Brazilian Journal of Science

Influence of intestinal dysbiosis on the worsening of cellulite and fluid retention: A mini-review

Rafaela Cintia dos Santos Silva — 2026-01-01

Intestinal 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.

Butterfly species diversity in the urban environment of the derived Savanna Forest of Nigeria

Sunday Oladipo Olajesu — 2026-01-01

The 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.

Prevalence, risk factors, zoonotic significance, and infection patterns of gastrointestinal helminths in pigs in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Fiwasade Adejoke Rom-Kalilu — 2026-01-01

In regions with inadequate control measures and poor biosecurity, helminth infections constitute a significant threat to the swine industry and contribute to the transmission of zoonotic helminths. These infections result in substantial economic losses through reduced weight gain, poor feed efficiency, and condemnation of affected carcass parts at slaughter, among other impacts. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on commercial pig farms in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, to investigate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths in intensively raised pigs. A total of 250 faecal samples were collected using a simple random sampling technique on the selected farms. The samples were examined for helminth eggs using coprological analysis, which included simple floatation and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques. One hundred and twenty-two (48.8%) pigs were positive for one or more helminth species. Prevalence rates were 54.47% in females and 43.31% in males. Adults, growers, and piglets had prevalence rates of 49.38%, 49.68%, and 33.33%, respectively. There were no significant associations between age or sex and prevalence of infection (p > 0.05). Seven helminth species were identified, with Oesophagostomum spp. (20%, 95% CI = 14.45-24.95) being the most prevalent and Trichostrongylus spp. (2.4%, 95% CI = 0.48-4.29), the least prevalent. This study provides the first report of Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus spp. in pigs in Ogbomoso. These findings call for strengthened parasite control programs, improved farm hygiene, stricter meat inspection practices in slaughter facilities, and increased public awareness on safe pork handling and consumption.

Toxicity and bioaccumulation of Cu and Ni in plants during the vegetative stage of hybrid maize grown in dystroferric red latosol

João Vitor Ramos da Silva Dantas — 2026-01-01

Heavy 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.

Adapted silver impregnation protocol for the detection of Merkel cells in fish skin embedded in plastic historesins

André Luiz Veiga Conrado — 2026-01-01

Merkel 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.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of edible mushrooms: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus extracts

Preeti Shrivastava — 2026-01-01

This study comparatively analyzed the protein profiles, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory activities of Agaricus bisporus (button mushroom) and Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom). Proteins were extracted, purified via ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis, and quantified using the Lowry assay. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed distinct protein bands, particularly in the 11-17 kDa range, within fractions exhibiting the most promising bioactivities. Both mushroom species demonstrated significant total antioxidant capacity (TAC) via the phosphomolybdate assay, with notably high values observed in the P. ostreatus 30% (1.52 mg mL AAE^-1), P. ostreatus 70% (0.85 mg mL AAE), and A. bisporus 70% (1.6 mg mL AAE^-1) precipitation fractions, as well as crude extracts. For anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated by red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis inhibition, all extracts and fractions showed anti-hemolytic effects. The P. ostreatus 70% (72.15% inhibition), P. ostreatus 30% (69.62% inhibition), and A. bisporus 70% (68.35% inhibition) precipitation fractions displayed the highest efficacy. While oyster mushroom crude extract yielded a higher protein concentration (9.516 mg mL^-1) than A. bisporus mushroom (6.516 mg mL^-1), the study's focus remained on the functional activities of specific fractions. This research underscores the significant potential of both A. bisporus and P. ostreatus as natural sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The strong correlation between these high bioactivities and the presence of specific protein bands, particularly in the 11-17 kDa range within the most active fractions, emphasizes the crucial role of their protein components. Further investigation is warranted to isolate, characterize, and elucidate the mechanisms of action of these specific bioactive proteins for potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.