Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades fisicoquímicas, morfológicas, estructurales y térmicas del almidón recuperado de los residuos de Solanum tuberosum de la industria de frituras en México, utilizando técnicas instrumentales avanzadas. La papa residual se recogió de una empresa productora de papas fritas y el almidón se obtuvo mediante extracción acuosa. El almidón presentó un contenido de carbohidratos de 87.79 %, proteínas (1.18 %), lípidos (0.15 %), cenizas (0.26 %) y amilosa (24.35 %). La capacidad de absorción de agua fue de 1.0163 g g-1, solubilidad (30.17 - 46.65 %), hinchamiento (2.31 - 8.69 g g-1). Los análisis térmicos mostraron una gelatinización del almidón entre 61.7 - 90 °C con una pérdida máxima de peso a 288.1 °C. La microscopía electrónica de barrido-espectroscopía dispersiva de energía (SEM-EDS) mostró partículas de 14 - 69 µm con una composición de 54.3 % de carbono, 45.4 % de oxígeno y 0.15 % de potasio. La dispersión dinámica de luz (DLS) mostró partículas de tamaño nanométrico (120 nm). La resonancia magnética nuclear (NMR) y la difracción de rayos X (XRD) exhibieron la cristalinidad del almidón como tipo B (34.73 %) y la reflectancia total atenuada por espectroscopia infrarroja transformada de Fourier (FTIR - ATR) mostró los grupos funcionales distintivos de la glucosa.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical, morphological, structural, and thermal properties of starch recovered from Solanum tuberosum residual of chips industry in Mexico using advanced instrumental techniques. The residual potato was collected from a chips production company and the starch obtained by aqueous extraction. The starch presented a content of carbohydrates of 87.79 %, proteins (1.18 %), lipids (0.15 %), ashes (0.26 %), and amylose (24.35 %). The water absorption capacity was 1.0163 g g-1, solubility (30.17 - 46.65 %), swelling (2.31 - 8.69 g g-1). Thermal analyzes showed a starch gelatinization about 61.7 - 90 ºC with a maximum weight loss at 288.1 °C. The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed particles of 14 - 69 µm with a composition of 54.3 % carbon, 45.4 % oxygen, and 0.15 % potassium. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed particles of nanometric size (120 nm). The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) exhibited the crystallinity of the starch as type B (34.73 %) and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) showed the functional groups distinctive of the glucose.

Resumo A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p <0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.

Abstract The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p <0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

Abstract Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is essential for the correct functioning of the organism. As it cannot be synthesized by humans, it is obtained from external food sources. Deficiency of ascorbic acid produces scurvy, which includes symptoms as fatigue, myalgia and polyarthralgia, associated with skin hemorrhage and bleeding gums. Scurvy is a rare entity. Most of the reported cases involve children with food restrictions due to neurodevelopmental disorders. The early detection of the clinical signs of this condition would avoid unnecessary complementary tests, and early treatment would help reverse symptoms and prevent complications. Case Report: a 13-year-old male patient presented with pain in both hips radiating to the knees associated with loss of strength and hematomas in the lower limbs. Objective: to highlight the importance of a complete nutritional assessment to avoid a late approach with multiple interventions.

Resumen La vitamina C o ácido ascórbico es imprescindible para el correcto funcionamiento del organismo. Los seres humanos no pueden sintetizarla; en consecuencia, dependen estrictamente de su aporte exógeno. Su déficit causa escorbuto, un cuadro que se manifiesta con fatiga, mialgias y poliartralgias, hemorragias en la piel y sangrado de las encías. Es una enfermedad infrecuente. La mayoría de los casos publicados corresponden a niños con restricciones alimentarias por trastornos del neurodesarrollo. La respuesta satisfactoria al aporte de ácido ascórbico confirma el diagnóstico. La sospecha de esta enfermedad evitaría exámenes complementarios innecesarios y el tratamiento temprano ayudaría a revertir los síntomas y prevenir complicaciones. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 13 años que consulta por dolor en ambas caderas con progresión hacia las rodillas, sumado a pérdida de la fuerza y hematomas en los miembros inferiores. El objetivo de esta presentación es resaltar la importancia de la anamnesis alimentaria completa y evitar un abordaje tardío con múltiples intervenciones.

Abstract The dwarf pequi tree, Caryocar brasiliense subsp. intermedium, is extremely restricted to ecological niches in the Cerrado biome. Thus, understanding the conditioning factors of the micro-endemism of this sub-species through its spatial distribution and the physical-chemical attributes of the soil was the objective of this research. The research was carried out in a fragment of rupestrian field. The area was divided into quadrants in which the number of pequi trees was quantified and the physicochemical characteristics of the soil were determined. The modeling of semivariograms was performed using semivariances, and ordinary kriging was used for spatial interpolation of variables with spatial dependence. The number of pequi trees, the altitude, the remaining phosphorus and the humidity showed a strong degree of spatial dependence, unlike the pH, the calcium and the magnesium, all of which had a pure nugget effect. The other variables showed a moderate degree of spatial dependence. The greater availability of bases (SB > 0.1 cmolc dm-3) and phosphorus (> 1.05 mg dm-3), the reduced percentage of moisture (< 5%) and low potential acidity (< 4.0 cmolc dm-3) were the factors positively related to the establishment and development of the dwarf pequi tree in the area.

ABSTRACT: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in humans is defined as the decrease of total hemoglobin concentration and the non-production of the adult hemoglobin subtype 2 - HbA2 (α2δ2 chains), which is considered a marker of IDA severity in humans, dosed together with the iron serum. This study aimed to determine the standard of hemoglobin types in piglets induced to experimentally IDA in the first 21 days of life (delivery to weaning). In the present study, 40 piglets born from four naïve gilts, were randomly and equally assigned among the gilts. On the third day after delivery, the groups were randomly distributed in different environments (cement and clay floors) and according to the iron supplementation (iron dextran and placebo). Erythrocyte parameters, serum iron, and hemoglobin trait were analyzed at four moments between birth and weaning days. The group of piglets that did not receive iron dextran supplementation on the third-day post-birth and were placed in the pen without soil did not present HbA2 from the seventh day onwards on the agarose electrophoretogram (pH 8.6) and this observation was correlated to decrease of serum iron (ρ: 0.156, p=0.003) when compared to the other groups’ piglets that did not present iron deficiency. In the present study was possible to determine the swine hemoglobin pattern in IDA, since HbA2 was absent in piglets with IDA in comparison to the non-ferropenic groups and the correlation between the reduction of iron levels and the absence of HbA2.

RESUMO: A anemia por deficiência de ferro (ADF) em humanos é definida como a diminuição da concentração de hemoglobina total e a não produção da hemoglobina adulta subtipo 2 - HbA2 (cadeias α2δ2), que é considerada um marcador de gravidade de IDA em humanos, dosado em conjunto com o soro de ferro. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o padrão dos tipos de hemoglobina em leitões induzidos experimentalmente à IDA nos primeiros 21 dias de vida (parto ao desmame). Quarenta leitões, nascidos de quatro marrãs nulíparas, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente e igualmente entre as leitoas. No terceiro dia após o parto, os grupos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em diferentes ambientes (piso de cimento e barro) e de acordo com a suplementação de ferro (ferro dextrano e placebo). Parâmetros eritrocitários, ferro sérico e traço de hemoglobina foram analisados em quatro momentos, entre o nascimento e o desmame. O grupo de leitões que não recebeu suplementação de ferro dextrano no terceiro dia pós-parto e foi colocado em baia sem solo não apresentou HbA2 a partir do sétimo dia no eletroforetograma de agarose (pH 8,6) e esta observação foi correlacionada com diminuição da concentração sérica ferro (ρ: 0,156, p=0,003) quando comparados aos demais grupos leitões que não apresentavam deficiência de ferro. No presente estudo foi possível determinar o padrão hemoglobinêmico suíno na IDA, uma vez que, a HbA2 estava ausente nos leitões com ADF em comparação aos grupos não ferropênicos e há correlação entre a redução dos níveis de ferro e a ausência de HbA2.

ABSTRACT The goal of this paper was to apply a method for the delineation of vegetation homogeneous zones (HZs) to map the profitability of cotton ( Gossypium sp.) using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data from RPA imagery. Two irrigated cotton crops, at the FAU (103 ha) and FRP farms (106 ha), located in the western region of Bahia State, Brazil, were studied. The NDVI images were classified into three HZs: “high”, “medium” and “low” plant vigor; using the k-means clustering method. In each HZ the yield was measured, and the profitability estimated. In FAU we found that the lower the HZ’s NDVI values, the lower its profitability, because there was profit in the “high vigor” HZ, of US$ 829.40 ha-1, and loss in the “low vigor” HZ, of about US$ ‒1.256.09 ha-1 (‒251.44% compared with the “high vigor”). In the FRP plantation, the lower the NDVI values, the lower the loss of the plantation, as there were losses in all HZs: from “high” to “low vigor” HZ, the percentage difference in profitability was ‒343.43%. Thus, the use of a low-cost modified near-infrared Canon S100 on an RPA enabled the mapping of crop profitability, aiding the search for the factors behind yield variability.

ABSTRACT Geastrum is a genus of gasteroid fungi characterized by a star-like basidiome and a bellows mechanism for releasing spores. The genus is represented by 41 species in the Brazilian northeast region. In the State of Bahia only seven species are known. The objective of this work is to describe the new occurrences of Geastrum for the State. Geastrum argentinum represents the first record for northeastern Brazil; G. brunneocapilatum, G. entomophilum, G. lloydianum and G. triplex represent the first record for Bahia State funga. Descriptions, photos of the species and checklist for northeastern Brazil are presented.

RESUMO Geastrum é um gênero de fungos gasteroides que se caracteriza pelo basidioma semelhante a estrelas com mecanismo de fole para liberação dos esporos. O gênero está representado por 43 espécies na região nordeste brasileira. No Estado da Bahia apenas oito espécies são conhecidas. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever as novas ocorrências de Geastrum para Bahia. Geastrum argentinum representa o primeiro registro para o nordeste brasileiro; G. brunneocapilatum, G. entomophilum, G. lloydianum e G. triplex representam primeiro registro para a funga baiana. Descrições, foto das espécies e lista de ocorrências para o Nordeste do Brasil são apresentadas.

Abstract In this paper we introduce the notion of orbit equivalence for semi-group actions and the concept of generalized linear control system on smooth manifold. We prove that, under certain conditions, the semi-group system of a generalized linear control system on a smooth manifold is orbit equivalent to the semigroup system of a linear control system on a homogeneous space.

ABSTRACT The elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone) is one of the species with great prominence for energy production because of its favorable traits, such as high yield and short cycle, combined with several biomass quality characteristics. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the morpho-agronomic traits of eight elephant grass genotypes under different cutting ages. A randomized block design with three replicates was applied to the experiment, and plots were composed of a 12 m long line divided into six subplots for each of the bimonthly cuts. Eight genotypes were evaluated in the plots, and the cutting ages (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12-mo) were analyzed in the subplots. The following traits were assessed: DM yield, (DMY) percentage of DM, and average plant height (HEI). All genetic-statistical analyses were conducted using the Genes Program. The evaluated genotypes showed nonsignificant differences, indicating that, for the evaluated traits, these genotypes are genetically similar. Most genotypes presented linear effect of 2nd degree in the two assessment cuts, pointing they did not reach their maximum capacity of DMY in the time interval of the evaluated cuts. The maximum %DM achieved for the most genotypes occurred at about 9-mo age, while genotypes Vruckwona and BAG-86 at about 10-mo age. The maximum points for HEI trait were between 8 and 10-mo age. Increasing the cutting interval leads to increases in DM yield, with the 10-mo cutting age being the most efficient, resulting in higher yields.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The percentage of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases worldwide is estimated at 18–50%; 53% in Cuba specifically, and 58% in Havana, the Cuban capital and the 2020 epicenter of the country’s COVID-19 epidemic. These figures, however, do not represent the transmission capacity or behavior of asymptomatic cases. Understanding asymptomatic transmission’s contribution to SARS-CoV-2 spread is of great importance to disease control and prevention. OBJECTIVE Identify the epidemiological implications of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in Havana, Cuba, during the first wave of the epidemic in 2020. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional study of all confirmed COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Havana, Cuba, from March 16 through June 30, 2020. The information was obtained through review of the standardized form for investigation of suspected and confirmed cases. Examined variables included age, sex, occupation, case type and source of infection. Cases were divided into asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, and transmission was characterized through the creation of a contact matrix. Analysis was carried out in Epidat and R. RESULTS We studied 1287 confirmed cases, of which 57.7% (743) were asymptomatic, and 42.3% (544) were symptomatic. Symptomatic presentation was the most common for both imported and introduced cases, while asymptomatic presentation was more common in autochthonic cases and infections from an undetermined source. Asymptomatic infection was more common in groups aged <20 and 20–59 years, while symptomatic infection was more common in those aged >60 years. In the contact matrix, 34.6% of cases (445/1287) were not tied to other cases, and 65.4% (842/1287) were infectious–infected dyads, with symptomatic–symptomatic being the most common combination. The majority of primary cases (78.5%; 1002/1276) did not generate secondary cases, and 85.6% (658/743) of asymptomatic cases did not lead to other cases (although one asymptomatic superspreader led to 90 cases in a single event). However, 63.2% (344/544) of symptomatic primary cases generated secondary cases, and 11 symptomatic superspreaders spawned 100 secondary cases in different events. CONCLUSIONS Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was the most common form of COVID-19 in Havana during the study period, but its capacity for contagion was lower than that of symptomatic individuals. Superspreader events under specific conditions played an important role in sustaining the epidemic.

Resumo O interesse por espécies vegetais com ação antiviral tem crescido exponencialmente e algumas tem sido relatadas como possuídoras de propriedades anti-HIV. Essa pesquisa tem como objetivo realizar o fracionamento fitoquímico biodirecionado pela atividade antirretroviral das cascas do caule da espécie Lafoensia pacari. Trata-se de um estudo experimental in vitro e a metodologia envolve preparo do material vegetal, obtenção do extrato etanólico, fracionamento, purificação, identificação e quantificação das frações, extração ácido-base, ressonância magnética nuclear, teste de inibição da TR do HIV-1 e estudos de docking molecular. A partir do fracionamento biodirecionado pela atividade antirretroviral verificou-se uma maior atividade nas subfrações acetanólica. Com destaque para a subfração acetanólica neutros com 60,98% de inibição de TR e o ácido elágico com 88,61% de inibição de TR e ausência de citotoxicidade. Verificou-se com o teste de citotoxicidade em linhagem de macrófagos que a fração clorofórmica foi mais tóxica que a fração acetanólica. A análise do espectro J-resolvido na região aromática apresentou um simpleto em 7.48 e 6.93 ppm que foram identificados como ácido elágico e ácido gálico respectivamente. A enzima 5TIQ obteve melhor parâmetro de afinidade com o ligante ácido elágico que foi confirmado pelos espectros HSQC-1H-13C. O ácido gálico mostrou-se também favorável a formar interação com a enzima 5TIQ, sendo confirmado através do espectro HSQC-1H-13C. Através da avaliação do PreADMET verificou-se que o ácido elágico é uma molécula promissora pela sua atividade de inibição da TR e parâmetros farmacocinéticos e de toxicidade.

Abstract Interest in antiviral plant species has grown exponentially and some have been reported to have anti-HIV properties. This research aims to perform the bio-guided phytochemical fractionation by antiretroviral activity of Lafoensia pacari stem barks. This in vitro experimental study involved the preparation of plant material, obtention of ethanolic extract, fractionation, purification, identification and quantification of fractions, acid-base extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, HIV-1 RT inhibition test and molecular docking studies. From the bio-guided fractionation by the antiretroviral activity there was a higher activity in the acetanolic subfractions, highlighting the acetate subfraction – neutrals with 60.98% of RT inhibition and ellagic acid with 88.61% of RT inhibition and absence of cytotoxicity. The macrophage lineage cytotoxicity assay showed that the chloroform fraction was more toxic than the acetate fraction. The analysis of the J-resolved spectrum in the aromatic region showed a singlet at 7.48 and 6.93 ppm which was identified as ellagic acid and gallic acid, respectively. The 5TIQ enzyme obtained better affinity parameter with the ellagic acid ligand, which was confirmed by the HSQC-1H-13C spectra. Gallic acid was also favorable to form interaction with the 5TIQ enzyme, being confirmed through the HSQC-1H-13C spectrum. From the PreADMET evaluation it was found that ellagic acid is a promising molecule for its RT inhibition activity and pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters.

ABSTRACT Background: Neotropical species lack autecological information. Among these, are phenological studies, which help to understand forest dynamics and provide important contributions to the collection, restoration, and conservation programs. This research aimed to characterize the vegetative and reproductive phenological behavior of neotropical species Geoffroea spinosa Jacq. in a seasonally dry tropical forest, as well as to verify if there is a correlation between phenophases and environmental parameters. Twenty individuals were accompanied monthly for two years, to detect and tally the presence of floral buds, flowers, immature fruits, ripe fruits, leaf emergence, presence of mature leaves, and defoliation. A semi-quantitative evaluation was carried out with the Fournier method. Results: The results showed that the population had synchrony of reproductive events, with more than 50% of the individuals blooming and fruiting during the same time interval. Furthermore, the circular statistical test indicated a high seasonality for reproductive events (r ≥ 0.50 and p < 0.001). Among the vegetative events, all were classified as non-seasonal (r < 0.5). G. spinosa, showed a significant correlation (p ≤ 0.05) for all meteorological variables evaluated. Conclusion: The reproductive phenophases of G. spinosa showed strongly seasonal behavior, unlike vegetative events. the period between mid-February and the end of March was the most propitious for fruit collection. No seasonality was observed for the vegetative events. The species proved to be sensitive to El niño conditions. Follow-up phenological studies associated with meteorological variables are important for a better understanding of the dynamics of vegetative behavior in response to climate change.

Abstract The continental margin off the southeastern Brazilian coast is punctuated by a series of geological-geomorphological features, such as subsurface saline diapirs and pockmarks at the seafloor interface, which evidence the abundant presence of oil and gas in the region. In several of these sites, hydrocarbons can be naturally released into the water column, areas are cold seep areas. These are marked by the presence of oil- and gas-dependent ecosystems, where specific organisms are able to fix carbon from hydrocarbon chemosynthesis. In addition, light hydrocarbon fluid flow through the sediment may build up authigenic carbonates that can be further colonized by cold-water corals, generating large carbonate mounds over geological time, normally positioned at the border of these pockmark features. The present work reports on a multidisciplinary oceanographic cruise carried out in the Santos Basin, SW Atlantic, to seek, map, and collect geological, chemical, and biological data from different deep-sea habitats. The cruise occurred in November 2019 on the R/V Alpha Crucis of the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo (IOUSP). We intended to discover and detail different geomorphological features, characterize free-living and symbiotic microorganisms, determine the chemosynthetic rates in relation to heterotrophic microbial production, and characterize the fauna and study their ecological and evolutionary links within and across ocean basins. All discoveries made during the cruise and their respective results will be presented separately in several papers that comprise this special volume.

Resumo Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Abstract The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.