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Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch.Bip., known in Brazil as alecrim do campo, is a small Asteraceae family plant with a calming effect and consumed as tea. This species contains components, such as neral and geranial, that display various biological activities, such as leishmanicidal. The aim was to chemically characterize the essential oil (EO) obtained from P. brevipedunculata (EO-PB) by hydrodistillation and a microemulsion formulated with EO (ME-PB), Tween 80 and Transcutol P, assess the leishmanicidal effect against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7. EO-PB and ME-PB were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Monoterpene hydrocarbons were noteworthy among the identified compounds. The main EO-PB constituents were α-pinene and limonene, followed by neral and geranial, which were maintained in ME-PB. EO-PB presented an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20 µg/mL and ME-PB of 0.93 µg/mL. ME-PB inhibition towards the parasite was 20-fold higher than that of EO-PB. This indicated that EO incorporation to the microemulsion resulted in optimized biological activity. Selectivity indices indicate that ME-PB is more selective concerning parasite inhibition. Thus, ME-PB may comprise an adequate approach against Leishmania, as the inhibitory concentration (IC50) promastigotes was lower than that considered toxic for cells cell cytotoxicity of 50% (CC50). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi can achieve important innovative outcomes for integrated mosquito control especially of Aedes aegypti, the key vector of arboviruses to humans in the tropics and subtropics. This study sought to design and to develop a simple dissemination device to attract and to infect gravid A. aegypti adults with a granular formulation of the ascomycete Metarhizium humberi IP 46, and to validate this device in the laboratory as well as in semi-field and field conditions. Hydrogel (polyacrylamide potassium polyacrylate) was confirmed to be a suitable substitute for water used in the device that attracted gravid females under field conditions. Females laid eggs on black polyethylene terephthalate carpet fixed in the device that also proved to be a suitable substrate for a granular formulation of fungal microsclerotia and/or conidia. The plastic device (29.5 cm high) was divided into a lower closed compartment with a water reservoir and an upper, laterally open but covered compartment with continuously hydrated gel and the fungal formulation attached to the carpet. The uppermost compartment permitted free circulation of mosquito adults. The device attracted both male and female A. aegypti. The fungal formulations of IP 46 propagules tested in the device were effective against adults in laboratory, semi-field, and field settings. Findings in the laboratory, semi-field, and especially in field conditions strengthen the value and utility of this innovative device for focal applications of a mycoinsecticide against this important mosquito vector. Key points • Low-cost and simple disseminating device for focal control of Aedes aegypti. • Granulized Metarhizium humberi IP 46 and hydrogel yield extended control. • Findings in field tests strengthen benefit of the device for focal application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis (bee glue) is a resinous substance that bees collect from living plants to repair and sterilize the hive environment. Propolis possesses a wide range of beneficial biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, and other activities. It is available in food products and pharmaceuticals for health enhancement and preventive healthcare. Globally, the major exporters of propolis are China, Russia, and Brazil. Malaysia could also claim a share of the market because Malaysian propolis has been reported to contain compounds with medicinal value such as polyphenols, esters, flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins, minerals, and some enzymes. These compounds give Malaysian propolis its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic capabilities. In this review, we assemble the latest research on the chemical composition, biological properties, and formulation techniques of Malaysian honey bee and meliponine propolis. There is a need to conduct comparative research on Malaysian propolis and the other sources that currently occupy the largest share of the global market to evaluate the utility of local Malaysian propolis. If comparative studies can identify the distinctive characteristics of Malaysian propolis, this may make it attractive to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Brazil and France are two major beauty markets worldwide. Despite this, there is not much cross‐information on sensory analysis of cosmetic products between both population of these countries. The objective of this study was to compare the sensory perception of cosmetic formulations between Brazilian and French assessors and establish cross‐culturally preferences. Methods: For this, a total panel of 100 consumers of cosmetics evaluated four different products. The same protocol for the sensory analysis was followed in both countries. Results: The panellists were able to perceive differences in the products and the method proved to be repeatable in both countries. The presence of UV filters in the formulation was noticed and displeased both populations. Brazilians, although dissatisfied with the sensory aspect of the sunscreen, are willing to use it for its UV protection. Conclusion: This work delivers important information on the sensory perception of cosmetics by people from different countries and brings important knowledge to develop products with textural properties that will be appreciated worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyomma ticks pose a significant public health threat due to their potential to transmit pathogens associated with rickettsial diseases. (E)-2-octenal, a compound found in donkeys (Equus asinus), exhibits strong repellent properties against Amblyomma sculptum nymphs under laboratory conditions. This study assessed the effectiveness of the (E)-2-octenal in wearable slow-release devices for personal human protection against Amblyomma ticks under natural conditions. Slow-release devices treated with (E)-2-octenal and untreated controls were prepared and tested on two volunteers walking through a tick-infested area in Goiania, Brazil. The experiment was conducted twice daily for three series of 10 days, with each volunteer wearing two devices attached to each leg, one on the ankle and one just above the thigh. Volunteers with control and treated devices exchanged them between rounds. Also, the daily release rate of (E)-2-octenal from the slow-release devices was determined in the laboratory, increasing significantly from 0.77 ± 0.14 µg/day on the first day to 9.93 ± 1.92 µg/day on the 4th day and remaining constant until the 16th day. A total of 5409 ticks were collected from both volunteers. Treated devices resulted in recovering fewer ticks (n = 1,666; 31%) compared to untreated devices (control: n = 3,743; 69%). (E)-2-octenal effectively repelled Amblyomma spp. larvae, A. sculptum adults, and exhibited pronounced repellency against A. dubitatum nymphs and adults. These findings suggest the potential of (E)-2-octenal delivered by wearable slow-release devices as a green-based repellent. Further improvements, however, are necessary to provide better protection for humans against A. sculptum and A. dubitatum in field conditions., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

• Of 82 registered microbial biopesticides approximately half are mycoinsecticides. • The majority is based on Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana. • These fungi are mainly used to control spittlebugs and whiteflies on >3 million ha. • Most formulations are wettable powders and technical (unformulated) products. • Advances in mass production, formulation, shelf life and quality control have occurred. Entomopathogenic fungi play a central role in Brazil's biopesticide market. Approximately 50% of registered microbial biopesticides comprise mycoinsecticides and/or mycoacaricides consisting of hypocrealean fungi, with most based on Metarhizium anisopliae sensu stricto (s. str.) and Beauveria bassiana s. str. These fungi are mainly used to control spittlebugs in sugarcane fields and whiteflies in row crops, respectively, with annual applications surpassing three million hectares. Research also emphasizes the potential of fungal entomopathogens to manage arthropod vectors of human diseases. Most registered fungal formulations comprise wettable powders or technical (non-formulated) products, with relatively few new developments in formulation technology. Despite the large area treated with mycoinsecticides (i.e., approx. 2 million ha of sugarcane treated with M. anisopliae and 1.5 million ha of soybean treated with B. bassiana), their market share remains small compared with the chemical insecticide market. Nevertheless, several major agricultural companies are investing in fungus-based products with the aim at achieving more sustainable IPM programs for major pests in both organic and conventional crops. Government and private research groups are pursuing innovative technologies for mass production, formulation, product stability and quality control, which will support cost-effective commercial mycoinsecticides. Here, we summarize the status of mycoinsecticides currently available in Brazil and discuss future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duguetia stelechantha (Diels) R.E.Fr., popularly known as "ata brava" in Brazil, belongs to the Annonaceae family. Biologically active monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes identified in this genus and family, comprising a source of new drugs against several conditions, including leishmaniasis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to extract and chemically characterize the essential oil (EO-DU) obtained from D. stelechantha for the first time. The potential antileishmanial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity of an EO microemulsion (EO-ME) formulated with Tween 80 and Transcutol P surfactants were also evaluated. Duguetia stelechantha leaves were submitted to a hydrodistillation process and their chemical composition was determined by GC/MS. The major identified EO components were β-pinene (46.17 %), α-pinene (20.2 %), and spathulenol (6.68 %). A headspace characterization indicated major EO-DU compounds present in the prepared ME, confirming incorporation. The extracted EO was moderately active against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes (IC 50 =138.3 µg/mL), while the EO-ME was determined as active, inhibiting these parasites at a lower concentration (IC 50 =4.47 µg/mL) compared to the EO-DU, indicating high selectivity against L. (L) amazonensis promastigotes. The major compound α-pinene was also tested, and presented IC 50 = 64.78 µg/mL, considering it active against the tested parasites. Considering that D. stelechantha is an abundant species in the Brazilian Legal Amazon and that the antileishmanial potential of the extracted EO was enhanced by EM incorporation, this assessment provides relevant perspectives for future studies focused on the bioeconomy. • In the chemical characterization of Duguetia stelechantha monoterpenes predominate. • The essential oil and microemulsion has β-pinene its major compound. • The essential oil of D. stelechantha has moderate effect against L. (L.) amazonensis. • D. stelechantha microemulsion is active against L. (L.) amazonensis promastigotes. • D. stelechantha essential oil is cytotoxic for RAW 264.7 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Musca domestica L. is a cosmopolitan nuisance of high sanitary importance. Entomopathogenic fungi are innovative and attractive tools for integrated control of the housefly to overcome insufficient levels of control caused by increasing resistance of this pest against chemical insecticides. High virulence of a fungal strain is a prerequisite to develop a mycoinsecticide, and the present study investigated the potential of hypocrealean fungi from the genera Beauveria, Clonostachys, Cordyceps, Akanthomyces, Metarhizium, and Tolypocladium, isolated from mosquitoes in Central Brazil against M. domestica. The highest mortalities (larvae, pupae, and adults) were caused by Metarhizium humberi IP 478 (98%) and IP 421 (90%), Metarhizium anisopliae IP 432 (85%), Beauveria bassiana IP 433 (82%), and Tolypocladium cylindrosporum IP 425 (68%) after a 23-day exposure of initially pre-pupating third instar larvae to conidia mixed with vermiculite. Lethal concentrations to kill 90% of adults of IP 433 and IP 478 were 5 × 10 7 and 10 8 conidia g -1 substrate, respectively. Fifty percent of adults were killed within 4 to 5 days of exposure initially as pupae close to emergence to substrate treated with conidia of IP 478 or IP 433 at 1.1 × 10 8 conidia g -1 , respectively. The other fungal strains tested were less virulent. The results demonstrate high potentials for conidial preparations in vermiculite of IP 433 and IP 478 as candidates for the biological control of both pre-pupating larvae, pupae, and emerging adults of houseflies., (© 2022. Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil.)

Benzaldehyde and 2-hexanone are allomones produced by beagle dogs that reduce infestation by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato on these animals and on susceptible dogs which artificially release these repellents. These observations were obtained in previous laboratory tests or artificial infestations of susceptible dogs under controlled conditions. Here we evaluated the efficacy of collars delivering these repellents for suppressing the loads of R. sanguineus s.l. on naturally infested mixed-breed dogs under field conditions. Thirty dogs naturally infested with R. sanguineus s.l. were separated into two groups with 15 dogs each. The dogs from the treatment group received the collars with slow-release formulations of the allomones, and the dogs from the control group received collars without such compounds. Collar effectiveness tests were carried out over 30 days. All ticks found were removed from each dog, identified, and counted every collection day. The density of the different life stages of R. sanguineus s.l. varied greatly between groups and across evaluation times. Adult ticks were the stage most abundant and prevalent on infested dogs. The counts for larvae, nymphs and adults were similar between the control and the treatment groups within each tick collection day. Conversely, when we considered the total number of ticks over 30 days and gathered all life stages collected in the same animal, the dogs from the control group had significantly higher loads (35.3 ± 4.27) of ticks than the dogs from the treatment group (21.8 ± 2.96) (P < 0.01). In addition, the efficacy of treatment with repellent collars was high for adult ticks (30.8%) but was extremely low for reducing larval or nymphal infestation (0 or 2.6%, respectively). The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the efficacy of these volatile compounds on naturally infested dogs under field conditions. The development of a technologically enhanced device for slow release of the allomones tested here can be an advantageous alternative for reducing R. sanguineus s.l. infestation on dogs in residential environments., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)