Abstract We investigated Aspidosperma discolor fruiting in three subpopulations in the inland Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil, to better understand how local and global factors (such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation - ENSO) drive fruiting, and how functional traits are related to its dispersal potential and spatial distribution. Observations of mature fruits with dispersing seeds were carried out between 1993 and 2012. Dispersal potential was evaluated using seeds released at two different heights. Spatial distribution was analyzed using the Standardized Morisita dispersal index. A. discolor displayed seasonal fruiting during the dry season in all subpopulations, with variations in their average dates but without significant interannual variations in the proportions of fruiting individuals. The undulate seeds had average dispersal distances between 57.36 and 79.54 m. We found a random distribution pattern of the trees. The seasonal dry/rainy regime influenced fruiting and dispersal patterns, and seeds were released during the dry season (even in ENSO years). So, we demonstrate the importance of wind dispersal as a driving factor of fruiting, associated with an abiotic filter (low humidity) during the dry season. Additionally, the aerodynamic nature of the undulate diaspore and its dispersal potential influenced the random pattern of spatial distribution of A. discolor.

Resumo Investigamos a frutificação de três subpopulações de Aspidosperma discolor em uma área Mata Atlântica no interior do nordeste do Brasil, para entender melhor como fatores locais e globais (El Niño Southern Oscillation - ENOS) impulsionam a frutificação, e como as características da espécie estão relacionadas aos seus potenciais de dispersão e distribuição espacial. Frutos maduros com sementes em dispersão foram observados entre 1993 e 2012. A dispersão foi avaliada por lançar sementes em duas alturas diferentes. A distribuição foi analisada usando o índice de dispersão padronizado de Morisita. A. discolor apresentou frutificação sazonal durante a estação seca nas três subpopulações com variações de suas datas médias, mas sem variações interanuais nas proporções de indivíduos frutificando. As sementes onduladas evidenciaram distâncias médias de dispersão entre 57,36 e 79,54 m. Encontramos padrão de distribuição aleatório das árvores. O regime sazonal seco/chuvoso influenciou os padrões de frutificação e dispersão, e sementes foram liberadas durante a estação seca (mesmo em anos ENSO). Assim, demonstramos a importância da dispersão anemocórica como fator impulsionador da frutificação, associada a um filtro abiótico (baixa umidade) durante a estação seca. Adicionalmente, a natureza aerodinâmica do diásporo ondulado e seu potencial de dispersão influenciaram a distribuição espacial aleatória de A. discolor.

Abstract Objective: To assess factors associated with emotional changes and Hyperactivity/Inattention (HI) motivated by COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with immunocompromising diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 343 adolescents with immunocompromising diseases and 108 healthy adolescents. Online questionnaires were answered including socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and validated surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0). Results: The frequencies of abnormal emotional SDQ scores from adolescents with chronic diseases were similar to those of healthy subjects (110/343 [32%] vs. 38/108 [35%], p = 0.548), as well as abnormal hyperactivity/inattention SDQ scores (79/343 [23%] vs. 29/108 [27%], p = 0.417). Logistic regression analysis of independent variables associated with abnormal emotional scores from adolescents with chronic diseases showed: female sex (Odds Ratio [OR = 3.76]; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 2.00–7.05; p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.08–3.88; p = 0.028) and intrafamilial violence during pandemic (OR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.12–4.19; p = 0.021) as independently associated with abnormal emotional scores, whereas total PedsQL score was inversely associated with abnormal emotional scores (OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.93–0.96; p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis associated with abnormal HI scores from patients evidenced that total PedsQL score (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.95–0.99; p = 0.010], changes in medical appointments during the pandemic (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.19–0.79; p = 0.021), and reliable COVID-19 information (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.16–0.77; p = 0.026) remained inversely associated with abnormal HI scores. Conclusion: The present study showed emotional and HI disturbances in adolescents with chronic immunosuppressive diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reinforces the need to promptly implement a longitudinal program to protect the mental health of adolescents with and without chronic illnesses during future pandemics.

Abstract Austrodiplostomum Szidat & Nani, 1951 is a genus of parasitic digenetic trematodes widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Infects a wide variety of species, families and requests for freshwater fish. We identify samples of Austrodiplostomum sp, based on metacercariae isolates from eyes of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), a fish of high commercial importance in Brazil, and widely consumed by the population of the northern region. The sequences obtained clustered with A. compactum. This is the first report of the occurrence of diplostomids in farmed tambaqui in Amazonia.

Abstract Objectives Evidence suggests that ketamine’s influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) might be involved in its mechanism of rapid antidepressant action. We aimed to evaluate the differential impact of ketamine and esketamine on serum BDNF levels and its association with response patterns in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods Participants (n = 53) are from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the efficacy of single-dose ketamine (0.5mg/kg, n = 27) and esketamine (0.25mg/kg, n = 26) in TRD. Depression severity was assessed before and 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after the intervention, using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Blood samples were collected before infusion, 24 hours, and 7 days afterwards. Results There were no significant changes in BDNF levels at post-infusion evaluation points, and no difference in BDNF levels comparing ketamine and esketamine. Both drugs exhibited similar therapeutic effect. There was no association between BDNF levels and response to treatment or severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusion There was no significant treatment impact on BDNF serum levels – neither with ketamine nor esketamine – despite therapeutic response. These results suggest that ketamine or esketamine intervention for TRD has no impact on BDNF levels measured at 24 hours and 7 days after the infusion. This clinical trial is registered on the Japan Primary Registries Network: UMIN000032355.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on carcass characteristics of heifers finished on Tifton 85 pasture. Thirty-two cross-breed heifers (Charolais and Nellore) on average aged 25.51 months and weighing 298 kg were used in a completely randomized experiment. The animals were distributed uniformly to receive four different levels of concentrates based on the body weight: 0.0; 0.4; 0.8 and 1.2%. Animals were slaughtered at 29 months of age. There was increasing linear effect of levels energy supplementation on: slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights,hot and cold dressing percentage, thigh thickness, carcass compactness, and L* and b* color values. It was observed quadratic effect of levels of energy supplementation on the percentage of fat in the carcass. Different levels of energy supplementation did not modify the accumulation of vital organs and visceral fat or the sensory attributes of the meat. Higher levels of energy supplementation promote increases in carcass traits of heifers when finished on Tifton 85 pasture.

Abstract The iAtlantic Project has established an international collaborative strategy to improve mapping and characterization of deep and open ocean ecosystems in understudied regions of the Atlantic and evaluate their health. In December 2022, the first iAtlantic expedition in the South Atlantic set off to map and explore seafloor ecosystems in the Santos Basin slope (200-1,000 m depths) in collaboration with the Petrobras ‘Santos Basin - Regional Characterization Project.’ The 17-day ‘iAtlantic_BR10-Petrobras’ cruise was conducted on board the research vessel NPqHOc Vital de Oliveira (Brazilian Navy) and performed (a) water column structure characterization, (b) seafloor morphology mapping, (c) description of benthic habitats and communities by seafloor imagery and biological/ geological sampling, and (d) ex-situ experiments to assess the functioning of sedimentary ecosystems and their responses to climate-related environmental changes. This study describes the rationale behind the iAtlantic_BR10-Petrobras cruise science plan, reports its sampling strategy and methods, and summarizes its collected data and preliminary results.

Abstract The present work aimed to characterize and compare the catalytic properties of amylases from Cunninghamella echinulata and Rhizopus microsporus. The highest production of amylase by C. echinulata, 234.94 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 23.49 U mL-1), was obtained using wheat bran as a substrate, with 50–55% initial moisture and kept at 28 °C for 48 h. The highest production of amylases by R. microsporus, 224.85 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 22.48 U mL-1), was obtained cultivating wheat bran with 65% initial moisture at 45 °C for 24 h. The optimal activity of the amylases was observed at pH 5.0 at 60 °C for C. echinulata enzymes and at pH 4.5 at 65 °C for R. microsporus. The amylases produced by C. echinulata were stable at pH 4.0–8.0, while the R. microsporus enzymes were stable at pH 4.0–10.0. The amylases produced by C. echinulata remained stable for 1 h at 50 °C and the R. microsporus amylases maintained catalytic activity for 1 h at 55 °C. The enzymatic extracts of both fungi hydrolyzed starches from different plant sources and showed potential for liquefaction of starch, however the amylolytic complex of C. echinulata exhibited greater saccharifying potential.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging disease caused by an alphavirus of the Togaviridae family. Since its first description in 1952, the disease has spread worldwide, affecting populations in both tropical and temperate countries. To date, there is no licensed vaccine or specific pharmacological treatment. Therefore, there is an increasing urgency in developing new antiviral drugs capable of specifically inhibiting viral replication. In the present work, we report the synthesis and antiviral activity evaluation of nineteen naphthoquinone derivatives, containing a sulfonamide or sulfonate group. Cell viability assays indicated a low toxic potential for all tested compounds and inhibitory assays against CHIKV identified five compounds with potent activity. The compounds were also evaluated for their virucidal potential, and the results demonstrated that compound 11a exhibited a virucidal effect higher than 70% in the treatment with 20 µM. Furthermore, in silico studies were performed to predict the antiviral drug targets.

Resumo Bactérias estão relacionadas a diferentes doenças bucais, como a cárie dentária e a doença periodontal. Assim, o controle e/ou erradicação de microrganismos e seus subprodutos é primordial para o sucesso dos tratamentos. Uma alternativa para diminuir a carga bacteriana é a utilização de extratos vegetais utilizados na medicina popular. A citotoxicidade e ação antimicrobiana de extratos de Cariniana rubra Gardinerex Miers, Senna martiniana H.S. Irwin & Barneby, Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan e Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. contra cepas de Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcusfaecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Agartibacter actinomycetencomitans e Candida albicans foram investigados. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada nas concentrações de 1, 10, 40, 80, 100 e 1000 μg/mL por meio do teste MTT. Aqueles com citotoxicidade aceitável tiveram a ação antimicrobiana medida pelo teste XTT. Cariniana rubra Gardinerex Miers apresentou os maiores resultados de citototoxicidade, enquanto Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. obteve os melhores resultados, mas todos os extratos apresentaram citotoxicidade aceitável em diferentes concentrações. Os extratos vegetais apresentaram maior atividade contra A. actinomycetencomitans: Anadenanthera columbrina (Vell.) Brenan (80,52%) a 40 μg/mL, Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil (78,48%) em 1 μg/mL, Senna martiniana H.S. Irwin & Barneby (73,28%) na concentração de 40 μg/mL e Cariniana rubra Gardinerex Miers (70,50%) em 10 μg/mL. Todos os extratos analisados apresentaram citotoxicidade aceitável em diferentes concentrações e foram promissores na inibição dos microrganismos patogênicos estudados.

Abstract Bacteria are related do different oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease. Therefore, the control or/and eradication of microorganisms and their by-products is primordial for the success of their treatment. An alternative for decrease bacterial load is the use of plant extracts used in popular medicine. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial action of extracts of Cariniana rubra Gardiner ex Miers, Senna martiniana, Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan and Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. against strains of Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aggregatibacter actinomyces- tencomitans and Candida albicans were investigated. Cytotoxicity was assessed at concentrations of 1, 10, 40, 80, 100 and 1000 μg/mL by means of the MTT test and compared to a control group with untreated cells. Those with acceptable cytotoxicity had the antimicrobial action measured by the XTT test. As a positive control, sodium hypochlorite was used. Cariniana rubra Gardiner ex Miers had the highest citototoxicity results while Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. had the best results, but all extracts showed acceptable cytotoxicity at different concentrations. The plant extracts showed higher activity against A. actinomycetencomitans: Anadenanthera columbrina (Vell.) Brenan (80.52%) at 40 μg/mL, Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil (78.48%) in 1 μg/mL, Senna martiniana (73.28%) in the concentration of 40 μg/mL and Cariniana rubra Gardiner ex Miers (70.50%) in 10 μg/mL. All extracts analyzed showed acceptable cytotoxicity at different concentrations and were promising for inhibition of the pathogenic microorganisms studied.

Acetylated compounds prepared from naphthoquinones have been reported as antitumoral prodrugs. Exploring the synthetic versatility of the naphthoquinone and triazolic nuclei, herein we report a simple and efficient synthetic route to prepare a series of sixteen prodrugs prototype of 1,2,3-triazoles-naphthoquinodoic acetyl derivatives. The compounds 10a-10h and 11a-11h were obtained by oxidative cycloaddition reaction between lawsone and 4-vinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles promoted by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in alkaline medium followed by reductive acetylation of the quinones in excess of metallic zinc and acetic anhydride in yields up to > 98%. All derivatives revealed to be hemocompatible and the compound 11e exhibited the most promising profile against Caco-2 cells showing the higher selectivity index. Molecular docking suggests that these compounds could exert their cytotoxic activity through inhibition of one topoisomerase II isoform, at least.

RESUMO: Monensina é um antibiótico ionóforo (AI) amplamente empregado na produção de ruminantes para promoção de crescimento e ganho de peso, mas que tem causado intoxicação em diversas espécies, incluindo os búfalos, principalmente, pelo desconhecimento ou desrespeito das recomendações de uso e às particularidades de cada espécie animal. Objetivou-se descrever, pela primeira vez na Bahia, dados clínico-epidemiológicos e anatomopatológicos de um surto de intoxicação acidental por monensina em búfalos e rediscutir a recomendação do uso de AI na produção de bubalinos. O surto acometeu um lote de 21 búfalos adultos após consumo de sobras de uma ração para bovinos formulada na fazenda e cujos constituintes eram misturados à mão. Os sinais clínicos e primeiros óbitos foram observados 24 horas após a ingestão dessa ração. O quadro clínico, em geral, se caracterizou por fraqueza muscular, tremores, dificuldade de locomoção e decúbito. Quinze búfalos apresentaram sinais clínicos de intoxicação (morbidade 71,5%), seguido de morte (letalidade 100%), após evolução aguda a subaguda (<24h até 96h). Exames laboratoriais indicaram acentuada elevação na atividade sérica das enzimas CPK e AST. Três búfalos foram necropsiados, sendo coletadas amostras de diversos órgãos para exame histopatológico. A principal lesão encontrada foi degeneração hialina e necrose segmentar multifocal nos músculos estriados esqueléticos e cardíacos (miopatia e cardiopatia degenerativo-necrótica tóxica multifocal polifásica). O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela avaliação toxicológica das sobras da ração suspeita, que detectou 461,67mg/kg de monensina. A morte de 71,5% dos búfalos deste lote ocorreu devido a uma sucessão de erros, que incluíram falhas na formulação da ração e, sobretudo, devido ao uso da monensina em uma espécie altamente sensível. Enfatizamos que, apesar dos possíveis efeitos benéficos do uso AIs como suplemento dietético para bubalinos, somos da opinião que os AIs nunca devem ser empregados na bubalinocultura, uma vez que os eventuais incrementos na produção não compensam o risco iminente de morte, devido a pequena margem de segurança para essa espécie e a inexistência de antídotos.

ABSTRACT: Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic (IA) widely used for growth promotion and weight gain in the production of ruminants. However, it has caused intoxication in several species, including buffaloes, mainly because of the ignorance or disrespect of the recommendations for use in each animal species. The objective of this study was to describe, for the first time, clinical-epidemiological and anatomopathological data of an outbreak of accidental poisoning by monensin in buffalos and rediscuss the recommendation of the use of IA in the production of this species. The outbreak affected 21 adult buffaloes after consumption of remains from a feed formulated on the farm and whose constituents were mixed by hand. Clinical and first death signs were observed 24 hours after ingestion of this food. In general, the clinical picture was characterized by muscle weakness, tremors, difficulty in locomotion, and decubitus. Fifteen buffaloes presented clinical signs of poisoning (71.5% morbidity), followed by death (100% lethality), after acute to subacute evolution (<24h to 96h). Laboratory tests indicated elevated serum activity of creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Three buffaloes underwent necropsy, and samples from several organs were collected for histopathological examination. The main injuries found were hyaline degeneration and multifocal segmental necrosis in the skeletal and cardiac striated muscles (myopathy and degenerative-necrotic multifocal multifocal-necrotic cardiopathy). The diagnosis was confirmed by the toxicological evaluation of suspected ration remains, which detected 461.67mg/kg of monensin. The death of 71.5% buffaloes in this lot occurred due to a succession of errors, which included faults in the formulation of the ration and, above all, due to the use of monensin in a highly sensitive species. Despite the possible beneficial effects of IA use as a dietary supplement for buffaloes, we are of the opinion that IAs should never be used in bubalinoculture since any increment in production does not compensate for the imminent risk of death due to a small safety margin for this species and the absence of antidotes.

Abstract: COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world in an unprecedented outbreak with a massive number of infected and fatalities. The pandemic was heavily discussed and searched on the internet, which generated big amounts of data related to it. This led to the possibility of attempting to forecast coronavirus indicators using the internet data. For this study, Google Trends statistics for 124 selected search terms related to pandemic were used in an attempt to find which keywords had the best Spearman correlations with a lag, as well as a forecasting model. It was found that keywords related to coronavirus testing among some others, such as “I have contracted covid”, had high correlations (≥0.7) with few weeks of lag (≤4 weeks). Besides that, the ARIMAX model using those keywords had promising results in predicting the increase or decrease of epidemiological indicators, although it was not able to predict their exact values. Thus, we found that Google Trends data may be useful for predicting outbreaks of coronavirus a few weeks before they happen, and may be used as an auxiliary tool in monitoring and forecasting the disease in Brazil.

RESUMO: Milhares de famílias vivem nos assentamentos da reforma agrária, criados no Brasil desde a década de 1980. Fatores como aglomerações de famílias convivendo no mesmo ambiente de produção de animais domésticos podem favorecer a transmissão e manutenção de zoonoses nessas áreas. A epidemiologia e distribuição geográfica das doenças zoonóticas nas comunidades assentadas precisam ser destacadas. Neste sentido, o presente estudo objetivou investigar a prevalência, fatores de risco e distribuição espacial do complexo teníase-cisticercose nos assentamentos rurais da reforma agrária no estado de Minas Gerais. Um total de 497 propriedades da agricultura familiar, distribuídas em 52 assentamentos, foram selecionadas e amostradas aleatoriamente. Amostras biológicas de humanos, bovinos e suínos foram coletadas e processadas. Questionários epidemiológicos foram aplicados em cada propriedade para a coleta de dados sobre a produção animal, condições sanitárias, higiênicas e sociais de cada família. Amostras fecais humanas foram analisadas para detecção de infecção por teníase, e amostras de sangue de animais foram coletadas e submetidas a testes sorológicos para detecção de infecção por cisticercose. Foram encontrados três (0,35%) casos positivos para teníase humana, 64 (4,2%) para cisticercose bovina e 17 (3,3%) para cisticercose suína. A prevalência por unidade de agricultura familiar foi de 0,6% (3/497) para teníase por exame fecal, 5,8% (17/294) para cisticercose suína e 11,1% (52/469) para cisticercose bovina. O perfil espacial da teníase humana e da cisticercose suína agrupou-se em duas regiões distintas, enquanto a cisticercose bovina apresentou distribuição geográfica dispersa. Dois fatores de risco estiveram associados à ocorrência de cisticercose bovina: riacho como fonte de água (p=0,009) e meio ambiente como destino de esgoto (p=0,031), enquanto a queima de lixo mostrou-se um fator de proteção significativo (p<0,001). O fator de risco para cisticercose suína foi associado à presença de suínos caipira (p=0,008) e ao meio ambiente como destino do esgoto (p≤0,024). Estas doenças zoonóticas representam um risco significativo para a saúde pública devido à sua ocorrência em rebanhos que são produzidos tanto para consumo de carne quanto para comercialização. Neste estudo os assentamentos analisados se configuram em áreas endêmicas no estado de Minas Gerais, e esses achados sugerem a importância de maiores investimentos na educação em saúde pública, melhoria das instalações sanitárias dos assentamentos como fonte e tratamento de água e destinação adequada de esgoto. São necessárias ações integradas entre os setores de saúde humana, animal e ambiental, em âmbito local e regional, visando a adoção de políticas públicas efetivas de controle e erradicação do complexo teníase-cisticercose onde estiver presente.

ABSTRACT: Thousands of families live in agrarian reform rural settlements, these existing in Brazil since the 1980s. Factors such as agglomerations of families living in the same environment and the production of domestic animals can promote the transmission and maintenance of zoonosis in these areas. The epidemiology and geographic distribution of zoonotic diseases in settlement communities need to be highlighted. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of the teniasis-cysticercosis complex in the agrarian reform rural settlements in the state of Minas Gerais. A total of 497 family farming properties, distributed in 52 settlements, were randomly selected and sampled. Biological samples of humans, cattle and pigs were collected and processed. Survey questionnaires were applied in each family farming property to collect data on animal production as well as sanitary, hygienic and social conditions of each family. Human fecal samples were analyzed for detection of teniasis infection, while animal blood samples were collected and subjected to serological testing to detect the cysticercosis infection. A total of three (0.35%) positive cases of human teniasis were identified, 64 (4.2%) of bovine cysticercosis and 17 (3.3%) of swine cysticercosis. Prevalence per family farming unit was 0.6% (3/497) of taeniasis through fecal test, 5.8% (17/294) for swine cysticercosis and 11.1% (52/469) for bovine cysticercosis. The spatial profile for human teniasis and swine cysticercosis were clustered in two different regions, while bovine cysticercosis showed a dispersed geographical distribution. Two risk factors were associated with the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis: stream as source of water (p=0.009) and the environment as destination of sewage (p=0.031), while burning of garbage was shown to be a significant protective factor (p<0.001). Risk factor for swine cysticercosis was associated with the presence of free range pigs (p=0.008) and the environment as the destination of sewage (p≤0.024). The low number of positive human taeniasis did not allow statistical analysis. These zoonotic diseases represent a significant risk to public health because of their occurrence in livestock which are produced for both beef consumption and for commercialization. Significant endemic areas in the state of Minas Gerais have been determined in this study, and these discoverments suggest the importance of further investment in public health education about teniasis-cysticercosis transmission, the improvement of sanitary facilities for the settlements such as source and treatment of water and adequate destination of sewage. Integrated actions between the human, animal and environmental health sectors, at local and regional levels are needed, aiming at the adoption of effective public policies for the control and eradication of the teniasis-cysticercosis complex where the disease occurs.

Abstract Different reproductive strategies (both sexual and asexual) that may occur in individuals of the same species may explain the success of sea anemones (Cnidaria:Actiniaria) in colonizing different ecosystems around the planet. Here we provide the first record of a Bunodosoma specimen with two oral discs and discuss the possibility of asexual reproduction in this genus. One individual of Bunodosoma cangicum was found in Carneiros beach (Pernambuco state, Brazil) with two fully individualized oral discs but with column and pedal disc still connected. Our finding may represent a clue to longitudinal fission in Bunodosoma. Yet, despite the number of different studies carried out so far, the absence of data regarding asexual reproduction in Bunodosoma suggests that it might be rare in this genus, occurring only in sporadic cases such as recovery from injury.

Abstract DEET is considered the gold standard for insect repellent products. However, it behaves as a strong skin permeant. DEET was encapsulated in Solid Lipid Microparticles (SLM) and characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, cytotoxicity and ex vivo permeation. The particles exhibited micrometric size with a spherical shape. In addition, we developed and validated an analytical method for DEET quantification by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which was selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust. The toxicity test in cell culture of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages showed that the formulation did not present cytotoxicity. The SLM were able to decrease the skin permeation of DEET in relation to the free active in ethanol with gain in the safe. Microparticles were able to increase the skin retention of DEET, which can contribute to extend the time of repellent action. The results showed that Solid Lipid Microparticles are safe and promising topical formulation to insect bite prevention.