Search

The present review aims the discussion of the impact of the bioprospection initiative developed by the projects associated to BIOprospecTA, a subprogram of the program BIOTA, supported by FAPESP. This review brings a summary of the main results produced by the projects investigating natural products (NPs) from non-plants organisms, as examples of the success of this initiative, focusing on the progresses achieved by the projects related to NPs from macroalgae, marine invertebrates, arthropods and associated microorganisms. Macroalgae are one of the most studied groups in Brazil with the isolation of many bioactive compounds including lipids, carotenoids, phycocolloids, lectins, mycosporine-like amino acids and halogenated compounds. Marine invertebrates and associated microorganisms have been more systematically studied in the last thirty years, revealing unique compounds, with potent biological activities. The venoms of Hymenopteran insects were also extensively studied, resulting in the identification of hundreds of peptides, which were used to create a chemical library that contributed for the identification of leader models for the development of antifungal, antiparasitic, and anticancer compounds. The built knowledge of Hymenopteran venoms permitted the development of an equine hyperimmune serum anti honeybee venom. Amongst the microorganisms associated with insects the bioprospecting strategy was to understand the molecular basis of intra- and interspecies interactions (Chemical Ecology), translating this knowledge to possible biotechnological applications. The results discussed here reinforce the importance of BIOprospecTA program on the development of research with highly innovative potential in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) have been found in a wide range of natural and anthropogenic environments, from forests to deserts. The state of Maranhão, located in Northeastern Brazil, has a diverse phytogeography, but few faunistic studies have been conducted in this area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to inventory species of Sarcophagidae and compare abundance patterns between the Cerrado (savanna-like vegetation) and riparian forests in the municipality of Codó, state of Maranhão. Twelve sampling events were carried out from the second half of 2015 to the first half of 2017. This resulted in 3,220 specimens, 27.15% of which were males, from nine genera and 27 species. A total of 491 specimens (16 species) were collected in the Cerrado, and 383 specimens (21 species) in the riparian forest. Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann) was the most abundant species (56,18% of the specimens sampled), followed by Peckia (Peckia) pexata (Wulp) (13%); Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley) (13%), and Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma Wiedemann (10%). Only P. (E.) collusor was found in greater abundance in the Cerrado. Oxysarcodexia angrensis (Lopes), Peckia (Peckia) enderleini (Engel), and Retrocitomiya andina Lopes are all new records to Maranhão and the entire Northeast Region of Brazil. Titanogrypa (Cuculomyia) albuquerquei (Lopes) is also a new to Maranhão. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Simuliidae family occurs in regions of lotic environments, such as rivers and streams, very abundant environments in Brazil, mainly in the Southeast region of the country. Like other dipterans, they have the need to perform a blood meal, thus opening a pathway for pathogens and different diseases. The main pathogens linked to the bite of the species of simulids are filarial, of the genus Mansonella and of the species Onchocerca Volvulus. These parasites are dangerous because they cause several comorbidities. In addition, simulids have the ability to generate immunological and allergic diseases in animals and humans. Because it is a vector that causes disease in humans and animals, there is a need to control the simulids. Among the measures taken to control the species of this family, we have chemical, physical and biological methods. The objective of this work was to carry out a bibliographic review to verify which hematophagous species are found in the Southeast region of Brazil, as well as to show which substrates these organisms are most observed in order to show the adequate prophylaxis for the control of these organisms. As a method for such achievements, articles, dissertations and theses of fauna survey were analyzed in states of the Southeast region, in addition to thoroughly analyzing the bioecological characteristics of the species found... As a result, the occurrence of 12 hematophagous species evidenced in the region was obtained. Southeast, as well as their preference, mostly for rocky or leafy substrates, showing that prophylaxis such as scraping or removing these substrates from water bodies helps in the population control of these organisms and reduces impacts on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordia trichotoma belongs to the Boraginaceae family that it is found in temperate and tropical regions. In Brazil, there are 11 genera and about 120 species of wide distribution in the Brazilian territory stands out. The aim of this study was to enrich the knowledge of the knowledge of the ecology of this plant and to identify the visiting insect potencies of this plant, as well as to check visiting times during the daytime period. The pioneering work for the State of Ceará, Brazil, was carried out in 'Sítio Machado' the municipality of Alcântaras, during the month of June 2017. Six collections were carried out on random days and 253 insects were collected in collections on different random days of observation and selected plants, being collected specimens belonging to four orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera. The majority of insects collected belonged to the Hymenoptera Order. This study contributed to the knowledge of the insect visiting powers of this plant, where it was verified that the hymenoptera were represented by the great quantity of bees, mainly of Apis mellifera whose presence is justified by being domesticated, although exotic and which is also present in several Brazilian habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of EntomoBrasilis is the property of EntomoBrasilis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)