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Background: Eugenia involucrata DC., a Cerrado native plant, is recognized for its medicinal properties. However, its bioactive compounds remain inadequately explored. Objectives: This study investigated bioactive compounds from a standardized liquid extract from E. involucrata leaves that can act with antioxidant, cytogenotoxic, cytoprotective, and genoprotective effects. Methods: The phenolic compounds in the standardized liquid extract from E. involucrata leaves were screened by HPLC-DAD. The capture of the free radicals DPPH, ABTS+, and the metal reduction power FRAP determined the antioxidant potential. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages (MTT assay), and (anti)cytotoxic and (anti)genotoxic effects were assessed in human lymphocytes using the Trypan blue exclusion method and comet assay, respectively. Results: The extracts present key phenolic compounds, such as ellagic acid, myricitrin, and epicatechin gallate. The standardized extract demonstrated antioxidant capacity, evidenced by its ability to reduce iron and scavenge free radicals. The liquid extract from E. involucrata leaves exhibited cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages at higher concentrations, while demonstrating (anti)cytotoxic activity on human lymphocytes from all tested concentrations. The highest concentration tested of the standardized liquid extract from E. involucrata leaves (250 µg/mL) showed genotoxicity against human lymphocytes compared to the negative control. In contrast, the lowest concentration (62.5 µg/mL) exhibited an antigenotoxic effect on human lymphocytes, reducing the genotoxicity of doxorubicin by approximately 27%. Conclusions: The bioactive compounds in the standardized liquid extract from E. involucrata leaves exhibited antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties, suggesting potential value for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, particularly those related to oxidative stress associated withaging and disease progression.

Hymenaea spp. (Fabaceae) are widely used in folk medicine to treat fatigue, inflammation, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders. However, comprehensive evidence-based evaluations of their pharmacological potential remain limited. This systematic review brought together the existing pharmacological and phytochemical evidence on the significant therapeutic potential of Hymenaea spp. A total of 17 studies were included; phytochemical analyses identified flavonoids, triterpenes, procyanidins, xyloglucans, and caryophyllene oxide among the major bioactive constituents. The reported biological activities were primarily anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative. Mechanistic findings consistently substantiated anti-inflammatory evidence through COX/LOX inhibition, cytokines, and redox-related modulations. Despite these promising results, the molecular mechanisms and translational evidence remain poorly defined. In conclusion, Hymenaea spp. exhibit significant pharmacological potential. Future studies integrating metabolomics and preclinical and clinical validation are essential to translating traditional knowledge of this species into evidence-based therapeutics.

Background: Luteolin, a flavonoid with well-documented antioxidant properties, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic effects. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the antioxidant properties of luteolin under the influence of solvents, utilizing computational techniques to elucidate its interactions and its potential role as a modulator of enzymatic activities, particularly with Cytochrome 17A1. Methods: Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed to determine luteolin’s electronic and structural characteristics. Key aspects analyzed included electron density distribution and the energies of the frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO). Free radical scavenging mechanisms were explored by comparing the dissociation enthalpy of the O–H bond in the absence and presence of water molecules. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed to assess the interactions of luteolin with Cytochrome 17A1, identifying preferred binding sites and interaction energies. Results: The findings indicate that luteolin possesses distinct structural and electronic features that contribute to its effectiveness in protecting against oxidative stress. However, hydrogen bonding interactions with water molecules were found to influence the dissociation enthalpy of the O–H bond. Docking simulations revealed significant interaction profiles between luteolin and Cytochrome 17A1, suggesting its potential role as a modulator of this protein. Conclusions: This study underscores the therapeutic potential of luteolin and highlights the importance of computational techniques in predicting and understanding the molecular interactions of bioactive compounds with biological targets. The results provide valuable insights that may aid in developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Skin injuries constitute a gateway for pathogenic bacteria that can be either part of tissue microbiota or acquired from the environmental. These microorganisms (such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) produce virulence factors that impair tissue integrity and sustain the inflammatory phase leading for establishment of chronic wounds. The high levels of antimicrobial resistance have limited the therapeutic arsenal for combatting skin infections. Thus, the treatment of non-healing chronic wounds is a huge challenge for health services worldwide, imposing great socio-economic damage to the affected individuals. This scenario has encouraged the use of natural polymers, such as polysaccharide, in order to develop new formulations (membranes, nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds) to be applied in the treatment of skin infections. In this non-exhaustive review, we discuss the applications of polysaccharide-based formulations in the healing of infected wounds in animal models and clinical trials. The formulations discussed in this review were prepared using alginate, cellulose, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid. In addition to have healing actions per se, these polysaccharide formulations can act as transdermal drug delivery systems, controlling the release of active ingredients (such as antimicrobial and healing agents). The papers show that these polysaccharides-based formulations are efficient in controlling infection and improve the healing, even in chronic infected wounds. These data should positively impact the design of new dressings to treat skin infections.

Marsupials of the genus Didelphis are highly adapted to urban environments and are widely distributed in the Americas. Streptococcus didelphis is a bacterium that has been isolated from, and associated with disease, in the Virginia opossum ( Didelphis virginiana ) and the white-eared opossum ( Didelphis albiventris ). This study describes pathological changes associated with S. didelphis infection in white-eared opossums ( Didelphis albiventris ) and Brazilian common opossums ( Didelphis aurita ) as well as microbiological and genomic characterization of isolates. Ten opossums underwent necropsy and had ulcerative dermatitis of probable traumatic origin had S. didelphis was isolated from cutaneous lesions (n = 16) or systemic sites (n = 4). In contrast, 34 free-ranging opossums that were captured had negative culture results for S. didelphis from nasal swabs. Other lesions in opossums naturally infected with S. didelphihs included splenitis (7/10), myocarditis (6/10), interstitial nephritis and pyelonephritis (7/10), and myositis (4/10). Most isolates were susceptible to the antimicrobial drugs tested and none of them were able to form biofilm in vitro . Whole genome analysis of six isolates revealed no resistance determinants, virulence factors or plasmids, and the isolates showed high genomic similarity.

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is a cluster of malformations induced by Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and the underline mechanisms involved in its occurrence are yet not fully understood. Along with epidemiological and environmental factors, the genetic host factors are suggested as important to the CZS occurrence and development, however, few studies have evaluated this. This study enrolled a total of 245 individuals in a case–control association study compound a cohort of high specific interest constituted by 75 mothers who had delivered CZS infants, their 76 infants, and 47 mothers that had delivered healthy infants, and their 47 infants. Sixteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms on TREM1, CXCL10, IL4, CXCL8, TLR3, TLR7, IFNR1, CXCR1, IL10, CCR2 and CCR5 genes were genotyped to investigate their association as risk factors to CZS. The results show an association between C allele at TREM1 rs2234246 and C allele at IL4 rs224325 in mothers infected with ZIKV during pregnancy, with the increased susceptibility to CZS occurrence in their infants and the SNP CXCL8 rs4073 and the G allele at CXCL10 rs4508917 with presence of CZS microcephaly in the infants. Furthermore, the T allele at CXCL8 rs4073 and TRL7 rs179008 SNPs were associated with the severity of microcephaly in children with CZS. These results suggest that these polymorphisms in genes of innate immune responses addressed here are associated to increased risk of occurrence and severity of CZS in pregnant mothers infected with ZIKV and their CZS infants.

Background Congenital malformations in domestic cats are traditionally considered uncommon; however, recent evidence suggests they may represent an underrecognized cause of neonatal mortality. Most reported anomalies occur as isolated defects in individual animals, while the occurrence of multiple severe malformations within the same fetus or affecting an entire litter appears to be rare. Exposure to exogenous substances during critical windows of embryonic development has been proposed as a potential contributing factor. Reports describing congenital abnormalities in feline fetuses following gestational exposure to synthetic progestins remain scarce. Case presentation A three-year-old intact domestic shorthair cat was presented for veterinary evaluation due to dystocia approximately 65 days after repeated escape episodes from the household. In an attempt to suppress estrus and prevent mating, the owner administered two subcutaneous injections of a commercially available estrus-suppressing agent containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, before pregnancy was clinically recognized. Cesarean section revealed three dead fetuses, all presenting multiple congenital malformations. Cleft palate and arthrogryposis were observed in all fetuses, with arthrogryposis limited to the thoracic limbs in two and generalized in the third. Two female fetuses exhibited clitoromegaly consistent with virilization of the external genitalia. Additional findings included markedly reduced lung size suggestive of pulmonary hypoplasia in one fetus, cranium bifidum associated with meningocele in another, and severe axial and ventral body wall defects compatible with schistosomus retroflexus in the third. Rapid tests for feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, and feline panleukopenia virus in the queen were negative. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse vascular congestion and moderate autolysis, consistent with intrauterine fetal death, without evidence of inflammatory or infectious disease. Conclusions Although a direct causal relationship cannot be established, the temporal sequence of events and the spectrum of malformations observed are suggestive of disruption of early embryonic development. This case highlights the potential risks associated with the use of synthetic estrus-suppressing progestins in intact queens when pregnancy status is unknown. Increased awareness, cautious use of hormonal contraceptives, and further well-documented reports are warranted to better elucidate their potential impact on fetal development in cats.

Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem functionality, ensuring food security, regulating climate, and sustaining human well-being. Yet, in neglected biomes, biodiversity is often lost before many species can even be identified or studied. In Brazil, the Cerrado stands out as the most flora diverse savanna on the planet, but it remains critically underexplored. To address this gap, the National Forest Inventory (IFN) carried out an unprecedented, systematic sampling across the Brazilian Cerrado. Using 1803 tree-inventoried vegetation plots across the most biodiverse savanna on earth, we offer a first biome-wide assessment of tree diversity across the Brazilian Cerrado. We mapped tree species richness and alpha-diversity at 0.1-degree resolution and investigated their environmental drivers. Using only spatial location, stratified by vegetation formation, our LOESS-based model provides the most spatially detailed assessment of tree diversity across the Brazilian Cerrado to date, explaining approximately 47% of the observed variation in tree species richness. The south-western and central-western regions of the Brazilian Cerrado exhibited the highest tree biodiversity. Tree species richness was positively associated with broad-scale precipitation, temperature gradients, and soil clay content, whereas it declined with increasing fire frequency, soil bulk density, and soil aluminium concentration. Our results reveal marked spatial patterns and key environmental drivers of tree diversity across the Brazilian Cerrado, providing a valuable foundation for future biodiversity assessments and evidence-based conservation planning throughout the biome.

Marsupials of the genus Didelphis are highly adapted to urban environments and are widely distributed in the Americas. Streptococcus didelphis is a bacterium that has been isolated from, and associated with disease, in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris). This study describes pathological changes associated with S. didelphis infection in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and Brazilian common opossums (Didelphis aurita) as well as microbiological and genomic characterization of isolates. Ten opossums underwent necropsy and had ulcerative dermatitis of probable traumatic origin had S. didelphis was isolated from cutaneous lesions (n = 16) or systemic sites (n = 4). In contrast, 34 free-ranging opossums that were captured had negative culture results for S. didelphis from nasal swabs. Other lesions in opossums naturally infected with S. didelphihs included splenitis (7/10), myocarditis (6/10), interstitial nephritis and pyelonephritis (7/10), and myositis (4/10). Most isolates were susceptible to the antimicrobial drugs tested and none of them were able to form biofilm in vitro. Whole genome analysis of six isolates revealed no resistance determinants, virulence factors or plasmids, and the isolates showed high genomic similarity.

Marsupials of the genus Didelphis are highly adapted to urban environments and are widely distributed in the Americas. Streptococcus didelphis is a bacterium that has been isolated from, and associated with disease, in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris). This study describes pathological changes associated with S. didelphis infection in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and Brazilian common opossums (Didelphis aurita) as well as microbiological and genomic characterization of isolates. Ten opossums underwent necropsy and had ulcerative dermatitis of probable traumatic origin had S. didelphis was isolated from cutaneous lesions (n = 16) or systemic sites (n = 4). In contrast, 34 free-ranging opossums that were captured had negative culture results for S. didelphis from nasal swabs. Other lesions in opossums naturally infected with S. didelphihs included splenitis (7/10), myocarditis (6/10), interstitial nephritis and pyelonephritis (7/10), and myositis (4/10). Most isolates were susceptible to the antimicrobial drugs tested and none of them were able to form biofilm in vitro. Whole genome analysis of six isolates revealed no resistance determinants, virulence factors or plasmids, and the isolates showed high genomic similarity.