Da Silva

Indoor farming is a more resilient means to produce food, providing fresher, safer food with improved nutritional quality.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent mucosal infection primarily caused by Candida albicans, affecting up to 75% of women of reproductive age. VVC therapeutic management is increasingly challenged by antifungal resistance, host toxicity, and high recurrence rates. Lactobacillus species, the dominant members of healthy vaginal microbiota, are known to antagonize pathogens and maintain mucosal homeostasis by producing antimicrobial metabolites and modulating epithelial responses. However, few studies have explored the antagonistic and anti-virulence properties of Lactobacillus strains isolated from asymptomatic women, particularly their activity against clinical C. albicans isolates. This study aimed to characterize vaginal Lactobacillus strains and their cell-free supernatants (CFS) isolated from asymptomatic women and evaluate their antifungal and anti-virulence activities against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Forty-two clinical Lactobacillus isolates were identified, of which eight inhibited the growth of the tested pathogens. However, among the clinical isolates, only L. fermentum JAC 231 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MDBL 269 inhibited all the fungal isolates tested. Based on these results, L. fermentum ATCC 23271 (positive control) and the clinical strains L. fermentum JAC 231 and L. plantarum MDBL 269 were selected for detailed analyses of their ability to interfere with key virulence factors of C. albicans, including hyphal morphogenesis, biofilm formation and disruption, adhesion, and the secretion of extracellular enzymes. The selected strains and their CFS displayed antagonistic activity: they reduced pathogen adhesion, co-aggregated with yeast cells, impaired biofilm formation, and destabilized preformed biofilms. In addition, whole-genome sequencing combined with antimicrobial peptide gene-cluster prediction using BAGEL4 and antiSMASH revealed two biosynthetic gene clusters in L. fermentum JAC 231 and seven in L. plantarum MDBL 269, providing a plausible genetic basis for the antimicrobial effects observed.

Changes in land use can lead to substantial reductions in forest cover, stream environmental quality, and biodiversity. Understanding how the conversion of natural environments into different land-use types affects species replacement and richness differences, the main components of beta diversity, is therefore essential for identifying the processes structuring biological communities under intense anthropogenic pressure. Here, we evaluated the effects of land-use change, forest cover, local environmental variables, and spatial structure on the taxonomic beta diversity of adult Odonata and tested whether beta diversity components differed among land-use categories (forest, cocoa, and pasture). The study was conducted in 50 streams in the eastern Amazon distributed across forested, cocoa, and pasture landscapes. Our results showed that species replacement was identified as the most important component of total beta diversity. The spatial structure and local environmental variables, particularly stream width, were the main determinants of total beta diversity, with greater stream width associated with greater variation in species composition. Large- and medium-scale spatial structures also played a key role in explaining total beta diversity, with distinct responses among the suborders. The land uses influenced only the composition of Odonata assemblages, primarily promoting species replacement. In contrast, forest cover did not significantly affect total beta diversity or its components. Despite the absence of direct effects of forest cover on beta diversity, maintaining forest cover around streams is crucial. This practice enhances habitat quality and supports species that depend on forest-associated environmental conditions.

Self-feeding systems have been used to study aquatic animals’ behavior, suggesting initial studies for practical diet design. This study aimed to identify gaps in knowledge of the behavior, feeding rhythms, and target protein intake of the Amazon River prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum) to inform the design of new diets. This study included two trials. In trial 1, under a 12:12 h LD photoperiod, 40 prawns (mean ± SD = 2.18 ± 0.3 g) were divided into four experimental units. A self-feeding system connected by an infrared sensor was prepared. Prawns were allowed to trigger sensors connected to feeders to assess a possible daily feeding rhythm for 52 days. During trial 2, 80 prawns (1.55 ± 0.19 g) were placed inside eight aquariums. The effect of two dietary protein levels (20%P or 40%P) was evaluated on behavioral protein intake target using self-feeding, as well as growth and body composition. The results of trial 1 showed that Amazon River prawn exhibited predominantly nocturnal behavior using self-feeding systems, with higher food intake during this period (p  0.05). These findings can help to understand feed schedules and nutritional approaches, which are important for new aquaculture species.

Medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, is classified into four molecular groups: WNT, SHH, G3, and G4. G3 and G4 MBs are characterized by poor prognosis and high metastatic potential. Although USP2 (ubiquitin-specific peptidase 2) has been described as a prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in several cancer types, its role in the pathogenesis of G3 and G4 MBs remains unexplored. In this study, USP2 expression was investigated through in silico analyses, public datasets (GSE85217), and tumor samples from 54 pediatric MB patients. In addition, the effects of USP2 inhibition were evaluated in two G3/G4 MB cell lines (D283 Med and USP-13) using ML364, a selective USP2 inhibitor. USP2 was overexpressed in G3 and G4 MBs and was associated with metastasis and unfavorable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, ML364 treatment reduced USP2 protein expression level, as well as cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony-forming capacity in both cell lines. These findings indicate that USP2 is upregulated in pediatric G3 and G4 MBs and support its potential role as a biomarker of poor prognosis and a therapeutic target in these molecular subgroups.

This study quantifies how topographic features influence lightning activity in the São Francisco River Basin, Brazil, filling a critical gap by establishing previously unavailable thresholds. A 16-year climatology (1998–2013) was developed using LIS/TRMM lightning data, ASTER GDEM topography, CHIRPS precipitation, and MapBiomas land use, all standardized to a 0.1° grid. The analysis integrates elevation, slope, aspect, and land use with lightning flash rate density (FRD) and precipitation. Results show a non-linear response of lightning to topography, with a 261.7% increase in FRD above 517.14 m during the dry season, and additional thresholds of 45.4% above 601.96 m (spring) and 24.9% above 583.14 m (summer). Lightning hotspots range from 29.2 to 39.9 flashes km–2 yr–1, with the maximum value recorded in São Desidério (BA), concentrated in the Western Bahia Plateau (Cluster 04). A seasonal shift is identified, with large-scale thermodynamics dominating in the wet season and topographic forcing controlling lightning activity in the dry season. Ultimately, this study establishes a robust quantitative framework for the terrain–lightning relationship, highlighting zones of elevated risk for expanding agricultural activities in the basin.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a disabling chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, associated with neuropathic pain, sensory dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Because pharmacological treatments often provide only partial relief, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological strategy with metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory effects. To assess the feasibility of local PBMT, administered alone or combined with intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB), and to explore preliminary short-term changes in neuropathic pain, neuropathic symptoms, and sensory responses in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This prospective randomized controlled pilot trial included 26 participants allocated to three groups: local PBMT, local PBMT combined with ILIB, and sham control. All randomized participants completed 12 sessions over 23 days. Neuropathic pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, and neuropathic symptoms were evaluated using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Friedman and McNemar tests were used for exploratory within-group and paired analyses, and a linear mixed-effects model evaluated pain trajectory over time. Neuropathic pain intensity decreased across the five assessment points (p < 0.001), with significant intragroup reduction in the local PBMT group (p = 0.007). Improvements were observed in selected symptoms, including numbness, cramps, and dry skin with fissures. The mixed-effects model showed a significant effect of time on pain reduction (beta = -0.78; p = 0.001), although no significant group x time interaction was detected. Local PBMT, administered alone or combined with ILIB, was feasible in this outpatient pilot trial and was followed by preliminary short-term reductions in neuropathic pain and selected neuropathic symptoms. However, no definitive between-group superiority was demonstrated, and the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the pilot design, small sample size, heterogeneity in baseline pain intensity, potential placebo effects, and short follow-up period.

Meloidogyne incognita is one of the main phytonematodes affecting cotton productivity, requiring sustainable control alternatives to chemical nematicides. This study evaluated the efficacy of different bioinputs based on Bacillus velezensis BEIB-46 for the biological control of M. incognita and their effects on cotton development. The strain was identified through high-resolution genomic analyses, followed by production via submerged fermentation and formulation into four distinct forms: fermented broth (6 × 10⁸ CFU/mL), fermented broth supplemented with 10% composting extract (4 × 10⁸ CFU/mL), concentrated wet biomass of B. velezensis BEIB-46 (1 × 101⁰ CFU/g), and concentrated dry biomass of B. velezensis BEIB-46 (1 × 101⁰ CFU/g), applied at different doses at planting. After 98 days, the final nematode population, reproduction factor, control efficiency, and agronomic parameters were evaluated. All B. velezensis treatments significantly reduced the M. incognita population compared with the untreated control. The highest control efficiencies were observed for the concentrated formulations, particularly the dry solid form, which achieved up to 83.4% efficiency and reproduction factors of 0.4 and 0.3. In addition to nematode suppression, the treatments significantly increased fresh root mass and shoot dry mass, indicating a biostimulant effect. The concentrated dry formulations (2 and 5 g/ha) demonstrated superior performance by combining high nematicidal efficiency with root or shoot growth promotion, as well as improved commercial attributes and operational feasibility, highlighting the potential of B. velezensis BEIB-46 as a sustainable alternative for the management of M. incognita in cotton cultivation.

Background Leisure-time PA (LTPA) provides important health benefits. This study examined time trends in LTPA among Brazilian adults from 2013 to 2023, overall and by sex and age. Methods Data from Vigitel survey covering all Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District were used. LTPA was assessed by self-reported participation at least once/week, frequency and duration over the last three months. Results Overall, LTPA participation increased from 45.1% in 2013 to 54.6% in 2023 (p-value 80years: 25.9% to 34.2%), with a greater increase for those aged 40–64 (p-value for interaction < 0.001). Distinct patterns of change in LTPA frequency were also observed across age groups. Conclusion From 2013 to 2023, LTPA participation prevalence and session patterns increased in Brazil across sex and age. These findings emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance to inform public health policies promoting PA.

Birmingham City retained the Arthur Cup by beating Solihull Moors 3-0 in their second pre-season friendly.