Nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with essential oils: a strategy against SARS-CoV-2.

This work aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils (EOs) encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors through virucidal activity assessment. We developed anionic and cationic NLCs loaded with the EOs and assessed their physicochemical properties and SARS-CoV-2 virucidal activity, focusing on the effects of EO type and the NLCs composition. The NLCs exhibited particle sizes of 141.30 to 160.53 nm for anionic and 109.30 to 138.60 nm for cationic types, with PDIs between 0.16 and 0.25. High zeta potentials (>29.0 in modulus) indicated stable formulations. The NLCs effectively encapsulated the EOs, achieving encapsulation efficiencies between 84.6 to 100% w/w of marker compound. The EOs-loaded NLCs reduced the SARS-CoV-2 virion count, exceeding 2 logs over the control. NLCs loaded with Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum EOs represent an innovative strategy for combating SARS-CoV-2.

Short communication: Heat stress does not affect induced luteolysis in Holstein cows.

Heat stress (HS) has deleterious effects on bovine reproduction, including prolongation of the luteal phase in Holstein cows, perhaps due to compromised luteolysis. The objective was to characterize effects of HS on luteolytic responses of nonlactating Holstein cows given 25 or 12.5 mg of PGF2α on d 7 of the estrous cycle. Cows were randomly distributed into 2 environments: thermoneutral (n = 12; 25°C) or HS (n = 12; 36°C). In each environment, cows were treated with 2 mL of saline, 25 or 12.5 mg of PGF2α (n = 4 cows per group). The HS environment induced a significant increase in rectal temperature and respiratory rate compared with the thermoneutral environment. Heat stress did not have significant effects on luteolytic responses or circulating progesterone concentrations. Rapid and complete luteolysis occurred in all cows given 25 mg of PGF2α and in 4 of 8 cows given 12.5 mg; the other 4 cows given 12.5 mg had partial luteolysis, with circulating progesterone concentrations initially suppressed, but subsequently rebounding. Therefore, we conclude that HS does not change corpus luteum sensitivity to PGF2α.

Genetic and morphological diversity of Moenkhausia oligolepis (Characiformes: Characidae) populations in the tributaries of the Araguaia River, Brazil: implications for taxonomy and conservation.

Molecular genetic assessments that consider ecological information, in addition to endogamy levels, genetic diversity, and the genetic differentiation among species and populations, are particularly important for the conservation of biological diversity. Prime candidates for conservation genetic review are those subject to human use, including harvests for the ornamental fish trade. Colorful South American tetra, such as Moenkhausia oligolepis and M. forestii, are good examples of fish species that are widely collected and exported worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the population-specific characteristics of M. oligolepis and M. forestii by comparing morphometric and molecular analyses based on ISSR markers, to provide information that would facilitate the sustainable management of these 2 species. Seventy-two specimens were collected from the Araguaia-Tocantins and Paraguay River Basins in Brazil. All specimens were measured and analyzed using ISSR markers. Population-exclusive bands were found among the 86 detected bands, while morphometric clusters reflected the geographical distribution of individuals. Correlated genetic and morphological variation supported the presence of 3 distinct groups from tributaries of the Araguaia and Mortes Rivers. Using the same techniques, all M. oligolepis populations were isolated from M. forestii. This study on Moenkhausia presents an interesting example that could be used to construct a framework of South American ichthyodiversity, and reinforces the necessity of habitat conservation to prevent the loss of biological diversity.

Lack of association of CYP1A1-MspI SNP and GSTM1 null genotypes with cancer in a Brazilian family with unusually high cancer incidence.

Research has shown that genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes, such as CYP1A1 and GSTM1, are related to a greater or lesser susceptibility to various cancers. We made an analysis of CYP1A1m1 SNP and GSTM1 null genotypes in a family group (71 members) related by consanguinity who had an unusually high incidence of cancer and a high frequency of smokers. There were no significant differences in genotype frequencies in this family when compared to data for Brazilian populations. Possibly, the high incidence of cancer in this sample is associated with smoking and/or other factors not detected in this survey.