Search

Understanding how development changes the genetic covariance of complex phenotypes is fundamental for the study of evolution. If the genetic covariance changes dramatically during postnatal ontogeny, one cannot infer confidently evolutionary responses based on the genetic covariance estimated from a single postnatal ontogenetic stage. Mammalian skull morphology is a common model system for studying the evolution of complex structures. These studies often involve estimating covariance between traits based on adult individuals. There is robust evidence that covariances changes during ontogeny. However, it is unknown whether differences in age-specific covariances can, in fact, bias evolutionary analyses made at subadult ages. To explore this issue, we sampled two marsupials from the order Didelphimorphia, and one precocial and one altricial placental at different stages of postnatal ontogeny. We calculated the phenotypic variance-covariance matrix (P-matrix) for each genera at these postnatal ontogenetic stages. Then, we compared within genus P-matrices and also P-matrices with available congeneric additive genetic variance-covariance matrices (G-matrices) using Random Skewers and the Krzanowsky projection methods. Our results show that the structural similarity between matrices are in general high (> 0.7). Our study supports that the G-matrix in therian mammals is conserved during most of postnatal ontogeny. Thus it is feasible to study life-history changes and evolutionary responses based on the covariance estimated from a single ontogenetic stage. Our results also suggest that at least for some marsupials the G-matrix varies considerably prior to weaning, which does not invalidate our previous conclusion because specimens at this stage would experience striking differences in selective regimes than during later ontogenetic stages.

he aims of this study were to investigate the genetic variability and the genotype × environment interaction for quality and yield traits in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), to evaluate the degree of informativeness of the evaluations of grain quality in only one environment, to estimate genetic parameters for grain quality traits, and to select lines with superior grain quality. We evaluated 81 carioca common bean lines in preliminary line trials in several environments for nutritional, technological, and commercial quality and selected the 20 superior lines, which were evaluated in validation trials in nine environments. Individual and combined ANOVAs were performed for all the traits. Correlations were estimated between Fe and Zn concentrations and yield; adaptability and phenotypic stability were analyzed; and superior genotypes were selected based on the Mulamba & Mock index. It is possible to increase the Fe, Zn, and crude protein concentrations and reduce cooking time; however, increasing crude fiber is a challenge. Preliminary evaluation of the quality traits in only one environment was effective and sufficient for selection of genotypes superior in Fe concentration, crude fiber, crude protein, and cooking time; and genetic gains can be obtained from selection for these traits. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were observed between Fe and Zn concentrations. The lines CNFC 16627, CNFC 16518, CNFC 16602, CNFC 16615, and CNFC 16520 are superior based on the selection index and are recommended for breeding for grain quality in carioca common bean. Made available in DSpace on 2021-09-10T15:05:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 cs.pdf: 249903 bytes, checksum: ef9f181f778db91831b3f000202db229 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

Aims Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic bacterium, with a high capacity for biofilm production, which can cause severe damage in aquaculture. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical compounds of the essential oils of Lippia sidoides (EOLS) and Cymbopogon citratus (EOCC), and to evaluate the biocidal, antibiofilm and synergistic action with the antimicrobial florfenicol of these essential oils (EOs) against A. hydrophila. Methods and Results The antibacterial activity of EOLS and EOCC was verified by the minimum bactericidal concentration and by the action of these EOs against both forming and consolidated biofilms. The synergistic activity of EOs with florfenicol was performed using the checkerboard technique. The main component of EOLS and EOCC was carvacrol (44.50%) and α-citral (73.56%), respectively. Both EOs showed weak inhibitory activity (≥3125.00 µg ml−1). Two bacterial isolates were able to produce biofilm, and EOLS and EOCC acted upon the bacterial isolates to prevent biofilm formation. A bactericidal effect was verified for EOLS in the previously consolidated biofilm for both isolates and for EOCC in only one of the isolates. In general, EOLS had a synergistic effect with florfenicol, while EOCF had an additive effect. Conclusions Both EOs were able to interfere with biofilm formation and did not have an antagonistic effect in combination with florfenicol. The best results were found for EOLS, which showed a synergistic effect with florfenicol and the ability to interfere in the formation of consolidated biofilm. Significance and Impact of the Study This study highlights the potential of EOLS and EOCC to interfere in biofilm and act in synergy with florfenicol to reduce the occurrence of A. hydrophila. Development of these compounds may contribute to the development of herbal medicines in aquaculture.

To evaluate the interaction between foliar application of salicylic acid and Bradyrhizobium inoculation on the morphophysiology of cowpea under water stress conditions, four genotypes (BRS Rouxinol, BRS Marataoã, BRS Aracê and BR 17 Gurguéia) were subjected to five combinations of water availability: 100% replacement of crop evapotranspiration (control); 50% replacement of crop evapotranspiration (water stress); water stress + salicylic acid; water stress + Bradyrhizobium inoculation; and water stress + salicylic acid + Bradyrhizobium inoculation. The experiment was set up in a 4 × 5 factorial randomized block design, with four replicates and four plants per plot. Water stress negatively affected the leaf water potential, growth, proline contents and antioxidant activity of the cowpea genotypes, and BRS Marataoã was the most sensitive. Under water stress conditions, Bradyrhizobium inoculation was efficient for BRS Rouxinol, but was only efficient for BRS Marataoã, BRS Aracê and BR 17 Gurguéia when associated with foliar application of salicylic acid, maintaining their values of leaf water potential, growth, proline content and activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase similar to those of the control treatment. Made available in DSpace on 2021-08-22T01:54:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Bradyrhizobium-inoculation-plus-foliar-application-2021.pdf: 2894682 bytes, checksum: 6db36569b1846d5f7d2513cfbd94476e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

BRS FC104 is a carioca seeded common bean cultivar with super-early maturity (mean of 65 days; emergence to physiological maturity) and disease resistance superior to other early maturity carioca seeded cultivars. Is is recommended for growing in 21 Brazilian states and has high yield potential (3792 kg ha-1), a mean yield of 2186 kg ha-1, and 6.9% higher mean of the relative yield compared to the control cultivars. Made available in DSpace on 2020-01-02T18:07:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 35680.pdf: 263164 bytes, checksum: 5272ae4775132840be7cc12f5020ed6f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019 Cultivar release.

The availability of public genomic resources can greatly assist biodiversity assessment, conservation, and restoration efforts by providing evidence for scientifically informed management decisions. Here we survey the main approaches and applications in biodiversity and conservation genomics, considering practical factors, such as cost, time, prerequisite skills, and current shortcomings of applications. Most approaches perform best in combination with reference genomes from the target species or closely related species. We review case studies to illustrate how reference genomes can facilitate biodiversity research and conservation across the tree of life. We conclude that the time is ripe to view reference genomes as fundamental resources and to integrate their use as a best practice in conservation genomics., Trends in Genetics, 39 (7), ISSN:0168-9525

The objective was to determine the effect of commercial substrates and organic sources on the production of cape gooseberry seedlings (Physalis peruviana L.). The design was completely randomized with a 2×3 factorial scheme using two commercial substrates (Carolina®, Bioplant®) and three organic sources (control, vermicompost enriched with yoorin thermophosphate and poultry manure) for seedling production. Adding poultry manure to commercial substrates negatively affects precocity and emergence. Carolina® is a suitable substrate for cape gooseberry seedling production without supplements using organic sources. Bioplant® behaves more like an emergence conditioner, requiring supplementation with organic sources (preferably vermicompost). Seedlings that are suitable for transplant can be obtained at 47 days after sowing. RESUMEN El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de los sustratos comerciales y las fuentes orgánicas en la producción de plántulas de uchuva (Physalis peruviana L.). El diseño fue completamente aleatorizado, en un esquema factorial de 2×3, con dos sustratos comerciales la producción de plántulas (Carolina®, Bioplant®) y tres fuentes orgánicas (control, vermicompost enriquecido con termofosfato yoorin y estiércol de aves de corral). Agregar estiércol de aves de corral a sustratos comerciales causa efectos negativos sobre la precocidad y la emergencia. Carolina® es un sustrato adecuado para producir plántulas de uchuva sin necesidad de suplementos con fuentes orgánicas. Bioplant® se comporta más como un acondicionador de emergencia, que requiere suplementos con fuentes orgánicas (preferiblemente vermicompost). Las plántulas adecuadas para el trasplante se pueden obtener a los 47 días después de la siembra.

Cover crop nitrogen (N) cycling has an important role in agricultural production and contributes to peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] N nutrition. This study evaluated black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) residue decomposition dynamics, N recovery from cover crop residues, and N compartmentalization in peach tree organs. A 2-year field trial was developed with labeled (3.6?4.0 atom% 15N excess) cover crop shoot biomass application in a 5-year-old peach orchard. The region?s climate is warm temperate (Cfb), and the soil is classified as a Typic Hapludalf. Litter bags with unlabeled shoot residues were also deposited in the orchard to assess biomass, carbon (C), N, lignin, cellulose, and non-structural biomass decomposition dynamics. After 13 months, the leaves, trunk, and roots showed the greatest proportion of N derived from residues (Ndfr) (35.4, 25.1, and 22.4%, respectively) while the greatest concentrations of 15N and Ndfr occurred in roots

BRS FC406 is a common bean cultivar with excellent seed size and yields in the rainy season in central Brazil, i.e, 19% more than BRS Estilo. It has a normal cycle, a mean yield of 2464 kg ha-1, a high yield potential (4472 kg ha1), and is resistant to anthracnose and angular leaf spot. Made available in DSpace on 2022-02-03T19:00:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 fpbj-2021.pdf: 653002 bytes, checksum: 3ad50a557ddaaff36c0c53170aaf7955 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

Protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon suffer from conflicting activities, such as the production of charcoal from illegal logging. Charcoal anatomy is an important tool that can be useful for forensic charcoal identification and to help the conservation of these areas. To assist in combating deforestation in protected areas, this study describes the charcoal anatomy of 14 tree species that occur in the Tapirapé–Aquiri National Forest, Pará, Brazil, and provides macrographs of transverse surfaces and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images to aid government agencies during surveillance. We adopted a carbonisation method that simulated real conditions. Anatomical features were well preserved in the charcoal. The axial parenchyma and vessel frequency are easily observed in both macrographs and SEM images, so they are important diagnostic features for initial screening of families and for checking the load according to the ‘document of forestry origin’ (DOF) by the surveillance agents. Uncommon and highly diagnostic features for distinguishing genera or even species, such as rays exclusively uniseriate, sheath cells, tile cells and storied structure, were observed only in SEM images. Our findings are suitable to provide a database on charcoal anatomy of native tree species of the Amazon, with practical application in government inspection activities in protected areas in Brazil and other countries with similar issues.

Aspergillus fumigatus is the main etiological agent of aspergillosis. Considering azole antifungal drug resistance in A. fumigatus, which compromises treatment, new alternatives are needed. Among them, essential oils (EOs) can be an alternative treatment, having shown positive results in inhibiting phytopathogenic fungi in vitro. We aimed to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) (oregano) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) EOs alone and in association (O. vulgare+R. officinalis) against A. fumigatus. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-FID and GC/MS systems), and analyses showed that the major components of O. vulgare EO were carvacrol (67.8%), p-cymene (14.8%), and thymol (3.9%); for R. officinalis, they were the monoterpenes 1,8-cineole (49.1%), camphor (18.1%) and α-pinene (8.1). For biological assays, five EO concentrations, 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8 and 1.0%, were used in disk diffusion and agar dilution tests for 21 days. In disk diffusion, O. vulgare EO alone and in association (O. vulgare+R. officinalis) showed fungicidal activity at all concentrations. In agar dilution, inhibitory action was demonstrated from 0.6% for O. vulgare EO and in association (O. vulgare+R. officinalis). R. officinalis EO at 1.0% showed no fungal growth, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The present study demonstrated inhibitory actions of O. vulgare and R. officinalis EOs in A. fumigatus. GC analyses corroborated the literature regarding their antibacterial and antifungal effects. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to evaluate EOs as alternative antifungals for treating aspergillosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal ethanol consumption during gestation and lactation on bone mass and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells of the bone marrow (BMMSCs) in rats. Thirteen adult Wistar rats were used. The rats were mated, and after confirmation of gestation, (day 0) they were distributed in two groups: the control group and the ethanol-treated group. From the ninth day of gestation, the rats of the ethanol and control groups were administered 40% alcoholic solution (4 g ethanol/kg) and distilled water, respectively, daily via gavage until the thirtieth day of lactation. The BMMSCs were extracted from the right femurs and tibiae and cultured using an osteogenic medium for 7, 14, and 21 days. The conversion of MTT to formazan crystals, alkaline phosphatase activity, and percentages of cells per field were analyzed. The number of mineralized nodules per field was examined, and quantification of the gene transcripts for osteopontin, osteocalcin, and BMP-2 was evaluated on day 21 by real-time RT-PCR. Morphometric evaluations of the percentage of trabecular bone and cortical thickness in the left femur and tibia were performed. The means were compared by the Student's t-test, and the differences were considered significant if p 0.05. The BMMSCs of the rats that consumed ethanol during gestation and lactation, when subjected to osteogenic differentiation in vitro, demonstrated higher conversion of MTT to formazan, higher alkaline phosphatase activity, a higher percentage of cells per field, higher expression of BMP-2, and higher synthesis of mineralized nodules when compared to those of control rat cells. However, there was no significant difference in the percentage of trabecular bone or cortical thickness between both groups. Hence, the consumption of ethanol during pregnancy and lactation did not alter the trabecular and cortical bone tissues of the femur and tibia compared with that of pregnant and lactating control rats that did not consume alcohol, despite BMMSCs showing higher osteogenic differentiation under in vitro conditions.

Pest mites of the family Tetranychidae are commonly reported in several legumes. However, reports of their occurrence in lima beans are insipient, especially in Brazil. The objective of this research was to record the occurrence of mites in lima bean plants and to describe their damage in this Fabaceae. Tetranychus neocaledonicus André and Mononychellus planki McGregor were found in lima bean plants, Phaseolus lunatus (Fabaceae or Leguminosae). The lima bean plants, when infested by these mites, initially exhibit small whitish spots in the leaflets, which with increasing population density rapidly evolve into chlorotic patches, followed by silvering, and may dry out and fall due to their overfeeding. The extent of the damage caused to lima bean plants and the adaptability of the mite to warm and dry conditions indicate that T. neocaledonicus has greater potential as a lima bean pest than M. planki in northeastern Brazil. This is the first record of these mites associated with P. lunatus.

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/., Objective: Intratumor heterogeneity drives cancer progression and therapy resistance. However, it has yet to be determined whether and how subpopulations of cancer cells interact and how this interaction affects the tumour. Design: We have studied the spontaneous flow of extracellular vesicles (EVs) between subpopulations of cancer cells: cancer stem cells (CSC) and non-stem cancer cells (NSCC). To determine the biological significance of the most frequent communication route, we used pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) orthotopic models, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). Results: We demonstrate that PDAC tumours establish an organised communication network between subpopulations of cancer cells using EVs called the EVNet). The EVNet is plastic and reshapes in response to its environment. Communication within the EVNet occurs preferentially from CSC to NSCC. Inhibition of this communication route by impairing Rab27a function in orthotopic xenographs, GEMMs and PDXs is sufficient to hamper tumour growth and phenocopies the inhibition of communication in the whole tumour. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that CSC EVs use agrin protein to promote Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP) activation via LDL receptor related protein 4 (LRP-4). Ex vivo treatment of PDXs with antiagrin significantly impairs proliferation and decreases the levels of activated YAP.Patients with high levels of agrin and low inactive YAP show worse disease-free survival. In addition, patients with a higher number of circulating agrin+ EVs show a significant increased risk of disease progression. Conclusion: PDAC tumours establish a cooperation network mediated by EVs that is led by CSC and agrin, which allows tumours to adapt and thrive. Targeting agrin could make targeted therapy possible for patients with PDAC and has a significant impact on CSC that feeds the tumour and is at the centre of therapy resistance., The work was supported by NORTE-01–0145-FEDER-000029, Norte Portugal Regional Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund and national funds through FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology POCI-01–0145-FEDER-32189. Programa Operacional Regional do Norte and co-financed by European Regional Development Fund under the project "The Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center" with the reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072678 - Consórcio PORTO.CCC – Porto.Comprehensive Cancer Center. CFR is supported by FCT (SFRH/BD/131461/2017), NB by (SFRH/BD/130801/2017), IB by FCT (SFRH/BD/144854/2019), and BA by FCT (PD/BD/135546/2018). DG’s contribution was supported by the NCI (R21 CA179907). We acknowledge the support of the i3S Scientific Platforms: Translational Cytometry, Animal Facility, Bioimaging and Histology and Electron Microscopy are members of the national infrastructure PPBI - Portuguese Platform of Bioimaging (PPBI-POCI-01–0145-FEDER-022122). Proteomics was performed at the Proteomics Facility of The Spanish National Center for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), ProteoRed, PRB3-ISCIII, supported by grant PT17/0019.

The order Onygenales is classified in the class Eurotiomycetes of the subphylum Pezizomycotina. Families in this order have classically been isolated from soil and dung, and two lineages contain causative agents of superficial, cutaneous and systemic infections in mammals. The ecology and habitat choices of the species are driven mainly by the keratin and cellulose degradation abilities. The present study aimed to investigate whether the ecological trends of the members of Onygenales can be interpreted in an evolutionary sense, linking phylogenetic parameters with habitat preferences, to achieve polyphasic definitions of the main taxonomic groups. Evolutionary processes were estimated by multiple gene genealogies and divergence time analysis. Previously described families, namely, Arthrodermataceae, Ajellomycetaceae, Ascosphaeraceae, Eremascaceae, Gymnoascaceae, Onygenaceae and Spiromastigoidaceae, were accepted in Onygenales, and two new families, Malbrancheaceae and Neogymnomycetaceae, were introduced. A number of species could not be assigned to any of the defined families. Our study provides a revised overview of the main lines of taxonomy of Onygenales, supported by multilocus analyses of ITS, LSU, TUB, TEF1, TEF3, RPB1, RPB2, and ribosomal protein 60S L10 (L1) (RP60S) sequences, combined with available data on ecology, physiology, morphology, and genomics.

By allowing for the creation of embryo banks, reproductive biotechnologies play an essential role in the preservation of endangered goat breeds' genetic diversity. This study focused on comparing both available embryo collection methods [laparotomy (LAP) vs. nonsurgical embryo recovery (NSER)] in Canindé goats to create an embryo bank for later use in a breed conservation program. Twelve females were superovulated and subjected to either the LAP or NSER technique for embryo recovery. The recovery rate was similar (

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:35:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-04-01 To assess the effect of curcumin-encapsulated Pluronic® F-127 (Cur-Plu) during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) over duo-species biofilm of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Thermal analysis, optical absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy were evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungal concentration were obtained. The biofilms were cultured for 48 h at 37 °C and treated according to the groups: P + M + L + (photosensitizer encapsulated with Pluronic® F-127 + light); P + D + L + (photosensitizer incorporated in 1% DMSO + light); P − M + L + (no Pluronic® F-127 + light); P − D + L + (1% DMSO + light); P − L + (Milli-Q water + light); P + M + L − (photosensitizer encapsulated with Pluronic® F-127 no light); P + D + L − (photosensitizer in 1% DMSO, no light); P − M + L − (Pluronic® F-127 no light); P − D + L − (1% DMSO, no light); P − L − (Milli-Q water, no light; negative control group); CHX (0.2% chlorhexidine, positive control group); and NYS (Nystatin). Dark incubation of 5 min was used. The groups that received aPDT were irradiated by blue LED (460 nm, 15 J/cm2). Cell viability of the biofilms was performed by colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and confocal microscopy. Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test was used at a significance level of 5%. P + D + L + and P + M + L + groups exhibited better log-reduction for both Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans biofilms than P − M + L + , P − L + , and P − D + L + experimental groups. Furthermore, P + M + L + and P + D + L + showed greater reduction for Candida albicans than for Streptococcus mutans. aPDT mediated by Cur-Plu can be a potential strategy for biofilm control against duo-species biofilm of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics School of Dentistry Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNESP, São Paulo Department of Restorative Dentistry School of Dentistry Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNESP, 1680 Humaitá St., MailBox: 331, São Paulo Department of Drugs and Medicines School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNESP, São Paulo Graduate Program in Pharceutical Sciences State University of Paraíba-UEPB Department of Preventive Dentistry Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam – ACTA University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Department of Physics and Materials Science Physics Institute of São Carlos - IFSC University of São Paulo – USP, São Paulo Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics School of Dentistry Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNESP, São Paulo Department of Restorative Dentistry School of Dentistry Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNESP, 1680 Humaitá St., MailBox: 331, São Paulo Department of Drugs and Medicines School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNESP, São Paulo

Plants are sessile organisms, which are vulnerable to environmental stresses. As such, plants have developed multiple molecular, physiological, and cellular mechanisms to cope with natural stressors. However, these environmental adversities, including drought, are sources of the main agribusiness problems since they interfere with plant growth and productivity. Particularly under water deprivation conditions, the abscisic acid-responsive element-binding protein AREB1/ABF2 plays an important role in drought stress response and physiological adaptation. In this investigation, we provide substantial confirmation for the role of AREB1/ABF2 in plant survival under severe water deficit using the CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) technique to enhance the AREB1 gene expression. In our strategy, the inactive nuclease dCas9 was fused with an Arabidopsis histone acetyltransferase 1, which improves gene expression by remodeling chromatin. The AREB1 overexpression promotes an improvement in the physiological performance of the transgenic homozygous plants under drought, which was associated with an increase in chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble sugar accumulation, leading to lower reactive oxygen species accumulation. Finally, we found that the CRISPR-mediated up-regulation of AREB1 changes the abundance of several downstream ABA-inducible genes, allowing us to report that CRISPRa dCas9-HAT is a valuable biotechnological tool to improve drought stress tolerance through the positive regulation of AREB1.

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is one such resource with a great amount of carbohydrate and lignin polymers that together represent high volatile content of biomass suitable for conversion into bio-oil by fast pyrolysis. However, the high ash content inhibits the realization of its full potential as a pyrolysis feedstock as the ash reduces product yields and changes chemical pathway toward undesired product selectivity including oxygenated compounds that are known to result in bio-oil instability. In this study, elephant grass was pretreated prior to pyrolysis using liquid hot water (LHW) and acid solution washing (AW) to explore whether reduction in ash content could improve its physical properties, energy density and pyrolysis products selectivity. Upon characterization of compositional analyses, chemical ash composition by X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and cellulose crystallinity Index (CrI) before and after demineralization treatments we found that washing pretreatment processes were efficient in ash removal increasing HHV and the volatile content, and decreasing fixed carbon and moisture. The use of the pretreated biomass as feedstock for pyrolysis performed at 600 °C in a micro-pyrolyzer 5200 HP-R Py-GC/MS reveals interesting product distribution. While many oxygenated compounds were identified as pyrolysis products for both raw and pretreated elephant grass significant changes were observed in the products of the pretreated biomass, such as an increased yield of levoglucosan (LG) for LHW washed biomass, which presented the lowest CrI, an evidence that cellulose content and its structure influences the pyrolysis product distribution.

Popularmente conhecidas como ampulárias, esses moluscos gastrópodes são usualmente cultivados como organismos ornamentais pelo mundo. A coloração desses animais ornamentais é um dos pontos que atrai os seus admiradores e estimula sua aquisição no mercado. O pigmento mais difundido como suplemento para intensificação de cor em organismos aquáticos é a astaxantina. Ainda não existem rações específicas para a ampulária reforçando a necessidade de testar alternativas de alimentos e suplementos que melhorem o desempenho produtivo e a atratividade do animal. Os objetivos desse estudo foram mensurar a capacidade de acumulação de astaxantina sintética em diferentes níveis de inclusão na dieta de Pomacea diffusa, sua influência na concentração do pigmento e nos índices zootécnicos ao final do cultivo. E em paralelo verificar a influência da mudança da dieta de ração de peixes para ração de camarão na condição corporal dos moluscos em comparação com o início do trabalho. As ampulárias alimentadas com ração comercial extrusada para camarão marinho tiveram baixos índices de conversão alimentar (126,7 ± 18,3), altos índices de eficiência alimentar (126,7 ± 18,3%) e fator de condição (1,0 ± 0,14) acima da média inicial (0,90 ± 0,17), o que demonstra que esse alimento pode ser utilizado para seu cultivo. A suplementação dietética de astaxantina sintética não resulta em aumento significativo da concentração desse pigmento na musculatura desse molusco (P˃0,05). Palavras-chave: Ampulária. Moluscos. Gastrópodes. Pigmentos. Carotenoides. Abstract Known as apple snail, these gastropods are popular as aquarium pets around the world. The bright color of these animals is one of the key points that attract their attention in the ornamental aquaculture, where deep-colored animals are well appreciated. Astaxanthin is the most widespread color enhancing pigment used as a food supplement for aquatic organisms. There is no specific commercial food for apple snails, emphasizing the need to search for food alternatives and supplements that improve their performance and attractiveness. The objectives of this study are to measure the synthetic astaxanthin accumulation capacity of Pomacea diffusa at different levels of diet supplementation, and the effect on pigment concentration and zootechnical indexes at the end of the culture. It was also aimed to verify the effect of the diet change from fish food to extruded shrimp food on the mollusks’ body condition. Apple snails fed with commercial shrimp ration had low feed conversion rates (0.81 ± 0.13), high food efficiency (126.7 ± 18.3%), and condition factor (1.0 ± 0.14) above the initial average (0.90 ± 0.17), demonstrating that this might be an advantageous alternative food. Dietary supplementation with synthetic astaxanthin did not result in a significant concentration increase of this pigment in muscle tissue of these mollusks (P˃0.05). Keywords: Aquaculture. Mollusks. Gastropods. Pigments. Carotenoids

The present study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the ecological and applied aspects of temperature in the germination of Colubrina glandulosa (Rhamnaceae), Chloroleucon dumosum (Fabaceae), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Fabaceae), Mimosa bimucronata (Fabaceae) and Sapindus saponaria (Sapindaceae). Then we assessed germination, average germination time, germination uniformity and germination activation energy as a function of temperatures. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Propagation Laboratory, on the Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Campus, at the Federal University of Alagoas, Rio Largo, AL, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 25 seeds per treatment. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Tukey test at 5% probability. The isothermal incubation was performed in Biochemical Oxigen Demand (B.O.D.) germination chamber, at constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 ºC and alternating at 20-30 ºC. The seeds of C. glandulosa, C. dumosum, E. contortisiliquum and M. bimucronata germinated in the range of 10 ºC ≤ T ≤ 35 ºC, and S. saponaria germinated in the range of 20 ºC ≤ T ≤ 35 ºC. We found that seeds in the optimal temperature range has unimodal distribution of relative frequency, concentrating germination in the shortest time. The activation energy was positive in the range of 10 ºC ≤ T ≤ 30 ºC, with an inversion of the signal at a temperature of 35 ºC. The studied species had a wide range of temperature tolerance and the speed was curvilinearly dependent on them. The germination process is predominantly endergonic

For most forest species the irregularity of fruiting, low seed production and spatial distribution of trees, make it impossible to supply seeds to meet seedling production programs. On the other hand, to prevent subsequent years of low production and maintain seed viability, it is necessary to adopt adequate storage procedures. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate the influence of water content and storage conditions on the physiological potential of seeds of Colubrina glandulosa Perkins (Rhamnaceae), Chloroleucon dumosum (Benth.) G.P. Lewis (Fabaceae), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae), Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) O. Kuntze (Fabaceae) and Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapindaceae), which are native tree species in tropical forests in South America. The seeds were placed in paper packaging and glass packaging and stored in a laboratory environment (uncontrolled), during storage periods of zero (recently harvested), three, six, nine, 12 and 15 months. For each storage period, the water content and physiological potential of the seeds were evaluated. The design was entirely randomized with four repetitions of 25 seeds. The germination (G) and germination uniformity (U) data were subjected to analysis of variance in a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement (two types of packaging x six storage periods), and application of polynomial regression. Seeds of Colubrina glandulosa, Chloroleucon dumosum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Mimosa bimucronata and Sapindus saponaria, packed in paper packaging or glass packaging, and stored under uncontrolled conditions of natural environment, presented higher G and U, in the storage period of 15 months. The physiological potential of the seeds can be maintained for a long time, as long as they are packed in a glass container with an adequate initial water content. With a water content of 8.2, 8.1, 7.9, 8.4% and 12.1%, the seeds of Colubrina glandulosa, Chloroleucon dumosum, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Mimosa bimucronata and Sapindus saponaria, respectively, maintain the viability during storage. Therefore, the solution to store these seeds would be to rigorously dry them, and then use waterproof packaging. It is recommended that for the storage of seeds of these tree species, they are previously packaged in glass containers

The present study aimed to characterize the physical, chemical and rheological properties of starch extracted from pitomba seeds and verify the influence of its addition on the syneresis and viscosity characteristics of ketchup during storage, compared to maize starch. Extraction was performed by grinding the seeds in sodium metabisulfite solution (0.2%) followed by drying at 50 ºC. ketchups were formulated with the addition of 0.5 and 1% pitomba starch, 0.5 and 1% maize starch and a control formulation. Starch showed low percentages of protein, ashes and lipid, starch purity of 77.78%, amylose of 19.25%, apparent density of 0.46 g/cm3 and compact density of 0.66 g/cm3. The starch pastes showed pseudoplastic behavior and imparted significant viscosity, usable in increasing the consistency of fluid foods. Ketchups formulated with addition of pitomba starch showed reduction of syneresis during storage, and the 1% starch concentration can slow down the syneresis process in ketchup at temperatures of 7 and 25 °C, similar to the stabilizing capacity of maize starch. Ketchup viscosity increased with the addition of pitomba and maize starches, but the highest apparent viscosities were obtained in ketchup with addition of pitomba starch during storage

Background Despite the diversity of Brazilian fruit production, many native species; remain insufficiently exploited, such as Garcinia brasilienses. Scope and approach The goal of this work is twofold: to highlight and correlate the research that has been carried out on this fruit, based on a mixed methodology including both a bibliometric analysis and review of the literature, and to understand the study trends that point toward future applications. Using the Web of Science© database, 55 articles were identified and submitted to bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer software. Key findings and conclusions It was observed that this fruit has been explored in the medicinal, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Nonetheless, bacupari has been little explored in the field of food science, and no research has ever been carried out on its pulp. The published studies reveal that the bacupari fruit is rich in bioactive compounds, and therefore has great potential foar food applications.

Background : The presence of condensed tannins, flavonones, flavonols, flavones, xantones, catechins and alkaloids in the ethanolic extract of Lantana undulata leaves has been associated with cytotoxicity and virucidal effect on suid herpesvirus. Objective: To evaluate cellular toxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and anti-phlogistic property of the ethanolic extract leaves of Lantana undulata, a plant from the Verbenaceae family. Method: Cytotoxicity was evaluated on Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells and erythrocytes and through leukocyte DNA damage. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were performed using the agar diffusion technique and broth microdilution. The inhibition percentage and viral inhibition index were established against bovine herpesvirus. The antioxidant effect (EC50) was determined by the DPPH technique and the mouse ear edema model was used to determine the anti-phlogistic activity. Results: The maximum nontoxic concentration for MDBK cells was 650 μg/ml. The ethanolic extract of L. undulata was considered non-hemolytic from 2 to 16 μg/ml and not genotoxic at the concentration tested ( Conclusion: Although the ethanolic extract of L. undulataleaves showed to be potentially toxic and to have a reduced spectrum of action on microorganisms, the outstanding antiphlogistic action puts the therapeutic potential of this plant into perspective.

To evaluate the effects of milk replacer (MR) feeding rate (FR) and frequency (FF) on performance, abomasal emptying, and nutrient digestibility in the southeastern United States, Holstein calves (n = 48/season) were enrolled at 8 d of age (DOA) during summer [June to August, body weight (BW; mean ± SD) = 40.71 ± 4.35 kg] and winter (November to January, BW = 42.03 ± 3.83 kg). Within season, calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including 2 FR [0.65 (low) or 0.76 kg of solid per day (high) of a 26% crude protein and 17% fat MR], and 2 FF [2× (0700 and 1600 h) or 3× (0700, 1600, and 2200 h) daily]. Calves were housed in polyethylene hutches and managed similarly throughout the trial. Milk replacer (12.5% solids) was fed to calves based on their respective treatments until 42 DOA, when MR allowance was reduced by 50% and offered once a day (0700 h) for the following 7 d until weaning. Calves remained on trial until 63 DOA. Calf starter and water were offered ad libitum. Ambient temperature and relative humidity inside and outside hutches were measured hourly. Starter and MR intakes were recorded daily. Respiration rate and rectal temperature were recorded 3 times a week. Structural growth and BW were measured weekly. Acetaminophen (50 mg/kg of BW) mixed with MR was fed to a subset of calves (0700 h, n = 10/treatment per season) on 20 DOA. Plasma was collected at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, 360, 420, and 480 min after feeding, to analyze acetaminophen. The acetaminophen concentration-time curve was modeled to the first derivative of Siegel's modified power exponential equation, and the time for plasma acetaminophen to reach maximum (Tmax) was calculated to evaluate abomasal emptying rate. During the pre- (14.9–17.9 DOA) and postweaning (51.0–54.0 DOA) periods, a subset (n = 8/treatment per season) of calves was used to determine the apparent digestibility of nutrients, using chromic oxide as the external marker. Feeding 3× reduced preweaning respiration rate during summer and reduced rectal temperature during winter. Increasing FR improved BW gain and structural growth. Feeding more times per day tended to improve growth during winter but not summer. We found no effect of treatment on nutrient digestibility. Increasing FR had no effect on Tmax during winter but tended to delay Tmax of plasma acetaminophen during summer. Regardless of season, increasing FF lowered Tmax of plasma acetaminophen. In conclusion, increasing FF accelerated abomasal emptying and might reduce heat load of preweaning dairy calves but improved growth only during winter. Increased MR allowance improved growth in both seasons but delayed abomasal emptying only under heat stress conditions.

The objective of this study was to quantify intraoperative bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and correlate it with clinical characteristics and laboratory coagulation tests.A case-control study was carried out with 74 patients with cirrhosis who were submitted to preoperative coagulation tests (complete blood count, platelet count, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, thrombin time, activated partial thrombin time, platelet aggregation, fibrinogen, protein C, protein S, antithrombin, and von Willebrand factor level and activity). The levels of nitrogen compounds that can affect the platelet function were determined in saliva and blood by using automated enzymatic-colorimetric assays.Patients with cirrhosis had changes in almost all coagulation tests. The average volumes of intraoperative bleeding and blood lost per minute in the study group (5.36 mL/min and 0.19 mL/min, respectively) were greater than those in the control group (3.05 mL/min and 0.11 mL/min, respectively; P.05). In the control group, ascites (P = .012) and presence of periapical lesion (0.034) were positively correlated with bleeding (mL/min). With regard to coagulation tests and nitrogen compounds, only a positively moderate correlation with the platelet aggregation test was observed.No patients had hemorrhagic events and it was not possible to correlate a greater amount of bleeding with coagulation tests or nitrogen compounds in the study group.

Notiomastodon platensis was an endemic South American proboscidean, which could reach about six tons and had a mixed feeder diet with predominance of C4 grasses in Brazilian Intertropical Region (BIR). In the last decades, its feeding behavior has been rebuilt mainly through dental calculus, enamel microwear and stable isotope analyses. However, all these techniques allow us to know only punctual information about its diet. In the present study we used stable isotopes (carbon and oxygen) in tusk fragments, allowing us to retrieve information about the six years of life for two individual specimens from Bahia state. The tusk fragment LGUESB 0002 was from an individual from Vitoria da Conquista county, which lived at 17 ka BP and had a constant grazer diet in a stable climate environment. The other individual was from Coronel Joao Sa county that lived in the beginning of the Holocene at 9 ka BP, and presented a mixed feeder diet with consumption of C4 grass and C3 plants (pi = 40%), in an environment with high precipitation variation. This research presents the first annual series of isotopic composition for proboscidean tusks from BIR and the first evidence that the species lived in this region during the Holocene.

Although providing the basis for seed germination studies, there is little information available on seed imbibition curves for Brazilian forest species. Among the few studied species, the theoretical triphasic pattern may not apply, hampering the conduction of subsequent studies that require a clear definition of imbibition phases. In this paper, we characterize the seed imbibition curves of 25 Brazilian forest species and compare them with those from other studies and with the classic triphasic pattern. We collected seeds of the chosen species in the region of Lavras, MG, Brazil, and measured their fresh weight before and during the entire germination process. Seed weight data were used to calculate the weight gain percentage of each species. We defined the imbibition curves of Peltophorum dubium seeds using seed fresh weight and seed weight gain percentage of both single and multiple samples, as well as using water content (on fresh and dry bases) to compare potential changes in imbibition patterns caused by differences in data. When only weight gain was considered, we observed the triphasic pattern in 11 species; however, only in four of them, the germination coincided with the third phase of imbibition. The triphasic pattern did not emerge for the remaining 14 species. Considering seed water content instead of weight resulted in some changes in the pattern of the imbibition curve, influencing the accuracy of the results.

Rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth) has been used as alternative legume hay for horses; however, feeding behavior and preference of horses fed this hay in comparison to other commonly fed hays warrant investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding behavior and preference of mature horses with maintenance requirements fed RP ‘Florigraze’ hay compared with alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L. ‘Legendary XHD’) and bermudagrass (BMG, Cynodon dactylon L. ‘coastal’) hays. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (593 ± 40 kg; mean ± SD) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. Horses were individually housed in 5 × 4 m stalls bedded with wood shavings. Hays were offered to horses in 46 × 36 cm 66-L rubber-polyethylene containers. Hays were analyzed for chemical composition before the start of the study. After a 14-d diet adaptation, 24-h behavioral observations were conducted using scan sampling. Time spent feeding, inactive, and at other activities were recorded every 10 min. Three-choice preference tests were conducted for a 2-h duration twice daily on d 20 and 21 by simultaneously presenting 1 kg (as-fed basis) of all 3 hays. Horses’ first choice, hay consumption, and number of times each hay was smelled or tasted but left in preference for another hay were recorded. Preference data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while behavioral data and hay consumption were analyzed using repeated measures mixed model ANOVA. A hay x time-of-day effect was observed on feeding time (P = 0.0408), and ALF resulted in reduced feeding time 2 to 4 h after meals were offered compared to RP and BMG. Daily feeding time was shorter (P

Among several fruits, mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), it aroused the interest of producers and consumers due to its attractive sensory characteristics and health beneficial properties (high nutritional value and presence of bioactive substances), thus, this work evaluates the nutritional factors of the flour residue of mangaba processing that is despised by the food industry, and the influence of temperature on its production. The mangaba processing residue was splited in two main groups: in natura sample (control), and other for preparation of flour that was dried at 50 °C and divided into two other groups: treatment A (flour with roasts at 110 °C and 130 °C) and treatment B (flour from drying at 50 °C). The nutritional characteristics of flours were analyzed considering the chemical parameters: pH, titratable total acidity and soluble solids, in addition to the determination of moisture content, total lipids, total dietary fiber and ash, total energy value, antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as technological functional properties (water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), milk absorption index (MAI) and milk solubility index (MSI) and oil absorption index (OAI). The results showed that the bioactive compounds present in the extracts do not have significant properties of acting as free radical kidnappers. The heat treatment, performed in the flour of mangaba processing residues, influenced the nutritional factors and properties of absorption and solubility, which showed statistical differences. These results show that the flour is a viable alternative for the energy enrichment of diets, contributing to the development of new products, the reduction of the disposal of these residues and consequently to the minimization of the environmental impact. Resumo Dentre as diversas frutas a mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), despertou interesse de produtores e consumidores devido às suas características sensoriais atrativas e propriedades benéficas à saúde (elevado valor nutricional e presença de substâncias bioativas), assim, o trabalho avaliar os fatores nutricionais do resíduo da farinha de processamento de mangaba que é desprezado pela indústria alimentícia e, a influência da temperatura na sua produção. O resíduo de processamento da mangaba foi dividido em dois lotes, sendo um deles utilizado para as análises in natura (amostra controle) e o outro para a confecção da farinha que foi seca a 50 °C, e dividida em dois lotes: tratamento A (farinha com torras a 110 °C e 130 °C) e no tratamento B (farinha oriunda da secagem a 50 °C). Analisou-se as características nutricionais de farinhas considerando os parâmetros químicos: pH, acidez total titulável e sólidos solúveis, além da determinação do teor de umidade, lipídios totais, fibra alimentar total e cinzas, valor energético total, atividade antioxidante, triagem fitoquímica, quantificação de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, bem como as propriedades funcionais tecnológicas (índice de absorção de água (IAA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA), índice de absorção de leite (IAL) e índice de solubilidade em leite (ISL) e índice de absorção de óleo (IAO). Na análise foi inferido que os compostos bioativos presentes nos extratos não possuem propriedades significativas de agir como sequestradores de radicais livres. O tratamento térmico, realizado na farinha de resíduos de processamento de mangaba, influenciou nos dados dos fatores nutricionais e das propriedades de absorção e solubilidade, os quais apresentaram diferenças estatísticas. Estes resultados credenciam a farinha como uma alternativa viável para o enriquecimento energético de dietas, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos, a redução do descarte desses resíduos e consequentemente para a minimização do impacto ambiental.

The evaluation of the use of licuri bran for broilers in the initial (1-21 days), growth (22-35 days) and finishing (36-42 days) phases. Three hundred birds with a day age were submitted to four treatments with diets based on corn and soybean containing levels of inclusion of the licuri bagasse (4, 8, 12 and 16%) and a reference diet without the inclusion of the bagasse. Daily weight gain (DWG), total weight gain (TWG), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion (FC) were evaluated. A completely randomized design was used. Five treatments and six replicates, with a density of 10 birds / m2 per experimental unit. Regression analysis was performed. The inclusion of increasing licuri bagasse levels interfered positively in the of birds’ performance, providing better rates for the levels with 8; 12 and 16% inclusion of the bran, within the studied variables.

Purpose Several interactions exist between the GH/IGF axis and the immune system, including effects on innate immunity and humoral and cellular response. Acquired GH deficiency (GHD) has been recently proposed as a risk factor for severity of COVID-19 infections. However, acquired GHD is often associated to other factors, including pituitary tumors, surgery, radiotherapy, and additional pituitary hormones deficits and their replacements, which, together, may hinder an accurate analysis of the relationship between GHD and COVID-19. Therefore, we decided to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the frequency of symptomatic cases of COVID-19 in adults subjects with untreated isolated GHD (IGHD) due to a homozygous null mutation in the GHRH receptor gene. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in 27 adult IGHD subjects and 27 age- and gender-matched local controls. Interview, physical examination, bio-impedance, hematological and SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies were analyzed. Results There was no difference in the prevalence of positivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies between the two groups. Conversely, no IGHD individual had a previous clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, while 6 control subjects did (p = 0.023). Conclusion The production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was similar between IGHD subjects due to a GHRH receptor gene mutation and controls, but the evolution to symptomatic stages of the infection and the frequency of confirmed cases was lower in IGHD subjects than in GH sufficient individuals.

We investigated some actions of Withania somnifera on the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic precursors [granulocyte/macrophage colony cell formation (CFU-GM)] of normal animals and EAT bearers, which were treated with different doses (20, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day). We also evaluated the presence of colony stimulatory factors in the animal's serum, as well as its survival. Furthermore, we analyzed lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-ɤ, and TNF-α concentrations in treated bearing mice. Our results demonstrated Withania somnifera effectiveness on hematopoietic precursors growth and differentiation in marrow and spleen TAE-bearing mice. As it was already expected, EAT produced myelosuppression and increased CFU-GM spleen number concomitantly. The treatment of EAT-bearing animals with W.S. (20, 50, and 100 mg/Kg) produced a dose-dependent increase in myelopoiesis, an increase in a lifetime, and a reduction in spleen colony number. All this happened parallel to survival. As to lymphocyte proliferation, they were also dose-dependent in treated bearing animals. Concerning IFN-γ levels, we observed a significant reduction in non-treated bearing mice. Levels of TNF-α of treated bearing mice significantly increased when compared to the non-treated bearing group. These results are encouraging since they favor the use of W.S. extract in therapeutic combinations with other chemotherapeutic agents to reduce myelotoxicity and supplement the tumoricidal efficacy of this plant.

Medicinal plants are an important source of curative substances for the treatment of diseases. Investigations are focusing particularly on medicinal plants used to treat affections of the oral cavity. Among these species, there is evidence of potential applications of Syzygium cumini to Dentistry. The objective of this systematized literature review was to synthesize the evidence on the antimicrobial activity of this plant, as well cite some as the traditional uses of its extracts for dental purposes. The data indicate that the extracts prepared from different parts of the plant have antibacterial and antifungal effects on different pathogenic microorganisms of the oral microbiota and/or those that can potentially cause oral diseases, demonstrating a promising therapeutic potential for indication and use in Dentistry to prevent and/or treat oral affections.

The increasing destruction of natural environments worldwide favored more and more alien species’ dispersal, distancing people from nature and consequently from native species. We investigated undergrad students’ perception about alien and native Brazilian species evaluating classes of the first (freshmen) and last semesters (seniors) of four courses in environmental sciences in three institutions and assessed these students’ knowledge level in different aspects related to native and alien species. The 509 interviewees were able to identify Brazilian native species better than alien species. They also produced better identifications among taxonomic groups of mammals (either alien or native), native birds, and exotic fish compared to invertebrate species. Most students did not consider themselves well informed about the topic. We found an association between the courses/semesters attended and the level of knowledge of the students. Thus, we concluded that, on the one hand, the students demonstrated relevant knowledge about the native species but, on the other, presented deficiencies in invasive alien species’ knowledge. Therefore, we suggest the revision/restructuring of how the biological invasions theme is covered in the academic curricula of undergraduate courses in the environmental area.

β-Diversity can be driven by different factors, and it is necessary to understand how the characteristics of communities contribute to biodiversity. We investigated composition patterns and taxonomic and functional β-diversity, in addition to determining the possible processes driving the β-diversity of zooplankton in 42 lakes, distributed in two regions with distinct rainfall patterns, a semiarid and a humid region both in the Brazilian Northeast. Environmental heterogeneity was higher in the semiarid region. The species composition was different; however, taxonomic and functional β-diversity did not differ between regions. These data sets showed that although the composition was distinct, the change in species and traits occurred similarly. Taxonomic and functional β-diversity were driven by environmental factors. They showed a predominance of niche assembly and the importance of abiotic variables in the selection of species and traits. In our case, the dispersion limitation did not influence β-diversity. Species are deterministically filtered, and each region imposes a distinct environmental filter that selects them. Due to the limited studies on the partition of functional β-diversity and the uncertainty of ecological patterns for intermittent environments, more scientific research is required that considers this approach for dry regions and over longer time periods.

Funding This study had the support of Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through the Strategic Project UID/MAR/04292/2020 to MARE, UIDB/50011/2020 & UIDP/50011/2020 to CICECO, and the University of Aveiro and FCT/MCT for the fnancial support for LAQV-REQUIMTE research Unit (FCT UIDB/50006/2020) through national founds, and, where applicable, co-fnanced by the FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. This work was also funded by the project “Valorização dos subprodutos do processo biotecnológico de produção de esqualeno e DHA pela microalga Aurantiochytrium sp.” (AlgaValue) (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-017680) supported by COMPETE 2020, and Integrated Programme of SR&TD “SmartBioR” (reference Centro-01–0145-FEDER-000018) cofunded by Centro 2020 program, Portugal2020, European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund. The authors also thank the funding from Project AgroForWealth (CENTRO-01–0145-FEDER-000001), funded by Centro2020, through FEDER and PT2020 and University of Aveiro. Aurantiochytrium sp. is an emerging alternative source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and squalene, playing an important role in the phasing out of traditional fish sources for these compounds. Novel lipid extraction techniques with a focus on sustainability and low environmental footprint are being developed for this organism, but the exploration of other added-value compounds within it is still very limited. In this work, a combination of novel green extraction techniques (high hydrostatic pressure extraction (HPE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)) and traditional techniques (organic solvent Soxhlet extraction and hydrodistillation (HD)) was used to obtain lipophilic extracts of Aurantiochytrium sp., which were then screened for antioxidant (DPPH radical reduction capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays), lipid oxidation protection, antimicrobial, anti-aging enzyme inhibition (collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase), and anti-inflammatory (inhibition of NO production) activities. The screening revealed promising extracts in nearly all categories of biological activity tested, with only the enzymatic inhibition being low in all extracts. Powerful lipid oxidation protection and anti-inflammatory activity were observed in most SFE samples. Ethanolic HPEs inhibited both lipid oxidation reactions and microbial growth. The HD extract demonstrated high antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory activities making, it a major contender for further studies aiming at the valorization of Aurantiochytrium sp. Taken together, this study presents compelling evidence of the bioactive potential of Aurantiochytrium sp. and encourages further exploration of its composition and application. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Comprehension of the benefits involved in mutualisms is crucial to disentangle the role of interactions in the structure and functioning of populations, communities and ecosystems. In ant-plant mutualisms, benefits provided by plants to ants are immediately recognizable, but reverse benefits are less obvious, conditional and accumulate over longer time spans. Here we tested the hypothesis that the ant Azteca muelleri simultaneously provides multiple benefits to its host plant (Cecropia glaziovii), ultimately increasing plant performance. We planted seedlings and experimentally prevented ant colonization for half of them. Over 4.5 years we quantified the effects of ant presence or absence on plant growth, herbivory levels, fungal infection, fertilization via ant debris and changes in defense strategies. Ant colonization increased plant height by 125% compared to ant-free plants. Such an improvement in plant performance can be explained because plants with ants faced less herbivory, lower prevalence of pathogenic fungi, invested less in foliar trichomes and had more foliar nitrogen. We thus confirmed that ant mutualists provide cumulative benefits including nutritional benefits, effective defense and lower investment into other defenses – which result in increased plant growth. We highlight the importance of long-term experiments that simultaneously evaluate a multiplicity of potential ant effects to better understand their relative contribution to the performance of the mutualistic partner.