Sustainable Films Derived from spp. Bark: Improving Properties Through Chemical and Physical Pretreatments.

This study investigates the sustainable use of spp. bark through different chemical (hydrothermal, acid, alkaline, and bleaching) and physical (milling) pretreatments in the production of sustainable films. Valorization of agro-industrial residues and the demand for sustainable materials pose challenges for environmentally responsible solutions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Copolymers with Fluorene-di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole Units for Application in Optoelectronic Devices.

Conjugated donor-acceptor (D-A) copolymers are widely used in optoelectronic devices due to their influence on the resulting properties. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of the conjugated D-A copolymer constructed with fluorene and di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole units, resulting in Poly[2,7-(9,9-dioctyl-fluorene)-alt-5,5-(4,7-di(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PFDTBT). The synthesis associated with reaction times of 48 and 24 h, the latter incorporating the phase-transfer catalyst Aliquat 336, was investigated.

Optimization of the Heterogeneous Synthesis Conditions for Cellulose Tosylation and Synthesis of a Propargylamine Cellulosic Derivative.

Cellulose tosylate (MCC-Tos) is a key derivative for surface modification and a crucial precursor for cellulose compatibilization in click reactions, enabling its functionalization for advanced applications. Replacing tosyl groups with alkyne groups broadens cellulose's potential in biocompatible reactions, such as thiol-yne click chemistry and protein/enzyme immobilization. To achieve this, we optimized the heterogeneous synthesis of MCC-Tos using a Doehlert matrix statistical design, evaluating the influence and interaction of the reaction conditions.

Recent Advances on Starch-Based Adsorbents for Heavy Metal and Emerging Pollutant Remediation.

Starch is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature and has a high potential for application in several fields, including effluent treatment as an adsorbent. Starch has a unique structure, with zones of different crystallinity and a glycosidic structure containing hydroxyl groups. This configuration allows a wide range of interactions with pollutants of different degrees of hydrophilicity, which includes from hydrogen bonding to hydrophobic interactions.

Disinfection Strategies for Poly(methyl methacrylate): Method Sequence, Solution Concentration, and Intraoral Temperature on Antimicrobial Activity.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of different disinfection protocols for dentures by combining methods, varying intervention sequences, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) concentrations (0.1% and 0.25%), and post-exposure to intraoral temperature.

A Zinc Polyphenolic Compound Increases Maize Resistance Against Infection by .

Maize leaf blight (MLB), caused by the fungus , is an important disease affecting maize production. In order to minimize the use of fungicides in agriculture, nutrient-based resistance inducers may become a promising alternative to manage MLB. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of Semia (zinc (20%) complexed with a plant-derived pool of polyphenols (10%)) to hamper the infection of maize leaves by by analyzing their photosynthetic performance and carbohydrate and antioxidative metabolism, as well as the expression of defense-related genes.

Sequential Defense Strategies: From Ant Recruitment to Leaf Toughness.

Plants express many types of defenses in response to herbivory damage. These defenses can be displayed as a sequence or they can overlap, increasing efficiency in protection. However, leaf defense shifts during leaf development, including extrafloral nectaries (EFNs), are neglected in natural tropical systems.

High-Throughput Phenotyping for Agronomic Traits in Cassava Using Aerial Imaging.

Large-scale phenotyping using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been considered an important tool for plant selection. This study aimed to estimate the correlations between agronomic data and vegetation indices (VIs) obtained at different flight heights and to select prediction models to evaluate the potential use of aerial imaging in cassava breeding programs. Various VIs were obtained and analyzed using mixed models to derive the best linear unbiased predictors, heritability parameters, and correlations with various agronomic traits.

Improving Soybean Germination and Nodule Development with Nitric Oxide-Releasing Polymeric Nanoparticles.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signaling molecule in plants, playing key roles in germination, microbial symbiosis, and nodule formation. However, its instability requires innovative approaches, such as using nanoencapsulated NO donors, to prolong its effects. This study evaluated the impact of treating soybean () seeds with the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles, on the germination, nodulation, and plant growth.

Assessment of 3-Cyanobenzoic Acid as a Possible Herbicide Candidate: Effects on Maize Growth and Photosynthesis.

Chemical weed control is a significant agricultural concern, and reliance on a limited range of herbicide action modes has increased resistant weed species, many of which use C4 metabolism. As a result, the identification of novel herbicidal agents with low toxicity targeting C4 plants becomes imperative. An assessment was conducted on the impact of 3-cyanobenzoic acid on the growth and photosynthetic processes of maize (), a representative C4 plant, cultivated hydroponically over 14 days.

Biorefining Brazilian Green Propolis: An Eco-Friendly Approach Based on a Sequential High-Pressure Extraction for Recovering High-Added-Value Compounds.

Propolis is a valuable natural resource for extracting various beneficial compounds. This study explores a sustainable extraction approach for Brazilian green propolis. First, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process parameters were optimized (co-solvent: 21.

Exploring the Potential of Malvidin and Echiodinin as Probable Antileishmanial Agents Through In Silico Analysis and In Vitro Efficacy.

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by species, presents serious public health challenges due to limited treatment options, toxicity, high costs, and drug resistance. In this study, the in vitro potential of malvidin and echioidinin is examined as antileishmanial agents against , , and , comparing their effects to amphotericin B (AmpB), a standard drug. Malvidin demonstrated greater potency than echioidinin across all parasite stages and species.

Agathisflavone Inhibits Viability and Modulates the Expression of miR-125b, miR-155, IL-6, and Arginase in Glioblastoma Cells and Microglia/Macrophage Activation.

Glioblastomas (GBM) are malignant tumours with poor prognosis. Treatment involves chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy; however, there is currently no standard treatment for recurrence, and prognosis remains unfavourable. Inflammatory mediators and microRNAs (miRNAs) influence the aggressiveness of GBM, being involved in the communication with the cells of the tumour parenchyma, including microglia/macrophages, and maintaining an immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Evaluating Variational Quantum Eigensolver Approaches for Simplified Models of Molecular Systems: A Case Study on Protocatechuic Acid.

The Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) is a hybrid algorithm that combines quantum and classical computing to determine the ground-state energy of molecular systems. In this context, this study applies VQE to investigate the ground state of protocatechuic acid, analyzing its performance with various Ansatzes and active spaces. Subsequently, all VQE results were compared to those obtained with the CISD and FCI methods.

Recent Progress in Polyolefin Plastic: Polyethylene and Polypropylene Transformation and Depolymerization Techniques.

This paper highlights the complexity and urgency of addressing plastic pollution, drawing attention to the environmental challenges posed by improperly discarded plastics. Petroleum-based plastic polymers, with their remarkable range of physical properties, have revolutionized industries worldwide. Their versatility-from flexible to rigid and hydrophilic to hydrophobic-has fueled an ever-growing demand.

-Kaurane Diterpenoids from Genus: An Update of Chemical Diversity and Biological Aspects.

Coffee is one of the most important beverages in the world and is produced from spp. beans. Diterpenes with -kaurane backbones have been described in this genus, and substances such as cafestol and kahweol have been widely investigated, along with their derivatives and biological properties.

NMR Studies on the Structure of Yeast Sis1 and the Dynamics of Its Interaction with Ssa1-EEVD.

HSP70 chaperones play pivotal roles in facilitating protein folding, refolding, and disaggregation through their binding and releasing activities. This intricate process is further supported by J-domain proteins (JDPs), also known as DNAJs or HSP40s, which can be categorized into classes A and B. In yeast, these classes are represented by Ydj1 and Sis1, respectively.

Performance of Culture Using a Semi-Automatic Needle as a Novel Tool for Collecting Lymph Node Samples for the Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by () and dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study compared the performance of parasitological tests using semi-automatic needle puncture (SANP) for collecting popliteal lymph node samples with samples collected from the same lymph node by fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) and by necropsy for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Popliteal lymph node samples were collected from 30 CVL-seropositive dogs from an endemic region in Brazil.

Double cycling with breath-stacking during partial support ventilation in ARDS: Just a feature of natural variability?

Background: Double cycling with breath-stacking (DC/BS) during controlled mechanical ventilation is considered potentially injurious, reflecting a high respiratory drive. During partial ventilatory support, its occurrence might be attributable to physiological variability of breathing patterns, reflecting the response of the mode without carrying specific risks.

Methods: This secondary analysis of a crossover study evaluated DC/BS events in hypoxemic patients resuming spontaneous breathing in cross-over under neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA), proportional assist ventilation (PAV +), and pressure support ventilation (PSV).

Relating ecological diversity to genetic discontinuity across bacterial species.

Background: Genetic discontinuity represents abrupt breaks in genomic identity among species. Advances in genome sequencing have enhanced our ability to track and characterize genetic discontinuity in bacterial populations. However, exploring the degree to which bacterial diversity exists as a continuum or sorted into discrete and readily defined species remains a challenge in microbial ecology.

Outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) in patients with post-surgical macular edema - a real-world scenario.

Background: Clinically significant macular edema (CME) is the leading cause of visual loss after ophthalmologic surgery due to the release of inflammatory mediators promoted by the procedures. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of intravitreal Ozurdex (700 µg dexamethasone) implants as a primary therapeutical option for post-surgical macular edema cases.

Methods: Patients with post-surgical macular edema diagnosed by optical coherence tomography (Cirrus SD-OCT) and treated with Ozudex were selected for the current study.

Ethnobiology! Until when will the colonialist legacy be reinforced?

In this essay, we will present arguments for a negative answer to the debate question: "Is publishing ethnobiology data respectful of Indigenous and Local Knowledge holders' rights?" We recognize that ethnobiological research has advanced in recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), but we believe that we still have a long way to go in deconstructing colonialism in ethnobiology. In order to be truly respectful, ethnobiologists need to collaborate with IPLC to achieve an ethical science with equity between knowledge systems, fostering the co-production of knowledge from an intercultural science perspective. This essay was written by a group of Brazilian scientists, both IPLC and non-IPLC, and reflects a perspective of the academic universe seen from the place we are, in this multicultural and imbalanced world.

Surgical strategies for recurrent hiatal hernia: three-point fundoplication fixation.

Background: The management of a recurrent (symptomatic) hiatal hernia remains controversial. This study aimed to review the outcomes of patients who underwent recurrent repair of hiatal hernias.

Methods: Thirteen patients who underwent recurrent hiatal hernia repairs at our hospital between 2018 and 2024 were reviewed retrospectively.

Microvascular decompression: a contemporary update.

Background: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the gold-standard surgical treatment for cranial nerve compression disorders, including trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemifacial spasm (HFS), and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). This review synthesizes historical milestones, recent advances, and evolving techniques in MVD, with a primary focus on these conditions.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, BioMed Central, Scopus, and ScienceDirect.

Genetic parameters and genome-wide association studies including the X chromosome for various reproduction and semen quality traits in Nellore cattle.

Background: The profitability of the beef industry is directly influenced by the fertility rate and reproductive performance of both males and females, which can be improved through selective breeding. When performing genomic analyses, genetic markers located on the X chromosome have been commonly ignored despite the X chromosome being one of the largest chromosomes in the cattle genome. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study were to: (1) estimate variance components and genetic parameters for eighteen male and five female fertility and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle including X chromosome markers in the analyses; and (2) perform genome-wide association studies and functional genomic analyses to better understand the genetic background of male and female fertility and reproductive performance traits in Nellore cattle.