Abstract The success of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus infection in fish involves a complexity of variables. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between abundance of P. (S.) inopinatus with biometric and somatic parameters, sex, relative condition factor (Kn) and hosts diet, as well as to evaluate length relationship of the parasites and the hosts. The fishes were collected by the mesh method and data, length, weight, sex, gonad and liver weight, Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI), Kn and stomach content were recorded. Twenty-seven specimens of P. (S.) inopinatus were collected in the intestine from Serrasalmus rhombeus and 52 from Leporinus friderici. In general, the prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of infection was higher in L. friderici. The total abundance was explained by the variables GSI, HSI total length, gonad and liver weight. Fish relative condition factor (kn) and sex were not influenced by the infection, being that the parasite infection did not impair the body condition of the hosts. There is no relationship between host length and parasite length in any of the evaluated fish species. On average, S. rhombeus parasites are 0.69 cm larger than L. friderici parasites.

Resumo O bioma Cerrado brasileiro apresenta em uma grande variedade de espécies endêmicas com diversos compostos bioativos, e Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg é uma espécie promissora. Neste estudo, objetivamos realizar a caracterização fitoquímica e avaliar as atividades antioxidantes e antibacterianas contra Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli do extrato hidroetanólico de cascas do caule de A. peregrina. As cascas foram coletadas no Jardim Botânico de Goiânia, Brasil. O extrato hidroetanólico foi obtido por percolação e submetido a triagem físico-química, estimativa de conteúdo fenólico total, impressão digital por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) e determinação da atividade antioxidante (valores de IC50 foram calculados para o ensaio 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil) e antibacteriana. O pH do extrato foi de 5,21 e a densidade foi de 0,956 g/cm3. A triagem fitoquímica indicou a presença de glicosídeos cardíacos, ácidos orgânicos, açúcares redutores, saponinas hemolíticas, fenóis, cumarinas, taninos condensados, flavonóides, catequinas, depsídios e depsidonas derivados de benzoquinonas. O extrato mostrou intensa atividade hemolítica. O conteúdo fenólico total foi de 6,40 g de GAE 100 g-1. A análise por impressão digital por HPLC revelou a presença de ácido gálico, catequina e epicatequina. Confirmamos a atividade antioxidante do extrato. Além disso, o extrato não inibiu o crescimento de colônias de E. coli em nenhum volume testado, mas houve halos em torno das colônias de S. aureus nos três volumes testados. Estes resultados contribuem para uma melhor compreensão da composição química da casca de A. peregrina e apoia ainda mais as aplicações medicinais desta espécie.

Abstract The Brazilian Cerrado biome consists of a great variety of endemic species with several bioactive compounds, and Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg is a promising species. In this study, we aimed to perform phytochemical characterization and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of the hydroethanolic extract of A. peregrina stem bark. The barks were collected in the Botanical Garden of Goiânia, Brazil. The hydroethanolic extract was obtained by percolation and subjected to physicochemical screening, total phenolic content estimation, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting, and antioxidant (IC50 values were calculated for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay - DPPH) and antibacterial activity determination. The pH of the extract was 5.21 and density was 0.956 g/cm3. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides, organic acids, reducing sugars, hemolytic saponins, phenols, coumarins, condensed tannins, flavonoids, catechins, depsides, and depsidones derived from benzoquinones. The extract showed intense hemolytic activity. The total phenolic content was 6.40 g GAE 100 g-1. The HPLC fingerprinting analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin. We confirmed the antioxidant activity of the extract. Furthermore, the extract did not inhibit the growth of E. coli colonies at any volume tested, but there were halos around S. aureus colonies at all three volumes tested. These results contribute to a better understanding of the chemical composition of A. peregrina stem bark and further support the medicinal applications of this species.

Abstract Background: Proteases play an important role for the proper physiological functions of the most diverse organisms. When unregulated, they are associated with several pathologies. Therefore, proteases have become potential therapeutic targets regarding the search for inhibitors. Snake venoms are complex mixtures of molecules that can feature a variety of functions, including peptidase inhibition. Considering this, the present study reports the purification and characterization of a Kunitz-type peptide present in the Dendroaspis polylepis venom as a simultaneous inhibitor of elastase-1 and cathepsin L. Methods: The low molecular weight pool from D. polylepis venom was fractionated in reverse phase HPLC and all peaks were tested in fluorimetric assays. The selected fraction that presented inhibitory activity over both proteases was submitted to mass spectrometry analysis, and the obtained sequence was determined as a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor homolog dendrotoxin I. The molecular docking of the Kunitz peptide on the elastase was carried out in the program Z-DOCK, and the program RosettaDock was used to add hydrogens to the models, which were re-ranked using ZRANK program. Results: The fraction containing the Kunitz molecule presented similar inhibition of both elastase-1 and cathepsin L. This Kunitz-type peptide was characterized as an uncompetitive inhibitor for elastase-1, presenting an inhibition constant (Ki) of 8 μM. The docking analysis led us to synthesize two peptides: PEP1, which was substrate for both elastase-1 and cathepsin L, and PEP2, a 30-mer cyclic peptide, which showed to be a cathepsin L competitive inhibitor, with a Ki of 1.96 µM, and an elastase-1 substrate. Conclusion: This work describes a Kunitz-type peptide toxin presenting inhibitory potential over serine and cysteine proteases, and this could contribute to further understand the envenomation process by D. polylepis. In addition, the PEP2 inhibits the cathepsin L activity with a low inhibition constant.

ABSTRACT Soybeans contain about 30% carbohydrate, mainly consisting of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and oligosaccharides. NSP are not hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract of monogastric animals. These NSP negatively affect the development of these animals, especially the soluble fraction. This work aimed to establish a method to quantify NSP in soybeans, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to estimate correlations between NSP, oligosaccharides, protein and oil. Sucrose, raffinose + stachyose, soluble and insoluble NSP contents were determined by HPLC. Oil and protein contents were determined by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The soluble PNAs content showed no significant correlation with protein, oil, sucrose and raffinose + stachyose contents, but oligosaccharides showed a negative correlation with protein content. These findings open up the possibility of developing cultivars with low soluble NSP content, aiming to develop feed for monogastric animals.

RESUMO Esse trabalho apresenta o estudo palinológico de 16 especies de Fabaceae (Bauhinia variegata (L,.), Caesalpinia echinata Lam., C. pulcherrima (L.) Sw., Calliandra surinamensis Benth., Cassia grandis L. f., Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Inga vera Willd., I. laurina (Sw.) Willd., Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth., M. pudica L., Myroxylon peruiferum L. f., Platypodium elegans Vogel, Poincianella pluviosa (DC.) L.P. Queiroz, Senna multijuga (Rich.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, S. polyphylla (Jacq.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby e Senna trachypus (Mart. ex Benth.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby) ocorrentes no Centro Universitário de Patos de Minas Campus I - UNIPAM e na área urbana da cidade. Os resultados demonstraram que Fabaceae é uma família euripolinica, com grãos de pólen pequenos, médios, grandes e muito grandes, com unidades de dispersão em mônades, tétrades e políades, 3-colporados, 3-colpados, 4-(-5)-(6)-24-porados, com sexina psilada, rugulada, reticulado-rugulada, retipilada a estriado-reticulada.

ABSTRACT This paper presents a palinologycal study of 16 Fabaceae species (Bauhinia variegata (L.), Caesalpinia echinata Lam., C. pulcherrima (L.) Sw., Calliandra surinamensis Benth., Cassia grandis L. f., Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Inga vera Willd., I. laurina (Sw.) Willd., Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth., M. pudica L., Myroxylon peruiferum L. f., Platypodium elegans Vogel, Poincianella pluviosa (DC.) L.P. Queiroz, Senna multijuga (Rich.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, S. polyphylla (Jacq.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby and Senna trachypus (Mart. ex Benth.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby), which occur in the Centro Universitário de Patos de Minas Campus I- UNIPAM, and in the urban area of the city. The results showed that Fabaceae is euripalinous, displaying small, medium, large and very large sized pollen grains, dispersed in monads, tetrads and polyads, 3-colporate, 3-colpate, 4-(5)-(6)-24-porate, and with psilate, rugulate, reticulate-rugulate, retipilate to striate-reticulate sexine.

ABSTRACT In this study, we have optimized production of bacterial cellulose (BC) by Komagataeibacter hansenii ATCC 23769 in a static cultivation using sisal juice, an agroindustrial residue, as substrate. Optimization of fermentation parameters has been carried out using the one-variable-at-a-time method. Effect of initial sugar concentration, pH, nitrogen supplement, and cultivation time was evaluated. The influence of nitrogen source and quantity for bacterial cellulose production was studied using a central composite rotational design (CCRD).The highest production of BC (3.38 g/L) was obtained after 10 days of cultivation, using sisal juice (pH 5) at 15 g/L of sugars and supplemented with 7.5 g/L of extract yeast. The cellulose production yield in selected sisal culture conditions was three times higher than the yield in synthetic medium, indicating that sisal juice is a suitable substrate for BC production.

Resumo A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) é consumida principalmente como “chimarrão”, uma bebida quente muito apreciada no Brasil, Argentina, Paraguai e Uruguai. Este estudo avaliou o potencial antioxidante de extratos aquosos de I. paraguariensis precipitado com etanol. Folhas de erva-mate foram processados de maneira semelhante ao processamento do chá-preto (OX) e na forma de mate (TM). O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado sobre células de Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes para genes de defesa antioxidante. Três linhagens celulares foram estudadas: uma selvagem (EG) e duas mutantes (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). As linhagens foram pré-tratadas com os extratos de erva-mate (TM e OX) e submetidos ao estresse oxidativo induzido por peróxido de hidrogênio. Nenhum dos extratos produziu perda de viabilidade celular. Os extratos exerceram atividade antioxidante, protegendo as linhagens (exceto a sod1Δctt1Δ). O extrato TM foi mais eficaz em relação ao OX. Extratos de I. paraguariensis apresentaram potencial para ser explorado no desenvolvimento de novas formulações.

Abstract Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) is mainly consumed as “chimarrão”, a hot drink highly appreciated in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts of I. paraguariensis precipitated with ethanol. The leaves were processed as for tea product (TM) and oxidized (OX). The antioxidant potential was evaluated in cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in antioxidant defense genes. Three strains evaluated were: a wild (EG) and two mutants (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). These strains were pre-treated with the yerba-mate extracts (TM e OX) and submitted to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. None of the extracts produced loss of cell viability. The extracts exerted antioxidant activity, protecting the strains (except sod1∆ctt1∆). The TM extract was more effective than OX. I. paraguariensis extracts showed a potential to be explored in the development of new products.

ResumoO objetivo desse trabalho é desenvolver catalisadores cerâmicos compostos por hexa-aluminatos de metais alcalinos terrosos (Ca e Ba) - CaAl12O19 e BaAl12O19, respectivamente, na forma de pó cerâmico, por meio dos métodos de síntese Pechini e da reação de combustão. Analisar a influência destes métodos de síntese sobre as características estruturais e físicas dos materiais obtidos faz parte dos objetivos deste estudo. Ambos os métodos de síntese empregados neste trabalho se mostraram eficientes para a reprodução dos materiais cerâmicos supramencionados. No entanto, com base nos resultados obtidos, o método Pechini mostrou-se mais adequado para a reprodução destes materiais por ter levado à obtenção de amostras compostas por hexa-aluminato de cálcio e de bário contendo menores teores residuais de matéria orgânica oriundas da metodologia de síntese além das mesmas terem apresentado características texturais mais apropriadas para um material cerâmico destinado a processos catalíticos heterogêneos de cargas gasosas.

AbstractThe aim of this work is to develop ceramic catalysts composed by hexaluminates alkaline earth metals (Ca and Ba) - CaAl12O19 and BaAl12O19, respectively, in the form of ceramic powder by means of Pechini and the combustion reaction methods. Analyze the influence of these synthesis methods on the structural and physical characteristics of the materials obtained is part of the objectives of this study. Both synthesis methods employed in this study were effective for the reproduction of the aforementioned ceramic materials. However, based on the results obtained, the Pechini method showed more suitable for reproduction of these materials of a matter brought to obtaining of samples composed by hexaluminate of calcium and barium containing lower residual amounts of organic matter derived from the methodology synthesis beyond them has been presented more appropriate textural characteristics for a ceramic material intended for the heterogeneous catalytic processes of gaseous loads.

Eriocaulaceae é uma família pantropical com dez gêneros e cerca de 1.400 espécies, com centro de diversidade no Novo Mundo, especialmente no Brasil. A última revisão da família foi publicada há mais de 100 anos, e até recentemente, as relações genéricas e infra-genéricas ainda eram pouco resolvidas. Entretanto, tem havido nos últimos 30 anos, um grande esforço por parte de pesquisadores brasileiros para preencher as lacunas existentes, utilizando caracteres morfológicos e anatômicos, complementados por dados adicionais de diferentes fontes, como palinologia, química, embriologia, genética de populações, citologia e, mais recentemente, estudos de filogenia molecular. Tal conjunto de dados tem levado a uma re-avaliação do relacionamento filogenético dentro da familia. Neste trabalho são apresentados novos dados para as regiões de ITS e trnL-F, analisadas separadamente e em combinação, usando máxima parcimônia e inferência Bayesiana. Os dados obtidos confirmam resultados já publicados, e mostram que muitos caracteres tradicionalmente usados para diferenciação e circunscrição dos gêneros dentro da família são homoplásicos. Uma nova descrição e chave genérica para a família, utilizando caracteres de várias fontes são apresentadas, refletindo a taxonomia atual das Eriocaulaceae.

The pantropical family Eriocaulaceae includes ten genera and c. 1,400 species, with diversity concentrated in the New World. The last complete revision of the family was published more than 100 years ago, and until recently the generic and infrageneric relationships were poorly resolved. However, a multi-disciplinary approach over the last 30 years, using morphological and anatomical characters, has been supplemented with additional data from palynology, chemistry, embryology, population genetics, cytology and, more recently, molecular phylogenetic studies. This led to a reassessment of phylogenetic relationships within the family. In this paper we present new data for the ITS and trnL-F regions, analysed separately and in combination, using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. The data confirm previous results, and show that many characters traditionally used for differentiating and circumscribing the genera within the family are homoplasious. A new generic key with characters from various sources and reflecting the current taxonomic changes is presented.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar características associadas à atividade fotossintética de plantas de mandioca sob competição ou não com plantas daninhas. O experimento foi realizado em condições de ambiente aberto, sendo as unidades experimentais compostas por vasos de fibra de vidro de 150 dm³ preenchidos com Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo, previamente adubado. Os tratamentos consistiram no cultivo de plantas de mandioca isoladas e associadas a três espécies daninhas (Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis e Brachiaria plantaginea). Após início da brotação das manivas, 15 dias após o plantio, fez-se o desbaste das plantas daninhas, semeadas no momento do plantio das manivas, deixando-se oito plantas de B. pilosa, quatro de C.benghalensis e quatro de B.plantaginea. Aos 60 dias após a brotação das manivas, avaliou-se a concentração de CO2 interna na folha (Ci), temperatura da folha no momento da avaliação (Tleaf) e a taxa fotossintética (A), sendo calculado também o CO2 consumido (ΔC) referentes às plantas de mandioca. Foi elaborada ainda matriz de correlação entre as variáveis. Todas as características avaliadas foram influenciadas pela espécie de planta daninha em competição com a cultura. A mandioca foi mais afetada por B. pilosa e B. plantaginea em relação ao acesso à radiação solar e água, enquanto C. benghalensis parece afetar mais a composição da luz incidente sobre a cultura, permitindo que a mandioca possa antecipar a imposição da competição, mesmo antes que atinja níveis prejudiciais.

The objective of this work was to evaluate characteristics associated with the photosynthetic activity of cassava plants under weed competition. The trial was carried out under field conditions, and experimental units consisted of 150 dm³ fiberglass boxes containing red yellow Latosol, previously corrected and fertilized. Treatments consisted in the cultivation of cassava plants which were free of weed competition and associated with three weed species: Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis or Brachiaria plantaginea. After manioc sprouting started, 15 days after being planted, weeds that had been sown when manioc was planted were thinned, there were then eight plants left per experimental unit in accordance with specified treatments: cassava free of competition, cassava competing with B. pilosa, cassava competing with C. benghalensis and cassava competing with B. plantaginea. Sixty days after crop emergence leaf internal CO2 concentration (Ci), leaf temperature at the time of evaluation (Tleaf) and photosynthetic rate (A) were evaluated, also the CO2 consumption rate (ΔC) of cassava plants was calculated. A correlation matrix between variables was also obtained. All characteristics associated with photosynthesis in cassava plants were influenced by weed species. Cassava was more affected by B. pilosa and B. plantaginea in which concerns its exposition to solar radiation and water, while C. benghalensis seems to mostly affect the composition of incident light on the culture, allowing cassava to anticipate imposition when competing, even before it reaches harmful levels.

Das cascas do tronco e das folhas do Hymenodictyon floribundum B. L. Rob foram isolados dois novos iridoides, floribundano A (1) e floribundano B (2), e três compostos conhecidos, lupenona (3), escopoletina (4) e 4,5-di-hidroblumenol A (5). As estruturas de todos os compostos foram estabelecidas com base nos seus dados espectroscópicos.

Two new iridoids floribundane A (1) and floribundane B (2) and the known compounds lupenone (3), scopoletin (4) and 4,5-dihydroblumenol A (5) were isolated from trunk bark and leaves of Hymenodictyon floribundum B.L. Rob. The structures of all compounds were established from their spectroscopic data.

The objective of this study was to evaluate characteristics associated with the photosynthetic efficiency and water use of weed species. Treatments were composed by the species Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis and Brachiaria plantaginea, sown individually in the experimental units. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 3 x 4 factorial, with three repetitions. Characteristics associated with water use - transpiratory rate (E), stomatal conductance (Gs), vapor pressure in the substomatal chamber (Ean) and water use efficiency (WUE) - as well as photosynthesis - internal leaf CO2 concentration (Ci), CO2 consumed during the evaluation (ΔC),leaves average temperature at evaluation time (Tleaf) and photosynthetic rate (A) - were evaluated. B. plantaginea showed lower E, lower WUE and higher A and Ci, differing from the other involved species. B. pilosa showed lower values of WUE, A and T when compared to the other species. According to the results, it can be concluded that B. plantaginea was more efficient in characteristics related to the photosynthesis, i.e., more efficient use of light. B. pilosa was more efficient in characteristics related to water use.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar las características asociadas con la eficiencia fotosintética y del uso del agua en especies de malezas. Los tratamientos fueron compuestos por las especies Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis y Brachiaria plantaginea, sembradas individualmente en las unidades experimentales. El diseño experimental fue en bloques al azar en una factorial 3 x 4 con tres repeticiones. Se evaluaron características asociadas con el uso del agua - tasa transpiratoria (E), conductancia estomática (Gs), presión de vapor en la cavidad subestomatal (Ean) y la eficiencia del uso del agua (EUA) - así como la fotosíntesis - concentración interna de CO2 en la hoja (Ci), CO2 consumido durante la evaluación (ΔC), temperatura media de las hojas en el momento de la evaluación (Tleaf) y la tasa fotosintética (A). B. plantaginea presentó menor E, menor EUA y más altos A y Ci, diferiendo de las otras especies. B. pilosa mostró valores más bajos de EUA, A y T en comparación con otras especies. Según los resultados, se puede concluir que la B. plantaginea fue más eficiente en las características relacionadas con la fotosíntesis, es decir, más eficiente en el aprovechamiento de la luz. B. pilosa fue más eficiente en las características relacionadas con el uso del agua.

This work reports the second record of the scorpion Tityus bahiensis Perty from Venezuela. The specimen was found alive in a wardrobe at a hotel resort in Margarita Island, northeastern Venezuela. Morphological characterization allowed its assignment to the Tityus bahiensis population inhabiting the southernmost area of the species' geographic range, e.g. the state of São Paulo in Brazil, northern Argentina and Paraguay. The fact that the only available Venezuelan antiscorpion (anti-Tityus discrepans) serum does not neutralize the effects of alpha- and beta-toxin from Tityus serrulatus venom (which resembles in composition that of T. bahiensis) constitutes a warning to local clinicians confronted with envenomations by noxious species transported to Venezuela from Brazil by human agency.

Estudou-se a aderência de um modelo determinístico de isotermas para avaliar a dinâmica populacional de Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera, Muscidae). As formas lineares das equações obtidas para os experimentos nas diversas fases foram: para ovo: 1/D = -0,18 + 0,02 . T; larva: 1/D = - 0,028 + 0,01 . T; pupa: 1/D = -0,069 + 0,01 . T; e adulto: 1/D = -0,4178 + 0,02 . T. Em função da temperatura, S. nudiseta pode apresentar de 4,18 a 8,95 e de 4,91 a 8,99 gerações por ano, quando calculadas por meio das equações de desenvolvimento e pelas simulações, respectivamente. Sendo que, quanto mais alta a temperatura, maior o número de gerações. Por intermédio da análise de variância verificou-se a significância para as equações de regressão relativas ao número de gerações anuais (Ng/ano) de S. nudiseta em função das isotermas, para duas situações estudadas. Obteve-se uma significância de 0,1%. As equações de regressão obtidas para essas situações foram: Ng/ano = 5,4 + 0,5 . T e Ng/ano = 5,1 + 0,52 . T. O número de gerações de S. nudiseta varia linearmente com as isotermas. Além disso, o número de gerações anuais para cada isoterma não difere estatisticamente quando calculadas por meio das equações de desenvolvimento ou por meio das simulações. Tais condições sugerem a adequação do modelo determinístico adotado.

The isothermal deterministic model adherence was studied to evaluate the population dinamic of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera, Muscidae). The linear form of equation obtained for the experiments in the several phases, were for Egg: 1/D = -0.18 + 0.02 . T; Larva: 1/D = -0.028 + 0.01. T; Pupa: 1/D = -0.069 + 0.01 . T; and Adult: 1/D = -0.4178 + 0.02 . T. In function of temperature, S. nudiseta can present from 4.18 to 8.95 and from 4.91 to 8.99 generations per year, when calculated through the equations of development and through the simulations, respectively. And the higher the temperature the larger the generation number. Through variance analysis it was verified the significance for the regression equations in relation to the annual generation number (Ng/year) of S. nudiseta in function of the isothermals, for two studied situations. It was obtained a significance of 0,1%. The regression equations obtained for these situations were: Ng/year = 5.4 + 0.5 . T and Ng/year = 5.1 + 0.52 . T. The number of generations of S. nudiseta varies linearly with the isothermal. Besides that, the number of annual generations for each isothermal does not differ statistically when calculated through the development equations or through the simulations. Such conditions suggest the adaptation of the deterministic model adopted.