Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of Leaves, Stems, and Roots of Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. Ex Engl. João Andrade, Adriana Araújo de Almeida‐Apolonio, Fabiana Gomes da Silva Dantas, José Irlan da Silva Santos, Andréia Sangalli, et al. Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2026 The genus Schinus L. includes plants used in folk medicine with important pharmacological effects. However, little is known about Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. ex Engl. This study evaluated the antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of its ethanolic extracts and identified bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analysis confirmed saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in leaves, stems, and roots extracts. Syringic acid, epicatechin, and rutin were identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The leaves extract showed the lowest IC 50 in the DPPH method, and all extracts effectively scavenged ABTS radicals, outperforming BHT. All extracts demonstrated sun protection and antimicrobial action against Gram‐positive bacteria and yeasts but lacked antiprotozoal activity. They showed no hemolytic potential or cytotoxicity in Vero cells at active concentrations. These findings highlight S. weinmanniifolia as a promising focus for future investigations aimed at further exploring its bioactive properties.
Non-C. albicans Candida Species Develop Clinically Relevant Biofilms on Stainless Steel Under Respiratory Tract-Mimicking Conditions Natalia Bagon, Vlaudimir Marques, Deisiany Ferreira, Melyssa Negri Life, 2026 Biofilm formation by non-C. albicans Candida (NAC) species is a major factor in device-associated infections, yet few studies have examined their development under physiologically relevant conditions. This study evaluated the biofilm-forming capacity of Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto and Candida albicans on stainless steel surfaces in the presence of artificial saliva, simulating the respiratory tract environment of tracheostomized patients. Standardized inocula were incubated for 24 h, and biofilms were assessed through quantification of viable cells, biomass, biofilm matrix production and structural characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). C. tropicalis produced the most robust biofilms compared to C. albicans and C. parapsilosis stricto sensu isolates, with significantly higher biomass and biofilm matrix (p < 0.001). C. parapsilosis sensu stricto developed less dense yet structurally defined biofilm networks. SEM confirmed mature and compact biofilm architecture, especially in C. tropicalis. These results demonstrate the strong intrinsic biofilm-forming ability of NAC species on stainless steel under host-like conditions, reinforcing their capacity to persist on medical surfaces and their relevance as independent contributors to biofilm-related contamination and infection.
Cochlospermum regium Leaf Extract Gel: A Natural Strategy Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Fernanda Galvão, Cleison Leite, João Andrade, Pamella Castilho, Thiago Castro, et al. Gels, 2025 Background: Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus represent a major public health concern, and plant extracts, such as those from Cochlospermum regium, have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives. Methods: This study developed carbopol-based gel formulations containing ethanolic leaf extracts of C. regium (CRG 0.5% and 1%) and evaluated their physicochemical stability, antibacterial activity against S. aureus and a methicillin-resistant wound isolate, antioxidant potential, and biocompatibility. Results: Both CRG 0.5% and 1% were physically stable and maintained antibacterial activity for up to 90 days at 8 °C, while at 25 °C only CRG 1% retained activity throughout the evaluation period. In ex vivo pig skin assays, CRG 1% reduced methicillin-resistant S. aureus contamination by 99%, outperforming the conventional topical antibacterial agent (neomycin + bacitracin), which achieved 66% inhibition. The extract also exhibited high antioxidant activity without mutagenic or hemolytic effects. Although phenolic and flavonoid contents decreased over time, CRG 1% preserved adequate levels for therapeutic application. Conclusions: These findings indicate that CRG 1% has potential as a stable, safe, and effective alternative for the treatment of topical infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
Extracellular vesicles from Fusarium oxysporum can induce a cytotoxic response in an invertebrate model Deisiany Gomes Ferreira, Bruna Sabatke, Izadora Volpato Rossi, Jhon J. Artunduaga Bonilla, Leandro Honorato, et al. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2025 Aims One of the ways fungi communicate is through extracellular vesicles (EVs), which vary in size and content depending on the species and fungal form. This study investigated the release of EVs from Fusarium oxysporum, noting significant differences in their structure and biological effects in both in vitro and in vivo. Methods and results The study found that the size of these vesicles was consistent with patterns observed in other fungal species. Notably, the release of EVs from the planktonic form increased exponentially after 120 h of growth, resulting in heightened vesicle production. In biofilm, EVs released from the biofilm matrix showed distinct characteristics from those secreted externally, with a peak in release at 24 h. The concentration of EVs inside the biofilm was significantly higher, reflecting the complexity of biofilm dynamics. Additionally, EVs from the biofilm, particularly those isolated at 48 h of maturation, were highly cytotoxic, causing over 95% cell death in human cells. In vivo experiments with Tenebrio molitor larvae showed that EVs from biofilms could induce significant mortality. Conclusion These findings suggest that EVs may serve as communicators and can also trigger pathogenic effects by transporting cytotoxic molecules.
Spatiotemporal patterns of acute paracoccidioidomycosis hospitalizations in Brazil, 2014-2023 Marina Cristina Gadêlha, Gustavo Cezar Wagner Leandro, Deisiany Gomes Ferreira, Amanda de Carvalho Dutra, Rosane Christine Hahn, et al. Revista do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo, 2025 Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected fungal disease with a rising incidence in Brazil, including increasing hospitalizations in previously non-endemic regions outside the Amazon. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of acute PCM hospitalizations and their relationship with deforestation. We carried out a retrospective ecological analysis of all PCM-related hospitalizations that were registered in the Brazilian Hospital Information System from 2014 to 2023. Acute and subacute cases were defined using ICD-10 codes (B40.0, B40.7, B40.8, B40.9, B41.0, B41.7, B41.8, and B41.9), whereas chronic forms were excluded. Rates were calculated with census population data and stabilized by Spatial Empirical Bayes smoothing. Space-time cube analysis was applied to detect clusters, which were then compared with deforestation alerts from the DETER-B satellite monitoring system. This study found 4,232 acute PCM hospitalizations, predominantly in men (80%), with a median age of 49 years. Cases were reported in 1,292 municipalities (23%), of which 78% were outside the Amazon. This study also found four significant hotspot clusters, including a newly emergent area in the Cerrado region along the Tocantins–Goias border near Brasilia. Hotspot municipalities showed the largest deforested areas (1,178 km2) when compared to coldspots (24 km2), suggesting a strong spatial association. The spatiotemporal dynamics of acute PCM indicate expansion into deforested areas of the Cerrado, highlighting the role of environmental disruption in shaping disease risk. Mitigating PCM spread in Brazil urgently requires strengthened surveillance and integrated health–environmental policies.
Antifungal potential of silver nanoparticles stabilized with the flavonoid naringenin Jakeline Luiz Correa, Larissa Kikuchi, Deisiany Gomes Ferreira, Fabiana Gomes da Silva, Kelly Mari P. de Oliveira, et al. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2025 Graphical abstract Biosynthesis and antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles stabilized with naringenin.
