Brazilian Journal of Science
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Evaluation of TFR2 rs7385804 polymorphism as a genetic marker for hemochromatosis in the pakistani population
No full textHemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive iron overload disorder. The TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 has been implicated in hemochromatosis, but its role in the Pakistani population remains unexplored. This study intended to examine the association of the TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 with hemochromatosis in Pakistani individuals. We employed a case-control study design, recruiting 200 hemochromatosis patients and 200 healthy controls from the Pakistani population. Deoxyribonucleic acid was isolated from blood samples using the phenol-chloroform method. Sanger sequencing and Tetra-ARMS PCR were used to identify the TFR2 genes and their variant rs7385804. Our results showed a significant association between the TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 and hemochromatosis in the Pakistani population (p < 0.001). The rate of the abnormal alleles was (35%) higher than that of the control (15%). Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the variant in 70% of patients, while Tetra-ARMS PCR showed 90% concordance with sequencing results. This study demonstrates the utility of Sanger sequencing and Tetra-ARMS PCR in detecting the TFR2 gene variant rs7385804 in the Pakistani population. Our findings suggest that this variant may serve as a genetic marker for hemochromatosis in this population. More research is required to validate these outcomes and discover the clinical consequences of this association
First record of the long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni (Aves, Accipitridae) from the Northeastern extreme of Brazil
No full textWe present the first record of the Long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni (Gmelin, 1788), from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Northeastern extreme of Brazil, specifically, the East Potiguar Microregion, which is located within the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain. During the study, we recorded at least two individuals between January and June, and recorded their foraging behavior and predation events. We also compiled all published data available on C. buffoni, as well as records from ornithological collections and online databases, which resulted in a total of 13 documented records for the Brazilian Northeast. Breeding populations of C. buffoni are known to exist in both northern and southern South America, providing conflicting evidence on the possible origin of the study individuals and their migratory patterns in Brazil. Given the persistent lacunas in our understanding of the dispersal patterns of Circus buffoni, we recommend further surveys in areas with similar habitats to provide more comprehensive data for defining the species' distribution in South America and its migratory patterns
Intramolecular interaction analysis of twenty-seven benzothiazole derivatives with CDK9 using a theoretical model
No full textThere are studies indicating that some drugs can regulate cancer cell growth through CDK9 inhibition. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of twenty-seven benzothiazole analogs interacting with CDK9 using the 3ocb protein as a theoretical tool. In addition, the fedracib, KB-0742, and N-vinylpyrrolidone drugs were used as controls in the DockingServer program. The results showed different amino acid residues involved in the docking of benzothiazole derivatives (1-27) with the 3ocb protein surface compared to the controls. Other data displayed that the inhibition constant (Ki) was lower for compounds 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13-15, 17, 19-21, 22, 24, and 26 compared to KB-0742 and N-Vinylpyrrolidone. All this data indicate that these benzothiazole derivatives might have a higher affinity for the 3ocb protein surface, and this phenomenon could be translated as a CDK9 inhibition, resulting in a decrease in cancer cell growth
Synthesis and biological evaluation of oxygen-, nitrogen-, and sulphur-containing non-fused heterocycles and tricyclic fused pyrimidines
No full textA series of non-fused heterocycles containing oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur (compounds 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 12), as well as furo-imidazo and thiazolo-thieno fused pyrimidines (compounds 7 and 13), were synthesized in good yields using a catalyst-free, convenient, general, and facile method. The molecular structures of all newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral data and elemental microanalyses. Furthermore, the biological activities of all synthesized heterocyclic derivatives were evaluated in vitro against various common pathogenic microorganisms
Assessing species diversity and abundance in farm fallow: Seasonal dynamics across wet and dry seasons
No full textNigeria is endowed with exceptional ecological diversity, which supports a broad spectrum of wildlife species. Despite this richness, escalating anthropogenic pressures have accelerated habitat loss. Ecologically valuable yet understudied landscapes, such as fallow farmlands, remain overlooked in biodiversity assessments and conservation planning. This study examines the potential for wildlife diversity in fallow farmlands. A systematic line transect was employed across 11 transects to record wildlife presence across wet and dry seasons. A total of 253 individual organisms representing 23 taxonomic families were documented, with avian species comprising the majority (60%), followed by insects (28%), mammals (9%), amphibians (2%), and reptiles (1%). Species abundance exhibited substantial seasonal variation, with higher abundance and variability during the wet season. Conversely, diversity indices (Shannon H′, Simpson’s 1-D) indicated a more even species distribution in the dry season. Overall, diversity was high (Shannon H′ = 2.839; Simpson’s 1-D = 0.9249), and low dominance values (Berger-Parker = 0.1462; dominance = 0.0751) affirmed the presence of a functionally balanced community. These findings highlight the ecological value of fallow farmlands as supplementary habitats that support diverse wildlife assemblages. Integrating fallow lands into conservation strategies through agroecological practices and biodiversity-sensitive land management can enhance habitat connectivity and resilience
Embodying occupational justice and narratives: A theatre-pedagogy session in occupational therapy education
No full textThis study explores how a theatre-pedagogy session supported first-year occupational therapy students in engaging with the foundational concepts of occupational justice and occupational narratives. The session was embedded in a core undergraduate course and aimed to provide a relational, embodied alternative to theoretical instruction. The session followed a four-phase structure - activation, deconstruction, reconstruction, and reflection - and was grounded in embodied participation, symbolic interaction, and collective meaning-making. Post-session interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings suggest that participants began to interpret occupational justice and occupational narratives not through theoretical abstraction, but through lived, emotional, and relational experience. Themes such as narrative expression, positional tension, and socio-cultural awareness emerged as central. While understandings remained tentative, they marked an entry point into the personal and social dimensions of professional learning. The study illustrates how theatre pedagogy can support the development of reflexivity and critical awareness in early stages of professional education, contributing to wider conversations around the role of arts-based methods in socially responsive and justice-oriented occupational therapy
Effects of light spectrum and UV-A radiation on in vitro seed germination and seedlings of Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv. Massai)
No full textThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different visible light spectra and UV-A radiation on the germination and morphology of Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv. Massai) seedlings in vitro. Seeds of cv. Massai from the 2024/2025 harvest were used. The experiment was conducted in germination boxes maintained at 25 ºC for 17 days under different light sources: white, red, green, yellow, absence of light (black), and UV-A radiation. Germination was monitored daily by counting the number of germinated seeds, with a 16-hour photoperiod. At the end of the experiment, seedlings were collected and evaluated for shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry mass. Results showed that the highest germination rates occurred between days 2 and 4 under green, red, and white light spectra. The lowest germination rate was observed under UV-A, reaching a maximum of 42%. Regarding seedling morphology, yellow light provided the best results, enhancing shoot length, root length, and fresh mass. In conclusion, visible light spectra such as green, red, and white promote rapid germination in a shorter time, while the yellow spectrum (570–590 nm) optimizes seedling morphological development in Massai grass. UV-A radiation, however, exerts deleterious effects from germination through early seedling growth
Influence of intestinal dysbiosis on the worsening of cellulite and fluid retention: A mini-review
No full textIntestinal dysbiosis is characterized by a change in the diversity and abundance of microbial species, which can impair the normal functions of the gastrointestinal tract, directly affecting health. These alterations have been associated with some pathologies, such as cellulite and fluid retention. Thus, the objective of this study is to understand the influence of intestinal dysbiosis on the worsening of cellulite and fluid retention, discussing the possible pathophysiological mechanisms involved and the clinical implications of this interaction. To this end, a descriptive study of bibliographic review and explanatory approach is undertaken. It is concluded that intestinal dysbiosis is a disorganization in the microbiota characterized by a maladjustment of bacterial colonization, and this can contribute to a worsening of cellulite and fluid retention through interconnected mechanisms, causing chronic systemic inflammation, with reduced absorption of nutrients important for hormonal regulation, potentially leading the individual to an imbalance in the body
Toxicity and bioaccumulation of Cu and Ni in plants during the vegetative stage of hybrid maize grown in dystroferric red latosol
No full textHeavy metals such as Cu2+ and Ni2+ can promote bioaccumulation and induce phytotoxic effects in various plant groups, including agriculturally important species such as maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we assessed the effects of different concentrations of these metals, which act as micronutrients at low levels but become toxic at elevated doses. Increasing concentrations of Cu and Ni (mg L-1) were applied via nutrient solution to dystroferric Red Latosol cultivated with the hybrid maize Pioneer P3601 PWU. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and evaluated at the V5 growth stage. Our results showed that concentrations above 5 mg L-1 impaired both shoot and root development, with severely toxic effects observed at the highest concentrations (350 and 600 mg L-1). We conclude that Cu and Ni levels exceeding 5 mg L-1 negatively affect the vegetative growth of hybrid maize and exhibit significant translocation between roots and shoots, ultimately compromising plant development
In vitro fungicidal effect of the floral extract of Cattleya walkeriana (Gardner, 1839) (Orchidaceae)
No full textSome orchid groups have shown promising results regarding biological activity in inhibiting fungal growth. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of the hydroethanolic floral extract of Cattleya walkeriana against strains of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum acutatum, C. gloeosporioides, and Aspergillus spp. (A. flavus, A. niger, and A. fumigatus) at different concentrations through in vitro assays. The extract was prepared using a 70% (v/v) hydroethanolic solution and tested on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium inoculated with fungal strains. Results were expressed in millimeters (mm) of fungal growth inhibition (antibiosis) at concentrations of 100%, 80%, 50%, 10%, and 1.25% (v/v). The study demonstrated that higher concentrations (80% and 100%) of the hydroethanolic floral extract of Cattleya walkeriana exhibited strong antifungal activity against the tested fungal strains