Since it acquired pandemic status, SARS-CoV-2 has been causing all kinds of damage all over the world. More than 6.3 million people have died, and many cases of sequelae are in survivors. Currently, the only products available to most of the world’s population to fight the pandemic are vaccines, which still need improvement since the number of new cases, admissions into intensive care units, and deaths are again reaching worrying rates, which makes it essential to compounds that can be used during infection, reducing the impacts of the disease. Plant metabolites are recognized sources of diverse biological activities and are the safest way to research anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. The present study computationally evaluated 55 plant compounds in five SARS-CoV-2 targets such Main Protease (Mpro or 3CL or MainPro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Papain-Like Protease (PLpro), NSP15 Endoribonuclease, Spike Protein (Protein S or Spro) and human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) followed by in vitro evaluation of their potential for the inhibition of the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 Spro with human ACE-2. The in silico results indicated that, in general, amentoflavone, 7-O-galloylquercetin, kaempferitrin, and gallagic acid were the compounds with the strongest electronic interaction parameters with the selected targets. Through the data obtained, we can demonstrate that although the indication of individual interaction of plant metabolites with both Spro and ACE-2, the metabolites evaluated were not able to inhibit the interaction between these two structures in the in vitro test. Despite this, these molecules still must be considered in the research of therapeutic agents for treatment of patients affected by COVID-19 since the activity on other targets and influence on the dynamics of viral infection during the interaction Spro x ACE-2 should be investigated.

Vernonanthura brasiliana (L.) H. Rob is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of several infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of V. brasiliana leaves using in vitro and in silico approaches. The chemical composition of V. brasiliana leaf extract was determined through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The inhibitory activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigote was evaluated by the MTT method. In silico analysis was performed using Lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51) as the target. The toxicity analysis was performed in RAW 264.7 cells and Tenebrio molitor larvae. LC-MS revealed the presence of 14 compounds in V. brasiliana crude extract, including flavonoids, flavones, sesquiterpene lactones, and quinic acids. Eriodictol (ΔGbind = −9.0), luteolin (ΔGbind = −8.7), and apigenin (ΔGbind = −8.6) obtained greater strength of molecular interaction with lanosterol demethylase in the molecular docking study. The hexane fraction of V. brasiliana showed the best leishmanicidal activity against L. amazonensis in vitro (IC₅₀ 12.44 ± 0.875 µg·mL⁻¹) and low cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells (CC₅₀ 314.89 µg·mL⁻¹, SI = 25.30) and T. molitor larvae. However, the hexane fraction and Amphotericin-B had antagonistic interaction (FICI index ≥ 4.0). This study revealed that V. brasiliana and its metabolites are potential sources of lead compounds for drugs for leishmaniasis treatment.

Mangrove sediments are very moist and rich in decomposition organic matter, formed by a series of species resistant to tidal flow. This coastal ecosystem is formed by a series of species resistant to tidal flow, with soil containing a rich environment that limits the diversity of biomes. The objective of this study was the identification of microorganisms and the physicochemical characterization in sediment samples from two points of a mangrove located near a hospital on the island of São Luís, Maranhão. Two sediment samples were collected in appropriate tubes, stored and sent to the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory at CEUMA University. In the laboratory, aliquots were removed for the physical-chemical characteristics using a methodology as recommended by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (EMBRAPA), tracking characteristics such as granulometry, organic matter, organic carbon, nitrate and nitrite, total phosphorous and pH. The soil was characterized as organic, rich in nitrate, nitrite and mineral salts, with pH (6.3), characteristic of the mangrove ecosystem. Isolation, identification of MALDI-TOF isolates (Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry) and antimicrobial susceptibility test used Kirby-Bauer methodology were performed. Gram-negative bacteria were identified, of the genus Ochrobactrum and thermotolerant species, such as Escherichia coli, which are considered pathogens that are indicators of lack of basic sanitation and that presented multiresistance in vitro to the antibiotics tested. Our study strengthens the idea of further research to evaluate the diversity of microorganisms present in mangroves to encourage and warn about the preservation and sanitary control of mangrove ecosystems.

The application of natural substances with bactericidal action is the target of research aimed at a more sustainable production, implying in various sources of substances for new therapeutic formulations. This study presents the chemical characterization, toxicity and antimicrobial activity of essential oil (EO) of Bixa orellana Labill leaves. EO was extracted by hydrodistillation at 100°C for 3h. Physicochemical parameters were determined and chemical characterization used Gas chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The toxicity assay was performed through the bioassay with Artemia salina Leach. The methods of Disc Diffusion and Dilution in Broth in front of the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity. LC50 in the toxicity assay was verified in 355 mg L-1 and was classified as nontoxic. The OE presented antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms tested and totaled 320 mg EAT g-1 of total phenolics. The results obtained highlight the importance of pointing out this product as a therapeutic alternative, encouraging its application potential.

Os Transtornos de Ansiedade (TA) ganharam destaque nos últimos anos devido a crescente de pacientes com esse diagnóstico em todo mundo. Os TA possuem maior incidência em pacientes de maior faixa etária, sendo mais prevalente em mulheres. Estudos correlacionam esse aumento as pressões externas e internas exacerbadas, ao ritmo e estilo de vida. É notório que a pandemia de COVID-19 colaborou de forma acentuada com esse aumento. Nesse sentido, para amenizar os episódios ansiosos, melhorar a qualidade do sono, ou aumentar a performance produtiva, a procura por ansiolíticos aumentou consideravelmente em todo mundo, inclusive no Brasil. Os ansiolíticos atuam no Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), contudo, o uso abusivo dessas substâncias psicoativas pode causar danos neurológicos. Sabendo disso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar publicações científicas visando identificar os principais impactos da ansiedade e a evolução do uso abusivo de ansiolítico antes e durante a pandemia da COVID-19, bem como aspectos farmacoepidemiológicos de medicamentos contra TA por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica de caráter narrativo, descritivo e retrospectivo. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica, não exaustiva a partir da revisão de artigos científicos e dados publicados entre o período de 2011 e 2021. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas conforma a natureza das variáveis, utilizando-se os testes cabíveis para diferenciar os grupos independentes em estudos. Os nossos resultados expressam um crescente diagnósticos de TA cresceram durante a pandemia da COVID-19, bem como a utilização irracional e abusiva de ansiolíticos no Brasil.

O sistema agrícola familiar funciona como uma unidade socioprodutiva e que necessita de auxílio para o seu desenvolvimento, como organização nas funções administrativas e produtivas. Este processo requer uma gestão do sistema, alinhamento e planejamento para tomada de decisão. Esta pesquisa analisou a importância do planejamento estratégico na gestão da produção e distribuição de agricultores familiares na região do Paço do Lumiar, Maranhão, Brasil. A área de estudo localiza-se na região de Nova Canaã, município de Paço do Lumiar. Foram selecionadas seis famílias de agricultores familiares que utilizam a mesma área de plantio. A obtenção dos dados deu-se por meio de formulário de entrevista. Além disso foram coletados quatro pontos amostrais do solo de produção agrícola, no período de setembro a novembro de 2019. Foram analisadas as características físico-químicas do solo no Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais da Universidade CEUMA (LACAM). Dessa forma, pôde-se traçar o perfil empreendedor dos estabelecimentos agrícolas familiares estudados, analisando suas dificuldades e facilidades dentro do seu planejamento estratégico. A partir dos dados coletados, juntamente com as análises físico-químicas do solo, foi possível traçar um fluxograma para melhoria da gestão de negócios para melhoria no desempenho da produção do agricultor, características físico-químicas do solo e pela análise SWOT o desenvolvimento de um Planejamento Estratégico eficiente para as famílias. Acredita-se que modelo de gestão adequado garante uma melhor utilização do solo, redução de custos e aumento da lucratividade para o pequeno agricultor.