Resumo A atividade antioxidante do mel de Tetragonisca angustula (TAH) e seu extrato etanólico (TAEE) foram investigados. Os níveis totais de fenólicos (TPC) e flavonóides (TFC) também foram avaliados. Os resultados para TPC foram 19,91 ± 0,38 e 29,37 ± 1,82 mg GAE g-1 e para TFC 0,20 ± 0,02 e 0,14 ± 0,01 mg QE g-1 de TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. As atividades antioxidantes foram 73,29 ± 0,49% e 93,36 ± 0,27% no ensaio DPPH● e 71,73 ± 4,07% e 97,86 ± 0,35% no ABTS●+ para TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. A atividade redutora total foi determinada pelo método de poder redutor (PR) e íon ferrico (Fe III) e os resultados variaram em PR de 151,7 ± 25,7 e 230,7 ± 25,2 mg GAE L-1, para TAH e TAEE respectivamente e para (Fe III) em EC50 0,284 em TAEE e 0,687 em TAH. A análise química por HPLC-DAD do extrato etanólico (TAEE) revelou a presença de ácido ferúlico como componente majoritário no extrato. A análise de RMN 1H confirmou esta estrutura e mostrou a presença de glicose, ácido cítrico, ácido succínico, prolina e derivados de hidrocarbonetos no TAEE. Além disso, a origem botânica também foi investigada e apresentou característica multifloral, tendo encontrado 19 tipos polínicos com predomínio botânico da família Anacardiaceae, sendo o pólen Tapirira predominante (42,6%) e o Schinus secundário (25,7%). Os resultados mostraram que o mel de T. angustula é uma interessante fonte de compostos fenólicos antioxidantes devido à sua origem floral e pode atuar como protetor da saúde humana quando consumido.

Abstract The antioxidant activity of Tetragonisca angustula honey (TAH) and its ethanolic extract (TAEE) were investigated. The total levels of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were also evaluated. The results for TPC were 19.91 ± 0.38 and 29.37 ± 1.82 mg GAE g-1 and for TFC 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg QE g-1 of TAH and TAEE, respectively. Antioxidant activities were 73.29 ± 0.49% and 93.36 ± 0.27% in the DPPH● assay and 71.73 ± 4.07% and 97.86 ± 0.35% in ABTS●+ for TAH and TAEE, respectively. The total reducing activity was determined by the method of reducing power (PR) and iron ion (Fe III) and the results varied in PR from 151.7 ± 25.7 and 230.7 ± 25.2 mg GAE L-1, for TAH and TAEE respectively and for (Fe III) in EC50 0.284 in TAEE and 0.687 in TAH. Chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD of the ethanolic extract (TAEE) revealed the presence of ferulic acid as majority phenolic component in the extract. The 1H NMR analysis confirmed this structure and showed the also presence of glucose, citric acid, succinic acid, proline and hydrocarbon derivatives. In addition, the botanical origin was also investigated and showed a multifloral characteristic, having found 19 pollen types with a botanical predominance of the Anacardiaceae family, with Tapirira pollen occurring as predominant (42.6%) and Schinus as secondary (25.7%). The results showed that T. angustula honey is an interesting source of antioxidant phenolic compounds due to its floral origin and can act as a protector of human health when consumed.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de plasma atmosférico na inativação de fungos na superfície de sementes de Erythrina velutina e em colônias fúngicas isoladas. Dois experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado: no primeiro, o plasma foi aplicado na superfície das sementes usando gás hélio e plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos, além do controle (sementes sem tratamento), constituindo sete tratamentos com cinco repetições cada; no segundo experimento, placas de Petri contendo o inóculo de diferentes fungos foram tratadas com plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos (Air-3, Air-6 e Air-9) e comparadas com fungos não tratados em placas de Petri sem tratamento (controle), totalizando quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Descobrimos que a aplicação de plasma atmosférico nas sementes de E. velutina por nove minutos teve efeito antimicrobiano sobre os fungos Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp. e Rhizopus sp. A formação de colônias fúngicas isoladas de sementes de E. velutina também foi inibida por três minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico, exceto para A. niger, cuja inibição ocorreu a partir de 6 minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Resumo O menor teor de lignina em espécies de plantas com potencial energético resulta na maior facilidade de quebra da celulose, disponibilizando glicose para geração de etanol. Porém, maiores teores de lignina representa um fator de resistência ao ataque de insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como importantes pragas do sorgo energia, Diatraea saccharalis e Spodoptera frugiperda, se comportam quanto à alimentação e desempenho em sorgo bmr-6, um genótipo mutante com menor concentração de lignina. Foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, avaliando o desenvolvimento destas pragas nos híbridos de sorgo biomassa bmr 007, 008, TX635 e seus respectivos genótipos isogênicos convencionais (sem o gene bmr). O teor de lignina foi maior nos híbridos não bmr, mas nos parâmetros avaliados nos insetos, houve variação entre os tratamentos, não sendo consistente em apenas um híbrido e nem por ser ou não bmr. A menor sobrevivência de S. frugiperda foi verificada no híbrido BR008 tanto bmr quanto não bmr. As notas de injúria por S. frugiperda no sorgo em casa de vegetação foram altas (>7) em todos os tratamentos. Para D. saccharalis, não houve diferença significativa para a sobrevivência larval em laboratório, mas em casa de vegetação o híbrido BR007 tanto bmr quanto não bmr proporcionaram maior sobrevivência. Diante da necessidade de diversificar a matriz energética e o fato de que não foi comprovada neste estudo maior suscetibilidade dos híbridos bmr a ambas as pragas, estes resultados são promissores para o cultivo desses híbridos de sorgo biomassa para produção de biocombustíveis.

Abstract The lower lignin content in plants species with energy potential results in easier cellulose breakdown, making glucose available for ethanol generation. However, higher lignin levels can increase resistance to insect attack. The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of a bmr-6 biomass sorghum (a mutant genotype with a lower concentration of lignin) to important pests of energy sorghum, Diatraea saccharalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. Experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse to evaluate the development of these pests on the biomass sorghum bmr hybrids BR007, BR008, and TX635 and their respective conventional near-isogenic genotypes (without the bmr gene). The lignin content was higher in non-bmr hybrids, but the evaluated insect variables varied between treatments, not being consistent in just one hybrid or because it is bmr or not. The lowest survival of S. frugiperda was observed in the BR008 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr. The S. frugiperda injury scores on plants in the greenhouse were high (>7) in all treatments. For D. saccharalis, there was no difference in larval survival in the laboratory, but in the greenhouse, the BR007 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr, provided greater survival. Due the need to diversify the energy matrix and the fact that greater susceptibility of the bmr hybrids to either pests was not found in this study, these results hold promise for cultivation of these biomass sorghum hybrids for the production of biofuels.

Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

Abstract Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures.

Resumo A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença tropical negligenciada. Foram avaliadas a distribuição espacial dos casos de leishmaniose visceral no estado de Alagoas. Todos os casos de LV, registrados pela secretaria de saúde, foram analisados e georreferenciados. Entre 2008 e 2017, 97,1% dos municípios apresentaram classificação esporádica de transmissão. Com a evolução temporal, a incidência de casos de leishmaniose visceral se concentrou na maioria dos municípios da microrregião de Santana do Ipanema-AL. A análise espaço-tempo, se considerada, pode promover o aprimoramento das ações de vigilância e controle da leishmaniose visceral.

Abstract Visceral leishmaniosis is a neglected tropical disease. We evaluated the spatial distribution of cases of visceral leishmaniosis in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. All cases of VL, registered by the health department, were analyzed and georeferenced. Results: Between 2008 and 2017, 97.1% of the municipalities presented sporadic classification of transmission. With temporal evolution, the incidence of cases of visceral leishmaniosis was concentrated in most municipalities in the microregion of Santana do Ipanema-AL. Space-time analysis, if considered, may promote the improvement of surveillance and control actions of visceral leishmaniosis.

ABSTRACT Using nematode-resistant and/or -tolerant rootstock is a strategy that has maintained guava cultivation feasible in the irrigated perimeters of the Brazilian semi-arid region. The objective was to evaluate the production, gas exchange, and fruit quality of ‘Paluma’ guava with and without nematode-tolerant rootstock under different irrigation depths and production periods. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in the mixed 2 × 4 × 2 factorial scheme, corresponding to two forms of cultivation of ‘Paluma’ guava (without and with nematode-tolerant rootstock), four irrigation depths (60, 80, 100, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc), and two production periods, with four replicates. Guava plants were evaluated for physiological, production and post-harvest quality parameters. Gas exchange in ‘Paluma’ guava leaves was higher in the second production cycle, under irrigation depths above 100% ETc, not differing with the use of the rootstock. The use of the rootstock ‘BRS Guaraçá’ promotes a greater number of fruits and production with the increase of the irrigation depth, mainly in the second half of the year, with the increase of soluble solids and titratable acidity in the fruits.

RESUMO A utilização de porta enxerto resistente e ou tolerante a nematoides é uma estratégia que tem tornado viável a manutenção dos cultivos de goiabeira nos perímetros irrigados do semiárido brasileiro. Assim, o objetivo foi avaliar a produção, trocas gasosas e qualidade dos frutos da goiabeira ‘Paluma’ com e sem o porta enxerto tolerante a nematoide sob diferentes lâminas de irrigação e épocas de produção no Semiárido Brasileiro. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, no esquema fatorial misto 2 × 4 × 2, sendo duas formas de cultivo da goiabeira ‘Paluma’ (sem e com o porta enxerto tolerante a nematoide), quatro lâminas de irrigação (60, 80, 100 e 120% da evapotranspiração da cultura - ETc) e duas épocas de produção, com quatro repetições. Foram realizadas avaliações fisiológicas das plantas, produção e qualidade pós-colheita. As trocas gasosas nas folhas da goiabeira ‘Paluma’ foram maiores no segundo ciclo de produção, quando irrigada com lâminas de irrigação acima de 100% da ETc, não diferindo com o uso do porta enxerto. O uso do porta-enxerto ‘BRS Guaraçá’ proporciona um maior número de frutos e produção com o aumento da lâmina de irrigação, principalmente no segundo semestre do ano, bem como o aumento do teor de sólidos solúveis e acidez nos frutos.

Abstract It is described for the first time the synthesis and characterization of NiMn2O4 employing the Mn ores from the Amazon Region as starting material, instead of using commercial reagents as normally occurs in its synthesis process. Initially, an Mn ore was transformed into a single product, the octahedral layer (OL) manganese oxide with Ni2+ ions interlayer (Ni-OL-2), which was used as a matrix to obtain NiMn2O4 by thermal decomposition. The following techniques were used for characterization: X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TG-DTA), scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopies. The results revealed that Mn oxide ore composed of nsutite mineral transformed into a well-ordered crystalline Ni-OL-2 phase, after the hydrothermal and cation exchange process. The thermal decomposition of Ni-OL-2 produced the nickel manganite phase at 850 °C with spherical ball morphology and crystal sizes in the range of 200-300 nm.

RESUMO Espécies silvestres de maracujazeiro, devido à maior tolerância aos estresses ambientais, revelam potencial como porta-enxerto interespecífico, P. foetida é uma espécie silvestre potencialmente tolerante à salinidade. Portanto, o objetivo com a pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos da salinidade da água de irrigação no crescimento de porta-enxertos de maracujazeiro-bravo (P. foetida L.). O experimento foi realizado em ambiente protegido. Os tratamentos consistiram na condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,3; 1,0; 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0 dS m-1), distribuídos em blocos casualizados. As avaliações foram realizadas aos 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias após o transplantio e consistiram em: altura e diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, tamanho médio da folha, área foliar, massas das matérias secas da parte aérea, das raízes e total. Nos porta-enxertos jovens, os efeitos deletérios da salinidade sobre o crescimento em altura e os componentes foliares foram observados sob menores condutividades elétricas, sendo a tolerância aumentada com a acréscimo da idade. Entretanto, o acúmulo de biomassa seca foi restringido com maior severidade pela salinidade com o aumento da idade dos porta-enxertos. Os porta-enxertos de P. foetida são tolerantes à salinidade e podem ser irrigados com água de até 4,0 dS m-1.

ABSTRACT Wild passion fruit species, due to the greater tolerance to environmental stresses, reveal potential as interspecific rootstocks. Passiflora foetida is a wild species potentially tolerant to salinity. Therefore, the objective with the study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation water salinity on the growth of wild passion fruit (P. foetida L.) rootstocks. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment. The treatments consisted of the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.3; 1.0; 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0 dS m-1), distributed in randomized blocks. The assessments were performed at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after transplanting and consisted of: stem height and diameter, number of leaves, average leaf size, leaf area, and dry matter of shoots, roots and total. In younger rootstocks, the deleterious effects of salinity on height growth and leaf components were observed under lower electrical conductivities, with tolerance increasing with age. However, dry biomass accumulation was more severely restricted by salinity with increasing rootstock age. P. foetida rootstocks are salinity tolerant and can be irrigated with water of up to 4.0 dS m-1.

ABSTRACT Anaerobic digestion (AD) stands out as a degradation pathway for the treatment of agro-industrial waste. This study aimed to evaluate the biogas production (Pb) from the co-digestion of swine (SW) and laying hen waste (LHW) under different temperature conditions (psychrophilic x mesophilic). The studies were carried out on a laboratory scale in anaerobic reactors (1.25 L) in a batch system for 60 days. Three mixtures in volumetric proportions (%) of 25/75 (P1), 50/50 (P2), and 75/25 (P3) (SW/LHW) were studied. The mixtures were characterized before and after AD in terms of TS, VS, and COD under temperatures of 18 and 36 °C, with Pb measured daily. Pb was higher at 36 °C for all mixtures compared to the psychrophilic condition (18 °C). Among the mixtures, the highest Pb value was observed for P3, reaching 0.34 and 0.60 m3 biogas kg−1 CODremoved for 18 and 36 °C, respectively. The digestate showed an increase in the contents of micro-and macronutrients for P1, P2, and P3 after AD, which indicates its use for agricultural purposes. The co-digestion of swine and laying hen waste is a promising proposal in terms of management and energy recovery of biogas, especially for mesophilic conditions in mixtures with a predominance of laying hen waste.

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 Objective: To develop, validate, and test the reproducibility of a new test capable of assessing functional performance in children and adolescents (PAY test: Performance Activity in Youth). Methods: participants without and with asthma were included in the development and validation phases, respectively. The PAY test includes five activities: transition from sitting to standing, walking 10 m, step climbing, shoulder extension and flexion, and star jumps. Participants underwent the Pediatric Glittre test (TGlittre-P test time), modified shuttle test (MST), and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Outcomes: PAY test and TGlittre-P test times, oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and distance walked in the MST. Results: 8 healthy volunteers, aged 12 (7 -15) years old were included in the development phase and 34 participants with asthma, aged 11 (7-14) years old, in the validation phase. The PAY test elicited greater physiological responses (VO2peak 33.5 ± 6.9 mL/kg) than the TGlittre-P (VO2peak: 27.4 ± 9.0 mL/kg), but lower than the MST (VO2peak: 48.9 ± 14.2 mL/kg) and CPET (VO2peak: 42.0 ± 8.8 mL/kg), p < .05. Moderate correlation between the PAY test time and the TGlittre-P time (r = 0.70, p < .001) and distance walked in the MST (r = -0.72, p < .001). The PAY test time was longer in participants with asthma than in healthy participants (3.1 [3.0 – 3.3] min vs. 2.3 [2.1 – 2.4 min]), p < .001.; and the test was reproducible (ICC 0.78, CI 95% 0.55-0.90, p < .001). Conclusions: The PAY test is a valid and reproducible tool for assessing functional performance in children and adolescents with asthma.

Abstract Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

Resumo O método de plantio de cana-de-açúcar de baixa densidade (LDSP) vem sendo implementado por alguns produtores de cana-de-açúcar no Brasil, visando economia de sementes e custos operacionais. O estudo foi realizado no município de Areia, Paraíba, Brasil. Utilizou-se cinco densidades de plantio, variando de 5 a 25 m-2 de gemas dispostas em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os dados foram medidos anualmente ao longo de três ciclos de cultivo (2017 a 2020). Menor densidade de plantio mostrou maior produtividade (101,03 t ha-1) devido à maior altura de planta (2,37 m) e ao maior número de hastes (NS) (11 hastes m-2), sugerindo que essas variáveis são devido à maior disponibilidade de luz, água e fotoassimilados. No entanto, houve redução drástica na produtividade da cana-de-açúcar para esta população menor na 2ª soca em 65,62%, estando correlacionado com o número de colmos por metro. Demonstramos a viabilidade agronômica do LDSP em uma população de 10 gemas m-2 em relação ao plantio convencional de cana-de-açúcar até a 2ª soca. Os dados são importantes para que estudos futuros apresentem considerações adicionais sobre outros fatores de produção, como os efeitos da colheita mecanizada e do manejo de nutrientes e água, avaliando a sustentabilidade desse sistema de plantio em larga escala.

Abstract A fibrinolytic enzyme from the microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta was produced under mixotrophic conditions using different corn steep liquor (CSL) concentrations ( 0 ≤ CLS ≤ 0.75%), purified using a combination of salting out and ion-exchange chromatography, and then biochemical characterized. Cultivation of this microalga using 0.5% CSL led to the highest maximum cell concentration (1.960±0.010 mg L-1) and cell productivity (0.140g L-1 day-1), besides a high fibrinolytic activity of the extract obtained by the homogenization method (102 ±1 U mL-1). The enzyme extracted from the microalgal biomass was 5-fold purified with a 20% yield and was found to have a specific activity of 670 U mg-1. The enzyme, whose molecular weight determined by fibrin zymography was 10 kDa, was shown to be stable at pH 3.0–9.0 and up to 70°C with optimal pH and temperature values of 8.0 and 50°C, respectively. When compared to other fibrinolytic enzymes, this protease stood out for its high fibrinolytic activity, which was enhanced by Fe2+, inhibited by Zn2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, and strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, suggesting that it belongs to the serine metalloprotease family. Moreover, thanks to its thermal stability, the enzyme may be easily preserved and activated under high-temperature conditions.

Abstract Morphological studies provide knowledge that allow us to understand how animals interact with the natural environment or the captivity. The goal of this study was to describe the origin and antimeric distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves in Didelphis aurita and D. albiventris. Fourteen adult cadavers of D. aurita, seven males and seven females, and 13 adult cadavers of D. albiventris, nine males and four females were used. The specimens were sexed, identified, fixed and dissected until the origins of the lumbosacral plexus nerves were exposed. Data were represented as absolute frequency and simple percentage. The lumbosacral plexuses derived a trunk for the femoral and obturator nerves from the ventral branches of L3-L4 (75%) in D. aurita, and in D. albiventris the femoral nerve of L3-L4 (73.1%) and the obturator nerve of L3-L4 (61.5%). In both species, formation of a lumbosacral trunk derived from L5-L6-S1 occurred in 78.6% of D. aurita and 61.5% of D. albiventris. The origin and distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves of the studied species present similarities with domestic and wild eutherian mammals.

Resumo Estudos morfológicos fornecem conhecimentos que permitem entender o modo como os animais interagem com o ambiente natural ou em cativeiro. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a origem e distribuição antimérica dos nervos do plexo lombossacral de Didelphis aurita e D. albiventris. Foram utilizados 14 cadáveres adultos de D. aurita, sete machos e sete fêmeas, e 13 cadáveres adultos de D. albiventris, nove machos e quatro fêmeas. Os espécimes foram sexados, identificados, fixados e dissecados até a exposição das origens dos nervos do plexo lombossacral. Os dados foram representados em frequência absoluta e percentual simples. Os plexos lombossacrais derivaram um tronco para os nervos femoral e obturatório dos ramos ventrais de L3-L4 (75%) em D. aurita, e em D. albiventris o nervo femoral de L3-L4 (73,1%) e nervo obturatório de L3-L4 (61,5%). Nas duas espécies, ocorreu formação de um tronco lombossacral derivado de L5-L6-S1 em 78,6% no D. aurita e em 61,5% no D. albiventris. A origem e distribuição dos nervos do plexo lombossacral das espécies estudadas apresentam similaridades com os mamíferos eutérios domésticos e silvestres.