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The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period. Resumo A coruja-das-torres americana (Tyto furcata) vive em ambientes urbanos e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos roedores, sendo de grande importância no controle biológico de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os hábitos alimentares, parentais e reprodutivos de um casal de corujas-das-torres americanas, naturalmente vivendo fora de uma residência na zona urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma caixa de madeira foi instalada em uma parede externa da casa, monitorada por uma câmera de vídeo. Uma planilha foi criada para manter o controle das observações registradas. A fêmea pôs quatro ovos, e após período de incubação de 30-32 dias todos os ovos eclodiram, mas apenas dois filhotes sobreviveram após o canibalismo entre os filhotes. Inicialmente, o macho fornecia a comida aos filhotes e a fêmea permanecia no ninho cuidando da ninhada. Depois de cerca de um mês, a fêmea também começou a sair do ninho e voltar com a presa, que era oferecida aos filhotes, com o macho também continuando com esse comportamento. Os filhotes deixaram o ninho em setembro de 2017. Os dados obtidos mostram a existência de cooperação e divisão de tarefas entre corujas machos e fêmeas durante o período reprodutivo.

Aims: This study aimed to improve malnutrition in mice and elderlies with a new dairy/buriti oral dietary supplement. Background: Malnutrition is a prevalent problem in the elderly; therefore, oral dietary supplementation is an important strategy to reduce the incidence of this health problem. Objective: The present study evaluated the effects of a low-cost food supplement, made from by-products of the dairy and fruit industry in the Brazilian Cerrado (Buriti), on the nutritional status and the recovery of the metabolic profile of malnourished animals and elderly women. Methods: In the pre-clinical phase, Swiss mice were divided into six groups and subjected to malnutrition and renutrition. The clinical phase was carried out with 25 elderly women residing at a long-term institution, aged ≥ 65 years and with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. Results: The analyzes showed improvements in anthropometric parameters and an increase in serum albumin levels, in addition to lipid profile improvement in the preclinical phase and an increase in the red blood cells and hemoglobin in the clinical phase. Conclusion: The supplement based on buriti was able to reverse malnutrition promoting improvements in anthropometric and biochemical parameters.

The genus Flindersia comprises 17 species distributed in Australia, New Caledonia, New Guinea, and the Maluku Islands. With a variety of classes of secondary metabolites, including terpenes, alkaloids, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, among other compounds, to date the genus has not been widely studied phytochemically, having more value in the timber industry. However, the objective of this review is to gather the necessary information for future research on this genus, for the inclusion of new chemical constituents and biological activities. Thus, we show that the genus Flindersia has more than 160 isolated or identified compounds. In addition, the alkaloids in this genus confer antimalarial activity.

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

In September 2020, we tested 13,398 persons in Portugal for antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by using a quota sample stratified by age and population density. We found a seroprevalence of 2.2%, 3–4 times larger than the official number of cases at the end of the first wave of the pandemic.

Background: Rubella is an infection caused by rubella virus (RV) and is generally regarded as a mild childhood disease. The disease continues to be of public health importance mainly because when the infection is acquired during early pregnancy, it often results in fetal abnormalities, which are classified as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). An accurate diagnosis of rubella is thus of pivotal importance for proper treatment. Objective: The aim of the study was to produce a recombinant multiepitope protein (rMERUB) for the diagnosis of rubella, based on conserved immunodominant epitopes of glycoprotein E1 and E2. Methods: A synthetic gene was designed and cloned into vector pET21a with a 6xHis tag at the C-terminal for affinity purification and overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells. Biophysical analysis of rMERUB was performed by circular dichroism. Biological activity was assessed using an in-house ELISA assay. Results: Expression in Escherichia coli showed a ~22 kDa protein that was purified and used to per-form structural assays and an IgG ELISA. Structural analyses reveal that rMERUB has a β leaf pattern that promotes the exposure of epitopes, thus allowing antibody recognition. Evaluation of 33 samples (22=positive; 11=negative) was performed using in-house ELISA and this was compared with a com-mercial kit. The sensitivity was 100% (95% CI: 85-100) and specificity 90.91% (95% CI: 62-99). Excellent agreement (Kappa index = 0.9) was obtained between ELISA assays. Conclusions: The careful choice of epitopes and the high epitope density, coupled with simple-step purification, pinpoints rMERUB as a promising alternative for rubella diagnosis, with potential for the development of a diagnostic kit.

Background: Experimental and epidemiological studies indicate an association between exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In view of the high and increasing prevalence of diabetes, we aimed to quantify the burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM2·5 originating from ambient and household air pollution.Methods: We systematically compiled all relevant cohort and case-control studies assessing the effect of exposure to household and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2·5) air pollution on type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality. We derived an exposure–response curve from the extracted relative risk estimates using the MR-BRT (meta-regression—Bayesian, regularised, trimmed) tool. The estimated curve was linked to ambient and household PM2·5 exposures from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, and estimates of the attributable burden (population attributable fractions and rates per 100 000 population of deaths and disability-adjusted life-years) for 204 countries from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. We also assessed the role of changes in exposure, population size, age, and type 2 diabetes incidence in the observed trend in PM2·5-attributable type 2 diabetes burden. All estimates are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals.Findings: In 2019, approximately a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes was attributable to PM2·5 exposure, with an estimated 3·78 (95% uncertainty interval 2·68–4·83) deaths per 100 000 population and 167 (117–223) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100 000 population. Approximately 13·4% (9·49–17·5) of deaths and 13·6% (9·73–17·9) of DALYs due to type 2 diabetes were contributed by ambient PM2·5, and 6·50% (4·22–9·53) of deaths and 5·92% (3·81–8·64) of DALYs by household air pollution. High burdens, in terms of numbers as well as rates, were estimated in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. Since 1990, the attributable burden has increased by 50%, driven largely by population growth and ageing. Globally, the impact of reductions in household air pollution was largely offset by increased ambient PM2·5.Interpretation: Air pollution is a major risk factor for diabetes. We estimated that about a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes is attributable PM2·5 pollution. Air pollution mitigation therefore might have an essential role in reducing the global disease burden resulting from type 2 diabetes.Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Insects are a new alternative for food and feed and a solution for circular economy. Among the most promising insects, black soldier fly, mainly in the larvae phase, is a solution specially for feed, and in particular in its dried form. The aim of this work was to study the water loss transfer during convective drying of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). The mass transfer model consisted of mass diffusion with two alternative boundary conditions (no external resistance and convection) and with/without shrinkage, applied with finite elements method, with a triangular mesh of 3,036 elements and a geometry reproducing the shape of the larvae. The moisture diffusion coefficient, estimated from the experimental data assuming an infinite slab, increased from 0.7002×10-10 m2/s at 60 °C to 2.792×10-10 m2/s at 90 °C, with an activation energy of 43.97 kJ/mol. The simulation predicted with detail the water content profile showing a quick water loss on the outer layers of the BSFL at the initial times. The evolution of the overall water content of BSFL during drying was better predicted for long times (when more than 80% of the moisture was removed) and at the highest temperature of 90 °C and showed that diffusion was the dominating mechanism, with small influence of the boundary conditions studied. Although shrinkage between 21 and 29% was considered, depending on the temperature, the inclusion of volume change in the model did not significantly improved the water content prediction.

As seed chemical composition may lead to different responses during drying and other post-harvest operations, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of drying rate (slow and rapid) and the concentration and composition of lipids in the embryo and endosperm tissues of Coffea arabica seeds on desiccation tolerance/sensitivity. The total concentration of lipids and the composition of fatty acids were evaluated in isolated embryos and endosperms, and in whole (intact) seeds. Embryos had a higher total lipid concentration (23%) than endosperm tissue (8%). Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid, with concentrations of 48% in the endosperm and 34% in the embryo tissues. Although rapid or slow drying did not change the fatty acid profile in the embryos or endosperms, the palmitic and linoleic acid concentrations varied significantly between the embryo and endosperm. The predominance of linoleic acid in the endosperm supports the hypothesis that the endosperm tissue may be an important source of damage to the seed and may advance seed deterioration. This indicates that unsaturated fatty acids may have a greater effect on sensitivity to desiccation than the percentage of total lipids. Made available in DSpace on 2020-05-16T04:38:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SST-47-3-Article-19-018-Guimara771es.pdf: 4828865 bytes, checksum: 04cfe8ec64baa282ec593ea86a4975c0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020

Developing salt-tolerant plants has emerged as a highly efficient approach to cope with salinity damage on crop growth and productivity. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of salt acclimation in cowpea plants [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] and screen salt-tolerant potential genotypes during the early vegetative stage. Seven cowpea genotypes (Epace, Jurua, Marataua, Milagroso, Pitiuba, Sempre verde, and TVU) were irrigated for 24 days with saline solutions of electrical conductivity 0.8 (control), 4.0 (moderate stress), and 8.0 dS m−1 (severe stress). Growth, water status, membrane damage, and variables related to photosynthetic machinery efficiency were evaluated. Biomass accumulation dramatically decreased with salinity, and the reductions were intensified by increasing the salt level. Nevertheless, under moderate salinity, Pitiuba plants showed less reductions in growth than other genotypes. Under moderate stress, Pitiuba plants exhibited maintenance of osmotic potential and photosynthetic pigments, which was consistent with unaltered membrane and elevated leaf succulence, resulting in improved photochemical performance. Conversely, although TVU, Jurua, and Milagroso plants had activated responses against moderate salinity, including reduced leaf osmotic potential and improved stomatal conductance, these responses were not sufficient to mitigate salt injury. The findings clearly show that the Pitiuba genotype activates coordinated responses to mitigate moderate salt damage, constituting an alternative for cultivating cowpea plants in saline environments.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has the ability to cross placental and brain barriers, causing congenital malformations in neonates and neurological disorders in adults. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV-induced neurological complications in adults and congenital malformations are still not fully understood. Gas6 is a soluble TAM receptor ligand able to promote flavivirus internalization and downregulation of immune responses. Here we demonstrate that there is a correlation between ZIKV neurological complications with higher Gas6 levels and the downregulation of genes associated with anti-viral response, as type I IFN due to Socs1 upregulation. Also, Gas6 gamma-carboxylation is essential for ZIKV invasion and replication in monocytes, the main source of this protein, which was inhibited by warfarin. Conversely, Gas6 facilitates ZIKV replication in adult immunocompetent mice and enabled susceptibility to transplacental infection. Our data indicate that ZIKV promotes the upregulation of its ligand Gas6, which contributes to viral infectivity and drives the development of severe adverse outcomes during ZIKV infection.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of hemostatic techniques (bipolar energy versus hemostatic sealants versus suture) on the ovarian reserve of patients submitted to laparoscopic cystectomy for the surgical excision of unilateral endometrioma. METHODS A randomized controlled trial conducted in a teaching hospital included 84 patients with unilateral endometrioma. The patients underwent laparoscopic stripping for excision of the unilateral endometrioma between March 2018 and February 2020. Three different hemostatic techniques-bipolar energy (Group 1), hemostatic sealants (Group 2), and suture (Group 3)-were compared. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured before, and 1 and 6 months after surgery to determine changes in ovarian function. RESULTS Following surgery, AMH levels decreased in all the groups; however, this decrease was not statistically significant. Comparison between groups showed no statistically significant differences in AMH levels between the three hemostatic techniques used. Six months after surgery, median AMH levels were: 1.65 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 0.62-2.08 ng/mL) in Group 1, 1.87 ng/mL (IQR 1.27-2.97 ng/mL) in Group 2, and 1.53 ng/mL (IQR 1.18-2.44 ng/mL) in Group 3. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that there is no difference between the different hemostatic techniques used in laparoscopic cystectomy for the treatment of unilateral endometriomas. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03430609. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03430609.

The hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is toxic to the cells and associated with several diseases. Clinical studies have shown changes in plasma concentrations of Hcy after physical exercise. This study aimed to assess the effect of HHcy on testis, epididymis and sperm quality and to investigate whether voluntary exercise training protects this system against damage caused by HHcy in Swiss mice. In this study, 48 mice were randomly distributed in the control, HHcy, physical exercise, and HHcy combined with physical exercise groups. HHcy was induced by daily administration of dl-homocysteine thiolactone via gavage throughout the experimental period. Physical exercise was performed through voluntary running on the exercise wheels. The plasma concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and testosterone were determined. The testes and epididymis were used to assess the sperm count, histopathology, lipoperoxidation, cytokine levels, testicular cholesterol, myeloperoxidase, and catalase activity. Spermatozoa were analyzed for morphology, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and motility. In the testes, HHcy increased the number of abnormal seminiferous tubules, reduced the tubular diameter and the height of the germinal epithelium. In the epididymis, there was tissue remodeling in the head region. Ultimately, voluntary physical exercise training reduced plasma Hcy concentration but did not attenuate HHcy-induced testicular and epididymal disturbances.

This review describes the advances acquired and proven in the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in domestic animals. Old and well-known premises about parasitic epidemiology and the factors that can interfere with the best performance of biological control are mentioned. Some of the most promising fungi are Duddingtonia flagrans from the predatory fungi group and Pochonia chamydosporia and Mucor circinelloides from the ovicidal fungi group. These fungi produce resistance spores called chlamidospores. Bioverm® and BioWorma®, based on the fungus D. flagrans, are available as commercial. Biotechnological products such as nanoparticles and obtaining primary and secondary metabolites have already been obtained from these fungi. Because they have different mechanisms of action, ovicidal and predatory fungi, when used together, can present a complementary and synergistic action in the biological control of helminths. Therefore, future research in the search for new formulations, the association of fungi from different groups, extraction of new molecules, and nanoparticles of these fungi in the control of helminths in various domestic animals are desired.

Water erosion is one of the main forms of soil degradation, causing economic, environmental, and social damage. This study evaluated the effects of different formation stages of gullies (initial - IG; juvenile- JG; mature - MG; and senile - SG) on the chemical, organic carbon and microbiological attributes of soil, using a secondary forest (SF) and two areas of pasture as references in the “Mar de Morros” environment of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. Soil samples (depth 0-0.05 m) were collected at the end of the rainy and dry seasons. Gullies in different stages of formation promote a decrease in soil fertility and modification of microbiological attributes, particularly when compared with secondary forest areas. Reductions of over 60% in total organic carbon (TOC), oxidizable organic carbon (POXC), FDA activity, β-glycosidase, acid phosphatase, C and N from microbial biomass, basal soil respiration (BSR) and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) were observed in gullies in early (IG) and intermediate (JG and MG) stages when compared to SF. It was found that the effect of erosion on soil chemical and microbiological attributes is more intense in gullies in the initial and intermediate stages compared with those in the senile stage (SG). Using multivariate PCA, the microbiological and chemical attributes of the soil are discriminated between gullies with distinct formation stages. Chemical attributes, TOC, POXC, FDA activity, β-glycosidase, acid phosphatase, MBC and MBN, BSR, and GRSP are good indicators for evaluating the process of erosion stabilization in gullies. Resumo A erosão hídrica é uma das principais formas de degradação do solo, causando danos econômicos, ambientais e sociais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes estágios de formação de voçorocas (inicial - IG; juvenil - JG; maduro - MG; e senil - SG) nos atributos químicos, matéria orgânica e microbiológicos do solo, utilizando uma floresta secundária (SF) e duas áreas de pastagem como referência no ambiente “Mar de Morros” do bioma Mata Atlântica brasileira. Amostras de solo (profundidade 0-0,05 m) foram coletadas no final das estações chuvosa e seca. As voçorocas em diferentes estágios de formação promoveram diminuição da fertilidade do solo e modificação dos atributos microbiológicos, principalmente quando comparados com a área de floresta secundária. Reduções de mais de 60% no carbono orgânico total (TOC), carbono orgânico oxidável (POXC), atividade da FDA, β-glicosidase, fosfatase ácida, C (MBC) e N (MBN) da biomassa microbiana, respiração basal do solo (BSR) e proteína do solo relacionada à glomalina (GRSP) foram observados em voçorocas nos estágios inicial (IG) e intermediário (JG e MG) quando comparados ao SF. Verificou-se que o efeito da erosão sobre os atributos químicos e microbiológicos do solo é mais intenso em voçorocas nos estágios inicial e intermediário em comparação com ao senil (SG). Usando a multivariada PCA, os atributos microbiológicos e químicos do solo discriminaram as voçorocas com distintos estágios de formação. Os atributos químicos, TOC, POXC, atividade FDA, β-glicosidase, fosfatase ácida, MBC and MBN, SBR e GRSP são bons indicadores para avaliar o processo de estabilização da erosão em voçorocas.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:52:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-03-18 Urbanization transforms environments in ways that alter biological evolution. We examined whether urban environmental change drives parallel evolution by sampling 110,019 white clover plants from 6169 populations in 160 cities globally. Plants were assayed for a Mendelian antiherbivore defense that also affects tolerance to abiotic stressors. Urban-rural gradients were associated with the evolution of clines in defense in 47% of cities throughout the world. Variation in the strength of clines was explained by environmental changes in drought stress and vegetation cover that varied among cities. Sequencing 2074 genomes from 26 cities revealed that the evolution of urban-rural clines was best explained by adaptive evolution, but the degree of parallel adaptation varied among cities. Our results demonstrate that urbanization leads to adaptation at a global scale. Department of Biology University of Toronto Mississauga ON Centre for Urban Environments University of Toronto Mississauga ON Department of Biology University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Department of Biology University of Louisiana LA Department of Biology Queen's University ON Department of Biology Concordia University QC Department of Biological Sciences DePaul University Department of Biology DePauw University IN Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ Department of Genetics University of Georgia Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere Hokkaido University Natural History Museum Zoology University of New England NSW Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia da UFMT campus de Rondonópolis Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia Graduate Program in Genome Sciences and Technology Genome Sciences Centre University of British Columbia Department of Microbiology and Immunology University of British Columbia Red de Biología Evolutiva Instituto de Ecología A. C. School of the Environment Yale University CT Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad Universidad de Chile Department of Biology Mount Allison University Red de Ecoetología Instituto de Ecología A. C. Department of Biology University of Ottawa ON Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA Department of Biology University of Miami FL Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS) Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins Department of Biology, University of La Verne, La Verne, CA, USA Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt Université Laval QC Evolution & Ecology Research Centre School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney NSW Department of Biology Ghent University Department of Biology Monmouth University West Long Branch Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Department of Biology KU Leuven School of Agriculture and Environment Wildlife and Ecology group Massey University, Palmerston North Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta AB Louis Calder Center and Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Armonk, NY, USA Departamento de Ecología Tropical, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Department of Ecology Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University iBIOTROP Instituto de Biodiversidad Tropical Universidad San Francisco de Quito Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA Unidad de Recursos Naturales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán AC, Mérida, Yucatán, México School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences East China Normal University Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Plant Innovation Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney NSW Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan MI Department of Biosciences Rice University TX IFEVA Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Agronomía, CONICET Biology Department Saint Mary's University NS Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston TX Université de Rennes Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia Department of Environmental Studies Dordt University Sioux Center IA Department of Biology Minneapolis Community and Technical College MN Department of Natural Sciences Ecology and Environment Research Centre Manchester Metropolitan University Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad UNAM Department of Botany School of Biology Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Faculty of Biological and Environmental Science Organismal & Evolutionary Biology Research Programme University of Helsinki Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Department of Biology Hendrix College Department of Ecological Science Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) Department of Plant Sciences School of Biology College of Science University of Tehran NTNU University Museum Norwegian University of Science and Technology Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados Instituto de Ecología A. C. School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights Park, Reading, Berkshire, UK Department of Biology Northern Arizona University AZ Department of Biological Sciences MacEwan University AB Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva Instituto de Ecología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology Potsdam-Golm BIO5 Institute University of Arizona AZ Alaska Center for Conservation Science University of Alaska Anchorage Tropical Diversity, Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh Département de biologie Université de Moncton Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba MB Departments of Microbiology & Statistics University of Manitoba MB Department of Biology University of New Brunswick Department of Biology Kalamazoo College MI BioProtection Research Centre Lincoln University Departamento de Ciencias Facultad de Artes Liberales Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez Department of Ecology Evolution Behaviour University of Minnesota MN Department of Biological Sciences Brock University Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA ICB - University of Talca School of Molecular and Life Science Curtin University College of Science Health Engineering and Education Murdoch University, Murdoch School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney NSW School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Department of Biological Sciences Wayne State University MI Department of Biology Western Oregon University, OR School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona AZ Departamento de Ecología Humana, Cinvestav Mérida Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB) Department of Biology Lund University Department of Biology Norwegian University of Science and Technology Escuela Superiro de Desarrollo Sustentable Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero -CONACYT Clarkson Secondary School Peel District School Board ON Homelands Sr. Public School Peel District School Board ON Department of Biological Sciences University of Illinois at Chicago Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Department of Biosciences University of Calgary AB Ecological Processes Branch U.S. Army ERDC-CERL Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia UNAM Institute of Evolution and Ecology University of Tübingen Tübingen Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse Urban Wildlife Institute Department of Conservation and Science, Lincoln Park Zoo Departamento de Ecología Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción Department of Biological Sciences University of Denver CO Department of Biological Sciences Mississippi State University MS Department of Biology Center for Computational & Integrative Biology Rutgers University-Camden Kunming Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Laurentian University ON Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering College of Life Sciences Beijing Normal University School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA Department of Biology University of New Mexico NM Department of Biology University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Agriculture Institute Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Department of Biology Colby College ME Instituto de Biología Universidad de Antioquia Department of Biology University of Massachusetts Boston MA Agricultural Biology Colorado State University CO Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Facultad de Biología Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes s/n Facultad de Estudios Interdisciplinarios Centro GEMA- Genómica Universidad Mayor Evolutionary Ecology Group Naturalis Biodiversity Center Department of Biology and Chemistry Nipissing University ON, North Bay Center for Ecological Research Kyoto University Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research Program University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles, CA, USA Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Facultad de Ciencias y Biotecnologia Universidad CES Department of Biology Hofstra University Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Nord University, Bodø Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA Department of Biology University of Richmond VA Estación de Biodiversidad Tiputini Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ Department of Biological Sciences Institute of Environment Florida International University FL Agronomy Department University of Almería Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability Butler University IN Department of Biological Sciences Louisiana State University LA Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt Institute of Biology Leiden Leiden University Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Department of Biology University of Louisville KY Organization for Programs on Environmental Science University of Tokyo CNRS AgroParisTech Ecologie Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris-Saclay Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, USA General Zoology Institute for Biology Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg International Arctic Research Center University of Alaska Fairbanks Science, Technology and Society Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA SLU Swedish Species Information Centre Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Biology Westfield State University MA Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA Plant Biology Department Michigan State University MI Biology Department Davidson College College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/ Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry Information Huazhong Agricultural University School of Life Sciences Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences Lanzhou University Institute of Ecology and Evolution University of Bern Department of Evolution Ecology and Behaviour University of Liverpool Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP

To date, the only study that has assessed the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 mRNA) vaccine in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) observed a moderate response, but the sample size precluded an accurate analysis of the effect of individual drugs. Therefore, we evaluated the immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Sinovac-CoronaVac) and the influence of different medications in SLE. Safety was also assessed.We conducted a prospective controlled study of 232 SARS-CoV-2-naive SLE patients and 58 SARS-CoV-2-naive controls who were vaccinated with 2 doses of Sinovac-CoronaVac with a 28-day interval (day 0/day 28 [D0/D28]). Immunogenicity analysis at D0/D28 and D69 included anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG seroconversion (SC) and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) positivity. The influence of individual drugs on immune response and safety was assessed.Patients and controls were well balanced for age (P = 0.771). At D69, SLE patients showed a moderate SC (70.2% versus 98.1%; P 0.001) and moderate frequency of NAb positivity (61.5% versus 84.6%; P = 0.002), although both frequencies were lower than in controls. Factors associated with lower SC in univariate analysis at D69 were prednisone use (odds ratio [OR] 0.215 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.108-0.427], P 0.001) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) use (OR 0.201 [95% CI 0.107-0.378], P 0.001), whereas hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use led to a 2.5 increase in SC (P = 0.011). SLE patients who were receiving HCQ monotherapy had similar SC to controls at D69 (100% versus 98.1%; P = 1.000). In multivariate analysis, prednisone and MMF use were independently associated with lower SC (P 0.001) and NAb positivity (P 0.001). Safety analysis revealed no moderate/severe adverse events.Sinovac-CoronaVac has a moderate immunogenicity in SARS-CoV-2-naive SLE patients with an excellent safety profile. We further demonstrate that HCQ may improve SC, whereas prednisone and MMF had a major deleterious effect in vaccine response, reinforcing the need to investigate the role of temporary MMF withdrawal or a vaccine-booster dose (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04754698).

Summary Background & Aims Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have an imbalance in the gut microbiota that can lead to increase levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate (IS), p-cresyl sulfate (p-CS), and indole-3 acetic acid (IAA). Among the therapeutic options for modulating gut microbiota are the bioactive compounds such as polyphenols present in cranberry, fruit with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This clinical trial focuses on evaluating the effects of supplementation with a dry extract of cranberry on plasma levels of LPS and uremic toxins in non-dialysis CKD patients. Methods It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized into two groups: the cranberry group received 500 mg of dry cranberry extract (2 times daily), and the placebo group received 500 mg of corn starch (2 times daily) for two months. LPS plasma levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and uremic toxins (IS, p-CS, and IAA) by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. Anthropometric measurements and food intake using the 24-hour food recall technique were also evaluated before and after the intervention. Results Twenty-five participants completed two months of supplementation: 12 patients in the cranberry group (8 women, 56.7 ± 7.5 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 39.2 ± 21.9 mL/min); 13 patients in the placebo group (9 women, 58.8 ± 5.1 years, eGFR of 39.7 ±12.9 mL/min). As expected, there was a negative association between glomerular filtration rate and p-CS and IS plasma levels at the baseline. No change was observed in the uremic toxins and LPS levels. Conclusion Cranberry dry extract supplementation for two months did not reduce the LPS and uremic toxins plasma levels produced by the gut microbiota in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Context: Paracanoeing is one of the adapted sports eligible for different motor impairments. The acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) is an index between acute and chronic training workload. However, no studies have analyzed this variable in paracanoeing, relating it with training recovery markers. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the internal (session rating of perceived exertion) and external (distance traveled and total training time) training workloads in 4 experienced paracanoe athletes over 9 months and 5 canoeing events. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Paralympic Program. Participants: Four experienced paracanoe athletes participated in 36 weeks of training for 5 events. Main Outcomes Measures: The daily and weekly training workload, monotony, ACWR, distance, and total training time were described for all the training phases. The perceived recovery status scale (PRS) and medicine ball throw (MBT) were used to quantify recovery. Results: The average daily and weekly training workload varied from 213.1 to 239.3 and 767.3 to 1036.8 arbitrary units, respectively. Average ACWR results ranged from 0.96 to 1.10 in the 4 athletes, findings that were outside the safety zone in 38% of the training weeks. All the correlations between MBT and PRS were classified as weak (ρ between .20 and .39, P > .05). ACWR showed a very weak correlation with MBT and moderately and highly significant correlations with PRS in 2 athletes, respectively. Conclusions: The training workloads of 4 paracanoe athletes may serve as a comparison with other periodization models. Pretraining recovery assessments (MBT and PRS) exhibited a low, nonsignificant correlation. However, ACWR correlated significantly with PRS in 2 athletes and might be a suitable tool for daily training adjustments.

In the present study, a range of serum biomarkers were quantified in suspected cases of adverse events following YF immunization (YEL-AEFI) to propose a reliable laboratorial algorithm to discriminate confirmed YEL-AEFI (“A1” class) from cases with other illnesses (“C” class). Our findings demonstrated that increased levels of CXCL8, CCL2, CXCL10, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in YEL-AEFI (“A1” and “C” classes) as compared to primary vaccines without YEL-AEFI [PV(day 3–28)] and reference range (RR) controls. Notably, increased levels of CCL3, CCL4, CCL2, CCL5, IL-1β, IL-15, IL-1Ra and G-CSF were found in “A1” as compared to “C” class. Venn diagrams analysis allowed the pre-selection of biomarkers for further analysis of performance indices. Data demonstrated that CCL3, CCL5, IL-15 and IL-1Ra presented high global accuracy (AUC = 1.00) to discriminate “A1” from “C”. Decision tree was proposed with a reliable algorithm to discriminate YEL-AEFI cases according to cause-specific definitions with outstanding overall accuracy (91%). CCL3, CCL5, IL-15 and IL-1Ra appears as root attributes to identify “A1” followed by VEGF as branch nodes to discriminate Wild Type YFV infection (“C(WT-YFV)”) from cases with other illnesses (“C*”). Together, these results demonstrated the applicability of serum biomarker measurements as putative parameters towards the establishment of accurate laboratorial tools for complementary differential diagnosis of YEL-AEFI cases.

Maytenus ilicifolia (Celastraceae) é uma planta conhecida popularmente como “espinheira-santa”. A espécie é nativa da região sudeste do Brasil, se adapta melhor a climas quentes e é utilizada na medicina popular no tratamento de doenças estomacais. A fitoterapia, encontra-se em expansão no Brasil e no mundo e, devido a esta crescente busca e desordenada extração de plantas medicinais, muitos vendem espécies semelhantes como se fossem originais, comprometendo a real eficácia dos produtos utilizados. Nesse sentido, a comparação anatômica tem provado ser útil na diferenciação das espécies. Assim, o presente estudo visa avaliar a autenticidade de espinheira-santa comercializada em mercados de ervas de São Mateus-ES, por meio da caracterização de comparação anatômica foliar de amostras de M. ilicifolia in situ e comercializada. Os resultados obtidos mostram que as estruturas anatômicas foliares de M. ilicifolia in situ, comparadas com as amostras da Casa Natural e do Mercado Municipal, diferem-se quanto à disposição dos feixes vasculares na nervura central, quanto ao formato do pecíolo e presença ou ausência de grupos de fibras isolados no córtex. Por fim, diante da avaliação das amostras, pode-se observar que o material comercializado em mercado de ervas, possivelmente não condiz com a espécie M. ilicifolia.

The cryopreservation of secondary follicles (SF) is a promising alternative to preserve the reproductive potential both in humans and animals in situations in which the transplantation of ovarian tissue is not possible. The objective of the present study was cryopreserved SF isolated sheep. Beyond follicular morphology, viability and development, we investigated proteins related to steroidogenic function and basement membrane remodeling [metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9)] in fresh SF (FSF) and vitrified SF (VSF) followed by in vitro culture for 6 (D6) or 12 days (D12). The percentage of intact follicles, follicular and oocyte diameter of the VSF were lower than FSF on both days of culture (P

Introduction: Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol is frequent in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and also in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the major risk factor for PAD. The transfer of cholesterol from the other lipoproteins to HDL is an important aspect of HDL metabolism and function, and may contribute to atherogenic mechanisms that lead to PAD development. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the status of cholesterol transfers in patients with PAD without or with T2DM. Methods: Patients with PAD ( n = 19), with PAD and T2DM (PAD + DM, n = 19), and healthy controls ( n = 20), all paired for age, sex, and BMI were studied. Transfer of both forms of cholesterol, unesterified (UC) and esterified (EC), was performed by incubating plasma with a donor nanoemulsion containing radioactive UC and EC, followed by chemical precipitation and HDL radioactive counting. Results: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides were similar in the three groups. Compared to controls, HDL-C was lower in PAD + DM ( p < 0.05), but not in PAD. Transfer of UC was lower in PAD + DM than in PAD and controls (4.18 ± 1.17%, 5.13 ± 1.44%, 6.59 ± 1.25%, respectively, p < 0.001). EC transfer tended to be lower in PAD + DM than in controls (2.96 ± 0.60 vs 4.12 ± 0.89%, p = 0.05). Concentrations of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), both involved in HDL metabolism, were not different among the three groups. Conclusion: Deficient cholesterol transfer to HDL may play a role in PAD pathogenesis. Since UC transfer to HDL was lower in PAD + DM compared to PAD alone, it is possible that defective HDL metabolism may contribute to the higher PAD incidence in patients with T2DM.Keywords

Hippeastrum elegans is a Brazilian Amaryllidaceae plant producing galantamine (GAL), an anticholinesterase drug for Alzheimer's disease, besides other alkaloids such as pseudolycorine (PSE), narciclasine (NAR) and sanguinine (SAN). Therefore, we used a metabolomic approach to investigate the influence of the harvest time on its chemical composition and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE). Alkaloid extracts were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS and 1H NMR, then assessed for AChE inhibitory activity. These data were combined and analyzed by Partial Least Square (PLS) regression. H. elegans was found to be rich in PSE and NAR, achieving higher contents in 270 and 390 days of cultivation, respectively. However, the highest anti-AChE activities were observed for 450 days-bulbs extracts. PLS indicated pseudolycorine as the discriminant compound for this extract, hence responsible for its higher anti-AChE activity jointly with the known AChE inhibitors GAL and SAN. Thus, the cultivation of H. elegans appears to be a promising way for providing bioactive alkaloids.

Hydration cycles promote embryo physiological changes, favoring overcoming dormancy in Butia capitata seed banks. Dormant seeds can spend many years in soil seed banks while subject to successive hydration and dehydration cycles (HC). Our knowledge concerning the effects of HC on seed survival and on overcoming dormancy is still limited, especially among tropical species. We sought to evaluate structural and physiological aspects of the diaspores (pyrenes: seeds enclosed by the endocarp) of the neotropical palm Butia capitata submitted to HC (in association with thermal regimes) under laboratory conditions and in a simulated soil seed bank. Biometric, anatomical, histochemical, biomechanical (the resistance of restrictive structures to embryo growth), and physiological (viability, the potential for in vitro embryo elongation, germination, and endo-β-mannanase activity) evaluations were performed. HC, in association with thermal regime variations, positively affect the growth potential of the embryos, which is related to an increase in their water absorption capacity, increased cell division, embryo expansion, and endosperm reserve mobilization. Those changes result in a gradual decrease in dormancy intensity, allowing a gradual exit from the soil seed bank through germination. Diaspores of B. capitata present morphophysiological dormancy of a particular type that is characterized by restricted embryo growth inside the seed before germination, low levels of endosperm reserve mobilization, and the gradual overcoming of dormancy over several years. The ability to form soil seed banks is an important adaptive strategy when faced with a seasonal environment with irregular rainfall in which the species occurs.

Introduction: Spondias tuberosa is a tree endemic to the semiarid region of Brazil with fruticulture potential. Objective: To estimate the diversity and genetic structure of S. tuberosa accessions from four areas of the semiarid region of Brazil, in order to facilitate conservation genetic resources studies in this species. Methods: DNA was extracted, using the CTAB 2x method, from leaf samples of 24 accessions of S. tuberosa available in the germplasm bank at Embrapa Semiárido, Brazil. Ten microsatellite loci were used in this study. Results: The UPGMA dendrogram, generated with a Jaccard coefficient similarity matrix, contains four groups at a 0.44 cutoff point. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.30 to 0.84, indicating great divergence among the accessions. A Bayesian analysis conducted with the software Structure suggests there are two subpopulations, one formed by accessions from the Januária region and another by accessions from the Juazeiro, Uauá and Petrolina regions. The ΦST value of 0.12 for the analysis of molecular variance indicates moderate genetic differentiation among the four populations, suggesting that the genetic variability is moderately structured in function of region. Conclusions: Together, the analyses indicate that the genetic diversity of S. tuberosa is not uniformly distributed in the studied regions. Thus, germplasm from a greater number of populations should be collected to increase the germplasm bank genetic diversity of the species. Resumen Introducción: Spondias tuberosa es un árbol endémico de la región semiárida de Brasil con potencial frutícola. Objetivo: Estimar la diversidad y caracterizar la estructura genética de accesiones de S. tuberosa en cuatro áreas del semiárido brasileño, para así facilitar estudios de conservación de recursos genéticos de esta especie. Metodología: El ADN fue extraído utilizando el método CTAB 2x a partir de muestras de hojas de 24 accesiones de S. tuberosa disponibles en el banco de germoplasma de Embrapa Semiárido, Brasil. Diez loci de microsatélites fueron usados en este estudio. Resultados: El dendrograma UPGMA generado con una matriz de similitud de coeficientes de Jaccard, formó cuatro grupos con punto de corte en 0.44. El coeficiente de similitud osciló entre 0.30 y 0.84, indicando una gran divergencia entre las accesiones. El análisis Bayesiano realizado en el software Structure sugiere la existencia de dos subpoblaciones, una formada por las accesiones de la región de Januária y otra derivada de las regiones de Juazeiro, Uauá y Petrolina. El valor de ΦST de 0.12 derivado del análisis molecular de la varianza indica moderada variación genética entre las cuatro poblaciones, sugiriendo que la variabilidad genética se estructura moderadamente en función de la región. Conclusiones: Los análisis en conjunto indican que la diversidad genética de S. tuberosa no se encuentra distribuida uniformemente en las regiones estudiadas. Por lo tanto, se debe recolectar germoplasma de un mayor número de poblaciones para aumentar la diversidad genética del banco actual de la especie.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a microbiota e descrever o perfil de sensibilidade das bactérias aos antimicrobianos em cães com otite externa atendidos em serviço hospitalar médico veterinário. Para isso, foram analisadas 559 amostras otológicas de cães com sinais clínicos de otite externa submetidas à cultura e antibiograma. Houve crescimento de microrganismos em 93,6% (523/559) das amostras, sendo que em 88,5% (463/523) houve crescimento de bactérias, 5,7% (30/523) crescimento de leveduras e 5,7% (30/523) infecções mistas. Foram obtidas 702 cepas, sendo Staphylococcus spp. 55,1% (387/702), Pseudomonas spp. 11,8% (83/702) e Proteus mirabilis 9,8% (69/702) os agentes bacterianos mais isolados. Dentre as leveduras, Malassezia pachydermatis 10,3% (54/523) foi a mais freqüente. Em relação aos resultados do perfil de sensibilidade das bactérias aos antimicrobianos, observou-se que as bactérias Gram-positivas Staphylococcus spp. e Streptococcus spp. apresentaram maior sensibilidade a amoxicilina + ácido clavulânico, com 92,5% e 100% das cepas sensíveis. Já as bactérias Gram-negativas Pseudomonas spp., P. mirabilis e Escherichia coli, apresentaram sensibilidade superior a 90% a tobramicina. Dentre todos os agentes bacterianos, Pseudomonas spp. foi o que demonstrou as maiores taxas de resistência frente a amoxicilina + ácido clavulânico (6,2%), cefalexina (7,4%) e sulfametoxazol + trimetoprima (13,6%). Os resultados do presente estudo indicaram que a maior parte das otites externas em cães está relacionada com infecções bacterianas, demonstrando a importância da realização de cultura bacteriana associada aos testes de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos para corretos diagnóstico e tratamento dessas infecções.

Rhynchophorus palmarum es plaga relevante en palmeras (Arecaceae) en Brasil. Su respuesta comportamental (olfatometría) y electrofisiológica (electroantenografía, sola y acoplada a cromatografía) se estudió frente a compuestos orgánicos volátiles emitidos por hongos entomopatógenos nativos aislados en Coruripe (Alagoas, Brasil) mediante aireación durante 24 horas. El aislado CVAD01 no originó respuesta comportamental significativa, pero el CVAD02 originó atracción significativa en machos. Los bioensayos electrofisiológicos mostraron actividad antenal en los dos sexos de R. palmarum frente a los componentes volátiles de los extractos de los dos hongos identificados. Los análisis cromatográficos de los extractos indicaron perfiles de compuestos orgánicos volátiles con la presencia de dos alcoholes, tres hidrocarburos aromáticos, dos monoterpenos, tres cetonas y tres hidrocarburos lineales. Rhynchophorus palmarum is a major pest of palms (Arecaceae) in Brasil. Both the behavioral (olfactometry) and electrophysiological (electroantennography, both alone and coupled to chromatography) was studied against volatile organic compounds emitted by native entomopathogenic fungi isolated from Coruripe (Alagoas, Brazil). Fungal isolates were identified by aeration system for 24 hours. CVAD01 did not cause a significant behavioral response; however, males were significantly attracted to CVAD02 extracts. Electrophysiological bioassays showed antennal activity, in both sexes, to volatile components of the two identified native fungi. The chromatographic analysis of the extracts indicated profiles of volatile organic compounds with the presence of three alcohol, three aromatics, three ketones, and four hydrocarbons.

RESUMO As raças taurinas de origem ibérica Limonero e Carora (Bos primigenius taurus) possuem o fenótipo de pelo curto, liso e com baixa densidade folicular, o que confere a esses animais maior tolerância térmica e melhor produtividade em regiões quentes. Diferentes mutações associadas a esse fenótipo foram descritas no gene do receptor de prolactina PRLR, localizado no cromossomo bovino BTA20. Uma mutação recentemente encontrada é a substituição do nucleotídeo C por T, SNP 39136666 (p. R497*), no exon 11, que gera um códon de parada e, consequentemente, uma menor isoforma desse receptor. Neste trabalho, desenvolveu-se um protocolo rápido e de baixo custo para detecção desse SNP, utilizando-se a técnica de tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. Assim, foi possível detectar essa mutação nas raças brasileiras de origem ibérica localmente adaptadas: Caracu, Crioulo Lageano, Mocho Nacional e Pantaneiro. O alelo T foi mais frequente na raça Caracu (80%), enquanto o alelo C foi mais frequente na raça Crioulo Lageano (84%). Essa simples metodologia pode ser usada para genotipar esse SNP e ajudar na aplicação dessas informações moleculares em programas de melhoramento focados na tolerância térmica em bovinos taurinos e seus mestiços.

The successful use of native species in conservation actions depends on basic knowledge of their biology, beginning with the identification of regenerating individuals in the field, up to the behavior and development of the species from the early stages of germination. Moreover, seed propagation and germination may be limited by the occurrence of dormancy. The objective of this work was to identify the best method to overcome seed dormancy of Hymenaea parvifolia Huber, besides characterizing the fruits, seeds, post-seminal development and seedlings of naturally occurring specimens in Amazonia. For this, (i) tests for the breakdown of dormancy were performed through thermal, chemical and mechanical treatments; (ii) analyses of their effects on seed germination were made; and (iii) morphology of germinative development of Hymenaea parvifolia was described. The treatments based on sulfuric acid for 15, 25 and 35 minutes were the most efficient in overcoming the integumentary dormancy. However, scarification by grinding is recommended because it had been less impact on the environment. External characteristics and shape of the fruit, seed and epicotyl can aid taxonomy of the genus and identification of its species in the field. In addition, morphological characters of the fruit, seed, germination and seedling were illustrated. Made available in DSpace on 2021-05-13T02:25:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Artigo-Eniel.pdf: 1903413 bytes, checksum: 5da8a8142ba616368f500626b1032ce5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

Simple Summary The nutrients requirements of dairy cattle is the most used system to formulate dairy cattle diets. However, these guidelines were developed based on research using mostly purebred Holstein in temperate conditions and did not determine nutrient requirements of crossbred Holstein × Gyr or Gyr animals raised in a tropical environment. Studies conducted in tropical conditions demonstrated that breed largely affected the nutrient requirements of crossbred and Gyr cattle, which limits the use of this system. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of two feeding levels and three breed compositions on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance, and methane emissions of prepubertal (10-month-old) dairy heifers. We observed that feeding diets to allow gains of 400 and 800 g/day resulted in greater daily gain than the formulated, overestimating the nutritional requirements of the heifers. Overall, breed composition did not affect dry matter intake, but it did result in differences in nutrients digestibility coefficients and feed efficiency. Feeding prepubertal heifers above maintenance requirements was the main driver in reducing CH4 intensity in confinement conditions. Abstract The dairy Nutrients Requirements of Cattle (NRC) was developed using data from purebred Holsteins and it might not accurately predict the performance of crossbred cattle. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of two feeding levels (FLs) and three breed compositions (BCs) on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance, and methane (CH4) emissions of prepubertal dairy heifers. We used thirty-six heifers from three BCs: purebred Holstein (H), purebred Gyr (G), and F1 Holstein × Gyr (HG). Each BC had 12 animals and the experiment was designed as twelve incomplete three by three Latin squares, in a factorial arrangement three by two, with three BCs and two FLs (400 and 800 g/day). Total tract nutrient digestibility was determined using total fecal collection and DMI was individually measured. The data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED in SAS. Dry matter intake of all nutrients increased from the medium to high feeding level and the nutrients digestibility coefficients did differ among BCs. Achieved body weight gain in the medium FL treatment was greater than those predicted using the NRC, suggesting that crossbred and Gyr heifers have similar performance to Holsteins. Breed composition does not influence body weight gain of confined dairy heifers, but Holstein heifers fed a medium FL had higher feed efficiency and reduced CH4 emissions intensity.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of four water salinity levels on productive performance, physiological and behavioral responses of confined sheep. Thus, 24 crossbred sheep, ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês were evaluated while receiving ration and water ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized, composed of four treatments (1.5; 3.0; 6.0 and 9.0 dSm-1) and six replicates. The water supply with salinity of up to 9.0 dSm-1 did not affect (P > 0.05) the physiological indexes, performance, or ingestive behavior of the animals, which were able to maintain normal physiological conditions even at times when the thermal comfort indexes were above the ideal. For voluntary water consumption, it was observed that there was a significant difference between treatments (P < 0.05), where animals consuming water with a conductivity of 1.5; 3.0 dSm-1 had lower consumption than those who received six dSm-1. The supply of water with a salinity of up to 9.0 dSm-1 did not affect the performance or the ingestive behavior of the animals, so waters with this salinity can be a valid alternative for crossbred sheep in the semi-arid region, as long as it is used seasonally and strategically.

We report here the rediscovery of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) after 50 years, as well as its occurrence in Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil. We provide a taxonomic diagnosis, in situ photographs, a distribution map, and a reassessment of its conservation status, which will contribute to our knowledge of this rare and endemic species as well as our ability to protect it.

In Hancornia speciosa, the latex is synthesized in the cytosol of the ground meristem cells and in plastids of the fusiform derivatives of secondary phloem. Laticifer development is related to climatic seasonality. Hancornia speciosa is a latescent species that grows in the Brazilian Cerrado (neotropical savanna) and shows significant potential for rubber production and the extraction of bioactive compounds from its latex. We examined the development of laticifers in its stem apex and secondary phloem in relation to climate seasonality. Morphometric evaluations of elongating branches and micromorphometric evaluations of the cambial zone were carried out monthly for 1 year, with structural and ultrastructural analyses of the stem apex and secondary phloem. Laticifer development in both the stem apex and secondary phloem is related to increasing day length and maximum temperature and humidity. Laticifers are formed by anastomosis of the transverse and longitudinal walls of the ground meristem cells of the stem apex, and the fusiform derivatives of secondary phloem in the cambial zone. The process of latex secretion involves the synthesis of terpenic droplets in the cytoplasm of the ground meristem cells of the stem apex and in the plastids of the fusiform derivatives of secondary phloem. Latex is an emulsion formed by the cytosol terpenic droplets engulfed by vacuoles contaning mucilages and proteins secreted by dictyosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and alkaloids secreted by the phloem cells. This work expands our knowledge concerning the development of laticifers in Apocynaceae and contributes to our better understanding of the influence of environmental factors on latex secretion.

We studied life‐history traits focusing on the growth and condition of the pikeperch Sander lucioperca to evaluate its phenotypic plasticity when introduced to new environments. Pikeperch is a non‐native fish introduced to Iberian freshwater fauna in 1998 that quickly spread to other river basins through human‐mediated activities, occupying now a wide variety of habitats along mainland Portugal. Condition (K and SMI), fork length at age, and length–weight relationships were studied for Portuguese populations. Pikeperch fork length for ages 1, 2, 3, and 4 was different between several populations. We applied generalized linear models (GLM) to study the influence of habitat type, latitude, altitude, time after first detection, and fish prey richness on pikeperch populations size at age 4 and condition. We observed higher condition values on populations from lower altitudes at lentic systems more recently introduced. But higher fork length at age 4 was found in populations from higher altitudes, on older populations with higher prey richness. Habitat type, time since first detection, and fish fauna composition are discussed as the main environmental factors explaining the observed phenotypic plasticity with concerns on predatory impact on native fauna., Sander lucioperca is a non‐native fish which colonized a variety of Portuguese freshwaters and showed adaptive phenotypic plasticity on condition and growth to such new environments. Habitat type, time since first detection, and fish fauna composition are discussed as the main environmental factors explaining the observed phenotypic plasticity with concerns on predatory impact on native fauna.

The production and release of chemical compounds by invasive plants can affect competitors and native species overall, destabilizing ecological interactions and harming ecosystem functioning. Hedychium coronarium is an invasive macrophyte common on Brazilian riparian areas that produces a wide variety of allelochemicals, but little is known about their effect on aquatic species. Here, we identified the major chemical compounds of the aqueous extract of H. coronarium rhizomes and assessed its toxicity, evaluating the growth inhibition of one alga (Raphidocelis subcapitata) and one macrophyte (Lemna minor), and the lethality of cladoceran (Ceriodaphnia silvestrii and Daphnia similis) and Chironomidae larvae (Chironomus sancticaroli). The majoritarian compounds of H. coronarium rhizomes were Coronarin D and Coronarin D Ethyl Ether. The aqueous extract was toxic for all tested species. We observed growth inhibition in R. subcapitata, as well as reduction in biomass in L. minor. Chironomus sancticaroli and cladoceran were the most sensible species. The aqueous extract of H. coronarium rhizomes was toxic on tested conditions, suggesting that the rhizome compounds may interfere on aquatic organisms and in the dynamic of trophic webs of aquatic ecosystems on invaded areas.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:56:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-04-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive species in the United States representing a great threat to crops of economic importance, such as soybean and corn. Due to the lack of information about its damage to early vegetative-stage corn, this study was conducted to provide information about H. halys damage to sweet corn seedlings. In the field experiment, caged sweet corn seedlings were exposed to sexed H. halys adults of densities of 0, 1, or 2 insects per plant for 7 d. In a complementary greenhouse experiment, caged sweet corn seedlings were exposed to 0 or 2 nonsexed H. halys at different stages (second to fifth instars and adult) per plant for 14 d. In both experiments, we evaluated plant fresh and dry weights, plant height, stalk diameter and plant injury (using a rating scale, 0 to 5). In the field experiment, plant injury based on the rating scale was greater in plants exposed to insects compared with the control. In the greenhouse experiment, fresh and dry weights, height and diameter of seedlings were lower for those exposed to fourth instars. This stage also caused greater injury based on the rating scale. In general, our results indicate that H. halys can feed on sweet corn seedlings, and that fourth instars cause more injury. The rating scale adapted here can be used for early identification of H. halys occurrence and to assess its injury in the field. Univ Minnesota, Dept Entomol, 1980 Folwell Ave, St Paul, MN 55108 USA Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Agr, Dept Crop Protect, BR-18610034 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Vicosa, Dept Entomol, BR-36570900 Vicosa, MG, Brazil Res & Rural Extens Co Santa Catarina, Res Ctr Family Agr, BR-89801970 Chapeco, SC, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Agr, Dept Crop Protect, BR-18610034 Botucatu, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001