Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We investigate the use of the Probabilistic Incremental Programming Evolution (PIPE) algorithm as a tool to construct continuous cumulative distribution functions to model given data sets. The PIPE algorithm can generate several candidate functions to fit the empirical distribution of data. These candidates are generated by following a set of probability rules. The set of rules is then evolved over a number of iterations to generate better candidates regarding some optimality criteria. This approach rivals that of generated distribution, obtained by adding parameters to existing probability distributions. There are two main advantages for this method. The first is that it is possible to explicitly control the complexity of the candidate functions, by specifying which mathematical functions and operators can be used and how lengthy the mathematical expression of the candidate can be. The second advantage is that this approach deals with model selection and estimation at the same time. The overall performance in both simulated and real data was very satisfying. For the real data applications, the PIPE algorithm obtained better likelihoods for the data when compared to existing models, but with remarkably simpler mathematical expressions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this paper we propose a new formula to divide power series. We develop two versions of the formula: a recursive and a non-recursive one, the latter aiming to reduce the computational cost for high-order series truncation. To use the non-recursive formula we define certain fundamental sets of summation indexes. Additional non-trivial information about effects of repetition of the indexes are needed and contabilized within a coefficient 𝛾 in the formula, we explain how to calculate the coefficient 𝛾 for each summation index by constructing appropriate mappings between the fundamental sets of indexes previous defined.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The main goal of the present work was to evaluate the application of ultrasound as a previous step to promote the substrates pre-emulsion in the hydrolysis reaction of macauba kernel oil (MKO). The ultrasound effect on the substrates pre-emulsion was evaluated on the free fatty acid (FFA) content, as well as the process variables (reaction time, percentage of catalyst Lipozyme® RM IM, and buffer solution). Reactions carried out with the substrates pre-emulsion presented higher FFA production, up to a 40 wt% increase in 1 hour of reaction, yielding 80 wt% of FFAs in 8 hours. The use of catalyst in the reaction medium, from 5 to 15 wt%, favored the FFAs production in 2 hours of reaction. Addition of 25 to 100 wt% of buffer solution led to 86 wt% of FFAs in 4 hours of reaction. Enzyme recycling resulted in a slight decrease in the FFA content, although the catalyst had maintained 85% of its initial activity after 30 h of use. Therefore, the ultrasound pre-emulsion previous step allowed a more efficient hydrolysis reaction of MKO, leading to an increase of up to 40 wt% on the FFA content, when compared to the hydrolysis without such step.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Molecular machines, as exemplified by the kinesin and microtubule system, are responsible for molecular transport in cells. The monitoring of the cellular machinery has attracted much attention in recent years, requiring sophisticated techniques such as optical tweezers, and dark field hyperspectral and fluorescence microscopies. It also demands suitable procedures for immobilization and labeling with functional agents such as dyes, plasmonic nanoparticles and quantum dots. In this work, microtubules were co-polymerized by incubating a tubulin mix consisting of 7 biotinylated tubulin to 3 rhodamine tubulin. Rhodamine provided the fluorescent tag, while biotin was the anchoring group for receiving streptavidin containing species. To control the microtubule alignment and consequently, the molecular gliding directions, functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles were employed in the presence of an external magnet field. Such iron oxide nanoparticles, (MagNPs) were previously coated with silica and (3-aminopro-pyl)triethoxysilane (APTS) and then modified with streptavidin (SA) for linking to the biotin-functionalized microtubules. In this way, the binding has been successfully performed, and the magnetic alignment probed by Inverted Fluorescence Microscopy. The proposed strategy has proved promising, as tested with one of the most important biological structures of the cellular machinery.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of present study was to evaluate chemical composition and different biological activities viz., pharmacological and antioxidant activities of essential oils. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry while biological activities were evaluated by standard protocols. Essential oils of Hedychium spicatum Sm. from two different ecological niches viz; Nainital (Site-I) and Himachal Pradesh (Site-II) of India revealed the qualitative and quantitative chemo-diversity. Both the oils were dominated by oxygenated terpenoids. Major marker compounds identified were eucalyptol, camphor, linalool, α-eudesmol, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, and iso-borneol. Both the oils exhibited anti-inflammatory activity suppressing 17.60 % to 33.57 % inflammation at 100mg/kg b. wt. dose levels compared to ibuprofen-treated group (40.06 %). The sub-acute inflammation in oils-treated mice groups (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) increased on day 2 but showed a gradual decrease from day 3 onwards and then recovered to normal by day 10. The antinociception percentage for doses (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) ranged from 33.70-40.46 % in Site-I and 30.34-42.39 % in Site-II compared to standard drug, ibuprofen (43.08 %). The oils also showed a good antipyretic effect by suppressing Brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) induced pyrexia after oil dose injection. The oils also exhibited good antioxidant activity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study described for the first time, the synthesis of a greener, safer, and more effective termiticide using a bio-based surfactant, N-acyl glycine derived from palm oil for the control of Microcerotermes diversus. Laboratory findings showed that the highest repellent activity was observed in N-acyl glycine surfactant (83.33%) at 50 ppm. In addition, N-acyl glycine surfactant also exhibited substantial time and concentration-dependent anti-termiticidal activity in which the highest termite mortality was observed after 3 days of exposure at 50 ppm of the surfactant (100%). Furthermore, 32.49 ppm concentration of N-acyl glycine surfactant (LC50 = 32.49 ppm) attained 50% of termite lethality. The current innovated termiticide with the use of N-acyl glycine surfactant offers a better efficacy, lower cost, and prevents the use of dangerous termiticides that are critical in creating a more sustainable environment, and controls Microcerotermes diversus at the same time.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study investigated whether increased food intake after 15 days of low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) and its normalization in the later period of development change the content of key proteins related to leptin or adiponectin signaling in the hypothalamus. Male rats were divided into five groups: Control groups received a control diet (17% protein, 63% carbohydrate) for 15 (C15) or 45 (C45) days; LPHC groups received an LPHC diet (6% protein, 74% carbohydrate) for 15 (LPHC15) or 45 (LPHC45) days; and Reverse group (R): received LPHC diet for 15 days followed by control diet for another 30 days. The LPHC15 group showed increased adiposity index, leptin level, and adiponectin level, as well as decreased the leptin receptor (ObRb) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) content in the hypothalamus compared with the C15 group. LPHC diet for 45 days or diet reversion (R group) rescued these alterations, except the adiponectin level in LPHC45 rats, which was higher. In summary, LPHC diet reduced hypothalamic leptin action by diminishing ObRb and POMC levels, leading to hyperphagia and adiposity body. Medium-term administration of LPHC diet or reverting to control diet restored the levels of these proteins, thereby improving body lipid mass rearrangement in adulthood.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Angiogenesis (budding of new blood vessels) is involved in several processes, including the development of embryos and growth of tumors. Schinus terebinthifolia leaves express an antitumor lectin (SteLL). This work hypothesized that SteLL can interfere with the formation of a vascular network from preexisting vessels. To test this hypothesis, the effect of SteLL on the angiogenesis process was assessed using an in vivo model of yolk sac membrane of Coturnix japonica embryos. SteLL was isolated with purification factor of 46.6. As expected, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for native basic proteins confirmed the homogeneity and PAGE in presence of dodecyl sodium sulphate revealed a single 14-kDa polypeptide band. The fractal analysis by box counting and information dimension measurements indicated that SteLL at 1.35 mg/mL significantly decreased by ca. 12% the angiogenesis within the C. japonica yolk sac membrane regarding the control. The inhibition of the vascular network formation in the yolk sac membrane resulted in decreased blood supply to the embryos. Consequently, the area of embryos was significantly reduced by 9.2% regarding the control, which corroborated with the antiangiogenic activity of SteLL. The findings implicate SteLL as an antiangiogenic agent and add to the panel of biological activities of this lectin.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Search for alternative methods for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis has been growing, and probiotics being among them. The most well-known probiotic microorganisms are lactobacilli, which are naturally present in the vaginal microenvironment. Cocoa fermentation is a source of lactic acid bacteria, with lactobacilli being the most prominent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antagonistic activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 6.2 a strain of lactobacilli isolated from cocoa fermentation, and its cell-free supernatant on Gardnerella vaginalis. It was shown that Lpb. plantarum 6.2 and its supernatant, used at three concentrations, i.e., 40, 20 and 10 mg/mL, have a strong antagonistic activity against G. vaginalis, with a probable action of proteinaceous bacteriocins; the activity was lost after heat treatment. The ability to exclude and displace G. vaginalis from the adhesion site to vaginal HMVII epithelial cells was also demonstrated by the lactobacilli and the supernatant, with the latter showing a bactericidal effect. Thus, the Lpb. plantarum 6.2 strain presents itself as a good probiotic with potential to be used not only as a therapeutic alternative for vaginosis but also as a complement to existing therapies.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes (Exos) are one of the most promising candidate for the treatment of this condition. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains uncertain. Here we investigated the therapeutic effect of exosomal miR-181c-5p (ExomiR-181c-5p) on a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI). In this study NP model was established using the CCI method. NP levels were assessed using PWT and PWL. Microarray analysis and RT-PCR were used to determine the relative expression of miR-181c-5p. MSC-derived exosomes were extracted using the total exosome isolation reagent characterized by WB and NTA. MiR-181c-5p was loading into Exos using electroporation. The inflammation response in microglia cells and CCI rats were assessed by ELISA assay respectively. Our study demonstrates that miR-181c-5p expression was obviously decreased in a time-dependent manner in CCI rats. MiR-181c-5p was effectively electroporated and highly detected in MSC-derived Exos. ExomiR-181c-5p internalized by microglia cells and inhibit the secretion of inflammation factors. ExomiR-181c-5p intrathecal administration alleviated neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation response in CCI rats. Taken together, ExomiR-181c-5p alleviated CCI-induced NP by inhibiting neuropathic inflammation. ExomiR-181c-5p may be a valid alternative for the treatment of neuropathic pain and has vast potential for future development.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Biofilms are important to the virulence of human pathogenic fungi, and some molecules have been found to play key roles in the growth and regulation of fungal biofilms. Farnesol, one of these molecules, is well-described for some microorganisms but is still scarcely known for Rhodotorula spp. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of farnesol on the biofilm of R. mucilaginosa. Initially, screening with 0.2 mM to 2.1 mM of farnesol was evaluated against planktonic forms. A concentration of this compound was then chosen and evaluated for its effect on biofilm in formation and on preformed biofilm after 24, 48 and 72 hours. The impact of farnesol was evaluated by colony-forming units (CFU) counts, determination of metabolic activity and quantification of total biomass. In the presence of 0.9 mM, farnesol was able to decrease the CFU number, at 48 hours, when the biofilm was in formation, although it did not affect the preformed biofilms. Thus, our results show that farnesol exerts a modulating activity during biofilm formation for R. mucilaginosa, with this compound reducing the metabolic activity and total biomass of the biofilms.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Gliomas represent 80% of all primary malignant brain tumors in adults. In view of this public health problem, the early detection through sensitive and specific molecular tumor markers analysis can help to improve gliomas diagnosis and prognosis as well as their staging, assessment of therapeutic response and detection of recurrence. Therefore, this review focuses in current gliomas tumor markers, IDH-1/2, 1p/19q, MGMT, ATRX, TERT, H3, EGFR, BRAF and Ki67 used in clinic worldwide and their importance to early detection, glioma histological and molecular classification as well as in predicting patient’s therapeutic response. In addition, we present what are the steps in the requesting process for this type of examination in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) scope, which attends most of the Brazilian population. Thereby, this article is useful in demonstrating which markers are used in the clinical practice for glioma patients and can be performed in the SUS through partnerships/agreements between specialized health centers and clinical analysis laboratories. It is hoped that this work clarifies, the necessary subsidies to carry out the research of tumor markers in all institutions that serve SUS users, providing a service with equal conditions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Health professionals working to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic are one of the main risk groups for the disease, being prioritized for vaccination. Considering this, the aim of this study was to analyze the immune response of these professionals immunized with CoronaVac in the first and second doses. Blood samples were collected after the first and second doses of the vaccine (CoronaVac) and used to investigate hematological and biochemical parameters, analysis of immunoglobulin production, cytokines, and gene expression profile, as well as the identification of subsets of immune cells. Post-first dose immunological phenotypic memory (CD27+) profiles (T CD4+, TCD8+ and CD19+) showed a significant increase, as did Monocyte APCs (CD80+HLA-DR+) in relation to the second dose. The cytokines IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-° showed increased values in relation to the other analyzed cytokines. The Th2/Th17 profile in the second dose was characterized by gene expression analysis. The production of IgM and IgG after vaccination showed statistically significant values in the comparison between doses. CoronaVac showed activation of APCs monocytes, memory response of T and B lymphocytes, with immunoglobulins production. This set of responses is characterized by the Th2/Th17 immunological profile.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Leptospirosis is an important public health problem caused by Leptospira. The objective is to characterize the geographic distribution of pathogenic leptospira serovars in the Americas through a systematic review of the literature between 1930-2017. Searches were conducted in six scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, Scopus and Cochrane). We included studies conducted unambiguously in the Americas, that investigated infection of Leptospira in humans and animals in their natural environments with serovar identification. 283 articles were included, of which 69 were studies in humans, 86 in wild animals, and 182 in domestic animals. Most of them conducted in Brazil (104, 36.7%) and in rural environments (158, 55.8%). Bovines, equines and dogs where the most frequently studied domestic species. However, a large diversity including 80 species of wild animals were studied. Icterohaemorrhgiae, Canicola, Pomona and Grippotyphosa were the most common serovars, described in 46 (16.2%), 38 (13.3%), 32 (11.3%) and 26 (9%) of the articles, respectively. The Results indicate a large concentration of studies in Latin America, with emphasis on Brazil, in wild mammals and three main domestic animal groups. Our results emphasize the need for studies that delve into the relationships of the epidemiological cycle, environment, and health.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the resistance mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium. We retrospectively analyzed the drug resistance of P.a isolated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. Drug-resistant P.a strains were constructed, then wild-type (WT) and drug-resistant (DR) strains were compared using protein and gene microarrays to determine differences between DR and WT strains. The resistance rates of P. aeruginosa during 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 21.2%, 21.4%, and 24.6% respectively. Among 242 protein peaks of WT and DR bacteriophage proteins, 41 were differentially expressed between the two groups. The expression of 26 and 15 proteins were respectively upregulated and downregulated in the DR compared with the WT group. Gene microarray results revealed 679 mutant loci in the DR group, of which 42 with the top 50 Q values were found in the NCBI database. The rate of P.a resistance to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium remained high between 2013 and 2015. The numbers of different proteins and genetic variations in the DR strains suggested that the resistance mechanism of P.a to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium involves multiple genes and proteins that might be key to controlling P.a resistance to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Tuberculosis remains a major health problem worldwide. Drug-resistant and hypervirulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains can lead to a hyperinflammatory response and necrotic pathology in hyper-reactive individuals that require adjunctive treatment. Plant-derived substances have been investigated for TB treatment, among which flavonoids stand out. We evaluate the anti-Mtb, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities of fractions and substances 1, 2 and 3 isolated from Erythrina verna through a bioassay guided fractionation. Seven fractions (1, 3-5 and 7-9) obtained from dichloromethane E. verna extract inhibited NO production (IC50 ≤ 15 μg/mL) with none or poor cytotoxic effect, while the fractions 4 and 5 notably reduced TNF-a production. Fractions 4, 6 and 9 suppressed Mycobacterium growth with MIC50 ≤ 20 μg/mL. Fraction 4 was the most potent due to dual biological activities. Erythratidinone and alpinumisoflavone inhibited the growth of Mtb H37Rv and hypervirulent strain in bacterial cultures (MIC50 ≤ 20 μg/mL), with erythratidinone standing out in reducing intracellular growth of Mtb H37Rv (5.8 ± 1.1 μg/mL). Alpinumisoflavone and erythratidinone were capable of inhibiting NO and TNF-α production besides showing significant inhibitory effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with low toxicity in macrophages. Both substances are promising for further studies focusing on an anti-TB dual treatment approach.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis have microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMM) adhesion proteins that enhance their biofilm formation ability, as well as virulence factors that influence morbidity and mortality in hospital settings. In this work, four peptides analogous of the peptide LL-37 that were evaluated to inhibit biofilm formation and its action potential on the expression of MSCRAMM proteins in clinical isolates through different tests, such as crystal violet, PCR and qPCR. In total, 96.8% of S. aureus were strong in biofilm formation in contrast to 48.4% of S. epidermidis. sdrG and sdrF genes were present in 100% of S. epidermidis strains and in all isolates. In S. aureus, specific genes that code for MSCRAMM proteins were detected: clfA (89%), clFB, sdrC and fnBA (94%). The peptides did not show hemolytic or cytotoxic activity. In this study, it was evidenced that of the peptides DLL37-1 at a 5 µM concentration was an efficacious antimicrobial agent and depicted greater biofilm inhibition in both bacterial species. Exhibiting a significant inhibition rate in S. aureus, this peptide caused a negative regulation in the expression of the genes clfA and sdrC, showed greater biological activity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Chronic alcohol consumption affects various neurotransmitters, especially those implicated in the transitioning to alcohol use disorders (particularly dopaminergic and CRFergic systems). Few studies have investigated moderate alcohol consumption and its harmful consequences. The objective of this work was to analyze behavioral and neurochemical (dopaminergic and CRFergic systems) alterations during chronic moderate alcohol consumption. Twelve male Wistar rats were submitted to an intermittent alcohol ingestion protocol (alcohol group) for four weeks. The control group consisted of six rats. Open Field and Elevated Plus Maze tests were used for analysis of motor and anxiety-like behaviors. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed in dopaminergic and CRFergic systems. Animals exposed to alcohol consumed moderate doses, chronic and intermittently. Behavioral tests detected fewer fecal boli in the alcohol exposed group, and immunohistochemical analysis indicated fewer dopamine-immunoreactive cells in the ventral tegmental area, and more CRF-immunoreactive cells in the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral septum in this group. Thus we concluded that Wistar rats that consumed moderate doses of alcohol voluntarily and chronically showed a discreet anxiolytic effect in behavior, and a hypodopaminergic and hyperCRFergic neurochemical condition, which together are strong inducers of alcohol consumption predisposing to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We investigated whether essential oil and aqueous and ethanolic extracts from M. vittoriana leaves have phytotoxic effects on the germination and initial development, and cytogenotoxic effects on the cell cycle, of model plants. The essential oil and extracts of M. vittoriana were characterized and used as treatments in phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity tests. The results indicated a reduction in germinative parameters and plant growth, with the higher concentrations of extracts and essential oil having the most evident effects. The cell cycle was also affected with a reduction of the mitotic index and the presence of chromosomal and nuclear alterations. All treatments showed clastogenic and aneugenic modes of action. The results can be associated with the synergistic effects of metabolites found in the extracts and essential oil, mainly the presence of the sesquiterpene germacrene D in the essential oil and of catechins, saponins, and tannins in the extracts. These substances inhibit plant germination and growth, confirming the phytotoxic effects of M. vittoriana in plant models, which should now be tested under field conditions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract A comprehensive study on the fruit anatomy and development of Cordiera concolor was carried out to establish the origin of the gelatinous tissue surrounding the seeds at maturity. Cordiera currently belongs to tribe Cordiereae, forming part of the species-rich lineage called Gardenieae complex. Most genera of Gardenieae complex has many-seeded fleshy fruits, with seeds usually imbedded in a pulp, which historically was considered of a placental nature. For the histological analyses, fruits at different stages of development were fixed in formalin-acetic acid-alcohol and examined with light microscopy. The endocarp has no woody consistency, it is what classifies a fruit as berry. The pericarp is differentiated into three histological zones: 1) the exocarp, formed of the epidermis and the sub-epidermal tannin cells, 2) the mesocarp, consisting of parenchyma with tannins and druses, and 3) the endocarp, derived from the internal epidermis of the ovary. The placental tissue has little development during the formation of the pericarp. We concluded that the gelatinous tissue surrounding the seeds in the ripe fruit is formed of the mesocarp and endocarp. The present results disagree with the widely accepted conception of the placental origin of the gelatinous pulp surrounding the seeds in Gardenieae Complex species.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the leading cause of canine pyoderma. Honeybee products are common to treat this and other types of infections. High average annual population loss of bees has been observed. This study evaluated antibacterial and antibiofilm profile of Green Propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia against S. pseudintermedius and the chemical similarities among both. Ethanolic extracts were produced and chemically characterized. The isolates were subjected to treatment with the extracts in both planktonic and sessile forms. Green propolis minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.156 mg / mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.312mg / mL. Baccharis dracunculifolia extract MIC and MBC was 0.312mg / mL and 2.5 mg / mL, respectivelly. Both extracts reduced SD55 formation of biofilm at minimum inhibitory concentration and at 1/8 minimum inhibitory concentration. The results observed in relation to ED99, were similar for both extracts. Besides that, similar chemical indicators between both extracts, including the presence of Artepellin C, suggest that the Baccharis dracunculifolia extract could be an alternative to the Green Propolis extract in the treatment of staph infections.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) can be considered a risk to human health representing a great environmental problem in several countries. MSW landfills are a significant source of toxic elements in the environment. Microorganisms able to thriving in leachate wastewater may exhibit metabolic machinery to synthesize a wide range of enzymes able to degrade and/or discolor toxic compounds from leachate. The use of non-pathogenic microbial cells for human health, recovered from leachate for biotechnological application, can be considered a promising approach in bioremediation processes of toxic compounds found in these environments. The present work aimed to the isolation, antibiotic resistance evaluation and leachate discoloration by microorganisms isolated from landfill leachate of Foz do Iguaçu. Forty bacteria and fifteen filamentous fungi were isolated. From these, six bacterial showed resistance at least one tested antibiotic, while six fungal isolates showed resistance to the antimycotic nystatin. CCMIBA_4L (unidentified bacteria) and Paecilomyces sp. CCMIBA_5N, were able to discolor 19.15% and 25.26% of the leachate, respectively. The results of the present work encourage future studies to characterize the enzymes involved in the discoloration and degradation of the leachate. The findings demonstrated the potential for the use of microorganisms from landfill leachate as bioremediation tools.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Numerous cultivation media currently exist, whether selective, non-selective, enrichment or identification. However, they all have a common goal, which is the growth of microorganisms; the constitution and quality of the culture medium must favor it. For this reason, an important factor that directly affects the quality of a culture medium is its production. Thus, this article investigated the use of a microwave oven in the production of Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and the microbial inactivation compared to the autoclave in a microbiology laboratory. The quality of the medium, time exposure, and sterilization potential were performed using fungal strains of Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., Microsporum spp., and Aspergillus spp. The results showed that the advantages of the use of a microwave oven for the preparation of SDA are practicality, speed, lower energy expense, pH, and constituents preservation of the culture medium, resulting in a richer growth compared to autoclaved SDA. The multivariate analysis of digital images allowed the detection of melanoidins (brownish tone of medium), which are responsible for the negative influence on the microorganisms growth. This research shows the use of the microwave oven as an efficient alternative for the production of the culture medium and maintaining their best quality.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Temporary waters are common environments found in physical and biological substrates. Among them, some bromeliads species are known to hold water in their tanks, in a habitat called phytotelmata. Phytotelmata serve as habitats for several organisms, from bacteria and protists to arthropods and anurans. Peritrich ciliates are often found as epibionts on aquatic invertebrates in these environments. Here, we report two cases of epibiosis involving Lagenophrys sp. attached to ostracods (Elpidium spp.) and Rhabdostyla sp. colonizing hydrachnid mites in the tanks of two bromeliad species. In our analysis, we measured the frequency of epibiosis considering the presence of both basibiont and epibiont in the samples. The results shown a significant difference between Elpidium sp. and Lagenophrys sp. compared to hydrachnid mites and Rhabdostyla sp. (87.5% and 19%, respectively), supported by the Kruskal-Walis test (p = 0.0003, Chi-square = 9.687). These reports are important since the knowledge of phytotelmata communities from tropical and subtropical areas is incipient, although it has been increasing over the last years. It also shows that epibiosis doesn’t always represent a beneficial relationship. These two epibiosis systems found in bromeliad tanks raise questions about organism’s dispersal throughout other phytotelmata and other temporary water habitats.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Providencia stuartii is one of the Enterobacteriaceae species of medical importance commonly associated with urinary infections, which can also cause other ones, including uncommon ones, such as liver abscess and septic vasculitis. This bacterium stands out in the expression of intrinsic and acquired resistance to antimicrobials. Besides, it uses mechanisms such as biofilm for its persistence in biotic and abiotic environments. This study investigated the cellular hydrophobicity profile of clinical isolates of P. stuartii. It also analyzed genes related to the fimbrial adhesin in this species comparing with other reports described for other bacteria from Enterobacteriaceae family. The investigated isolates to form biofilm and had a practically hydrophilic cell surface profile. However, fimH and mrkD genes were not found in P. stuartii, unlike observed in other species of Enterobacteriaceae. These results show that P. stuartii has specificities regarding its potential for biofilm formation, which makes it difficult to destabilize the infectious process and increases the permanence of this pathogen in hospital units.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Hymenochaetales and Polyporales are important macrofungi for the maintenance of tropical forests, since they act directly in the nutrient cycling of the wood decomposition. In the Amazon, the largest tropical forest in the world, knowledge about Agaricomycetes is still insipient, since many areas have not yet been inventoried and new records appear each new study. To increase ecological knowledge about the Hymenochaetales and Polyporales, in the Brazilian Amazon region, collections were conducted in western Pará, Brazil, relating these fungi to the substrate they colonize and to environmental variables. 91 species were identified, with greater macrofungi richness associated with the rainy season; these fungi showed preferences for dead woods, of small diameter (class 1 = 5,9 ˫ 39 cm) and, in stages of decomposition still rigid or intermediate. The abundance and richness of Hymenochaetales and Polyporales were influenced by air humidity and the assemblage composition was influenced by temperature, air humidity and rainfall. The results indicate a rich diversity for western Pará region, these species are associated with environmental conditions, and may be threatened by the increasing pressure of human activity in the Brazilian Amazon.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The actual status of the progress and the main aspects of diatom studies in Brazil remain unknown. This paper describes a survey of published studies addressing material of Brazilian origin in non-marine aquatic environments. Our objectives are to (1) summarize and categorize diatom research topics, (2) to describe how related studies evolved and developed over time, as well as respective journals, (3) to identify the most studied regions and environments, and (4) to indicate the main institutions and works addressing diatom research and related interactions. We conducted a systematic review selecting 478 studies. Since the early studies, the approach on diatom floristic exclusively was the most frequent, even though, ecological studies have been increasing since the 2000s. However, these concentrate in the southern and southeastern. It was only in the last decades that other Brazilian regions became the setting of more extensive samplings, thus reflecting on the interactions between authors and institutions from the collection sites. However, the actual biodiversity scenario of diatoms in Brazil still seems to be underestimated, which may influence further conservation measures. Finally, we indicate some suggestions aimed at filling the sampling gaps presented/highlighted in this study.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The search for new therapeutic strategies for leishmaniasis treatment is essential due to the side effects of available drugs and the increasing incidence of resistance to them. Marine sponges use chemical compounds as a defense mechanism, and several of them present interesting pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of the aqueous extract of the marine sponge Dercitus (Stoeba) latex against Leishmania amazonensis. MIC and toxicity against mammal cells were evaluated through broth microdilution assays. Transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to assess possible effects on L. amazonensis ultrastructure. Arginase and proteolytic activities were measured by spectrometric methodologies. The extract of Dercitus (Stoeba) latex displayed antileishmanial activity and moderate toxicity against peritonial macrophages. Ultrastructural changes were observed after the growth of L. amazonensis promastigotes in the presence of the extract at 150 µg.ml-1 (IC50), mainly on acidocalcysomes. The extract was able to inhibit the activity of arginase and serine proteases. This study shows that Dercitus (Stoeba) latex aqueous extract may be a novel potential source of protozoa protease inhibitors and drugs that are less toxic to be used in the treatment of L. amazonensis infections.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (foc) is one of the main diseases affecting banana crops. Biological control emerges as an alternative technology to prevent the spread of the disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of endophytic bacteria isolated from banana Prata Anã challenged with the foc in pairing and volatile tests under in vitro conditions. Forty endophytic isolates of the genera Bacillus, Klebsiella, Paenibacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Lysinibacillus and Sporolactobacillus isolated from banana roots were challenged with foc. The principal component analysis showed that the spore germination variable in the presence of bacterial cells explained better the variance (29.88%). Spore germination in the presence of bacterial cells, number of spores/cm2 in paired and volatile tests, and colony area in volatile tests explained about 86.10% of the total variance observed. The isolate EB37 (Bacillus sp., JN215502.1) reduced 96% of the germination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense spores. The UPMGA clustering method based on Euclidean distance divides the 40 endophytic bacteria isolates into eight groups. The autochthonous bacteria isolated from Musa sp. of the genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Sporolactobacillus and Paenibacillus showed promising results in foc control under in vitro conditions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The analysis of 14 years of sampling data on the zooplankton community in southern Brazil showed a tendency toward increased density and reduced species richness. This behavior could be a response to a prolonged period of negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Pacific Ocean and the ENSO phenomenon. The persistence of the La Niña phenomenon between 2001 and 2008 was associated with a higher incidence of stress from southwest winds and a greater reach of the front of the La Plata River plume, with possible responses being lower temperatures in the summer/autumn and lower salinities in the winter/spring in the study area. Under these conditions, one response in the zooplankton community was larger copepod domains. This group was responsible for specific changes in the community, with an increase in the population of Acartia tonsa while populations of species with more thermophilic characteristics showed a decrease. It cannot be disregarded, however, that possible interactions between different abiotic and biotic forces acting in the environment may have influenced the structure of the community. It remains unknown whether a new steady state has been established in the environment or whether there has been a return to initial conditions.

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Abstract Cypselae anatomical studies have helped to understand the evolution and classification of some groups within Asteraceae. In Eupatorieae, there are many uncertainties about the Campuloclinium circumscription. There are currently two classifications for the genus, and still no consensus for their delimitation. Since structural studies have contributed to the delimitation of groups in Asteraceae, we studied the cypselae of Campuloclinium, searching how the pericarpial taxonomic features could enlighten the genus classification. We studied the fruits of eleven species of this genus through morphological and anatomical observation. Our results showed relevant features to the classification of Campuloclinium and its closely related groups. The stipitate cypsela together with other diagnostic characters are relevant to delimitation of this genus within of Eupatorieae. The trichomes present in cypselae have taxonomic proved to be a possible diagnostic character for the genus, and the six-celled trichomes are essential to distinguish C. campuloclinioides and C. hirsutum. The combination of phylogenetic and structural studies may lead to future research on the delimitation of Campuloclinium and its clades and understand how the stipitate cypselae and the phytomelanin layer evolve in Eupatorieae.

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Abstract Understanding the floral and reproductive biology of botanical species is crucial for the development of strategies in plant breeding systems. Jatropha curcas L. is a promising species for the manufacture of biofuels, being previously studied mainly in genetic improvement to develop characteristics suitable to biofuels. In order to contribute with data for hybridization and breeding programs, this paper studies the floral biology and reproductive system in two experimental populations of different ages of Jatropha curcas in Cruz das Almas/BA. Both of them were examined about their anthesis, durability, number of flowers, stigma receptivity, P:O ratio, and reproduction tests. As observed, Jatropha curcas is a monoecious species and its flowering occurs between September and April. Inflorescences are composed of unisexual flowers with daytime anthesis (♂: 05-06h; ♀: 07-08h), where the staminates last 10h and pistillates 60h. The physic nut is self-compatible, forming fruits by self-fecundation and cross-pollination, although the greatest number of fruits/seeds is generated by natural pollination. Experiment 02, presented a larger number of flowers, probably due to the plant’s age and physiology. Performing artificial pollination between 08:00h and 09:30h is recommended for larger production since the stigma is receptive and the flowers have a large amount of pollen available.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Chironomidae are aquatic insects that have become a model in laboratory tests to evaluate toxic effect of different pollutants. The use of chironomids as test organisms depends on standard protocols for the rearing under laboratory conditions and expanding knowledge on its biology. We standardize a culture of C. columbiensis and analyze its life cycle under laboratory conditions. The experiments were carried out with different treatments for water, temperature, and food. As a result, a protocol was proposed for the rearing of C. columbiensis under the following conditions: semi-soft and reconstituted water, shredded paper towels as a substrate, soft aeration, temperature of 22 ± 2°C, fed with 0.3 g TetraMin® twice a week and weekly renewal of 50% of the water. Under these conditions, the duration of the life cycle was 17-31 days, with a continuous growth of 1.16 to 14.05 mm in the larval stage and an average of 530 eggs per oviposition. In comparison with other species in the family, this study indicated that C. columbiensis is a species with a short life cycle, sensible to changing conditions (e.g., temperature and food), wide distribution, so is a good organism for being used in aquatic bioassays.

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Abstract Selective logging is one of the main human activities that are drastically modifying tropical forests around the world. Reduced-impact logging emerged as a rational model of timber harvesting that reduces the impacts on the ecosystems and contributes to the conservation of natural resources. Nevertheless, this type of activity may still alter the forest structure, nutrient cycling, soil drainage, and other important ecosystem processes. Here, we aimed at testing the effects of selective logging on litter deposition in central Brazilian Amazonia. We estimated litter production during one dry and one rainy season in 11 sites logged between 2003 and 2017 and one unlogged site. Mean litter deposition was greater during the dry season. Although litter deposition rates varied between a few study sites, this variation was independent of the time after logging. The results suggest that the low logging intensity in the study site (16.8 m³/ha) had no intense impacts on litter deposition. Reduced-impact logging may be an alternative for the use of forest resources in Amazonian forests without compromising nutrient cycles.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Rocky outcrops are known for low humidity, rainfall and high solar radiation, factors that limit the development of some vegetables. However, some species of the genus Anemia occurring in these environments. Thus, understanding the anatomical characters present in these vegetables are important for botanical and biodiversity knowledge in rock fields. We described the leaf anatomy of six species of Anemia to identify characters adapted to rocky outcrops for ferns. Herbarium samples were rehydrated. Field-collected leaves, were also sampled, the material was subjected to standard anatomical study by light microscopy, and secretions were evaluated by histochemical of the secondary compounds, with ruthenium red, tannic acid, ferric chloride, lugol, Sudan black B, vanillin/hydrochloric acid, Dragendorff’s reagent and ponceau xylidine. Histochemical tests were positive for phenolic compounds, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and proteins in A. buniifolia, A. oblongifolia, A. presliana, and A. trichorhiza. Our findings revealed that several structural and histochemical characters of Anemia with trichomes, conical stegmatas, phenolic compounds, mucilages and alkaloids are related to reducing water loss, providing an adaptive value to species in extreme environments, such as rocky outcrops, in addition to new data relevant to the group taxonomy, such as the presence of amphistomatic leaves in A. trichorhiza.

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Abstract The Yabotí Biosphere Reserve (Prov. Misiones, Argentina) with 221,155 ha, represents one of the southernmost relicts of the Paranaense forest. Currently, a project is being developed in the area to inventory and describe the ferns and lycophytes. As a result of these studies, we identify a new species of Amauropelta, A. yabotiensis. Within this genus, it belongs to the group of species with uncinate hairs and presents a unique combination of diagnostic features, including the type of pubescence on the rhizome scales, the shape of the fronds and segments and type of venation. Here, we described and illustrated the species and we analyzed its taxonomic affinities and geographic distribution. Additionally, we provided a distribution map and a key to distinguish it from other Amauropelta species from Misiones province. With this new finding, we highlighted the importance of the Yabotí Reserve as a reservoir of biodiversity in the region.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Coastal lagoons provide several ecological resources and services with their functioning being mainly investigated in temperate areas. The Patos Lagoon, a subtropical system in southern Brazil, is one of the largest chocked coastal lagoons in the world. It provides habitat for numerous organisms and a range of ecosystem services. We performed a bibliometric analysis to identify and analyze the characteristics of studies carried out in the Patos Lagoon based on articles published in peer-reviewed journals indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded database of Clarivate Analytics Web of Science and Scopus database. We found 360 articles published between 1965 and 2019 in 150 journals. The number of articles has increased in the last decades mainly resulting from national collaborative efforts. Most articles were published by Brazilian research institutions. Most studies were performed in the Patos Lagoon estuary, a Long-term Ecological Research program´s study site. Our study thus highlights the importance of long-term projects to the comprehension of subtropical coastal lagoons functioning and indicates knowledge gaps that must be addressed in future studies.

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Abstract We present the analysis of airborne and ground gamma-ray spectrometry signatures of the Araguainha impact structure, located in central Brazil, the largest impact structure in South America with ~ 40 km diameter. The airborne data are total gamma-ray counts per second collected along flight lines spaced 1 km apart. The ground gamma-ray data are concentrations of potassium, uranium, and thorium isotopes calculated from radiations measured in three individual channels. The objectives are to distinguish lithologies within the structure, which have naturally distinctive radiogenic signatures, and identify potential post-impact hydrothermal alteration zones, as indicated by high K concentrations. Based on results obtained by numerical modeling of the crater formation, we infer the locations of potential occurrences of target rocks that may have undergone hydrothermal alteration as a result of the impact. The deviations from the background potassium concentration show significant anomalous K values at the center and in the northwestern crater rim, where high concentrations of U are also observed. The numerical model shows that ideal temperature conditions for hydrothermal fluid circulation were attained right after pos-impact gravitational stabilization.

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Abstract The relationships among humidity, air temperature, wind, and vertical velocity with formation and propagation of Amazonian squall lines (ASL) is analyzed in this study. One year of data (2005) is verified by counting ASL cases according to their classification (propagated and non-propagated) to understand more clearly how the variation of these variables over this year influences their environment of formation. The results show an increase in humidity on days with ASL, with the highest occurrence during the wettest months. Furthermore, system propagation toward the interior of continent seems to be strongly related to the moisture content that reaches the coast, through the winds that blow from the ocean from both by the Northeast Trade Winds, of the North Atlantic Subtropical High, and by the Southeast Trade Winds, of the South Atlantic Subtropical High. Higher moisture content from the sea corresponds to a higher wind intensity toward the coast. A relationship between continent/ocean temperature gradient and the ASL amount and types formed is also demonstrated. Such information is extremely relevant because of the great importance of these systems in the extreme north and northeast regions of Brazil, particularly at the Amazon, given the difficulty of predicting them due to their complexity.

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Abstract The Rio Doce is a very important freshwater system in Brazil running through the Atlantic Forest, however available information about its biodiversity is scarce. In 2015, the Rio Doce basin was damaged by a burst of Fundão tailing dam in Mariana (Minas Gerais) causing an extraordinary environmental damage, with consequences still incompletely known. In the present paper we analyzed 6042 latitude/longitude records of 208 fish species from the Rio Doce deposited in collections prior to November 2015, in order to identify areas of endemism in the river before the burst. Several areas of endemism were identified along the basin, most of them describing small and novel patterns. Our analyses helped to identify areas of major diversity along the basin as well as information gaps concerning fish sampling. We hope this contribution will help obtaining quantitative measures on the impact caused by the Fundão dam catastrophe on fish biodiversity and will be useful to orient general actions towards the restoration of the basin.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Different reproductive strategies (both sexual and asexual) that may occur in individuals of the same species may explain the success of sea anemones (Cnidaria:Actiniaria) in colonizing different ecosystems around the planet. Here we provide the first record of a Bunodosoma specimen with two oral discs and discuss the possibility of asexual reproduction in this genus. One individual of Bunodosoma cangicum was found in Carneiros beach (Pernambuco state, Brazil) with two fully individualized oral discs but with column and pedal disc still connected. Our finding may represent a clue to longitudinal fission in Bunodosoma. Yet, despite the number of different studies carried out so far, the absence of data regarding asexual reproduction in Bunodosoma suggests that it might be rare in this genus, occurring only in sporadic cases such as recovery from injury.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living nematode, belonging to the bacterivorous trophic group. Although it was cited in several countries, in different types of ecosystems and in associations with other organisms, the wild habitats of this nematode have not yet been precisely defined. In Argentina, C. elegans was recently isolated from the hoverfly Allograpta exotica, a voracious predator with potential biological control against aphids in horticultural crops. In this frame, the objectives of this study were (i) to characterize it molecularly and morphologically (ii) to report a wild strain of C. elegans for the first time from Argentina, (iii) to present a new ecological niche by associating it with A. exotica and (iv) to evaluate the pathogenicity against these insects. The results of the morphological and molecular analyses made it possible to determine that the isolated nematode was C. elegans, thus establishing the ARGLP1900 wild strain as the first record of this nematode for Argentina. A new association was described, since there are no records of interaction between C. elegans and A. exotica, providing information on a new ecological niche. The new wild strain found in this work, could be appropriate for comparative genomic studies with other C. elegans strains.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim was to identify the predominant variables in the differentiation of meat quality of cattle submitted to surgical castration, immunocastration, or non-castration and finished in a tropical pasture. Thirty-nine crossbred cattle were used and distributed in three treatments: i) surgical castration; ii) immunocastration; and iii) non-castration, with an initial mean age of 14.06±0.72 months and a mean weight of 284.10±31.40 kg. We used the principal component analysis to differentiate the qualitative meat characteristics between the treatments. Based on that analysis, we found that the first three principal components explained 71.44% of the total variation in the meat quality data, which ensures that the variation found is associated with the effect of the treatments. The characteristics correlated with the first three principal components and responsible for the discrimination between sexual conditions were subcutaneous fat thickness, instrumental meat color, cooking loss and shear force. These characteristics were similar among castrated animals, regardless of the methods. Therefore, immunological castration preserves the attributes of the meat and prevents possible damage to the physical and mental integrity of the animals. Finally, principal component analysis is an important methodology in the objective investigation of beef meat attributes.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Analysis of energy expense during development has achieved special interest through time on account of the crucial role of the consumption of resources required for offspring survival. Spider eggs have a fixed composition as well as some initial energy that is supplied by mothers. These resources are necessary to support the metabolic expense not only through the embryonic period but also during the post-embryonic period, as well as for post emerging activities before spiderlings become self-sustaining. Depletion of these resources would be critical for spiders since it could give rise to prey competition as well as filial cannibalism. Even though spiders represent a megadiverse order, information regarding the metabolic requirements during spiders development is very scarce. In this study, we analyse the changes in protein, lipid and carbohydrate content as well as the variation in lipovitellin reserves and hemocyanin content during Polybetes pythagoricus development. Our results show that lipovitellins and phospholipids represent the major energy source throughout embryonic and post-embryonic development. Lipovitellin apolipoproteins are gradually consumed but are later depleted after dispersion. Phosphatidylethanolamine is mainly consumed during the post-embryonic period, while triacylglycerides are consumed after juveniles’ dispersion. Finally, hemocyanin concentration starts to increase in postembryonic stages.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Prochilodus lineatus has been considered an ecosystem engineer in the Neotropics given its influence on important ecosystem processes, and it is therefore relevant to understand their inter-specific relationships. The association of P. lineatus with parasitic helminths was studied in two isolated shallow lakes of the alluvial plain of the Middle Paraná River. Only two species of gastrointestinal nematodes were found: Spinitectus asperus (Cystidicolidae) and Klossinemella iheringi (Atractidae), with S. asperus having higher prevalence and mean intensity values. This is the first record of K. iheringi in the Middle Paraná River, Argentina, as well as the southernmost citation of S. asperus.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Climate change (CC) and human footprint (HF) shape species spatial patterns and may affect the effectiveness of Protected Areas (PAs) network. Spatial patterns of threatened bird species of Subtropical–temperate hotspots in Southeastern South American grasslands are relevant biodiversity features to guide conservation policies. However, the PAs network covers less than 1% of grassland areas and does not overlap areas with the most suitable environmental conditions for threatened birds. Our aim was to find the most environmentally suitable areas for both current and future threatened birds (2050 and 2070) in Entre Ríos. We applied Systematic Conservation Planning protocols with Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) and ZONATION using distribution interaction function and HF as a cost. Then we overlapped binary maps to find priority areas among time periods. HF showed a more fragmented spatial configuration. The PAs network may include environmentally suitable conditions for threatened birds in CC scenarios and HF. We found areas that showed more connectivity in landscape prioritization over time and ensure high-quality environmental conditions for birds. We concluded that the effectiveness of the PAs network could be improved by overlapping priority areas. Our approach provides a knowledge base as a contribution to conservation-related decisions by considering HF and CC.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In temperate, polar and montane environments, ectotherms must find ways to endure throughout the coldest months of the year. Lizards search for microsites where temperatures remain warm or alter their biochemical balance to tolerate freezing or avoid it by supercooling. We evaluated the cold hardiness and potential winter refuges of two populations of Liolaemus lineomaculatus, from a temperate site (42°S) and a cold site (50°S). We analysed the role of possible cryoprotectants by comparing a group of cooled-down lizards with a control group of lizards that were not exposed to cold. The populations of this study are not freeze tolerant and the biochemical analysis showed no evidence of metabolites significantly changing concentration after exposure to cold. However, the species remained several hours at their Supercooling Point (SCP), suggesting they can supercool. The analysis of potential winter refuges showed that lizards using these potential refuges would spend almost no time at all at temperatures close to or below their SCP. Furthermore, lizards from the cold site were able to survive below 0°C temperatures with a lower SCP than lizards from the temperate site. Liolaemus lineomaculatus developed physiological mechanisms that can help them survive when temperatures drop sharply, even when lizards are in suitable shelters.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Patterns of beta diversity of plankton communities in rivers have been mainly determined by hydrological factors that alter the dispersion and composition of species and traits. Rotifers in the Guamá River (eastern Amazonian River) were sampled (monthly between October 2017 and June 2019) to analyze the temporal variation of taxonomic and functional beta diversity and its partitions (turnover and nestedness) as well as the effects of temporal, environmental, and seasonal dissimilarities. Taxonomic turnover and functional nestedness over time were observed as well as functional homogenization, which was arguably due to the hypereutrophic condition of the river. There were no seasonal differences in taxonomic and functional beta diversity probably due the low environmental dissimilarity. This study demonstrated that this Guamá River stretch presented low environmental dissimilarity and hypereutrophic waters, which benefited the establishment of a community of species with high taxonomic turnover over time, but with low functional dissimilarity and loss of some functions related to the functional traits evaluated in the ecosystem. It is important to point out that temporal studies should evaluate both taxonomic and functional aspects of communities, mainly because the effect of environmental changes may be more noticeable at the functional level of communities.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The yerba-mate industry is one of the most important economic activities in Misiones, a province in the northeast of Argentina that is the world’s leading producer and exporter of this crop. White thread blight disease caused by Ceratobasidium niltonzousanum affects the cultivation reducing its quality and productivity. Due to the lack of a standardized visual method to quantify the severity of this disease in yerba mate, a diagrammatic scale was developed and validated. Yerba-mate branches were collected in a field in the north of Misiones province, and the actual severity was determined digitally. A six-level scale was developed using the DOSLOG software, based on the Weber-Fechner law. The validation was carried out by twenty raters. One evaluation without the diagrammatic scale and two evaluations with the scale were carried out in 14-day intervals. Accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of the scale were evaluated through linear regressions and correlation analysis, obtaining R2 values ranged between 0.70 and 0.94. Using the diagrammatic scale developed in this work, raters enhanced the accuracy and precision of the estimates, and the repeatability of the scale improved by 94.74%. The scale was appropriate to assess the damage of white thread blight in yerba mate.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The anthocyanins are pigments responsible for a wide range of colours in plants, from blue, red and purple, play essential biological roles as well as their genes are evolutionarily conserved. Purple sweet potatoes have anthocyanins as the predominant colour, even though they are present in orange roots masked by carotenoids. Several studies have focused on molecular aspects of anthocyanin genes, mainly in wild Ipomoea species, although the structure and segregation analysis of those genes in sweet potato hexaploid species are still unknown. Based on an “exon-primed intron-crossing” (EPIC) approach, fourteen pairs of primers were designed, on five structural anthocyanin genes as candidates. The strategy exploits the Intron Length Polymorphism (ILP) from Candidate Genes (CG), resulting in 93% of successful markers giving scorable and reproducible alleles. The results allowed to define partial structure and sequence of the introns and exons from the selected CG, and to determine patterns of sequence variation. The evaluation of marker dosage and allelic segregations in an Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam mapping population identified several alleles for linkage analysis. The study validated the utility of ILP-CG markers for genetic diversity and conservation applicability and a successful amplification gradient across wild Ipomoea species validated their transferability.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Understanding the effects of different production systems on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can help to interpret interactions between their components and to define management strategies. As a result, our study was conducted on soils under three coffee production systems (one homogeneous and two heterogeneous) and in a native forest located in the Bahia state, Brazil. This study aimed to answer the following questions: 1) Does the organization and management of the coffee production system affect the occurrence and diversity of AMF?; and 2) Is the seasonality effect similar between systems? To do so, soil samples (0-10 cm depth) were collected at two times of the year (rainy and dry). Number of spores (NS) and average richness did not show differences between the systems, only between seasons. There was a reduction in NS in the dry season (1.4 and 2.7 spores g-1 soil) in relation to the rainy season (3.8 to 12.5 spores g-1 soil). The influence of coffee production systems was observed in the presence and absence of some AMF species. The AMF community was shown to be related to the plant species composition of the system, which was reflected in the dissimilarity of heterogeneous systems in relation to the coffee monoculture system.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study estimated the potential effects of climate change on peripheral plant diversity by predicting the distribution of species from Cerrado of Northern Brazil. Ecological niche modeling was used to provide present and future projections of responses in terms of occurrence of ten woody species based on four algorithms and four future climate change scenarios for the year 2050. Potential refuge areas for conservation actions were identified, and evidence of the vulnerability of the flora was demonstrated based on the disparity between potential areas of climate stability amid current protected areas. The results suggested a lack of pattern between the scenarios and an idiosyncratic response of the species, indicating different impacts on plant communities and the existence of unequal stable alternative conditions, which could bring consequences to the ecological relationships and functionality of the floras. Even in the most pessimistic scenarios, most species presented an expansion of potential occurrence areas, suppressing or cohabiting with species of adjacent biomes. Typically marginal plants were the most sensitive. Overlapping adequate habitats are concentrated in the NBC. The analysis of habitats in relation to anthropized areas and PAs demonstrate low future effectiveness in the protection of these savannas.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Vegetation is expected to influence processes in the water cycle through its structural effects on key ecosystem functions in watersheds. However tropical forests are being submitted to anthropogenic pressures that result in great disturbances in the functioning of ecosystem services. Thus, the present study uses a landscape scale analysis for exploring the associations between land use changes and water availability in the Serra Azul stream watershed. The land use transitions from years 2013 to 2018 were investigated and a set of robust landscape metrics were analyzed across the study region, including water bodies Permanent Preservation Areas. A correlation analysis between the water volume of the Serra Azul reservoir and the landscape metrics was also performed to verify the association between forest resources and water availability. The results show that the region has been submitted to several impacts associated with the loss of forest areas resulting from landscape transformations throughout the region. Forest fragmentation associated to loss of connectivity severely limit water resources availability besides reducing the basin environmental resilience. The role of different management instruments for water resources protection was also discussed, emphasizing the need for participation of stakeholder in the creation process of these environmental protection instruments.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this study, monocultures of L. casei, L. acidophilus, B. lactis and their combination with yogurt starter culture were used with goat yogurt. Yogurts containing only probiotic bacteria were observed for 12 hours of fermentation, and yogurts containing both probiotic bacteria and yogurt bacteria were followed for 8 hours of fermentation. The use of yogurt culture increased the lactic acid contents, hardness values and antioxidant activities – using ABTS (2,2-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothialozine sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) methods – and exhibited a shortened fermentation time. DPPH radical scavenging activity of all probiotic yogurt samples without yogurt culture decreased significantly at the end of fermentation (after 8 hours) compared to the beginning of fermentation (p<0.05). Across all the samples, L. acidophilus and B. lactis-containing yogurts exhibited the maximum viability at the end of fermentation. L. casei could not maintain viability at the end of the 8 hour fermentation. A high positive correlation was determined between antioxidant activity (ABTS) and the free amino acid results of probiotic yogurts containing yogurt culture. In this study, it was concluded that antioxidant activity, probiotic viability and amino acid content of probiotic goat yogurts changed with fermentation time.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Urban Solid Waste Management (USWM) is one of the components that influences in the sustainable cities. It is a fundamental factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030 agenda. This paper work aims to validate a mathematical model for solid waste generation and to estimate the economic loss due lack of recycling in the city of Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul/Brazil. The model adopted was developed by Dias et. al. (2012), which allows projecting the mass of waste to be generated by the inhabitants from socioeconomic indicators, such as per capita income, social classes and size of population in a specific urban territory. Besides, waste composition was analyzed to determinate the value and share of the gravimetric characterization, in order to estimate the economic loss in areas, which there are no selective collection of Household Solid Waste (HSW). The model showed strong adherence, when compared to the real mass of HSW collected. The economic loss due to selective collection approaches nearly 9.6 million US$, or about 11 US$ per person per year. The study can provide support for economic evaluation of project sand public policies related to USWM executed in any other city with similar characteristics.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this study, we aimed to assess the spatial variability of microclimate inside a closed compost-bedded pack barn (CBP) with a negative ventilation system during summer and winter. The research was carried out in a CBP located in the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. For each of the stations analyzed, the following environmental mean variables observed inside a CBP were measured: air dry-bulb temperature (tdb), air relative humidity (RH), and windspeed, Temperature-Humidity index, and specific enthalpy. The kriging maps showed that the most critical housing conditions in the thermal environment were found, mainly, from the central part of the CBP, close to the exhaust fans. The analyses also pointed out that the system presented temperature gradients along the length, up to 3°C. During the summer afternoon, the entire region of the CBP was in a discomfort situation (tdb>26°C; RH>75%). During the winter, the measured environmental data remained within the comfort zone throughout the facility. However, probably due to the lack of thermal insulation of the material used to close the sides of the CBP, it did not allow spatial thermal uniformity for both seasons. It was also inefficient to keep the animals within the comfort zone for lactating cattle during the critical summer period.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of electrical pretreatment (40V, 60 sec) and ultrasound blanching (35kHz, 80°C, 2 min) on the drying time, texture, color, and rehydration properties of zucchini which were dried by hot air and freeze dryers to 8% moisture content (wet basis). The synergistic effect of electrical and ultrasonical applications reduced the drying time (36%) to reach the target moisture content in hot air drying and provided fracturable, chewy, and edible hard zucchini chips. The highest lightness value was found as 86.04 at the group blanched ultrasonically and freeze dried chips.The greenness was found at most (-9.31) in the combined group of electrical pretreated, ultrasound assisted blanched and freeze dried sample group. The rehydration capacity of the dried samples increased significantly with the effect of ultrasound compared to the increase with the effect of electroplasmolysis application (P≤0.05). Zucchini chips with higher quality characteristics were produced by these combined applications. The electrical method can be alternatively used for drying pretreatments in the food industry with the advantage of decreasing the processing time and improving the textural and sensorial properties compared to the method of hot drying.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this research, we aimed to evaluate the effects of various medicinal and aromatic plant aqueous extracts on physicochemical, rheological, sensorial properties of probiotic yogurts and the viability of yogurt bacteria and probiotic bacteria during the storage period. On the 28 day of storage, the maximum Bifidobacterium longum and Lacticaseibacillus casei counts were determined in thyme containing yogurt and mint and basil containing yogurt, respectively. On the 1st day of storage, the most favoured yogurt was garlic containing sample while on the 14th day, the control sample was the most favoured one. Hardness values were not showed statistically difference for all sample (p>0.05). Especially the garlic and mint yogurt samples were more liked in terms of sensory properties. Consequently, aqueous extracts of some plants such as garlic, basil and thyme have successfully used in probiotic yogurt production and all yogurt samples containing plants have the enough probiotic counts to show therapeutic effect on human health.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Silica is a versatile material employed in different applications fields including aerospace, especially for rocket engines thermal protections. It is known that particles diameter causes variations in the material properties, and the best-known methods for diameter determination in general consist of several steps in sample preparation such as drying, sieving and the determination of the refractive index according different methods. On the other hand, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques (FT-IR), in reflectance mode, related to the particle size, are less used for this type of determination. Moreover, methodologies in the near infrared region (NIR) are even less explored. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a FTIR methodology for diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) in the middle infrared region (MIR) and reflectance analysis in near infrared region (NIRA) for the determination of the particle diameter on silica samples. Both methodologies showed good results. As proven by a test sample analysis, NIRA methodology indicated better precision. Furthermore, considering small and intermediated particle sizes, a tendency towards smaller errors for the absorbance measurements of the samples was found, consistently with the available literature results.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Bergamot essential oil (BO) shows biological activities and is widely used as a flavoring for food products; however, its application in foods is limited because of the low stability and solubility in water. This study aimed to prepare whey protein isolate (WPI) and starch (S) films, including nanocellulose based BO nanoemulsions, potentially enhancing BO functionality. BO nanoemulsion was obtained by using a nanocellulose dispersion (2 mg/mL) including 3 mM CaCl2 with a ratio of 2/8 (v/v, BO/nanocellulose dispersion) and then suitably dispersed (2%, w/w) in the WPI and S film-forming solutions to obtain film samples. The water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical and optical properties and BO’s release from those obtained films were studied. The WVP (p<0.05) and tensile strength (p>0.05) of films were improved, whereas opacity increased with the addition of BO nanoemulsion (p<0.05). The release of BO from S films was faster than in WPI films. These results showed that nanocellulose could be used as carriers for essential oils such as BO to enhance its functionality within bio-polymeric matrices intended to be used as relevant carriers of aroma compounds.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This work presents an alternative method of getting tracking, and the impact point of the actual flight of a rocket, by telemetry data and slant-range device. The tracking and impact point data were obtained from an actual flight path by merging the angular components of a telemetry antenna (Azimuth, and Elevation) and the radial distance information provided by the slant-range device. The position components were analyzed with the telemetry antenna in automatic mode, target tracking, comparing with the tracking results performed by the radar. The result obtained by the composition of the coordinates of the telemetry/slant-range set, it was observed that the point of impact generated by this group had a distance of 237.64 (meters), in relation to the impact generated by the tracking of the radar. Indicating a significant reduction of the search area and can be used as na alternative form of use. It allows you to provide additional location information for payload recovery around the actual point of impact.