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Iridopsis panopla Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is an important lepidopteran defoliator of eucalyptus. I. panopla eggs were collected naturally in a commercial plantation of Eucalyptus urograndis W. Hill (Myrtaceae) in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. After nine days, the natural emergence of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) occurred from I. panopla eggs. Parasitism was evaluated under laboratory and field conditions, this being the first record for eucalyptus in Brazil. Based on the biological characteristics evaluated in the laboratory, I. panopla eggs are suitable for T. pretiosum reproduction. The obtained percentage parasitism, particularly when 72,000 adult females of T. pretiosum per hectare were employed, provide valuable insights regarding the potential of T. pretiosum as an effective biological control agent against I. panopla in eucalyptus plantations. Iridopsis panopla Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é um importante desfolhador de eucalipto. Ovos de I. panopla foram coletados naturalmente em uma plantação comercial de Eucalyptus urograndis, em Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Após nove dias, ocorreu a emergência natural de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) nos ovos de I. panopla. O parasitismo foi avaliado em condições de laboratório e campo, sendo este o primeiro registro para eucalipto no Brasil. Com base nas características biológicas avaliadas em laboratório, os ovos de I. panopla são adequados para a reprodução de T. pretiosum. As taxas de parasitismo obtidas, especialmente quando foram empregadas 72.000 fêmeas adultas de T. pretiosum por hectare, fornecem informações valiosas sobre o potencial de T. pretiosum como um agente de controle biológico eficaz contra I. panopla em plantações de eucalipto.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) are increasingly recognized as an antibiofilm and antivirulence strategy against P. aeruginosa , a bacterium that causes chronic infections in immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of bio-AgNPs on motility and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa . Bio-AgNPs were synthesized via reduction of ionic silver catalyzed by cell-free culture filtrate from Fusarium oxysporum . A total of 17  P. aeruginosa isolates and strains were evaluated for swarming, swimming, and twitching motility in the presence and absence (control) of bio-AgNPs, including 10 clinical isolates from patients with and without cystic fibrosis, 5 environmental isolates obtained from the public water supply system, and 2 reference strains (PAO1 and PA14). Isolates were identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method. Swarming, swimming, and twitching motility assays were performed in Petri dishes. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed quantitatively by the crystal violet method. MIC values ranged from 15.62 to 62.50 µM. The results showed that subinhibitory concentrations of bio-AgNPs (½ MIC, 7.81–31.25 µM) significantly increased (p < 0.05) swarming, swimming, and twitching motility in 40.0, 40.0, and 46.7% of isolates, respectively. Subinhibitory bio-AgNP treatment enhanced (p < 0.05) biofilm formation capacity in PA14 and a cystic fibrosis isolate (P11). It is concluded that subinhibitory concentrations of bio-AgNPs increased biofilm formation and swarming, swimming, and twitching motility in PA14 and some P. aeruginosa isolates. These virulence factors are directly involved with quorum-sensing systems. Further research should investigate the effects of AgNPs on P. aeruginosa quorum sensing to help elucidate their mechanism of action at subinhibitory concentrations.

The innate immune response plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Glutamine (Gln) decreases lung inflammation in experimental ARDS, but its impact on the formation of extracellular traps (ETs) in the lung is unknown. In a mouse model of endotoxin-induced pulmonary ARDS, the effects of Gln treatment on leukocyte counts and ET content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory profile in lung tissue, and lung morphofunction were evaluated in vivo. Furthermore, ET formation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were tested in vitro. Our in vivo results demonstrated that Gln treatment reduced ET release (as indicated by cell-free-DNA content and myeloperoxidase activity), decreased lung inflammation (reductions in interferon-γ and increases in interleukin-10 levels), and improved lung morpho-function (decreased static lung elastance and alveolar collapse) in comparison with ARDS animals treated with saline. Moreover, Gln reduced ET and ROS formation in BALF cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro, but it did not alter GPx or GR activity. In this model of endotoxin-induced pulmonary ARDS, treatment with Gln reduced pulmonary functional and morphological impairment, inflammation, and ET release in the lung.

Introduction Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis , affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. In 2022, Brazil registered more than 19,000 new cases, considered a public health problem in the country. Interactions between the pathogen, host genetics, and the environment are factors to be considered for the development of leprosy. The CCDC122-LACC1 and IL23R genes play important roles in immune regulation. To understand the genetic basis of leprosy, this study aimed to investigate the association of SNPs belonging to the CCDC122-LACC1 and IL23R genes with leprosy in a population from northeastern Brazil. Methods A case-control study was conducted, using confirmed leprosy patients (cases) and individuals health donors (controls). Subjects were recruited from Northeastern states of Brazil, with a total sample size 952 (562 in Alagoas and 390 in Bahia and Pernambuco, being 488 samples from cases (298 in Alagoas and 190 in Bahia and Pernambuco) and 464 controls (264 in Alagoas and 200 in Bahia and Pernambuco). Genotyping of the SNPs CCDC122-LACC1 and IL23R was performed using real-time PCR (Taqman, StepOne Plus™). Associations were quantified using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and were performed in the R environment (v.3.4.4). Results The results demonstrated that SNP CDC122-LACC1 was associated with protection against leprosy in the population of Alagoas (OR CC = 0.58, p  = 0.02), and in the combined analysis of the populations of Northeastern Brazil (OR CC = 0.65, p  = 0.02), which was also associated with the multibacillary operational classification in the populations mentioned above. While analyzing the IL23R polymorphism, no association with leprosy was observed in any of the analyses performed in the study populations, and no association was identified with the operational classifications of the disease. Conclusions The SNP rs4942254 in the CCDC122-LACC1 gene was associated with protection against development of leprosy.

Moringa oleifera seeds, in particular, have been used for water and wastewater treatment due to their ability to remove many pollutants. Therefore, the present work aims to produce bioadsorbent materials by pyrolysis using biomass from the seed shell of Moringa oleifera to remove the drug Metronidazole present in an aqueous medium. The biochars produced were activated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) to compare the material’s modifications and adsorption mechanisms with the biochar in nature (BCM). The biochars were characterized by Point-of-zero charges (pHpzc), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The studies showed that the adsorption behavior varied with the pH of the solution. The adsorption study verified that the activated biochars presented better results, so in the kinetic study, the adsorption behavior occurred rapidly in the initial minutes until stabilizing within 3–4 h, better fitting the Elovich model. Isotherm models were tested, where the experimental data were adjusted to the Sips model, with an adsorption capacity of 18 mg g−1 for acid-activated biochar (BCH3PO4) and KOH-activated biochar (BCKOH) with 366.49 mg g−1. The results showed that biochars, especially BCKOH, become viable for production because they are a low-cost material and highly effective in removing drugs.

The mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming is one of the main challenges for agriculture in the Cerrado biome. Among promising practices, the use of soil remineralizers (REM) stands out as a sustainable and complementary alternative to conventional fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of applying REM derived from basalt and biotite schist on emissions of N2O, CO2 and CH4, the global warming potential (GWP), as well as on soil carbon and nitrogen in Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás pasture. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with five treatments (control, KCl, basalt 8.33 Mg ha−1, basalt 40 Mg ha−1, and biotite schist 151 Mg ha−1). Results indicated that KCl and high-dose basalt (40 Mg ha−1) promoted greater accumulated N2O emissions and higher GWP values. In contrast, biotite schist reduced N2O emissions and showed the lowest GWP (81.67 kg CO2 eq. ha−1), while basalt at a moderate dose (8.33 Mg ha−1) increased soil C and N stocks. It is concluded that soil remineralizers, especially those derived from biotite schist, represent viable alternatives to reduce environmental impacts and promote the sustainability of tropical agricultural systems in Cerrado biome.

IntroductionInfertility is a complex condition that affects millions worldwide, with significant physical, emotional and social implications. Mobile apps have emerged as potential tools to assist in the management of infertility by offering features such as menstrual cycle tracking, ovulation prediction, fertility education, lifestyle modification guidance and emotional support, thereby promoting reproductive health. Despite promising advancements such as the development of apps with sophisticated algorithms for ovulation prediction and comprehensive platforms offering integrated fertility education and emotional support, there remain gaps in the literature regarding the comprehensive evaluation of mobile apps for reproductive endocrinology and infertility. This scoping review distinguishes itself by systematically mapping and synthesising evidence on mobile apps specifically for reproductive endocrinology and infertility, unlike previous reviews that may not have focused exclusively on this intersection. This review aims to analyse recent trends, identify outcomes used to assess usability and highlight knowledge gaps.Methods and analysisThis scoping review will adhere to the methodological frameworks outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and Levac et al, alongside the Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommendations. The research question, ‘What is known about mobile apps in reproductive health and infertility?’ was formulated using the Population, Concept, Context (PCC) strategy. We will include studies published from January 2019 to April 2024 in English, Portuguese and Spanish that focus on the use of mobile apps in reproductive health and infertility. Searches will be conducted across electronic databases (EMBASE, ERIC, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science) and grey literature sources. Two independent reviewers will carry out the study selection using Covidence software. Data extraction will follow a standardised format and will be synthesised narratively using tables and graphs. Expert consultations will be conducted to validate the findings.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this scoping review as it will only use published data. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations and stakeholder meetings. The review protocol will be registered with the Open Science Framework to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Moringa oleifera seeds, in particular, have been used for water and wastewater treatment due to their ability to remove many pollutants. Therefore, the present work aims to produce bioadsorbent materials by pyrolysis using biomass from the seed shell of Moringa oleifera to remove the drug Metronidazole present in an aqueous medium. The biochars produced were activated with phosphoric acid (H[sub.3]PO[sub.4]) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) to compare the material’s modifications and adsorption mechanisms with the biochar in nature (BCM). The biochars were characterized by Point-of-zero charges (pH[sub.pzc]), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The studies showed that the adsorption behavior varied with the pH of the solution. The adsorption study verified that the activated biochars presented better results, so in the kinetic study, the adsorption behavior occurred rapidly in the initial minutes until stabilizing within 3–4 h, better fitting the Elovich model. Isotherm models were tested, where the experimental data were adjusted to the Sips model, with an adsorption capacity of 18 mg g[sup.−1] for acid-activated biochar (BCH[sub.3]PO[sub.4]) and KOH-activated biochar (BCKOH) with 366.49 mg g[sup.−1]. The results showed that biochars, especially BCKOH, become viable for production because they are a low-cost material and highly effective in removing drugs.

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of body mass index (BMI) in detecting obesity according to different cutoff points in order to classify a high body fat percentage (%BF) in adolescents and young adults. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 2447 adolescents 18 and 19 y of age residing in São Luís, Brazil and 951 young adults 21 to 23 y of age residing in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Three references were used to define a high %BF (i.e., those of Williams et al., Ramírez-Vélez et al., and Macias et al.). The area under the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the performance of BMI. Sensitivity ranged from 38.3% to 54.1% among boys and from 12.7% to 72.7% among girls. Among young adults, it ranged from 52.3% to 67.1% in men and from 33.7% to 86.6% in women. The AUC ranged from 0.69 to 0.76 among boys, from 0.56 from 0.85 among girls, from 0.75 to 0.80 among men, and from 0.67 to 0.88 among women. The best cutoff points for the BMI were 24.79 to 25.10 kg/m2 for boys, 21.89 to 27.04 kg/m2 for girls, 26.43 to 28.22 kg/m2 for men, and 23.34 to 29.28 kg/m2 for women. The use of different references for the classification of a high %BF implied a difference in the diagnostic sensitivity of the BMI. Higher cutoff points resulted in greater sensitivity and ability to differentiate individuals with and without obesity. •The diagnostic ability of body mass index differed according to the body fat percentage reference used.•Body mass index showed better specificity than sensitivity to detect obesity.•The sensitivity of body mass index increased when higher cutoff points for body fat percentage were used.

Aim: To evaluate the influence of social and clinical aspects in terms of medication adherence of patients co-infected with HIV/Tuberculosis. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach, performed in a public institution in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in the period from August 2014 to January 2015, with 34 users co-infected with HIV/TB. The instruments used were: sociodemographic and clinical assessment; the Morisky-Green test and evaluation of the difficulty level for adherence. Results: adherence to treatment was significantly associated with the time of diagnosis for HIV over five years, with moderate difficulty regarding medication adherence (p=0.019). Conclusion: professionals need to consider the compliance with treatment in the general context in which users are found, including the associated factors and the actions planned by the service significantly influencing the treatment outcome. Descriptors: Medication Adherence; HIV; Tuberculosis.