Universidade Vila Velha

Eimeria bovis is a protozoan disease-causing coccidiosis, a which affects significantly on the global cattle industry. Nonetheless, the control measures implemented have not been entirely effective, thus prompting the search for alternative methods for the parasitic and/or environmental control of the infecting forms (sporulated oocysts). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of papaya (Carica papaya) latex and pure papain on both sporulated and non-sporulated E. bovis oocysts.

Oocysts were collected from the feces of calves previously inoculated with E. bovis and stored in a potassium dichromate solution. Subsequently, the oocysts were assessed for the application of aqueous solutions (both active and denatured) of latex and papain at concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 30% (w/v), alongside a control group (water), which were incubated at 28 °C for 48 h. A reduction in oocyst counts was observed in the treatments compared to the control group.

However, a significant difference (p < 0.01) was noted only at the concentration of 30% papain (m/v) in relation to the control.

The findings suggest that extracts of C. papaya, rich in papain, hold considerable potential for future applications in the control of E. bovis.

The essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) stands out as a multifunctional agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, positioning it as a candidate for innovative cosmetic applications. However, its instability in aqueous formulations remains a key barrier to its practical use. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a nanoemulsion incorporating Ocimum gratissimum essential oil (NG) using a low-energy emulsification technique and comprehensively evaluate its biological properties. The chemical composition of OG was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A series of in vitro cell-based assays and alternative testing methods were employed to evaluate the NG for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cellular proliferation, migration, as well as cytotoxicity and overall safety. GC-MS analysis revealed β-ocimene, eugenol, and germacrene D as the major components of OG. The developed NG exhibited a particle size under 500 nm, low polydispersity index (<0.3), and negative zeta potential, maintaining physicochemical stability for up to 60 days at 4 °C. Although NG showed a lower antioxidant activity than OG in chemical assays (ABTS/DPPH), both formulations effectively reduced intracellular levels of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide in macrophages. Notably, NG inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 production, whereas OG only suppressed TNF-α. In fibroblast models, both NG and OG stimulated cell proliferation (BrdU assay) and migration (scratch assay). Safety evaluations confirmed low ocular irritability (HET-CAM and CAM-TBS) and no phototoxicity (NRU-3T3). These findings highlight that NG enhanced anti-inflammatory efficacy and biological compatibility and demonstrate its potential as a cosmetic ingredient for skin regeneration.

Bioassessment is necessary to guide the management of freshwater ecosystems and promote sustainable water use. However, many countries either do not have nationally-approved bioassessment systems, or their bioassessment results are not used in water policy decision-making. Despite the importance and urgency of the topic, a global overview of bioassessment and its use in decision-making is missing. In this study, we analyzed survey responses from 341 bioassessment practitioners from 109 countries to examine the role bioassessment plays in freshwater governance. Two thirds of respondents reported that bioassessment was used in their country, with the strength of the link to legislation increasing with per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Bioassessment data generally fulfilled several roles, including following trends over time and developing catchment plans, both significantly linked to increased per capita GDP. Strong relationships with stressors were cited as a strength of bioassessment over other forms of evidence gathering, whilst costs and shortage of trained staff were the most common weaknesses. Governance is key, being the main factor explaining why some countries don't have bioassessment and enabling its enaction through legislation in others. Initiatives therefore need to focus on creating an "enabling environment" as well as financial and technical aspects. We found synergies between having international agreements and using bioassessment for communication when delivering nationally important roles for bioassessment. By identifying key drivers for using bioassessment in decision making, our study provides recommendations to inform future research, policy and practice.