Search Results (22)

The structure and density of plankton communities greatly influence carbon and nutrient cycling as well as the environmental status of lake ecosystems. This community can respond to a range of environmental drivers, including those influenced by human perturbations on local and regional scales, causing abrupt changes and imbalances. While the implications of climate and land-use changes are evident for a range of tropical lake conditions, their impacts on planktonic population dynamics are less understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate how distinctive levels of nutrients, allochthonous organic matter (OM), and sunlight availability change phytoplankton and zooplankton density and structure in a natural tropical lake. Using an in situ mesocosm facility, we manipulated the addition of nutrients and OM, in addition to sunlight availability and a combination of these treatments. We monitored limnological parameters, plankton count, and identification for 12 days. The mesocosms included eight different combinations in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, each with two replicates. Inorganic nutrient addition reduced phytoplankton species richness, favoring the dominance of opportunistic species such as Chlorella sp. at much higher densities. Organic matter also increased light attenuation and caused the substitution of species and changes in dominance from Pseudanabaena catenata to Aphanocapsa elachista. On the other hand, physical shading had less influence on these communities, presenting densities similar to those found in the control mesocosms. Zooplankton presented a group dominance substitution in all mesocosms from copepod to rotifer species, and copepod growth seemed to be negatively affected by Chlorella sp. density increase. Furthermore, this community was associated with the light attenuation indices and bacterioplankton. These results indicate that tropical planktonic responses to environmental changes can effectively occur in just a few days, and the responses can be quite different depending on the nutritional source added. The punctual nutrient addition was sufficient to provide changes in this community, evidencing the strength of anthropic events associated with strong nutrient input. Understanding tropical plankton dynamics in response to environmental changes, such as those simulated in this work, is important for understanding the effects of climate and anthropogenic changes on tropical lake functioning. This knowledge can strengthen measures for the conservation of freshwater systems by allowing predictions of plankton community changes and the possible consequences for the aquatic food chain and water quality. Full article

Given the significant increase in electricity consumption, especially in the industrial and commercial categories, exploring new energy sources and developing innovative technologies are essential. The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and digital transformation are not just buzzwords; they offer real opportunities for energy sustainability, using technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In this context, this study focuses on improving energy efficiency in smart spaces within the context of Industry 4.0 by utilizing the SmartParcels framework. This framework creates a detailed and cost-effective plan for equipping specific areas of smart communities, commonly referred to as parcels. By adapting this framework, we propose an integrated model for planning and implementing IoT applications that optimizes service utilization while adhering to operational and deployment cost constraints. The model considers multiple layers, including sensing, communication, computation, and application, and adopts an optimization approach to meet the needs related to IoT deployment. In simulated industrial environments, it demonstrated scalability and economic viability, achieving high service utility and ensuring broad geographic coverage with minimal redundancy. Furthermore, the use of heuristics for device reuse and geophysical mapping selection promotes cost-effectiveness and energy sustainability, highlighting the framework’s potential for large-scale applications in diverse industrial contexts. Full article

Regenerative agriculture and the use of bioinputs have been gaining prominence in the global agribusiness sector, driven by the growing demand for healthier foods produced with minimal impact on ecosystems. In this context, compost and its derivatives (compost extracts and teas) are used to provide effective microorganisms to crops, although production processes affect the efficiency of compost extracts, as well as the soil microbiota. Thus, the hypothesis raised was that the organic matter source used for compost formation affects the agronomic efficiency of compost extracts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of compost extracts based on litterfall of angiosperm (AC) and gymnosperm (GC) species, and the use of inoculation with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense (Bra+Azo), on soil quality, crop growth, grain yield, and disease control in soybean (Glycine max L.) crops. Using AC and GC resulted in varying effects on soybean growth and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), confirming the hypothesis that the organic matter source affects the agronomic efficiency of compost extracts. Plants inoculated with Bra+Azo exhibited higher chlorophyll contents, resulting in a higher photochemical yield than for those treated with compost extracts (AC and GC). However, plants inoculated with AC and GC exhibited high plasticity in mitigating photochemical stress, reaching similar photosynthetic and transpiration rates to those observed in plants inoculated with Bra+Azo. Additionally, inoculation with Bra+Azo, overall, improved the photosynthetic efficiency of soybean plants, and the compost extracts (AC and GC) were more effective than the inoculation with Bra+Azo in increasing soybean 1000-grain weight, probably due to improvements in root development. The growth promotion observed with AC and GC is likely attributed to increases in SMBC by these compounds, denoting improvements in soil quality and biocontrol of damage caused by insect attacks. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition with airflow limitation and obstructive characteristics of respiratory function. In addition, musculoskeletal dysfunction and negative changes in body composition, among other comorbidities associated with this disease, result in a low quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), which includes physical exercise, can positively contribute to improving the clinical conditions in individuals with COPD. Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize the scientific evidence on the impact of physical exercise on body composition and functionality in individuals with COPD. Methods: Through Boolean searches, which were carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, 989 studies were identified. Among these studies, six were selected based on the eligibility criteria. Results: These studies presented a level of evidence II according to National Health and Medical Research Council criteria, with a predominance of regular methodological quality of regular according to the PEDro scale. Four studies presented a high risk of bias, and two presented a low risk of bias according to the criteria of the RoB instrument. The isolated assessment of each domain (2.0 Cochrane) presented a prevalence of 57% with a low risk of bias, followed by 23% with high risk and 20% with an uncertain risk of bias. According to the data regarding outcomes of different studies, an improvement in functional capacity through physical exercise by individuals with COPD was observed. Simultaneously there were reports regarding body composition demonstrating no significant improvement in fat-free mass and fat mass. Conclusions: Improvements in the body composition and functionality in individuals with COPD can promote a better quality of life, favoring the management of this population. This systematic review presents evidence of the potential benefit of improving the functionality of individuals with COPD. Other aspects of the health of this population were also improved, such as quality of life. However, the results related to body composition are inconclusive regarding a decrease in fat mass and an increase in fat-free mass. Therefore, studies of higher quality should be developed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on the body composition of individuals with COPD. Full article

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are responsible for transmitting major human arboviruses such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, posing a global threat to public health. The lack of etiological treatments and efficient vaccines makes vector control strategies essential for reducing vector population density and interrupting the pathogen transmission cycle. This study evaluated the impact of long-term pyriproxyfen exposure on the genetic structure and diversity of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquito populations. The study was conducted in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, where pyriproxyfen dissemination stations have been monitored since 2014 up to the present day. Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing was performed, revealing that despite significant local population reductions by dissemination stations with pyriproxyfen in various locations in Brazil, focal intervention has no significant impact on the population stratification of these vectors in urban scenarios. The genetic structuring level of Ae. aegypti suggests it is more stratified and directly affected by pyriproxyfen intervention, while for Ae. albopictus exhibits a more homogeneous and less structured population. The results suggest that although slight differences are observed among mosquito subpopulations, intervention focused on neighborhoods in a capital city is not efficient in terms of genetic structuring, indicating that larger-scale pyriproxyfen interventions should be considered for more effective urban mosquito control. Full article

Candida albicans is one of the agents of invasive candidiasis, a life-threatening disease strongly associated with hospitalization, particularly among patients in intensive care units with central venous catheters. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic activity of the antifungal peptide ToAP2 combined with fluconazole against C. albicans biofilms grown on various materials. We tested combinations of different concentrations of the peptide ToAP2 with fluconazole on C. albicans biofilms. These biofilms were generated on 96-well plates, intravenous catheters, and infusion tubes in RPMI medium at two maturation stages. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were employed to assess the biofilm structure. We also evaluated the expression of genes previously proven to be involved in C. albicans biofilm formation in planktonic and biofilm cells after treatment with the peptide ToAP2 using qPCR. ToAP2 demonstrated a synergistic effect with fluconazole at concentrations up to 25 µM during both the early and mature stages of biofilm formation in 96-well plates and on medical devices. Combinations of 50, 25, and 12.5 µM of ToAP2 with 52 µM of fluconazole significantly reduced the biofilm viability compared to individual treatments and untreated controls. These results were supported by substantial structural changes in the biofilms observed through both scanning and atomic force microscopy. The gene expression analysis of C. albicans cells treated with 25 µM of ToAP2 revealed a decrease in the expression of genes associated with membrane synthesis, along with an increase in the expression of genes involved in efflux pumps, adhesins, and filamentation. Our results highlight the efficacy of the combined ToAP2 and fluconazole treatment against C. albicans biofilms. This combination not only shows therapeutic potential but also suggests its utility in developing preventive biofilm tools for intravenous catheters. Full article

This paper aims to present the advances related to the biotechnological application of lipases Y. lipolytica, presenting their properties and more efficient ways to use them in different industrial applications. Waste treatment and bioremediation highlight recent studies and advances and the interest in large-scale applications in the food sector and biofuel production. The USA and China, two major world powers in industy, are of utmost importance in the search for the improvement in the development and properties of a controlled system for the large-scale production of a significant number of applications of lipase from Y. lipolytica. Full article

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the access most recommended by several authors. However, its manufacture and use can cause several problems in the short, medium and long term. The study of fluid dynamics related to the structure of the AVF can provide information necessary for the reduction of these problems and a better quality of life for patients. The present study analyzed pressure variation in a rigid and flexible (thickness variation) model of AVFs manufactured based on patient data. A computed tomography was performed from which the geometry of the AVF was removed. This was treated and adapted to the pulsatile flow bench. Bench tests with simulation of systolic–diastolic pulse showed higher pressure peaks in the rigid AVF followed by the flexible model with 1 mm thickness. The inflection of the pressure values of the flexible AVF in relation to the rigid one was observed, being more expressive in the flexible AVF of 1 mm. The 1 mm flexible AVF presented an average pressure close to the physiological one and a smaller pressure drop, showing that this AVF model presents the best condition among the three to serve as a basis for the development of an AVF substitute. Full article

Lignocellulosic biomasses are used in several applications, such as energy production, materials, and biofuels. These applications result in increased consumption and waste generation of these materials. However, alternative uses are being developed to solve the problem of waste generated in the industry. Thus, research is carried out to ensure the use of these biomasses as enzymatic support. These surveys can be accompanied using the advanced bibliometric analysis tool that can help determine the biomasses used and other perspectives on the subject. With this, the present work aims to carry out an advanced bibliometric analysis approaching the main studies related to the use of lignocellulosic biomass as an enzymatic support. This study will be carried out by highlighting the main countries/regions that carry out productions, research areas that involve the theme, and future trends in these areas. It was observed that there is a cooperation between China, USA, and India, where China holds 28.07% of publications in this area, being the country with the greatest impact in the area. Finally, it is possible to define that the use of these new supports is a trend in the field of biotechnology. Full article

Crotalus venom has broad biological activity, including neurotoxic, myotoxic, hematologic, and cytotoxic compounds that induce severe systemic repercussions. We evaluated the pathophysiological and clinical significance of Crotalus durissus cascavella (Cdc) venom-induced pulmonary impairment in mice. We conducted a randomized experimental study, involving 72 animals intraperitoneally inoculated with saline solution in the control group (CG), as well as venom in the experimental group (EG). The animals were euthanized at predetermined intervals (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h), and lung fragments were collected for H&E and Masson histological analysis. The CG did not present inflammatory alterations in pulmonary parenchyma. In the EG, interstitial and alveolar swelling, necrosis, septal losses followed by alveolar distensions, and areas of atelectasis in the pulmonary parenchyma were observed after three hours. The EG morphometric analysis presented pulmonary inflammatory infiltrates at all time intervals, being more significant at three and six (p = 0.035) and six and 12 h (p = 0.006). The necrosis zones were significant at intervals of one and 24 h (p = 0.001), one and 48 h (p = 0.001), and three and 48 h (p = 0.035). Crotalus durissus cascavella venom induces a diffuse, heterogeneous, and acute inflammatory injury in the pulmonary parenchyma, with potential clinical implications for respiratory mechanics and gas exchange. The early recognition and prompt treatment of this condition are essential to prevent further lung injury and to improve outcomes. Full article

The unique properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) such as their large surface area and high porosity have attracted considerable attention in recent decades. The MOFs are a promising class of materials for developing highly efficient biosensors due to these same properties. This bibliometric analysis focused on the use of MOFs as enzyme-coupled materials in biosensor construction and aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the research field by analyzing a collected database. The analysis included identifying the countries that have published the most, the most prominent applications, and trends for future directions in the field. The study used three databases with different numbers of documents, differentiated by research areas, with refinements made to the search as needed. The results suggest that MOF-derived biosensors are a growing field, with the Republic of China emerging as a significant contributor to research in this area. The study also used computational processing of trend analysis and geocoding to reveal these findings. Full article

Chronic hypercortisolism has been associated with the development of several metabolic alterations, mostly caused by the effects of chronic glucocorticoid (GC) exposure over gene expression. The metabolic changes can be partially explained by the GC actions on different adipose tissues (ATs), leading to central obesity. In this regard, we aimed to characterize an experimental model of iatrogenic hypercortisolism in rats with significant AT redistribution. Male Wistar rats were distributed into control (CT) and GC-treated, which received dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.5 mg/kg/day) by an osmotic minipump, for 4 weeks. GC-treated rats reproduced several characteristics observed in human hypercortisolism/Cushing’s syndrome, such as HPA axis inhibition, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatic lipid accumulation, and AT redistribution. There was an increase in the mesenteric (meWAT), perirenal (prWAT), and interscapular brown (BAT) ATs mass, but a reduction of the retroperitoneal (rpWAT) mass compared to CT rats. Overexpressed lipolytic and lipogenic gene profiles were observed in white adipose tissue (WAT) of GC rats as BAT dysfunction and whitening. The AT remodeling in response to GC excess showed more importance than the increase of AT mass per se, and it cannot be explained just by GC regulation of gene transcription. Full article

Despite significant advances in pharmacological treatment over the last few decades, COPD remains a heavy burden on the health systems around the world, affecting approximately 210 million people, with elevated morbimortality and socioeconomic impact. Barriers to healthcare access were even more evident during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and increased patients’ vulnerability to physical deconditioning, depression, and social isolation. Home-based respiratory care in patients with COPD provides a valuable contribution to effective disease management, with potential advantages for monitoring, treatment adherence, and cost reduction. Technological innovation allows clinical markers of interest, such as respiratory frequency, pulmonary function, and oxygen saturation, to be tracked remotely from the patients’ homes, providing a better understanding of their real needs. Home-based telerehabilitation can also be a viable alternative to hospital-based programs. Here, we highlight the full extent of health benefits of HRC in COPD, particularly for patients with a higher risk of exacerbations, multiple comorbidities, and limited access to health services. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global public health burden that stands out as a leading cause of mortality around the world, especially in less developed countries. COPD treatment should be centered on the individual necessities of each patient, integrating pharmacological therapy, immunization, nutritional support, pulmonary rehabilitation and control of comorbidities. Combining a long-acting antimuscarinic (LAMA) with a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) bronchodilator has proven to be more effective than monotherapy with LABA or LAMA, in terms of the functional improvement of forced expiratory volume (FEV1), symptoms and life quality and may be helpful in patients with progressive dyspnea. The eosinophil blood count is a simple biomarker that could guide personalized treatment strategies by identifying patients with greater clinical benefits of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment. However, one critical concern is the increased risk of pneumonia in individuals treated with ICS. Full article

Plastic production has been increasing at enormous rates. Particularly, the socioenvironmental problems resulting from the linear economy model have been widely discussed, especially regarding plastic pieces intended for single use and disposed improperly in the environment. Nonetheless, greenhouse gas emissions caused by inappropriate disposal or recycling and by the many production stages have not been discussed thoroughly. Regarding the manufacturing processes, carbon dioxide is produced mainly through heating of process streams and intrinsic chemical transformations, explaining why first-generation petrochemical industries are among the top five most greenhouse gas (GHG)-polluting businesses. Consequently, the plastics market must pursue full integration with the circular economy approach, promoting the simultaneous recycling of plastic wastes and sequestration and reuse of CO₂ through carbon capture and utilization (CCU) strategies, which can be employed for the manufacture of olefins (among other process streams) and reduction of fossil-fuel demands and environmental impacts. Considering the previous remarks, the present manuscript’s purpose is to provide a review regarding CO₂ emissions, capture, and utilization in the plastics industry. A detailed bibliometric review of both the scientific and the patent literature available is presented, including the description of key players and critical discussions and suggestions about the main technologies. As shown throughout the text, the number of documents has grown steadily, illustrating the increasing importance of CCU strategies in the field of plastics manufacture. Full article