Brazilian Journal of Science

From fresh to salty: exploring water salinity tolerance in Rhinella ornata (Anura, Bufonidae) tadpoles on Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Thiago Leão Pires — 2025-04-28

Changes in salinity levels of aquatic environments may significantly affect the distribution and abundance of many species, including amphibians. Typically, amphibians inhabit environments with low salinity. However, tadpoles of Rhinella ornata can often be found in environments in which stochastic events, such as high tides, can dramatically modify the water salinity of ponds in coastal regions. Here, we test the hypothesis that elevated salinity negatively affects the survival and latency of tadpoles of Rhinella ornata. We exposed 32 tadpoles to different salinity levels (0, 10, 18, 30 parts per thousand or ppt) and measured the time of death and latency time in individuals of two body size classes. Mortality was significantly different between intermediate and high salinity levels (18 and 30 ppt) but did not depend on body size. These results show that tadpoles of Rhinella ornata seem to be intolerant of high salinity, regardless of size. However, there was no mortality at lower salinity levels (0 and 10 ppt) and no difference in latency period between the two lower levels, implying that these tadpoles can survive in low water salinity for a short period, enabling them to swim to less brackish environments. Overall, this trait seems to be important for Rhinella ornata to tolerate shoreline environments, which are vulnerable to stochastic events that dramatically increase pond salinities.

Evaluation of urban green area development in the context of sustainable eco-city perspective: Bilecik (city center) case study

Sevgi Akkoy — 2025-05-01

To 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.

First record of Xylophallus xylogenus (Phallaceae, Agaricomycetes) in Central Brazil: morphological notes and habitat observations

Tullyo Henrique Lima Machado — 2025-04-30

This study presents the first documented occurrence of Xylophallus xylogenus in the Central-West Region of Brazil, specifically in Itapaci, Goiás. Ten specimens were collected on April 17, 2025, from soil containing decomposing rice straw. The macroscopic and ecological characteristics matched previous descriptions of the species. This finding expands the known geographic distribution of this rare and poorly collected member of the Phallaceae and contributes to the ongoing documentation of Neotropical fungal diversity.

Theoretical interaction of muscarinic receptor antagonist with vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGF-R1, R2 and R3) as a therapeutic alternative to treat cancer

Lauro Figueroa-Valverde — 2025-04-17

Several biomolecules have been the target of some drugs for the treatment of cancer; however, there is little information on the interaction of muscarinic antagonists with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R1, R2, R3). The aim of this research was to determine the possible interaction of muscarinic antagonists such as atropine, ML381, af-dx 386, azaprophen, darifenacin, dicyclomine, PD-102807, pirenzepine, telenzepine, Zamifenacin, and cyclohexylamine with VEGF-R1, R2, and R3. The theoretical interaction of muscarinic antagonists with VEGF-R1, R2, and R3 was carried out using the 2ho4, 3hng, and 4bsj proteins as theoretical tools. Besides, cabozantinib, pazopanib, regorafenib, and sorafenib drugs were used as controls. The results showed differences in the number of aminoacid residues and energy levels involved in the interaction of muscarinic antagonists with 2ho4, 3hng, and 4bsj proteins compared with the controls. Besides, the inhibition constants (Ki) values for atropine, ML-381, zaniferacin, and dicyclomine were lower compared with some controls. In conclusion, the results suggest that atropine, ML-381, zaniferacin, and dicyclomine could act as VEGF receptor inhibitors, could result in changes in the biological activity of angiogenesis, and this phenomenon could be translated as a decrease in cancer cell growth. Therefore, these drugs could be a good therapeutic alternative to evaluate their biological activity in some cancer models.

Challenges and strategies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance

Lígia Maria Oliveira de Souza — 2025-04-28

This study aims to evaluate the scientific literature on the challenges and strategies adopted in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This study is a literature review, carried out in the SciELO, BVS, and PubMed databases, to analyze the challenges faced and the strategies employed in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. The challenges identified in the fight against antimicrobial resistance include the inappropriate use of antibiotics, the lack of regulation, the limited access to adequate treatments in certain areas, and the rapid adaptation of pathogens. Regarding the strategies, adopting measures for the rational use of antimicrobials, public awareness policies, and medical training, investments in research for the development of new antimicrobials, improvements in epidemiological surveillance, and the implementation of strict regulations on the use of antibiotics stand out. These results aim to provide a basis for more effective public policies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. With the growing impact of antimicrobial resistance on both public health and the global economy, it is necessary and/or essential to implement effective strategies to contain its spread. Furthermore, the implementation of public policies, such as the WHO global plan and the Brazilian national plan, plays a fundamental role in mitigating the problem. Cooperation between the health sectors, pharmaceutical industries, and society is essential, since it can prevent the worsening of this crisis, ensuring the effectiveness of future available treatments.