Three new isatin–pyridine-2-oxime hybrids (AM01–03) were synthesized and experimentally evaluated as reactivators of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibited by a surrogate of the nerve agent A-242, in comparison with their 4-oxime isomers previously reported by our research group. Furthermore, the interactions of these molecules within the AChE/A-242 complex were assessed through docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations....

Atta robusta is a narrow endemic leaf-cutting ant restricted to restinga habitats along Brazil’s southeastern coast. Despite its conservation status, little is known about its evolutionary history and genetic structure. Here, we investigate patterns of genetic variation in A. robusta using mitochondrial (COI–IGS–tRNALeu–COII) and nuclear (EF1alpha copy one) DNA markers sampled across its known range. We assess genetic diversit...

Aligned with the Green Deal strategy to reduce the impacts of climate change on the agri-food sector, this study assessed the potential of a commercial biostimulant based on Ascophyllum nodosum extract to improve olive tolerance to drought. Potted plants of Olea europaea (cultivars Arbequina and Galega) were pre-treated with the extract or water. One group was maintained at 100% field capacity and another under water-deficit (...

Aim We investigate the distribution of dispersal modes — endozoochory (via animal ingestion), synzoochory (via animal seed accumulation) and anemochory (via wind)—and seed mass of woody plants across Brazilian ecosystems, testing whether their relative abundance in local plant communities could be predicted by climate, edaphic factors and dispersal agents (e.g., the main vectors moving seeds). We expected climate to be the mai...

Knowing the likelihood of a drought event persisting from one season to the next is vital for informing anticipatory actions that minimise its impacts. Using logistic regression, this study examines the odds of a drought episode persisting from one season to the next over Southern Africa during the 1950–2021 period. The study further investigates the influence of nine climate modes of variability on drought persistence over So...

Microalgae are increasingly recognized as a sustainable resource to address challenges associated with climate change and population growth, owing to their capacity to produce high-quality biomass for applications in feed, food, and cosmeceuticals. However, the expansion of microalgae-based industries remains constrained by harmful biological contaminants (HBCs), which can rapidly reduce productivity, often signalled by visibl...

Formaldehyde (FA) is a high-priority indoor pollutant with proven adverse effects on human health. Recent preliminary evidence has demonstrated that epiphytic Tillandsia plants can uptake airborne pollutants directly from the gas-phase. This study aims to further investigate on the phytoremediation potential of two Tillandsia species, T. velutina and T . ionantha , specifically focusing on their efficiency in removing FA. To c...

Background Despite advanced analytical methods and increasing data availability, most intensive care unit (ICU) prediction models rely on static measurements. However, longitudinal monitoring of biomarkers may better capture disease progression and support timely, individualized interventions within the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). Since the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in both static a...

Wide-area maritime surveillance is an increasingly important focus for countries with large Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), such as Portugal, which are responsible for monitoring and protecting these zones and their resources. Passive acoustic autonomous buoy networks equipped with hydrophones are a promising approach for wide-area maritime surveillance. However, achieving a discrete, low-cost system introduces many technical...