity loss and disrupted ecological interactions. Biomagnification may further affect higher trophic levels, including humans.

Sustainable application of modified Luffa cylindrica biomass for removal of trimethoprim in water by adsorption with process optimization.

The present study describes a set of methodological procedures (seldom applied together), including (i) development of an alternative adsorbent derived from abundant low-cost plant biomass; (ii) use of simple low-cost biomass modification techniques based on physical processing and chemical activation; (iii) design of experiments (DoE) applied to optimize the removal of a pharmaceutical contaminant from water; (iv) at environmentally relevant concentrations, (v) that due to initial low concentrations required determination by ultra-performance liquid phase chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A central composite rotational design (CCRD) was employed to investigate the performance of vegetable sponge biomass (Luffa cylindrica), physically processed (crushing and sieving) and chemically activated with phosphoric acid, in the adsorption of the antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) from water. The optimized model identified pH as the most significant variable, with maximum drug removal (91.

Baseline polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon maternal transfer data in Lesser Numbfish Narcine brasiliensis (Elasmobranchii: Batoidea) from an impacted estuary in Southeastern Brazil.

Maternal offloading of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) poses a significant exposure route for developing embryos, with implications for subsequent generations. Despite known developmental effects regarding fish physiology and behavior, maternal PAH transfer assessments in elasmobranchii are still lacking. This study investigated PAH contamination and maternal transfer in one female Lesser Numbfish (Narcine brasiliensis) electric ray and seven embryos for the first time.

Spheroid Model of Mammary Tumor Cells: Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Doxorubicin Response.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Therapeutic strategies to control tumors and metastasis are still challenging. Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid-type systems more accurately replicate the features of tumors in vivo, working as a better platform for performing therapeutic response analysis.

First assessment of persistent organic pollutants and halogenated natural compounds in an omnivorous resident coral-reef fish species, black triggerfish, Melichthys niger, from an Atlantic oceanic island, Brazil.

Studies on the occurrence of POPs and other persistent compounds in pristine areas are extremely valuable, as they offer insights on the long-range transportation of POPs and the occurrence of natural compound producers' areas. In this regard, this study aimed to report data of both anthropogenic (polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs) and natural (methoxylated PBDEs, MeO-BDEs) compounds in tissues of the black triggerfish, Melichthys niger (Tetraodontiformes, Balistidae), specimens (n = 30) sampled in 2018 during a scientific expedition conducted at Trindade Island. Concentrations of ∑PCBs ranged from 73 to 1052 ng g lw in liver, 334 to 1981 ng g lw in gonads, and 20 to 257 ng g lw in muscle, with the predominance of PCB-180 in liver and PCB-52 in gonad and muscle.

The effect of antireaction medications on the association between periodontitis and leprosy reactions: An important methodological issue in periodontal medicine.

Background: The treatment of leprosy reactions (LRs) involves thalidomide, corticosteroids, and other immunomodulatory medications. This study evaluated the effect of these treatments on the association between periodontitis and LRs, as well as factors associated with LRs.

Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 283 individuals followed at a leprosy outpatient clinic in Brazil.

"Cocaine Shark": First report on cocaine and benzoylecgonine detection in sharks.

Cocaine (COC) and benzoylecgonine (BE), the main COC metabolite, have been detected in aquatic ecosystems. Studies focusing on wild fish are, however, very limited, and no reports concerning elasmobranchs are available. This study investigated COC and BE levels in Brazilian Sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) (n = 13) using LC-MS/MS.

Life-history of the spiny butterfly ray, Gymnura altavela (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes), kept under human care in a marine aquarium.

The Rio de Janeiro Marine Aquarium (AquaRio) is the first to successfully maintain and reproduce the spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela), providing unique information about the species' biology. Seven rays were kept in captivity between 2018 and 2023, two captured on the southeastern coast of Brazil and five born in the aquarium. The applied abiotic conditions and nutrition allowed for the survival, growth, and reproduction of these individuals.

Excessive weight in pregnant women increases the chance of diagnosing periodontitis combined with tooth loss.

Background: Excess weight (EW), especially in women of childbearing age, those who are pregnant, as well as postpartum, is a problem worldwide. Fat accumulation deregulates the inflammatory response, contributing to the development of health problems, such as periodontitis. This study investigated the association between EW and periodontitis during pregnancy.

Public Dental Service Access Policies for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: A Pre-Evaluation Study.

This study sought to carry out a systematic and preliminary evaluation of the policies on access to public dental services for people with ASD in a Brazilian city. The study, conducted between November/2019 and February/2020, was developed through document analysis, the design of the theoretical logical model of the policies, and seven semi-structured interviews with key informants. The sample was intentionally selected.

Periodontitis and systemic parameters in chronic kidney disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to assess recent scientific evidence on the association between periodontitis and systemic parameters/conditions in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials And Methods: The search for studies was performed in MedLine/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and BIREME databases. Reference lists of selected articles were also searched.

Entomopathogenic Fungi as Dual Control Agents against Two Phytopathogens and the Lepidopteran Pest in Soybean ( (L.) Merr).

Soybean () is one of the most important crops worldwide. This crop is prone to diseases caused by the phytopathogenic fungi , and the lepidopteran pest . Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi is a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology - evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy.

Objective: To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults.

Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion.

Functioning and Gene Expression of Adenosine A Receptor During Zebrafish () Development.

The A1 adenosine receptor is the most widely expressed P1 receptor in vertebrates, performing inhibitory tone of the nervous system. Increased levels of adenosine are crucial to promote tissue protection in threatening situations, such as convulsion and hypoxia. Zebrafish is an established model organism for studies on health and disease.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Vestibular Schwannoma ‒ evaluation and treatment.

Objective: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma.

Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion.

Doce river mining tailings can be an influencing factor in loggerhead turtles reproductive success in Brazil.

In November 2015, a tailings dam ruptured and affected the second largest nesting site of loggerhead sea turtles in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive success, and trace elements in female's plasma, freshly laid eggs, unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings of loggerhead turtles that nest in the coastal area exposed to the mining waste (Povoação, Espírito Santo state) and compare them with animals from an area that was not affected by the tailings (Praia do Forte, Bahia state). Plasma concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Fe, and Zn were significantly higher in samples from Povoação in comparison to turtles from Praia do Forte.

Variables Associated With Knee Valgus in Male Professional Soccer Players During a Single-Leg Vertical Landing Task.

Prior studies have explored the relationship between knee valgus and musculoskeletal variables to formulate injury prevention programs, primarily for females. Nonetheless, there is insufficient evidence pertaining to professional male soccer players. Here, the aim was to test the correlation of lateral trunk inclination, hip adduction, hip internal rotation, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and hip isometric strength with knee valgus during the single-leg vertical jump test.

A systematic review on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in elasmobranchs and associated human health risks.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination is ubiquitous and comprises a significant worldwide concern in ecological and Public Health frameworks. Many aquatic biota representatives have been reported as contaminated by these toxic compounds, including one of the most threatened vertebrate groups, elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Although elasmobranchs play important ecological roles and provide significant ecosystem services, they are highly consumed and comprise a cheap source of protein for humans globally.

Ecotoxicology applied to conservation: Potential negative metal and metalloid contamination effects on the homeostatic balance of the critically endangered Brazilian guitarfish, Pseudobatos horkelii (Elasmobranchii: Rhinobatidae).

Metal contamination poses a significant threat to elasmobranchs, underscoring the need for targeted conservation approaches. The critically endangered Brazilian guitarfish, Pseudobatos horkelii, confronts an array of challenges, notably overexploitation, putting its survival at risk. Our study investigated the potential toxicity arising from arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) contamination across various adult guitarfish tissues from southeastern Brazil.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Otosclerosis: evaluation and treatment.

Objectives: To review and provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of otosclerosis.

Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on otosclerosis were eligible for inclusion.