Análise fitoquímica e atividades antimicrobiana e antioxidante das folhas de Henriettea succosa (Aubl.) DC

Henriettea succosa is a tree species consumed in abundance by birds, however, there is no report on its phytochemical profile and biological activity. This study performed the phytochemical screening and the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of H. succosa leaves. The hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (AcOEt) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of the leaves were evaluated for chemical composition by Thin Layer Chromatography and spectrophotometric analysis; the antimicrobial activity was determined by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Microbicide Concentration (MMC); antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, determination of the reducing power and the phosphomolybdenum complex reduction assay. The photoprotor action of the extracts was also evaluated. The results showed a higher content of phenolic compounds (444.08 ± 0.020 mg EAG/g) and tannins (414.37 ± 0.16 mg EAG/g) in the MeOH extract, which was effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens, with MIC of 1 mg/ ml and CMM of 2 mg/ml. The MIC and MMC of AcOEt for Micrococcus luteus was 1 mg/mL, this was also considered the minimum concentration necessary for the Hex extract to act on the S. aureus strain. The MeOH extract showed greater antioxidant activity by the DPPH (79.09%) and reducing power (327.2 ± 0.00 mg EAA/g) methods, while the AcOEt extract showed greater activity by the phosphomolybdenum method (40.5%). However, none of the extracts showed a photoprotective effect against UV radiation. In summary, this study revealed that the leaves of H. succosa have secondary metabolites with bactericidal potential, in addition to antioxidant action.Henriettea succosa é uma espécie arbórea consumida em abundância por pássaros, no entanto, não há relatos sobre seu perfil fitoquímico e atividade biológica. Este estudo realizou a triagem fitoquímica e analisou o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante das folhas de H. succosa. Os extratos hexano (Hex), acetato de etila (AcOEt) e metanólico (MeOH) foram avaliados quanto a composição química por Cromatografia em Camada Delgada e análise espectrofotométrica; a atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pela Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Mínima Microbicida (CMM); a atividade antioxidante foi determinada usando-se os ensaios de sequestro do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), de determinação do poder redutor e de redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio. Foi avaliada também a ação fotoprotetora dos extratos. Os resultados mostraram maior teor de compostos fenólicos (444,08 ± 0,020 mg EAG/g) e taninos (414,37 ± 0,16 mg EAG/g) no extrato MeOH, sendo este eficaz contra Staphylococcus aureus e Serratia marcescens, com CIM de 1 mg/mL e CMM de 2 mg/mL. O CIM e CMM do AcOEt para Micrococcus luteus foi 1 mg/mL, essa também foi considerada a concentração mínima necessária para o extrato Hex agir sobre a cepa de S. aureus. O extrato MeOH apresentou maior atividade antioxidante pelos métodos de DPPH (79,09%) e poder redutor (327,2 ± 0,00 mg EAA/g), enquanto o extrato AcOEt apresentou maior atividade por meio do método fosfomolibdênio (40,5%). No entanto, nenhum dos extratos apresentaram efeito fotoprotetor contra radiação UV.  Em suma, este estudo revelou que as folhas de H. succosa possuem metabólitos secundários com potencial bactericida, além de ação antioxidante

Common bean resistance expression to whitefly in winter and rainy seasons in Brazil

Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B is the major pest of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Brazil and other countries. Host plant resistance is one of the cornerstones of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and assessment of cultivars for insect resistance is fundamental to provide farmers options for pest control. This study evaluated common bean resistance to whitefly in the winter and rainy seasons in Jaboticabal, Brazil, and correlated the infestation with climatic factors. The plant part and development period of common bean that are more susceptible to whitefly infestation were also examined for potential use in IPM. Field experiments were carried out using 18 and 19 commercial cultivars in the winter and rainy seasons, respectively. Whitefly eggs, nymphs, and adults in the upper part and lower part of plants were sampled from 25 to 60 days after emergence (DAE). Cultivars IAC-Una and IAC-Eldorado had less oviposition and the former also showed lower adult infestation in the winter season. In the rainy season, cultivars IAPAR-81 and Guará had a smaller number of eggs, whereas IAC-Centauro was less infested by nymphs. The number of nymphs and adults was similar among cultivars in the winter and rainy seasons, respectively. The upper part of plants had a greater number of eggs and adults, while, the lower part harbored larger numbers of nymphs. Common bean was more susceptible to whitefly at 25-32 DAE in both seasons. These results add useful information to IPM of whitefly in common bean

Modelos de predição da cinética de secagem dos grãos da algaroba / Models of prediction of drying kinetics of algaroba grains

Objetivou-se avaliar a cinética de secagem das sementes da algaroba em camada fina e em diferentes temperaturas utilizando os modelos matemáticos semi empíricos de Henderson & Pabis, Lewis, Page, Cavalcanti Mata, Exponencial de Dois Termos e Midilli et al., para ajuste dos dados experimentais. A cinética de secagem foi realizada em triplicata utilizando uma estufa com circulação forçada de ar, com velocidade em torno de 1 m s-1, nas temperaturas de 50, 60 e 70°C e por tempos determinados até massa constante. Em todos os tratamentos, os modelos matemáticos ajustados aos dados experimentais apresentaram R² superior a 95,02% e valores de DQM inferiores a 0,0048. Dentre as equações testadas, as de Cavalcanti Mata, Midilli et al. e Page aproximaram-se mais dos pontos experimentais que os demais modelos utilizados. Os modelos de Cavalcanti Mata, Page e Midilli apresentaram os menores valores de DQM e melhores coeficientes estatísticos para descrever as curvas de secagem. Recomenda-se utilizar o modelo de Page para secagem de grãos de algaroba por possuir o menor número de termos, apresentar excelentes valores de R2 e DQM, representar de forma eficiente as curvas de secagem para as diferentes temperaturas e ser de fácil aplicação

Phytochemical analysis and biological activity from clidemia capitellata leaves (melastomataceae)

This research determined the phytochemical profile and evaluated the photoprotective, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in extracts of Clidemia capitellata leaves, obtained with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The phytochemical profile was determined through thin layer chromatography; tannins, flavonoids and total phenolics were measured; the antimicrobial activity was determined by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Microbicide Concentration in bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and the yeast Candida albicans. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through the methods of Reducing Power, DPPH sequestration and phosphomolybdenum. The C. capitellata leaves show flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, steroids, anthraquinones and essential oils; tannins, flavonoids and total phenolics were extracted in greater amounts with methanol, however, the acetate extract stood out in relation to antimicrobial activity, and none of the extracts showed photoprotective activity within the values established by Brazilian legislation.   Word keys: secondary metabolites. antioxidant. antimicrobial.Esta investigación determinó el perfil fitoquímico y evaluó las actividades fotoprotectoras, antimicrobianas y antioxidantes en extractos de hojas de Clidemia capitellata, obtenidos con hexano, etilo y metanol. El perfil fitoquímico se determinó mediante cromatografía en capa fina; se midieron taninos, flavonoides y fenoles totales; la actividad antimicrobiana se determinó mediante Concentración Mínima Inhibidora y Concentración Mínima de Microbicida en bacterias Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis y Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens y Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium smegmatis y la levadura Candida albicans. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó mediante los métodos de Poder Reductor, secuestro de DPPH y fosfomolibdeno. Las hojas de C. capitellata presentan flavonoides, taninos, triterpenos, esteroides, antraquinonas y aceites esenciales; los taninos, flavonoides y fenoles totales se extrajeron en mayor cantidad con metanol, sin embargo, el extracto se destacó en relación a la actividad antimicrobiana, y ninguno de los extractos mostró actividad fotoprotectora dentro de los valores establecidos por la legislación brasileña. Palabras llaves: metabolitos secundarios. antioxidante. antimicrobiano.Esta pesquisa determinou o perfil fitoquímico e avaliou as atividades fotoprotetora, antimicrobiana e antioxidante de extratos de folhas de Clidemia capitellata, obtidos com hexano, acetato de etila e metanol. Cromatografia em camada delgada foi usada para identificação dos metabólitos; taninos, flavonóides e fenólicos totais foram medidos; a atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pela Concentração Inibitória Mínima e Concentração Microbicida Mínima nas bactérias Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis e Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens e Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium smegmatis e a levedura Candida albicans. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada através dos métodos de Poder Redutor, sequestro de DPPH e fosfomolibdênio. As folhas de C. capitellata apresentam flavonóides, taninos, triterpenos, esteróides, antraquinonas e óleos essenciais; taninos, flavonóides e fenólicos totais foram extraídos em maiores quantidades com metanol, porém, o extrato acetato se destacou em relação à atividade antimicrobiana, e nenhum dos extratos apresentou atividade fotoprotetora dentro dos valores estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Palavras-chave: metabólitos secundários. antioxidante. antimicrobiano

Activity of arginine-phenylalanine and arginine-tryptophan-based surfactants against Staphylococcus aureus

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of two new cationic surfactants based on phenylalanine-arginine (LPAM) and tryptophan-arginine (LTAM). Materials & methods: Antibacterial activity, mechanism of action and interactions with Staphylococcus aureus enzymes were measured through microbiological, flow cytometry and molecular docking assays, respectively. Results & conclusion: These compounds showed antibacterial activity in the range of 4.06-16.24 μg/ml against planktonic cells and no activity against mature biofilms, since they caused a loss of membrane integrity and increased DNA damage, as revealed by flow cytometry analysis. In silico assays revealed the existence of molecular bonds such as hydrogen bonds, mainly with DNA. Therefore, these compounds have promising pharmacological activity against MRSA strains.The authors would like to thank Central Analítica-UFC/CT-INFRA/MCTI- SISANO/Pró-Equipamentos CAPES for the support.Peer reviewe

DESAFIOS E AVANÇOS NO COMBATE AO PAPILOMAVÍRUS HUMANO: ESTRATÉGIAS DE PREVENÇÃO E TRATAMENTO

Introduction: The association between HPV and cervical cancer began in 1949 with the Pap smear. HPV is prevalent, causing precancerous lesions in the cervix. About 600 million people globally are infected, affecting 75-80% of women. Cervical cancer ranks third in Brazil, with 15.38 cases per 100,000 women in 2021, resulting in 4.51 deaths per 100,000 women, mainly between ages 25-64. Objectives: This study aims to elucidate prevention and treatment strategies for HPV-induced cervical carcinoma. Methodology: In this integrative literature review, studies were sought in PubMed and MedLine databases using the descriptors "Human papillomavirus" AND "Cervix Uteri" AND "Uterine Cervical Neoplasms," resulting in 1,584 articles published from 2010 to 2024. After analysis, 20 articles were selected. Results and Discussion: HPV infection can progress from low-grade to high-grade lesions and eventually to cervical cancer. Viral genotype, viral load, and host immunity influence its evolution, especially in HIV patients. Other risk factors include risky sexual behavior, smoking, and absence of cytological screening. Vaccination and condom use are essential preventive measures. Treatment aims to remove visible warts and precursor lesions, including cryotherapy, topical therapy, and surgery. Since 2014, SUS offers free treatment to reduce cervical cancer incidence and associated costs. Conclusion: HPV's complexity demands comprehensive approaches: vaccination, screening, treatment access, and education are crucial. Continuous research is essential to address emerging challenges and reduce its global health threat.Introdução: A associação entre HPV e câncer cervical começou em 1949, com o exame Papanicolau. O HPV é prevalente, causando lesões pré-malignas no colo uterino. Cerca de 600 milhões de pessoas estão infectadas globalmente, afetando 75-80% das mulheres. O câncer cervical é o terceiro mais comum no Brasil, com 15,38 casos por 100 mil mulheres em 2021, resultando em 4,51 óbitos por 100 mil mulheres, principalmente entre 25-64 anos. Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo esclarecer estratégias de prevenção e tratamento do carcinoma de colo uterino causado pelo Papilomavírus humano. Metodologia: Nesta revisão integrativa de literatura buscou-se estudos nos bancos de dados PubMed e MedLine, utilizando os descritores “Human papillomavirus” AND AND “Cervix Uteri” AND “Uterine Cervical Neoplasms”, que resultou em 1.584 artigos publicados de 2010 a 2024. Após análise, foram selecionados 20 desses artigos. Resultados e Discussão: A infecção pelo HPV pode progredir de lesões de baixo grau para alto grau e, eventualmente, para câncer cervical. Fatores como genótipo viral, carga viral e imunidade do hospedeiro influenciam sua evolução, especialmente em pacientes com HIV. Outros fatores de risco incluem comportamento sexual de risco, tabagismo e ausência de rastreio citopatológico. A vacinação e o uso de preservativos são medidas preventivas essenciais. O tratamento visa remover verrugas visíveis e lesões precursoras, podendo incluir crioterapia, terapia tópica e cirúrgica. O SUS oferece tratamento gratuito desde 2014, visando reduzir a incidência e os custos associados ao câncer cervical. Conclusão: A complexidade do HPV exige abordagens amplas: vacinação, rastreamento, acesso a tratamentos e educação são cruciais. Pesquisa contínua é essencial para enfrentar desafios emergentes e reduzir sua ameaça à saúde global

ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DO USO DE INIBIDORES DA ALFA-GLUCOSIDASE E DE INIBIDORES DA DPP-4 NO TRATAMENTO DA DIABETES TIPO 2

Considering the growing impact of type 2 diabetes on global public health, there is a justified need to explore effective therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis between alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors, both used in the management of type 2 diabetes. To this end, a qualitative bibliographic review was conducted, covering multiple languages, using databases such as Scielo, Google Scholar, scientific journals, repositories, and virtual libraries. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant studies that addressed the efficacy, side effects, mechanisms of action, and impact on glycemic control of these inhibitors. It was observed that DPP-4 inhibitors, such as Sitagliptin and Saxagliptin, are effective in reducing fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), in addition to presenting a favorable safety profile. On the other hand, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as Acarbose, stand out in reducing postprandial glucose but are frequently associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects such as flatulence and diarrhea. It is concluded that both classes of drugs have their specific advantages, with DPP-4 inhibitors being more effective in reducing HbA1C and better tolerated, while alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are particularly useful for controlling postprandial glucose. The choice of treatment should be individualized, considering the efficacy, tolerability, and specific needs of patients. Future studies may explore therapeutic combinations to maximize benefits and minimize adverse effects, as well as investigate treatments based on genetic characteristics and specific biomarkers for a more personalized management of type 2 diabetes.Considerando o crescente impacto da diabetes tipo 2 na saúde pública global, justifica-se a necessidade de explorar abordagens terapêuticas eficazes. Este estudo objetivou realizar uma análise comparativa entre inibidores da alfa-glucosidase e inibidores da DPP-4, ambos utilizados no manejo da diabetes tipo 2. Para tanto, procedeu-se a uma revisão bibliográfica qualitativa, abrangendo múltiplos idiomas, utilizando bases de dados como Scielo, Google Acadêmico, revistas científicas, repositórios e bibliotecas virtuais. Critérios de inclusão e exclusão foram aplicados para selecionar estudos relevantes que abordassem a eficácia, efeitos colaterais, mecanismos de ação e impacto no controle glicêmico desses inibidores. Observou-se que os inibidores da DPP-4, como Sitagliptina e Saxagliptina, são eficazes na redução da glicemia de jejum e na hemoglobina glicada (HbA1C), além de apresentarem um perfil de segurança favorável. Por outro lado, os inibidores da alfa-glucosidase, como a Acarbose, destacam-se na redução da glicemia pós-prandial, mas são frequentemente associados a efeitos gastrointestinais adversos, como flatulência e diarreia. Conclui-se que ambas as classes de medicamentos têm suas vantagens específicas, sendo os inibidores da DPP-4 mais eficazes na redução da HbA1C e melhor tolerados, enquanto os inibidores da alfa-glucosidase são particularmente úteis para controlar a glicemia pós-prandial. A escolha do tratamento deve ser individualizada, considerando a eficácia, a tolerabilidade e as necessidades específicas dos pacientes. Estudos futuros podem explorar combinações terapêuticas para maximizar os benefícios e minimizar os efeitos adversos, bem como investigar tratamentos baseados em características genéticas e biomarcadores específicos para um manejo mais personalizado da diabetes tipo 2. &nbsp

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost