Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Lindley distribution and its numerous generalizations are widely used in statistical and engineering practice. Recently, a power transformation of Lindley distribution, called the power Lindley distribution, has been introduced by M. E. Ghitany et al. who initiated the investigation of its properties and possible applications. In this article, new results on the power Lindley distribution are presented. The focus of this work is on the moment-(in)determinacy of the distribution for various values of the parameters. Afterwards, certain applications are provided to describe data sets of software metrics.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The analysis of blood parameters is main procedure for defining the patient’s condition. The refractive index of blood was calculated using the experimental data for a medical application and diagnostic purposes. There is small change in the refractive indices with changing with the personal conditions, illness, parasitization, temperature and others. Theoretical simulations of the refractive index of blood are difficult, and it is unpredictable in different conditions. We proposed a new formula for the refractive index of blood as a function of wavelength, concentration, and temperature by using the genetic programming method. Input parameters were temperature (°C), concentration (g/L), and wavelength (nm). The refractive index values of blood were the output parameters. A total of 492 training and testing sets were selected in the spectral range of 436 to 1550 nm, in the temperature range of 20-45 °C and the concentration of 0-200 g/L HbC. The model proposes the refractive index formula blood for all the input parameters given in the range without need of extra parameters. The results are good agreement with experimental measurements in the literature and compared to Sellmeier equation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is widely used in the formulations of solid propellants used in rocket motors. Furthermore, in general, chain extenders and short chain diols, such as 1,4-butanediol and 1,2-propanediol, can also be used in propellant formulations to improve mechanical properties, especially tensile strength. However, the incorporation of these diols can result in a considerable increase in the viscosity of the mixture during the processing of propellants. Thus, the present study evaluated the compatibility of these diols with the HTPB prepolymer, through a viscometric study, with the aim to determine the order of addition that results in greater homogeneity for the mixture. It was concluded that 1,4-butanediol, due to its larger chain size, has better compatibility with HTPB resin than 1,2-propanediol. On top of that, it was found that when the resin is added first, it results in mixtures with greater compatibility.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Agaricomycetes fungi produce various compounds with pharmaceutical, medicinal, cosmetic, environmental and biotechnological properties. In addition, some polysaccharides extracted from the fungal cell wall have antitumor and immunomodulatory actions. The aim of this study was to use genetic modification to transform Schizophyllum commune and identify if the phenotype observed (different from the wild type) resulted in changes of the cell wall polysaccharides. The plasmid pUCHYG-GPDGLS, which contains the Pleurotus ostreatus glucan synthase gene, was used in S. commune transformations. Polysaccharides from cell wall of wild (ScW) and mutants were compared in this study. Polysaccharides from the biomass and culture broth were extracted with hot water. One of the mutants (ScT4) was selected for further studies and, after hydrolysis/acetylation, the GLC analysis showed galactose as the major component in polysaccharide fraction from the mutant and glucose as the major monomer in the wild type. Differences were also found in the elution profiles from HPSEC and NMR analyses. From the monosaccharide composition it was proposed that mannogalactans are components of S. commune cell wall for both, wild and mutant, but in different proportions. To our knowledge, this is the first time that mannogalactans are isolated from S. commune liquid culture.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In 2019, much of the northeastern coast of Brazil was impacted by a mysterious oil spill that caused an environmental disaster affecting 1009 beaches. Four samples were collected in the beaches between Sergipe and Pernambuco for geochemical characterization of the spilled oil and to compare with those main produced in Sergipe-Alagoas basin. Our approach in this evaluation was the use of a highly selective technique of sequential mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring, to obtain the diagnostic ratios of hopanes and steranes biomarkers. Using these biomarkers ratios associated with multivariate statistical analysis, we found direct correlation between the spilled oil collected along the northeastern coast and no relationship between Sergipe-Alagoas basin crude oils was found. Furthermore, reported data for oils from Orinoco belt in Venezuelan basins were used for qualitative evaluation considering the indicative aspects suggested by the literature. Presence of highly specific biomarker 18α(H)-oleanane, and five other important diagnostic ratios evidenced correlation between the spilled oil and Naricual formation crude oils. Besides, due to the oleanane index, Ayacucho’s crude oil presented the strongest factor of correlation with the spilled oil found on the northeast coast of Brazil.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Characidium xavante was described from two tributaries of the Culuene River drainage, in the upper Xingu River basin. New samplings recorded the species for streams from the Kaaiapó River drainage (Teles Pires River drainage, upper Tapajós River basin) with additional specimens also recorded in the Xingu River basin, Paranatinga municipality, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The new records represent an extension of the geographical distribution of the species, that from now on fits in a pattern of distribution known to be shared with other ca. 20 species of fishes. We suggest that Characidium xavante could be classified as Least Concern (LC), according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Standards and Petitions Committee (IUCN).

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between coffee consumption and the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The effects of the oral treatment with green (non-roasted) coffee extracts (CE, 100 or 400 mg/kg) and caffeine (31.2 mg/kg) were evaluated on catalepsy induced by haloperidol in mice, and unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of medial forebrain bundle (MFB) or striatum in rats. Also, the in vitro antioxidant activity and the monoamine levels in the striatum were investigated. CE presented a mild antioxidant activity in vitro and its administration decreased the catalepsy index. CE at the dose of 400 mg/kg induced ipsilateral rotations 14 days after lesion; however, chronic 30-day CE and caffeine treatments did not interfere with the animals’ rotation after apomorphine or methamphetamine challenges in animals with MFB lesion, nor on monoamines levels. Furthermore, CE and caffeine were effective in inhibiting the asymmetry between ipsilateral and contralateral rotations induced by methamphetamine and apomorphine in animals with lesion in the striatum but did not avoid the monoamines depletion. These results indicate that CE components indirectly modulate dopaminergic transmission, suggesting a pro-dopaminergic action of CE, and further investigation must be conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of action and the possible neuroprotective role in PD.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The purpose of present study was to prepare transdermal therapeutic system that could enhance dissolution of poorly aqueous soluble drug Celecoxib and thus increase its skin permeation. Solubility studies screened triacetin as oil, cremophor RH 40 as surfactant and Polyethylene Glycol 400 as co-surfactant. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to find out microemulsion region. Independent variables (oil, Smix and water) concentration was used at high (+1) and low levels (-1) that would generate 17 different combinations of microemulsions. Microemulsions were characterized, optimized and evaluated. pH, viscosity, conductivities, refractive index, droplet size and poly-dispersity-index was investigated. Prepared microemulsions were oil in water, thermodynamically stable, isotropic, transparent, deflocculated and within narrow range of size. Mathematical equations and response surface plots related the independent and dependent variables. Optimum microemulsion ME6 was further incorporated with carbomer 940 gel base to produce microemulsion based gel. ME6 and its gel showed significant difference (p<0.05) from control gel. Stability studies showed prepared MEBG of celecoxib was stable during storage period. Skin irritation studies found the gel was safe and non-irritating to skin. Anti-inflammatory studies showed significant difference (p<0.05) compared to control gel. Thus, the therapeutic system was successfully developed and optimized using Box Behnken statistical design.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is a new type of coronavirus capable to infect humans and cause the severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19, a disease that has been causing huge impacts across the Earth. COVID-19 patients, including mild, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, were often seen to contain infectious fragments of SARS-CoV-2 in feces and urine samples. Therefore, studies to detect the new coronavirus in wastewater, which collect and concentrate human excreta, have been extremely useful as a viral tracking tool in communities. This type of monitoring, in addition to serve as a non-invasive early warning of COVID-19 outbreaks, would provide better predictions about the SARS-CoV-2 spread and strongly contribute to maintenance the global health. Although current methods to detect viruses in wastewater, based on molecular RT-PCR and RT-qPCR techniques, were considered as reliable and provided accurate qualitative and quantitative results, they have been facing considerable challenges concerning the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. In this review, the methods used to detect the SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the challenges to implement an international viral monitoring network were described. The article also addressed the emerging perspectives associated with the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance in this environment and the importance of a worldwide collaboration to generate and disseminate the detection results.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics available leads to the search for new compounds with antimicrobial potential, such as peptides and lipopeptides. In this work, eight short lipopeptides with the structural pattern Cn-X1 X2 X3-NH2 were de novo designed, synthesized by Fmoc solid phase and characterized by instrumental techniques. The results of the in vitro tests indicated that two of them, LIP 4 and LIP 12 display antibacterial activity against 4 pathogenic bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 9.50 and 100 μM and between 8.50 and 10.0 μM, respectively; they did not displayed toxicity to human erythrocytes at concentrations between 3.13 and 50.0 μM. The antibacterial mechanism of action observed by scanning electron microscopy indicate that the cell membrane was the target, causing the formation of blisters and vesicles, with size ranging from 100 to 120 nm. The lipopeptide LIP 12, with higher activity, was stable to proteases of human blood serum.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compose the two major noncommunicable chronic inflammatory diseases. Physical activity has been shown as a promising complementary approach to control the systemic inflammation. However, it is still unclear whether this modulation is gender-dependent. The objective of this study was evaluate the gender-related influence of physical activity on the inflammatory response and biochemical profile of individuals with SAH and T2DM. An international physical activity questionnaire was applied to 376 individuals diagnosed with SAH and T2DM in order to access their exercises routine and was evaluated the influence of physical activity in biochemical, anthropometrical, and immunological markers involved in these disorders in men and women. Even though active individuals have exhibited lower serum levels of IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A, the ratios between IL-10 and all inflammatory cytokines were higher in men than in women. Physically active individuals also demonstrated increased HDL/LDL and HDL/VLDL ratios. Moreover, multiple correlations revealed that in active women both IL-10 and TNF-α serum levels positively correlate with fasting glucose levels, and were negatively associated with HDL levels. Our findings suggest that gender-related differences dictate a distinct crosstalk between inflammatory and biochemical markers in physically active individuals.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Morus nigra L. has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. We evaluate the chemical composition and antidiabetic properties of the hexane (Hex-Mn) and chloroform (Chlo-Mn) fractions obtained by partition of the crude ethanolic extract from the leaves in rats. Chemical composition analysis of Hex-Mn and Chlor-Mn was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS). In vivo and in vitro studies were carried out to compare the antidiabetic activities of the Hex-Mn and Chlor-Mn fractions. Most of the compounds identified in Hex-Mn were α-linolenic acid, stigmast-5-en-3-ol and linolenic acid ethyl ester, while in Chlor-Mn, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, palmitic acid and α-linolenic acid were mainly identified. Only Hex-Mn treatment reduced both fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia. Additionally, Hex-Mn preserved body weight gain, preserved the hepatic glycogen content, and also reduced the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite levels, as well as restored the superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, digestion of complex carbohydrates and intestinal glucose absorption was prevented by Hex-Mn treatment. Our results suggest that the antidiabetic activity of Hex-Mn may be explained, at least in part, by the insulin sensitivity increase, antioxidant properties and reduction in carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic activities and element levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham. The free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant capacity levels were analyzed as the antioxidant parameters. Seven bacteria and one yeast strains were used to determine the antimicrobial activity. The cytotoxic effects of plant extracts were determined using A549, MCF-7, HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines. The findings demonstrated that the antioxidant activity increased with an increase in the phenolic content of extracts. This species is rich in bio-elements such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Mg. Different concentrations of extracts could have antibacterial activity. This plant had an apparent cytotoxic effect only in the A549 cell line and increased the proliferation in other cell lines. The findings demonstrated that plant could be used alone or as a supplement to the current treatment protocols in diseases due to their antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. However, it is recommended that Verbascum L. species intended for use in therapy should be procured from areas where there is no soil pollution or organic farming is preferred.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Several works have shown different aspects of the use of the plant Moringa oleifera. However, few review studies bring an approach to its use in food preparation, specifying its role as a functional food and its use as a natural additive, focusing on food biochemistry and including sensory acceptance and safety. Composed by multiple bioactive substances, Moringa oleifera has the potential to be used as a food additive, mainly as a preservative with the potential to prevent lipid oxidation and other unwanted chemical reactions that lead to product deterioration. Furthermore, it can improve the physicochemical characteristics of food, increasing its quality and shelf life. It also promotes nutritional improvement, elevating protein, mineral, and vitamin levels. Despite this, the sensorial characteristics of this plant result in a low consumer acceptance of the fortified products, which is a problem for the food industry. Apart from inconclusive works, some data involving Moringa’s safety are contradictory, resulting in its commercialization prohibition in Brazil in 2019. This review focused on important data about Moringa use to contribute to the literature and to the food industry, describing information about this medicinal plant effects on food products.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome that affects the central nervous system and generates disability, which is characterized by generalized pain, fatigue, and functional decline. In this review, we aimed to identify the polymorphisms related to the pathophysiology of FM and the clinical characteristics generated by genetic influence. Only original studies with genes related to FM were considered, totaling 27 articles. The genes found were: MTHFR, RGS4, MYT1L, TACR1, SCN9A, DRD3, ADRB2, IL-4, HLA-DRB1, EDN1, CNR1, TAAR1, OPRM1, ADRA1A, ADRB3, BDNF, GRIA4, HTR3A, HTR3B, HTR2A, SERPINA 1 or A1AT, NRXN3, GCH1, MEFV, TRPV3, SLC6A4, ACE I/D, TSPO, COMT, and MAOA. Several genes related to different pain syndromes and altered pain thresholds have been identified and some polymorphisms were related to susceptibility to FM. It was observed that 73.33% of the genes related to FM were also associated with some psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and obsessive and compulsive disorder, and 40.00% with pain sensitivity and/or migraine, besides other disorders associated (drug addiction, autoimmune disorders, circulatory problems, and metabolic alterations). This review demonstrated an association of FM and genetic polymorphisms that can expand our knowledge about the pathophysiology of this disease.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Mirabegron is the first b3-adrenoceptor agonist to enter clinical practice and has been approved for the treatment of symptoms of OAB. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the mirabegron has an effect on depression, anxiety, learning, and memory. We investigated the effects of mirabegron on depression, anxiety, learning and memory by using forced swimming test, elevated plus maze test, passive avoidance and Morris water maze in mice. Imipramine and mirabegron (3, 6 and 9 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility time in forced swimming test. Diazepam and mirabegron (3, 6 and 9 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in open arms and the number of entries to the open arms in elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, cognitive performance impaired with scopolamine has been significantly improved with 9 mg/kg mirabegron. Mirabegron (6 and 9 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in the target quadrant in naive mice. While scopolamine significantly increased the swimming speed, mirabegron (9 mg/kg) significantly decreased the swimming speed in scopolamine-treated mice. Mirabegron might be clinically useful for the treatment of OAB in elderly patients that should use drugs against depression and anxiety, without disrupt learning and memory.

Resumo em Inglês:

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

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The present study aimed to establish the associations between hopelessness, depression and impulsivity with respect to suicidal ideation and behavior, and to explore the role that impulsivity plays in the mechanism that operates between depression and hopelessness. Through an empirical observational study, with an analytical scope based on a cross-sectional design for a sample of 228 university students and using The Inventory of Suicide Orientation (ISO-30); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS); and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). The results indicated a significant positives correlations between BDI, BHS, BIS and ISO-30. Regression analysis showed that depression, impulsivity and hopelessness explain between 57% and 67% of the variance in the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Through the analysis of structural equation modeling, three models were established showing that impulsivity mediates the relationship between depressive symptomatology and suicidal ideation and behavior. This study has implications for mental health intervention and research, in that it emphasizes the importance of impulsivity traits as factors that act as triggers in the association between the presence of depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The objective was to apply a simplex lattice design to determine the properties of polyvinyl alcohol-graft-lactic acid (PVA-g-LA) with different values for two independent variables: curing time (X1) and LA ratio (X2). Each independent variable was varied among three levels: –1, 0, and +1. Three coded levels were 120 min, 150 min, and 180 min for X1 and 2.5 g, 5 g, and 7.5 g for X2. Dependent variables of swelling behavior in various swelling media and thermal analysis parameters were monitored. The optimal formulation was selected based on the desirability value. The prediction was accurate, showing a low value of percent error. The morphology of the selected formulation with the highest desirability value showed a compact and dense film. Propranolol hydrochloride used as a model drug, was loaded into PVA-g-LA film. The propranolol hydrochloride content was 4.19 ± 1.05 mg/cm2. The cumulative release and permeation of drug were 61.94 ± 8.03% and 59.96 ± 6.61%, respectively. Thus, response surface methodology can be used as a tool to predict or optimize the process parameters for PVA-g-LA transdermal films in an accurate manner. PVA-g-LA could control the release and permeation of drug from the film layer.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Influenza A virus, the main flu agent, affects billions of people worldwide. Conventional treatments still present limitations related to drug-resistance and severe side effects. As a result, natural product-derived molecules have been increasingly investigated as prospect drug candidates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible anti-flu activity and to evaluate the toxicity and pharmacokinetic parameters, by in silico approaches, of the Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. phytochemical compounds. Nine phytocompounds and six antiviral drugs (Amantadine, Umifenovir, Favipiravir, Nitazoxanide, Oseltamivir, Zanamivir) were selected for the analyses against four Influenza A proteins: neuraminidase, polymerase basic protein 2, hemagglutinin and M2 ion channel protein. The molecular docking, the predicted antiviral activity, the predicted toxicity and the pharmacokinetics investigations were conducted. The obtained results demonstrated that Syringaresinol and Cycloartenone display promising in silico antiviral activity (binding energy < 5.0 and ≥ 9.0 kcal/mol) and safety (low toxicity than commercial anti-flu drugs). Overall, this study corroborated the hypothesis that S. brasiliensis barks extract has a biological activity against Influenza A virus. Additionally, Syringaresinol and Cycloartenone have multiple targets in Influenza A virus and showed themselves as the most promising phytocompounds to be isolated and considered for the therapeutic arsenal against the flu.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In Brazil, the lack of specific instruments for monitoring child development is a problem given that the number of children at risk of delay is relatively high. Newly adapted to the Brazilian context, the Third Ages and Stages Questionnaires Edition - ASQ-3, has been referenced as an excellent instrument for tracking and monitoring child development. The present study aimed to outline the profile of the global development of children from 5 to 50 months through the ASQ-BR who attended the Municipal Centers of Early Childhood Education, as well as to verify the applicability of this instrument to preschool teachers. To this end, the preschool teachers applied the instrument to 392 children. The girls performed better than the boys in the Fine Motor and Personal-Social domains. The highest scores were obtained in the Gross Motor (79.44%), Communication (72.34%) and Problem-Solving (69.54%) domains and the lowest in the Personal-Social and Fine Motor domains. The two domains with the highest incidence of risk were the Personal-Social (22.08%) and the Fine Motor (19.03%), respectively. It can be concluded that although the ASQ-BR presents itself as a potential instrument in the screening of child development in daycare centers and preschools.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Syzygium malaccense is popularly used to treat inflammation and pain-related ailments. The species was assessed regarding its antioxidant, antiglycant, anti-inflammatory, including anti-neuroinflammatory, and antinociceptive activities. Different models were employed to measure S. malaccense extract (ESM) antioxidant activity. The antiglycant activity was determined using the glucose-induced protein glycation model. LPS-induced neuroinflammation on murine BV-2 microglial cell line was used for anti-neuroinflammatory activity evaluation. The croton oil-induced ear edema test was accomplished to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Acetic acid-induced writhing together with formalin-induced paw licking assays were performed to evaluate the antinociceptive potential. Finally, the chemical characterization was accomplished by a UHPLC-MS analysis. ESM presented relevant antioxidant and antiglycant activity. NO production by BV-2 cells was reduced, indicating the relevant neuroprotective activity. ESM significantly decreased the mice ear edema induced by croton oil and the nociceptive stimulus induced by acetic acid and formalin by central and peripheral mechanisms. The flavonoids myricitrin, myricetin and quercetin were identified and, as far as we know, the alkaloid reserpine was reported in the species for the first time. The antioxidant and antiglycant potential of ESM, may be related to the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and to the in vitro neuroinflammation inhibition.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study evaluated the ability of resistance training (RT) of moderate intensity to promote vascular changes in insulin-induced vasodilation in healthy animals. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (CON) and trained (eight weeks of training, performing 3 sets with 10 repetitions at 60% of maximum intensity). Forty-eight hours after the last session of the RT, the animals were sacrificed and vascular reactivity to insulin in the absence and presence of LY294002 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors (PI3K), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors) and BQ123 (endothelin A antagonist (ET-A) receptor). In addition, phenylephrine (Phe)-induced vasoconstriction in the absence and presence of L-NAME was also evaluated. The RT group showed greater vasodilation in maximal response compared to the CON group. After PI3K inhibition, vasodilation was reduced in both groups. However, when the NOS participation was evaluated, the RT group showed contraction in relation to the CON group, which was abolished by BQ123. In addition, the RT group had an increase in nitrite levels compared to the CON group. When the Phe response was evaluated, there was a reduction in tension in the RT group compared to the CON group. The results suggest that RT improves vascular reactivity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Fibrinolytic proteases are a promising alternative in the pharmaceutical industry, they are used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, especially thrombosis. Microorganisms are the most interesting source of fibrinolytic proteases. The aim of this study was the production of fibrinolytic protease from Streptomyces parvulus DPUA 1573, the recovery of the protease by aqueous two-phase system and partial biochemical characterization of the enzyme. The aqueous two-phase system was performed according to a 24-full factorial design using polyethylene glycol molar mass, polyethylene glycol concentration, citrate concentration and pH as independent variables. It was analyzed the effect of different ions, surfactants, inhibitors, pH and temperature on enzyme activity. The best conditions for purifying the enzyme were 17.5% polyethylene glycol 8,000, 15% Phosphate and pH 8.0, it was obtained a partition coefficient of 7.33, a yield of 57.49% and a purification factor of 2.10-fold. There was an increase in enzyme activity in the presence of Fe2+ and a decrease in the presence of $\beta$-Mercaptoethanol, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and Iodoacetic acid. The optimum pH was 7.0 and the optimum temperature was 40 ºC. The purified protease exhibited a molecular mass of 41 kDa. The fibrinolytic protease from Streptomyces parvulus proved to be a viable option for the development of a possible drug with fibrinolytic action.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Adenia is an Old World genus of Passifloroideae closely related to Passiflora. The two genera comprise the large majority of Passifloroideae species, although most studies are concentrated on Passiflora. Cytological analyses reveal that changes in chromosome numbers played an important role in the evolution of Passiflora, whereas in the remaining genera little is known, hindering the identification of the base number of the family. Here we analyzed the chromosome number and the 35S rDNA sites of three species of Adenia and reevaluated the base number (x) of the subfamily Passifloroideae and the family Passifloraceae, including chromosome data for Turneroideae and Malesherbioideae. The chromosome number of Adenia species seemed to be stable with 2n = 24 or 48 and one or two pairs of rDNA sites, very similar to Passiflora subgenus Astrophea, suggesting a common ancestral karyotype with x = 12. Differently, Turneroideae and Malesherbioideae present x = 7. A whole genomic duplication detected after the separation of Passifloroideae and Malesherbioideae suggests that the base number of Passifloraceae most probably was x = 7, which by dysploidy and polyploidy generated x = 12 for the subfamily Passifloroideae.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the major causes of heart failure and mortality. Glucocorticoids administration post-infarction has long been proposed, but it has shown conflicting results so far. This controversy may be associated with the glucocorticoid type and the period when it is administered. To elucidate these, the present aims to evaluate if the brief methylprednisolone acetate administration is determinant for heart adaptation after AMI. Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: sham-operated (SHAM); infarcted (AMI); infarcted treated with methylprednisolone acetate (AMI+M). Immediately after surgery, the AMI+M group received a single dose of methylprednisolone acetate (40 mg/kg i.m.). After 56 days, the cardiac function was assessed and lungs, liver and heart were collected to determine rates of hypertrophy and congestion. Heart was used for oxidative stress and metalloproteinase activity analyses. Methylprednisolone acetate attenuated matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, cardiac dilatation, and prevented the onset of pulmonary congestion, as well as avoided cardiac hypertrophy. Our data indicate that administration of methylprednisolone acetate shortly after AMI may be a therapeutic alternative for attenuation of detrimental ventricular remodeling.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Floral nectaries are essential for plant reproduction but little is known about the relationship between these secretory structures and pollination system in cacti. To test phenotypic patterns in nectaries associated with pollination syndromes and/or with its pollinators, we selected from evolutionarily related genera Cleistocactus, Denmoza, and Echinopsis, a set of species with bird-pollinated flowers and floral traits that may fit with ornithophily or with sphingophily, and other set of sphingophilous species with moths as effective pollinator. Observations were made under light microscope and scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Nectaries are located at the base of the filaments welded to the tube, forming a chamber. The nectary consists of the epidermis with distinctive features in each genus, a secretory parenchyma which may be vascularized and a non-secretory vascularized parenchyma. Anatomical variants observed in nectaries of different species are not consistent with the floral pollination syndromes neither with groups of pollinators. The basic structure of the nectar chamber is relatively conserved, a fact that may be explained by phylogenetic conservatism among the genera investigated. Our results revalue the role of anatomical traits for the systematics of Cactaceae.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Thermophilic fungi constitute an ecologically well-defined group, commonly found in environments wherever decomposition of organic matter takes place, making them self-heating. The importance of thermophilic fungus in ecosystems contrasts with the incompleteness of our understanding of the group’s biogeography patterns, phylogenies and coevolution relationships. Actually, the lack of data about thermophilic fungi from the Brazil is a limiting factor that also contributes for this scenario. In order to reduce this gap of knowledge, we aimed to characterize thermophilic filamentous fungi in Araucaria Forest, Atlantic Forest biome. Species identification was achieved by using internal transcribed spacers (ITS) as molecular ribosomal markers. In total, 240 heat-tolerant fungal strains were isolated and identified as Thermothielavioides terrestris, Thielavia sp., Thermoascus crustaceus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhizomucor miehei, Rhizomucor pusillus, and Rhizopus microsporus. All thermophilic strains exhibited optimal growth at 45 °C. T. crustaceus, T. miehei e R. pusillus were the dominant species, with the frequencies of occurrence of 35.00%, 28.33% and 23.33%, respectively. Our data reveals the apparent diversity of the Neotropical realm and may serve as reference to future studies that will try to elucidate important aspects of group.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Bacteria of the genus Bacillus sp. present the potential for inhibiting various pathogens, making them a promising starting point in the search for new antimicrobial substances. In this study, bacteria were isolated from sediment samples from humid areas of a Natural Conservation Unit in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The isolate Bacillus sp. sed 1.4 was selected for production of antimicrobial activity, and was characterized by MALDI-TOF and 16S rDNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Bacillus sed 1.4 was closely related to Bacillus altitudinis and Bacillus pumilus. The cell-free supernatant was partially purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography (Sephadex G-200) and an ultrafiltration membrane. Partial purification resulted in specific activity of 769.23 AU/mg, with a molecular mass of approximately 148 kDa. This antimicrobial substance showed stability at 100°C for 5 min, and was inactivated by proteolytic enzymes. An antimicrobial effect against Listeria species was observed. Considering the importance of the Listeria genus in the area of food safety, this antimicrobial activity should be further explored, specifically in the field of dairy products and with a focus on food biopreservation studies.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of carvacrol, thymol and nisin against Staphylococcus aureus and the combined effect of carvacrol and thymol against Salmonella Enteritidis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of carvacrol, thymol, and nisin for S. aureus were 200, 150 and 30 µg/mL, respectively. MIC of carvacrol and thymol for Salmonella Enteritidis was 200 µg/mL. A factorial method of independent variables was then used to study the combined effect of antimicrobials. Results showed that combinations of carvacrol-thymol-nisin (reduction of 1.2 log CFU/mL for MIC and 4.98 log CFU/mL for 2MIC), carvacrol-thymol (reduction of 1.33 log CFU/mL for 2MIC), nisin-thymol (reduction of 3.52 log CFU/mL for 2MIC) and nisin-carvacrol (reduction of 3.41 log CFU/mL for 2MIC) attained a significant inhibition of S. aureus. Similarly, there was significant reduction of Salmonella Enteritidis due to combined effect of thymol-carvacrol (reduction of 4.5 log CFU/mL for MIC and inhibition below detection limit for 2MIC). Therefore, the combinations of natural antimicrobials described in this work showed potential to be used as an additional barrier for food safety.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) has become a serious public health problem and the biofilm formation aggravates this problem. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of β-lactamases and quorum sensing (QS) genes in CRPA isolates, analyze production of biofilm, evaluate the response against meropenem (MPM) and∕or polymyxin B (POL B) and its association with azythromicin (AZT) using quantum dots (QDs) and proteomic analysis. Six CRPA isolates were analyzed. β-lactamases and QS genes were search using specific PCRs and were tested for biofilm production by quantitative technique. A CRPA isolate, containing blaKPC gene and biofilm-producing, was selected to assess its response to therapy using QDs and the MALDI-TOF. The β-lactamase detected was blaKPC in 66.7% of the isolates. All isolates were biofilm producers and carriers of the QS genes. QDs-MPM conjugates triggered the formation of biofilm and the association with AZT inhibited this effect. Proteomics analysis showed that treatments with MPM or POL B suppressed the expression of the transglycosylase protein, while combined therapy with AZT induced expression of the RpoN protein. Thus, this study shows that the use of fluorescence combined with the proteomics analysis was promising to understand how a CRPA strain reacts to antimicrobial treatment.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Investigations on the fungal community associated with the digestive tract (DT) of insects have provided insights into the diversity of associated microorganisms and their potential roles in the interaction with their hosts. However, most studies have focused on terrestrial insects, with few studies focusing on aquatic insects in Neotropical regions. We studied fungal taxa associated with the DT of larval stages of the aquatic shredders Phylloicus amazonas, P. elektoros and P. fenestratus in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. Filamentous fungi were isolated, purified and screened for cellulolytic activity. A total of 33 fungal taxa was identified through the combination of classical and molecular taxonomy. The genus Penicillium was the most frequent in DT of Phylloicus spp. (18.75%). The occurrence of fungal taxa among hosts was quite variable, with more than half of the associated fungi being exclusive of each host species. A significant portion of the fungal community associated with each host presented cellulolytic activity (± 50%). It was concluded that the fungal community associated with Phylloicus spp. larvae consist mainly of fungal taxa from food items, which come from riparian vegetation (whose plant species are variable) or are indigenous of the aquatic ecosystems, which is the habitat of these larvae.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Pendimethalin herbicide is widely used and persists in the environment as a contaminant causing negative impacts, including for human health. Microorganisms have the capacity to remove many contaminants from the environment. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of soil bacterial species prospected by molecular modelling of cytochrome P450 in to degrade pendimethalin. Strains of Burkholderia sp. and Methylobacterium radiotolerans were cultivated in a mineral saline medium enriched with 281 mg/L pendimethalin (MSPEN) and another containing glucose 1.0 g/L as extra carbon source (MSPENGLI). Both strains were able to degrade pendimethalin under the two conditions experienced. Burkholderia sp. F7G4PR33-4 was more efficient in degrading 65% of the herbicide in MSPEN medium, with 49.3% in MSPENGLI; while Methylobacterium radiotolerans A6A1PR46-4 degraded 55.4% in MSPEN and 29.8% in MSPENGLI mediums. These findings contribute to the expansion of knowledge on the competence of isolates of these two bacterial genera in degrading herbicidal xenobiotics and biotechnological potential for pendimethalin degradation and bioremediation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Reintroducing apprehended wild animal in a natural environment is a complex process that involves many steps, including rehabilitating individuals and ensuring viable populations for reproduction; as such, the proportion between males and females to be reintroduced need to be considered carefully. The need of specialized techniques to identify sex on species that do not present discernible sexual dimorphisms can be a hardship to a successful reintroduction. Amazona aestiva, one of the most apprehended species on Brazil, is an example of such case, as sexing techniques employed for it often involves molecular or surgical procedures. Some authors, however, describe potential sexual dimorphisms that could be discernible to the human eye, one of those being an iris color dichromatism between males and females that could present a more conventional way to discern sex on this species. We analyzed the viability of sex identification by direct observation of iris sexual dichromatism, comparing suggestions by professionals familiarized with the species to molecular sexing by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and measuring color similarity between individuals using digital colorimetry. We found no significant correspondence between sex indication based on direct observation and molecular sexing results, and no relationship between iris color and sex by colorimetric analysis.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Phytomelanin is a mechanically hard, blackish, and inert substance rarely found in plants. In Asteraceae, this substance was historically associated with the Heliantheae alliance, but recent studies have observed it in unrelated groups as Heterocoma and Wunderlichia. During a taxonomic investigation, we found phytomelanin in cypselae of Lychnophora salicifolia an unusual feature in Vernonieae previously found only in Heterocoma. Furthermore, phytomelanin fills the intercellular spaces of the sclerenchymatic outer mesocarp in L. salicifolia. Our results doubt the (syn)apomorphy status in Heterocoma, suggest the phytomelanin may have not the same evolutionary significance in Lychnophorinae as in other tribes and proposes new perspectives for evolutionary studies in Asteraceae.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The use of biopesticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner 1915) in agriculture has been considered harmless for non-target organisms such as fish. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a biopesticide based on B. thuringiensis on the physiology and histology of the liver, kidney and intestine of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822), via exposure to water (0.13 g/L) and in the diet (0.13 g), after 24 and 48 h. Fish subjected to B. thuringiensis in the water of their breeding and feeding tanks exhibited mortality due to changes in erythrogram (hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocytes), thrombogram and leucogram blood parameters, and plasma (sodium, chloride, potassium, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, cortisol and total proteins) and enzymatic (Aspartate Amino Transferase and Alanine Amino Transferase) biochemistry. Histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney ranged from mild to severe and were characterized by the presence of cytoplasmic vacuolization, nuclear hypertrophy and atrophy, melanomacrophage centers and necrosis, and in the intestine by changes to the number of villi and goblet cells. Therefore, these physiological and histopathological alterations indicate that care should be taken with the dispersion of biopesticides based on agricultural B. thuringiensis in fish farming.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Hohenbergia lanata Pereira & Moutinho is an endemic bromeliad of the State of Bahia (Brazil), occurring in an altitudinal transition forest between Caatinga dry woodland and Atlantic Forest. The type material was collected by Roberto Burle-Marx, who introduced it into cultivation in his gardens, but lacking the accurate provenance, only mentioning that it was collected between Milagres and Amargosa municipalities. It was later described by Pereira & Moutinho based on a cultivated specimen. In this work, we present new specimens found in natural populations in an area that coincides with the type locality description, enabling us to expand the description of the species, as well as to provide images of the living plants in the field, adding information about its habitat. The herbarium collections revision and the new population found in the field enabled us to propose an updated conservation status and to better characterize the habit, plant architecture, and to add new morphological comparisons and geographical distribution.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Access to genetic resources (GR) and/or traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources (ATK) has been regulated in Brazil since 2001. The law 13,123 / 2015 determined a significant change in the theme, mainly on the rules of distribution of benefits obtained for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, the access to technology and technology transfer, the exploitation of products or reproductive material from the GR or ATK and consignment to the outside of part or all the living or dead organism shipped for GR. The implementation of international treaties on GR and ATK for research, biotechnological development and bioprospecting have been causing difficulties for Brazilian researchers, mainly due to the lack of information and dissemination available for compliance with the legislation. In this work, the members of the Committee for Access to Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge of the Federal Fluminense University (UFFGEN) - Brazil, and collaborators performed a critical reflection on the new law, helping Brazilian researchers with information necessary to understand the changes made by the new legislation, especially in the field of Biotechnology associated with Brazilian Biodiversity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract One of the various concerns of conservation biology is determining why certain species are more threatened than others. In this study, we aim to relate the national conservation status of Brazilian mammals with the taxonomic group to which they belong and with three of their intrinsic traits: body mass, diet, and litter size. We compiled a database containing the species, their status, and their attributes, and a multiple correspondence analysis was applied to identify relationships between traits and status. The two groups that presented the highest relative frequencies of threatened species were “ungulates” and Carnivora. Additionally, mammals with body mass of 10 kg or more and with carnivorous diet had a higher relative frequency of threatened taxa. We found not only a strong relationship between intrinsic traits and conservation status, but also among the traits themselves, which highlights the role of the “group” variable as one of the best predictors of the risk that a given species be threatened. We believe our study has a broad potential for the conservation of species at the regional level, especially regarding the species currently classified as Data Deficient, and for identifying which species are prone to becoming threatened.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Fluctuation asymmetries (FA) are random on the bilateral symmetry plan of paired morphological characters, and other types of symmetry, such as: for instance, translational or rotational symmetry, in response to environmental, and genetic stress. The relationship of FA with gonadossomatic (GSI), hepatosomatic (HSI), and fullness (RI) indexes and condition factor (K) for juveniles (n=8), adults (n=32), males (n=9), and females (n=26) of Corocoro grunt Orthopristis ruber were evaluated in this paper. The composite fluctuating asymmetry (CFA) was used to calculate the combined effects of FA over these four organosomatic indexes of 66 Corocoro grunt caught during 2011 in Guanabara Bay, Brazil, one of the most eutrophic coastal bays in the world. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) confirmed a significant relationship between CFA and the physiological descriptors (HSI, RI, K), but without clear differences among juveniles, adults, and sexes. Our results support the potential of CFA to be used as a proxy of environmental effects over reef-associated fish species in a tropical bay, but the relationship between CFA and physiological descriptors is complex, and further studies, such as experimental trials, are needed.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Biological interactions play an important role in regulating and maintaining natural populations. Like most interactions, parasitism may be influenced by environmental conditions. Therefore, changes caused by human activity may drastically affect the equilibrium of the assemblages of parasitized organisms (hosts). Herein, we described the composition of hemoparasites of anurans from two distinct environments: forest and oil palm plantations. We identified the most frequent groups of blood parasites, and whether infections differ between habitats (forest and plantation) and between microhabitats (arboreal or terrestrial). We collected 128 anurans, of which 46 (36%) were parasitized by hemoparasites. The genus Trypanosoma spp. was found in 30% (n = 37/128) of the infected anurans in both habitats, recorded mostly in terrestrial anurans in oil palm plantations. Apicomplexa hemoprotozoans were also found in 13% (n=17/128) of the anurans, which mainly were terrestrial species collected in oil palm plantations. There was no difference in parasitism between the two assemblies and between the studied microhabitats. This is the first study that has analyzed the ecological relationship between anurans as hosts and their blood parasites, in a region under intense anthropic pressure, in the Brazilian Amazon.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Anurans are considered one of the most threatened animal groups in the world. Agricultural activities are related to water pollution and contamination, which affects biphasic organisms such as amphibians. Brazilian soybean cultivation covers about 36 million hectares and encompasses many remaining ponds used as breeding sites for amphibians. In this study, we evaluated richness, abundance and composition of the anuran communities in ponds with different levels of association with soybean cultivation. A total of 18 anuran species were recorded with an abundance of 421 collected tadpoles and 1230 adult males on average. Ponds presented in soybean plantations were distinct from those adjacent to plantations regarding water properties and tadpole richness and abundance, as well as composition of tadpoles and adults. Ponds inserted in plantations had communities with lower diversity and abundance. One explanation for these results is likely the detrimental effect of soybean management, which suggests that this decrease is a result of community changes. This serves as an alert about the importance of buffer areas around plantations and the use of adequate techniques for pesticide application.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In view of the complexity of the processes associated to water quality, this study objective is to identify the main factors related to spatial and seasonal variability in water courses of the Lobo Stream River Basin. To this, multivariate statistical techniques were used. Data collection for water quality and streamflow variables were carried out monthly, from May 2018 to April 2019, at 10 monitoring points along basin’s tributaries. The results show that, during the dry season, the main causes for water quality decrease are related to erosion process on the river margins, which is intensified by inadequate handling in livestock activities in some monitoring points. In the rainy season, the main causes are related to soil leaching in agricultural areas that increases the nitrogen compounds concentration and reduces water quality. However, in addition to this, it was noted that regardless the environmental conditions, the most impactful factor is the point pollution from the effluent discharge of Itirapina City sewage treatment plant, responsible for nutrient concentration increase, organic contamination, OD reduction, and, consequently, water quality deterioration. With this, the study shows how multivariate statistical analysis enables more relevant evaluation of water quality data variability and supports further studies in the basin.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Despite the great diversity, economic and environmental importance of limnic mollusks, the group is still little investigated in the Brazilian semiarid region, especially in the state of Piauí. Thus, this work aims to gather information on the diversity of limnic mollusks in the Brazilian Northeast and the semiarid region, including new records for the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil. For this, collections in the urban perimeter of the Itaim and Guaribas Rivers, municipalities of Itainópolis, and Picos, respectively, between October 2017 and September 2019. Besides, a literature review was conducted on studies of malacofauna in the Northeast and the Brazilian semiarid region. A total of 11 species from the classes Gastropoda and Bivalvia were collected on the rivers of Piauí, being the first record of Uncancylus concentricus for the Northeast region. For lotic environments in the state of Piauí, Drepanotrema schubarti, Pomacea canaliculata, Pisidium dorbignyi and Stenophysa marmorata were registered for the first time. Then, it was possible to verify that the Northeast of Brazil has 71 species registered, of which 34 occur in the semiarid. The diversity of species surveyed and the first record of the occurrence of several of them for the semiarid region demonstrate the importance of expanding studies involving this group to other areas. The present study is the first to gather and increase the information available on the fauna of limnic mollusks for the Northeast and Brazilian semiarid regions. The information gathered here may contribute to future research and to the species conservation and the environments they occupy, especially considering the presence of non- native and vector species.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract A few decades ago, researchers from the National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA) started a pilot study to integrate the ecological studies of several organisms using monitoring plots, which then became the embryo for the creation of the RAPELD (Rapid Assessments and Long-term Ecological Research) system used by the Program for Biodiversity Research (PPBio) and the Long-term ecological research site POPA (PELD Western Pará). They installed and maintained permanent plots in an Amazonian-savanna patch near to the village of Alter do Chão. Amazonian savannas constitute a threatened ecosystem comprising only 6% of the Amazon biome. Most of the studies focused on three main long-term ecological research questions, but the site was also of importance for other inquiries and for the training of young researchers, contributing 71 articles so far and 32 masters and doctorate theses. Here, we present the experimental design and results of standardized studies in the savannas and forest fragments near Alter do Chão that have been carried out over the years. We discuss the future prospects and local threats to the area (e.g. soy crops and land speculation), and highlight the need to incorporate Alter do Chão villagers in land-use planning in the region.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Araguainha is a mid-sized complex impact structure formed in sedimentary and underlying basement rocks of the Paraná Basin, Brazil. The structure has strongly deformed sedimentary strata surrounding a granitic core. The central uplift is a region of high geological complexity, comprising different types of sedimentary, igneous (granite) and metamorphic lithologies, plus breccias and impact melt sheets. New ground gravity data was collected to produce a Bouguer anomaly map and to perform a 3-D inversion in order to obtain a 3-D density model of the central uplift. This 3-D density model is consistent with iSALE numerical modeling results, which shows that the rocks in the innermost portion became brecciated and/or melted after undergoing pressure/temperature peaks. The positive anomaly of Furnas and Ponta Grossa formations associated with the numerical model shows that the central uplift is ~16 km wide. Thus, the granite’s uplift caused the uplift of the entire stratigraphic package, from its Devonian-aged units to the Permian ones, forming a bull’s eye pattern around the granitic core. The results also indicate that Araguainha was formed by a 3 km diameter impactor, and the rocks of the granitic basement rocks were uplifted by ~2 km.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Tamboril and Olho d’Água granitic stocks are part of the abundant calc-alkalic magmatic epidote-bearing granitic rocks in the Cachoeirinha–Salgueiro Terrane (CST) in the Transversal Zone Domain, northeastern Brazil. The equigranular Olho d’Água stock is composed of medium-grained clinopyroxene-amphibole–biotite tonalite; the porphyritic Tamboril stock is medium- to coarse-grained amphibole biotite ± clinopyroxene granodiorite. Abundances of clinopyroxene and epidote vary inversely in both stocks. Amphibole–rich clots are regarded as fragments from the source region captured by granodioritic/tonalitic magma during its ascent. Epidote composition in the Olho d’Água stock (Ps18–26) and in Tamboril stock (Ps17-20) is consistent with crystallization under oxygen fugacity between QFM and HM buffers. In the Olho d’Água stock, calculated values of pressure range from 5.1 to 6.6 kbar and in the Tamboril stock from 6.2 to 7.0 kbar. Solidification temperatures estimated from plagioclase-hornblende pairs in the Olho D´Água stock range from 637 to 679 °C and for Tamboril from 587 to 641 °C. Zr-saturation temperature estimates are 788 to 819 °C (Olho d’Água) and 807 to 829 °C (Tamboril). Altogether our data suggest that the studied stocks crystallized from two distinct magmatic pulses formed from fractional melting of a single amphibolitic source. These two magma pulses underwent subsequent crystallization, in a convective magmatic chamber, at rather high pressure.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Age determination in amphibians is crucial to the investigation of life-history traits. In this context, we studied, for the first time, the life-history traits of Boana pulchella from a sample (63 adult males) of three populations (Las Acequias, Río Cuarto, Alejandro Roca) in central Argentina using the skeletochronological method. All adults of B. pulchella studied showed recognizable bone structures that allowed age determination. The average snout-vent length of sexually mature males was 43.39 mm. The maximum observed longevity was 5 years (5 Las Acequias, 4 Río Cuarto, 3 Alejandro Roca) and minimum age at sexual maturity was 2 years (same in the three populations), with mean of 2.96 years. Body size and age were positively correlated (except in Alejandro Roca populations). The growth patterns, estimated by the von Bertalanffy growth equation, do not show differences between populations, and the growth rate decrease after the attainment of sexual maturity. In conclusion, the determination of the individual age of the different populations of B. pulchella allowed us for the first time to establish the characteristics of the life history of the species, important for future comparisons whit others populations and future conservation biology studies.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pure glucose, glucose plus fructose, and fructose on the blood glucose of omnivorous fish tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), piau (Leporinus elongatus), and carnivorous fish hybrid Amazon catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum × Leiarius marmoratus), pacamã (Lophiosilurus alexandri), and traíra (Hoplias malabaricus). In each species, the dose 1 mL per fish with 1,000 mg kg of body weight-1 of glucose, fructose or glucose plus fructose were tested intraperitoneally. Blood glucose was measured at times 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h. The administration of 1,000 mg of glucose or glucose plus fructose per kg of live weight causes hyperglycemia in the omnivorous and carnivorous species studied. In the omnivorous species, glycemic levels were reduced from 2 to 4 h, and the regulation to baseline occurred from 4 to 8 h. In the carnivores fish, blood glucose levels declined between 1 and 8 h, and return to baseline was observed from 8 to 16 h. Tambaqui was also intolerant to high concentrations of fructose. Blood glucose levels are regulated in a shorter time in Nile tilapia (mainly), piau and pacamã.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible relaxing effect of essential oils (EOs) (Aloysia triphylla and Lippia alba) and phytochemicals (citral and linalool) in the gastropod Pomacea canaliculata. Animals were exposed to compounds at the concentrations range of 25-750 µL L–1. Magnesium chloride (MgCl2, 10-50 g L–1) and control group (ethanol 6.75 mL L–1, highest concentration used for treatment dilution) were also tested. The EOs, citral and MgCl2 had no relaxing effect at the concentrations range tested, and citral caused aversive behavior (closure of the operculum) from 90 μL L–1. Exposure to linalool at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µL L-1 relaxed 28, 76, 88, 96 and 100% of the animals, respectively. The concentrations of 25, 50 and 400 µL L-1 differed statistically from each other, while 100 and 200 µL L-1 were equal to 50 and 400 µL L-1. All animals recovered up to 40 min, except at of 400 µL L-1. Linalool is effective for relaxing P. canaliculata and can be useful in management techniques that require relaxation. However, further studies are needed to certify whether linalool is appropriate for maintaining animal welfare in invasive procedures that require total insensitivity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The similarity between parasites communities’ decay with distance and its analysis may explain important ecological process such host dispersion. Patagonia is inhabited by two armadillo species, Chaetophractus villosus and Zaedyus pichiy. In this study we describe and analyze the variation on helminth fauna of these armadillos in Patagonia compared with northern localities described in previous studies. A total of 49 armadillos were collected in Patagonia. Quantitative descriptors of parasite ecology were calculated and community structure of helminths was analyzed following the central-satellite species hypothesis. The parasite richness in Patagonia decreases almost 50% in both armadillos. Zaedyus pichiy present the same central species in Patagonia as in northern localities. For C. villosus central-satellite species analysis could not be applied. The loss of some helminths in Z. pichiy could be the result of lower temperatures or the absence of intermediate arthropods hosts. But in C. villosus the absence of some helminths with Patagonian distribution could be explained by its recent dispersion in Patagonia. Trichohelix tuberculata still being the only helminth in C. villosus introduced population of Tierra del Fuego.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We present the first formal record of the twig-girdler Psyllotoxus griseocinctus Thomson, 1868 (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Onciderini) attacking the rose, Rosa sp. (Rosaceae) in Southern Brazil. We provide photographs of the damage P. griseocinctus causes to the plant, as well as morphological descriptions of the immature stages and molecular diagnostic tools to identify this species. Additionally, we provide a modelled map with the known and potential distribution of P. griseocinctus and new host records for three plant species: the common walnut tree, Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae); the cambucá tree, Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae); and the cherry tree, Prunus cf. serrulata Lindl. (Rosaceae).

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the dietary supplementation Curcuma longa hydrolate on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in a recirculation system. Hemato-immunological parameters, growth performance, nitrogen and phosphorus retention, as well as body composition and its interaction with the intestinal microbiota, were studied. Nile tilapia fingerlings (120) were distributed randomly in 8 polyethylene tanks (40 L). The experimental units were divided into two treatments, in quadruplicate: commercial diet supplemented with 2.5% of C. longa hydrolate and commercial diet without supplementation (control). After 45 days, the treatment supplemented hydrolate showed higher survival than the control group, 95.25% and 82.22%, receptively. In the blood profile, fish supplemented with hydrolate had a higher count of total leukocytes and neutrophils, as well as mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, than control group. The hydrolate group showed a substantial increase in the relative abundance of Cetobacterium and Romboutsia, as well as lower diversity in gut microbiota. The dietary addition of C. longa hydrolate for Nile tilapia seems to have a beneficial effect on gut microbiota, in addition to a likely positive effect on the physiological performance of Nile tilapia by maintaining intestinal homeostasis and promoting survival in reared conditions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Two experiments were carried out to test better stocking proportion according to animal size for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and tadpole (Lithobates catesbeianus). The experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with five treatments (in Experiment I) and four treatments (in Experiment II). In Experiment I, the treatments consisted of a tilapia monoculture; a 75% tilapia + 25% tadpole polyculture; a 50% tilapia + 50% tadpole; a 25% tilapia + 75% tadpole; and a tadpole monoculture. In Experiment II, the treatments were represented by a tilapia monoculture; a 12.5% tilapia + 87.5% tadpole polyculture; a 25% tilapia + 75% tadpole; and a tadpole monoculture. In the first trial, mortality rate differed significantly, with the polyculture treatments having almost 100% mortality of tadpoles. In the second experiment, after adjustments in the initial size of the species, there were significant differences between treatments, with the 12.5% tilapia + 87.5% tadpole polyculture and the tadpole monoculture providing the best results. Regardless of the chosen density, for a polyculture of Nile tilapia and bullfrog tadpoles, ideal conditions would be stocking tilapia fry weighing 50% of the weight initial tadpoles and the proportion of one tilapia for seven tadpoles.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In canine visceral leishmaniasis, coinfections can aggravate the disease. Our aim was to investigate Brucella canis in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. One hundred and six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to serology for B. canis, PCR for B. canis and L. infantum, and histopathological analysis of the genital tract. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected in seven dogs whose clinical signs, L. infantum load and histological alterations were similar to those of seronegative animals. The circulation of anti-B. canis antibodies was low but demonstrates the exposure of dogs to this bacterium in a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic area.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Synthetic antioxidants (e.g.butylhydroxytoluene, BHT) are routinely used for to restrict oxidative processes of meat products, but they are implicated as harmful to the health of humans. Therefore natural alternatives, such as plant antioxidants, have been sought as replacements. Plant antioxidants when added to the diet can be incorporated into meat and reduce the need for the addition of synthetic antioxidants during processing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanol extracts of mango seeds (EEMS) in the diet of pigs on qualitative parameters and total antioxidant capacity of mortadella produced from these animals. Thirty-two pigs with an average 60 days of age were distributed among four treatments: control=no antioxidant; BHT=200ppm BHT; EEMS200=200ppm of EEMS and EEMS400=400ppm of EEMS. At 145 days of age the animals were slaughtered and loin was removed for the preparation of mortadella, which was analyzed during 90 days of storage at 4°C. A higher content of polyphenolic compounds and, total antioxidant capacity in mortadellas processed with meat of animals which consumed the EEMS400 ration after 60 and 90 days of storage was observed. EEMS polyphenolic antioxidants incorporated into pork through the diet results in an increase of total antioxidant capacity in the processed product.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study aimed to determine whether the addition of green propolis extract to the diet of laying hens would improve egg quality and bird performance and decrease bacterial contamination of eggs. Forty-five brown Hy-line laying hens were used, divided into five groups with three replicates each and three animals per cage: T0 - diet without propolis; T5 - 5 grams of propolis per kg of feed; T10 - 10 grams of propolis per kg of feed; T20 - 20 grams of propolis per kg of feed and T30 - 30 grams of propolis per kg of feed. The quality of fresh eggs was made on day 21 of the experiment, and eggs were stored for 21 days. Greater specific gravity was observed in fresh eggs in T5 birds and stored eggs for T10. TBARS in fresh eggs, we found that T30 eggs had lower levels compared to other treatments. T20 eggs had the lowest total bacterial count and the lowest total coliform count in the eggshells of T10 and T20 chickens. The count of E. coli in the peel was lower for T20 and T30 than T0 and T5. The consumption of propolis did not interfere with the hens’ egg production rate but reduced food intake and consequently reduced feed conversion. We concluded that the addition of green propolis in the diet of laying birds proved efficient in reducing bacterial contamination in the eggshells and reducing the lipid peroxidation of fresh and stored eggs.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of a blend based on α-monolaurin mono-, di- and triglycerides of butyric acid, and lysolecithin on the performance even on diets containing reduced inclusion of oil in the diet and without the use of growth-promoting antibiotics of broilers considering the effect on health, performance, and meat. Three treatments were defined: positive control (TP: with enramycin), negative control (TN: no enramycin), and blend (T-FRA: with monolaurin and glycerides of acid butyric minus 0.8% soybean oil). At 21 days, broilers treated with TP and T-FRA obtained the lower feed conversion ratio (FC); at 35 days, T-FRA broilers obtained lower FC than TN broilers. Cholesterol levels were higher in the blood of T-FRA broilers. On day 42, levels of ROS and TBARS were lower in the intestine, muscles, and liver of T-FRA broilers. Moreover, glutathione S-transferase and total non-enzymatic antioxidants were greater at the intestinal and muscular levels. The T-FRA broilers had a lower percentage of lipids in the meat. The MIC indicated that 111mg of the blend/mL inhibited the growth of E. coli; however, the counts of total coliforms and E. coli in the feces and the broilers’ litter did not differ between treatments. In conclusion, the addition of the blend T-FRA in broiler diets was able to improve the feed conversion and maintain the other performance parameters even considering a reduction of 0.8% in the inclusion of oil.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We investigated ten honey samples from the Discovery Coast of Bahia, Brazil, to confirm the three predominant flower sources indicated by regional beekeepers: Brazilian peppertree – Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi; eucalyptus – Eucalyptus L’Hér. spp.; and velame – Croton L. spp.. The honeys were collected in five Southern Bahia municipalities – Belmonte, Eunápolis, Guaratinga, Itabela and Porto Seguro. The samples underwent acetolysis and, after slides mounting, the pollen types were identified and counted to determine the frequency classes. The pollen spectra revealed 31 pollen types in 27 genera and 17 families. The palynological analysis confirmed the predominant eucalyptus flower source indicated for four honey samples from Belmonte, Eunápolis, Itabela and Porto Seguro. Three honey samples previously indicated with predominant eucalyptus and velame flower sources had no predominant pollen. Eucalyptus predominated as the main flower source for another three samples previously indicated by beekeepers as Brazilian peppertree and velame. We conclude that regional honeys marketed as having a predominant flower source may have distinct botanical origin. This demands further research aimed at reviewing which bee plants provide resources for monofloral, bifloral and plurifloral honeys in the Bahian Discovery Coast.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The objective of the study was to compare the richness and diversity of ant assemblages in an agroecological system under peach orchard, conventional system under peach orchard cultivation and native vegetation in rural properties located in a Pampa Biome. The study was conducted in four samplings in 2017: 1st and 09th March (summer); 24th and 31st July (winter); and four samplings in 2018: 23rd and 30th January (summer); 31st July and 07th August (winter). Pitfall traps were used. The assemblages were characterized and compared using richness, number of occurrences of ants, Shannon diversity (H’), equitability, rarefaction analysis and Chao 1. The association of the species with the samples was evaluated by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The agroecological system had the highest number of occurrences, while the conventional orchard the lowest number. Richness and abundance were greatest during the summer. The conventional peach orchard obtained the lowest H’ for both seasons when compared to the agroecological orchard and native vegetation. The PCA explained 77.40% of the occurrence of ants in the environments and in the seasons. The results found demonstrated that conservationist systems tend to harbor greater wealth and diversity of ant assemblages, as well as occurring in native áreas.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In order to elucidate the role of evolutionary forces in shaping the variation of quantitative traits in Senegalia gilliesii we evaluate seven phenotypic traits in three Argentinean populations, two of them sharing environmental and vegetation type conditions, and a third one ecologically differentiated from the former. The phenotypic traits were compared with molecular markers. Here, we search for signatures of selection by means of the comparison PST-FST . We assessed if the averages of the seven phenotypic traits were different among populations by means of ANOVA and we performed discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) for both morphological and molecular data. The ANOVA showed significant results only for two traits. For all foliar traits and two spine traits, the PST-FST comparison suggested the occurrence of stabilizing selection. The DAPC obtained from AFLP data showed three well defined groups of populations; when the same analysis was conducted with morphological data the scatterplot showed high overlapping among individuals and could not separate the populations. Overall, our findings suggest a prominent role of stabilizing selection in all foliar traits and stipular spine length. These results could be extrapolated to other tropical and subtropical acacias. Further studies are needed to analyse the mechanisms underlying genetic differentiation in natural populations of S. gilliesii, find its relationship with eco-geographical variables.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Bioremediation techniques like bioaugmentation and/or biostimulation are an economical and environmentally friendly procedure which emerged as the most advantageous methodology for treatment of contaminated sites by oil spills pollutants. This research uses a tropical soil contaminated with oil based drilling fluids (OBMs) and drill cuttings were evaluating at laboratory scale. Seven treatments were implemented separately: (C) control; (A) natural attenuation; (B) compost (Bs) nutrients; (BsT) nutrients and tween 80; (BsTL) nutrients, tween 80, leonardite, and (BL) nutrients, tween 80, leonardite and d-limonene. For three months, changes in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) soil microbial counts and activity were monitored as indicators of biodegradation. In order to evaluate the efficiency of treatments in the microcosm experiments. After 90 days of incubation hydrocarbon biodegradation is 76.2% (C), 28.6% (A), 76.2% (B), 66.7% (Bs), 83.3% (BsT), 69% (BsTL) and 88.1% (BL), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of OBMs evidenced absence of heavy metals. Biodiversity analysis showed a decrease in bacterial diversity and a rise in tolerant genus of hydrocarbons such as Nocardiodes, Streptomyces, Dietzia and Advenella. The co-substrate and stimulants had synergistic effect on the biological degradation of hydrocarbons. This research suggests that the implementation of bioaugmentation and biostimulation methods will be used a larger scale in contaminated sites.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This manuscript evaluates the technical feasibility of reusing coal ash in the formulation design of dense asphalt mixes. Physicochemical and mineralogical properties of fly and bottom ash matrixes prepared with coal ash were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), semi-quantitative spectrometry by X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) and surface characterization by Nitrogen (N2) adsorption. Filler fractions under 0.075 mm with 6.0% in weight from an entirely gneissic aggregate gradation curve taken as reference were compared to identical mixes prepared with fly and bottom ashes individually and also to a combined sample with 3.0% of each ash type. Tests on compaction ability with gyratory shear press, resistance to action of water and to rutting were carried out to compare mechanical performance. The results indicate that both gneissic and coal ash fillers do not form dipoles of effective electric attractions to bituminous matrixes, resulting in inert and hydrophilic behavior regarding to action of water, respectively. Despite surface and morphologic characteristics underlying the mechanical performance of gneissic fillers, coal ash matrixes have shown, in general, good technical feasibility to be used in asphalt mixes.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Estimating the minimum streamflows in rivers is essential to solving problems related to water resources. In gauged watersheds, this task is relatively easy. However, the spatial and temporal insufficiency of gauged watercourses in Brazil makes researchers rely on the hydrological regionalization technique. This study’s objective was to compare different hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering approaches for the delimitation of hydrologically homogeneous regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, aiming to regionalize the minimum streamflow that is equaled or exceeded in 90% of the time (Q90). The methodological development for the regionalization of Q90 consisted of using regression analysis supported by multivariate statistics. With respect to independent variables for regionalization, this study considered the morphoclimatic attributes of 100 watersheds located in southern Brazil. The results of this study highlighted that: (i) the clustering techniques had the potential to define hydrologically homogeneous regions, in the context of Q90 in the Rio Grande do Sul State, mostly the Ward algorithm associated with the Manhattan distance; (ii) drainage area, perimeter, centroids X and Y, and mean annual total rainfall aggregated important information that increased the accuracy of the cluster; and (iii) the refined mathematical models provided excellent performance and can be used to estimate Q90 in ungauged rivers.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Droughts have negatively influenced tropical regions on the planet with southeastern Brazil standing out. The objective of this study was to analyze droughts with different magnitudes since the ending of 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries based on the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standard Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), in the locations of São Paulo city (SP - city), metropolitan regions of Belo Horizonte (MR-BH) and Campinas (MR-Campinas), Lavras (South-MG), and Piracicaba (ME-SP). Two different periods were considered: i) wet period (SPI6 and SPEI6) and; ii) summer period (SPI4 and SPEI4). Considering the SPI indexes, the hydrological year of 2013/2014 was the driest observed for South-MG, ME-SP and MR-Campinas, while for MR-BH and SP-city, 1970/1971 and 1962/1963 were the driest, respectively. MR-BH and SP city showed different variability of 1970/1971 and 1962/1963, respectively. We could detect three periods with several consecutive droughts: 1908/1918; 1968/1981 and 2013/2019. Based on SPEI, the 2013/2014 hydrological year was the driest for all the regions, except for SP city, for which 1998/1999 and 1962/1963 were the driest, and MR-BH for which 1970/1971 and 2000/2001 were the driest. Precipitation might be the main factor to evaluate the occurrence of droughts in the studied locations, which indicates SPI is a satisfactory drought indicator for the region.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Riparian zones are intrinsically sensitive habitats to anthropogenic disturbances. Knowledge about how riparian soil attributes respond to anthropogenic changes remains limited. This information would allow the prediction of degradation and contamination soil scenarios that threaten water quality for supply. Here, we studied the impact on soil quality and concentration that potentially toxic elements caused through changes in land use in riparian soils in northeastern Brazil. A total of thirty riparian soil composite samples were collected from areas with different land use and evaluated for physical and chemical attributes, in addition to potentially toxic elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The results showed that replacing the natural vegetation in the riparian zone led to degradation gradient: pasture < agricultural < urban < industrial use. Soil attributes were sensitive in distinguishing the degree of degradation of each land use. Concentrations of the potentially toxic elements Cd and Zn are above the background soil concentrations and may pose a risk to the environment and human health. Our data can be helpful to understand better the complex relationship between land use and environmental impacts in riparian zones in northeastern Brazil and similar settings worldwide.