Abstract Third instar larvae of the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are offered to the parasitoid Jaliscoa grandis Burks, 1954 (=Catolaccus grandis) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) for mass-rearing. Variations in the size of boll weevil larvae, produced on an artificial diet and reared in the laboratory, may be related to the luminosity of the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development, survival, and morphometric parameters of cotton boll weevil larvae and pupae obtained from a rearing colony in the Entomology laboratory of Embrapa Algodão, fed an artificial diet under different photoperiods. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments (photoperiods of 0:24, 10:14, 12:12, 14:10, and 24:0 (L:D)) and 260 replications. Each treatment consisted of 13 Petri dishes, with 20 boll weevil larvae per dish. The weight of boll weevil larvae and pupae and the duration of these stages were greater in the dark (00:24 hours) than in the other photoperiods (10:14 h, 12:12 h, 14:10 h, and 24:00 h), but survival was similar among photoperiods.

Abstract Oil-in-water nanoemulsions are in the spotlight of novelty for viable herbal derivatives, being a valuable strategy for better availability of poor-water soluble compounds. The present study shows the preparation of a nanoemulsion with the essential oil of Otacanthus azureus. The systems were constituted by 90% (w/w) of water, 5% (w/w) of essential oil and 5% (w/w) of surfactant (s). The analysis by gas-chromatograph revealed a predominance of mono- and sesquiterpenes. No major droplet growth was observed for the nanoemulsion prepared with polysorbate 80 during 30 days of storage, remaining around 130 nm. A remarkable improvement of antibacterial activity was observed, especially against S. aureus as follows: MIC = 0.050 and MBC = 0.1 for the essential oil, and MIC – 0.025 and MBC = 0.025 for the nanoemulsion. In conclusion, it must be highlighted that the utilization of a low energy/solvent-free/non-heating method was a suitable ecofriendly approach, suggesting the great potential of this plant based nanoemulsion.

Abstract Sodium nitrate (NaNO2), frequently utilized as a food ingredient for colour enhancement and meat preservation, has been shown to induce oxidative stress and cause anaemia. This study evaluated the ameliorative effect of tablets from the chlorophyll of S. androgynus (L) Merr leaves (TCSA) in NaNO2-induced rats. Thirty-six adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups: control group, NaNO2 group (50 mg/kg BW), NaNO2+ TCSA-1 (50 mg/kg NaNO2 and 0.016 mg/kg BW TCSA), NaNO2+ TCSA-10 (50 mg/kg NaNO2 and 0.16 mg/kg BW TCSA), NaNO2+ TCSA-100 (50 mg/kg NaNO2 and 1,6 mg/kg BW TCSA), and NaNO2+ Fe (positive control group, 50 mg/kg NaNO2 and iron/ Fe supplement). Over 30 days, the haematological and liver function were assessed from blood samples. Exposure to NaNO2 resulted in significant reductions in packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and red blood cell (RBC) count, alongside elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, urea, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). TCSA had a therapeutic benefit in NaNO2-induced rats comparable to iron supplementation. The antioxidant properties of chlorophyll in the tablets markedly reduce the oxidative damage caused by NaNO2. Further studies are necessary to comprehensively analyze the molecular evaluations of the biological activities of tablets from S. androgynus chlorophyll.

Abstract The freshwater fish, Cyclocheilichthys enoplos (Bleeker, 1849), commonly found in the Mekong River Basin, faces challenges such as disrupted spawning cycles, habitat fragmentation, and overfishing, which are caused by environmental changes and human activities. This study assessed genetic diversity and gene flow in Thailand’s Mekong Basin by combining Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) with Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers on 89 samples collected from different river sections. The overall genetic diversity was moderate with the highest levels observed in the Upper Nan River (He = 0.259, I = 0.364). The results showed that there is substantial gene flow, as 98% of the genetic variation occurs within groups and only 2% occurs between populations. Strong gene flow, especially across non-adjacent locations, likely influenced by human activities such as fish stocking, was associated with high Nm values and limited pairwise differences (ΦPT = 0.019). STRUCTURE analysis revealed three genetic clusters that exhibited overlapping distributions. Furthermore, a weak negative correlation was observed between geographic and genetic distances, as indicated by a Mantel test, suggesting that genetic diversity tends to decrease with increasing geographic distance (R2 = 0.36 p < 0.001). These populations display strong relationships within the same river system, despite environmental challenges. Conservation efforts should prioritize habitat maintenance and monitoring genetic diversity to improve sustainable fisheries management.

Abstract The pre-plant burndown of Conyza spp. is a fundamental practice to mitigate weed competition with soybean. However, in light of reports of biotypes resistant to 2,4-D, the search for new options of post-emergent herbicides becomes essential. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of post-emergent herbicides on the leaf structure and chemical control of Conyza spp. with heights greater than 10 cm in soybean pre-plant desiccation. A field experiment was conducted following a randomized block design, with seven treatments and four replicates. For the control data, only mesotrione + atrazine and chlorimuron resulted in control percentages lower than 80%. Regarding scanning electron microscopy (SEM), trichomes were denser on the adaxial leaf surface, while stomata predominated on the abaxial side, though both were present on both surfaces. Their distribution showed tendencies of clustering and randomness, with no consistent pattern linked to the treatments. Slight, non-significant variations in trichome density occurred, especially with halauxifen + diclosulam. The control and halauxifen + diclosulam treatments exhibited higher trichome intensity and less structural damage, whereas fluroxypyr + clethodim, dicamba, and triclopyr resulted in lower intensity and trichome disruption. Consequently, fluroxypyr + clethodim, triclopyr, dicamba, and halauxifen + diclosulam were effective in desiccating Conyza spp., with the first two causing trichome damage via plasmolysis.

Abstract The production of biofuels has stood out on the international scene due to its environmentally friendly attributes and potential for promoting rural development in developing countries. In Brazil, the federal program RenovaBio, corresponding to the National Biofuels Policy, aims to provide an important contribution to fulfilling the commitments determined by Brazil under the Paris Agreement, promoting the adequate expansion of biofuels in the energy matrix, with emphasis on a regular supply and ensure predictability for the fuel market, inducing gains in energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the production, commercialization, and use of biofuels. The possibility of expanding raw material sources for bioethanol production benefits Brazilian competitiveness. At the same time, given the vast varieties of raw materials available in this country, it is a challenge to discover which species would be most suitable for this chain. The Ipomoea batatas species (sweet potato) can contribute to the diversification of the energy matrix in Brazil, Latin American countries and around the world. Sweet potatoes have attracted scientific interest due to their high productivity rates, adaptability to diverse soil types, and tolerance to elevated temperatures, facilitating cultivation in flat and sloping terrains. In this sense, this work analyzes the opportunity to produce I. batatas bioethanol as a potential source to contribute to future energy supplies, especially in Brazil. Aspects such as economics, botanical description, extraction, and compositions, in addition to the production of bioethanol using sweet potatoes as raw material, are covered comprehensively throughout the manuscript.

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the systemic short-term post-COVID-19 vaccine adverse events between three rounds of vaccination in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, to compare the incidence of these side effects between the three vaccine rounds. The present study was a prospective survey-based cross-sectional, conducted during the period of 1/4/2022 to 30/6/2022. The study has recruited all staff and students who have been vaccinated with all three doses of COVID-19 in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. The survey included three sections; The first section was participants' characteristics; The second section was a self-reported survey on 32 prespecified side effects; and the third section was data related to the type of COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 582 cases were analysed for the study. overall, most respondents were reporting no side effects across the three COVID-19 vaccine rounds. Meanwhile, eight side effect variables (fever, chills, fatigue, skipped meals, headache, nausea, sore throat and low mood) appear to be more manifested among the study sample to a small extent. However, these side effects are usually mild. When each side effect was further evaluated during the three rounds of protocol, sore throat had the highest median rating at the first round of vaccination. The result found that only the male gender was a significant negative predictor of the side effects after vaccine rounds. Our results indicated that the COVID-19 vaccine is well tolerated, and safe, most post-vaccination adverse effects in the three rounds are, generally mild in severity and rare with a lower frequency and number of reported side effects in males. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between the possible health risk factors and COVID-19 side effects.

Abstract In the present study, we investigated the diversity of fishes from naturally flooded fields along the Chapada community and the Quatipuru River estuary in the municipality of Tracuateua, Northeastern Pará, coastal Amazon. The samples were collected in two wetland collection sites and in one collection site of the estuarine region of the Quatipuru River from September 2019 to September 2020, one collection per month, thus comprising both dry and rainy seasons. A total of 1,293 individuals were collected, divided into 15 orders, 26 families and 49 species. The most abundant orders were Characiformes (31.4%), Siluriformes (29%) and Acanthuriformes (14.7%). The highest density of individuals was recorded during the rainy season (N=662), while the highest number of species was observed in the estuarine region (collection site 3) (S=32). The highest Shannon index diversity values were obtained during the dry season in collection site 3 (H’=2.3006). On the other hand, the richness was higher at this collection site during the rainy season (d=3.5794). This work provided the first detailed data about the local ichthyofauna, being useful to the further development of effective policies for the management and monitoring of regional natural resources.

Abstract This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of six solvent extracts (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane) obtained from the roots and aerial parts of Zygophyllum fabago L. growing in the arid and saline regions of southern Kazakhstan. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, with Trolox as a reference standard. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined using the broth microdilution method. The ethanol extract of aerial parts demonstrated the highest total phenolic content (128.29 ± 0.81 mg GAE/g) and the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH SC50 = 42.57 ± 3.03 µg/mL), where SC50 represents the concentration required to scavenge 50% of free radicals. Ethyl acetate extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against E.coli and C.albicans (MIC <9 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on NIH-3T3, K562, and Saos cell lines. The ethyl acetate extracts (both roots and aerial parts) were most effective against K562 leukemia cells, with IC50 values of 121.0 ± 2.5 µg/mL and 120.4 ± 3.1 µg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of Z. fabago extracts as natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.

Abstract Melatonin is a pleiotropic hormone found across biological kingdoms, yet its functional roles in crustacean physiology remain poorly understood. This study investigates, through an in-silico approach, the molecular interactions of melatonin with key regulatory proteins, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and ecdysone receptor (EcR), implicated in growth and molting of mud crab (Scylla spp.). Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of melatonin with IGF (-5.7 kcal/mol), mTOR (-5.7 kcal/mol), and EcR (-6.0 kcal/mol), comparable to or exceeding that of the reference ligand, ramelteon. Hydrogen bonding analyses identified conserved active site residues, notably ARG A:90 (IGF), LEU A:1861 (mTOR), and ASN A:265 (EcR), as critical binding hotspots. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the structural stability of the melatonin–protein complexes, with RMSF values below 3 Å at key residues. These findings provide foundational insights into the molecular basis of melatonin’s growth-regulatory potential in crustaceans and propose IGF as candidate targets for future in vivo studies in aquaculture applications.