Background/Objectives: Cancer remains a major global health challenge, driving the search for novel chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to evaluate the structural and biological properties of a series of Pd(II) complexes containing triphenylphosphine and thiosemicarbazone ligands, in order to assess their potential as anticancer agents. Methods: Six Pd(II) complexes with the general formula [PdCl(PPh₃)(TSC)] were synthesized and fully characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P), FTIR, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. Their cytotoxic effects were investigated through in vitro assays using 2D and 3D cancer cell models, including clonogenic, wound healing, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays via flow cytometry. Results: Complexes from the B family demonstrated significantly higher cytotoxicity than those from the C family, particularly against ovarian (IC₅₀ < 1 µM) and breast (IC₅₀~2 µM) cancer cell lines. These compounds exhibited superior potency and selectivity compared to cisplatin, with high selectivity indices toward non-tumor cells. Mechanistic studies revealed both cytotoxic and cytostatic effects depending on structural variations, with apoptosis identified as the primary mechanism of cell death. PdB1, in particular, induced a marked increase in late apoptotic populations and maintained its cytotoxic activity in 3D spheroid models by promoting disintegration, loss of cell adhesion, and nuclear fragmentation. Conclusions: The findings underscore the therapeutic promise of Pd(II) complexes, especially PdB1, as potent and selective antineoplastic agents capable of acting effectively in complex tumor environments and potentially overcoming chemoresistance.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), predominantly caused by Candida albicans, represents a global health issue, particularly in developing regions. This study explores the antifungal potential of aqueous leaf extract of Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. ex Engl., a native Latin American plant. The extract was evaluated for phytochemical composition, antifungal efficacy, and safety profile. Phytochemical analyses identified six major compounds, including shikimic acid, gallic acid, and methyl gallate, with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The extract showed potent antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values between 1.52–5.51 µg/mL. It strongly inhibited C. albicans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.95 µg/mL, and was active against other yeasts (MIC 0.48–62.5 µg/mL). The growth kinetics assay revealed reduced C. albicans viability after 12 h at 2 × MIC versus the positive control. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed reduced fungal counts without morphological damage. The extract impaired C. albicans virulence, reducing germ tube formation by 75.49% and hyphal transition by 84.34%, outperforming fluconazole. Biocompatibility assays showed it is non-hemolytic (IC₅₀ > 1000 µg/mL), non-mutagenic, and highly selective for fungal cells (SI = 512.82), suggesting minimal human cell toxicity. In conclusion, the extract combines strong antifungal activity and favorable safety, with cost-effective preparation suitable for traditional medicine in resource-limited regions.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), predominantly caused by Candida albicans, represents a global health issue, particularly in developing regions. This study explores the antifungal potential of aqueous leaf extract of Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. ex Engl., a native Latin American plant. The extract was evaluated for phytochemical composition, antifungal efficacy and safety profile. Phytochemical analyses identified six major compounds, including shikimic acid, gallic acid and methyl gallate, with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The extract showed potent antioxidant activity, with IC50 values between 1.52-5.51 µg/mL. It strongly inhibited C. albicans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.95 µg/mL, and was active against other yeasts (MIC 0.48–62.5 µg/mL). The growth kinetics assay revealed reduced C. albicans viability after 12 hours at 2×MIC versus the positive control. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed reduced fungal counts without morphological damage. The extract impaired C. albicans virulence, reducing germ tube formation by 75.49% and hyphal transition by 84.34%, outperforming fluconazole. Biocompatibility assays showed it is non-hemolytic (IC50 >1000 µg/mL), non-mutagenic, and highly selective for fungal cells (SI = 512.82), suggesting minimal human cell toxicity. In conclusion, the extract combines strong antifungal activity and favorable safety, with cost-effective preparation suitable for traditional medicine in resource-limited regions.

O processamento da mandioca, planta de origem dicotiledônea da família Eufhorbiaceae gênero Monihot e espécie esculenta Crantz, utilizada na produção de farinha D'água de forma artesanal, requer uma grande quantidade de água, especialmente nos processos de fermentação. Nesses processos são geradas quantidades consideráveis de resíduos altamente tóxicos. Esta iniciativa surgiu da necessidade de avaliar os impactos ambientais gerados pela produção de farinha d’água, em rios do povoado do Murutinga, no município de Abaetetuba, interior do Pará. Tendo como objetivo analisar as características físico químicas nos sistemas hídricos superficiais (igarapés) potencialmente utilizados para deposição da mandioca. Neste estudo foram realizadas análises dos parâmetros Acidez, pH, cor, turbidez e temperatura. Todas as análises foram conduzidas em triplicata. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA), teste de Tukey a nível de 5 % de significância, para comparação das médias. Os resultados demonstram haver variabilidade na qualidade da água que ocorre neste igarapé, o pH e a temperatura apresentam diferença estatística principalmente a montante. As avaliações da cor demonstram interferência significativa na etapa APFD (água após a fermentação e descascamento). Além disso, o aumento da turbidez na etapa APFD, reforça a grande liberação tanto do HCN, CN-, acetona, entre outras. Assim os dados obtidos requerem atenção, visto que a exposição crônica a baixas concentrações de HCN está relacionado com doenças que afetam os moradores.