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Arthrospira maxima is a cyanobacterium with several applications in the food industry due to its capacity of biomass produce rich in protein and additional nutrients by photosynthesis. However, this biomass has a characteristic green color and an unpleasant flavor and aroma. Since variation in cultivation conditions leads to changes in Arthrospira biochemical composition, the objective of the present work was to optimize the cultivation of A. maxima in terms of biomass product and protein content. Furthermore, technological treatments to mask or attenuate biomass color, flavor, and aroma were applied. Central composite design (CCD) was employed to evaluate optimum culture conditions to enhance biomass product and protein content of A. maxima. According to experimental results, the predicted maximum biomass product and protein content after 7 days of cultivation were 0.89 g L−1 and 69.44%, respectively, under optimized conditions (temperature of 30 ± 2 °C, light irradiance of 100 μmol photons m−2 s−1, and orbital agitation of 136 rpm). If all combinations of these three-factor and three-level cultivation conditions were tested, it would generate 27 experiments, while using the CCD tool 17 experiments were conducted saving time and resources. The biomass produced at the optimized conditions was submitted to microencapsulation by spray-drying using an inlet temperature of 220 °C and presented a positive result by masking color, flavor, and aroma. Moreover, the optimized spray-dried A. maxima biomass produced a very high protein content (81%) showing that this microalga could become more attractive to be added in food products.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:30:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Gynogenesis is a chromosomal manipulation technique where an offspring is generated exclusively from maternal inheritance. In the yellowtail tetra (Astyanax altiparanae) almost all gynogenetic fish were females, suggesting a genetic sex determination system of XX/XY. However, due to environmental (e.g. temperature) or unknown genetic factors, the rise of males are described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the reproductive parameters of spontaneously gynogenetic males. The parameters analyzed were spermatozoon viability, motility and ploidy. Additionally, the gonads were processed for histology and the genetic inheritance confirmed by genotyping. Sperm parameters of gynogenetic males did not show differences when compared with semen of normal males. These data supports that gynogenetic males presents fertilization capacity and can be used for future studies of chromosome manipulation or possible production of monosex populations in A. altiparanae. Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Fish Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation Aquaculture Center Sao Paulo State University Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) Unidade Acadêmica de Serra Talhada Aquaculture Center Sao Paulo State University

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is one of the main diseases affecting tomato plants. Three races (races 1, 2 and 3) of the pathogen have been described around the world, including in Brazil. Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro State, is one of the leading tomato producing regions. During summer, farmers have reported severe losses caused by wilt disease. The present work aimed to identify and characterize the disease and predominant FOL races found in this region. The study was conducted in 41 family farms on 246 harvested tomato plants. Fusarium wilt was identified based on visual diagnosis, isolation and microscopy tests. Race identification was performed using: (a) differential cultivars; (b) conventional PCR and (c) gene sequencing. From all the isolates obtained, 38 were characterized as Fusarium spp. and 24 (63.2%) were identified as race 3 of FOL by differential cultivars. From the 24 FOL isolates, eighteen were randomly selected for race identification by gene sequencing. SIX primers (SIX3, SIX4 and SIX-G12A-F2) were not efficient to characterize races 1, 2 and 3 of FOL. Primers uni, sp12, sp. 23, sprl, as well as, primer SIX3 only allowed to identify race 3. The SCAR OP-Z4 marker was not able to identify race 2. Our study shows the predominance of FOL race 3 in the Nova Friburgo region. Moreover, primers developed to identify FOL races in other parts of the world are not well adapted to differentiate Brazilian FOL isolates.

Background Due to immunological susceptibility, close contact with the environment and way of life, indigenous communities are in a highly vulnerable condition to be affected by zoonoses, such as bartonellosis. Methods Seventy three paired serum samples were collected from indigenous people from a region of the Brazilian Legal Amazon, in cohorts carried out in 2014 and 2015, with the performance of serological tests by indirect immunofluorescence to detect anti-Bartonella IgG antibodies. The interviews and laboratory results were double entered in the EpiInfo 7 software, and the data processing was performed in the MiniTab 17 software. Results 5.47% of the indigenous people were seroreagent. The female gender was predominant (65.75%), aged between 20 and 39 years old (39.73%) with complete elementary school (42.47%). As for housing, wooden residences predominated (50.68%). Rodents were seen by 46.58% of the interviewees, and 55.88% of them reported that the animal was close to or inside the house. It was identified that each indigenous family, in its majority, had four to six cats, for the function of hunters of rodents. Conclusion The high concentration of domestic cats, the close contact of indigenous people with wild rodents and the lack of care and poor hygiene of both are aspects that imply the possibility of infection by Bartonella sp. Health surveillance through seroepidemiological studies is essential to find evidence of the circulation of bartonellosis in these populations.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:29:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) We evaluated the spatiotemporal distribution of Limnoperna fortunei larvae, its abundance in relation to other zooplanktonic organisms (copepoda and cladocerans), and its macrofouling on net cages in the Chavantes Reservoir, Brazil. We also estimated its growth rate under this condition and limnological variables in the water column. Zooplankton densities were positively related to water temperature, and copepoda was the most abundant group. L. fortunei showed the highest density in November and March (18.565 to 30.014 larvae/m3) and the lowest from June to August (1.587 to 876 larvae/m3). Population parameters of L. fortunei, as derived from von Bertalanffy seasonal growth function, indicated fast annual growth (K = 1.22) in length in the first, second and third years of life at 21, 28, and 30 mm, respectively. We estimate that 62.920 juveniles/m2 will be recruited annually in fish farming, mainly in the reproductive period, which should be the focus of prevention methods. Our work is the first report to associate the abundance of L. fortunei larvae in the water column with the recruitment of juveniles. Instituto de Pesca Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios Postgraduate Program Centro de Aquicultura Universidade Estadual Paulista Postgraduate Program Instituto de Pesca Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Departamento de Ecología Genética y Evolución Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires Postgraduate Program Centro de Aquicultura Universidade Estadual Paulista

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T17:13:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-12-01 The Thaumastocoris peregrinus spread to eucalyptus plantations in many countries. Chemical control is a questionable measure, mainly due to the environmental impact, high cost and moreover has the use restricted by the forest certifications. Bio-insecticides may have similar efficiency to chemical products to control T. peregrinus. The chemical thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin, acephate and the microbial Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae insecticides were tested at different doses to manage T. peregrinus. The products were sprayed on eucalyptus plants using aircraft and populations of this insect were counted before application and at 1, 14 and 21 days afterwards (DAA). Ten eucalyptus trees were evaluated per plot, with the collection of ten leaves from the middle third of the crown of each tree, and the number of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults obtained per leaf was determined. All the chemical insecticides had similar control at 1 DAA for T. peregrinus nymphs and adults. At 14 DAA, the number of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults on eucalyptus leaves was similar for the chemical and microbial insecticide treatments. At 21 DAA the control efficiency of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults was higher than 80% with all insecticides. The entomopathogenic insecticides have potential for aerial application to control T. peregrinus nymphs and adults and provide viable and environmentally-friendly alternative to manage this pest. Departamento de Proteção Vegetal FCA/UNESP Universidade Estadual Paulista Dow Agrosciences Mogi-Mirim Field Station MIP Florestal JB Biotecnologia Departamento de Fitotecnia Universidade Federal de Viçosa Departamento de Engenharia Florestal Universidade Federal de Viçosa Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária- Embrapa Florestas Departamento de Entomologia/BIOAGRO Universidade Federal de Viçosa Departamento de Proteção Vegetal FCA/UNESP Universidade Estadual Paulista

Stress inducible protein 1 (STI1) is a co-chaperone acting with Hsp70 and Hsp90 for the correct client proteins' folding and therefore for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Besides being expressed in the cytosol, STI1 can also be found both in the cell membrane and the extracellular medium playing several relevant roles in the central nervous system (CNS) and tumor microenvironment. During CNS development, in association with cellular prion protein (PrPc), STI1 regulates crucial events such as neuroprotection, neuritogenesis, astrocyte differentiation and survival. In cancer, STI1 is involved with tumor growth and invasion, is undoubtedly a pro-tumor factor, being considered as a biomarker and possibly therapeutic target for several malignancies. In this review, we discuss current knowledge and new findings on STI1 function as well as its role in tissue homeostasis, CNS and tumor progression.

It has been hypothesised that rivers serve as biogeographic barriers and Pleistocene forest refuges may explain the rich species diversity observed within Neotropical rainforests. The lack of correspondence between Amazonian and Atlantic forest species in South America is a good model for testing such hypotheses. We used molecular, ancestral area reconstruction, and potential paleodistribution analyses of Chiroxiphia pareola to test above hypotheses and examine the diversification and/or geographical expansion of populations. Six genes, two mitochondrial and four nuclear, were analysed. All population splits were estimated to have occurred in the Pliocene–Pleistocene period, and the occurrence of an Amazon population split was supported by historical river dynamics. Amazonian populations were not monophyletic, and the eastern Amazonian cluster was a sister of the Atlantic Forest population. Molecular divergence occurring between the Amazonian and Atlantic forest populations was low when compared to splits between the lineages separated by Amazonian rivers. During the early to middle Pleistocene era, regions associated with mountain slopes and riverbanks connected the Amazonian and Atlantic Forest populations near the interior of the Brazilian Northeast semiarid region, which might have facilitated species dispersal from Amazonia into the Atlantic Forest. After this point, the populations were separated, and the Atlantic Forest population remained stable until the end of the Pleistocene and Holocene eras when short-range expansion and demographic growth occurred. Our results provide evidence that highlights the role of rivers and historical climate change in the diversification of Amazonian and Atlantic Forest bird species through the Plio-Pleistocene era.

portuguesEstudos sobre tecnologia de sementes fundamentam-se na analise de temperaturas e metodos pre-germinativos;e preciso aprimorar os que se mostram mais eficientes, otimizando tempo e recursos. A dormencia e um processo de distribuicao da germinacao das sementes no tempo e no espaco. A Cassia grandisL.f., especie arborea, pertencente a familia Fabaceae, possuiimportância ambiental e socioeconomica. O objetivodeste trabalho foi superar a dormencia de sementes de C.grandis, atraves de diferentes metodos. As sementes foram submetidas aos tratamentos de escarificacao mecânica, quimica e testemunha; germinadas nas temperaturas de 25 e de 30 °C. O delineamento experimentaladotado, foi do tipo inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repeticoes, fatorial 3x2e 24 parcelas. Avaliou-se: porcentagem e indice de velocidade de germinacao, comprimento e massa fresca e seca de radicula, hipocotilo e plântula. As sementes de C.grandispossuem dormencia fisica, sendo os metodos mais eficientes de superacao a escarificacao mecânica, com lixa para madeira numero 100, na regiao oposta a micropila; e a escarificacao quimica, com acido sulfurico concentrado, com tempo de duracao de 30 min. de imersao, independente da temperatura testada. EnglishStudies on seed technology are based;on the analysis of temperatures and pre-germination methods. Itis necessary to improve those that are most efficient, optimizing time and resources. Dormancy is a process of distributing seed germination over time and space. Cassia grandisL. f., is a nativetree species, belonging to the Fabaceae family, has environmental and socioeconomic importance. The objective of this work was to overcome dormancy of C. grandisseeds, using different methods. The seeds were submitted to mechanicalchemical scarification and control treatments, germinated at temperatures of 25 and 30 °C. The adopted experimentaldesign was of the type completely randomized, with 4 replicates, a 3x2factorial and 24 plots. It was evaluated: percentage and index of germination speed, length and fresh and dry mass of radicle, hypocotyl and seedling.C. grandisseeds have physical dormancy, the most efficient methods of overcoming mechanical scarification, with sandpaper number 100, in the region opposite the micropyle; and chemical scarification, with concentrated sulfuric acid, lasting 30 min. immersion, regardless of the temperature tested.

Plants of the genus Piper (Piperaceae) have a pantropical distribution. In Brazil, Piper species are used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, toothache, and fever. Many reports have shown a correlation between the biological activities of Piper species and neolignans, a secondary metabolite class obtained from the shikimic acid biosynthetic pathway. This review aims to provide detailed information on the structural identification of neolignans isolated from Piper species by 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These searchable data enable rapid identification and routine analysis of neolignans from extracts of the Piper species.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:57:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-02-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The aim of this study was to evaluate different post-shock temperatures for tetraploid induction in the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae. Newly fertilized eggs were divided into four groups, three were submitted to heat shock (40 degrees C for 2 min) at 24 min post-fertilization (mpf) and another group remained without shock (control). Groups submitted to temperature shock were further separated at the following temperatures: 22 degrees C, 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Survival among embryonic development was counted and at hatching the ploidy was analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that the post-shock temperature affects the parameters analyzed and, therefore, must be considered for optimization of the production of tetraploid in A. altiparanae. Those data are innovative and could be used in future studies of basic biology in this species. Fed Univ Grande Dourados UFGD, BR-79825070 Dourados, MS, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Aquacuiture Ctr, Via Acesso Prof Paulo Donato Castaane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Chico Mendes Inst Biodivers Conservat, Natl Ctr Res & Conservat Continental Fish, Lab Fish Biotechnol, Rodovia Pref Euberto Nemesio Pereira de Godoy, BR-13630970 Pirassununga, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Aquacuiture Ctr, Via Acesso Prof Paulo Donato Castaane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2010/17429-1 FAPESP: 2011/11664-1 FAPESP: 2016/12383-0 CNPq: 471140/2012-0

SummaryThe seminal characteristics of Moenkhausia oligolepis are described. Three males were induced with a single dose of carp pituitary. Semen was collected 6 h after induction, and diluted in dibasic sodium phosphate extender solution. For motility analysis, 1 µl of diluted semen was added to 10 µl of distilled water to achieve gamete activation. The average duration of total motility was 76.67 s; while the average sperm motility rate at intervals of 15 s was 95.3, 85.3, 59.6, 31.7, 13.0, 4.6 and 1.2%. To determine sperm concentration in samples, 0.5 μl of semen was diluted with 500 μl of glutaraldehyde. An aliquot of 10 μl of this dilution was utilized for cell counting. An average count of 4.97 × 109 ± 3.46 sperm/ml was obtained. Morphological analyses were performed using eosin–nigrosine dye; 20.33% of the sperm were observed to be dead. Live sperm, comprising the other 79.67%, had an average length of approximately 30 µm, with a head diameter of 4.488 ± 0.7 µm; and a flagella plus mid-piece length of 26.071 ± 12.4 µm. Of those sperm, 69% had a normal morphology, while 31% had primary and secondary abnormalities. The observed abnormality rate did not have a detrimental effect on artificial fertilization potential for the species. The description of the seminal characteristics of a species is one of the most important sets of information required for artificial reproduction of fish in captivity. It also contributes significantly to the total biological knowledge of the studied species.

In search of a novel class of compounds against Alzheimer's disease (AD), a new series of 7-chloro-aminoquinoline derivatives containing methylene spacers of different sizes between the 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline nucleus and imino methyl substituted phenolic rings, and also their reduced analogues, were designed, synthesized and evaluated as neuroprotective agents for AD

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are highly aggressive primary brain tumors characterized by cellular heterogeneity, insensitivity to chemotherapy and poor patient survival. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lysophospholipid that acts as a bioactive signaling molecule and plays important roles in diverse biological events during development and disease, including several cancer types. Microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, express high levels of Autotaxin (ATX,Enpp2), an enzyme that synthetizes LPA. Our study aimed to investigate the role of LPA on tumor growth and invasion in the context of microglia-GBM interaction. First, through bioinformatics studies, patient data analysis demonstrated that more aggressive GBM expressed higher levels of ENPP2, which was also associated with worse patient prognosis with proneural GBM. Using GBM-microglia co-culture system we then demonstrated that GBM secreted factors were able to increase LPA1 and ATX in microglia, which could be further enhanced by hypoxia. On the other hand, interaction with microglial cells also increased ATX expression in GBM. Furthermore, microglial-induced GBM proliferation and migration could be inhibited by pharmacological inhibition of LPA1 , suggesting that microglial-derived LPA could support tumor growth and invasion. Finally, increased LPA1 expression was observed in GBM comparing with other gliomas and could be also associated with worse patient survival. These results show for the first time a microglia-GBM interaction through the LPA pathway with relevant implications for tumor progression. A better understanding of this interaction can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies setting LPA as a potential target for GBM treatment.

Understanding how ecological interactions have shaped the evolutionary dynamics of species traits remains a challenge in evolutionary ecology. Combining trait evolution models and phylogenies, we analysed the evolution of characters associated with seed dispersal (fruit size and colour) and herbivory (spines) in Neotropical palms to infer the role of these opposing animal–plant interactions in driving evolutionary patterns. We found that the evolution of fruit colour and fruit size was associated in Neotropical palms, supporting the adaptive interpretation of seed-dispersal syndromes and highlighting the role of frugivores in shaping plant evolution. Furthermore, we revealed a positive association between fruit size and the presence of spines on palm leaves, bracteas and stems. We hypothesize that interactions between palms and large-bodied frugivores/herbivores may explain the evolutionary relationship between fruit size and spines. Large-bodied frugivores, such as extinct megafauna, besides consuming the fruits and dispersing large seeds, may also have consumed the leaves or damaged the plants, thus simultaneously favouring the evolution of large fruits and defensive structures. Our findings show how current trait patterns can be understood as the result of the interplay between antagonistic and mutualistic interactions that have happened throughout the evolutionary history of a clade.

Intestinal mucositis (IM) caused by antineoplastic chemotherapy is characterized by an important inflammatory process, which may compromise ongoing treatment. Our study aimed to investigate the eff...

The deficiency in micronutrients is a public health problem, principally in lower-middle-income countries. Vitamin A (VA) is considered a micronutrient fundamental to the maintenance and development of different tissues in the organism. Therefore, it is an essential micronutrient in the human diet. In these terms, goat milk is the leading food consumed to provide nutritional support in innumerous lower-middle-income countries. Here our work aimed to produce goat cheese studying strategies to promote the retention of VA. Our experiment design also explores the use of the salting process to evaluate the levels of VA retention. The level of VA in goat cheese was determined using LC-MS/MS analysis. Additionally, the redox status of the goat cheese in terms of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation was determined. The texture analysis was also evaluated to verify if the redox status and salting process influence the texture profile. The results showed that the salting process during goat cheese production improves the retention of VA in goat cheese. Moreover, the salting process also is related to alterations in the status redox of the goat cheese and texture parameters. Therefore, our results show that goat cheese production can be an alternative to produced dairy derivates with recognized concentrations of VA for human nutrition.

Forest restoration in pastures dominated by Urochloa spp. (brachiaria) shows relatively high cost, mainly by the difficulty of controlling this weed. The objective of this work was to determine the most efficient brachyria control for forest restoration formation. Four different strategies for brachiaria control in the forest restoration area were compared in the city of Bom Jardim, Rio de Janeiro state: T1 weeding in strips in the planting lines and mowed between the lines; T2 weeding in strips in the planting lines and applications of glyphosate (1.44 kg i.a. ha-1) between the lines; T3 - weeding in total area and consortium with herbaceous legumes nitrogen-fixing; T4 - weeding in strips in the planting lines, mowing and consortium with eucalyptus between the lines. The growth in height, the diameter at ground level and the diameter of the top of ten forest species at different ages were evaluated, as well as all costs involved in the application and maintenance of each treatment, up to 30 months after planting. In every age of valuation, forest plants showed significantly higher average growth in height and diameter at the ground level in the treatment of consortium with herbaceous legumes and application of glyphosate. At 24 months after planting, the top of the trees that were introduced had already covered 80% to 90% of the area of experimental unit that received the T3 (legumes) and T2 (Glyphosate) treatments, respectively. However, the maintenance cost of the T3 was almost double the T1 units and the cost of the latter was almost three times higher than the units analyzed for T2. As a general rule, eucalyptus consortium between the lines of planting did not harm, but also did not benefit the growth of the native species planted up to 30 months after planting. Chemical control and consortium with herbaceous legumes can be pointed as effective alternatives to control the brachiaria of this area, anticipating the formation of stands and resulting in resource savings.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:59:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-06-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus is an important fish species from the Neotropical region. In this study, a protocol of triploidization was established by temperature shock. Fertilized eggs were shocked at 2 min post-fertilization at 0, 38, 40 and 42°C. At 0°C, the embryos were maintained for 30 min, while the rest for 2 min. Heat shocked embryos and control (during all experiment) were incubated at 27°C. The ploidy status was confirmed by flow cytometry, erythrocyte diameter, conventional cytogenetics (Giemsa staining), chromosome banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization using 5S and 18S rDNA probes. Heat-shock at 40°C produced 96.7% of triploids and such a procedure did not reduce the fertilization, hatching rate and the percentage of normal embryos. The use of chromosome banding and FISH gave rise to effective procedure to identify triploids. The data obtained here is innovative for the species and bring new information for basic and applied studies. Laboratory of Fish Biotechnology National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Fish Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation Department of Veterinary Medicine – FZEA University of São Paulo Aquaculture Center São Paulo State University Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro Faculdade de Ciências Bauru UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista Aquaculture Center São Paulo State University Faculdade de Ciências Bauru UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista FAPESP: 2010/17429-1 FAPESP: 2011/11664-1

Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is an arboreal species domesticated in Amazonia from its wild ancestor (B. orellana var. urucurana). Bixin extracted from its orthodox seeds is a natural dye widely used in the food industry. This study evaluated methods to overcome seed dormancy and determine the germination potential, comparing domesticated and wild annatto populations. Seeds from two domesticated-type populations and two families of a wild-type population, stored for two years after field collection, were submitted to five treatments to overcome dormancy: T1 - control; T2 - mechanical scarification (with sandpaper); T3 - mechanical scarification (with sandpaper) + immersion in water at 36 ºC overnight (12 hours); T4 - immersion in water at room temperature (23 ºC, on average) for 24 h; T5 - immersion in concentrated sulfuric acid (95 - 98%) for 15 min + running water for 3 min. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed in the germination percentage of annatto seeds between wild and domesticated types, and among the treatments tested. Domesticated types showed higher germination percentage (10 - 58%) over all treatments when compared to the wild type (0 - 44%). The best treatments were those performed with mechanical scarification. Given the simplicity, we concluded that mechanical scarification with sandpaper is a good alternative to overcome dormancy of annatto seeds. RESUMO: O urucum (Bixa orellana L.) é uma espécie arbórea domesticada na Amazônia a partir de seu ancestral selvagem (B. orellana var. urucurana). Das suas sementes ortodoxas, é extraído a bixina, corante bastante utilizado na alimentação. Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar métodos de superação da dormência e determinar o potencial de germinação de sementes, comparando populações domesticadas e selvagens. Sementes de duas populações domesticadas e duas famílias de uma população selvagem, armazenadas por dois anos após a coleta, foram submetidas a cinco tratamentos de superação da dormência: T1 - controle; T2 - escarificação mecânica (com lixa); T3 - escarificação mecânica (com lixa) + imersão em água a 36 ºC durante a noite (12 horas); T4 - imersão em água à temperatura ambiente (23 ºC, em média) por 24 h; T5 - imersão em ácido sulfúrico concentrado (95 - 98%) por 15 min + água corrente por 3 min. Foram observadas diferenças altamente significativas (P < 0,001) no potencial de germinação de sementes entre domesticadas e selvagens, e entre os tratamentos testados. As populações domesticadas apresentaram maior porcentagem de germinação (10 - 58%) em comparação com a de urucum selvagem (0 - 44%). Os melhores tratamentos foram os realizados com escarificação mecânica. Considerando sua simplicidade, concluímos que a escarificação mecânica com lixa representa boa alternativa para superar a dormência do urucum.

In the Olive drupe (Olea europaea L.) oil extraction process, 80% of the volume generated is waste (bagasse). Advancing the expansion of the olive oil market, it is necessary to develop alternatives that, in addition to adding value to industrial waste, also reduce possible environmental damage. Our study aimed to understand the antimicrobial and Cytotoxic activity potential of the residues from the extraction of olive oil from the blend of the varieties Arbequina and Arbosana. The extract shows cytotoxic activity, inhibiting about 75% of cancer cells in the human colon at a concentration of 0.15 mg of Gallic Acid equivalent (GAE)/mL. The effectiveness of the extract against microorganisms often associated with foodborne diseases and food decomposition has also been discovered, without compromising the microorganisms responsible for fermentation. Thus, this study provides future perspectives for the use of active ingredients extracted from the residue from the extraction of olive oil.

A aquaponia e uma tecnologia relativamente recente a qual pode ser utilizada em diferentes contextos de clima e regioes devido a sua versatilidade. Por conta disso, maiores informacoes a respeito dessa tecnologia em nivel regional sao necessarias. Neste trabalho avaliou-se a producao de biomassa vegetal em sistema de aquaponia utilizando tres fontes distintas de agua, sendo duas delas sem tratamento previo, atraves da producao de curcuma ( Curcuma longa L.), quiabo ( Abelmoschus esculentus L.) e tomate cereja ( Solanum lycopersicum L.). Foram coletados dados referentes a altura e peso umido dos quais foram obtidos a Taxa de Crescimento Absoluto (TCA) e Taxa de Crescimento Relativo (TCR) e, posteriormente foi analisado estatisticamente por medio de um fatorial 2x3x3 e teste de Tuckey a 5% de probabilidade a fim de mensurar quais condicoes foram mais produtivas. Os resultados para TCA e TCR apresentaram diferencas significativas no periodo chuvoso para tomate e quiabo enquanto a curcuma se desenvolveu melhor durante a estacao seca. O modulo com agua do riacho apresentou melhores resultados no periodo chuvoso enquanto o com agua do abastecimento publico no periodo seco. Nao foram detectados metais a niveis nocivos a saude humana ou presenca de coliformes termotolerantes ao final do experimento em ambas as estacoes avaliadas.

O melhor entendimento relacionado a germinacao e emergencia de plântulas auxilia na previsao da distribuicao potencial e fornece indicacoes para um manejo eficiente da especie. Parkia pendula (Willd) Benth. ex. Walp , especie arborea da Familia Fabaceae, conhecida popular e localmente como: visgueiro, possui funcao ecologica na recuperacao de areas degradadas, por seu rapido crescimento, pela fixacao de nitrogenio no solo e atrair animais silvestres. Objetivou superar a dormencia em sementes de P. pendula , atraves de diferentes metodos. Para analise de mensuracao da eficiencia dos tratamentos de superacao de dormencia, foram avaliados: teste de germinacao, indice de velocidade de germinacao, comprimento e massa fresca e seca de radicula, do hipocotilo e da plântula. O delineamento experimental adotado foi do tipo inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repeticoes de 25 sementes, em fatorial 3x2, totalizando 24 parcelas. Os dados foram analisados com o Software ESTAT, observando a significância pelo teste F e teste de Tukey, ao nivel de 5%. As sementes de Parkia pendula possuem dormencia fisica. O metodo de superacao por escarificacao mecânica, foi o mais eficiente, independente da temperatura testada.

Nanomaterials (NMs) have been used in a growing number of commercial products, and their rapid expansion could lead to their release into the aquatic environments. However, there is limited knowledge about the impact of NMs in the biota, especially the amphibians. The present study revised the historical use of amphibian species as a model system for nanoecotoxicological studies and summarized the data available in the scientific literature about the genotoxic, mutagenic, histopathological, embryotoxic and reproductive effects of NMs in different groups of amphibians. The interaction, bioaccumulation, mode of action (MoA) and ecotoxicity of NMs on amphibians were also revised. The nanoecotoxicological studies were conducted with 11 amphibian species, being eight species of the order Anura and three species of the order Caudata. Xenopus laevis was the most studied species. The studies were conducted mainly with inorganic NMs (72%) compared to organic ones. The nanoecotoxicity depends on NM behavior and transformation in the environment, as well as the developmental stages of amphibians. The known effects of NMs in amphibians were mainly reported with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress, and genotoxic effects. Results emphasize the need for further studies testing the ecotoxicity of different NMs, concentrations and exposure periods at environmentally relevant approaches. Furthermore, standard protocols for nanoecotoxicological tests using amphibians are required. Revised data showed that amphibians are suitable organisms to assess the environmental impact of NMs and indicated significant research gaps concerning the ecotoxicity of NMs on freshwater ecosystems and recommendations for future researches.

The objective of the study was to know the accessibility of people with disabilities to the family health unit. This is an observational, descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Made in suburban neighborhoods in the largest municipality in the northern region of Mato Grosso. Data collection took place in March 2016, through an observation script and measuring instruments. The images were interpreted by iconographic analysis. It has been verified that the route of the residence of the disabled to the health unit, has many obstacles that can make the circulation unfeasible. This fact gives these people the tendency to lose their autonomy, since there will be the need of third parties help. Thus, they end up risking amid urban imperfections and irregularities and this trend to entail new possibilities of damages. They can also opt for other routes with fewer barriers, but more distant and dangerous. It is undeniable that the best way to reduce barriers is the movement of social inclusion, particularly in the planning of buildings and public mobility with greater accessibility, in the knowledge / reflection of the needs of the disabled person, support to families and articulation with the present social devices in the community. In addition, health professionals, especially nurses, play a key role in establishing links, so they can devise strategies to minimize such obstacles, while at the same time relieving moments of anguish and pain.Keywords: Health Services Accessibility. Disabled Persons. Architectural Accessibility.ResumoO objetivo do estudo foi conhecer a acessibilidade de pessoas com deficiência da residência à unidade de saúde da família. Trata-se de estudo observacional, descritivo e com abordagem qualitativa. Realizado em bairros de periferia no maior município da região médio norte de Mato Grosso. A coleta de dados ocorreu em março de 2016, mediante roteiro de observação e instrumentos de medição. As imagens foram interpretadas pela análise iconográfica. Verificou-se que o percurso da residência das pessoas com deficiência à unidade de saúde, possui muitos obstáculos que podem inviabilizar a circulação. Esse fato propicia à essas pessoas tendência a perder sua autonomia, visto que, haverá necessidade do auxílio de terceiros ajuda. Assim, acabam se arriscando em meio as imperfeições e irregularidades urbanísticas e isso tende a acarretar novas possibilidades de danos. Podem ainda, optar por outros trajetos com menos barreiras, porém mais distantes e perigosos. É inegável que a melhor forma de redução das barreiras seja o movimento de inclusão social, particularmente no planejamento de edificações e mobilidade pública com maior acessibilidade, no conhecimento/reflexão das necessidades da pessoa com deficiência, apoio às famílias e articulação com os dispositivos sociais presentes na comunidade. Além disso, o profissional de saúde, em especial os enfermeiros, possuem papel fundamental no estabelecimento de vínculos, logo podendo traçar estratégias para minimizar tais obstáculos, e ao mesmo tempo aliviar momentos de angústia e dor.Palavras-chave: Acesso aos Serviços de Saúde. Pessoas com Deficiência. Estruturas de Acesso.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T17:27:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-02-01 AES Tiete/ANEEL Triploidization is a technique to produce sterile fish on a large scale. In the spotted catfish Pimelodus maculatus, sterile fish serve as a host of germ cell transplantation for subsequent reconstitution of endangered catfish species. This study aimed to establish an efficient protocol for triploidization in P. maculatus using temperature shock. In this study, we tested the efficacy of heat shock treatments (37 degrees C, 38 degrees C, and 39 degrees C) applied at 2 min post-fertilization (mpf) for the duration of 2 min. Intact embryos served as diploid control. Ploidy status was confirmed by flow cytometry, characterization of erythrocytes nuclei, and karyotyping. Developmental stages were verified at cleavage, blastula, gastrula, somite, and hatching stages, as well as the percentages of normal and abnormal larvae. No significant difference was observed between the temperature treatments for percentage of unfertilized oocytes (P = 0.1834), 2-cell stage (P = 0.2348), blastula (P = 0.2972), hatching (P = 0.0668), and abnormal larvae (P = 0.6177). Heat shock decreased the survival at the blastula stage (P = 0.0178), somite (P = 0.0469), and the percentage of abnormal larvae (P = 0.0261). All treatments presented high percentages of triploid individuals, and the highest values were observed for heat shock at 38 degrees C (96.7 %). Based on the results described above, an efficient protocol for triploidization in P. maculatus was established using heat shock (38 degrees C) at 2 mpf for 2 min. Chico Mendes Inst Biodivers Conservat, Natl Ctr Res & Conservat Continental Fish, Lab Fish Biotechnol, Rodovia Pref Euberto Nemesio Pereira de Godoy, BR-13630970 Pirassununga, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Rua Prof Doutor Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin S-No, BR-18618689 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Rua Prof Doutor Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin S-No, BR-18618689 Botucatu, SP, Brazil AES Tiete/ANEEL: 4690000174

The effects of a diet supplemented with 5% marine fish oil, 5% refined palm oil, 5% soybean oil, and a combination of the three on reproductive parameters of females Rhamdia quelen was investigated. Spawning was artificially induced to evaluate rates of fertilization, hatching and larvae normality. Fatty acid profiles of the diets, ovaries and oocytes were determined. A higher spawning rate (%) was observed for diets containing fish oil (78.65 ± 3.60) and palm oil (77.15 ± 3.97), followed by oil mix (65.46 ± 4.57). The diet containing soybean oil was associated with significantly lower fertilization (60.14 ± 5.66; P 0.05) were observed for all tested diets, whit 289.77 ± 23.90 (palm oil) until 323.31 ± 38.45 oocytes g -1 body weight (fish oil). The treatments were not shown to influence oocyte size, larval size or rate of larva deformity. Oocyte fatty acid composition was like that of gonads. Docosahexaenoic (DHA; C22:6 n-3) fatty acid was preferentially deposited in ovaries and oocytes. Ratios of n3/n6, DHA/EPA, EPA/ARA, did not affect the reproductive performance of females. Therefore, regarding female reproductive performance, the vegetable lipid sources tested are suitable for being used in R. quelen diet, and palm oil, in particular, is considered an excellent alternative to fish oil.

Cage fish farming is an important economic activity in Brazil where tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the main cultivated species. To investigate the cage fish farm as a vector for golden mussel invasion, we hypothesised that: (1) Limnoperna fortunei, a freshwater bivalve mollusc, finds greater food availability in the cage fish farm; (2) the cage fish farm favours mollusc colonisation and its nutritional status; and (3) its performance in the reservoir would vary over the year. We obtained data from limnological variables as well as the number of larvae and adult individuals, to evaluate condition index (CI) monthly from February 2015 to January of 2016. We established sampling stations at three points with fish farming and three points without fish farming (controls) in the Canoas II Reservoir, Paranapanema River, Brazil. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify spatial and temporal distribution of samples according to limnological variables. We performed a linear mixed model analysis to test the hypothesis of no difference between areas (fish farm and control) and time (months) for larval density and CI of L. fortunei. The first PCA axis (28.48% of variance) revealed a temporal gradient, showing the separation between cold and hot months. The second PCA axis (19.61% of variance) separated the samples of control and fish farms; fish farms displayed higher concentrations of total phosphorus, nitrite, and chlorophyll a. Larval densities of L. fortunei were higher in fish cage areas with time being responsible for 35% of this variation. Mussel CI was also higher in fish farms and time was responsible for 36% of the variation. We conclude that fish production in cages contributes to the establishment of golden mussels in the reservoir. Our results serve as a warning that other molluscs or invasive species may be favoured by aquaculture activities in aquatic environments. The colonisation of the mussel in the reservoir varies during the year in response to seasonality.

Introdução: O glioblastoma (GBM) é o tumor cerebral primário mais comum e agressivo em adultos. Suas características histopatológicas o apresentam como um processo neoplásico astrocístico grau IV, com importante proliferação microvascular e necrose tumoral. Discussão: Alterações moleculares comuns ao GBM incluem mutações gênicas ocorridas em IDH1/2, p53, Rb, PTEN, EGFR, metilação do promotor MGMT e outros importantes biomarcadores. O tratamento para essa neoplasia refere-se à cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia alquilante. Todavia, mesmo com emprego dessas terapêuticas, o prognóstico dos pacientes é restrito com sobrevida média de 15 meses. Conclusão: As perspectivas atuais concentram-se no desenvolvimento de novas alternativas terapêuticas com alvos, majoritariamente, às características moleculares que impulsionam o fenótipo maligno do tumor.

The use of plants for medicinal purposes is performed empirically by traditional knowledge with the use of preparations that seek to extract their active principles, and are considered to be fundamental to human health. In this context, the aim of the present study was to of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the biological activities of the Arecaceae family distributed throughout Brazil. This research was carried out through a comprehensive search using the following databases, Scopus, Portal Periódicos Capes, PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct, using the following descriptors: “Arecaceae” and “Biological properties of the family Arecaeae”, checked at to check synonyms. It was possible to identify numerous biological activities in the arecaceae family, among the most recurring ones, the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. These activities are justified by the presence of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and terpenes. Studies routinely report lauric acid as a major in the plants of this family, which makes it a potential compound to cure or assist in the treatment of various diseases. La utilización de plantas para fines medicinales es realizada empíricamente por los conocimientos tradicionales con la utilización de preparos que buscan extraer sus principios activos y son considerados fundamentales para la salud humana. En este contexto, el objetivo del estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática de las actividades bilógicas de la familia Arecaceae repartida por todo el Brasil. Esta investigación fue realizada a través de una búsqueda integral en las bases de datos Scopus, Portal Periódicos Capes, PubMed, Google Scholar y Science Direct, utilizando los siguientes descriptores “Areacaceae” y “Propriedades biológicas da familia Arecaceae”, verificados en para la verificación de sinónimos. Fue posible identificar muchas actividades biológicas en la familia de las Arecaceae, entre las más recurrentes, la actividad antioxidante, antimicrobiana y antiinflamatoria. Esas actividades son justificadas por la presencia de ácidos grasos, compuestos fenólicos, alcaloides y terpénicos. Los estudios rutinariamente reportar el ácido láurico como un de los principales en las plantas de esta familia, lo que torna un compuesto potencial para curar o auxiliar en el tratamiento de variadas enfermedades. A utilização de plantas com fins medicinais é realizada empiricamente pelos conhecimentos tradicionais com a utilização de preparações que buscam extrair seus princípios ativos, e são consideradas fundamentais para a saúde humana. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática das atividades biológicas da família Arecaceae distribuída por todo o Brasil. Esta pesquisa foi realizada por meio de uma busca abrangente nas bases de dados Scopus, Portal Periódicos Capes, PubMed, Google Scholar e Science Direct, utilizando os seguintes descritores: “Arecaceae” e “Propriedades biológicas da família Arecaeae”, verificados em para verificar sinônimos. Foi possível identificar inúmeras atividades biológicas na família das Arecaceae, entre as mais recorrentes, a atividade antioxidante, antimicrobiana e antiinflamatória. Essas atividades são justificadas pela presença de ácidos graxos, compostos fenólicos, alcalóides e terpenos. Os estudos rotineiramente relatam o ácido láurico como um dos principais nas plantas desta família, o que o torna um composto potencial para curar ou auxiliar no tratamento de várias doenças.

Photovoltaic panels can be colonized by a highly diverse microbial diversity, despite life-threatening conditions. Although they are distributed worldwide, the microorganisms living on their surfaces have never been profiled in tropical regions using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and PICRUst metagenome prediction of functional content. In this work, we investigated photovoltaic panels from two cities in southeast Brazil, Sorocaba and Itatiba, using these bioinformatics approach. Results showed that, despite significant differences in microbial diversity (p

Soybeans have great commercial value and there are still regions with no indications of promising genotypes, such as Brejo Paraibano region. The objective of this study was to analyze the adaptability of 20 soybean genotypes selected with a relative maturity degree above 9. The genotypes used were: M8867RR, M8766RR, M9144RR, SYN1059 RR, M-SOY 9350, ST 920 RR, TMG1175RR, M8372IPRO, M8527RR, M8644IPRO, TOPAZIO RR, UFV - 16 (Capinopolis) and UFVS: Berilo RR, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2005, QUARTZO, 2001, and 2008. A completely randomized experimental design was used with five replicates. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey test to compare the means. From the Mahalanobis generalized distance, it was possible to apply the Tocher and UPGMA tests. In addition, using the Singh method and canonical correlation, the quantification of the characteristics that contributed most to genetic divergence was evaluated. Only ten genotypes reached the physiological maturity, and the following variables were evaluated: hypocotyl length, leaf width and length, plant height, flower diameter, and seed width and length. The characteristics leaf width, flower diameter, and seed width were significant (P

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:11:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-12-01 Spondias species are a relevant source of natural-bioactive compounds in Brazilian folk medicine, and its biological potential has not been explored. Thus, this study aimed to determine the metabolomic fingerprint of Spondias mombin and Spondias tuberosa leaves based on the use of reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometer (UPLC-HRMS). The analysis by UPLC-HRMS allowed the annotation of 31 metabolites. The multivariate analysis allowed us to identify the biomarkers responsible for the distinction between species. Also, we correlate the biomarkers of S. mombin and S. tuberosa as supposed responsible for the difference in the degree of cytotoxicity between them. The in silico evaluation was performed to give more consistency to the correlation between biomarkers and cytotoxicity, which were compared to commercial drugs. Therefore, this study showed that S. mombin has the potential to become an input for the pharmaceutical industry as a source of raw material that can positively impact the sectors of agricultural production. Departamento de Química Analítica e Físico-Química Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. Humberto Monte, s/n - Pici Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical. Rua Dra. Sara Mesquita, 2270 - Pici Núcleo de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Medicamentos - NPDM Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Mello 1000 Empresa Paraibana de Pesquisa Extensão Rural e Regularização Fundiária - EMPAER - PB Embrapa Semiárido, Rodovia BR-428, Km 152, Zona Rural Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Câmpus São José do Rio Preto Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. Humberto Monte, s/n - Pici Embrapa Alimentos e Territórios - Maceió Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Câmpus São José do Rio Preto

Agroindustrial residues, such as leaves of fruit plants, can be sources of bioactive molecules, thus adding value to co-products that are rarely explored in agroindustry. In this context, this study aimed to look into the phytochemical profiles in detail and to explore the antitumor potential of S. tuberosa and S. mombin leaves. We observed that, S. tuberosa leaf extract was cytotoxic in both tumor and healthy cells. S. mombin extracts selectively inhibited cell proliferation in the tumor cell line for prostate cancer (PC3) and did not significantly affect healthy cells. The metabolic profiles of the extracts were evaluated by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and twenty-three metabolites were identified. The correlation of metabolic profiles with cytotoxic tests indicated possible chemical markers that may be responsible for the inhibition of cell proliferation. This study revealed that the unexplored co-products in agroindustry may have great therapeutic potential, and therefore should be screened for biologically active compounds Made available in DSpace on 2020-02-13T18:16:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 BasedMetabolomicProfilesCombinedwithChemometricTools.pdf: 2385198 bytes, checksum: 4db412914ff9ab9f8b02ddbdeae3e448 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020

Malaria remains a major public health problem in South America, mostly in the Amazon region. Among newly proposed ways of controlling malaria transmission to humans, paratransgenesis is a promising alternative. Paratransgenesis aims to inhibit the development of parasites within the vector through the action of genetically modified bacteria. The first step towards successful paratransgenesis in the Amazon is the identification of Anopheles darlingi symbiotic bacteria, which are transmitted vertically among mosquitoes, and are not pathogenic to humans.Culturable bacteria associated with An. darlingi and their breeding sites were isolated by conventional microbiological techniques. Isolated strains were transformed with a GFP expressing plasmid, pSPT-1-GFP, and reintroduced in mosquitoes by feeding. Their survival and persistence in the next generation was assessed by the isolation of fluorescent bacteria from eggs, larvae, pupae and adult homogenates.A total of 179 bacterial strains were isolated from samples from two locations, Coari and Manaus. The predominant genera identified in this study were Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia, Bacillus, Elizabethkingia, Stenotrophomonas and Pantoea. Two isolated strains, Serratia-Adu40 and Pantoea-Ovo3, were successfully transformed with the pSPT-1-GFP plasmid and expressed GFP. The fluorescent bacteria fed to adult females were transferred to their eggs, which persisted in larvae and throughout metamorphosis, and were detected in adult mosquitoes of the next generation.Serratia-Adu40 and Pantoea-Ovo3 are promising candidates for paratransgenesis in An. darlingi. Further research is needed to determine if these bacteria are vertically transferred in nature.

Biofumigation involves the release of volatile biocidal compounds in the soil through the incorporation of certain plants and their residues. Species of the Brassicaceae family are the most widely used plants for biofumigation. These plants contain glucosinolates, which produce compounds, such as isothiocyanates, following enzymatic hydrolysis, with scientifically proven fungicidal effects. The most commonly used brassica species belong to the genera Brassica, Raphanus, Sinapis, and Eruca. In addition to the release of compounds in the soil, complementary mechanisms, such as the supply of organic matter and nutrients, and improvement of the soil structure, also play a role in biofumigation. In the past two decades, several studies on the use of brassica residues in biofumigation have been published, showing promising results in the management of soil pathogens (fungi and oomycetes, nematodes, bacteria, and protozoa), weed seeds, and insects. Usage of new biofumigation compounds has also been validated in recent years, including the development of patented technological products such as liquid formulations and pellets. The objective of this article was to review these new developments, beginning with concepts related to biofumigation, and to discuss the mechanisms of action of compounds involving brassica species and the recommendations on usage. Promising examples of the use of this technique are also presented, further detailing the advances in basic and applied knowledge on the subject.

Bactrocera carambolae is a quarantine pest present in Brazil and today represents the main phytosanitary barrier to the export of the fresh fruits produced in the country. The effect of soil classes and moisture on the pupation depth and pupal viability of this insect was evaluated. Soils with three textural classes (sandy, sandy clay loam and clay loam) and four moisture levels (0%, 30%, 60% and 90% of field capacity of each soil) were used, for a total of 12 treatments with six repetitions. The pupation depths varied from the surface to 5 cm. The soil class was the most significant variable regarding the pupal development of B. carambolae. The moisture level did not have a significant effect on the pupation depth or pupal emergence, but there was a strong effect of the interaction of soil texture and moisture on the pupal viability, with an increase in emergence with higher moisture in the clay loam and sandy clay loam soils.

The genus Dioscorea, family Dioscoreaceae, has 633 species, all popularly known as yam, of which approximately 137 contain the diosgenin compound. Diosgenin, a phytosteroid sapogenin, is used as a raw material for the synthesis of steroid hormones that make up several types of drugs, such as adrenal cortical hormone, sex hormone, birth control pills, anabolic hormones, among others. Diosgenin also presents pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic, which allows its utilization to treat several diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity. Currently, the amount of diosgenin extracted from yam species have decreased due to extensive harvesting and consequently decline of Dioscorea spp. populations, as well as the lack of adequate technologies capable of extracting this compost on a large scale. Thus, it is necessary to identify species and/or accessions of Dioscorea with a higher diosgenin content to attend the demand for diosgenin extraction. However, a uniform procedure for the preparation of samples and analysis of diosgenin is highly desirable. In this review, we are providing information about the origin, domestication, geographic distribution, cultivation, utilization, and medicinal properties of diosgenin-contained Dioscorea species.

Metabolomics, together with analytical methods and chemometric tools, point to new paths for selecting species that are resistant to pests and diseases. In this work, the forage palm species’ metabolomic profile was investigated, and the relation between the chemical composition and resistance to Dactylopius opuntiae (carmine cochineal). The study was performed in cladodes of different non-susceptible cultivars (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck, Opuntia stricta (Haw.), Nopalea cochenillifera and susceptible cultivar (Opuntia ficus‑indica (L.) Mill.)). Metabolic profile showed 28 metabolites detected in the four species. From these total, 18 metabolites were annotated using UPLC‑QTOF‑MSE (ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time‑of-flight mass spectrometry operating in MSE mode). By comparing the chemical profiles of non-susceptible and susceptible species through the application of chemometric tools, it was possible to obtain biomarkers (quercetin-3‑O‑2’,6’‑dirhamnosylglucoside, quercetin rhamnosyl dihexoside, and isorhamnetin-3-sophoroside-7‑rhamnoside) that may be associated with resistance to carmine cochineal. Metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF-MSE and chemometric allowed to establish the biomarkers knowledge of the resistance present in forage palm species. These results contribute to developing the initial understanding of flavonoids’ role in the defense mechanisms of cactaceans and can be useful for application in breeding programs; it can increase the chances of success in creating new varieties of plants not susceptible to carmine cochineal.

IntroductionMTHFR methylation status is associated with microvascular complications in diabetes, but the factors influencing this profile remain unknown.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of physical activity level and nutritional status on the methylation profile of the MTHFR gene in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 111 patients, 43 men and 68 women diagnosed with DM (7.0 ± 2.3 years), answered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and underwent blood collection for biochemical analysis, DNA extraction, and MTHFR gene methylation profile determination.ResultThe comparison of the methylation pattern showed that the partially methylated profile predominates in the insufficiently active group (85%), which does not occur in the sufficiently active group (54%) (p = 0.012). No differences were found in the nutritional status comparison. Logistic regression including overweight, waist circumference, gender, age, time of DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, alcoholism, and family DM revealed that the association of the level of physical activity with methylation profile proved to be independent of these confounding variables. Considering the partially methylated profile as a result, being physically inactive favors the partially methylated MTHFR pattern in patients with DM.ConclusionWe concluded that insufficient physical activity is associated with partially methylated pattern of MTHFR promoter.

Inflammatory periapical lesions are characterized by infiltration of different immune cell types, the functions of which depend on an effective vascular network. This study aimed to evaluate the mast cells density (MCD) in inflamatory odontogenic cysts capsules concerning microvascular density (MVD), microvascular area (MVA), and microvascular perimeter (MVP), and correlate such findings with the type of lesion, intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, and thickness of the epithelial lining. Twenty inflamatory dentigerous cysts (IDCs), twenty radicular cysts (RCs), and twenty residual radicular cysts (RRCs) were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis using anti-tryptase and anti-CD34 antibodies. RCs exhibited the highest MCD, MVD, MVA, and MVP indexes (p = < 0.001, p = 0.008, p = 0.003 and p = < 0.001, respectively), and lesions with inflammatory infiltrate grade III showed the highest MVD (p = 0.044). Considering epithelial thickness, a higher MVP index was identified in lesions with hyperplastic epithelium (p = 0.018). In IDCs, RCs, and RRCs, a strong positive correlation was observed between MVA and MVP (r = 0.950 and p = < 0.001; r = 0.914 and p = < 0.001; r = 0.713 and p = < 0.001, respectively). In IDCs, a moderate correlation was observed between MCD and both MVA and MVP (r = 0.660 and p = 0.002; r = 0.634 and p = 0.003, respectively). These results suggest that tryptase-positive mast cells might play an important role in the angiogenic activity of IDCs, while RCs had the highest indexes. Our findings also confirmed that the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate and epithelial thickness influence angiogenesis.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:20:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-12-01 Uppsala Universitet Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Vetenskapsrådet Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in South America, mostly in the Amazon region. Among newly proposed ways of controlling malaria transmission to humans, paratransgenesis is a promising alternative. Paratransgenesis aims to inhibit the development of parasites within the vector through the action of genetically modified bacteria. The first step towards successful paratransgenesis in the Amazon is the identification of Anopheles darlingi symbiotic bacteria, which are transmitted vertically among mosquitoes, and are not pathogenic to humans. Methods: Culturable bacteria associated with An. darlingi and their breeding sites were isolated by conventional microbiological techniques. Isolated strains were transformed with a GFP expressing plasmid, pSPT-1-GFP, and reintroduced in mosquitoes by feeding. Their survival and persistence in the next generation was assessed by the isolation of fluorescent bacteria from eggs, larvae, pupae and adult homogenates. Results: A total of 179 bacterial strains were isolated from samples from two locations, Coari and Manaus. The predominant genera identified in this study were Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia, Bacillus, Elizabethkingia, Stenotrophomonas and Pantoea. Two isolated strains, Serratia-Adu40 and Pantoea-Ovo3, were successfully transformed with the pSPT-1-GFP plasmid and expressed GFP. The fluorescent bacteria fed to adult females were transferred to their eggs, which persisted in larvae and throughout metamorphosis, and were detected in adult mosquitoes of the next generation. Conclusion: Serratia-Adu40 and Pantoea-Ovo3 are promising candidates for paratransgenesis in An. darlingi. Further research is needed to determine if these bacteria are vertically transferred in nature. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Universidade Federal do Amazonas - PPGBIOTEC / UFAM MTEKPrime Universidade Estadual do Amazonas - MBT UEA Universidade Estadual do Amazonas - BIONORTE UEA Laboratório de Malária E Dengue Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia INPA Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7044 School of Agricultural Sciences Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology Central Multi User Laboratory São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Microbiology Uppsala University, Box 596 School of Agricultural Sciences Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology Central Multi User Laboratory São Paulo State University (UNESP) CAPES: 001 Vetenskapsrådet: 348-2012-622

The present study evaluated chemical composition, water activity, instrumental color (L∗, a∗, and b∗) and TBARs values of fresh pork sausage prepared with fruit aqueous extract of the Brazilian pepper tree (AESt). Four formulations were prepared: a control formulation with sodium erythorbate (T1), and three formulations without sodium erythorbate and with 0.25% AESt (T2), 0.5% AESt (T3), and 1.0% AESt (T4). Values of color differed significantly (p ​

Despite advances in treatment of lethal prostate cancer, the incidence of prostate cancer brain metastases is increasing. In this sense, we analyzed the molecular profile, as well as the functional consequences involved in the reciprocal interactions between prostate tumor cells and human astrocytes. We observed that the DU145 cells, but not the LNCaP cells or the RWPE-1 cells, exhibited more pronounced, malignant and invasive phenotypes along their interactions with astrocytes. Moreover, global gene expression analysis revealed several genes that were differently expressed in our co-culture models with the overexpression of GLIPR1 and SPARC potentially representing a molecular signature associated with the invasion of central nervous system by prostate malignant cells. Further, these results were corroborated by immunohistochemistry and in silico analysis. Thus, we conjecture that the data here presented may increase the knowledge about the molecular mechanisms associated with the invasion of CNS by prostate malignant cells.

Climatic variations in the current environmental scenario require plants with tolerance to sudden changes in temperature and a decrease in water availability. Accordingly, this tolerance will enable successful plantations and the maintenance of natural and planted forests. Consequently, in the last two decades, drought tolerance and high temperatures in conifers have been an important target for morphological, physiological, and epigenetic studies. Based on this, our research team has optimized different stages of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Pinus spp. improving the success of the process. Through this method, we can obtain a large amount of clonal material and then analyze the somatic plants under different conditions ex vitro. The analysis of the morphological and physiological parameters in somatic embryos (ses) and plants with different tolerances to abiotic stress can provide us with valuable information about the mechanisms used by plants to survive under adverse environmental conditions. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of high temperatures (23, 40, 50, and 60 &deg, C, after 12 weeks, 90, 30, 5 min, respectively) on the morphology of somatic embryos obtained from Pinus radiata D.Don (Radiata pine) and Pinus halepensis Mill. (Aleppo pine). In addition, we carried out a physiological evaluation of the somatic plants of P. radiata submitted to heat and water stress in a greenhouse. We observed that the number of somatic embryos was not affected by maturation temperatures in both species. Likewise, P. radiata plants obtained from these somatic embryos survived drought and heat stress in the greenhouse. In addition, plants originating from embryonal masses (EMs) subjected to high maturation temperature (40 and 60 &deg, C) had a significant increase in gs and E. Therefore, it is possible to modulate the characteristics of somatic plants produced by the manipulation of environmental conditions during the process of SE.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:29:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) In freshwater fish with external fertilization, sperm sampling can be contaminated with urine, which triggers motility and gives rise to decreased fertilization success. The maintenance of freshwater fish in hyperosmotic conditions may reduce urine production and improve sperm quality. Thus, the aim of this work was to verify if acute exposure to various NaCl concentrations improves sperm quality in the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae. Spermiation was induced using a single dose of carp pituitary gland (5 mg kg-1) and the males were maintained at various NaCl concentrations: NaCl 0.00% (control), NaCl 0.45% (hypoosmotic), NaCl 0.9% (isosmotic) and NaCl 1.0% (hyperosmotic) for 6 h at 26 °C. Sperm was collected and verified for activation by urine and motility traits. At 0.00%, 0.45%, and 0.90%, the sperm was motile just after sampling, indicating activation by urine. Surprisingly, at hyperosmotic conditions, no activation was observed. Other sperm and motility parameters did not show any statistical differences, including sperm viability (P = 0.7083), concentration (P = 0.9030), total motility (P = 0.6149), VCL (curvilinear velocity; P = 0.1216), VAP (average path velocity; P = 0.1231) and VSL (straight-line velocity; P = 0.1340). Our results indicate that acute maintenance at hyperosmotic conditions eliminates sperm activation by urine and maintains sperm quality. Such a new procedure is interesting for both basic and applied sciences, including reproductive practice in fish. Universidade Estadual de São Paulo Departamento de Zoologia Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Aquática Continental Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Peixes Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Departamento de Reprodução Animal Universidade Estadual de São Paulo Centro de Aquicultura Universidade Estadual de São Paulo Departamento de Zoologia Universidade Estadual de São Paulo Centro de Aquicultura FAPESP: 2010/17429-1 FAPESP: 2011/11664-1

The current study was developed to evaluate agronomic efficiency and food security of isolated or simultaneous use of two residues—steel slag and fresh or composted poultry litter—in the cultivation of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). The composition and contribution of toxic and potentially toxic metals by different treatments and contents, translocation, and accumulation of Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in different plant organs were analyzed. Then, risks to human health associated with consumption of inflorescences were based on the indices of estimated daily intake, noncarcinogenic target hazard quotient, total hazard index (THI), and carcinogenic risk factor (CR), considering adults and children. Steel slag was similar to limestone in terms of the corrective effect of acidity and, despite containing toxic metals, it did not contribute to their higher translocation to inflorescences. Composting favored the concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn in poultry litter. The combined use of steel slag and fresh poultry litter and, mainly, composted poultry litter, favored absorption and translocation of Pb for inflorescences, that is, 60.37% and 66.13% of all Pb absorbed, respectively. Consumption of inflorescences from these treatments resulted in the critical THI values of 1.03 and 1.52, respectively, with Pb and Cd being the metals that mostly contributed to the risk. The registered CR was higher than the threshold level of 10−6. The use of steel slag associated with poultry litter favors contamination of broccoli inflorescences and increases risks to human health due to their consumption.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an abundant bioactive phospholipid, with multiple functions both in development and in pathological conditions. Here, we review the literature about the differential signaling of LPA through its specific receptors, which makes this lipid a versatile signaling molecule. This differential signaling is important for understanding how this molecule can have such diverse effects during central nervous system development and angiogenesis; and also, how it can act as a powerful mediator of pathological conditions, such as neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer progression. Ultimately, we review the preclinical and clinical uses of Autotaxin, LPA, and its receptors as therapeutic targets, approaching the most recent data of promising molecules modulating both LPA production and signaling. This review aims to summarize the most update knowledge about the mechanisms of LPA production and signaling in order to understand its biological functions in the central nervous system both in health and disease.