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Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, are understood as occurring through genetic, cellular, and multifactor pathophysiological mechanisms. Several natural products such as flavonoids have been reported in the literature for having the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier and slow the progression of such diseases. The present article reports on in silico enzymatic target studies and natural products as inhibitors for the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. In this study we evaluated 39 flavonoids using prediction of molecular properties and in silico docking studies, while comparing against 7 standard reference compounds: 4 for Parkinson’s and 3 for Alzheimer’s. Osiris analysis revealed that most of the flavonoids presented no toxicity and good absorption parameters. The Parkinson’s docking results using selected flavonoids as compared to the standards with four proteins revealed similar binding energies, indicating that the compounds 8-prenylnaringenin, europinidin, epicatechin gallate, homoeriodictyol, capensinidin, and rosinidin are potential leads with the necessary pharmacological and structural properties to be drug candidates. The Alzheimer’s docking results suggested that seven of the 39 flavonoids studied, being those with the best molecular docking results, presenting no toxicity risks, and having good absorption rates (8-prenylnaringenin, europinidin, epicatechin gallate, homoeriodictyol, aspalathin, butin, and norartocarpetin) for the targets analyzed, are the flavonoids which possess the most adequate pharmacological profiles.

The term neglected diseases refers to a group of infections caused by various classes of pathogens, including protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and helminths, most often affecting impoverished populations without adequate sanitation living in close contact with infectious vectors and domestic animals. The fact that these diseases were historically not considered priorities for pharmaceutical companies made the available treatments options obsolete, precarious, outdated, and in some cases nonexistent. The use of plants for medicinal, religious, and cosmetic purposes has a history dating back to the emergence of humanity. One of the principal fractions of chemical substances found in plants are essential oils (EOs). EOs consist of a mixture of volatile and hydrophobic secondary metabolites with marked odors, composed primarily of terpenes and phenylpropanoids. They have great commercial value and were widely used in traditional medicine, by phytotherapy practitioners, and in public health services for the treatment of several conditions, including neglected diseases. In addition to the recognized cytoprotective and antioxidative activities of many of these compounds, larvicidal, insecticidal, and antiparasitic activities have been associated with the induction of oxidative stress in parasites, increasing levels of nitric oxide in the infected host, reducing parasite resistance to reactive oxygen species, and increasing lipid peroxidation, ultimately leading to serious damage to cell membranes. The hydrophobicity of these compounds also allows them to cross the membranes of parasites as well as the blood-brain barrier, collaborating in combat at the second stage of several of these infections. Based on these considerations, the aim of this review was to present an update of the potential of EOs, their fractions, and their chemical constituents, against some neglected diseases, including American and African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and arboviruses, specially dengue.

Aspergillus spp. produce a wide variety of diseases. For the treatment of such infections, the azoles and Amphotericin B are used in various formulations. The treatment of fungal diseases is often ineffective, because of increases in azole resistance and their several associated adverse effects. To overcome these problems, natural products and their derivatives are interesting alternatives. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of coumarin derivative, 7-hydroxy-6-nitro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (Cou-NO2), both alone and with antifungal drugs. Its mode of action against Aspergillus spp. Cou-NO2 was tested to evaluate its effects on mycelia growth and germination of fungal conidia of Aspergillus spp. We also investigated possible Cou-NO2 action on cell walls (0.8 M sorbitol) and on Cou-NO2 to ergosterol binding in the cell membrane. The study shows that Cou-NO2 is capable of inhibiting both the mycelia growth and germination of conidia for the species tested, and that its action affects the structure of the fungal cell wall. At subinhibitory concentration, Cou-NO2 enhanced the in vitro effects of azoles. Moreover, in combination with azoles (voriconazole and itraconazole) Cou-NO2 displays an additive effect. Thus, our study supports the use of coumarin derivative 7-hydroxy-6-nitro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one as an antifungal agent against Aspergillus species.

Abstract Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis infection causes cryptosporidiosis, which in humans can result in watery diarrhea that is usually self-limited in immunocompetent individuals, but can be chronic and fatal in immunocompromised individuals. To understand and expose current clinical, laboratory and epidemiological data, as well as characteristics of cryptosporidiosis worldwide. This is a literature review by the integrative review method, qualitative and exploratory through the publications selected in the databases: BVS, ScieLO, MEDLINE and LILACS. Inclusion criteria were: publications from the last 6 years and articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Exclusion criteria were: research not evidenced in humans and duplicate articles, as well as articles that were not available in full and free of charge. The variables analyzed were cases by regions of the world, transmission mechanisms and symptoms. In this study, 40 articles were submitted. Regarding transmission, the most commonly reported route was the anthroponotic route, being mentioned in 40% of them (16); the zoonotic route was also prominent, being mentioned in 22.5% (9) of the articles. As for the symptoms, diarrhea was the most present, being mentioned in 82.5% (33 articles), other symptoms mentioned were headache 12.5% (5), joint pain 5% (2) and eye pain 5% (2). With regard to laboratory diagnosis, the most commonly used method was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 75% (30) and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining 22.5% (9). Therefore, it is noticeable that the main complication of cryptosporidiosis is gastroenteritis, whose manifestations range from diarrhea to abdominal cramps. This parasite is widely distributed throughout the world, mainly in developing and underdeveloped countries, transmitted by the oral-fecal route. In addition, it is notable that PCR was the most commonly used laboratory method for diagnosis, which shows that the disease can be easily detected once the symptoms have manifested themselves. In this sense, knowledge about the parasite is necessary for prevention and thus avoid major complications. Resumo A infecção ocasionada por Cryptosporidium parvum e Cryptosporidium hominis. causa criptosporidiose, que em humanos, pode resultar em diarreia aquosa, que normalmente é autolimitada em indivíduos imunocompetentes, mas pode ser crônica e fatal em indivíduos imunocomprometidos. Compreender e expor dados clínicos, laboratoriais e epidemiológicos atuais, assim como as características da criptosporidiose no mundo. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica de literatura pelo método revisão integrativa, qualitativa e exploratória por meio das publicações selecionadas nas bases de dados: BVS, ScieLO, MEDLINE e LILACS. Foram adotados como critérios de inclusão: publicações dos últimos 6 anos e artigos em português, inglês e espanhol. Já como critérios de exclusão: pesquisas não evidenciadas em humanos e artigos duplicados, e também artigos que não foram disponibilizados na íntegra e gratuitamente. As variáveis analisadas foram casos por regiões do mundo, mecanismos de transmissão e sintomas apresentados. Deste estudo, foram submetidos 40 artigos. No que se refere à transmissão, a via mais relatada foi a antroponótica, sendo mencionada em 40% deles (16), a via zoonótica também teve grande destaque com menção em 22,5% (9) dos trabalhos. Já em relação à sintomatologia, a diarreia foi a mais presente ao ser citada em 82,5% (33 artigos), outros sintomas mencionados foram cefaleia 12,5% (5), dores nas articulações 5% (2) e dores nos olhos 5% (2). Em relação ao diagnóstico laboratorial, o método mais utilizado foi a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) 75% (30) e a coloração de Ziehl Neelsen modificada com 22,5% (9). Portanto, é perceptível que a principal complicação da criptosporidiose é a gastroenterite, cujas manifestações variam entre diarreias e cólicas abdominais. Este parasito é amplamente distribuído por todo o mundo, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento e subdesenvolvidos, transmitido por via oral-fecal. Além disso, é notável que o PCR foi o método laboratorial para diagnóstico mais utilizado, o que mostra que a doença pode ser facilmente detectada uma vez que os sintomas se manifestem. Nesse sentido, é necessário o conhecimento sobre o parasito para a prevenção e assim evitar complicações maiores.

Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allem. (Anacardiaceae) is a tree popularly known as the “aroeira-do-sertão”, native to the caatinga and cerrado biomes, with a natural dispersion ranging from the Northeast, Midwest, to Southeast Brazil. Its wood is highly valued and overexploited, due to its characteristics such as durability and resistance to decaying. The diversity of chemical constituents in aroeira seed has shown biological properties against microorganisms and helminths. As such, this work aimed to identify the profile of volatile compounds present in aroeira seeds. Headspace solid phase microextraction was employed (HS-SPME) using semi-polar polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene fiber (PDMS/DVB) for the extraction of VOCs. 22 volatile organic compounds were identified: nine monoterpenes and eight sesquiterpenes, in addition to six compounds belonging to different chemical classes such as fatty acids, terpenoids, salicylates and others. Those that stood out were p-mentha-1,4, 4(8)-diene, 3-carene (found in all samples), caryophyllene and cis-geranylacetone. A virtual docking analysis suggested that around 65% of the VOCs molar content from the aroeiras seeds present moderate a strong ability to bind to cyclooxygenase I (COX-I) active site, oxide nitric synthase (iNOS) active site (iNOSas) or to iNOS cofactor site (iNOScs), corroborating an anti-inflamatory potential. A pharmacophoric descriptor analysis allowed to infer the more determinant characteristics of these compounds’ conferring affinity to each site. Taken together, our results illustrate the high applicability for the integrated use of SPME, in silico virtual screening and chemoinformatics tools at the profiling of the biotechnological and pharmaceutical potential of natural sources.

Knowledge on biodiversity is fundamental for conservation strategies. The Brazilian Pampa region, located in subtropical southern Brazil, is neglected in terms of conservation, and knowledge of its biodiversity is fragmented. We aim to answer the question: how many, and which, species occur in the Brazilian Pampa? In a collaborative effort, we built species lists for plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi that occur in the Brazilian Pampa. We included information on distribution patterns, main habitat types, and conservation status. Our study resulted in referenced lists totaling 12,503 species (12,854 taxa, when considering infraspecific taxonomic categories [or units]). Vascular plants amount to 3,642 species (including 165 Pteridophytes), while algae have 2,046 species (2,378 taxa) and bryophytes 316 species (318 taxa). Fungi (incl. lichenized fungi) contains 1,141 species (1,144 taxa). Animals total 5,358 species (5,372 taxa). Among the latter, vertebrates comprise 1,136 species, while invertebrates are represented by 4,222 species. Our data indicate that, according to current knowledge, the Pampa holds approximately 9% of the Brazilian biodiversity in an area of little more than 2% of Brazil’s total land. The proportion of species restricted to the Brazilian Pampa is low (with few groups as exceptions), as it is part of a larger grassland ecoregion and in a transitional climatic setting. Our study yielded considerably higher species numbers than previously known for many species groups; for some, it provides the first published compilation. Further efforts are needed to increase knowledge in the Pampa and other regions of Brazil. Considering the strategic importance of biodiversity and its conservation, appropriate government policies are needed to fund studies on biodiversity, create accessible and constantly updated biodiversity databases, and consider biodiversity in school curricula and other outreach activities.

Abstract Three experiments were done with different particle sizes of corn feed on its zootechnical performance, passing rate and apparent digestibility of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). In the first, 200 juveniles were used and distributed in 20 tanks (220 L), 10 fish per unit (four replicates). The experimental system used to record passage time was composed of five incubators with 200 L. In the second, 75 juveniles were used per 55 days (three replications). In the third, 75 juveniles were used and distributed in five incubators of 200 L. All experiments were performed randomly. Different linear behavior treatments were observed for apparent digestibility of crude protein; and the smaller particle size (150 μm) had better results digestibility. smaller particle size of the corn had better results, affected the growth performance of tambaqui and the apparent digestibility of crude protein and ether extract. Thus, is recommended that a particle size of 150 μm of corn be used for tambaqui. Resumo Três experimentos foram realizados com diferentes tamanhos de partícula de ração para o desempenho zootécnico, taxa de aprovação e digestibilidade aparente de tambaqui juvenil (Colossoma macropomum). No primeiro, foram utilizados 200 juvenis e distribuídos em 20 tanques (220 L), 10 peixes por unidade (quatro repetições). O sistema experimental utilizado para registrar o tempo de passagem foi composto por cinco incubadoras com 200 L. No segundo, 75 juvenis foram utilizados por 55 dias (três repetições). No terceiro, 75 juvenis foram utilizados e distribuídos em cinco incubadoras de 200 L. Todos os experimentos foram realizados aleatoriamente. Diferentes tratamentos de comportamento linear foram observados para digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta; e o menor tamanho de partícula (150 μm) apresentou melhor digestibilidade dos resultados. menor tamanho de partícula do milho apresentou melhores resultados, afetou o desempenho de crescimento de tambaquis e a digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta e extrato etéreo. Portanto, recomenda-se o uso de um tamanho de partícula de 150 μm de milho para o tambaqui.

Many inland waters exhibit complete or partial desiccation, or have vanished due to global change, exposing sediments to the atmosphere. Yet, data on carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions from these sediments are too scarce to upscale emissions for global estimates or to understand their fundamental drivers. Here, we present the results of a global survey covering 196 dry inland waters across diverse ecosystem types and climate zones. We show that their CO emissions share fundamental drivers and constitute a substantial fraction of the carbon cycled by inland waters. CO emissions were consistent across ecosystem types and climate zones, with local characteristics explaining much of the variability. Accounting for such emissions increases global estimates of carbon emissions from inland waters by 6% (~0.12 Pg C y ). Our results indicate that emissions from dry inland waters represent a significant and likely increasing component of the inland waters carbon cycle.

The objectives of this research were to study the phytochemical composition of Cynodon dactylon and investigate if the oral administration of this plant extract adsorbed on the pellet feed was capable of protecting L. vannamei challenged with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The shrimps were distributed into five batches, and experiments were run by triplicate: uninfected shrimps fed with pelleted feed without ethanolic extract of C. dactylon (ECDE, T C ), infected shrimps fed with pelleted feed without ECDE (T 1 ), infected shrimps fed with 1% of ECDE (T 2 ), infected shrimps fed with 2% of ECDE (T 3 ), and infected shrimps fed with 4% of ECDE (T 4 ). The phytochemical screening of ECDE showed several compounds such as with important biological activities consistent with the results observed in vivo. Treatment with 2% ECDE showed a protective effect against WSSV and survival of 62% with no clinical signs of infection.

Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) is a globally distributed disease caused by a lentivirus. EIA is a notifiable disease that should be reported to the Official Veterinary Service (SVO). Outbreaks are controlled by sacrificing the EIA-positive animals. The study analysed the prevalence of EIA in 165 Equidae seized on public roads in the municipality of Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2015 to 2018. After the seizure and identification of the Equidae, blood was collected to diagnose EIA. A prevalence of 11.8% was observed among the Equidae seized, and the main risk factor was the region of seizure. A kernel-smoothed map showed areas with the highest density of EIA-positive Equidae in the centre and to the east of the study area. In this region, the chance of seizing an equine positive for EIA was greater (OR=3.6) relative to the remaining region. The implementation and maintenance of Equidae seizures and subsequent diagnostic testing for EIA in the municipality of Petrópolis were shown to have great importance for the control and prevention of the disease. Indicating the place of seizure on the identification cards of the animals enabled delineation of the locations in the municipality of Petrópolis, that had a higher risk of EIA-positive animals. RESUMO: A anemia infecciosa equina (AIE) é uma doença globalmente distribuída causada por um lentivírus. AIE é uma doença de notificação obrigatória que deve ser relatada ao Serviço Veterinário Oficial (SVO), e os surtos são controlados pelo sacrifício dos animais positivos para AIE. O presente estudo analisou a prevalência de AIE em 165 equídeos apreendidos em vias públicas no município de Petrópolis, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, no período de 2015 a 2018. Após a apreensão e identificação dos equídeos seu sangue foi coletado para diagnosticar a AIE. Observou-se uma prevalência real de 11,8% entre os equídeos apreendidos, sendo que o principal fator de risco identificado foi a região de apreensão. O Mapa de Kernel mostrou que as áreas com maior densidade de equídeos positivos estavam no centro e leste da área de estudo. Nesta região, houve maior chance (OR = 3,6) de apreender um animal positivo para AIE em relação ao da outra região, composto pelos 34 locais restantes. A implementação e manutenção de apreensão de equídeos e posterior teste de diagnóstico para AIE no município de Petrópolis, RJ, mostrou-se de grande importância para o controle e prevenção da doença. A indicação do local da apreensão nos cartões de identificação dos animais possibilitou um delineamento dos locais no município de Petrópolis, RJ, que apresentavam maior risco de animais positivos para AIE.