ABSTRACT In the semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast, water sources generally have high levels of salts, standing out as one of the abiotic stresses that restrict the growth and development of plants. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of foliar applications of hydrogen peroxide on the morphophysiology of soursop under salt stress in the pre-flowering phase. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using a randomized block design and a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement, with four values of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water - ECw (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0, 10, 20, and 30 μM), with three replicates. An increase in water electrical conductivity from 0.8 dS m-1 reduced stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and leaf water saturation deficit. It inhibited the growth of soursop plants at 370 days after transplanting. Hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of up to 10 μM increased leaf transpiration and water use efficiency of soursop plants irrigated with 1.8 dS m-1 water in the pre-flowering phase.

RESUMO Na região semiárida do Nordeste brasileiro as fontes hídricas geralmente, possuem elevados teores de saís, destacando-se como um dos estresses abióticos que restringe o crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou-se, avaliar os efeitos de aplicações foliares de peróxido de hidrogênio na morfofisiologia de gravioleira sob estresse salino na fase de pré-floração. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados e arranjo fatorial 4 × 4, sendo quatro valores de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8; 1,6; 2,4 e 3,2 dS m-1) e quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio - H2O2 (0; 10; 20 e 30 μM), com três repetições. O aumento da condutividade elétrica da água a partir de 0,8 dS m-1 diminuiu a condutância estomática, a taxa de assimilação de CO2, a eficiência instantânea de carboxilação, o déficit de saturação hídrica foliar e inibiu o crescimento das plantas de graviola aos 370 dias após o transplantio. O peróxido de hidrogênio na concentração de até 10 μM aumentou a transpiração foliar e a eficiência no uso da água de plantas de gravioleira irrigadas com água de 1,8 dS m-1 na fase de pré-floração.

ABSTRACT A great challenge of scientific research with carrot in semi-arid regions is obtaining the best productive characteristics and economic conditions by optimizing the green manure amounts using spontaneous species from the Caatinga biome, such as hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia L.) and roostertree (Calotropis procera Ait.). Therefore, this work aimed to agronomically and economically optimize the production of carrot roots in monocropping and of their components when fertilized with equitable biomass amounts of these spontaneous species in two cropping seasons in a semi-arid environment. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, with five treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of equitable amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass in amounts of 16, 29, 42, 55, and 68 t ha-1 on a dry basis. In each experiment, an additional carrot treatment without fertilizer (absolute control) was planted for comparison with the other treatments to determine maximum physical and economic efficiency. Carrot fertilization was performed with the incorporation of 48.87 t ha-1 of M. aegyptia and C. procera dry biomass into the soil to obtain the maximum optimized productive efficiency (commercial productivity). The maximum optimized agroeconomic efficiency (net income) of carrot cultivation was obtained when 49.64 t ha-1 of M. aegyptia and C. procera dry biomass was added to the soil. The use of biomass from these spontaneous species from the Caatinga biome as green manure is a viable technology for tuberose producers in monocropping in semiarid environments.

RESUMO Um grande desafio na pesquisa científica com cenoura em ambiente semiárido é obter as melhores características produtivas e condições econômicas otimizando as quantidades de adubos verdes de espécies espontâneas do bioma Caatinga, como a jitirana (Merremia aegyptia L.) e a flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera Ait.). Diante disso, esse trabalho teve como objetivo otimizar agronômica e economicamente a produção de raízes de cenoura em monocultivo e de seus componentes, quando adubados com quantidades equitativas de biomassa dessas espécies espontâneas, em duas estações de cultivos em ambiente semiárido. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos completos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quantidades equitativas de biomassa de jitirana e de flor-de-seda nas doses de 16, 29, 42, 55 e 68 t ha-1 em base seca. Em cada experimento foi plantado um tratamento adicional com cenoura sem adubo (testemunha absoluta) para efeito de comparação com os demais tratamentos para determinar a máxima eficiência física ou econômica. A adubação da cenoura foi realizada com a incorporação de 48,87 t ha-1 de biomassa seca de M. aegyptia e C. procera ao solo para obtenção da máxima eficiência produtiva otimizada (produtividade comercial). A máxima eficiência agroeconômica otimizada (renda líquida) do cultivo da cenoura foi obtida quando 49,64 t ha-1 de biomassa seca de M. aegyptia e C. procera foram adicionados ao solo. A utilização da biomassa dessas espécies espontâneas do bioma Caatinga como adubação verde é uma tecnologia viável para produtores de tuberosas em monocultivo em ambientes semiáridos.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o rendimento quântico e os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos de genótipos de algodão naturalmente coloridos sob irrigação com águas de diferentes níveis de salinidade e aplicações foliares de peróxido de hidrogênio. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4 × 3 × 2, correspondendo a quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio - H2O2 (0, 25, 50 e 75 μM), três genótipos de algodão de fibra colorida (‘BRS Rubi’, ‘BRS Topázio’ e ‘BRS Verde’) e dois valores de condutividade elétrica da água (0,8 e 5,3 dS m-1), com três repetições. A irrigação com água de 5,3 dS m-1 reduz os teores de clorofila a, clorofila b e clorofila total do algodão ‘BRS Rubi’. Os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos, fluorescência máxima, fluorescência variável e eficiência quântica do fotossistema II do algodão ‘BRS Rubi’ aumentaram sob irrigação com 0,8 dS m-1 de água e aplicação foliar de 50 μM de peróxido de hidrogênio. O uso da água de 5,3 dS m-1 e aplicações foliares de 75 μM de peróxido de hidrogênio reduzem os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos, mas não prejudicaram a eficiência do fotossistema II dos genótipos de algodão colorido.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantum yield and concentrations of photosynthetic pigments of naturally colored cotton genotypes under irrigation with waters of different electrical conductivities and foliar applications of hydrogen peroxide. The design used was randomized blocks in a 4 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0, 25, 50 and 75 μM), three genotypes of colored fiber cotton (‘BRS Rubi’, ‘BRS Topázio’ and ‘BRS Verde’) and two values of electrical conductivity of water (0.8 and 5.3 dS m-1), with three replicates. Irrigation with water of 5.3 dS m-1 reduces the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll concentrations of ‘BRS Rubi’ cotton. The concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence and quantum efficiency of photosystem II of ‘BRS Rubi’ cotton increased under irrigation with 0.8 dS m-1 water and foliar application of 50 μM of hydrogen peroxide. Water of 5.3 dS m-1 and foliar applications of 75 μM of hydrogen peroxide reduce the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, but did not cause damage to the efficiency of photosystem II of the colored cotton genotypes.

ABSTRACT: A variety of laboratory techniques are used in parasitological diagnosis. However, studies that analyze their laboratory efficiency are very scarce, especially with regard to biological samples from wild animals that are little known, with little popular attachment, such as artiodactyls. These can be infected by different parasites, including protozoa of the phylum Ciliophora, which includes the parasites Balantioides coli and Buxtonella sulcata. In this light, the aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of five coproparasitological techniques for diagnosing protozoan cysts of the phylum Ciliophora in the feces of free-living artiodactyls. To this end, 101 fecal samples were collected from trails in Pedra Selada State Park, Rio de Janeiro state, from 2020 to 2021. All the samples were analyzed using the qualitative techniques of modified Sheather floatation, modified Ritchie sedimentation and Lutz, as well as the quantitative techniques of Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster. Cyst recovery was best achieved using the modified Ritchie technique, in which 62.5% positivity was detected, followed by Lutz (47.5%), modified Sheather (37.5%) and the quantitative techniques of Mini-FLOTAC (30%) and McMaster (17.5%). In most of the comparisons between the techniques, reasonable agreement regarding the diagnosis was observed (Kappa 0.21 to 0.40), which was statistically significant (p≤0.05). McMaster showed higher mean and standard deviation values for counts of cysts per gram of feces than Mini-FLOTAC. However, there was no significant difference in the estimates for cyst counts (Wilcoxon p>0.05). Sedimentation qualitative techniques were more indicated for diagnosing cysts of protozoa of the phylum Ciliophora in the feces of free-living wild artiodactyls. These techniques can therefore be used as laboratory tools for environmental parasite monitoring. In addition, between the two quantitative techniques, Mini-FLOTAC presented better performance, thus showing its potential as a tool for estimating the abundance of cystic forms of the phylum Ciliophora in environmental samples.

RESUMO: Diversas são as técnicas laboratoriais utilizadas no diagnóstico parasitológico. No entanto, estudos que analisam a eficiência laboratorial das mesmas são muito escassos, principalmente quando se trata de amostras biológicas de animais silvestres, que possuem pouca divulgação e apego popular, como os artiodáctilos. Estes podem se infectar por diferentes parasitos, incluindo os protozoários do Filo Ciliophora, no qual se inclui Balantioides coli, bem como Buxtonella sulcata. Mediante o exposto, este estudo objetivou comparar a eficiência entre cinco técnicas coproparasitológicas para o diagnóstico de cistos de protozoário do Filo Ciliophora em fezes de artiodáctilos em vida livre. Entre 2020 e 2021 foram coletadas 101 amostras fecais em trilhas do Parque Estadual da Pedra Selada localizado no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Todas as amostras foram analisadas pelas técnicas qualitativas de flutuação de Sheather modificada, sedimentação de Ritchie modificada e Lutz, bem como por meio das técnicas quantitativas de Mini-FLOTAC e McMaster. Pode-se verificar uma superioridade na recuperação dos cistos por meio da técnica de Ritchie modificada, no qual foi detectado 62,5% de positividade, seguida pelo Lutz (47,5%), Sheather modificada (37,5%) e pelas técnicas quantitativas de Mini-FLOTAC (30%) e McMaster (17,5%). Na maioria das comparações entre as técnicas foi possível verificar uma concordância razoável (Kappa 0,21 a 0,40) em relação ao diagnóstico entre as mesmas, sendo este estatisticamente significativo (p≤0,05). McMaster em comparação com o Mini-FLOTAC foi a que apresentou os maiores valores médio e de desvio padrão na contagem dos cistos por grama de fezes. No entanto, não foi evidenciado diferença significativa na estimativa de contagem dos cistos (Wilcoxon=p>0,05). Pode-se verificar que as técnicas qualitativas de sedimentação foram consideradas as mais indicadas para o diagnóstico de cistos do protozoário do Filo Ciliophora em fezes de artiodáctilos silvestres em vida livre, podendo ser utilizadas como ferramentas laboratoriais de monitoramento parasitário ambiental. Além disso, dentre as técnicas quantitativas, o Mini-FLOTAC foi a que apresentou a melhor performance, denotando o seu potencial como uma ferramenta para se estimar a abundância de formas císticas do Filo Ciliophora em amostra ambiental.

Abstract Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.

ABSTRACT The use of spontaneous species from the Caatinga biome as green manure is a promising practice in increasing the productivity of agricultural systems and sustainable exploitation of the environment. This study aimed to estimate the maximum physical and economic efficiencies of radish agroeconomic characteristics in monocropping as a function of roostertree (Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br) biomass amounts in two cropping seasons in a semi-arid environment. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with five treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of different roostertree biomass amounts: 16, 29, 42, 55, and 68 t ha-1 on a dry basis, incorporated into the soil. In each block, two additional treatments were added, one without fertilization (control) and the other with mineral fertilizer, for comparison purposes with the maximum efficiency treatment. The radish cultivar planted was ‘Crimson Gigante’. The fertilization of the radish to obtain the maximum optimized productive efficiency (9.56 t ha-1) was possible with the incorporation of 50.86 t ha-1 of C. procera dry biomass into the soil. The maximum optimized agroeconomic efficiency (based on a net income of 37,641.08 R$ ha-1) of radish cultivation was obtained with 44.39 t ha-1 of C. procera dry biomass added to the soil. The rate of return and the profit margin obtained were 2.94 R$ for each real invested, with a profit margin of 62.55%. The use of biomass from the C. procera green manure is a viable technology for producers who practice radish monoculture in a semi-arid environment.

RESUMO O uso de espécies espontâneas do bioma Caatinga como adubo verde é uma prática promissora no aumento da produtividade dos sistemas agrícolas e na exploração sustentável do meio ambiente. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estimar as máximas eficiências físicas e econômicas das características agroeconômicas do rabanete em monocultivo, em função de quantidades de biomassa de flor-deseda em duas estações de cultivos em ambiente semiárido. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de diferentes quantidades de biomassa de flor-de-seda: 16, 29, 42, 55 e 68 t ha-1 em base seca, incorporadas ao solo. Em cada bloco dos experimentos foram adicionados dois tratamentos, um sem adubação (tratamento testemunha) e outro com adubo mineral, para fins de comparação com o tratamento de máxima eficiência. A cultivar de rabanete plantada foi a Crimson Gigante. A adubação do rabanete para obtenção da máxima eficiência produtiva otimizada (9,56 t ha-1) foi possível com a incorporação de 50,86 t ha-1 de biomassa seca de C. procera ao solo. A máxima eficiência agroeconômica otimizada (baseada na renda líquida de 37.641,08 R$ ha-1) foi obtida com a quantidade de 44,39 t ha-1 de biomassa seca de C. procera adicionada ao solo. A taxa de retorno e a margem de lucro obtida foram de R$ 2,94 para cada real investido com margem de lucro de 62,55%. A utilização da biomassa do adubo verde, C. procera, é uma tecnologia viável para produtores que praticam o monocultivo de rabanete em ambiente semiárido.

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.

Abstract Candida spp. is considered an important cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Currently, the emergence and spread of resistant Candida isolates are being increasingly reported, making the development of new agents urgently needed. In this study, we showed the in vitro anti-Candida activity of seven synthetic 3-alkylpyridine alkaloid analogs. Among them, alkaloid 1 presented a potent antifungal effect, which was independent of its capacity of binding with the fungal membrane ergosterol or cell wall. Analog 1 showed fungistatic and fungicidal effects against C. albicans (MIC 7.8 μg/mL and MFC 62.5 μg/mL), C. glabrata, C. krusei (MIC and MFC 31.2 μg/mL), and C. tropicalis (MIC 31.2 μg/mL and MFC 125 μg/mL). The time kill-curve study showed that compound 1 has a potent fungicidal effect in vitro, eliminating C. albicans cells. Furthermore, an in vitro synergistic effect with ketoconazole was observed for compound 1. This compound also eliminated the yeast-to-hypha transition. However, it showed high cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Taken together, these findings support the use of compound 1 as a prototype to develop new anti-Candida agents, but molecular modifications should be done to minimize the high cytotoxicity obtained.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance among microbial pathogens is a serious public health problem, resulting in a constant need of discovering new antibiotics. For this purpose, we synthetized and determined the antimicrobial activity of copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and tin (Sn) complexes coordinated with scorpionate ligand in a tridentate mode against microorganisms of clinical importance. New complexes with the sodium hydrotris(2-mercaptothiazolyl)borate ligand were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques (UV-vis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR). Moreover, their antimicrobial activity was evaluated using microdilution broth method. Cytotoxicity was determined in Vero cells and the selectivity index (SI) was calculated. The coordination with metals increased the ligand antimicrobial activity, which showed no activity when evaluated alone (MIC>1,080 µM). Cu-complex (1) had activity against Candida albicans and C. krusei, with MICs of 130 and 66 µM, respectively. The compounds had low toxicity on Vero cells and chemo-informatics assays corroborated a low systemic toxic effect. The SI revealed that the compound 1 was 16 times more selective for C. krusei and 8 times more selective for C. albicans in relation to Vero cells. The Cu-complex stands out as a potential prototype for the development of new antifungal agents.

Abstract Presently work was carried out the mechanical characterization of a composite of gypsum matrix reinforced with three different mass concentrations of sugarcane fibers (1 %, 2 % and 3 %), with the objective of their possible use in the production of construction elements. The analysis was made by compression and flexural strength tests. Also, through a correlation with the flexural test, it was calculated the tensile properties. With the results of the tests, it was possible to say that there is an influence of the concentration of sugarcane fibers in improving the mechanical properties of the product. The samples reinforced with 2 % of fibers had the best values for flexural, tensile and compression strength. Finally the comparison of the results obtained with some reports of the literature is carried out, and it is verified that the same ones have values approached in the resistance to the flexural and compression strength.

Resumen En este trabajo se realizó la caracterización mecánica de un material compuesto de matriz yeso reforzado con tres diferentes porcientos másicos de fibra de caña de azúcar (1 %, 2 % y 3 %), con el objetivo de su posible utilización en la fabricación de elementos de construcción. Los análisis fueron hechos a través de ensayos de resistencia a compresión y flexión. La resistencia a tracción se calculó a partir de los resultados del ensayo a flexión. De acuerdo con los resultados es posible afirmar que existe una gran influencia de los porcientos de fibra de caña de azúcar en la mejoría de las propiedades mecánicas del material compuesto, las muestras reforzadas con un 2 % de fibras fueron las que presentaron las mejores propiedades. Finalmente se realizó la comparación de los resultados obtenidos con algunos reportes de la literatura y se obtuvieron propiedades similares a otros compuestos estudiados.

Abstract In this work, vapor - liquid (VLE) equilibrium for the binary system carbon dioxide (1) + coumarin (2) at high pressures was measured by a static synthetic method using a variable-volume view cell. Experimental data were obtained in the temperature range of 318 - 338 K and pressures up to 20 MPa. Coumarin molar fraction ranged from 3.0x10-3 to 6.0x10-3. Coumarin melting point reduction at high pressures was observed. The experimental results were modeled using the Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state with van der Waals quadratic mixing rules (vdW - QMRs), providing a good representation of the experimental phase equilibrium data. Critical properties and the acentric factor were estimated using the Constantinou and Gani method, which showed to be satisfactory on the quality of data correlation. Results indicate coumarin solubility increases with increasing phase transition pressure at a given temperature.

A new nanocomposite based on ZnCdTe semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized in situ on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was obtained. The heterostructure was characterized using UV-Vis emission and absorption spectroscopies, which provided evidences of the growth of the nanocrystals onto the rGO matrix. To evaluate the electrochemical performance, carbon paste electrodes modified with the nanocomposite (QD-rGO/CPE) were prepared, showing high sensitivity in the electroanalytical detection of the pesticide carbendazim. Under optimal operational conditions a calibration curve was constructed with a linear behavior in the range of 9.98 × 10-8 to 1.18 × 10-5 mol L-1, with a correlation coefficient of 0.997. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for carbendazim were 9.16 × 10-8 and 2.78 × 10-7 mol L-1, respectively. The electrode is successfully applied for the determination of carbendazim in orange juice samples.

Morinda citrifolia (noni) is found in the Atlantic and Amazonian Forest in Brazil and with recognized uses in folk medicine. However, few studies exist in its chemical characterization. The present work aims to investigate the efficiency of the sonication for extracting bioactive compounds from fruits and leaves of noni, using an experimental design of 23, whose variables were time, temperature and mass of the plant. Parallel extractions were performed using two extraction solvents (hexane and ethanol) and the same experimental design. The compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The independent variable was the mass yield and all the variables studied in the sonication process were significant (p < 0.05%) for the process. Ethanol was more effective than hexane and the leaves produced higher yield and diversity of compounds than fruits. Vitamin E (tocopherol), octanoic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, phytol and squalene were the main compounds identified.

Resumo: Os ecossistemas recifais do Morro de São Paulo estão na área de proteção ambiental Tinharé-Boipeba, a qual foi estabelecida em 1992 no estado da Bahia, Brasil. Apesar desta área ter sido criada há mais de duas décadas, nenhum estudo foi realizado sobre a biodiversidade de invertebrados associados a tais ecossistemas recifais. Este trabalho representa o primeiro inventário de moluscos bentônicos associados aos ecossistemas recifais do Morro de São Paulo com base na coleta de indivíduos vivos e conchas com superfície íntegra e desgastada. Moluscos foram amostrados em janeiro de 2015 e agosto de 2016 através de busca ativa em habitats das regiões entremarés e sublitoral dos ecossistemas recifais nas três praias do Morro de São Paulo. A riqueza taxonômica e índices de biodiversidade foram analisados. O inventário da malacofauna resultou na identificação de 84 espécies pertencentes a 44 famílias de gastrópodes bem como 13 espécies pertencentes a oito famílias de bivalves e um quiton (total: 98 species). A riqueza de espécies foi numericamente dominada por membros da subclasse Caenogastropoda. As famílias com o maior número de espécies foram Ranellidae (5), Muricidae (6) and Marginellidae (7). Conus regius, Cypraecassis testiculus, Lobatus goliath, Strombus pugilis, Tonna galea, Turbinella laevigata e Vasum cassiforme são macroespécies extremamente vulneráveis na região devido a sua importância comercial. A composição malacofaunística da área estudada foi comparada com a do Arquipélago de Abrolhos. ACE e CHAO 1 estimaram 133 espécies de moluscos para a região. Apesar do rápido levantamento, o número de espécies descobertas na área em questão se aproximou em 73.6% do número total estimado. O considerável número de espécies de moluscos encontradas em uma área relativamente pequena com insuficiente esforço amostral ressalta a importância dos ecossistemas recifais do Morro de São Paulo como uma área prioritária para conservação na costa do estado da Bahia, Brasil, na qual a riqueza de outros grupos de invertebrados é virtualmente desconhecida.

Abstract: The reef ecosystems of Morro de São Paulo are located in the Tinharé-Boipeba Environmental Preservation Area which was established in 1992 in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Despite this area has been created more than two decades ago, no study has provided knowledge on the invertebrate biodiversity associated with such reef ecosystems. The present investigation provides the first inventory of benthic mollusks associated with the reef ecosystems of Morro de São Paulo based on the collection of living specimens and fresh empty as well as some worn shells. Mollusks were sampled in January 2015 and August 2016 through intensive searches from the intertidal to shallow subtidal habitats of the reefs on three beaches of Morro de São Paulo. Taxonomic richness and biodiversity indices were analyzed. This rapid assessment of the malacofauna resulted in the determination of 84 species belonging to 44 families of gastropods as well as 13 species belonging to eight families of bivalves and one chiton (total: 98 species). Species richness was numerically dominated by members of the subclass Caenogastropoda. The families with the largest number of species were Ranellidae (5), Muricidae (6) and Marginellidae (7). Conus regius, Cypraecassis testiculus, Lobatus goliath, Strombus pugilis, Tonna galea, Turbinella laevigata and Vasum cassiforme are extremely vulnerable macrospecies in the region due to their commercial importance. Comparisons of the malacofauna composition between the study site and Abrolhos Bank were made from data published for this region. ACE and CHAO 1 estimated 133 mollusk species for the region. Despite the rapid assessment, the number of species discovered in the study area approached 73.6% of the estimated total number. The considerable number of mollusk species found in a relatively small area with insufficient sampling underscores the importance of the reef ecosystems of Morro de São Paulo as a one priority area for conservation on the coast of the state of Bahia, Brazil, for which the species richness of other invertebrate groups is virtually unknown.

The use of insects to identify drugs in a cadaver has often been explored in the field of entomotoxicology. There are accurate methods; however, they require a high cost and are very time-consuming. The objective of this study was to develop two methods based on differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy to classify necrophagous larvae (Chrysomya megacephala, C. albiceps, Lucilia sp. and Cochliomyia macellaria) containing flunitrazepam. The voltammograms of larval extract samples were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), successive projection algorithm (SPA) and genetic algorithm (GA): linear and quadratic discriminant analysis (LDA and QDA). The EEM fluorescence data from larval extract samples were analyzed by 2D and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) with LDA. These results suggest that DPV and EEM combined with chemometrics can be used as tools for the classification of flunitrazepam in fly larvae presenting innovative applications.