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The defoliator Physocleora dukinfeldia Schaus 1897 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was recently reported attacking Eucalyptus urograndis (Myrtaceae) plantations in Brazil, raising concerns about its potential impact on commercial forestry. In this context, early characterization of pest biology plays a critical role in understanding host-use patterns and forecasting potential impacts on forest ecosystems. This study aimed to characterize the biology and foliar consumption of P. dukinfeldia on E. urograndis and its native host, Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae), by recording molting, mortality, pupation, and emergence of imago, measuring larval head capsule width, pupal weight, and size, and calculating stage duration and viability under controlled conditions. The insect completed its life cycle on both host plants, with significantly longer development time and reduced pupal viability observed on E. urograndis . Although larval survival was low on both host species, nearly one-third of the individuals successfully reached adulthood. No significant differences in leaf consumption were detected between the two eucalyptus species evaluated in this study. These findings indicate that P. dukinfeldia has the biological capacity to adapt to eucalyptus and should be closely monitored in forest production areas. This is the first report to detail the life cycle and feeding behavior of this species on eucalyptus, providing critical baseline information for future pest management strategies.

The adverse effects of intensive synthetic insecticide use present the challenge of finding pest-resistant cultivars in economically important plants. Since intrinsic characteristics of cultivars can influence the population dynamics of specialist insects, this study evaluated the fitness of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), on different genotypes of collard green (Brassica oleraceae var. acephala L.) using fertility life table parameters. Neonate larvae were reared to adulthood feeding daily on leaves from each collard green genotype. Adults originating from larvae fed on leaves from genotype 8 H had shorter lifespans compared to those fed on other genotypes. The shortest oviposition period was observed in 14 N (3.37 days), while the longest was observed in 1 A (10.10 days). Lower oviposition rates were observed on 8 H (38.3 eggs/female), 14 N (42.7 eggs/female), and 9 I (44.5 eggs/female) compared to 1 A (228.0 eggs/female). Moths reared on genotypes 8 H and 1 A exhibited the lowest (7.02 offspring per individual) and highest (69.0 offspring per individual) net reproductive rate (R0), respectively. The lowest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) were obtained when larvae fed on genotypes 8 H (0.05 days−1) and 14 N (0.07 days−1). These results suggest that intrinsic characteristics of B. oleraceae can impact the longevity and reproductive potential of P. xylostella. Specifically, genotypes 32 GUA, 2 B, and HS resulted in low adult emergence, while 8 H, 9 I, 14 N, and HI CROP genotypes negatively affected the performance of this pest.

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED), is an invasive pest of several crops, including soybeans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of soybean genotypes to B. tabaci MED, in addition to the influence of possibly related physical and morphological factors. A no-choice test was carried out with 90 soybean genotypes. Subsequently, 35 materials were selected for further no-choice and multiple-choice tests. Trichomes and leaf color of plants were observed, with the aim of correlating these factors with the preference and colonization of B. tabaci MED. The genotypes KS 4202, TMG 1188 RR, M 7739 IPRO, 65l65 IPRO, and PI 229358 were the least preferred by adults of B. tabaci MED. In the multiple-choice test, the lowest numbers of eggs and nymphs per square centimeter were observed for the genotypes Dowling, PI 229358, IAC 24, KS 4202. The genotypes IAC 19, TMG 1288 RR, TMG 1182 RR, 99R09, Dowling, and TMG 2375 IPRO presented the lowest numbers of eggs and nymphs in the no-choice assay. Plants with higher trichome density were preferred by adults of B. tabaci MED and, consequently, were more heavily colonized by these insects. Plants with leaves of lower luminosity and reduced green and yellow intensity were more attractive to the whiteflies. In summary, genotypes IAC 24, IAC 19, Dowling, 99R09, TMG 1182 RR, TMG 1288 RR and TMG 2375 IPRO exhibited lower colonization by B. tabaci MED in both assays, thus indicating their potential as promising sources of resistance to B. tabaci MED.

Background Changes in food environments have the potential to affect consumption, nutritional status, and health, and understanding these changes is of utmost importance. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the fluctuation of food stores that sell fruits and vegetables over five years in the health promotion service area of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods This was an ecological study that used data from a food environment audit conducted in the realm of Brazilian PHC. Buffers of 1 mile (equivalent to 1600 m) were created around health promotion services to define food environments. All food stores and open-air food markets that sold fruits and vegetables (FV) within this buffer area were considered eligible. The data collection was performed during two periods: the baseline, in 2013, and after five years, in 2018. This study compares the fluctuation by the type of stores and according to the health vulnerability index (HVI). Results After 5 years, 35.2% of the stores were stable; 154 stores were closed, and 155 were opened. The stability was greater in low-vulnerability areas, and the fluctuation differed by type of store only for areas with high vulnerability. The number of supermarket decreased in high HVI territories; and local stores, showed greater stability when compared to specialized FV markets. Conclusions The differences in store fluctuations according to the vulnerability of areas demonstrate the importance of food supply policies considering the local characteristics to reduce inequities of access to healthy foods.

RationalePrepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI) is disrupted in several psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Understanding PPI pharmacology may help elucidate the pathophysiology of these disorders and lead to better treatments. Given the advantages of multi-target approaches for complex mental illnesses treatment, we have investigated the interaction between receptors known to modulate PPI (5-HT1A and 5-HT2A) and the neuromodulatory endocannabinoid system.ObjectivesTo investigate serotonin and cannabinoid receptor (CBR) co-modulation in a model of PPI disruption relevant to schizophreniaMethodsMale Swiss mice were pretreated with WIN 55,212-2 (CBR agonist), rimonabant (CB1R inverse agonist), 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A/7 agonist), and volinanserin (5-HT2A antagonist) or with a combination of a cannabinoid and a serotonergic drug. PPI disruption was induced by acute administration of MK-801.ResultsWIN 55,212-2 and rimonabant did not change PPI nor block MK-801-induced deficits. 8-OH-DPAT increased PPI in control mice and, in a higher dose, inhibited MK-801-induced impairments. Volinanserin also increased PPI in control and MK-801-treated mice, presenting an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. Co-administration of either cannabinoid ligand with 8-OH-DPAT did not change PPI; however, the combination of volinanserin with rimonabant increased PPI in both control and MK-801-exposed mice.ConclusionsWIN 55,212-2 and rimonabant had similar effects in PPI. Moreover, serotonin and cannabinoid receptors interact to modulate PPI. While co-modulation of CBR and 5-HT1A receptors did not change PPI, a beneficial effect of 5-HT2A and CB1R antagonist combination was detected, possibly mediated through potentiation of 5-HT2A blockade effects by concomitant CB1R blockade.

The development of metabolically competent in vitro models is of utmost importance for predicting adverse drug reactions, thereby preventing attrition-related economical and clinical burdens. Using the antiretroviral drug nevirapine (NVP) as a model, this work aimed to validate rat hepatocyte 3D spheroid cultures as competent in vitro systems to assess drug metabolism and bioactivation. Hepatocyte spheroids were cultured for 12 days in a stirred tank system (3D cultures) and exposed to equimolar dosages of NVP and its two major Phase I metabolites, 12-OH-NVP and 2-OH-NVP. Phase I NVP metabolites were detected in the 3D cultures during the whole culture time in the same relative proportions reported in in vivo studies. Moreover, the modulation of SULT1A1 activity by NVP and 2-OH-NVP was observed for the first time, pointing their synergistic effect as a key factor in the formation of the toxic metabolite (12-sulfoxy-NVP). Covalent adducts formed by reactive NVP metabolites with N -acetyl- l -cysteine and bovine serum albumin were also detected by high-resolution mass spectrometry, providing new evidence on the relative role of the reactive NVP metabolites, 12-sulfoxy-NVP, and NVP quinone methide, in toxicity versus excretion pathways. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the validity of the 3D culture system to evaluate drug bioactivation, enabling the identification of potential biomarkers of bioactivation/toxicity, and providing new evidence to the mechanisms underlying NVP-induced toxic events. This model, integrated with the analytical strategies described herein, is of anticipated usefulness to the pharmaceutical industry, as an upstream methodology for flagging drug safety alerts in early stages of drug development.

The singular biodiversity of the Brazilian Caatinga inspires innovative solutions in food science. In this study, we evaluated the prebiotic potential of honeys produced by Apis mellifera in the Pajeú hinterland, Pernambuco, Brazil (Caatinga Biome), with different floral origins: Mastic (Aroeira), Mesquite (Algaroba), and mixed flowers. These were used to formulate synbiotic and alcoholic beverages fermented by Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745. Static and dynamic simulations of the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were used, as well as physicochemical, rheological, and microbiological analyses. The results revealed that honey positively influences the viability and resilience of probiotic yeast, especially honey with a predominance of Algaroba, which promoted the highest survival rate (>89%) even after 28 days of refrigeration and in dynamic in vitro simulation of the GIT (more realistic to human physio-anatomical conditions). The phenolic composition of the honeys showed a correlation with this tolerance. The use of complementary methodologies, such as flow cytometry, validated the findings and highlighted the functional value of these natural matrices, revealing an even greater longevity potential compared to conventional microbiological methodology. The data reinforces the potential of the Caatinga as a source of bioactive and sustainable compounds, proposing honey as a promising non-dairy synbiotic vehicle. This work contributes to the appreciation of the biome and the development of functional food products with a positive social, economic, and ecological impact.

Background The invasive behaviour of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common malignant tumour of the mouth, is a process mediated by cell proliferation, extracellular matrix proteolysis and other factors. Studies have shown a potential relationship between growth factors, metallothionein 2A (MT2A) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation in malignant tumours. The aim of this study was to downregulate MT2A in cells (Cal27) derived from human squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Cal27 cells with reduced MT2A were subjected to proliferation, migration and invasion assays. Immunofluorescence and western blot confirmed MT2A depletion by siRNA . Growth curve assays assessed cell proliferation. Indirect immunofluorescence analysed the expression of MT2A, MMP-2, MMP-9, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Ki67. Zymography evaluated the effects of MT2A silencing on MMP-2 and -9 expression. Migration and invasion activities were evaluated using migration and invasion assays. Results CAL27 cells displayed MT2A, MMP-2, MMP-9, EGF, TGF-α, TNF-α and Ki67. MT2A depletion decreased MMP-9, EGF, TGF-α and Ki67 protein levels, while increasing TNF-α. Conclusions MT2A downregulation reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion activities. Therefore, MT2A has an important role in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in human oral SCC cells.

BackgroundThe Breakthrough Series model uses learning sessions (LS) to promote education, professional development and quality improvement (QI) in healthcare. Staff divergences regarding prior knowledge, previous experience, preferences and motivations make selecting which pedagogic strategies to use in LS a challenge.AimWe aimed to assess new active-learning strategies: two educational games, a card game and an escape room-type game, for training in healthcare-associated infection prevention.MethodsThis descriptive case study evaluated the performance of educational strategies during a Collaborative to reduce healthcare-associated infections in Brazilian intensive care units (ICUs). A post-intervention survey was voluntarily offered to all participants in LS activities.ResultsSeven regional 2-day LS were held between October and December 2022 (six for adult ICUs and one for paediatric/neonatal ICUs). Of 194 institutions participating in a nationwide QI initiative, 193 (99.4%) participated in these activities, totalling 850 healthcare professionals. From these, 641 participants responded to the survey (75.4%). The post-intervention survey showed that the participants responded positively to the educational activities.ConclusionThe participants perceived the various pedagogical strategies positively, which shows the value of a broad and diverse educational approach, customised to local settings and including game-based activities, to enhance learning among healthcare professionals.

The aim of this study was to spatially examine the distribution of establishments for the acquisition of food that is ready to consume around the Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to the Municipal Human Development Index (IDH-M).This is an ecological study with the PAS as the unit of analysis. The establishments contained in a circular buffer with a radius of 900 meters from the 77 units of the PAS in operation were evaluated. Address and type of establishment data were obtained from a public list and verified in a virtual audit. Thematic kernel maps were used. A total of 3,050 establishments were identified around the PAS units. Higher densities were observed around units located in the city's south-central region and in areas with high and very high IDH-M. There was a high density of establishments selling ready-to-consume foods around the PAS units, especially in the wealthier parts of the city. These results are useful in supporting the planning of actions aimed at strengthening the PAS as a promoter of healthy eating environments. Further, it reinforces the need for equitable public policies for supply and regulation, aiming to promote access to adequate and healthy food for all.The aim of this study was to spatially examine the distribution of establishments for the acquisition of food that is ready to consume around the Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to the Municipal Human Development Index (IDH-M).This is an ecological study with the PAS as the unit of analysis. The establishments contained in a circular buffer with a radius of 900 meters from the 77 units of the PAS in operation were evaluated. Address and type of establishment data were obtained from a public list and verified in a virtual audit. Thematic kernel maps were used. A total of 3,050 establishments were identified around the PAS units. Higher densities were observed around units located in the city's south-central region and in areas with high and very high IDH-M. There was a high density of establishments selling ready-to-consume foods around the PAS units, especially in the wealthier parts of the city. These results are useful in supporting the planning of actions aimed at strengthening the PAS as a promoter of healthy eating environments. Further, it reinforces the need for equitable public policies for supply and regulation, aiming to promote access to adequate and healthy food for all.