Brazilian Journal of Science
Not a member yet
400 research outputs found
Sort by
Enhance the growth and yield of garden egg varieties (Solanum aethiopicum L.) through integrated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biochar application
No full textThis study investigates the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Biochar, and Nitrogen on the growth and yield of garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum L.) in both rain and dry seasons. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for plant height revealed that AMF and Biochar significantly increased plant height in both seasons, while Nitrogen's impact was not significant. However, the interactions among AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen were generally not significant for plant height, suggesting no synergistic effects among these factors during the entire growing period. The Tukey HSD test indicated that treatments combining AMF and Biochar, particularly at optimum levels, resulted in the tallest plants. For fresh fruit yield, significant three-way interactions (AMF.BIOCHAR.NITROGEN) were observed, particularly in the rain season, underscoring the importance of integrating these soil amendments to enhance yield. This interaction remained significant in the dry season, demonstrating the robustness of combined AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen applications in improving plant performance under varying environmental conditions. Non-marketable yield was significantly reduced by the three-way interaction in both seasons, likely due to the combined benefits of enhanced nutrient uptake, improved soil structure, and optimized Nitrogen use. The significant interaction effects highlighted the complex synergy among AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen, resulting in better crop productivity and reduced non-marketable yield. Chlorophyll content (SPAD units) was also significantly influenced by the three-way interaction in both seasons, with treatments involving AMF showing higher chlorophyll content. This finding aligned with previous research demonstrating the role of AMF in improving nutrient uptake and plant growth, while Biochar enhances soil properties and Nitrogen efficiency. The study concluded that AMF and Biochar significantly improve plant height and yield of garden egg in both rainy and dry seasons. The combined application of AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen resulted in significant synergistic effects, enhancing crop productivity and reducing non-marketable yield. These findings emphasized the potential of integrating AMF and Biochar in soil management practices to achieve sustainable agricultural productivity. Further research should explore the long-term effects of AMF and Biochar on soil health and crop performance, as well as the economic feasibility of these amendments for large-scale agricultural practices. Additionally, investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic interactions among AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen can provide deeper insights into optimizing these factors for various crops and environmental conditions
Ethical challenges in the therapeutic application of classical psychedelics for pediatric health conditions: A comprehensive review
No full textClassical psychedelics encompass psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline and are psychoactive substances that primarily function as agonists at the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT). In the immediate term, they modify perception, cognition, emotional state, social processing, and introspection, leading to a subjective mystical encounter. They also yield enduring effects by mediating neural plasticity. A renaissance in the potential benefits of using psychedelics, especially for psychiatric disorders, has led to clinical trials with adults. When considering a possible equivalent application of classical psychedelics for pediatric conditions, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice have to be contemplated, following the framework of Beauchamp and Childress. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the use of classical psychedelics, hence providing a balanced evaluation of the ethical considerations surrounding the administration of psychedelic compounds to pediatric populations. We summarized evidence indicating that classical psychedelics have shown efficacy in treating various disorders in adults, with ongoing research exploring their potential for additional conditions. While this suggests they could offer benefits for children, the current research remains preliminary, with uncertain outcomes and significant limitations. These factors highlight the ethical and practical challenges of applying such treatments to children, a particularly vulnerable population
Adapted silver impregnation protocol for the detection of Merkel cells in fish skin embedded in plastic historesins
No full textMerkel cells are detected using silver impregnation in skin samples embedded in paraplast. Here, we describe an adapted protocol for detecting Merkel cells in Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) skin samples embedded in historesin. Incubated slides in Grimelius silver impregnation solution at 60 ºC for five hours resulted in positive Merkel cells scattered among skin cell layers composed of Malpighian, goblet, and club cells. Thus, Merkel cells can be explored in samples embedded in historesins using adapted protocols for paraplast ones
Growth performance, carcass yield and blood profile of broiler chickens fed diets containing varying levels of thorn apple (Datura stramonium) powder
No full textA total of 180 Ross 308, day-old broiler chicks were used to determine the effect of thorn apple as feed additive on growth performance, carcass, organ characteristics, haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken. They were randomly distributed into four (4) treatments of 3 replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. T1 was the control treatment while T2, T3 and T4 contained 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg and 6 g/kg of thorn apple supplementation levels respectively and were arranged in a complete randomized design. Data on growth performance, carcass yield, organ characteristics, haematology and serum were collected. Result revealed that the highest (p < 0.05) weight gain (2.61 kg) and feed intake (4.01 kg) were recorded from broiler chicken fed the diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple and the control diet respectively. The best feed conversion ratio (1.35) was recorded for T2 (2 g/kg thorn apple). Highest (p < 0.05) carcass proportion (85.5%) was recorded from broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet containing 0g/kg inclusion of thorn apple had the least (76.12%). Other cut parts were statistically (p > 0.05) similar. Highest (p < 0.05) gizzard and liver (1.79 g and 1.64 g) were recorded from broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet without the inclusion of thorn apple had the least (1.39 g and 1.45 g respectively) values. Highest (p < 0.05) packed cell volume (30.00%) was recorded with broiler chicken fed diet containing 6 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed control diet had the least (24.25%). Highest (p < 0.05) Haemoglobin concentration (13.88%) was recorded with broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet without the inclusion of thorn apple had the least (10.35%). Highest (p < 0.05) white blood cell (137.50) was recorded from broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet with 0 g/kg thorn apple had the least (97.00). Highest (p < 0.05) cholesterol (4.18 mmol/L) was recorded with broiler chicken fed the control diet while broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple had the least (2.15 mmol/L). The research concluded that adding 2 g/kg of thorn apple to the diet of broiler chickens can operate as a growth booster, improving carcass, and organ features, as well as potentially preserving and enhancing the health of the birds
Life cycle assessment of the artisanal bamboo pole (Guadua angustifolia) production in the Brazilian Amazon
No full textThe artisanal production of bamboo poles is an income alternative for small producers in countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite the positive impact on climate change from the use of this renewable material for construction purposes, there is a gap in knowledge about the environmental footprint of this production system. This study assessed the potential environmental impacts of the artisanal production process of bamboo poles (Guadua angustifolia) in the Brazilian Amazon. A life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted within an artisanal production unit (PU) of bamboo poles, in the municipality of Rio Branco, state of Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon, encompassed the entire production chain, from bamboo planting to the chemically treated bamboo poles. The environmental impact category that prominently emerged was Human Carcinogenic Toxicity (HCT), achieving 93% of the total impact generated. Shaving and cutting waste and discarded poles accounted for 91% of the total impact generated by the artisanal bamboo production chain. The findings highlight the need to explore alternative methods for the chemical treatment of bamboo poles and to enhance the management of solid waste, emphasizing the optimization of water usage in the treatment process. Addressing these aspects is imperative for mitigating the environmental footprint associated with the artisanal bamboo production chain and promoting the bioeconomy in the Brazilian Amazon
Evaluation of urban green area development in the context of sustainable eco-city perspective: Bilecik (city center) case study
No full textTo provide good environmental quality standards in cities, the planned arrangement and strategic management of urban green areas are key. The arrangements to be made should be determined on a neighborhood basis and designed to meet the needs of the increasing population. Bilecik city has a settlement that develops outside of its historical core. The city's population, which shows linear development due to its topographic structure, is increasing in parallel with the developments in the education and service sectors. The city's constantly migratory structure has started to change with the increase in education opportunities and the development of the service sector due to receiving migration. The main comfort facilities that make the city livable are the social areas. The main purpose of this article is to present some useful techniques and strategies to improve the ecological sustainability of the urban structure that meets the basic principles of protection by considering social and economic feasibility. In this context, it is extremely important to plan the development of Bilecik city in a sustainable, accessible, and environmentally friendly way until 2030, especially in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. In the study, the suitability of the existing solutions regarding the urban green areas of Bilecik city was analyzed. The diversity, potential, and use of plants in the social areas that constitute the open-green areas of Bilecik city were examined in terms of urban landscape and evaluated in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. A proposal was presented on how Bilecik city can be developed towards becoming an eco-city. The problems that need to be addressed to develop sustainable, accessible, and well-connected cities of the future were evaluated
Comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of some exotic and local berries for health boosting effects
No full textThis study investigated the comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of exotic berry species like strawberries, blueberry, and local ones such as phalsa, and rasbhari. The study included qualitative and quantitative analyses of sugars, proteins, vitamin C, phytochemicals, and protein profiling using SDS-PAGE. All four berries exhibited a rich array of nutrients, including significant levels of sugars, proteins, and vitamin C. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins in all the berries. Strawberry and phalsa demonstrated high levels of vitamin C (0.102 mg mL and 0.208 mg mL), while phalsa exhibited the highest protein content (6 mg mL). All berries exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Protein profiling using SDS-PAGE revealed distinct protein band patterns for each species, suggesting unique protein compositions. These findings suggest that these berries possess valuable nutritional and functional properties, and their incorporation into a balanced diet may contribute to improved human health. Further research is warranted to investigate the bioavailability and potential health benefits of the identified bioactive compounds in humans
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential of plant-based phenolics in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: An in silico approach
No full textAlzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, accounting for more than seventy per cent of all the reported cases. Among the various treatment strategies, inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is the most common. In this report, thirty-eight phenolic compounds were retrieved from the PubChem database and screened in silico against acetylcholinesterase. Non-covalent molecular docking, molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) were used to predict their binding mode, affinity, free energy, and the stability of the protein-ligand complex. These were followed by drug-likeness screening and a rigorous prediction of their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) parameters. Myricetin (-13.9 kcal/mol) was predicted to have the highest binding affinity among the phenolics, though lower than the bound donepezil (-16.3 kcal/mol). To increase the binding affinity of myricetin, it was modified via a Schiff base formation, which gave the hydrazine B-1 a binding affinity of -17.7 kcal/mol, higher than that of donepezil. The molecular dynamics simulation showed that the modified ligands have better stability than myricetin. The ADMET and drug-likeness studies showed that the top four phenolics and myricetin analogue derivatives could be further developed as potential drug candidates.
Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase, ADMET Modeling, Alzheimer’s disease, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamic
First Documented Record of Progne subis (Hirundinidae) from Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil
No full textWe report the first confirmed record of the Purple Martin (Progne subis Linnaeus, 1758) for the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The record was obtained on 19 February 2025 in the municipality of Lajes/RN, located in the Central Potiguar mesoregion, where the Caatinga biome predominates. This finding represents a significant addition to the avifauna of Rio Grande do Norte, as it expands the known distribution of the species in northeastern Brazil. The confirmation of its occurrence in Lajes contributes to updating the state bird checklist and may support future surveys aimed at detecting additional regional populations
Butterfly species diversity in the urban environment of the derived Savanna Forest of Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the effects of various land-use types, resulting from continuous land-use changes and conversions, on the distribution and diversity of butterflies in an urban-derived savanna location. The area was divided into five land-use zones: farm, residential, recreational, aquatic, and utility areas using the transect method for five months in 2024 (January-May). Data was analyzed using Python. A total of 2,173 butterflies from five families were recorded: Nymphalidae (52%), Papilionidae (23%), Lycaenidae (9%), Hesperiidae (9%), and Pieridae (7%). Hesperiidae was recorded for the first time and was exclusive to aquatic areas. Nymphalidae and Pieridae dominated aquatic and recreational areas, while Lycaenidae and Papilionidae exhibited a balanced distribution across locations. Wet season butterfly abundance was higher than dry season. Significant differences were found in butterfly counts (p < 0.05) across land use types. Butterfly counts peaked between March and April and slightly declined in May. Aquatic and residential areas had the highest counts, while aquatic and farmland areas exhibited the greatest species diversity. The study concluded that land-use types significantly influence butterfly abundance, diversity, and species richness, with the aquatic area supporting the highest species count