ABSTRACT Although soybean is one of the most important agricultural commodities in the world, it has been losing genetic diversity in recent decades, due to the intense breeding process and reproduction method. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and estimate the genetic diversity among inbred lines, and identify promising crossings. A total of 66 soybean genotypes were evaluated, 61 of which were pre-commercial lines, and five commercial cultivars (AS3797, DESAFIO, M7110, M7739, M8210) as controls. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with three replicates. The distance matrix between the inbred lines was calculated by Mahalanobis distance and grouping by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The maximum distance was 1,776.26 between cultivar M7110 and the G23 inbred line, and the minimum 1.50 between inbred lines G13 and G36, with an average distance of 364.40, demonstrating genetic diversity. The traits that contributed most to genetic divergence were number of days to flowering (66.7%) and physiological maturation (28.55%). Inbred lines G60 (higher grain yield), G51 and G33 (lower physiological maturation) and cultivar M7110 (greater divergence) stood out. Four groups were formed, with G1 having the highest grain yield and fewest days to flowering and physiological maturation. The indicated crossings are between G60, G57, CD2728, M7110, G33 and G32 (group G1) and G47 (group G4).

RESUMO A soja é uma das mais importantes comodities agrícolas mundiais, no entanto, devido ao intenso processo de melhoramento e sua forma de reprodução, vem perdendo diversidade genética ao longo das últimas décadas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico, estimar a diversidade genética entre as linhagens e identificar cruzamentos promissores. Para isto, foram avaliados 66 genótipos de soja, sendo 61 linhagens pré-comerciais e cinco cultivares comerciais (AS3797, DESAFIO, M7110, M7739, M8210) como controles. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com três repetições. A matriz de distância entre as linhagens foi calculada pela distância de Mahalanobis e o agrupamento pelo método da ligação média entre grupos (UPGMA). A distância máxima foi de 1.776,26 entre as linhagens M7110 e G23, e a mínima de 1,50 entre as linhagens G13 e G36, sendo a distância média de 364,40, demonstrando a existência de diversidade genética. Os caracteres que mais contribuíram para a divergência genética foram número de dias para o florescimento (66,7%) e maturação fisiológica (28,55%). As linhagens G60 (maior produtividade de grãos), G51 e G33 (menor maturação fisiológica) e a cultivar M7110 (maior divergência) se destacaram. Formaram-se quatro grupos, sendo o grupo G1 com maior produtividade de grãos e menor número de dias para o florescimento e maturação fisiológica. Os cruzamentos indicados são entre G60, G57, CD2728, M7110, G33 e G32 (grupo G1) com a G47 (grupo G4).

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ecologia trófica de juvenis e adultos de Acestrorhynchus falcirostris durante o período de enchente e cheia em seis lagos de ilha adjacentes ao rio Solimões. Assim, investigamos: i) a posição trófica, através do nicho trófico fracional; ii) a largura de nicho; iii) sobreposição de nicho; iv) a estratégia alimentar. Os espécimes foram coletados durante os anos de 2014 a 2017, utilizando redes de emalhar com malha variando de 30 a 120mm entre nós opostos. Por meio da análise do conteúdo estomacal, observamos a preferência no consumo de itens de origem animal. Os juvenis consumiram insetos em maiores proporções (IAi% = 50%), enquanto os adultos consumiram preferencialmente peixes (IAi% = 99,98%). Apesar da grande oferta de alimentos disponíveis no período da cheia, os juvenis eram os únicos a consumir itens de origem alóctone, como por exemplo, os insetos. Os juvenis apresentaram uma estratégia alimentar e composição alimentar diferente para os adultos. Os juvenis foram considerados onívoros com uma estratégia generalista, enquanto os adultos foram considerados piscívoros com uma estratégia alimentar mais especialista. Assim, a composição alimentar, amplitude do nicho, posição trófica e a estratégia alimentar de Acestrorhynchus falcirostris muda em função do estágio de desenvolvimento.

Abstract The aim objective of this study was to determine the trophic ecology of juvenile and adult Acestrorhynchus falcirostris during the rising and flood (high-water) period in six island lakes adjacent to the Solimões River. As such, we investigated: i) the trophic position, through the fractional trophic niche; ii) the niche breadth; iii) niche overlap and iv) the food strategy of the species. The specimens were collected during the years 2014 to 2017, using gillnets with mesh sizes ranging from 30 to 120mm between opposite knots. Through the analysis of stomach contents, the preference in the consumption of items of animal origin was observed. Juveniles consumed insects in greater proportions (IAi% = 50%), while adults consumed fish (IAi%=99,98%). Despite the large supply of food items available in the high-water period, juveniles were the only ones to consume items of allochthonous origin, such as insects. Juveniles presented a different dietary strategy and dietary composition to adults. Juveniles were omnivores with a generalist strategy, while adults were piscivores with a specialist strategy. Thus, the food composition, niche breadth, trophic position and feeding strategy of Acestrorhynchus falcirostris change due to the stage of development.

Resumo Os microRNAs (miRNAs) são reconhecidos como biomarcadores do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), úteis para a compreensão do metabolismo da doença, e possuem grande potencial como alvos terapêuticos. O aumento da expressão de BDNF e IGF1 está altamente envolvido nos benefícios as vias de insulina e glicose, porém, são regulados negativamente em condições de resistência à insulina, enquanto seu aumento de expressão está correlacionado com a melhora do metabolismo da glicose e da insulina. Estudos sugerem a regulação desses genes por microRNA em vários contextos diferentes, proporcionando uma nova abordagem de investigação para compreender o metabolismo do DM2 e revelar potenciais alvos terapêuticos. No presente estudo, investigamos em diferentes modelos animais (humanos, ratos e camundongos) miRNAs que têm como alvo BDNF e IGF1 em tecido muscular esquelético com condições fisiológicas de DM2. As análises foram realizadas utilizando ferramentas de bioinformática e bancos de dados para predição de miRNA, homologia molecular, validação experimental de interações, expressão na condição fisiológica estudada e interação em rede. Os resultados mostraram três candidatos a miRNAs para IGF1 (miR-29a, miR-29b e miR-29c) e um para BDNF (miR-206). As avaliações experimentais e a busca pela expressão no músculo esquelético de indivíduos com DM2 confirmaram a interação prevista entre miRNA-mRNA para miR-29b e miR-206 através de modelos humanos, ratos e camundongos. Essa interação foi reafirmada em múltiplas análises de rede. Em conclusão, nossos resultados mostram a relação de regulação entre miR-29b e miR-206 com os genes investigados, em diversos tecidos, sugerindo um padrão de inibição. Contudo, esses dados mostram um grande número de possíveis processos fisiológicos de interação para perspectivas biotecnológicas.

Abstract microRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) biomarkers useful for disease metabolism comprehension and have great potential as therapeutics targets. BDNF and IGF1 increased expression are highly involved in the benefits of insulin and glucose paths, however, they are down-regulated in insulin resistance conditions, while their expression increase is correlated to the improvement of glucose and insulin metabolism. Studies suggest the microRNA regulation of these genes in several different contexts, providing a novel investigation approach for comprehending T2DM metabolism and revealing potential therapeutic targets. In the present study, we investigate in different animal models (human, rat, and mouse) miRNAs that target BDNF and IGF1 in skeletal muscle tissue with T2DM physiological conditions. Bioinformatics tools and databases were used to miRNA prediction, molecular homology, experimental validation of interactions, expression in the studied physiological condition, and network interaction. The findings showed three miRNAs candidates for IGF1(miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c) and one for BDNF (miR-206). The experimental evaluations and the search for the expression in skeletal muscle from T2DM subjects confirmed the predicted interaction between miRNA-mRNA for miR-29b and miR-206 through human, rat, and mouse models. This interaction was reaffirmed in multiple network analyses. In conclusion, our results show the regulation relationship between miR-29b and miR-206 with the investigated genes, in several tissues, suggesting an inhibition pattern. Nevertheless, these data show a large number of possible interaction physiological processes, for future biotechnological prospects.

Resumo Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

Abstract Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

ABSTRACT Seed drying has many advantages, but it can cause irreversible damages, compromising the physiological quality of seeds, especially when they present high water contents. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of drying conditions (inside and outside the pod) on the physiological quality of cowpea seeds of the cultivar BRS-Tumucumaque before and after storage. A completely randomized experimental design with four replications was used, in a split-plot arrangement. The plots consisted of combinations of harvest seasons (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and artificial seed drying conditions (inside and outside the pod); and the subplots consisted of storage times (0 and 6 months). The seed water contents were determined and the seeds were evaluated for germination, first germination count, emergence, emergence index, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity. Higher physiological quality was found for dried seeds inside the pods, which was more evident in seasons 1 and 2, in both storage times. In the other seasons, the drying conditions had no effect on seed germination and vigor at the beginning of storage. The dried seeds inside the pods showed greater vigor after six months of storage. Drying seeds inside the pods favors the maintenance of physiological quality and allows artificial drying of cowpea seeds of the cultivar BRS-Tumucumaque with water content of 47%. Artificial drying of seeds with water contents higher than 32.5% is not recommended for the condition outside the pod. The seed physiological potential decreases after six months of storage, regardless of the drying condition.

RESUMO A secagem pode causar prejuízos à qualidade das sementes, principalmente quando apresentam teor de água elevado. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de condições de secagem na qualidade fisiológica inicial e após armazenamento de sementes de feijão-caupi, cv. BRS Tumucumaque. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. Nas parcelas foram alocadas a combinações dos fatores época de colheita (1, 2, 3, 4 e 5) e condição de secagem artificial das sementes (dentro e fora da vagem); os tempos de armazenamento (0 e 6 meses) foram alocados na subparcela. Determinou-se o teor de água e as sementes foram avaliadas pelos testes de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, envelhecimento acelerado e condutividade elétrica. Resultados superiores de qualidade fisiológica foram verificados para as sementes secas dentro da vagem, fato mais evidente nas épocas 1 e 2, em ambos os tempos de armazenamento. Para as demais épocas, no início do armazenamento não houve efeito da condição de secagem na germinação e vigor. As sementes secas dentro da vagem apresentaram maior vigor após seis meses de armazenamento. A secagem dentro da vagem favorece a manutenção da qualidade fisiológica e permite a secagem artificial de sementes de feijão-caupi, cv. BRS Tumucumaque, com teor de água de 47%. Não se recomenda a secagem artificial de sementes com teor de água acima de 32,5% na condição fora da vagem. Após seis meses de armazenamento, independentemente da condição de secagem, há redução no potencial fisiológico das sementes.

The liquid product of the pyrolysis of biomass is a mixture of an organic phase and other aqueous, being the last one rich in phenol monomers which can be used in industrial chemistry as input for plastic and resin production. This work aimed to develop a method for extracting phenols present in the aqueous fraction obtained from the pyrolysis of guava seeds, using ultrasonic assisted liquid-liquid extraction (UALLE) with ethyl acetate and ionic liquids (ILs) as co-solvents (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) amide (BMIM.NTF2) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolinium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM.PF6)). The percentage IL, ultrasonic bath potency, temperature, and pH were studied. Quantification of twelve phenol monomers was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the total phenol concentration (TPC) was performed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The ionic liquid BMIM.NTF2 was more efficient for phenol extraction than BMIM.PF6. The phenolic extractions were influenced by the pH of the aqueous fraction (higher extraction yields at pH ≤ 7), and thus, presented recoveries above 80% for both ionic liquids.

To expand the variety of density functionalized compounds evaluated against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we decided to prepare new acetylated and disubstituted 3-hydroxy bis-oxindoles and isoindigos coupling compounds using known protocols. The corresponding isatin derivatives were synthesized by ZrCl4/EtOH/reflux or HCl/AcOH/reflux coupling conditions using oxindole and functionalized isatins, furnishing new 3-hydroxy bis-oxindoles, which were dehydrated into new isoindigos. A total of 27 compounds bearing halogen, nitro and/or hydroxy groups on the isatin moiety at the 3-, 5- and 7-positions, were prepared, including 5 new 3-hydroxy bis-oxindoles and 3 new halogenated isoindigos prepared according to adapted procedures described in the literature. This library of nitrogen-isatin derivatives was evaluated against SARS-CoV-2 using a phenotypic screening assay. In this investigation, isatin derivatives 3d, 3e, 3h and 3i showed antiviral activity when tested at a single concentration. Compound 3e showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in the concentration-response assay; however, it showed cellular toxicity in Vero cells. The present study identified substituted isatins as a promising new starting point for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.

This work describes a green synthesis, the characterization, and biological evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs suspension was synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus grandis, which presented a characteristic band at 407 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. The AgNPs presented a spherical shape and size of 9.7 ± 0.3 nm. The nanoparticles were stable over a month, indicating that E. grandis’ extract is suitable for their preparation and stabilization. The X-ray analysis showed that the crystallinity of AgNPs corresponded to the centered face phase of silver. The antibacterial and leishmanicidal activities of AgNPs were evaluated. The AgNPs presented antibacterial activity on the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli at 53.9 µg mL-1. The leishmanicidal activity evaluation against promastigote forms of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania braziliensis showed that the biological response is dependent on the volume of AgNP suspension. It was demonstrated that L. infantum was more sensitive to the nanoparticle’s treatment than L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis. The treatment of L infantum promastigotes with 150 µL of AgNP suspension reduced parasite growth by 67.9%, a result which was similar to the treatment with 1 (66.7%) or 2 µL (70.6%) of amphotericin B used as a positive control.

Resumo Dentre as diversas frutas a mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), despertou interesse de produtores e consumidores devido às suas características sensoriais atrativas e propriedades benéficas à saúde (elevado valor nutricional e presença de substâncias bioativas), assim, o trabalho avaliar os fatores nutricionais do resíduo da farinha de processamento de mangaba que é desprezado pela indústria alimentícia e, a influência da temperatura na sua produção. O resíduo de processamento da mangaba foi dividido em dois lotes, sendo um deles utilizado para as análises in natura (amostra controle) e o outro para a confecção da farinha que foi seca a 50 °C, e dividida em dois lotes: tratamento A (farinha com torras a 110 °C e 130 °C) e no tratamento B (farinha oriunda da secagem a 50 °C). Analisou-se as características nutricionais de farinhas considerando os parâmetros químicos: pH, acidez total titulável e sólidos solúveis, além da determinação do teor de umidade, lipídios totais, fibra alimentar total e cinzas, valor energético total, atividade antioxidante, triagem fitoquímica, quantificação de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, bem como as propriedades funcionais tecnológicas (índice de absorção de água (IAA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA), índice de absorção de leite (IAL) e índice de solubilidade em leite (ISL) e índice de absorção de óleo (IAO). Na análise foi inferido que os compostos bioativos presentes nos extratos não possuem propriedades significativas de agir como sequestradores de radicais livres. O tratamento térmico, realizado na farinha de resíduos de processamento de mangaba, influenciou nos dados dos fatores nutricionais e das propriedades de absorção e solubilidade, os quais apresentaram diferenças estatísticas. Estes resultados credenciam a farinha como uma alternativa viável para o enriquecimento energético de dietas, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos, a redução do descarte desses resíduos e consequentemente para a minimização do impacto ambiental.

Abstract Among several fruits, mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), it aroused the interest of producers and consumers due to its attractive sensory characteristics and health beneficial properties (high nutritional value and presence of bioactive substances), thus, this work evaluates the nutritional factors of the flour residue of mangaba processing that is despised by the food industry, and the influence of temperature on its production. The mangaba processing residue was splited in two main groups: in natura sample (control), and other for preparation of flour that was dried at 50 °C and divided into two other groups: treatment A (flour with roasts at 110 °C and 130 °C) and treatment B (flour from drying at 50 °C). The nutritional characteristics of flours were analyzed considering the chemical parameters: pH, titratable total acidity and soluble solids, in addition to the determination of moisture content, total lipids, total dietary fiber and ash, total energy value, antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as technological functional properties (water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), milk absorption index (MAI) and milk solubility index (MSI) and oil absorption index (OAI). The results showed that the bioactive compounds present in the extracts do not have significant properties of acting as free radical kidnappers. The heat treatment, performed in the flour of mangaba processing residues, influenced the nutritional factors and properties of absorption and solubility, which showed statistical differences. These results show that the flour is a viable alternative for the energy enrichment of diets, contributing to the development of new products, the reduction of the disposal of these residues and consequently to the minimization of the environmental impact.

Abstract The riverine population of the Amazon Basin are among the largest consumers of fish in the world, but the consumption patterns could be regionally distinct. Moreover, their total fish catches are not fully known. The objective of this work was to estimate the per capita fish consumption of the riverine people that inhabit the Paciência Island (Iranduba, Amazonas), where there is a fishing agreement in force. A total of 273 questionnaires were applied during the first two weeks of each month between April 2021 and March 2022. The sample unit was the residences. The questionnaire contained questions about the species captured and their quantities. Consumption was calculated by dividing the average monthly capture with the average number of residents per household interviewed, which was multiplied by the number of questionnaires applied. Thirty groups of consumed fish species belonging to 17 families and 5 orders were recorded. The total catch was 3,388.35 kg and the highest monthly catch was 602.60 kg during the falling-water season in October. Daily per capita fish consumption averaged 66.13 ± 29.21 g/day, with a peak of 116.45 g/day during the falling-water season in August. The high fish consumption rate highlighted the importance of fisheries management to food security and the maintenance of the community’s lifestyle.

Resumo As populações amazônicas são uma das maiores consumidoras de pescado do mundo, contudo os padrões de consumo podem ser regionalmente distintos. Além disso, as capturas totais não são totalmente conhecidas. O objetivo do trabalho foi estimar o consumo per capita e as capturas de pescado por ribeirinhos residentes na Ilha da Paciência (Iranduba, Amazonas), onde há um acordo de pesca vigente. Foram aplicados no total 273 questionários durante as duas primeiras semanas de cada mês entre abril de 2021 e março de 2022. A unidade amostral foram as residências. O questionário continha perguntas sobre as espécies capturadas e respectivas quantidades. O consumo foi calculado pela divisão entre a média de captura mensal com a média de moradores por residência entrevistada que foi multiplicada pelo número de questionários aplicados. Foram registrados 30 grupos de espécies de peixes consumidos pertencentes a 17 famílias e 5 ordens. A captura total foi de 3.388,35 kg e a maior captura mensal foi de 602,60 kg durante a vazante no mês de outubro. O consumo de pescado per capita diário foi em média 66,13 ± 29,21 g/dia, com pico de 116,45 g/dia durante a vazante no mês de agosto. A alta taxa de consumo de pescado mostra a importância do manejo pesqueiro para a segurança alimentar e a manutenção do estilo de vida da comunidade.

Abstract Water stress limits the initial growth and development of maize mass and grain, as well as the physiological process for absorbing the amount of mineral elements. The objective was to evaluate the effect of silicon on germination and growth of corn seedlings submitted to water deficit. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory and the experimental design was completely randomized (factorial 3 × 4), with three concentrations of calcium silicate (0.0; 1.0 and 2.0 mM) and 4 solutions of PEG-6000 to simulate different osmotic potentials (0, 0; -0.3; -0.6; -0.9 MPa). Germination percentage, germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), percentage of non-germinated and abnormal germinated, length and dry matter of shoot, root and total seedlings were evaluated. Water deficiency reduced the parameters TG, GSI and MGT. The water deficit reduce the MSPA, MSR and MST with more than 80% reduction in mass from seedlings without deficiency to seedlings with deficiency. For CPA, CR and CT there was a reduction of at least 87%, 70% and 77%, respectively, among seeds without deficiency compared to seeds submitted to deficiency. The use of silicon in corn seeds did not attenuate the stress caused by water deficit simulated by PEG-6000.

Resumo O estresse hídrico limita o crescimento inicial e o desenvolvimento da massa e do grão de milho, assim como no processo fisiológico para a absorção da quantidade de elementos minerais. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do silício na germinação e no crescimento de plântulas de milho submetidas a deficiência hídrica. O experimento foi desenvolvido em laboratório e o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC) (fatorial 3 × 4), sendo três concentrações de Silicato de cálcio (0,0; 1,0 e 2,0 mM) e 4 soluções de PEG-6000 a simular diferentes potenciais osmóticos (0,0; -0,3; -0,6; -0,9 MPa). Foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), o tempo médio de germinação (TMG), a porcentagem de não germinadas e de germinadas anormais, o comprimento e matéria seca da parte aérea, raiz e total das plântulas. A deficiência hídrica diminuiu os parâmetros TG, IVG e TMG. O déficit hídrico reduz a MSPA, MSR e MST com mais de 80% de redução da massa das plântulas sem deficiência para as plântulas com deficiência. Para CPA, CR e CT houve redução de, no mínimo, 87%, 70% e 77%, respectivamente entre as sementes sem deficiência em comparação as sementes submetidas a deficiência. A utilização de silício em sementes de milho não atenuou o estresse causado pela deficiência hídrica simulada por PEG-6000.

Abstract Hemodynamic forces are related to pathological variations of the cardiovascular system, and numerical simulations for fluid-structure interaction have been systematically used to analyze the behavior of blood flow and the arterial wall in aortic aneurysms. This paper proposes a comparative analysis of 1-way and 2-way coupled fluid-structure interaction for aortic arch aneurysm. The coupling models of fluid-structure interaction were conducted using 3D geometry of the thoracic aorta from computed tomography. Hyperelastic anisotropic properties were estimated for the Holzapfel arterial wall model. The rheological behavior of the blood was modeled by the Carreau-Yasuda model. The results showed that the 1-way approach tends to underestimate von Mises stress, displacement, and strain over the entire cardiac cycle, compared to the 2-way approach. In contrast, the behavior of the variables of flow field, velocity, wall shear stress, and Reynolds number when coupled by the 1-way model was overestimated at the systolic moment and tends to be equal at the diastolic moment. The quantitative differences found, especially during the systole, suggest the use of 2-way coupling in numerical simulations of aortic arch aneurysms due to the hyperelastic nature of the arterial wall, which leads to a strong iteration between the fluid and the arterial wall.

ABSTRACT Introduction Haploinsufficiency of the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA2 is associated with a broad spectrum of diseases, including infection susceptibility and neoplasms. We aimed to investigate GATA2 variants in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) and/or fungal infections (FI) without known immunodeficiencies. Method We performed GATA2 genotyping in patients with NTM and/or FI. Results Twenty-two patients were enrolled (seventeen FI, four NTM and one with both infections). The pathogenic variant NG_029334.1:g.16287C>T was found in one patient (4.5%) and two asymptomatic offsprings. We also found the likely-benign variant NG_029334.1:g.12080G>A (rs2335052), the benign variant NG_029334.1:g.16225C>T (rs11708606) and the variant of uncertain significance NG_029334.1:g.16201G>A (rs369850507) in 18.2%, 27.3%, and 4.5% of the cases, respectively. Malignant diseases were additionally diagnosed in six patients. Conclusion Although detected in 45.4% of the patients, most GATA2 variants were benign or likely benign. Identifying a pathogenic variant was essential for driving both the patient's treatment and familial counseling. Pathogenic variants carriers should receive genetic counseling, subsequent infection prevention measures and malignancies surveillance. Additionally, case-control genotyping should be carried out in Brazil to investigate whether the observed variants may be associated with susceptibility to opportunistic infections and/or concurrent neoplasms.

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 We evaluated the influence of flooding and receding comparison and spatial variation on the composition and structure of fish assemblages in blackwater and clearwater rivers of the Aracá-Demeni sub-basin in the middle Negro River, Amazonas state, Brazil. The collections were carried out during the falling-water period (November 2018) and the rising-water period (April 2019) using gillnets with meshes ranging from 30 to 120mm stretched mesh size. Ecological estimates of richness, equitability, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and the Berger-Parker index showed no significant differences between the periods. The composition of the ichthyofauna showed variations between the falling-water and rising-water periods. Beta diversity in the Aracá-Demeni sub-basin is almost completely caused by species substitution, with spatial turnover accounting for most of the estimate. The identification of these patterns and of the responsible factors are fundamental for the definition of conservation strategies, especially in an ecosystem whose dynamics can be influenced by climate change through changes in the intensity of the flood pulse and connectivity.

Resumo Avaliamos a influência da variação entre os períodos de enchente e vazante e espacialmente na composição e estrutura das assembleias de peixes em rios de águas pretas e claras da sub-bacia Aracá-Demeni no médio rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas durante o período de vazante (novembro de 2018) e o período de enchente (abril de 2019) utilizando redes de espera com malhas variando de 30 a 120mm entre nós opostos. As estimativas ecológicas de riqueza, equitabilidade, índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener e índice de Berger-Parker não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os períodos. A composição da ictiofauna apresentou variações entre os períodos de vazante e enchente. A diversidade beta na sub-bacia Aracá-Demeni é quase totalmente causada pela substituição de espécies, com a renovação espacial respondendo pela maior parte da estimativa. A identificação desses padrões e os fatores responsáveis são fundamentais para a definição de estratégias de conservação, principalmente em um ecossistema cuja dinâmica pode ser influenciada pelas mudanças climáticas por meio de mudanças na intensidade do pulso de inundação e conectividade.