Search

In the present communication, the simultaneous co-immobilization by covalent binding of lipase A from Candida antarctica (CALA) and lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) in glutaraldehyde (GLU) activated chitosan (CHI) was optimized using the Taguchi method. Under optimized conditions (pH 9, 5 mM, 6:1 (protein load/g of support and 1 h), it was possible to reach 80.00 ± 0.01% for the immobilization yield (IY) and 46.01 ± 0.35 U/g for the activity of the derivative (AtD); in this case, load protein and ionic strength were the only statistically significant parameters and, therefore, those that most influenced the immobilization process. Furthermore, at pH 7, CALA-CALB-CHI had a half-life 2–6 times longer than the mixture of CALA and CALB for a temperature range of 50−80 °C. CALA-CALB showed the highest activity at pH 7, whereas CALA-CALB-CHI, except at pH 7, was more active than the soluble lipase mixture in the pH range (5–9), especially at pH 9. CHI, CHI-GLU, and CALA-CALB-CHI were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetry (TGA), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), proving the immobilization of CALA and CALB in chitosan. CALA-CALB-CHI derivative evaluated in the kinetic resolution of halohydrins acetates rac-2-bromo-1-(2-chlorophenyl) ethyl acetate (2a) and rac-2-chloro-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) ethyl acetate (2b), to produce the corresponding halohydrins 3a-b, which are intermediates in the synthesis of the drugs chlorprelanine (antiarrhythmic) and luliconazol (antifungal), respectively. (S)-bromohydrin 3a was obtained with 79% enantiomeric excess (ee), whereas (S)-chlorohydrin 3b produced with 98% ee, conversion of 46% and E > 200. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to elucidate the hydrolysis interaction reaction between β-halohydrin acetates and lipases CALA-CALB.

Lipases (E.C. 3.1.1.3) are biological catalysts widely used in industry due to their versatility, selectivity and specificity. For this reason, the interest in their purification has shown great potential. A technique employed in enzymes recovery capable of preserving their biological activity is partitioning using aqueous two-phase systems. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the partitioning of lipase extracted from pequi seed in aqueous two-phase systems composed of PEG 4000 or 2-propanol with ammonium sulfate and water at 298 K and 308 K. Lipase partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems was statistically analyzed using the F test and comparison of means test, showing a significant effect (P

Starch is the main predominant food reserve in plants. Its characteristics stand out from other carbohydrates providing it with several industrial applications. However, the starch is chemically modified in order to improve and extend these aspects. The objective of this study was the characterization of unconventional starch from the modification by acetylation of white inhambu starch (Dioscorea trifida L.), in order to verify its possible applicability. Chemical, physicochemical, thermal, morphological, structural and technological properties were characterized. Chemical modification with acetic anhydride resulted in a low degree of acetyl group substitution, with 0.076. Starch was found to have high apparent amylose content and purity due to low ash, protein and lipid values. Thermogravimetric analysis of the modified starch showed stability in the temperature range from 120 to 255 °C, granule morphology showed spherical and smooth surface shapes ranging in size from 8.08 to 19.23 μm. The introduction of the functional group was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy at 1246 cm−1 and 1717 cm−1. The acetylation treatment presented high solubility index and, swelling power in relation to temperature and transparency of the paste in relation to time. It is concluded from the modification of white inhambu starch that its various characteristics may be intended for different segments of the food industry.

In this work, the combination of different lipases was employed for the production of biodiesel, using the Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) from Residual Chicken Oil (RCO) as a substrate. As biocatalysts, lipases A and B from Candida antarctica (CALA and CALB, respectively) and lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) were used in different combinations; as a result, the best lipase cocktail was composed of 67% CALB and 33% RML, which was used to optimize the esterification reaction parameters (molar ratio (FFAs/ ethyl alcohol), biocatalyst content, temperature and time) by the Taguchi method. Under optimized conditions (1:5, 15% of lipase cocktail, 30 °C and 3 h), it was possible to achieve 89.95 ± 0.3% of conversion.

Equilibrium data of aqueous two-phase systems composed of polyethylene glycol (4000 g mol−1 or 6000 g mol−1) and Li2SO4, (NH4)2SO4 or Na2SO4 at pH 6.5 and 25 °C were obtained. The efficiency of these in the partition of amylases derived from Aspergillus niger was determined. The experimental data of binodal curves and tie lines were used to estimate the group interaction parameters using the UNIFAC model. Additionally, the influence of phases on the activity of the enzymes was investigated. The results indicate that the polymer molar mass did not influence the biphasic region size. However, the cations under study presented differences in induction to phase formation. It was verified that the systems formed with the Na+ presented a larger biphasic region. The increase in the molar mass of the polymer caused the increase in the exclusion volume from 3970.732 g mol−1 to 5700.873 g mol−1. The transfer Gibbs free energy of enzymes presented values between −1296.30 kJ mol−1 and −2867.70 kJ mol−1, that is, the process was spontaneous for all systems studied. The systems formed by (NH4)2SO4 and PEG 4000 g mol−1 presented the best Ke result (3.421) and theoretical recovery of 80.35 %.

The family Cactaceae possesses considerable floral diversity and is exclusively zoophilic. Cipocereus crassisepalus is an endangered species of columnar cactus, whose floral characteristics fit the chiropterophily syndrome. This study aimed to assess the correspondence between floral traits and pollinators and whether the pollination system of C. crassisepalus is specialized, as suggested by the hypothesis of geographical dichotomy. Hand pollination treatments demonstrated that C. crassisepalus depends on cross-pollen flow mediated by pollinators to set fruit and seeds. Nocturnal film recordings, diurnal observations, analyses of pollen loads of flower visitors and visitor exclusion experiments provided strong evidence that bats are the sole pollinators of this cactus. During two flowering seasons, pollen grains of C. crassisepalus were found only on the bodies of the bat Anoura caudifer. Cipocereus crassisepalus possesses a pollination system specialized on nectar-feeding bats, which corroborates the geographical dichotomy hypothesis.

This work had as thematic the study in analysis of foods from the perspective of the nutrition professional. The objective of the research was to seek the training of this professional for the then analysis of the performance in quality control and formulation of products, with the perspective of assistance to projects carried out on site. This research was conducted in a community cafeteria located in a university in the interior of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil. As a data collection tool, preparation technical sheets were used in which costs were collected, the preparation order, and the nutritional value provided. Sensory observation was used as an analysis of the data in order to measure and analyze and interpret the reactions of food and material characteristics. It appears that with the identification, attributions and activities developed by a nutritionist in the area, it became possible to analyze the processing of raw material and industrialized food products, according to the needs presented by the site. As for the points not reached were not due to any other factors than those related to the specificities of the research site, which did not prevent the acquisition of theoretical, practical, scientific, social and environmental knowledge of the points concerning the area of action of the nutritionist professional within the field of food science.

The cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), is a storage pest that mainly infects cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), spending part of its life cycle inside the grains. Depending on the region, the decrease in cowpea production by cowpea weevils can exceed 70% during a six-month storage period. This study investigated the fumigant effect of lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.) and citral on the reproductive cycle, sexual behavior, lipid composition and the enzymatic activity of biotransformation enzymes in cowpea weevils. Mortality (61.43%, 85.00%), oviposition (4.00%, 29.51%) and emergence (10.32%, 1.51%) were observed for lemongrass essential oil and citral treatments, respectively. Exposure to lemongrass essential oil led to changes in behavior for both sexes, decrease in triacylglycerol content of virgin and mated females, and reduction of the activities of acetylcholinesterase (females and males) and β-esterase (females). These changes may affect the survival, energy resource transfer during oogenesis and oviposition, which are likely mechanisms involved with essential oil toxicity.

In this communication, it was evaluated the production of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAAE) from the free fatty acids of babassu oil catalyzed by lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), Fe3O4@APTES-RML or RML-MNP for short. MNPs were prepared by co-precipitation coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and used as a support to immobilize RML (immobilization yield: 94.7 ± 1.0%; biocatalyst activity: 341.3 ± 1.2 U p-NPB/g), which were also activated with glutaraldehyde and then used to immobilize RML (immobilization yield: 91.9 ± 0.2%; biocatalyst activity: 199.6 ± 3.5 U p-NPB/g). RML-MNP was characterized by X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), proving the incorporation and immobilization of RML on the APTES matrix. In addition, the immobilized biocatalyst presented at 60°C a half-life 16-19 times greater than that of the soluble lipase in the pH range 5-10. RML and RML-MNP showed higher activity at pH 7; the immobilized enzyme was more active than the free enzyme in the pH range (5-10) analyzed. For the production of fatty acid ethyl ester, under optimal conditions [40°C, 6 h, 1:1 (FFAs/alcohol)] determined by the Taguchi method, it was possible to obtain conversion of 81.7 ± 0.7% using 5% of RML-MNP.

In this work, the concept of lipase cocktail has been proposed in the ultrasound-assisted hydrolysis of coconut oil. Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL), lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML), and lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) were evaluated as biocatalysts in different combinations. The best conversion (33.66%) was achieved using only RML; however, the best lipase cocktail (75% RML and 25% CALB) proposed by the triangular response surface was used to achieve higher conversions. At the best lipase cocktail, reaction parameters [temperature, biocatalyst content and molar ratio (water/oil)] were optimized by a Central Composite Design, allowing to obtain more than 98% of conversion in the hydrolysis of coconut oil in 3 h of incubation at 37 kHz, 300 W and 45 °C by using 20% of the lipase cocktail (w/w) and a molar ratio of 7.5:1 (water/oil). The lipase cocktail retained about 50% of its initial activity after three consecutive cycles of hydrolysis. To the authors’ knowledge, up to date, this communication is the first report in the literature for the ultrasound-assisted hydrolysis of coconut oil catalyzed by a cocktail of lipases. Under ultrasound irradiation, the concept of lipase cocktail was successfully applied, and this strategy could be useful for the other types of reactions using heterogeneous substrates.

Residual oil from babassu (Orbignya sp.), a low-cost raw material, was used in the enzymatic esterification for biodiesel production, using lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym&reg, 435) and ethanol. For the first time in the literature, residual babassu oil and Novozym&reg, 435 are being investigated to obtain biodiesel. In this communication, response surface methodology (RSM) and a central composite design (CCD) were used to optimize the esterification and study the effects of four factors (molar ratio (1:1&ndash, 1:16, free fatty acids (FFAs) /alcohol), temperature (30&ndash, 50 &deg, C), biocatalyst content (0.05&ndash, 0.15 g) and reaction time (2&ndash, 6 h)) in the conversion into fatty acid ethyl esters. Under optimized conditions (1:18 molar ratio (FFAs/alcohol), 0.14 g of Novozym&reg, 435, 48 &deg, C and 4 h), the conversion into ethyl esters was 96.8%. It was found that after 10 consecutive cycles of esterification under optimal conditions, Novozym&reg, 435 showed a maximum loss of activity of 5.8%, suggesting a very small change in the support/enzyme ratio proved by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and insignificant changes in the surface of Novozym&reg, 435 proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after the 10 consecutive cycles of esterification.

Present study aims to evaluate the effect of modification in the bioplastics developed from native and hydrothermal modified green plantain banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) starch by heat moisture treatment (HMT). The physical modification by HMT led to changes in the mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of the bioplastics. A correlation between bioplastics mechanical and pasting properties of the starches were observed. Less values of pasting viscosities and retrogradation promoted increase in mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of bioplastic obtained using modified starch under the conditions of 25% moisture, 100 oC and 23.92 h (PM04) were improved with respect to native starch bioplastic, reaching an elastic modulus of 12.38 MPa, a tensile strength of 27.09 MPa, an elongation of 6.0%, a puncture resistance of 251.8 N and deformation of 2.8 mm. However, water vapor permeability decreased to 7.1 × 10−14 g.cm/(cm2·s.Pa) and the solubility has not changed significantly.

Plant-pollinator interactions are influenced, among other factors, by evolutionary history of the organisms. Thus, closely related species are expected to interact with similar pollinator assemblages. The aim of this study was to examine the evolution of pollination niches in neotropical epiphytic cacti. We recorded floral visitors and determined the pollination niche of 11 species of Rhipsalis and one species of Hatiora by using bipartite modularity, a metric of complex networks that is effective to identify pollination niches. Afterwards we explored how these niches evolved along the phylogeny of Rhipsalis. We recorded a total of 56 insect species belonging to nine functional groups pollinating those species of Rhipsalis. The most frequent floral visitors were bees. Pollination systems in Rhipsalis broadly combined a high phenotypic floral generalization with moderate richness of pollinator species and some functional pollinator group specialization. Four pollination niches were identified, mainly characterized by variations in the frequency of the functional groups of pollinators. The closer the species of Rhipsalis were, the more they interacted with the same functional groups of pollinators, as indicated by a positive phylogenetic signal for pollinating niches. The most likely ancestral pollination niche was associated with short-tongued bees. From the niche defined by small bees at least three shifts occurred towards the niches defined by extra-small bees, short-tongued medium bees, and flies. Considering the perspective of the evolution of each pollinator group, short-tongued bees were conserved along the branches of Rhipsalis phylogeny, with niche broadening or shifts associated with other groups such as flies, large bees, wasps, beetles and butterflies. Distinct generalist pollination niches have evolved in the genus. Shifts in pollination niches were related to differences in floral morphology. Moreover, the distribution of pollination niches only partially corresponded to the infrageneric classification of Rhipsalis. Our results support that generalist pollination systems encompass different pollinating niches, which may be consistently distributed across clades in angiosperm lineages.

In this work, the synthesis of two fruit flavor esters, namely methyl and ethyl butyrate, by lipase from Rhizomucor miehei immobilized onto chitosan in the presence of the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate SDS was investigated. In the optimized conditions, maximum esterification yield for ethyl butyrate and methyl butyrate was (92 ± 1%) and (89 ± 1%), respectively. Esterification yields for both reactions were comparable or even superior to the ones achieved when the synthesis was catalyzed by a commercial enzyme, Lipozyme®, at the same reaction conditions. For ethyl butyrate, the developed biocatalyst was used for seven consecutive cycles of reaction with retention of its catalytic activity. For methyl butyrate synthesis the biocatalyst was used for four consecutive cycles without loss of its catalytic activity. The results show that chitosan may be employed in obtaining biocatalysts with high catalytic efficiency and can successfully replace the currently commercial available biocatalysts.

Dogs can act as intermediary hosts, reservoirs, and sentinel animals for zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis, and human contact with domestic animals can spread these infections. These diseases are globally distributed, and are a uniquely severe health issue, since they can infect a great range of animals, including humans. The purpose of this work was to determine the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp., anti-Brucella spp., and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stray dogs. Blood samples were collected from 181 stray dogs and used for serological diagnosis. Of the analyzed samples, 36.46%, 16.57%, and 9.39% were positive for T. gondii, Leptospira spp., and B. canis. The results indicate that these zoonotic diseases are highly prevalent in stray dogs in the northwestern region of the state of Paraná. The high infection rates for these zoonotics in the canine population is an indication that the environment is contaminated with a variety of different microorganisms, exposing both humans and dogs to different sources of infection.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:16:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-02-01 Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events. Instituto de Ciências da Natureza Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL), Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700 Departamento de Botânica Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, S/n - Martelos Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Pacheco Leão, 915 Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUC-PR), Escola de Ciências da Vida, Rua Imaculada Conceição, 1155 Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Campus Soane Nazaré de Andrade, Rodovia Jorge Amado Km 16 Departamento de Botânica Centro Politécnico Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Caixa Postal 19031, Jardim das Américas Instituto de Florestas Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Rodovia BR-465, Km 07 Centro de Ciências Biológicas Departamento de. Botânica Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n - Trindade Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Campus Experimental de Registro, Av. Nelson Brihi Badur, 430 Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC) Núcleo de Ciências Ambientais, Avenida Doutor Cândido Xavier de Almeida e Souza, 200 Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, São Vicente Prefeitura Municipal de Olaria, Meio Ambiente, Praça 1° de Março 13, Centro Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia Baiano (IF-Baiano), Campus Itaberaba, Av. Rio Branco, 1003, Centro Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Rua Antônio da Veiga, 140 Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB) CCAAB, Rua Rui Barbosa, 710 Instituto de Biociências Cidade Universitária Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) Departamento Biociências (DBCI) Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), Campus Universitário Prof. Alberto Carvalho,Av. Vereador Olímpio Grande, S/N - Bloco D, Centro Floresce Consultoria Ambiental, Rua Dr. Alexandre Gutierrez, 332 Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), CP. 199 Ciências Naturais Departamento de Ciências Naturais UESB Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), Estrada do Bem-Querer km 4, s.n., Bairro Universitário Centro de Ensino Superior em Juiz de Fora (CESJF), Campus Arnaldo Janssen, Luz Interior, 345, Santa Luzia Instituto de Botânica de São Paulo Núcleo de Pesquisas Orquidário do Estado, Avenida Miguel Stefano Faculdade de Engenharia Arquitetura e Urbanismo e Geografia Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Caixa Postal 594, 79070-900, Cidade Universitária Departamento de Genética Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 pr 43312 JB Consultoria Ambiental, Rua Joaquim Firmino, 1318 Departamento de Ciências Florestais Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Avenida Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 632 Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa da Amazônia (INPA) PPG-Botânica, Av. André Araújo, 2936, Aleixo Empresa Brazileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) Florestas, Estrada da Ribeira, Km 111 Departamento de Ciências Florestais Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz” (ESALQ) Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Pádua Dias 11 Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), Campus I, Bairro São José, BR 285 Departamento de Botânica Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Rua do Matão, 277 Instituto de Biociências Herbário CGMS Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Avenida Costa e Silva s/n Instituto de Ecología Regional (UNT-CONICET), Casilla de Correo, 34, Yerba Buena Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde - Rodovia Washington Luís Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR), Km 335 - SP 310, 13565-905/C.P 676 Departamento de Zoologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), CP. 199 Departamento de Botânica Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Avenida 24 A, 1515, CP. 199 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Avenida Universitária, 1105, Bairro Universitário Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIFASF) NEMA, Brazil 407, Km 12, lote 543, Projeto de Irrigação Nilo Coelho, s/n Departamento de Biologia Vegetal Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), C. P. 6109 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Museu Nacional, Horto Botânico, Quinta da Boa Vista, São Cristóvão Laboratory of Palynostratigraphy and Paleobotany CICyTTP (CONICET-Entre Ríos-UADER), Dr. Matteri y España Diamante Departamento de Ecologia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 Ministério do Planejamento Desenvolvimentos e Gestão Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco K, Sala 352 Departamento de Biologia Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Campus de Ribeirão Preto, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900 Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Cidade Universitária Departamento de Biodiversidade Evolução e Meio Ambiente Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Campus, Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado Km 16 Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Avenida Alberto Lamego 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013602 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia de Ecossistemas Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo, s/n, Boa Vista Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Ornitologia Departamento de Zoologia Centro Politécnico Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Caixa Postal 19031, Jardim das Américas Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Clima Temperado (Embrapa Clima Temperado), Rodovia BR-392, Km 78, 9° Distrito, Postal Code 403 Instituto de Humanidades Artes e Ciências and Herbário Centro de Pesquisa do Cacau - CEPEC Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia (UFSB), Campus Jorge Amado, Km 29 Rod. Ilhéus-Itabuna, CP. 07 Departamento de Zootecnia e Ciências Biológicas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Independência, n° 3751 Instituto Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária - INCRA/SR22 - Alagoas Setor de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, Rua do Imperador, N° 105 Centro Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Botânica - Avenida Antônio Carlos, Pampulha Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Laboratório de Ecologia e Restauração Florestal (LERF) Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz” (ESALQ), Avenida Pádua Dias 11, 13.418-900 Herbarium Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Centro Universitario Regional del Este Universidad de la República, Tacuarembó y Bvar Departamento de Ciências e Matemática (DCM) Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo (IFSP), Campus São Paulo, Rua Pedro Vicente, 625, Canindé Centro de Ciências Ciências Biológicas Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Campus do PICI, Bloco 906 Reservas Votorantim, Rua Amauri, 255, 12° andar Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 3, 64st Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia de Biomas Tropicais Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Campus Morro do Cruzeiro Instituto de Botânica de São Paulo Núcleo de Pesquisas Curadoria do Herbário, Avenida Miguel Stefano Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), Rodovia RS 135, Km 25, Distrito Engenheiro Luiz Englert, Caixa Postal 21 Departamento de Botânica Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500 pr 43433 Conselho Superior de Ensino Pesquisa e Extensão Universidade Paulista (UNIP), Avenida Paulista, 900, 1°. Andar – Herbário, UNIP - Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade - Bela Vista, 01310100 Laboratorio de Planificación Territorial Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales Facultad de Recursos Naturales Universidad Católica de Temuco, Rudecindo Ortega, 02950 Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia – ECZ Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), AC/Cidade Universitária. Trindade. CEP 88.040-970 Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazônia (INPA), Rua Horizontina, 104, Centro Woods Hole Research Center, 149, Woods Hole Road Embrapa Cerrados/Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuária dos Cerrados, BR-020, Km 18 Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET-RJ), Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 30, Bairro Belo Horizonte Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina (UNOESC), Campus de São Miguel do Oeste, Rua Oiapoc, 211, Bairro Agostini São Miguel do Oeste Facultad de Ciencias Iguá y Mataojo Universidad de la República Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castelane, S/N Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo (IFES), Rod. ES-080, Km 93, São João de Petrópolis Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Florestal, Caixa Postal 3037 Departamento de Microbiologia Imunologia e Parasitologia Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Campus Universitário, s/n, Sala 05, MIP - Córrego Grande Faculdades Integradas do Vale do Ribeira Laboratório de Biologia Rua Oscar Yoshiaki Magário União das Instituições de Serviços Ensino e Pesquisa Ltda (UNISEP), 185, Jardim das Palmeiras Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais - Rua João Rosa Góes Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), 1761 Reserva Natural Vale, Rodovia Brazil 101 Norte, Interior Divisão de Florestas e Estações Experimentais Instituto Florestal do Estado de São Paulo, Seção de Bauru, Av. Rodrigues Alves, 38-25, Horto Florestal Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS), Avenida Transnordestina s.n. División Plantas Vasculares CONICET Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões (URI), Ciências Biológicas Instituto Tecnológico Vale Biodiversidade e Serviços Ecossistêmicos, Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Florestais, Avenida Governador Lindemberg, 316, Centro Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Campus Experimental de Registro, Av. Nelson Brihi Badur, 430 Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, São Vicente Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), CP. 199 Departamento de Zoologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), CP. 199 Departamento de Botânica Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Avenida 24 A, 1515, CP. 199 Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castelane, S/N

Starch is the main carbohydrate consumed by humans, obtained from many vegetable sources and known for its non-toxicity, applications and low cost. The aim of this work was the extraction and study of characteristics of non-conventional starch arising from inhambu (Dioscorea trifida L.). Chemical, physicochemical, thermal, morphological, structural and technological properties were evaluated. The starch yield percentage obtained from the extraction, starch and amylose contents of inhambu starch were considerably high, 22.76%, 84.56% and 36.82% respectively. Native starch presented high purity due the low ash, protein and fat content. The thermogravimetric analysis shown 69% weight loss in a 293.12–476.59 °C temperature range and the endothermic peak was at 100.0 °C. The starch granule morphology shown spherical shapes and smooth surfaces and size ranging from 5.06 to 14.59 µm. Considering the unique starch characteristics, its application in different industrial sectors can be foreseen.

The synthesis of ethyl butyrate catalyzed by lipases A (CALA) or B (CALB) from Candida antarctica immobilized onto magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), CALA-MNP and CALB-MNP, respectively, is hereby reported. MNPs were prepared by co-precipitation, functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, activated with glutaraldehyde, and then used as support to immobilize either CALA or CALB (immobilization yield: 100 &plusmn, 1.2% and 57.6 &plusmn, 3.8%, biocatalysts activities: 198.3 &plusmn, 2.7 Up-NPB/g and 52.9 &plusmn, 1.7 Up-NPB/g for CALA-MNP and CALB-MNP, respectively). X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated the production of a magnetic nanomaterial with a diameter of 13.0 nm, whereas Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated functionalization, activation and enzyme immobilization. To determine the optimum conditions for the synthesis, a four-variable Central Composite Design (CCD) (biocatalyst content, molar ratio, temperature and time) was performed. Under optimized conditions (1:1, 45 &deg, C and 6 h), it was possible to achieve 99.2 &plusmn, 0.3% of conversion for CALA-MNP (10 mg) and 97.5 &plusmn, 0.8% for CALB-MNP (12.5 mg), which retained approximately 80% of their activity after 10 consecutive cycles of esterification. Under ultrasonic irradiation, similar conversions were achieved but at 4 h of incubation, demonstrating the efficiency of ultrasound technology in the enzymatic synthesis of esters.

In this communication, lipase A from Candida antarctica (CALA) was immobilized by covalent bonding on magnetic nanoparticles coated with chitosan and activated with glutaraldehyde, labelled CALA-MNP, (immobilization parameters: 84.1% &plusmn, 1.0 for immobilization yield and 208.0 &plusmn, 3.0 U/g &plusmn, 1.1 for derivative activity). CALA-MNP biocatalyst was characterized by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetry (TG) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), proving the incorporation of magnetite and the immobilization of CALA in the chitosan matrix. Besides, the immobilized biocatalyst showed a half-life 8&ndash, 11 times higher than that of the soluble enzyme at pH 5&ndash, 9. CALA showed the highest activity at pH 7, while CALA-MNP presented the highest activity at pH 10. The immobilized enzyme was more active than the free enzyme at all studied pH values, except pH 7.

Plant-pollinator interactions range from obligatory specialists to facultative generalists, and floral morphology and pollination system may not match completely. The floral biology, reproductive system and floral visitors of a species of the tribe Rhipsalideae were investigated with a focus on the consistency between the pollination system and the floral phenotype. Rhipsalis neves-armondii is an obligate xenogamous species, due to self-sterility. Its flowers are white, small and diurnal, and radially symmetrical. These features, along with their small amount of nectar, characterize the flowers as phenotypic generalists. The most frequent pollinators were a solitary oligolectic species of Andrenidae (Rhophitulus solani), two species of Meliponinae (Trigona spinipes and T. braueri) and Apis mellifera. Despite the generalist floral phenotype, the pollination system is functionally specialized, since only small bees performed effective visits. Flowers of R. neves-armondii may represent a case of cryptic floral specialization in which attributes other than morphology act as filters, restricting them to a single functional group of pollinators. Moreover, the four most frequent species of pollinators cover a spectrum ranging from solitary oligolectic to social polylectic bees, including an exotic species. These results illustrate the distinct dimensions of specialization-generalization that may occur in the pollination process of a single species.

Os micro-organismos antagonistas (bactérias, leveduras e fungos filamentosos) têm a capacidade de exercer um efeito antagonista sobre diferentes patógenos sendo empregados para controlar diversas enfermidades de frutos e vegetais. Este estudo objetivou isolar e testar microrganismos presentes em Eugenia dysenterica DC contra Aspergillus parasiticus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e Monilinia fructicola e in vitro. Foram coletados caules e folhas de 30 indivíduos de Cagaiteira. Os fragmentos vegetais passaram por desinfecção superficial, de acordo com o proposto por Rosa, et. al, (2010). Os fragmentos foram inoculados em placas de Petri contendo ágar Batata a 25-28 ºC por um período de até 60 dias. Os 263 endofíticos obtidos foram purificados e avaliados quanto ao seu potencial de inibição por produção de substâncias difusíveis e voláteis. Um total de 96 dos isolados, demonstraram atividade antagonista contra os fitopatógenos. Sendo 45 isolados capazes de inibir o crescimento do fitopatógeno A. parasiticus. Contra o fitopatógeno C. gloeosporioides 68 endofíticos apresentaram atividade antagonista. Já contra o fitopatógeno M. fructicola apenas 17 fungos foram capazes de exercer efeito inibitório. Os isolados obtidos apresentaram potencial para produção de substâncias bioativas contra estes fitopatógenos.

Starch stability under the processing conditions can be improved by modifying the granule structure using chemical and/or physical processes. The effect of heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on the physicochemical, morphological, pasting and thermal properties of green banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) starch was investigated. To analyze the changes in starch properties due to the combined effect of the process variables, time (h), moisture (%), and temperature (°C) were considered as independent variables using a central composite rotatable design. The native starch extracted using ammonium hydroxide as an antioxidant contained 80.4% total carbohydrates, 53.7% apparent amylose, 11.46% moisture, and other constituents (ash, protein, lipids), which accounted for less than 1%. The granule morphology was affected by the moisture and temperature used in HMT. A and B type X-ray diffraction patterns were observed in the native and modified starch. Mathematical models that describe the behaviour of modified starch properties as a function of the evaluated parameters were obtained. The variables time and temperature significantly affected the physicochemical, rheological and digestibility properties of starch.

Lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) was immobilized onto chitosan support in the presence of some surfactants added at low levels using two different strategies. In the first approach, the enzyme was immobilized in the presence of surfactants on chitosan supports previously functionalized with glutaraldehyde. In the second one, after prior enzyme adsorption on chitosan beads in the presence of surfactants, the complex chitosan beads-enzyme was then cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. The effects of surfactant concentrations on the activities of free and immobilized RML were evaluated. Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) promoted an inhibition of enzyme activity while the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 caused a slight increase in the catalytic activity of the free enzyme and the derivatives produced in both methods of immobilization. The best derivatives were achieved when the lipase was firstly adsorbed on chitosan beads at 4 °C for 1 h, 220 rpm followed by cross-link the complex chitosan beads-enzyme with glutaraldehyde 0.6% v.v−1 at pH 7. The derivatives obtained under these conditions showed high catalytic activity and excellent thermal stability at 60° and 37 °C. The best derivative was also evaluated in the synthesis of two flavor esters namely methyl and ethyl butyrate. At non-optimized conditions, the maximum conversion yield for methyl butyrate was 89%, and for ethyl butyrate, the esterification yield was 92%. The results for both esterifications were similar to those obtained when the commercial enzyme Lipozyme® and free enzyme were used in the same reaction conditions and higher than the one achieved in the absence of the selected surfactant.

Cyclocephline scarabs and their host plants are documented as highly specialized plant–pollinator associations, with various fine-tuned adaptations. We studied the association between Philodendron adamantinum, a species endemic to the Espinhaco Range in Minas Gerais, South-East Brazil, and its exclusive pollinators. We focused on the pollination mechanism and reproductive success of P. adamantinum, analysed its floral scent composition, and performed field bioassays to verify the scent-mediated attraction of pollinators. The reproductive success of P. adamantinum depends on the presence of Erioscelis emarginata (Scarabaeidae, Cyclocephalini), its sole pollinator. At dusk, the inflorescences heat up to 18 °C above the surrounding ambient air temperature and give off a strong sweet odour, from which 32 volatile compounds were isolated. Dihydro-β-ionone, the major constituent in the floral scent bouquet, lures individuals of E. emarginata when applied to scented artificial decoys, either alone or blended with methyl jasmonate. We attribute the low fruit set of P. adamantinum at our study sites to pollinator limitation of small and isolated populations and geitonogamic pollen flow of vegetatively generated clonal plant groups. The interaction between P. adamantinum and E. emarginata shows common traits typical of the known plant–pollinator associations involving cyclocephaline scarabs: the asymmetrical dependence of plants on their pollinators, and the scent-mediated interaction between flowers and beetles. In addition to updating the current catalogue of active compounds of cantharophilous pollination systems, further experimental studies should elucidate the role of the specific chemical compounds that attract pollinators along different time and biogeographic scales. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111, 679–691.

The enzymatic extract from pineapple peels, considering the time factor, low cost and ease of preparation of the reaction system, makes the use of this plant material scrap an economical alternative for some reactions of synthetic interest. Therefore, this work aimed to prepare pineapple peel enzymatic extract containing bromelain, with and without mechanical grinding for a period of up to 9-days of extraction, and then immobilizing those extracts on hydrogel beads for their application as a biocatalyst to produce energy interest esters. The best protein content obtained was 1.95 mg mL-1 for 6-days with mechanical grinding, as for the hydrolysis of p-NPP (p-nitrophenyl palmitate), 0.0125 U.mL-1 for 1-day extraction with trituration. The best index esterification activity achieved for the lauric acid as a substrate was 1.8 U mL-1 at 1-day extraction without grinding. For the hydrogel beads immobilization, a maximum protein yield of 28.8% was obtained with the 1-day extract and mechanical grinding, and in terms of p-NPP activity, a yield of 40.6% for the immobilized with 9-day extract without mechanical grinding. The immobilized and dehydrated beads with 1-day extract without grinding took the best esterification activity, 7.2 U g-1 of biocatalyst. The best conversion performance in the biocatalysis of fatty esters was by esterification of the dodecanoate n-propyl, with 95.1% for a period of 48 hours of reaction. For the transesterification reaction, the methyl oleate yield reached 47.3% after 120 hours of reaction.

In the present study, the subtilisin-like protease Pr1 activity of five Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. isolates was evaluated together with their virulence against Rhipicephalus microplus females. Bioassays were performed with engorged females, and Pr1 activity was evaluated with the chromogenic substrate N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe ρ-nitroanilide. All isolates were virulent to R. microplus, although the isolates CG 629, CG 148 and CG 32 caused higher mortality (P ≤ 0.05) than isolates CG 112 and CG 347 after eight days. No mortality was observed in the control group. Enzymatic assays revealed that the protease activity was greater in isolates CG 629, CG 148 or CG 32 than in isolates CG 112 or CG 347 after cultivation for 48 and 72 h. Based on these results, we suggest that the Pr1 activity may be used as a biochemical tool for screening the virulence among M. anisopliae s.l. isolates, and then selecting promising candidates for biocontrol of R. microplus ticks.

Retention of habitat fragments within the urban matrix can provide critical resources for the maintenance of regional biodiversity while still providing socio-economic value. Euglossini bees are important components in a community as they are important pollinators for economically valuable plants as well as hundreds of orchid species. However, some species are very sensitive to environmental impacts like urbanization. This study presents the role of antique urban fragments in a historical city in Brazil and compares it with a conservation area on the aspects of orchid bee assemblage, such as richness, composition, and abundance. Four fragments inside the city of Ouro Preto and three inside Parque Estadual do Itacolomi (PEIT) were sampled for Euglossini bees. Sorensen similarity index was used to compare community composition. The Mantel test was applied to verify the hypothesis that an urban center is a barrier for the mobility of the individuals. Fourteen Euglossini species from the region were registered. Close to 75% of the sampled bees were collected from the PEIT sampling areas. The fragments presented differences in Euglossini richness and abundance. A majority of the sampled fragments were dominated by the Eulaema cingulata Fabricius, Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, and Euglossa securigera Dressler species. We found differences on community composition between the fragments localized in PEIT and those located in the urban center. The data suggest that there is a possible flux of individuals between the sampled fragments. The various small forest fragments in Ouro Preto, primarily in backyards, may also serve as stepping stones between sampled fragments.

Jasmonates are signaling molecules that play key roles in wound response and regulate the biosynthesis of many defensive proteins, including proteases. In this study, we investigate the effects of wounding and methyl jasmonate (MJ) application on the protein expression pattern of Ricinus communis L. leaves and on proteolytic activity. Gelatin zymography demonstrated that both MJ and mechanical wounding induce alterations in the proteolytic pattern of castor bean leaves (R. communis L.). Expression of two cysteine proteases (38 and 29 kDa) was induced by the treatments employed; however, MJ induced a higher protease level than mechanical wounding during the stress period (24, 48, and 72 h). The increase in protease activity mirrors the decline in soluble protein content and rubisco degradation that may indicate initiation of senescence in castor plants. The 29 kDa protease has an acidic optimal pH; whereas the 38 kDa protease has a neutral optimum activity. Both proteases were almost completely inhibited by E-64 and cystatin. The significant induction of these proteins by MJ suggests a possible role of cysteine proteases in leaf senescence as well as their involvement in regulating both the wound response and MJ in castor bean plants.

Glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide with systemic action, is one of the most widely used substances in modern agriculture. With the objective of comparing the efficiency of glyphosate previously complexed with copper (Cu421) with that of the commercial product (Roundup WG®) and the purified substance (purified glyphosate) in controlling Brachiaria decumbens Stapf (signal grass), tests were conducted of the in vitro and in vivo activity of the enzymes 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPs) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). The Cu421 complex significantly inhibited the EPSPs activity, as did the commercial product. In vivo test showed that treatments increased PAL activity more than double. The Cu421 complexed caused a substantial decline in the Falker chlorophyll index, as well as, the greatest reduction in the fresh mass yield and total protein concentration. In addition, the Cu 421 complexed application resulted in an increase in N-NO3- content in B. decumbens. The Cu421 complex had similar action as Roundup WG® and the purified glyphosate, indicating the possibility of using this complex to control weeds.

Habitat structure and complexity may broadly affect the diversity and composition of a variety of fauna in terrestrial systems. Here we investigated responses of orchid bee assemblages to habitat complexity, with the aim of assessing complexity as a useful surrogate for species diversity of this group. We test the following hypotheses: (i) There is a greater species richness and abundance of orchid bee in sites with high habitat complexity than lower habitat complexity; (ii) High habitat complexity sites have a different species composition of orchid bee than lower habitat complexity sites. For the purposes of our study, we defined habitat complexity as the heterogeneity in the arrangement in physical structure of habitat (vegetation), although there are a large range of operational definitions in the literature. As result, orchid bee species richness was higher in high complexity areas while community composition was not affected by habitat complexity, because Euglossa melanotricha and E. leucotricha were the dominant species, occurring in both environments. Habitat complexity, measured as a function of differences in multiple strata in forests, may be of great worth as a surrogate for the diversity of a range of arthropod groups including orchid bees.

In this work, the ability of biosurfactant production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in batch cultivation using cashew apple juice (CAJ) and mineral media was evaluated. P. aeruginosa was cultivated in CAJ, which was supplemented with peptone (5.0 g/L) and nutritive broth. All fermentation assays were performed in Erlenmeyer flasks containing 300 mL, incubated at 30 degrees C and 150 rpm. Cell growth (biomass and cell density), pH, and superficial tension were monitored vs time. Surface tension was reduced by 10.58 and 41% when P. aeruginosa was cultivated in nutrient broth and CAJ supplemented with peptone, respectively. These results indicated that CAJ is an adequate medium for growth and biosurfactant production. Best results of biosurfactant production were obtained when CAJ was supplemented with peptone.

This study had the aims of evaluating the antimicrobial characteristics of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae against the fungal isolates CG138, CG228 and ESALQ986 of Beauveria bassiana sensu lato (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin, 1912 (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). S. calcitrans eggs, larvae and pupae were exposed to these same isolates. Statistical analysis showed that the immature stages of S. calcitrans were not susceptible to the fungal isolates used, regardless of the exposure method. Diffusion test on solid culture medium reveled that macerated S. calcitrans larvae exposed to isolate CG138 reduced CG138 fungal development. The analysis of the chromatographic profiles indicated that the macerate or mucus of larvae of the control group and the groups exposed to the isolate CG138 presented different profiles. Reduced development of the isolate CG138 on the larvae cuticle was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy.

The success of biosurfactant production depends on the development of cheaper processes based on the use of low cost raw materials, which account for 10–30% of the overall process cost. In Brazil, the cashew apple agroindustry plays an outstanding role in the local economy. However, only a small part of the pseudofruit produced is used industrially and the amount wasted (about 94%) presents high potential as fermentation media, since it is rich in carbohydrate, fibers, vitamins and minerals salts. In this work, the performance of cashew apple juice (CAJ) as a complex medium for Acinetobacter calcoaceticus growth and production of biosurfactant was investigated. The microorganism was able to grow and to produce biosurfactant on a defined culture medium and on CAJ, reducing the surface tension of both media. The biosurfactant also achieved a maximum emulsion index of 80% for kerosene, when defined medium was used.

The use of brewery residues—yeast and trub—has been evaluated aiming to minimize the costs of the industrial production of Bacillus sphaericus-based bioinsecticide. Both brewery residues promoted growth and sporulation of the three B. sphaericus strains that were isolated from Brazilian soils (S1, S2, and S20). However, distinct growth and sporulation behaviors were observed in relation to the different nutritional conditions and strain used. The maximum sporulation percentage was obtained through the cultivation of S20 strain in brewery residual yeast. In general, the entomopathogenic biomasses produced showed good results for toxicity to Culex larvae. The minimum values of larvae population (LC50) were observed for the S20 strain grown on yeast brewery residue-containing media. After fermentation, a considerable decrease in the organic material of alternative media was verified, although the residual values were still higher than that considered appropriate for effluent discharge.

Three species of freshwater Brazilian fishes (pacu,Piaractus mesopotamicus; piavussu,Leporinus macrocephalus, and curimbatá,Prochilodus lineatus) were exposed to an acute dose of 5 ppm methyl parathion organophosphate pesticide. Three to five individuals per species were exposed, one at a time, to 40 liters tap water spiked with Folidol 600. Pesticide concentrations and cholinesterase (ChE) activities were evaluated in serum, liver, brain, heart, and muscle. The bioconcentration of methyl parathion was similar for all studied fishes. Brain tissue showed the highest pesticide concentration, reaching 80 ppm after exposure for 30 min to methyl parathion. Three to 5 hours of 5 ppm methyl parathion exposure provoked the death of allP. lineatusat 92% brain AChE inhibition, whereas fish from the other two species survived for up to 78 hours with less than 80% brain AChE inhibition. Our results indicate that acute toxic effects of methyl parathion to fish are correlated with brain AChE sensitivity to methyl paraoxon.

This work evaluates the immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase (Fraction B) using poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanoparticles as support. The effects of immobilization time (30-150 min) and pH (5-10) on lipase loading were evaluated. The stability of the immobilized enzyme towards temperature (40, 60, and 80 oC), reuse and storage (at 4 oC) were also determined. Furthermore, to assess its potential application in a system of interest, the immobilized lipase was used as a catalyst in the esterification of geraniol with oleic acid. The results indicated a time of 120 minutes and pH of 7 as optimal for immobilization. A 21 hour exposure of the PHBV-lipase derivative to 60 oC showed a 33% reduction of the initial activity while storage at 4 oC led to a residual activity (5% of the original activity). The derivative was used without significant loss of activity for 4 successive cycles. The use of the immobilized lipase as a catalyst in the production of geranyl oleate led to about 88% conversion of the initial reactants to products.

PCR screening of ticks and tissue samples collected from 151 Teira dugesii lizards seems to indicate a potential role of this lizard species in the maintenance and transmission cycle of some Ixodes ricinus tick-borne agents, such as Rickettsia monacensis , Rickettsia helvetica , and Borrelia lusitaniae , that are circulating on Madeira Island.

OBJETIVO: Determinar níveis de anticorpos IgA, IgE, IgG e subclasses (IgG1, IgG4) específicos a C. albicans no soro e lavado vaginal de mulheres com ou sem candidíase vulvovaginal para avaliar o papel destes anticorpos na imunopatogênese desta doença. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 30 mulheres com sintomas clínicos de candidíase vulvovaginal (15 com cultura de secreção vaginal positiva para C. albicans, 11 com cultura negativa e quatro com cultura positiva para Candida não-albicans) e 12 mulheres controles assintomáticas (nove com cultura negativa). Amostras de soro e lavado vaginal foram obtidas para a detecção de anticorpos anti-C. albicans por ELISA. RESULTADOS: Pacientes sintomáticas com cultura positiva apresentaram níveis de IgA específicas significativamente maiores no lavado vaginal e menores no soro do que aquelas com cultura negativa. Níveis séricos de IgE específica foram extremamente baixos em relação ao lavado vaginal. Altos níveis de IgG total específica foram encontrados no soro e lavado vaginal em ambos os grupos, independente da presença do fungo. Níveis de IgG1 e IgG4 específicas foram significativamente maiores somente no lavado vaginal de mulheres sintomáticas e cultura positiva, com relação IgG1/IgG4 ligeiramente maior, indicando que a resposta de anticorpos IgG1 possa estar predominantemente envolvida na resolução da infecção fúngica. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados indicam resposta acentuada de IgA, IgG1 e IgG4 anti-C. albicans no lavado vaginal de mulheres sintomáticas com cultura positiva, sugerindo importante papel destes anticorpos na resposta imune local estimulada pela presença do fungo. PURPOSE: To determine the levels of IgA, IgE, IgG and subclasses (IgG1, IgG4) antibodies specific to C. albicans in serum and vaginal washes from women with or without vulvovaginal candidiasis in order to evaluate the role of these antibodies in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. METHODS: Thirty women with clinical symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (15 positive vaginal culture to C. albicans, 11 negative culture and 4 positive culture to non-C. albicans) and 12 asymptomatic control women were selected. Serum and vaginal wash samples were obtained for the detection of anti-C. albicans antibodies by ELISA. RESULTS: Symptomatic patients with positive culture showed significantly higher levels of specific IgA in vaginal washes and lower in serum than those with negative culture. Specific serum IgE levels were very low compared to vaginal IgE. High levels of total specific IgG were found in serum and vaginal washes in both groups, regardless the fungal presence or absence. Specific IgG1 e IgG4 levels were significantly higher only in vaginal washes from symptomatic patients with positive culture, with a slightly higher IgG1/IgG4 ratio, indicating that the IgG1 antibody response may be predominantly involved in the fungal clearance. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a pronounced antibody response of IgA, IgG1 and IgG4 to C. albicans in vaginal washes in symptomatic patients with positive culture, suggesting a important role of these antibodies in the local immune response triggered by the presence of the fungus.

The present study aimed to evaluate the pathogenic potential of different Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. isolates and to determine whether differences in enzymatic activities of proteases, lipases and chitinases and infection with mycoviruses affect the control of Rhipicephalus microplus achieved by these fungal isolates. Engorged female ticks were exposed to fungal suspensions. The lipolytic and proteolytic activities in the isolates were evaluated using chromogenic substrates and the chitinolytic activity was determined using fluorescent substrates. A gel zymography was performed to determine the approximate size of serine proteases released by M. anisopliae isolates. To detect mycoviral infections, dsRNA was digested using both RNAse A and S1 endonuclease; samples were analyzed on an agarose gel. Four of the five isolates tested were infected with mycovirus; however, the level of control of R. microplus ticks achieved with the only isolate free of infection (isolate CG 347) was low. This finding suggests that mycoviral infection does not affect the virulence of fungi against ticks. Although all five isolates were considered pathogenic to R. microplus, the best tick control and the highest levels of enzymatic activity were achieved with the isolates CG 629 and CG 148. The in vitro activities of lipases, proteases and chitinases produced by M. anisopliae s.l. differed among isolates and may be related to their virulence.