Abstract in English:

Abstract Microplastic contamination of biological matrices is a pressing concern in environmental and biomedical research. While their presence has been confirmed in human blood, placentas, lungs, and other tissues, accurate identification remains an analytical challenge. Obstacles include the small size and heterogeneous composition of microplastics, as well as spectral interference from complex organic matter. This review systematically analyzes—following PRISMA 2020 guidelines—the current state of microplastic detection in human tissues, evaluating 218 studies (2000-2024). We focus on the primary techniques: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Our analysis confirms FTIR as the most widely employed technique, followed by Raman and Py-GC/MS, with each method exhibiting distinct advantages and limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and sample preparation requirements. A critical finding is the widespread lack of robust quality assurance; notably, few studies consistently implemented blank controls and spike-recovery experiments, thereby compromising the reproducibility and reliability of data. In response, we propose a consolidated framework of best practices for sample handling, contamination control, and analytical validation. This review underscores the urgent need for standardized, validated protocols to refine analytical techniques, ensure consistent results, and ultimately support accurate risk assessment of human exposure to microplastics.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The validity of the valence-shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) and hybrid orbitals (HO’s) in explaining molecular shape has been extensively debated. Here, we provide simple examples that challenge the notion of VSEPR and HO’s as the primary determinants of electronic and atomic arrangement in space. Instead, we propose that these approaches are conceptual constructs that require further deconstruction in chemistry (or related disciplines). The introduction of the concept of linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) within the framework of molecular orbital (MO) theory proves to be more insightful. Furthermore, we present a visual representation of how molecular geometry can be effectively explained by MO theory, providing a more realistic approach to understanding this concept.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Vitex megapotamica (Tarumã) fruits are a potential source of phenolic compounds with relevant biological activities. This study compared ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using a probe-type ultrasonic apparatus with conventional shaker extraction for the recovery of bioactive compounds from ripe Tarumã fruits. UAE extraction kinetics were evaluated at 5, 10, 15, and 30 min (90 °C, 60% amplitude). The extracts were evaluated for their highest total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The TPC was obtained after 5 min of extraction, and this condition was selected for comparison with shaker extraction under the same parameters. UAE significantly increased phenolic recovery, reaching 1909.2 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ of sample, whereas the shaker method yielded 1549.5 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹. Despite the higher phenolic extraction efficiency, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities did not differ significantly between extracts (p > 0.05). High-performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC) revealed ellagic acid as the predominant compound in the UAE extract, while myricetin was the major phenolic compound identified in the shaker extract. These results demonstrate that UAE is an efficient and rapid technique to enhance the recovery of phenolic compounds from Tarumã fruits, supporting its potential application in the development of bioactive extracts.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Burns are complex traumatic injuries that require specialized care. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel associated with silver (HA+Ag) on partial-thickness burn wounds in mice, through macroscopic, morphometric, microscopic, and molecular analyses. Seventy-two BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: Control (saline), SSD (1.0% silver sulfadiazine cream), HA (1.0% hyaluronic acid hydrogel), and HA+Ag (1.0% hyaluronic acid hydrogel + 0.5% silver). At 7 days after injury (DAI), the HA+Ag group showed significantly greater wound contraction compared to the Control. Microscopic analysis revealed increased angiogenesis and fibroblast presence in the HA and HA+Ag groups, suggesting enhanced granulation tissue formation. No significant differences were observed in collagen fiber deposition. Gene expression analysis at 7 DAI showed higher levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the Control group, indicating a more intense inflammatory response in untreated animals. These differences were transient and were no longer observed at later time points. Therefore, the findings suggest that HA-based hydrogels, particularly when combined with silver, promote wound healing during the initial phase and represent a promising therapeutic alternative for partial-thickness burns.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Giardia lamblia infection alters gut physiology and microbiota interactions, but the impact of prebiotic supplementation in this context remains unclear. This study investigated how fructooligosaccharide (FOS) treatment affects microbial fermentation, intestinal function, inflammation, and hepatic bile acid synthesis in G. lamblia-infected gerbils. Gerbils were divided into four groups: uninfected control, infected control, uninfected and FOS-treated, and infected and FOS-treated. Cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), intestinal disaccharidase activities, serum and intestinal cytokines, and hepatic expression of Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1 were analysed. Giardia infection increased cecal acetate, reduced butyrate, elevated serum TNF-α, and increased hepatic Cyp7a1 expression. FOS supplementation increased cecal propionate and other SCFAs and elevated IL-10 levels in serum and intestinal tissue. Notably, FOS reduced intestinal maltase activity regardless of infection status, without affecting lactase activity. Together, these data indicate that giardiasis alters microbial fermentation and inflammatory responses, whereas FOS supplementation primarily promotes a more regulatory immune profile, characterized by increased IL-10 levels, alongside shifts in microbial fermentation, without directly modifying hepatic bile acid–related gene expression. These findings highlight complex diet–microbiota–host interactions during intestinal parasitic infection and support further mechanistic studies.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The aim of this study is to examine the independent and combined associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with metabolic syndrome (MS) components in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 473 older adults aged ≥60 years, living in the urban area of ​​the municipality of Alcobaça, Brazil, and enrolled in the municipality’s Family Health Strategy. Sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, laboratory and behavioral data were collected. The prevalence of MS was 52.8%. Longer time spent in SB was associated with central obesity (OR 2.85; 95% CI: 1.52-5.25) and hypertension (OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.23-2.85). In the combined analysis, insufficiently active older adults with longer SB time were more likely to have two (OR 3.90; 95% CI: 1.46-10.42) to four (OR 4.18; 95% CI: 1.12-15.62) components. Even sufficiently active older adults with longer SB time had higher odds of central obesity (OR 3.44; 95% CI: 1.51-7.87), hypertension (OR 2.30; 95% CI: 1.30-4.05), and low HDL-c levels (OR 1.84; 95% CI: 1.03-3.28). SB is a determining factor in the prevalence of MS in older adults, with implications for public health policies that promote frequent interruptions of sedentary time and encourage regular PA.

Abstract in English:

Abstract This study evaluated the anesthetic efficacy of eugenol for two size classes of Aulonocara nyassae and Aulonocara stuartgranti. The experimental groups were classified as follows: A. nyassae, Juvenile I-Any (1.29 ± 0.35 g) and Juvenile II-Any (2.97 ± 0.67 g); and A. stuartgranti, Juvenile I-Ast (1.98 ± 0.60 g) and Juvenile II-Ast (3.69 ± 0.74 g). For each group, 80 specimens were randomly allocated to seven eugenol concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 and 175 mg L-1) and a control (ethanol) in a completely randomized design with 10 individuals per concentration. Anesthesia trials involved exposing one animal at a time to the different eugenol concentrations, and recording induction time, recovery time, but ventilatory frequency was also measured during induction and recovery. The efficacy of an anesthetic administered via immersion bath is related to rapid induction to deep anesthesia (<180 s) and short recovery (<300 s). Therefore, the study demonstrated that eugenol concentrations between 50 and 175 mg L-1 are recommended for Juvenile I-Any and between 25 and 175 mg L-1 for Juvenile II-Any. The ideal concentrations for A. stuartgranti, on the other hand, range from 25 to 175 mg L-1 for both evaluated size classes.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The identification of autonomic alterations in metabolically healthy obesity could be an additional parameter for elucidating if this phenotype of obesity only represents a transition stage to the development of metabolically unhealthy obesity. So, this study aimed to assess the presence of autonomic dysfunction in individuals with metabolically healthy obesity. We conducted a cross-sectional study that randomly recruited individuals (≥18 years old), being excluded those on sick leave, pregnant or lactating women. According to the body mass index and International Diabetes Federation criteria for metabolic syndrome, the individuals, stratified as metabolically healthy eutrophic; metabolically healthy obesity; or metabolically unhealthy obesity were included in the analysis. Heart rate variability (HRV), electrocardiography, orthostatic test, and orthostatic hypotension test were used to evaluate autonomic function. Our findings evidenced that metabolically healthy obesity individuals exhibited alterations in HRV, in orthostatic hypotension test and in electrocardiographic parameters for ventricular repolarization, compared to metabolically healthy eutrophic individuals. Therefore, we concluded that metabolically healthy obesity is associated with the occurrence of autonomic dysfunction, which suggests that it can be, in fact, a transition stage to the development of metabolically unhealthy obesity.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Bioaerosols are airborne particles that may carry microorganisms and are frequently generated during dental procedures. This study aimed to analyze the microbiological profile of isolates found on face shields masks used by dental students during restorations with conventional restorative procedures (CRP) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the most frequent isolates. Samples were collected from the face shields of 30 students (15 CRP and 15 ART) using Rodac TSA contact plates after use. Plates were incubated at 36 ± 1 °C for 48 h, colonies counted, and microorganisms identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The mean colony count was 35.9 CFU/plate for CRP and 28.6 CFU/plate for ART. In total, 49 microorganisms were isolated, predominantly Staphylococcus spp. (55.1%), including S. epidermidis, S. warneri, S. capitis, and S. saprophyticus. Among the 27 Staphylococcus isolates, non-susceptibility rates were highest for levofloxacin (100%), erythromycin (74.1%), and clindamycin (48.1%), while all were susceptible to chloramphenicol, linezolid, rifampicin, and sulfamethoxazole. Multidrug resistance was observed in 70.4% of isolates. Both procedures posed comparable risks of microbial dispersion through bioaerosol generation, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. These findings reinforce the need for strict biosafety and disinfection measures in dental practice to minimize infection risks.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The Atlantic Forest Biome, historically marked by intense human occupation, hosts the majority of Brazil’s population despite covering only a fraction of the national territory. However, available population estimates lack methodological transparency, undermining their application in public policies and conservation strategies. This study aims to rigorously estimate the number of inhabitants living within the limits of the Atlantic Forest Biome, considering two official territorial boundaries: the area defined by the Atlantic Forest Law, 2006 and the domain defined by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, 2019. Using data from the 2022 Demographic Census and a standardized criterion for municipal inclusion, results indicate that approximately 57% of the Brazilian population resides within the Atlantic Forest Biome. This figure is lower than those reported in the literature but still represents a significant number, considering the biome covers approximately 15% of Brazil’s continental territory. These findings underscore the need for demographic studies based on replicable methods to support planning of policies aimed at conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the Atlantic Forest.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes with a complex evolutive history compounded by subunits and local endemism. Despite that, many taxa, such as bees, is still poorly known in some regions, including several protected areas. These gaps in diversity and distribution represent an impediment in the knowledge of these important pollinators. In this context, faunistic surveys are valuable tools to explore regional diversity, to decrease the Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls. For this, we conducted an inventory of bees in the largest Atlantic Forest remnant north of São Francisco River. We collected typical bee fauna of Atlantic Forest as Ariphanarthra Moure and other species typical of Amazonian fauna. We also registered a new species of Meliponini and first specimens of Geotrigona xanthopoda Camargo & Moure outside of Caatinga biome. Our data demonstrated that bees in this portion of Atlantic Forest possesses unique elements, reinforcing its heterogenous composition and, the importance of actions to conserving this area as an environmental refuge. Therefore, it is necessary to reassess current government proposals for the implementation of public infrastructure and private developments in the region, which threaten to irreversibly impact the fauna and flora of this portion of the Atlantic Forest.

Abstract in English:

Abstract We recorded Chamaecrista petals from the stomachs of three lizards of two species (Cnemidophorus lemniscatus, Ameiva ameiva) in an Amazonian savanna. The petals completely filled the stomachs of the lizards, so they were not ingested incidentally. The lizards were encountered incidentally as they were killed by ants in mammal traps or found on the road. During the study period, we encountered only one other individual in similar conditions without petals, so most of the lizards in the area are probably ingesting petals. Nutritional analyses indicate that the petals are rich in water and carbohydrates and standard analyses indicate that they are not toxic. Although we cannot discount that the lizards ate the petals to obtain water, heavy rainfall during the period indicates that the petals were not ingested for water balance, so we believe that the petals are an important and overlooked source of nutrition for the savanna lizards.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Due to the critical state of biodiversity loss, the valuation of biodiversity-related ecosystem services is fundamental for assertive policy-making and sustainable development. This study assessed these services in the São Francisco Xavier Environmental Protection Area in Brazil. The objective was the economic value of aspects of biodiversity, considering the conservation of ecosystems. The method involved identifying relevant ecosystem services associated with local biodiversity and the corresponding economic indicators, then assessing the biodiversity status of the area and integrating this as a weight in the valuation equation. The total economic value of ecosystem services in EPA-SFX was US$4,684.81 per hectare. The study concluded that current financial incentives for biodiversity conservation, such as the Payment for Environmental Services programs, were insufficient compared to the intrinsic value of ecosystem services. The findings emphasize the need to reform valuation models and establish effective financial mechanisms for biodiversity conservation. They also demonstrated that incorporating habitat quality into the valuation equation enhanced the accuracy of the results, bringing them closer to the local context, representing an innovative contribution to this study.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The Asian freshwater snail Sinotaia quadrata is here reported for the first time in an isolated urban lake of Buenos Aires City (Argentina). By considering molecular information, the identity of the species is confirmed, and the Chinese / Japanese origin of the Argentine population is proposed. Furthermore, the risk of an imminent regional dispersion of this species is highlighted.

Abstract in English:

Abstract We present three new records of C. hudsoni, a secretive and small-sized Amazonian species of frog, from the municipalities of Barcarena, Santa Bárbara, and Primavera, all in the state of Pará, Brazil. These records extend the known species distribution in 520 km account to the first geographical records from the Belém Area of Endemism (BAE), the most threatened region of the Amazon basin. The records have relevant implications for several aspects of the biology of Chiasmocleis, especially biogeography, taxonomy, and conservation.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Melochia (Byttnerioideae – Malvaceae) is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. In Brazil, however, its distribution, species richness, diversity, and endemism remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyze the biogeography of Melochia and infer which distribution patterns best reflect its geographic distribution in Brazil and where its centers of diversity and endemism are located. Species occurrence data were compiled from online databases, resulting in 4,136 cleaned records representing 27 species. Richness and diversity analyses were conducted using DIVA-GIS, while QGIS was used to create the distribution maps. Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity was performed with PAUP. Our results indicate that most Melochia species are widely distributed. Seven areas of diversity were identified: Pantanal, Central Brazilian Cerrado, Northern and Southern Espinhaço Range, Serra dos Carajás, Tapajós, and Raposa Serra do Sol Indigenous Land. Two areas of endemism were detected: Chapada Diamantina, and Chapada do Araripe. These patterns highlight the ecological relevance of Melochia across varied environmental gradients and its biogeographical structure, particularly in the Central-West and Espinhaço Range. The study also reveals significant knowledge gaps and underrepresentation of certain species in herbarium collections and databases, stressing the need for increased botanical exploration and habitat protection.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Inadequate infrastructure for the final disposal of solid waste increases the vulnerability of coastal areas to environmental impacts. Poor waste management in these regions leads to severe marine contamination, as land-based waste reaches the oceans through rivers, storm water, and improper land disposal, threatening marine life. This study analyzes the integration between the National Sanitation Information System and the National Solid Waste Policy in regulating the Municipal Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans, focusing on coastal municipalities. A descriptive documentary approach was adopted, involving an analytical review of urban sanitation indicators. The results reveal significant governance gaps and the need for improved coordination in coastal management. In municipalities along the Northern Coast of Rio Grande do Sul, weak integration was found between data repositories and legislation, with extensive and redundant reporting forms. Strengthening Sanitation Information System through alignment with international standards, regulatory mechanisms, social participation, and circular economy principles — especially through the inclusion of low-income waste pickers — can enhance transparency and accountability. Integration with reports from the United Nations Environment Programme would enable the system to become a global reference, contributing to sustainable coastal management and climate change mitigation.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Aximopsis Ashmead, 1904 (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is widely distributed across the Neotropics, with 14 of its 40 described species occurring in the region. Here, we describe and illustrate Aximopsis batistai sp. nov., a new parasitoid wasp species discovered in the Amazon rainforest. The new species is described based on a female specimen collected in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Additionally, we report the first occurrence of Aximopsis masneri Gates, 2009 in the Brazilian Amazon, based on two female specimens collected at the same location. This finding extends the known distribution of A. masneri, previously recorded in Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, and southeastern Brazil, by approximately 2,600 km into the Amazon basin. Detailed illustrations, diagnostic comparisons, a key to Brazilian species of Aximopsis, and a distribution map of A. masneri are provided.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Improving soil quality in tropical agroecosystems requires management strategies that enhance soil functioning and ecological processes. This study evaluated whether short-term adoption of no-tillage combined with cover crops induces early changes in soil microbial indicators and bacterial co-occurrence patterns in a tropical Oxisol under soybean cultivation in the Brazilian Cerrado. Conventional plowing was compared with no-tillage systems using maize, millet, Crotalaria spp., Urochloa spp., and intercropped combinations during the off-season. After three years, microbial biomass carbon, enzyme activities, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, and bacterial community structure (16S rRNA) were assessed. No-tillage with cover crops increased microbial biomass and enzymatic activities related to nutrient cycling. Crotalaria enhanced potentially mineralizable nitrogen and dehydrogenase activity, while intercropping increased β-glucosidase activity. Bacterial alpha diversity increased under no-tillage, whereas community composition showed limited variation. Network analysis revealed greater bacterial connectivity and interaction complexity under no-tillage, indicating that microbial interactions are sensitive early indicators of regenerative changes in tropical soils.

Abstract in English:

Abstract This study evaluates the structural implications of adopting lightweight concrete (LC) in multistory buildings, with emphasis on columns – a configuration seldom examined. Three models of the same fourstory building – (i) all conventional concrete (CC), (ii) LC in slabs and beams (CLC), and (iii) LC in slabs, beams, and columns (LC) – were analyzed in AltoQi Eberick V10. Verifications followed NBR 6118 (ABNT 2023a); where NBR 6118 does not prescribe LC material properties, ACI 318-19 (ACI 2019) was used for the elastic modulus and EN 199211 (CEN 2004) for the densitybased tensile adjustment. Results show foundation loads decreased by up to 12.8% and total steel consumption by up to 13.7% with LC, while lateral displacements remained within code limits. Applying LC in columns increased the global instability index to γz = 1.10 yet retained a nonsway classification. The column case clarifies the tradeoff between weight reduction and increased deformability and provides codeanchored guidance for safe adoption in Brazilian practice. Overall, the findings indicate that LC is structurally viable and materially efficient for multistory buildings under NBR-based design, and highlight priorities for detailing and stiffness control when columns are also cast with LC.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The proliferation of floating macrophytes such as Eichhornia crassipes, driven by eutrophication, compromises the ecological and operational quality of hydroelectric reservoirs. This study developed and evaluated an ultrasonic (US) system for controlling this species. Controlled experiments tested frequencies of 40, 80, and 120 kHz, identifying 40 kHz as the most effective. E. crassipes seedlings were exposed daily to US in pure and eutrophic water. Growth and seed production were assessed through physical, visual, and photographic analyses. US exposure reduced growth rates, inhibited flowering, and decreased seed production compared to the control group. Acoustic modeling indicated an average attenuation coefficient of 1.00 × 10⁻⁴ dB/cm in eutrophic water. Based on simulated acoustic signal decay derived from experimentally obtained attenuation coefficients, the system using piezoelectric transducers operating at 40 kHz showed a theoretically estimated effective operational range of up to approximately 50 m per transducer, not validated by field tests. The system features an adaptable design and consistent performance across different water compositions, offering a scalable approach for macrophyte control. Continuous environmental monitoring is recommended to ensure efficiency and ecological safety. Overall, US represents a promising and sustainable alternative for macrophyte management, considering potential effects on non-target organisms and environmental variability.

Abstract in English:

Abstract This study investigates the effects of vertical ground motion on the seismic design of base-isolated structures. Two soil classes were considered, and for each class, near-fault and far-fault ground motions were selected, resulting in four seismic scenarios. Earthquake acceleration records were identified for each scenario and scaled to the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) and Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) hazard levels. A finite element model of a base-isolated building was developed, and nonlinear time-history analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of vertical ground motion on structural response. The results show that the vertical earthquake component significantly increases isolator forces, overturning moments, vertical displacements, and vertical accelerations. These effects are considerably more pronounced under near-fault ground motions than under far-fault conditions. In addition, differences in soil class further amplify the influence of vertical ground motion on the seismic response of base-isolated structures. The findings demonstrate that both fault distance and site conditions should be explicitly considered in the seismic design of base-isolated buildings. Furthermore, limiting the ratio of the shorter plan dimension to the building height, while accounting for fault distance and soil class, may contribute to safer and more reliable seismic design.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Proper management of natural resources is essential to improve agricultural productivity and reduce potential losses. The PROJETA platform provides global climate models regionalized by the ETA model, enabling more accurate climate projections for specific regions. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of climate change on irrigation water demand using three global climate models (CANESM2, HADGEM2-ES, and MIROC5) regionalized by the ETA model for the baseline period (1961–2005) and two future scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The scenarios were subdivided into three future periods and analyzed for 27 municipalities located in the Southern and Steppe regions of Rio Grande do Sul using the SWAP (Soil, Water, Atmosphere and Plant) model. The results indicate variations in irrigation water demand among models and scenarios. Some projections suggest an increase in irrigation requirements in certain municipalities, while others indicate a reduction when compared to the baseline period. The projected increase in water demand is mainly associated with rising temperatures, which may intensify crop transpiration and soil water evaporation. These findings highlight the importance of climate adaptation strategies and improved water resource management to support sustainable agricultural production under future climate conditions.

Abstract in English:

Abstract This study examines whether Brazilian journals indexed in SciELO can achieve significant academic and policy impact. The 20,000 most-cited documents, out of 368,000 papers found in Scopus, were evaluated. These articles, especially in health and agricultural sciences, had citation impacts more than twice the global average. The impact was strongly influenced by the journal’s quartile ranking and publisher type, with Q1 journals and those managed by associations or commercial publishers outperforming those in other quartiles. Impactful papers also frequently came from institutional and university publishers. SciELO publications have relevance beyond academia, as evidenced by their citations in major policy documents issued by the WHO, UNESCO, FAO, and Brazilian government agencies. These were associated with significantly higher academic impact. Leading pharmaceutical and technology firms referenced these papers in patent filings. International collaboration was limited and did not significantly influence citation rates. Although citation counts have increased, few SciELO articles are published in top-tier global journals, reflecting structural inequalities and biases in scholarly publishing. Findings challenge the notion that journals from the Global South are inherently low-impact. They affirm the importance of platforms like SciELO in promoting equitable scientific visibility and influence, and support policies that strengthen research from developing regions.