Effects of light spectrum and UV-A radiation on in vitro seed germination and seedlings of Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv. Massai)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different visible light spectra and UV-A radiation on the germination and morphology of Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv. Massai) seedlings in vitro. Seeds of cv. Massai from the 2024/2025 harvest were used. The experiment was conducted in germination boxes maintained at 25 ºC for 17 days under different light sources: white, red, green, yellow, absence of light (black), and UV-A radiation. Germination was monitored daily by counting the number of germinated seeds, with a 16-hour photoperiod. At the end of the experiment, seedlings were collected and evaluated for shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry mass. Results showed that the highest germination rates occurred between days 2 and 4 under green, red, and white light spectra. The lowest germination rate was observed under UV-A, reaching a maximum of 42%. Regarding seedling morphology, yellow light provided the best results, enhancing shoot length, root length, and fresh mass. In conclusion, visible light spectra such as green, red, and white promote rapid germination in a shorter time, while the yellow spectrum (570–590 nm) optimizes seedling morphological development in Massai grass. UV-A radiation, however, exerts deleterious effects from germination through early seedling growth

Adapted silver impregnation protocol for the detection of Merkel cells in fish skin embedded in plastic historesins

Merkel cells are detected using silver impregnation in skin samples embedded in paraplast. Here, we describe an adapted protocol for detecting Merkel cells in Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) skin samples embedded in historesin. Incubated slides in Grimelius silver impregnation solution at 60 ºC for five hours resulted in positive Merkel cells scattered among skin cell layers composed of Malpighian, goblet, and club cells. Thus, Merkel cells can be explored in samples embedded in historesins using adapted protocols for paraplast ones

Toxicity and bioaccumulation of Cu and Ni in plants during the vegetative stage of hybrid maize grown in dystroferric red latosol

Heavy metals such as Cu2+ and Ni2+ can promote bioaccumulation and induce phytotoxic effects in various plant groups, including agriculturally important species such as maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we assessed the effects of different concentrations of these metals, which act as micronutrients at low levels but become toxic at elevated doses. Increasing concentrations of Cu and Ni (mg L-1) were applied via nutrient solution to dystroferric Red Latosol cultivated with the hybrid maize Pioneer P3601 PWU. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and evaluated at the V5 growth stage. Our results showed that concentrations above 5 mg L-1 impaired both shoot and root development, with severely toxic effects observed at the highest concentrations (350 and 600 mg L-1). We conclude that Cu and Ni levels exceeding 5 mg L-1 negatively affect the vegetative growth of hybrid maize and exhibit significant translocation between roots and shoots, ultimately compromising plant development

In silico evaluation of twenty-five amino derivatives as potential nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

There are studies indicating that nitric oxide synthase can be involved in cancer cell growth. It is important to mention that some inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase can produce changes in cancer cell growth. However, there is little information on the interaction of some amino derivatives with nitric oxide synthase surface.  The aim of this research was to determine the theoretical interaction of amino derivatives (compounds 1-25) with nitric oxide synthase using the 4d1o protein as a tool. Besides, L-NAME, ONO1714, and N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine drugs were used as controls in the DockingServer program. The results showed differences in the number of aminoacid residues and energy levels involved in the interaction of amino derivatives with the 4d1o protein surface compared with the controls. Furthermore, the inhibition constants for amino derivatives 4, 15, 20, 24, and 25 were lower compared to L-NAME and ONO1714 drugs. In conclusion, these theoretical results indicate that compounds 4, 15, 20, 24, and 25 have a higher affinity for the 4d1o protein surface. This data indicates that amino derivatives 4, 15, 20, 24, and 25 can exert changes in the biological activity of nitric oxide synthase. This phenomenon could translate into a decrease in cancer cell growth; however, to validate this hypothesis, it is necessary to perform different experiments in a biological model

Intramolecular interaction analysis of twenty-seven benzothiazole derivatives with CDK9 using a theoretical model

There are studies indicating that some drugs can regulate cancer cell growth through CDK9 inhibition. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of twenty-seven benzothiazole analogs interacting with CDK9 using the 3ocb protein as a theoretical tool. In addition, the fedracib, KB-0742, and N-vinylpyrrolidone drugs were used as controls in the DockingServer program. The results showed different amino acid residues involved in the docking of benzothiazole derivatives (1-27) with the 3ocb protein surface compared to the controls. Other data displayed that the inhibition constant (Ki) was lower for compounds 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13-15, 17, 19-21, 22, 24, and 26 compared to KB-0742 and N-Vinylpyrrolidone. All this data indicate that these benzothiazole derivatives might have a higher affinity for the 3ocb protein surface, and this phenomenon could be translated as a CDK9 inhibition, resulting in a decrease in cancer cell growth

Synthesis and biological evaluation of oxygen-, nitrogen-, and sulphur-containing non-fused heterocycles and tricyclic fused pyrimidines

A series of non-fused heterocycles containing oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur (compounds 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 12), as well as furo-imidazo and thiazolo-thieno fused pyrimidines (compounds 7 and 13), were synthesized in good yields using a catalyst-free, convenient, general, and facile method. The molecular structures of all newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral data and elemental microanalyses. Furthermore, the biological activities of all synthesized heterocyclic derivatives were evaluated in vitro against various common pathogenic microorganisms

Geotechnical challenges in crystalline basement terrain: mapping subsurface conditions with electrical resistivity tomography in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Subsoil investigation constitutes a critical step in the planning and execution of any construction project. It is a prerequisite for the design and construction of safe, stable, and sustainable structures. Subsoil investigation using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was carried out in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria to assess the integrity of foundation soils/near-subsurface geomaterials. The study area is underlain by the crystalline basement terrain of southwestern Nigeria. The study delineated low resistivity zones having as low as 63 Ωm at a depth of about 10 m, localized pockets of clay intercalated by lateritic soil, a stretch of geomaterials of high resistivity values over 10000 Ωm observed at a depth of 6 m, and a structural feature diagnostic of fractured zone with intense weathering at depths stretching beyond 25 m. The presence of an underground water channel within the fractured basement rock is significant. The geological variations along the traverses confirm the heterogeneity of the basement complex rocks, even over short distances. This is crucial for foundation design. A gross assumption of uniformity could be hazardous to the stability of the structure. Geophysics remains a very fundamental tool that can be applied in civil engineering work. Use of integrated geophysical methods would reduce ambiguities and enhance site characterization for construction purposes.

Butterfly species diversity in the urban environment of the derived Savanna Forest of Nigeria

The study examined the effects of various land-use types, resulting from continuous land-use changes and conversions, on the distribution and diversity of butterflies in an urban-derived savanna location. The area was divided into five land-use zones: farm, residential, recreational, aquatic, and utility areas using the transect method for five months in 2024 (January-May). Data was analyzed using Python. A total of 2,173 butterflies from five families were recorded: Nymphalidae (52%), Papilionidae (23%), Lycaenidae (9%), Hesperiidae (9%), and Pieridae (7%). Hesperiidae was recorded for the first time and was exclusive to aquatic areas. Nymphalidae and Pieridae dominated aquatic and recreational areas, while Lycaenidae and Papilionidae exhibited a balanced distribution across locations. Wet season butterfly abundance was higher than dry season. Significant differences were found in butterfly counts (p < 0.05) across land use types. Butterfly counts peaked between March and April and slightly declined in May. Aquatic and residential areas had the highest counts, while aquatic and farmland areas exhibited the greatest species diversity. The study concluded that land-use types significantly influence butterfly abundance, diversity, and species richness, with the aquatic area supporting the highest species count

Life cycle assessment of the artisanal bamboo pole (Guadua angustifolia) production in the Brazilian Amazon

The artisanal production of bamboo poles is an income alternative for small producers in countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite the positive impact on climate change from the use of this renewable material for construction purposes, there is a gap in knowledge about the environmental footprint of this production system. This study assessed the potential environmental impacts of the artisanal production process of bamboo poles (Guadua angustifolia) in the Brazilian Amazon. A life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted within an artisanal production unit (PU) of bamboo poles, in the municipality of Rio Branco, state of Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon, encompassed the entire production chain, from bamboo planting to the chemically treated bamboo poles. The environmental impact category that prominently emerged was Human Carcinogenic Toxicity (HCT), achieving 93% of the total impact generated. Shaving and cutting waste and discarded poles accounted for 91% of the total impact generated by the artisanal bamboo production chain. The findings highlight the need to explore alternative methods for the chemical treatment of bamboo poles and to enhance the management of solid waste, emphasizing the optimization of water usage in the treatment process. Addressing these aspects is imperative for mitigating the environmental footprint associated with the artisanal bamboo production chain and promoting the bioeconomy in the Brazilian Amazon

Theoretical interaction of muscarinic receptor antagonist with vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGF-R1, R2 and R3) as a therapeutic alternative to treat cancer

Several biomolecules have been the target of some drugs for the treatment of cancer; however, there is little information on the interaction of muscarinic antagonists with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R1, R2, R3). The aim of this research was to determine the possible interaction of muscarinic antagonists such as atropine, ML381, af-dx 386, azaprophen, darifenacin, dicyclomine, PD-102807, pirenzepine, telenzepine, Zamifenacin, and cyclohexylamine with VEGF-R1, R2, and R3. The theoretical interaction of muscarinic antagonists with VEGF-R1, R2, and R3 was carried out using the 2ho4, 3hng, and 4bsj proteins as theoretical tools. Besides, cabozantinib, pazopanib, regorafenib, and sorafenib drugs were used as controls. The results showed differences in the number of aminoacid residues and energy levels involved in the interaction of muscarinic antagonists with 2ho4, 3hng, and 4bsj proteins compared with the controls. Besides, the inhibition constants (Ki) values for atropine, ML-381, zaniferacin, and dicyclomine were lower compared with some controls. In conclusion, the results suggest that atropine, ML-381, zaniferacin, and dicyclomine could act as VEGF receptor inhibitors, could result in changes in the biological activity of angiogenesis, and this phenomenon could be translated as a decrease in cancer cell growth. Therefore, these drugs could be a good therapeutic alternative to evaluate their biological activity in some cancer models