State University of Amapá

The aim was to evaluate the potential of the stem bark of Byrsonima spicata , Croton matourensis , Myrcia splendens , Tapirira guianensis and Vismia guianensis as a source of value-added macromolecules to contribute to the bioeconomy in the Amazon. The barks were collected from secondary forests in the state of Pará, Brazil, and analysed for the first time for anatomical and chemical composition. High-performance microscopic images showed the presence of a rhytidome composed of one to seven layers of periderms. The bark had a significant presence of extractives soluble in ethanol and water (from 29.3 to 46.1 %). Lignin content ranged from 19.0 to 33.4 %. The optical emission spectrometer showed a rich mineral composition, particularly in calcium (2.9–20.6 g kg ⁻¹ of bark). High tannin content was quantified, especially in B. spicata (19.1 %) and M. splendens (29.9 %). The composition of the bark suggests that it can be used to obtain potentially valuable phenolic compounds with chemical functionalities and bioactivities. After this extraction, the lignin-rich solid residue is suitable for a thermochemical valorisation , while the high nutrient levels make soil amendment an interesting application. A sustainable bark removal may therefore generate local income and contribute to the conservation of these Amazonian species.

Given the relevance of sustainability, this study analyzed the impacts on water consumption in the production chain of ornamental stone pieces (marble and granite) and quartz-based composites. The goal was to compare the water demand throughout the process, from extraction to manufacturing, using 1 m³ blocks as the unit of analysis. This study was conducted in Bahia, a state with significant ornamental stone production, located in a semi-arid region with limited water availability. The methodology included data collection from participating companies, combined with sectorial information and the Ecoinvent version 3.3 database, modeled using the SimaPro 8.0 software. The impact assessment was carried out using the AWaRE (Water Scarcity Footprint) and ReCiPe Endpoint methods, following the guidelines of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as per ABNT NBR ISO 14040 standards. The results showed that marble and granite have lower water demand and environmental impact in the categories of particulate matter, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and acidification when compared to quartz composites. The highest environmental impact occurred during the processing stage, which requires a large amount of water and generates effluents, losses, and particulate matter. The results indicate that marble and granite demand less water and exhibit lower environmental impacts—across categories like particulate matter, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and acidification—than quartz composites. Notably, the processing stage incurred the highest environmental burden due to its intensive water use and consequent generation of effluents, losses, and particulate matter. These findings highlight the necessity of efficient water management and the adoption of circular economy principles—including water reuse and waste valorization—to promote long-term sustainability in the ornamental stone industry.

Attempts have been made to replace conventional plastics in food packaging with biodegradable materials as a promising alternative because they are natural, renewable, and low-cost. This study aimed to develop biodegradable and resistant films from cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from sugarcane bagasse when used as reinforcement in starch films. Sugarcane bagasse pulps were subjected to alkaline treatment, with the residual lignin remaining. Part of the material was subjected to a bleaching process with H2O2. The pulps were subjected to the mechanical fibrillation process, and unbleached and bleached CNFs were produced. Percentages of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% CNF were added to a solution containing 2.5% starch (m/m) solids to make the films. The addition of unbleached CNF promoted an average increase in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus values, especially for films with higher percentages of CNF (30% and 50%). The contact angle values increased with the CNF concentration, with all films being classified as hydrophobic (>90°), except for the films with 30% and 50% unbleached CNF. The 50% unbleached and bleached CNF samples showed low water vapor permeability (2.17 g.mm/Kpa⁻¹ day⁻¹ m²), indicating a good vapor barrier. Although the influence of residual lignin on the test results was not identified for the other samples, treatments with 50% CNF of sugarcane bagasse (unbleached or bleached) should be highlighted among the properties evaluated for reinforcing the structure and improving the barrier properties of cassava starch-based films. Furthermore, this study proposes using sugarcane bagasse, which is a waste widely available in Brazil, placing the study in line with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a crop of high relevance in the global economy. In the eastern Amazon, a region with potential for the expansion of this crop, the initiative to plant oil palm together with other regional species of commercial interest, forming agroforestry systems (AFS), is considered ecologically, economically, and socially promising. We evaluated the floristic and structural dynamics of oil palm AFS in the eastern Amazon, Brazil. We analyzed the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H'), the Importance Value Index (IVI), the Current Annual Increment (CAI), and mortality in six AFS, between 2016 and 2018. We established two types of AFS at each Site, namely, AFS-A—considered less diverse; and AFS-B—considered more diverse. Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae, and Malvaceae were the main botanical families occurring in the AFS. The floristic composition showed the greatest differences between AFS A and B from Site 2, whereas the most similar compositions were observed among the AFS from Site 3. The H' index ranged from 0.88 to 2.08. E. guineensis, Theobroma cacao L., and Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp showed the highest IVIs. In total, 38.46% of the species were wood trees, 38.46% were fruit trees, 7.69% were species planted for green manure purposes, and 15.38% were multiple-use species. Mortality in all AFS was low (< 6%). The largest diameter increments occurred in the 2016–2017 interval. Between 2017 and 2018, E. guineensis, Euterpe oleracea Mart., and T. cacao. showed low diameter increments. Between 2016 and 2018 tree growth slowed down in AFS with lower diversity, but not in AFS with higher diversity, suggesting greater resilience of AFS with higher diversity.

This study evaluates whether pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems are economically competitive compared to natural gas thermal power plants in meeting peak load demand in Brazil and identifies the barriers and challenges that hinder their widespread adoption. It also examines the strategies, market mechanisms, and policy implications necessary to improve the economic and operational viability of PHS, enabling greater integration of variable renewable energy sources into the Brazilian power system. Using the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) method, PHS is compared with natural gas thermoelectric plants for peak demand scenarios in Brazil. The results of simulations indicate that PHS is economically viable for operations exceeding seven hours per day, offering lower costs. In contrast, natural gas technologies are more cost-effective for shorter operations. The results provide two key contributions: they characterise the basic conditions under which PHS systems are more competitive than thermal power plants in meeting electricity demand, and they propose a methodology for calculating the LCOE of the analysed technological options, tailored to the Brazilian energy market. The conclusions highlight the potential of PHS to contribute to Brazil’s sustainable energy transition, provided that appropriate policies are implemented. These policies are especially crucial in scenarios where PHS is not economically competitive, to ensure compensation mechanisms for the flexibility services provided and the implementation of carbon pricing. Additionally, retrofitting existing hydropower plants to incorporate PHS components may reduce costs and mitigate environmental impacts compared to constructing new PHS facilities.

Separation and recovery systems using polymeric membranes have been widely studied for the removal and extraction of metallic species, mainly because they are environmentally friendly and have significant advantages. Mathematical models have been developed to describe the mass transfer mechanism in the extraction process. However, most models are limited to the study of a single-component and do not consider selectivity and the effects of a second metal on the reaction kinetics. Therefore, the aim of this work was to propose a multi-component mathematical model capable of simulating the extraction of metals simultaneously, performing a mass transfer analysis while considering the physical–chemical effects (membrane thickness, reaction kinetics, concentration, etc.) which under real conditions can interfere in the process. The model was solved using the Coupled Integral Equations Approach and validated using experimental and simulated measurements obtained by some researchers. The results demonstrated strong agreement with literature-reported data and highlighted the high reliability of the proposed model, indicating its capability to accurately describe the extraction process through polymeric membranes under different operational conditions. Additionally, the findings confirm its potential as a robust tool for multicomponent extraction simulation and optimization, providing a comprehensive and technically advanced approach for future research in multicomponent extraction processes.

This study explored the ability of two Bacillus species isolated from mangrove sediments to degrade hexachlorobenzene (HCB), a persistent organic pollutant that affects the quality of surface water, groundwater, and soil. Hence, we analyzed bacterial growth in a medium with hexachlorobenzene as the sole carbon source. Moreover, chemical oxygen demand removal, ecotoxicity, and measured radiolabeled HCB degradation were assessed. Our results revealed that both Bacillus strains (I3 and I6) demonstrated hexachlorobenzene-degrading potential and achieved degradation rates of 11.5 ± 1.47% and 21.1 ± 0.84%. Additionally, the ability of these strains to mineralize HCB was confirmed by the production of radiolabeled carbon dioxide, assessed by liquid scintillation spectrometry and thin-layer chromatography. Ecotoxicity assays further demonstrated the effectiveness of bacteria treatment in degrading HCB. These findings underscore the potential of Bacillus strains from mangrove sediments to degrade and mineralize HCB, opening new perspectives for the bioremediation of aromatic compounds in contaminated environments.

Poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters synthesized by bacteria for carbon and energy storage. Given its mechanical properties comparable to those of polypropylene, PHB represents a viable alternative for reducing conventional plastic pollution. However, the high production costs associated with traditional carbon sources, such as glucose, remain a significant barrier to large-scale PHB. In this study, an alternative carbon source derived from the interaction between whey and demerara sugar was evaluated for the optimization of PHB production by mangrove- isolated bacteria. The Central Composite Design data indicated that whey concentration at its upper axial point (39.99 mL∙L⁻¹), and demerara sugar at its central point (20 g∙L⁻¹) as the most favorable conditions for PHB production. Fermentation experiments utilizing this combination for 48 h with an isolate identified as Bacillus cereus, resulted in the highest cell biomass production of 2.9 g∙L⁻¹, and a polymer recovery rate of 67.39%, corresponding to 2 g∙L⁻¹. The characterization of purified polymer using FTIR, DSC, TGA/DTG, SEM and GC-MS confirmed the biopolymer as poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). These findings provide information on efficient fermentation parameters using whey as strategies of conversion into bioplastics and highlight the potential of B. cereus isolated from mangroves for future industrial-scale production.

We explore the development of biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films loaded with silk fibroin (SF) functionalized with copaiba oleoresin (SFCO) for potential use in active food packaging. The films were characterized, showing significant improvements in both their physicochemical and nanomorphological properties. Films containing 10% SFCO exhibited superior mechanical strength, with a Young modulus of 145 MPa and an elongation at break of 385%, compared to the control film with 42 MPa and 314%, respectively. The films also demonstrated barrier properties, with water vapor transmission rates (WVTRs) as low as 25.95 g/h·m². Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was significantly improved, showing inhibition zones of up to 10 ± 1 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 µg∙mL⁻¹. Three-dimensional nanomorphological analysis via atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed increased roughness in films with higher SFCO content, with root mean square (RMS) roughness values ranging from 2.70 nm to 11.5 nm. These results highlight the potential of SFCO-loaded PVA films as robust, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional packaging materials. They provide improved mechanical and antimicrobial properties, essential for extending the shelf life of perishable foods and advancing sustainability in the packaging industry.

The assessment of urban ecological quality through remote sensing has gained prominence in recent years, due to the need for effective urban monitoring and improved territorial planning. This study presents a comprehensive review of the evolution of urban ecological-quality research from 1997 to 2023, focusing on trends, influential publications, and methodologies. From 1997 to 2023, research on urban ecological quality grew significantly, with annual publications increasing from 0.3 in the 1990s to six in the 2020s, driven by technological advancements, global collaboration, and alignment with policy goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Co-occurrence network analysis revealed six key research clusters, highlighting advancements in methodologies, spatial data integration, remote sensing, green sustainability, and multi-criteria frameworks, showcasing the field’s interdisciplinary evolution. China leads contributions, with 33.3% of research, followed by the United States and other countries, emphasizing robust international collaborations. Journals like Remote Sensing and Sustainability dominate, with highly cited publications from the 2010s and 2020s shaping the field’s direction. Prominent authors such as Xu H. and Zhang X. have played critical roles, though engagement in the field has surged more recently. Remote-sensing technologies, particularly in China, have been pivotal, with indices like the Remote-Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) and its derivatives broadening analytical frameworks. These tools integrate ecological, socio-economic, and policy dimensions, aligning with global sustainability objectives and enhancing the field’s capacity to address urban ecological challenges and promote sustainable urban development. Urban ecological-quality research has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in remote sensing, interdisciplinary methods, and global collaboration. Future efforts should focus on expanding cross-regional studies, integrating comprehensive socio-economic and environmental indicators, and utilizing emerging technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and AI to address urbanization challenges and support sustainable development.

This work described a new species of Ceratomyxa, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyzes of myxospores collected from the gallbladder of the fish Astyanax mexicanus. Sixty-two specimens were captured, between December 2022 and February 2024, in the Flexal River, in the community of Tessalônica, state of Amapá. The specimens were transported alive to the Laboratory of Morphophysiology and Animal Health, at the State University of Amapá, where the studies were carried out. Eleven specimes of A. mexicanus was parasitized with Ceratomyxa tessaloniensis n. sp. Morphological and morphometric analyses revealed strongly arched spores that measured 3.13 ± 0.5 μm in length and 12.18 ± 1.9 μm in thickness with a posterior angle of 74º ± 10.6º and two polar capsules measuring 1.74 ± 0.1 μm long and 1.5 ± 0.16 μm wide. The partial sequence of the 18 S gene from spores of Ceratomyxa tessaloniensis n. sp., comprised 932 base pairs. Phylogenetic analysis grouped Ceratomyxa tessaloniensis n. sp., with strong nodal support for the exclusive clade of freshwater species, being a new species described for the State of Amapá, the first described in A. mexicanus and the first species with the presence of non-wormlike plasmodia in South America.

Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Carambola fruit fly, is an invasive species in South America. This work aims to confirm the expansion of the host range of B. carambolae and report the occurrence of its parasitism in Brazil. The study was carried out in the Jari Valley region, Pará, Brazil. Two types of sampling of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) were carried out: one with grouped fruits to verify if they were infested by B. carambolae (Sites A, B, C) and the other with individualized fruits to investigate parasitism (Site C). Morphological analysis was done to confirm parasitism, based mainly on the cephalopharyngeal skeleton embedded in the opercula of the puparia. From the sampling with grouped T. catappa fruit, 2,841 fruit fly puparia were obtained, from which 480 B. carambolae specimens and 1,228 specimens of Anastrepha spp. Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) emerged. Site C was the one with the highest fruit fly infestation of T. catappa fruits. We conclude that T. catappa is a moderately good host at Site A and a good host at Sites B and C. From the samplings with individualized fruits of T. catappa, an adjusted parasitism index of 21.2 % was obtained for Anastrepha spp. and 1.8 % for B. carambolae, confirming the presence of the parasitoids Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti), Utetes anastrephae (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae). The native parasitoids D. areolatus, U. anastrephae, and A. pelleranoi were reported for the first time parasitizing B. carambolae larvae in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to examine the drying kinetics of Spondias purpurea L. fruits at various maturation stages (I to V) using a range of mathematical models (Henderson and Pabis, Lewis, Logarithmic, Midilli, and Page). Additionally, an assessment of the resulting flours' quality was conducted. The stabilization phase of S. purpurea fruit drying kinetics commenced at 420 min for maturation stages I and III, and at 480 min for the remaining stages. All employed mathematical models effectively characterized the drying process, exhibiting R² values exceeding 0.99, MSD below 0.03, and X² below 0.0009. Flours demonstrated increased color intensity with higher levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins, showing a positive correlation. Immature fruits yielded flours with elevated titratable acidity, total chlorophylls, phenolic compounds, and density. In contrast, fruits in the final maturation stages produced flours with higher yield, levels of reducing sugars, total carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. The results indicate that flours derived from ripe fruits exhibited higher yield, moisture content, pH, soluble solids, and reducing sugars, while titratable acidity was higher in green fruits. Bioactive compounds such as total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds decreased with ripening, whereas total carotenoids increased due to chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis. Anthocyanin and total flavonoid levels increased in the final stages of ripening. Thus, the developmental stage directly influences the physicochemical and functional characteristics of S. purpurea fruit flours. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into the drying kinetics of S. purpurea fruits and underscores the influence of maturation stages on the quality attributes of the resultant flours.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive adult glioma (16-month median survival). Its immunosuppressive microenvironment limits the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Objectives: To assess the effects of the ICIs antibodies anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD-1) and anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) in treating adults with diffuse glioma. Search methods: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and clinical trials registers on 8 March 2024. Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating adults with diffuse glioma treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 compared to placebo or other therapies used alone or with other ICIs. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and serious adverse events (SAE). Secondary outcomes were overall response rate (ORR), quality of life (QoL), and less serious AEs. Data collection and analysis: We followed standard Cochrane methods. Main results: We included seven RCTs evaluating anti-PD-1 treatment in recurrent (N = 4) and newly diagnosed (N = 3) grade 4 glioma participants. The analysis encompassed 1953 participants; sample sizes ranged from 35 to 716. Meta-analyses were not possible due to heterogeneity and the small number of studies. Most trials had high risk of bias. Nivolumab versus bevacizumab in people with recurrent GBM (1 trial, 369 participants) Nivolumab probably does not increase OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.30; 1.3% more, 95% CI 6.30 fewer to 7.80 more; 369 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or PFS (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.48; 16.40% more, 95% CI 12.40 more to 19.00 more; 369 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence for SAE is very uncertain (risk ratio (RR) 1.20, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.92; 347 participants). Nivolumab probably does not increase ORR (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.63; 309 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), but may not increase less serious AEs (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.10; 347 participants; low-certainty evidence). Nivolumab plus bevacizumab 10 mg/kg versus nivolumab plus bevacizumab 3 mg/kg in people with recurrent GBM (1 trial, 90 participants) Nivolumab plus bevacizumab 10 mg/kg may not increase OS (HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.86 to 2.25; 9.90% more, 95% CI 5.20 fewer to 18.80 more; 90 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence for PFS (HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.93; 5.80% more, 95% CI 8.20 fewer to 14.20 more; 90 participants) and SAE (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.79; 90 participants) is very uncertain. Nivolumab may not increase less serious AEs (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.09; low-certainty evidence; 90 participants). Pembrolizumab plus bevacizumab versus pembrolizumab in people with recurrent GBM (1 trial, 80 participants) The evidence for OS (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.63; 0.30% more, 95% CI 7.60 fewer to 2.90 more; 80 participants), PFS (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.54: 0.40% fewer, 95% CI 9.20 fewer to 2.80 more; 80 participants), SAE (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.75 to 2.42; 80 participants), and ORR (RR 12.76, 95% CI 0.77 to 210.27; 80 participants) is very uncertain. Pembrolizumab plus bevacizumab may not increase less serious AEs (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.13; 80 participants; low-certainty evidence). Neoadjuvant (before surgical resection) and adjuvant (after surgical resection) pembrolizumab versus adjuvant-only pembrolizumab in people with recurrent GBM (1 trial, 35 participants) The evidence for OS (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.92; 25.20% fewer, 95% CI 37.10 fewer to 2.10 fewer; 35 participants), PFS (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.91; 30.10% fewer, 95% CI 52.20 fewer to 3.60 fewer; 35 participants), and SAE (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.31 to 3.28; 32 participants) is very uncertain. Nivolumab plus radiotherapy versus temozolomide plus radiotherapy in people with newly diagnosed unmethylated GBM (1 trial, 560 participants) Nivolumab plus radiotherapy probably does not increase OS (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.58 months; 8.30% more, 95% CI 2.80 more to 12.90 more; 560 participants) and PFS (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.65 months; 7.50% more, 95% CI 3.60 more to 10.30 more; 560 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence for SAE is very uncertain (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.18; 553 participants). It may not increase ORR (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.69; 560 participants; low-certainty evidence) and probably does not increase less serious AEs (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.04; 560 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence for time to deterioration of QoL is very uncertain (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.99; 560 participants). Nivolumab plus temozolomide plus radiotherapy versus placebo plus temozolomide plus radiotherapy in people with newly diagnosed methylated GBM (1 trial, 716 participants) Nivolumab plus temozolomide plus radiotherapy probably does not increase OS (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.32; 3.50 more, 95% CI 3.80 fewer to 9.60 more; 716 participants) and PFS (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.32; 3.00 more, 95% CI 3.50 fewer to 7.90 more; 716 participants), and probably increases SAE (RR 2.91, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.12; 709 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). It does not increase less serious AEs (RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04; 709 participants; high-certainty evidence). Adjuvant nivolumab plus temozolomide versus temozolomide in older people with GBM (1 trial, 103 participants) Nivolumab plus temozolomide probably does not increase OS (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.33; 3.10 fewer, 95% CI 15.80 fewer to 3.60 more; 103 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and PFS (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.19; 5.40 fewer, 95% CI 19.10 fewer to 2.40 more; 103 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence for SAE is very uncertain (RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.81; 103 participants). The evidence for QoL is very uncertain (results only reported graphically; 103 participants). Authors' conclusions: In recurrent GBM, nivolumab alone probably has no benefit. Anti-PD1 plus bevacizumab may also be ineffective based on low- to very low-certainty evidence. Neoadjuvant plus adjuvant pembrolizumab may improve OS and PFS, but this was based on only one small trial and very low-certainty evidence. In newly diagnosed GBM, nivolumab plus radiotherapy in unmethylated and plus radiotherapy plus temozolomide in methylated GBM probably has no benefit. In older participants, adjuvant nivolumab probably offers no benefit.

Purpose: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA. Materials and methods: A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process. Results: Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in <10% of men with Klinefelter syndrome and 41.3% routinely recommended preimplantation genetic testing. Varicocele repair prior to SSR is recommended by 57.7%. Half of the respondents (57.4%) reported using ultrasound to identify the most vascularized areas in the testis for SSR. One-third proceed directly to microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in every case of NOA while others use a staged approach. After a failed conventional TESE, 23.8% wait for 3 months, while 33.1% wait for 6 months before proceeding to mTESE. The cut-off of follicle-stimulating hormone for positive SSR was reported to be 12-19 IU/mL by 22.5% of participants and 20-40 IU/mL by 27.8%, while 31.8% reported no upper limit. Conclusions: This is the largest survey to date on the real-world medical and surgical management of NOA by reproductive experts. It demonstrates a diverse practice pattern and highlights the need for evidence-based international consensus guidelines.

Wildfires significantly impact ecosystems, economies, and biodiversity, particularly in fire-prone regions like the Caatinga biome in Northeastern Brazil. This study integrates machine learning with climate and land use data to model current and future fire dynamics in the Caatinga. Using MaxEnt, fire probability maps were generated based on historical fire scars from Landsat imagery and environmental predictors, including bioclimatic variables and human influences. Future projections under SSP1-2.6 (low-emission) and SSP5-8.5 (high-emission) scenarios were also analyzed. The baseline model achieved an AUC of 0.825, indicating a strong predictive performance. Key drivers of fire risk included the mean temperature of the driest quarter (with an importance of 14.1%) and isothermality (12.5%). Temperature-related factors were more influential than precipitation, which played a secondary role in shaping fire dynamics. Anthropogenic factors, such as proximity to farming and urban areas, also contributed to fire susceptibility. Under the optimistic scenario, low-fire-probability areas expanded to 29.129 Mha, suggesting a reduced fire risk with climate mitigation. However, high-risk zones persisted in the Western Caatinga. The pessimistic scenario projected an alarming expansion of very-high-risk areas to 12.448 Mha, emphasizing the vulnerability of the region under severe climate conditions. These findings underline the importance of temperature dynamics and human activities in shaping fire regimes. Future research should incorporate additional variables, such as vegetation recovery and socio-economic factors, to refine predictions. This study provides critical insights for targeted fire management and land use planning, promoting the sustainable conservation of the Caatinga under changing climatic conditions.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Plants from Ocotea genus have been studied for their biological activities. Here we evaluated the antitumor activity of Ocotea indecora essential oil in several cancer cell lines and its phytochemical composition. We performed cell viability using MTT (1000-31.25 μg/mL) using DMSO (negative) and carboplatin (positive) controls. Cytometric and morphological assays analysed cell death pathway. In vivo acute toxicity was assessed in mice (150, 300, and 900 mg/kg) and GCMC for phytochemical analysis. The oil showed sesquirosefuran as the main metabolite and was cytotoxic against all cell lines tested, mainly HEPG2 (human hepatoblastoma cell) (IC50=44.9 µg/mL), was selective (SI = 1.69) and tolerated in mice. Apoptosis is the main cell death pathway as indicated by the presence of active caspase 3/7 and morphological characteristics. In conclusion, the oil was effective against HEPG2 cells and could be considered for future cancer studies.