Abstract Erythropoietin is a renal cytokine involved in regulating hematopoiesis. Current evidence indicates that erythropoietin exerts pleiotropic effects in animal models. However, its role in painful diabetic neuropathy, as well as the possible action mechanisms are not yet established. Therefore, this was the purpose of our study. Rats were injected with streptozotocin to produce hyperglycemia. The mechanical allodynia was measured by the up-down method using the von Frey filaments in diabetic rats. To determine the action mechanisms of erythropoietin, levels of NF-κB in serum were measured with ELISA and was used L-NAME (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; 0.1-1 mg/kg, i.p.), glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive K+ channels blocker; 1-10 mg/kg, i.p.), methiothepin (non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist; 0.01-0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) and naloxone (non-selective opioid receptor antagonist; 1 mg/kg). Intraperitoneal administration of erythropoietin (500-4000 UI/kg) prevented allodynia in diabetic rats. Additionally, erythropoietin significantly decreased serum levels of NF-κB during the evaluation of tactile allodynia and L-NAME, glibenclamide and methiothepin, but not naloxone, reverted erythropoietin-induced antiallodynia. These data suggest erythropoietin effect on painful diabetic neuropathy are mediated at least in part, via deactivation of NF-κB, activation of nitric oxide-ATP-sensitive K+ channel pathway as well as the activation of 5-HT receptors.

Abstract Several studies suggest that international collaboration increases the impact of science. In this study, we selected 50 universities and 10 research institutes to analyze whether publications produced over a 10-year period would gain more visibility through the occurrence of international collaboration. To address this question, we selected the top 10 ranked universities in the world (2023), along with the top-ranked universities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. Additionally, we included 10 research institutes from different areas of the globe in our analysis. The percentage of publications including international collaboration varied widely among these institutions. Analysis of the average number of citations per publication, in addition to the determination of the field-weighted citation impact, confirmed that international collaboration resulted in higher citation indices. Our study employed approaches to partially quantify the influence of international collaboration on the impact of science, which could serve as the basis for scientific policies aimed at stimulating international partnerships and increasing scientific visibility.

Abstract The emerging global events of Marine Heatwaves (MHW), including those in Antarctica, are generally caused by large-scale meteorological and oceanographic changes responsible for rapid warming, but with lasting consequences in marine communities worldwide. Several abiotic features, such as surface seawater temperature (SST), salinity, pH, nutrients, and ice dynamic limit the reproduction, growth and distribution of macroalgae, which are sensitive to abrupt oscillations in these features resulting in changes in polar assemblages. This review compiled and related MHWs spatial data from South Shetland Islands (SSI), Eastern and Western Antarctic Peninsula (EAP/WAP), discussing seaweed assemblages possible responses on composition, distribution and richness, as well species expansion and retreat. Additionally, we present an updated and compiled checklist of macroalgal taxa from the WAP. The present data showed a clear enhance in MHWs events in SSI, when compared to EAP and WAP. Also, this coincides with the increase in richness and distributional changes of seaweed assemblages along the SSI, in the last decade. Changes in these marine sentinel assemblages constitute a warning to the Antarctic biota. Besides, the present review expands current polar knowledge and detects gaps in Antarctic phycological conservation studies and their connections facing climate change.

Abstract Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in 36 countries, and high-risk human papillomavirus types are responsible for most cases. Identifying strategies to make treatment more targeted and effective has become a priority. This study aims to validate a set of differentially expressed genes previously identified in cervical cancer stem cells as predictive biomarkers for response to chemoradiotherapy using minimally invasive samples. Additionally, it aims to elucidate the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer patients’ response to treatment. Gene expression for three differentially expressed genes (COPZ1, ILF2, and SNX2) was evaluated from 20 cervical cancer patients’ cervical cytology brushes. Unmapped reads from the same transcriptome were used to evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus in tumor tissue through qualitative screening of 13 high-risk human papillomavirus types. Our study did not clarify the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus infection and the treatment response. However, we found downregulation of COPZ1 in patients who responded to treatment compared to non-responders, and ILF2 in patients with more advanced tumor stages. This suggests that COPZ1 and ILF2 expressions are potential cervical cancer prognostic biomarkers that can be assessed using samples commonly used in clinical practice.

Abstract The Borrachudos Granitic Suite (BGS) comprises an acid magmatism that occurred in the west edge of Araçuaí orogen (Late Neoproterozoic), southeastern Brazil. Previous papers attributed the magma genesis to crustal thickening related to an older Paleoproterozoic, Transamazonian orogeny. However, geochronological data indicate that BGS is younger, dominated by about 1.7 Ga granitoids hosted in the archean basement. To investigate the nature of this magmatism, mineralogical, geochemical, Nd-Sr isotopic studies in the BGS and genetically related metarhyolites inside the fold belt were carried out. High SiO2, K, Fe, F, Nb, Y, Zr and REE contents characterize granitoids and metarhyolites. The suite has ENd(T) values of -10.10 and -6.17, with TDM of 2.6-3.0 Ga, and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7057, indicating features of alkaline and anorogenic (A-type) within plate granitic magmas, derived from a Proterozoic crustal source. Therefore, we argue that an orogenic model for this magmatism is not viable. We propose that BGS is associated to crustal melting induced by mantle diapirism or mantle derived magmas related to the Paleoproterozoic extensional tectonic that produced crustal rifting, westward, precursory to the Espinhaço Supergroup basin. Beryl- and topaz-rich pegmatites of NYF-type intruded the granites as well as nearby host gneisses during BGS evolution.

Abstract Breastfeeding experiences differ between primiparous and multiparous women. This study aims to investigate how parity influences breastfeeding duration among Brazilian women and to examine the relationship between the number of siblings and the duration of breastfeeding for each child. Data from the Pró-Saúde Study (1999-2012) were used to analyze breastfeeding duration. Differences between parity groups were tested using the chi-square test, while Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of variance assessed variations in breastfeeding duration, with comparisons visualized using Kaplan-Meier plots. Characteristics such as maternal age and mode of delivery are relevant, especially among primiparous mothers, while maternal education and household income have a positive impact on breastfeeding duration. The use of the Cox model to analyze breastfeeding duration highlights the need for further investigation into the factors influencing this practice, especially considering the decrease in breastfeeding duration among children born in the 1990s and 2000s. These results point to the complex interaction of social, economic, and behavioral factors that should be considered in public policies aimed at maternal and child health.

Abstract Spodoptera eridania is considered a polyphagous pest, as it attacks several crops. The aim of this study was to identify a virus isolate present in symptomatic S. eridania caterpillars. The virus sample was extracted and OBs purification performed. Viral DNA was extracted using the PureLink Viral RNA/DNA Mini Kit (ThermoFisher) and primers prl8-1 and prl8-1B were used for amplification of the gene fragment. The isolate was identified showing high genetic similarity with the isolate “Spodoptera eridania nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate CNPSo-165”, characterizing itself as a novelty in the scenario and as promising, adding the tactics available for the integrated management of S. eridania.

Abstract Invasive species pose a critical threat to ecosystems, with far-reaching consequences. Invasive plants can directly interact with native pollinators, while wind-pollinated grasses indirectly alter plant-pollinator networks by reshaping the composition of plant and animal communities, diminishing ecosystem functioning. Here, we investigated the effect of invasive grass on pollinator richness, native plant visits, and the structure of plant-pollinator networks. Additionally, we explored the influence of non-native honeybees on these same variables in the Caatinga. Invasive grass negatively affected native pollinators and reduced visitation to native plants. The dominance of invasive grass leads to an increased niche overlap among native pollinators. Surprisingly, this did not affect the number of visits by non-native honeybees. However, the increased honeybee visitation negatively impacted native pollinator richness, causing a 60% decline. Our results underscore the compounded negative effects of invasive grass and non-native honeybees on native plant-pollinator dynamics. Invasive grasses indirectly decrease pollinator visits by altering plant communities. Meanwhile, honeybees, unaffected by invasive grass, decrease native pollinator species’ richness and visitation rates. These findings emphasize the significant impact of biological invasions on ecosystem health, shedding light on the complex interplay between invasive species and plant-pollinator interactions in arid, abandoned landscapes.

Abstract The present study evaluated the efficiency of the larval extract of Aedes aegypti associated with Bacillus thrurigiensis var. israelensis as oviposition bait to enhance the attractiveness of the Double BR-OVT trap. In the laboratory, paired tests were carried out, using two oviposition sites. Thirty pregnant females of A. aegypti were used per test. In the field, paired traps were installed at eight points. The test traps (2 g larval extract + 1 g Bti/ 2 L), controls (1 g Bti/ 2 L). For tests with lyophilized extract, each test trap contained 0.26 g/lyophilized larvae + 1 g Bti/ 2 L. Laboratory results showed that all cups treated (68.8 %/ 842 ± 177; 72.5 %/ 822 ± 167; 70.4 %/ 904 ± 169, respectively), with or without Bti, collected more eggs. In the field, traps treated with larval extract or lyophilized plus Bti collected more Aedes spp eggs (64 %/ 582 ± 467; 62.5 %/ 511 ± 531) and C. quinquefasciatus (65 %/ 11 ± 10; 70 %/ 5 ± 4.3) rafts. The association of Double BR-OVTs traps with larval extract plus Bti proves to be efficient alternatives for the integrated control, with the strategy of attracting and eliminating mosquitoes.

Abstract Brazil is a country with one of the greatest biodiversities in the world, in addition to the high diversity of biomes that directly influences the composition of fauna and flora. In this context, the analysis of the potential distribution of calliphorids in the Northeast can generate important information for forensic entomology and conservation biology. This study aims to identify the current and potential distribution of the main species of flies from the family Calliphoridae of forensic interest in the Northeast region of Brazil. For this purpose, field and bibliographic data were collected and analyzed. The obtained data were used to develop ecological models based on the MaxEnt model. The analyses showed that the exotic species Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) and Chrysomyia megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) are the most common species in Northeast environments, presenting a wide spatial distribution. On the other hand, native taxa have a more restricted distribution, except for the species Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775). The variables that most influenced the models were precipitation and wind. The ecological models presented in this study demonstrate an overlap in the distribution of exotic and native species, which may pose a risk of competition and future homogenization of assemblies.

Abstract Sodium deoxycholate (DC) mesotherapy is approved for submental fat reduction but lacks evidence for body contouring safety in other body regions. Thus, we studied the systemic and hepatic metabolic effects of DC mesotherapy (50 µg/twice weekly for 4 weeks) in the inguinal white adipose tissue of female and male Swiss mice on a 20% fructose diet (drinking water) for 12 weeks. DC led to adipose tissue hemorrhage, foam cells, and fibrosis, although no body weight and adiposity loss, similar to humans. In males, glucose and hepatic metabolism, hepatic morphology, and protein expression (farnesoid X receptor and fibroblast growth factor-21) did not change by DC, even under fructose feeding. In females, although DC increased hepatic total cholesterol, most changes when detected were due to fructose (e.g., hepatic weight and lipid deposition). In conclusion, chronic DC mesotherapy proved safe for systemic and hepatic metabolism, and when adverse effects are present, they are sex-specific, impacting mostly females, especially under an unhealthy diet. Overall, care must be taken to extrapolate this data to humans since further studies are required to prove its safety in other body systems.

Abstract The highly lipophilic nature and low aqueous solubility of cannabidiol (CBD) limit its oral bioavailability, resulting in poor intestinal absorption. To overcome these limitations, we proposed the production of a nanoemulsion with CBD to be included in the therapeutic treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of CBD-rich corn oil nanoemulsion treatment in male rats born to females exposed to valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy on autistic-like behaviors and hippocampal histology. Offspring rats were treated orally twice daily with CBD nanoemulsions at different doses (1 and 2 mg/animal). The endpoints evaluated were anxiety, grooming time, exploratory activity, sociability, the social preference index, and hippocampal and cerebral cortex histology. All formulations were characterized as nanoemulsions and showed a reduced vesicle size (107.6 - 72.6 nm), low PDI (0.290-0.432), negative zeta potential (-40.6 mv), and good stability. Prenatal exposure to VPA increased anxiety and grooming time, and reduced exploratory activity, sociability, and the social preference index in the animals. Furthermore, VPA-exposed animals exhibited elevated neuronal death and a reduction in viable cells in the hippocampus. In conclusion, CBD nanoemulsion treatment reversed autistic-like behaviors, potentially by protecting against hippocampal neuronal death. The highly lipophilic nature and low aqueous solubility of cannabidiol (CBD) limit its oral bioavailability, resulting in poor intestinal absorption. To overcome these limitations, we proposed the production of a nanoemulsion with CBD to be included in the therapeutic treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of CBD-rich corn oil nanoemulsion treatment in male rats born to females exposed to valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy on autistic-like behaviors and hippocampal histology. Offspring rats were treated orally twice daily with CBD nanoemulsions at different doses (1 and 2 mg/animal). The endpoints evaluated were anxiety, grooming time, exploratory activity, sociability, the social preference index, and hippocampal and cerebral cortex histology. All formulations were characterized as nanoemulsions and showed a reduced vesicle size (107.6 - 72.6 nm), low PDI (0.290-0.432), negative zeta potential (-40.6 mv), and good stability. Prenatal exposure to VPA increased anxiety and grooming time, and reduced exploratory activity, sociability, and the social preference index in the animals. Furthermore, VPA-exposed animals exhibited elevated neuronal death and a reduction in viable cells in the hippocampus. In conclusion, CBD nanoemulsion treatment reversed autistic-like behaviors, potentially by protecting against hippocampal neuronal death.

Abstract The initial step in many biogeography approaches involves identifying biogeographical units, which serve as fundamental building blocks for understanding biodiversity patterns and guiding conservation efforts. We aimed to analyse the conservation of biogeographical units of an endangered biodiversity hotspot by: (i) detecting clusters of endemic frog species; (ii) testing predictions of vicariance model; (iii) evaluating the conservation of the patterns based on protected areas and habitat loss; and (iv) highlighting priority biogeographical units for conservation. Biogeographical units were identified via Biotic Elements analysis, using range polygons for 381 endemic frogs. We tested two predictions of vicariance model: (i) the occurrence of non-random patterns, forming clusters of co-occurring species (Biotic Elements, BEs); and (ii) the occurrence of closely related species in distinct BEs. We calculated the percentage of forest remnants in each BE and their overlap with protected areas. We highlighted those with high degrees of irreplaceability and/or vulnerability as priority BEs for conservation. We recovered 21 Biotic Elements. Both predictions of the vicariance model were validated. On average, BEs presented 28% of forest remnants, but only 12% of their total areas were protected. Mountain ranges of central Atlantic Forest harbour most of BEs, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these regions.