Universidade Federal de Itajubá

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. We hypothesized that fluoxetine may positively influence the well-being of fish. We used Poecilia reticulata as a model organism and evaluated the behavioral, ecological and biochemical alterations following fluoxetine exposure at 0.05, 2.0, and 80 μg/L. For the behavioral analysis, we assessed swimming patterns, aggressiveness, social interactions and predatory behavior in a novel tank. Avoidance and colonization were evaluated as behavioral endpoints using the non-forced HeMHAS (Heterogeneous Multi-Habitat Assay System) as a novel approach to assess behavioral endpoints. The biochemical approach was based on the biotransformation enzyme activity (EROD and GST), anti-oxidative defense markers (GPx and GSH), oxidative damage indicators (LPO and DNA damage) and neurotoxicity (AChE activity). We found that the swimming patterns, aggressiveness and social behavior were reduced from 2 μg/L (p < 0.001) and the time spent by P. reticulata in the top and bottom areas differed significantly from 0.05 μg/L (p < 0.05). Additionally, organisms exposed to fluoxetine required more time (significantly from 2 μg/L; p < 0.001) to attack all the Daphnia sp. provided as prey. Further, in the colonization and avoidance tests, P. reticulata did not display colonization behavior (50-60 % time spent in the control compartment), and exhibited only weak avoidance responses, instead appearing to be either lethargic or in a relaxing state. The biochemical analysis showed that GST and LPO levels were elevated (p < 0.001), while both the GPx and GSH were reduced (p < 0.05).

The aim of this article is to present an energy plan for Guinea-Bissau based on the OMVG transmission network in the country and the integration of a photovoltaic plant at the Bissau substation to produce green hydrogen to serve the islands in the Bolama region.With the aid of the programs Anarede and Anatem, permanent power flow anal. and electromech. stability studies were carried out to evaluate the connection of a 33 MWp solar plant.The transmission OMVG network was modeled and analyzed using static and dynamic contingency anal.The result was effective and indicates that with this operation, Guinea-Bissau can expand its load through transmission lines and interconnect its administrative regions.The proposed P2G2P cycle evaluated two scopes of load, one for the total population in the islands and the other for a local community in Bolama.It showed that a solar plant of 4,5 MWp would supply the local community of 4400 people using P2G2P with a 1,35 MW electrolizer (270 Nm3 H2/h or 24 kg H2/h) and two 170 kW fuel cells cabinets consuming 576 kg H2 in a daily full load operation.

Chagas disease (CD), a life-threatening disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant global public health concern. The limited efficacy of the available drugs (nifurtimox and benznidazole), their severe adverse events, and the unsatisfactory outcomes of clinical trials drive the search for new, effective, and safe drugs.

This study describes the synthesis, structural characterization, and in vitro antiparasitic activity of novel pyrazole-benzimidazole derivatives against mammalian developmental stages of T. cruzi.

Phenotypic screening was used to assess the effect of pyrazole-benzimidazole derivatives against T. cruzi. Three-dimensional cardiac spheroids were employed to evaluate the toxic effect and drug efficacy. Molecular docking and cysteine protease activity were also performed.

Pyrazole-benzimidazole derivatives showed activity against both trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Compounds 1i (IC50 = 6.6 μM) and 1j (IC50 = 9.4 μM) demonstrated the most potent activity with a high selectivity index (SI > 45) against intracellular amastigotes. Both compounds exhibited high efficacy on 3D cardiac spheroids, effectively reducing the parasite load by over 80%. Molecular docking analysis revealed that both compounds target the catalytic domain of cruzain through pi-stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions and inhibit T. cruzi cysteine protease. These derivatives also showed an additive effect in combination with the reference drug (Bz).

Our findings emphasize the significance of pyrazole-benzimidazole hybrids in the search for new anti-T. cruzi agents.