Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Brazil is located in the central-eastern portion of the South American Plate, meaning that the country mostly experiences low-intensity seismic activity within its territory. However, some geological faults in this region have generated intense earthquakes. In this context, we intend to describe a recent earthquake of magnitude around 6.5 (M_{b

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Cenostigma pyramidale, a species native to the Brazilian Caatinga and traditionally used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, was investigated for its neuropharmacological potential related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The ethanolic leaf extract was evaluated as a natural acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor through in vitro and in silico approaches. The quantification of total phenolic compounds in the ethanolic extract showed 414.70 ± 21.48 mg GAE g-1 of extract, and the flavonoid content was estimated at 41.42 ± 0.41 mg QE g-1 of extract. The extract exhibited strong AChE inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ of 7.04 ± 0.04 µg mL-1. Remarkable antioxidant performance was also recorded, with IC₅₀ values of 12.64 ± 0.11 µg mL-1 in the DPPH● assay, 12.38 ± 0.09 µg mL-1 in ABTS+●, and 7.95 ± 0.08 µg mL-1 in the β-carotene test. Chromatographic analysis indicated seven main constituents: gallic acid, geraniin, rutin, ellagic acid, isoquercitrin, quercetin, and agathisflavone. Molecular docking revealed favorable interactions between these compounds and AChE, particularly for geranin, rutin, and agathisflavone, mainly at allosteric regions of the enzyme. These findings suggest that C. pyramidale may be a promising source of multifunctional compounds with cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant properties, supporting its potential for AD therapeutics.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract To assess the reliability of current research on microplastics, this critical review evaluates the scientific soundness of pivotal studies influencing public and academic perceptions of this topic. A significant body of literature exhibits structural limitations, including conceptual fragilities, non-systematic theoretical frameworks, and a recurrent absence of expertise in polymer science, which collectively introduce analytical inaccuracies into both academic and media discourse. Although microplastics originate from the degradation of commodity polymers, they represent only about 1-3% of microparticles in the human body—rendering them substantially less prevalent than metallic or mineral particulates. Furthermore, empirical evidence demonstrating microplastic toxicity in humans remains unproven, and actual exposure levels are negligible. To ensure scientific credibility, future research must integrate interdisciplinary collaboration with polymer experts, apply rigorous analytical methods, and contextualize microplastics within the broader spectrum of microparticles. Adhering to ethical, evidence-based frameworks and objective methodological designs is essential to reinforce the analytical rigor of the field.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Fructosyl peptide oxidase (FPOX) is clinically valuable for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) quantification, but current variants suffer from low activity and thermal stability, limiting their applications. A novel consensus sequence (FPOX-Con) was designed by analyzing the structural and sequence data of existing FPOXs. The FPOX-Con mutant was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and purified via Ni2+-NTA chromatography, yielding high-purity protein. Enzymatic assays revealed an activity of 31.2 U/mg, significantly surpassing the wild-type (15.3 U/mg). FPOX-Con exhibited an optimal pH of 7.5 with stability across pH 5–9, and optimal activity at 45 °C, maintaining over 90% activity after heating at 50 °C for 10 minutes. Spectral analysis confirmed distinct flavin cofactor characteristics. Clinical testing with FPOX-Con showed excellent agreement with conventional HPLC methods (R2 = 0.9879), with relative deviations mostly under 5%. This high-activity FPOX mutant offers promising potential for rapid and precise HbA1c clinical detection.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Academic dishonesty predates artificial intelligence; fabrication, plagiarism, and ghost authorship largely reflect distorted “publish or perish” incentives rather than technological novelty. We argue that using AI to assist with drafting, linguistic editing, and organizing text, tables, and figures in biology is ethically comparable to established editorial support services, provided its use is transparently disclosed and full accountability remains with human authors. At the same time, exponential growth in publication output is intensifying the peer-review bottleneck and challenging the sustainability of an unpaid reviewer workforce. We further contend that IMRAD, while valuable for standardization, should be modernized through layered, machine-actionable extensions (e.g., structured metadata and machine-readable appendices) that serve both human and computational readers. We recommend that journals implement explicit AI governance (mandatory disclosure, prohibition of AI authorship, and documented human verification), adopt extended formats alongside IMRAD, and develop meaningful recognition or incentive mechanisms for peer reviewers to strengthen research integrity and publishing sustainability.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Ichthyological knowledge of the Sorocaba River basin dates to the 19th century, with initial surveys by Johann Natterer. These were followed by expeditions at the turn of the 20th century by researchers from the University of São Paulo’s (USP) Zoology Museum, which resulted in the description of five new species. After a hiatus of nearly a century, research resumed in 1992. Here, we present a comprehensive review of 64 publications to assess the current state of knowledge on the basin’s ichthyofauna. The most frequently studied topics were community ecology (34.4%), followed by species inventory (14%), population ecology (12.5%), and feeding ecology (7.8%). The reviewed articles documented 109 fish species, with the majority belonging to the order Characiformes and the family Aces-trorhamphidae. This total comprises 93 native and 16 non-native species. Despite a recent increase in publications, we identify critical knowledge gaps. We conclude that the basin has a well-known ichthyofauna, meaning that future efforts should prioritize research on diet, reproduction, and invasive species, while also incorporating emerging topics such as microplastic pollution and modern techniques, such as stable isotope analysis, to effectively guide conservation and management.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxic cyanobacterial metabolites that pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Cyanobacterial blooms are promoted by high nutrient availability and elevated temperatures, negatively affecting water quality, supply, and recreational use. Despite these concerns, information on MCs occurrence in Amazonian waters remains limited. This study evaluated the seasonal variation of MCs concentrations in the Tapajós River and examined their relationship with environmental parameters throughout the hydrological cycle. We hypothesized that microcystin occurrence varies across the hydrological cycle of the Tapajós River, particularly during periods when hydrological conditions favor longer water residence times and the development of cyanobacterial biomass. Water samples were collected during 2020-2022 during different hydrological phases. A total of 37 samples were separated into filtered and biomass fractions and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. MC-LR concentrations ranged from 0.056 to 1.353 μg/L. The highest cyanobacterial densities were recorded in Suruacá and Parauá, with dominance of the genus Dolichospermum. Generalized Linear Mixed Models indicated that MCs occurrence was negatively associated with water temperature and positively associated with dissolved oxygen. The hydrological cycle explained 43% of the variance, with higher MCs occurrence during dry and receding water periods, highlighting the need for monitoring in the Tapajós River.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This systematic review compiled studies on the occurrence of Rotifera in temporary aquatic environments in Brazil, evaluating the number of studies and taxa recorded in relation to ecological and methodological factors. Textual analyses highlighted the centrality of the term zooplankton, mainly associated with community, species, and diversity. These results reinforce the importance of temporary environments as models for studying plankton biodiversity. In total, 274 Rotifera taxa were recorded. Most studies focused on the Atlantic Forest biome, with sampling mainly carried out in the littoral zone and in the planktonic community, sampling was typically performed by filtering water volumes ranging from 40 and 100 L and nets with a 50 µm mesh. In studies that included sediments, the 8 cm depth collector was the most commonly used, and the 1 mL subsampling was the most frequent. However, the number of taxa recorded did not follow the pattern of sampling effort, highlighting the lack of methodological standardization. The most analyzed environmental variables were temperature, pH, and chlorophyll-a, and the rarefaction curve indicated that only 62.26% of the potential richness was recorded. These findings highlight the need for methodological standardization and further studies to expand knowledge about rotifer biodiversity in temporary environments.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Serra dos Órgãos Batholith (SOB) is a large syn- to late-collisional body related to the Central Ribeira Orogen, southeast Brazil. Although the batholith has been subjected to several studies over the past few decades, petrological investigation is still needed in unexplored regions of the intrusion. Using geochemical, Sr-Nd isotopes (ID-TIMS), mineral chemistry (EMPA), and in situ zircon U-Pb geochronology (LA-ICP-MS) data, this work aims to evaluate petrogenetic processes, and crystallization and emplacement conditions of rocks belonging to the batholith as well as of a post-collisional pluton (Conselheiro Paulino Granite, CPG) intrusive to batholith rocks. U-Pb geochronological data yielded Ediacaran ages for the SOB and Cambrian ages for the CPG, which also records inherited Ediacaran ages. Sr initial ratios for granodiorite and leucogranite from the batholith is equal to 0.709, whereas ƐNd(t) for granodiorite is -4 and for leucogranite is -13.82. The post-collisional granite Sr initial ratios show values of 0.712 and 0.710, and

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Environmental changes along altitudinal gradients strongly influence the distribution of aquatic insects. We conducted a scientometric review to assess the impact of altitude on Diptera communities, with a particular focus on Chironomidae and Simuliidae. Articles published until 2025 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO using multilingual (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) search strings combining insect groups (Diptera, Chironomidae, or Simuliidae), altitudinal terms (altitude or elevation), and freshwater habitat descriptors (river, stream, lotic, or freshwater). After screening 2,304 articles, 88 met the selection criteria. Most publications originated from South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil. Across 739 streams, Diptera showed no significant relationship between altitude and richness (family, genus, or species level) or density. Similarly, analyses of 345 streams indicated no clear altitudinal pattern for Chironomidae richness or density. In 455 streams, Simuliidae exhibited significant declines in species and subgenus richness with increasing elevation, whereas genus richness and density showed no clear altitudinal pattern. Despite regional advances, research on Diptera along altitudinal gradients remains scarce and fragmented. Expanding studies on these key insect groups is essential to improve understanding of their ecological responses to environmental change in mountain ecosystems.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study investigates the impact of microplastics (PET) on soil properties and the development of chives under controlled laboratory conditions. Microplastics were added to the soil at concentrations below 0.05% w/w to examine their effects on soil chemistry, including pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and essential nutrients. The chives plants were measured (length), including both the aerial parts and the root system. The root region of the plants was examined with the aid of a binocular microscope. The results show that microplastics influenced some soil characteristics, such as a reduction in pH, CEC, and essential nutrients, like phosphorus and calcium. On the other hand, the effect of microplastics on the growth of chives was minimal, with no significant differences observed between the plants grown in soils with and without microplastics (control sample). These results suggest that low concentrations of PET microplastics do not have adverse effects on soil, as well as the development of chives, even when present near the plant root system. Thus, we conclude that chives remain visibly attractive for human consumption, even in the presence of the plastic particles, despite their effects on human health are still not fully understood.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The high density of culturally relevant species is one example of the types of vegetation alterations that have been attributed to ancient human occupation and landscape management. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the current vegetation at Serra de Carajás and identify possible effects of ancient human interventions. Were inventoried slope forest and capão forest plots in 14 areas around archaeological sites, and in 15 areas without material culture. Differences in floristic compositions were tested by analyses of one-way PERMANOVA, MDS, SIMPER methods, and a partial Mantel test used to separate the effects of human occupation, soils, and the distances between plots. The effects of human occupation on floristic composition were significant only for the slope forest sites. Among the species that contributed to the dissimilarities between plots near occupied sites and plots in areas without indication of occupation are: Aparisthmium cordatum, Matayba inelegans and Caraipa densifolia. Both the distance between plots and human occupation were significant in the variation of floristic composition for the slope forest sites. Our results suggest that past human impacts on the vegetation at Carajás were more intense on slopes, although they extended to varying degrees across the entire plateau.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Gypsum resources from the Araripe Sedimentary Basin (Northeastern, Brazil) are known for their mineralogical quality and simple mining practices. Among the varieties found there, two are notably pure: (i) a semi-opaque lump of coarse grains known locally as Johnson stone; (ii) a satin spar like form with fibers lying along the c-axis known as alabaster. The current practice has been to reject alabaster from the plaster manufacturing circuit. Questioning this, the aim here was to assess microscopic and structural properties of alabaster and Johnson stone after grinding, calcination and rehydration steps. Grinding and calcination were carried out in direct and inverse routes using ball milling and heating at atmospheric pressure. Rehydration of fine powders was designed to produce cubic specimens for compressive tests. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses were adopted to assess structural changes related to gypsum-bassanite-gypsum conversions. Besides some peculiarities related to particle size, no deviation preventing alabaster processing was detected. The compressive strength measured in samples prepared with single and blended powders points to a rational destination of alabaster for plaster manufacturing. The inverse route can also be adopted for alabaster processing. An overview of the current challenges faced by the Araripe Gypsum Hub is updated.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract National flagship journals play a strategic yet often undervalued role in scientific systems outside the core centers of global knowledge production. This study analyzes the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Brazil’s oldest continuously published scientific journal, to examine how long-standing multidisciplinary journals in emerging research systems navigate internationalization, evaluation regimes, and societal relevance. Using bibliometric and network analysis of Scopus and Web of Science data (1945-2025) we assess publication trends, thematic evolution, collaboration patterns, citation performance, and non-academic impact through policy and patent citations. Publication volume expanded sharply after 2000, alongside a complete transition to English and growing international collaboration, but citation impact remained modest relative to global multidisciplinary journals. Yet a substantial share of AABC Papers are cited in policy documents and patents across multiple countries, indicating relevance at the science–policy and science–technology interfaces. This discrepancy reflects structural limitations of conventional bibliometric indicators in capturing the contributions of nationally anchored, multidisciplinary journals. AABC occupies a hybrid position, supporting domestic scientific agendas while participating in global scholarly communication. The findings call for context-sensitive evaluation frameworks that recognize bibliodiversity, policy relevance, and the infrastructural role of national journals in emerging research systems.