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Paca (Cuniculus paca) is a medium-sized caviomorph rodent that plays an important role in the dynamics of plant and animal diversity in Neotropical forests. Despite being a generalist species, habitat use can be influenced by the availability of resources, cover, and shelter, but also by the landscape of fear. We investigated whether paca habitat use is mainly driven by resource availability and/or the landscape of fear in a spatiotemporal context in the Atlantic Forest montane of Brazil. We used camera traps and generalized least squares models to investigate the influence of lunar phases on the modulation of environmental factors in paca habitat use and the effects on the prey–predator activity pattern. The availability of food resources, specifically Juçara palm (Euterpe edulis) and Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia), was the best predictor to explain paca habitat use, regardless of moonlight. These threatened and dominant trees provide keystone resources for paca safely and efficiently in the study area. However, we found that moonlight can alter the importance of the effect of its main predator (Puma concolor), on the spatiotemporal use of the paca. The risk of predation has a greater impact on the paca's habitat use during phases of intense moonlight, and as an anti-predation strategy, the paca changes its activity pattern precisely during these periods. Although the conservation status of the paca is of least concern, our results have highlighted its important ecosystem role in Neotropical forests, interacting strongly with key and threatened species of the Atlantic Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Pine nuts (Araucaria angustifolia) are naturally distributed in South America and are increasingly being used as a food ingredient. This article aims to evaluate studies that have demonstrated the potential of pine nuts, their applicability in food products and biofilms using this raw material. Detailed search strategies were implemented in each of the selected databases. The results revealed that pine nuts are widely used as food ingredients due to their nutritional value and mild flavour, which allows for the development of different innovative product formulations. The analysis of the studies showed that pine nut seeds can be used as flour, pulp, shell, starch and extract and from these generate other new products. Pine nuts‐based products contain significant amounts of fibre, starch, antioxidants, phenolic compounds and proteins. As for the sensory aspects, the assessors showed good acceptance of the attributes. Incorporation into biofilms could also favour the future of sustainable and antioxidant packaging. Access to new options could increase vegetable productivity and boost new products, favouring the economy, adding nutritional value and expanding sustainability possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of particle size on the chemical, technological, rheological, thermal, and structural properties of whole pinhão flour, employing pre-gelatinized seeds, in response to the growing demand for diverse and healthier food choices. The fractionation conducted using RO-TAP® at different particle sizes (210 μm - P1, 149 μm - P2, 105 μm - P3, and < 105 μm - P4) led to significant changes in chemical composition, mineral content, viscosity, and thermal characteristics. The P3 fraction emerged as particularly promising, with elevated levels of total carbohydrates (60.27 g/100 g), total starch (46.14 g/100 g), and viscosity (1,545.50 cP), making it ideal for baking. Remarkably, P1 and P4 fractions exhibited elevated levels of fiber (46.96 and 38.57 g/100 g), phenolic compounds (13.35 and 13.51 mg EAG/g), and in vitro antioxidant activity. Lipid content increased inversely with particle size, accompanied by a decrease in resistant starch. All the pinhão fractions exhibited substantial mineral content, ranging from 2 to 2.24 g/100 g. Infrared spectroscopy analyses highlighted compositional similarities in samples, which uniformly exhibited type C crystallinity and high crystallinity indices (38.89%, 44.28%, 47.11%, and 46.46%, respectively). Fibers negatively affected viscosity, thermal properties, and starch gelatinization. Notably, the fraction with the smallest particle size demonstrated improved suitability for developing gluten-free bread products. This study highlights the importance of processing and fractionating pinhão flour to enhance resource utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the findings provide tangible insights to enhance pinhão production and processing chains, fortifying the food industry and addressing consumer preferences for healthier and more diverse products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional analytical methodologies for the determination of organic contaminants in water matrices are often laborious and time-consuming, and require a large amount of chemicals. In this study, we have developed a green sample preparation approach using Araucaria angustifolia bracts as a natural sorbent in the bar adsorptive microextraction technique. The determination of eight emerging contaminants (methyl, propyl, and butylparaben, bisphenols A and F, estradiol, ethinylestradiol, and benzophenone) in river-water samples were carried out, employing high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Central composite design revealed that the best conditions for the extraction step involved adding 30 % (w/v) NaCl to the sample at pH 6 and leaving it for 180 min. Simplex-centroid design indicated 80 μL of a mixture of acetonitrile and water (3:1) as the best desorption solvent. Desorption time was univariately evaluated as 40 min. Calibration curves obtained correlation coefficients higher than 0.995. The limits of quantification were in the range of 1 to 10 µg L−1 with inter-day precision from 13 to 22 %. Relative recoveries in two river-water samples varied from 62 to 116 %, exhibiting relative standard deviations from 5 to 28 %, which confirmed the method's accuracy and precision. This method contributes to the development of more environmentally friendly sample preparation strategies.

En la construcción con madera, conocer la capacidad portante de las uniones es un requisito indispensable para garantizar la estabilidad estructural del conjunto. Para su cálculo, por cualquiera de los métodos vigentes, conocer el valor de la resistencia al aplastamiento del material es un requerimiento básico. En este trabajo se determinaron valores de resistencia al aplastamiento en dirección paralela y perpendicular a la fibra, de acuerdo a la norma UNE-EN 383:2007, para madera de Araucaria angustifolia, con pernos rígidos de diámetros 5, 7 y 10 mm. Se efectuaron un total de 388 ensayos, 189 en dirección paralela a la fibra y 199 en dirección perpendicular. El desarrollo experimental muestra resultados por debajo de los valores de referencia establecidos en el Reglamento Argentino (INTI CIRSOC 601-2016), por lo tanto, se sugiere que los valores especificados en dicho Reglamento sean utilizados con precaución hasta tanto nuevos trabajos ratifiquen o desestimen la tendencia observada.

Araucaria angustifolia is a notable tree species distributed in the Atlantic forest of central-eastern South America. It has been considered a critically endangered species. Due to competition from other land uses, including agriculture and Pinus plantations, A. angustifolia has lost distribution and plantation area. This study aims to investigate new co-products of A. angustifolia waste products that can be used to prevent agricultural diseases. Brown spot is the most common foliar disease of soybeans and is caused by Septoria glycines. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal activity of plant tissue-derived compounds against S. glycines. The ethyl acetate extract of A. angustifolia leaves showed antifungal activity and was analyzed by HPLC-PDA and GC-MS. The results show two compounds as the principal constituents of antifungal activity. Both compounds showed a base peak at m/z 79.08, but they could not be identified by comparison with GC-MS spectral libraries. However, peaks at m/z 91 and 119 indicate that both compounds may contain aromatic structures. As a result of this study, we found that A. angustifolia can be used to obtain reliable antifungal compounds against S. glycines.

Using non‐conventional starch can benefit the industry since it can present different properties. It also can lead to new properties upon physical modification, which improves its derivate film properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate the heat–moisture treatment (HMT) on pinhão starch and its effectiveness in film properties. After isolation using water as a solvent, the pinhão starch is treated by HMT for 16 h at 110 °C. Native and HMTed starches are used to produce biodegradable films. Pinhão starch and starch films chemical and physical properties are properly characterized. The HMT causes some changes in short‐range ordered structures, reduces the relative crystallinity, and shifts the pinhão starch from C‐type to A‐type. Also, HMT decreases the peak viscosity and the breakdown, and improves thermal stability. These starch changes upon HMT reduces water vapor permeability, increases tensile strength, and elongation at the break of pinhão starch films. Desirable changes in starch and film properties are achieved by physically modifying pinhão starch using HMT, which is a promising alternative to chemical modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Araucaria angustifolia is a critically endangered species and its distribution can be affected by an increase in temperature. In this study, we evaluated the effects of heat stress (30°C) on Araucaria angustifolia cell lines responsive (SE1) and non-responsive (SE6) to the development of somatic embryos. The viability of both cell lines was reduced by heat stress and mitochondria were the organelles most affected. Heat stress for 24 h increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in SE1 cells, followed by a reduction at 48 and 72 h. In SE6 cells, an increase occurred after 24 and 48 h of stress, returning to control levels at 72 h. H2O2 levels were increased after 24 h for both SE1 and SE6 cells, being higher for SE6. Interestingly, at 48 and 72 h, H2O2 levels decreased in SE1 cells, while in SE6, the values returned to the control levels. The respiration of SE6 cells in the presence of oxidisable substrates was inhibited by heat stress, in agreement with the high lipid peroxidation levels. The AaSERK1 gene was identified in both cultures, with greater expression in the SE1 line. Heat stress for 24 and 48 h increased gene expression only in this cell line. The activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and enzymes of the glutathione/ascorbate cycle was increased in both cell lines subjected to heat stress. Catalase activity was increased only in SE6 cells at 72 h of exposure. These results show that responsive SE1 cells can modulate ROS levels more efficiently than SE6 when these cells are stressed by heat. This ability may be related to the maturation capacity of these cells. Araucaria angustifolia , also known as Araucaria or Brazilian pine, is a native conifer of economic importance in Brazil. Currently, this species is classified as critically endangered by the International Union of Nature Conservation (IUCN). Global warming represents a new threat to the remaining Araucaria forest. In this study, we evaluated the effects of heat stress on A. angustifolia cell lines with different potentials to regenerate this plant in vitro. Our results may be applied to improve methods of A. angustifolia reforestation, contributing to avoiding its extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change impacts biodiversity through shifts in species distributions and changes in the composition of biological communities. However, the effects of these changes on the spatial association between species are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of climate change on the distribution mismatch between Araucaria angustifolia (araucaria), a critically endangered keystone species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest hotspot, and its community of seed dispersers and predators. Ecological niche models were employed to compare the distribution of A. angustifolia with the projected distributions of its dispersers and predators under two different climate change scenarios. Our projections revealed species-specific responses to climate change, resulting in varying levels of spatial mismatch between A. angustifolia and its dispersers and predators. Notably, significant changes in the spatial mismatch compared to current conditions were projected for 70% of the seed dispersers and 83% of the seed predators. Interestingly, our projections demonstrated a discernable pattern in the changes in richness of dispersers and predators within the distribution range of A. angustifolia, indicating a potential risk of imbalance in seed dispersal and predation in certain regions. Using ecological niche modeling techniques, our study highlights that the climate-driven decoupling of geographical distributions may contribute to the disruption of biotic interactions, with potential implications for the conservation of A. angustifolia and the fauna dependent on its seeds as a food source. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the indirect effects on biotic interactions when assessing the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American Summer Monsoon (SASM) is one of the most important climate systems in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, and transports Atlantic moisture to the South American continent. However, there are few high‐resolution tree ring based studies of the SASM due to the difficulty of crossdating and the lack of dependable moisture proxies based on tree‐ring width. In this study, we use intra‐annual tree‐ring oxygen isotope (δ18OTR) data (E.V.A 03w, E.V.Ar11e, E.V.Ar12e; the full name of sample code is Erval Velho ‐ Araucaria) for crossdating, and to extract climate signals and reconstruct monthly precipitation. Our data are from Araucaria angustifolia in southern Brazil, and each annual tree‐ring comprises four parts (parts 1, 2, 3, 4) during 1960–2016. The intra‐annual δ18OTR data show pronounced seasonal variations with a decreasing trend in the growing season. The intra‐annual δ18OTR data record variations in precipitation δ18O values, and the interannual δ18OTR data record a precipitation amount. The δ18OTR values of parts 1 and 2 of each ring show the strongest correlation with precipitation at the beginning of the SASM (i.e., December). δ18OTR values of Part 3 have the strongest correlation with precipitation during January–February, and those of Part 4 are strongly correlated with precipitation during February–June. The seasonal δ18OTR values can be used to reconstruct monthly precipitation in the growing season. Spatial correlations between monthly precipitation reconstruction and global sea surface temperatures reveal that EI Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) regulate seasonal precipitation and affect the δ18OTR values in southern Brazil. Plain Language Summary: The South American summer monsoon (SASM) is an important climate system in South America. However, knowledge of past SASM variations based on tree rings is limited due to the difficulty of crossdating and the weak climatic signal expressed in tree‐ring widths. In this study, we measured the intra‐annual oxygen isotope of Araucaria angustifolia southern Brazil to help crossdating and extracting climate signal. Our intra‐annual tree‐ring oxygen isotopes record shows obvious seasonal variations, which can be used for crossdating. It also provides a record of monthly precipitation in rainy season, and thus it can be used to precipitation reconstruction. Key Points: Seasonal tree ring δ18O is controlled by precipitation δ18O and amountIntra‐annual δ18OTR helps to crossdate and reconstruct monthly precipitationEI Niño‐Southern Oscillation affects tree‐ring oxygen isotope in southern Brazil [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil nuts are largely consumed either as a whole or as an ingredient in different food products. These seeds are rich in lipids that are susceptible to oxidation, which is the most common cause of deterioration in their sensory and nutritional quality. Active food packagings are a potential strategy to prevent food lipid oxidation. In this work, thermoplastic starch/poly (butylene adipate–co–terephthalate) (TPS/PBAT) containing water‐soluble curcumin and pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia) extract as natural antioxidants were used to package Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa). Packaged nuts were stored under different temperatures and analysed for up to 30 days of storage. The lipid profile of the oil extracted from the nuts before packaging showed that it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The UV–Vis spectra were organized into an augmented matrix and then into a principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that for 10°C, the control TPS/PBAT film and the film containing pinhão extract resulted in the best preservation. When evaluated at 25°C, the nuts packed in films that contained water‐soluble curcumin presented the best oxidative stability until the 15th day of storage. After this period, the oxidation reactions were significant for all samples, indicating a possible compromise on the sensory and nutritional quality of Brazil nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Materials from renewable sources have been increasingly used in construction to assist in sustainable development. Therefore, the use of timber becomes an environmentally advantageous solution, especially if used for long-term purposes, such as in structures. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of glued-laminated timber frames reinforced in their main connections. The structures were made using timber from the Araucaria angustifolia species and polyurethane adhesive based on vegetable oils. The frames, on a reduced scale, had a pillar height and free span of 2 m and were reinforced in the connections between the roof beams and pillars. The rupture strength values of the structures averaged 38.02 kN, approximately 5.47 times the design load, and represented a 32% increase in strength compared to non-reinforced structures. The displacements did not reach the normative limit for the design load and presented a linear behavior for strengths higher than three times those of the design. The structures presented satisfactory structural behavior and had an improvement in resistance and rigidity caused by the addition of reinforcements.

The Araucaria Mixed Forest (AMF) is a highly endangered component of the Atlantic Forest, but detailed information about its conservation status across its entire historical range is lacking. In particular, there is a lack of updated information on the remaining area of AMF, how fragmented it is, and how much is currently protected. Moreover, it is still unclear how the history of deforestation is related to the creation of policies focused on AMF conservation through time. To fill these gaps, we used Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and machine learning focusing on the prominent presence of the keystone species Araucaria angustifolia (araucaria) to map AMF. The remaining AMF extends only 4.3% (~1.2 million ha) of its original range, of which only 13.5% are inside protected areas. AMF is highly fragmented, with 99% of patches <50 ha, making it vulnerable to further declines. Our analysis suggests that policies and conservation measures were insufficient to curb the AMF decline over time. Renewed actions are urgently needed to promote 1) formal protection of the largest AMF patches; 2) strengthening of existing protected areas; 3) integration of (private-owned) Legal Reserves into conservation strategies; and 4) continued and improved range-wide monitoring of AMF via satellite remote sensing. Finally, our approach to mapping AMF based on the prominent presence of araucaria provides a novel way to frequently update forest mapping with a robust proxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Araucaria Forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems in Brazil due to selective logging and deforestation, mainly during the 20th century. The great majority of remnants are secondary forests with less than 50 ha, i.e., old-growth fragments are extremely rare. By presenting the characterization of rare old-growth fragments in comparison with secondary ones, the present study delivers unprecedented results about their composition, structure, and dendrometric characterization. In total, 22 clusters were installed: 12 clusters (37 plot units, 37,000 m²) in old-growth forest and 10 clusters (38 plot units, 38,000 m²) in secondary forest. Analyses included a dendrometric characterization (N, d, ddom, h, hdom, G and V), a phytosociological classification and multivariate analysis. Results indicated that old-growth and secondary forests show relevant differences at both dendrometric and phytosociological levels. The volume of old-growth forests, 582 m3 ha−1 (362–893 m3 ha−1), is substantially higher than that observed for secondary ones, 334 m3 ha−1 (193–501 m3 ha−1). A. angustifolia accounts for 55% (6–90%) of the volume in the old-growth forests, yet only 21% (0–52%) in the secondary. Multivariate analysis showed that old-growth forests are positively correlated with d, h, and G but negatively correlated with S and the Shannon index.

Pinhão is highly perishable due to its high water activity, being easily affected by fungi during storage and also susceptible to infestation by larvae. This seed is usually marketed in the pinhão cones itself, or bulk threshed, and packed in plastic bags, chilled or ground frozen. Pinhão conservation and industrialization techniques should be developed to promote its commercialization and consumption at other times of the year, besides the seasonal period, encouraging its sustainable production, extraction and commercialization, considering its essentially extractive character. The objective of this study was to evaluate the conservation of pinhão by the use of gamma radiation and refrigeration. The pinhões were irradiated with a cobalt–60 source at a dose rate of 1 kGy. A non-irradiated sample was used as a control. The pinhões were packed in high-density polyethylene bags and stored at ambient temperature and refrigerated at 4 ºC, during 90 days. Pinhões were evaluated for weight loss, acidity, reducing sugars, vitamin C, firmness, color, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and microbiological analyzes. The isolated use of gamma radiation was not effective for the maintenance of the evaluated parameters. However, when used in conjunction with refrigerated storage, it reduced the growth of aerobic fungi, as well as mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms. The isolated use of refrigeration showed a reduction in weight loss, reducing sugars and an increase in vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. Thus, to increase the benefits, we suggest evaluating higher doses of radiation as a function of the thick pinhão shell.

Zoochory is fundamental for habitat colonization by plants with large and heavy seeds, such as Araucaria angustifolia. Recruitment by this endangered South American conifer is heavily impacted by animals, but the effect of different zoochoric dispersal modes and deposition sites on successful establishment remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dispersal mode (based on seed disperser), distance from adult conspecifics, and disposition site on long-term recruitment success. The experimental design included two environments (forest and open field), in each of which we established 30 microhabitat sampling stations simulating deposition sites (10 under a conspecific; 10 far from a conspecific and next to a landmark; and 10 far from a conspecific and without a landmark). Each microhabitat contained three levels of dispersal type (intact buried seed; intact seed on the ground surface; and partially predated seed on the ground surface), each with five seeds, totaling 900 seeds. In the forest environment, an experiment was also conducted to verify the fate of seeds using a spool-and-line technique. Neither environment nor microhabitat alone significantly affected seed survival, although dispersal type was significant in seed survival, as only buried seeds survived until the last survey. The spool-and-line seed experiment showed that most A. angustifolia seeds were predated after removal (81.5%) and only buried seeds survived, reinforcing the role of scatter-hoarding animals as important agents in A. angustifolia dispersal. Our results suggest that A. angustifolia seeds suffer high predation rates, with only a few seeds escaping from predators and recruiting seedlings into the population (only 1.1% of all seeds used in both experiments). We conclude that seed survival is a critical life cycle step in this plant species and that dispersal mode is critical for its reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Known for its antioxidant properties, Araucaria angustifolia bracts extract was encapsulated using hydrodynamic electrospray ionization jetting within calcium alginate cross-linked hydrogel beads with varying contents of modified pinhão starch. The rheological properties of the dispersions and analysis of the physicochemical and digestive properties of encapsulated beads were studied. The results demonstrated that dispersions containing starch exhibited higher viscosity and reduced compliance values, indicating samples with stronger, more compact, and stable structures that are less susceptible to deformation. This was confirmed by the beads rupture strength test. The ATR-FTIR analysis suggest that no new chemical bonds were formed, with encapsulation being responsible only for physical interactions between the functional groups of the polymers used and the active groups of the compounds present in the extract. The thermal stability of starch-containing beads was higher. Total tannins were higher in beads containing starch, with 53.61 %, 56.83 %, and 66.99 % encapsulation yield for samples with 2 %, 4 %, and 6 % starch, respectively, and the remaining antioxidant activity ranged from 96.04 % to 81.08 %. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation indicated that the highest releases occurred in the intestinal phase, ranging from 60.72 % to 63.50 % for the release of total phenolic compounds. • Alginate and starch hydrogels by electrospray as bioactive compound carriers • Starch incorporation increased the beads thermal stability and rupture strength. • Starch also improved the encapsulation yield of total tannin in the beads. • Encapsulated bioactive compounds were recovered after the digestive simulation. • Digestive simulation presented the highest releases in the intestinal phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the physicochemical and structural properties and the in vitro digestibility, starch extracted from pinhão was submitted to modification by thermal treatment at low moisture and heating at 100 °C for 8 h. The swelling power and solubility at 90 °C were lower for the modified samples than in the native starch. The decrease displayed in the 1047/1022 cm−1 and 995/1022 cm−1 ratio values, identified by FTIR, suggested that the modification decreased the relative crystallinity, as confirmed in the X-ray analysis. The modification changed the crystallinity pattern of the starch granules, which shifted from type C, presented in the native starch, to type A in the modified samples. Microscopy revealed that the starch granules presented concavities and a tendency to agglomeration after modifications. The rheological properties showed that the starch gels behaved like pseudoplastic fluids. The apparent amylose content increased in the samples with modification moisture of 15, 20 and 25%. On the other hand, the RS content increased in all modified samples, with the sample with 35% modification moisture presenting the highest increase (17.73%) in relation to native starch. [Display omitted] • Heat treatment at low moisture (HMT) modification was applied to pinhão starch. • The crystallinity pattern of HMT starches changed from type C to type A. • HMT starch dispersions showed as pseudoplastic fluids with gel-like behavior. • HMT modification reduced the pinhão starch digestibility. • HMT starch is an alternative for the development of low glycemic index products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinhão is highly perishable due to its high water activity, being easily affected by fungi during storage and also susceptible to infestation by larvae. This seed is usually marketed in the pinhão cones itself, or bulk threshed, and packed in plastic bags, chilled or ground frozen. Pinhão conservation and industrialization techniques should be developed to promote its commercialization and consumption at other times of the year, besides the seasonal period, encouraging its sustainable production, extraction and commercialization, considering its essentially extractive character. The objective of this study was to evaluate the conservation of pinhão by the use of gamma radiation and refrigeration. The pinhões were irradiated with a cobalt-60 source at a dose rate of 1 kGy. A non-irradiated sample was used as a control. The pinhões were packed in high-density polyethylene bags and stored at ambient temperature and refrigerated at 4 °C, during 90 days. Pinhões were evaluated for weight loss, acidity, reducing sugars, vitamin C, firmness, color, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and microbiological analyzes. The isolated use of gamma radiation was not effective for the maintenance of the evaluated parameters. However, when used in conjunction with refrigerated storage, it reduced the growth of aerobic fungi, as well as mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms. The isolated use of refrigeration showed a reduction in weight loss, reducing sugars and an increase in vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. Thus, to increase the benefits, we suggest evaluating higher doses of radiation as a function of the thick pinhão shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Crown variables are used in growth and production models to increase the accuracy of estimates. These variables are costly and difficult to measure, mainly in dense native forests such as mixed ombrophilous forests (MOF), where Araucaria angustifolia is the predominant species. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of qualitative and quantitative variables to describe the vigour of the crown, competition and growth of A. angustifolia in Southern Brazil MOF. We selected trees in the MOF area and measured circumference at breast height (CBH) and total height (h). For the crowns, a ranking of values was established in the variables: Crown Shape (CS), Vertical crown Shape (VS), Distance between Branches (DB), Sociological Position (SP), percentage of Green Leaves (GL) and Crown Size (CZ). Periodic Annual Increment in basal area (PAIg) and a Competition Index (CI) were calculated. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) to describe and classify the sampled trees. Two groups were generated: i) dominant and codominant trees, with higher growth, better vigour and better crown quality; and ii) suppressed trees with low vigour, consequently low increment and worse crown quality. The CI, when based only on diameter information, was inadequate to describe the competitive status of the trees, so information about crowns was necessary. Qualitative crowns variables are important to classify the vigour, current level of competition and to understand the different trends in A. angustifolia growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study aimed to present a solution in glued laminated timber to replace frame structures built in reinforced concrete and metallic structure, which are common in agricultural buildings in western Paraná such as those destined to laying poultry house building by agricultural cooperatives. Structural behavior of frames build from Araucaria angustifolia glued boards and vegetable oil-based polyurethane adhesive was evaluated. Tests were carried out to characterize wood and adhesive to obtain verification/sizing parameters. Initially, a full-scale structural project was conducted to meet standard laying poultry house specifications. Afterwards, five units of straight three-articulated frames on a 1:2.5 reduced scale were designed, built, and subjected to strength tests until breaking. They were built with a 2-meter free span and a 15° slope, suitable for using metal roof tiles. The average for structure ultimate strength was 4.14 times the design load. Structures had satisfactory mechanical performance and displacements lower than those recommended by NBR 7190 (1997) standard (ABNT). Therefore, building glued frames with Parana pine boards and vegetable oil-based glue is technically feasible.

The seed of Araucaria angustifolia is largely produced and consumed in Parana state, Brazil. It has an estimated annual consumption of approximately 0.167 kg per capita. The samples of seeds were acquired in 8 different commercial points of Londrina city in the state of Paraná, Brazil. To determine the natural level of radiation and elemental composition were analysed the seed pulp and peels, to determine the level of radiation in these samples and to calculate the effective dose per intake, the gamma ray spectrometry was applied using the HPGe detector with a 60% relative efficiency, and the X-rays Fluorescent by Dispersive Energy (EDXRF) was applied for elemental identification of the composition with a spectrometer from Shimadzu EDX-720 model. The samples were qualitatively analyzed by EDXRF, where the elements K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Ca, P, Mg and Sr were found in pulp and peels of seed, however, the elements Mg and Sr were detected only in the peel samples. The results obtained by gamma spectrometry showed that the radioactive activities in the Araucaria angustifolia pulp per kilogram in nature, for 226Ra ranged from 0.691 to 2.269 Bq/kg, the interval activity measured for the 228Ra were 0.386 to 1.767 Bq/kg and the 40K were 283.405 to 1,536.820 Bq/kg. Activities of 137Cs were detected in the pulp and peels of seed. The average dose per intake was 0.68 µSv/year for 226Ra and 0.35 µSv/year for 228Ra.

ABSTRACT A functional perspective of tree communities is helpful for understanding forest dynamics, especially vegetation recovery after other land uses. Knowledge about ecological filters and survival strategies of trees are also important for the restoration of degraded areas. This study aimed to evaluate the functional composition and structure of adult and regenerative components of natural Araucaria forests, Araucaria plantations and plantations of exotic Pinus in subtropical southern Brazil. Differences in functional diversity and functional richness, and in community weighted mean trait values, including leaf traits and reproductive traits, were analyzed. RLQ analysis was used to assess the association between community structure, plant traits and environmental variables. Clear differences were found for most traits and for functional richness for the regenerative component, while the adult component was more similar among forest types. A clear separation in RLQ ordination associated with trait variation, for the adult component but not for regenerative trees, also indicates that communities are becoming functionally more similar with time. Plantations were shown to function as environmental filters by directly influencing species recruitment, richness and functional diversity. We conclude that passive restoration may be the best strategy for restoration of Araucaria forests.

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) are insoluble platelet particles with multifunctional properties. SNCs production is mainly based on acid hydrolysis of cornstarch with low yield. This study focuses on investigating the effect of pretreatments (heat‐moisture‐treatment [HMT], annealing [ANN], and sonication [SNT]) on unconventional pinhão starch to produce SNCs by acid hydrolysis to improve the yield and SNCs properties. All starches hydrolysis is described by a first‐order model reaction and shown two phases related at k values. The faster hydrolysis is from SNT (k = 0.61 day−1) and the slower one is at ANN (k = 0.40 day−1). Furthermore, the acid hydrolysis is described by a rapid (0–2 days) phase, followed by a slow phase lasing 3–7 days. The HMT increases the yield of the SNCs (14.7%) but promotes losses in the RC (47.34%) as compared with the native starch (yield 10.23%; RC 52.23%). The ANN improves crystallites perfection, protecting them from acid attack. The pretreatments allow pinhão starch to be used as promising feedstock to produce SNCs with good yield and RC. In addition, ANN can be useful to improve the thermal stability and SNT to speeding up the hydrolysis for SNCs production, while HMT can increase the hydrolysis yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: We found high accuracy classification (Fmeasure =95%, on cross-validation) ofAraucaria angustifolia(Bertol.) Kuntze, an endangered native species, andHovenia dulcisThunb. an aggressive, invasive alien species in WorldView-2 multispectral images. In applying machine learning algorithms, the spectral attributes mainly related to the near-infrared band were the most important for the models. Context: It is difficult to classify tree species in tropical rainforests due to the high spectral response’s diversity of existing species, as well as to adjust efficient machine learning techniques and orbital image resolution. Aims: To explore the spectral and textural response of an endangered species (A. angustifolia) and an invasive species (H. dulcis) in WorldView-2 multispectral images, testing its recognition capability by machine learning techniques. Methods: We used a WordView-2 (2016) image with 0.5-m spatial resolution. Then we manually clipped the canopy area of the two species in this image using two compositions: True color composition (R=660 nm, G=545 nm, B=480 nm) and near-infrared composition (NIR-2=950 nm, G=545 nm, B=480 nm). Thus, we applied spectral and textural descriptors (pyramid histogram of oriented gradients—PHOG and Edge Filter), which selects the most representative features of the dataset. Finally, we used artificial neural networks (ANN) and random forest (RF) for tree species classification. Results: The species classification was performed with high accuracy (Fmeasure = 95%, on cross-validation), essentially for spectral attributes using the near-infrared composition. RF surpassed the ANN classification rates and also proved to be more stable and faster for training and testing. Conclusion: The WorldView-2 multispectral sensor showed the potential to provide sufficient information for classifying two species, proving its usefulness in this phytophysiognomy where hyperspectral sensors are generally used for this type of classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The responses of forest communities to interacting anthropogenic disturbances like climate change and logging are poorly known. Subtropical forests have been heavily modified by humans and their response to climate change is poorly understood. We investigated the 9‐year change observed in a mixed conifer‐hardwood Atlantic forest mosaic that included both mature and selectively logged forest patches in subtropical South America. We used demographic monitoring data within 10 1 ha plots that were subjected to distinct management histories (plots logged until 1955, until 1987, and unlogged) to test the hypothesis that climate change affected forest structure and dynamics differentially depending on past disturbances. We determined the functional group of all species based on life‐history affinities as well as many functional traits like leaf size, specific leaf area, wood density, total height, stem slenderness, and seed size data for the 66 most abundant species. Analysis of climate data revealed that minimum temperatures and rainfall have been increasing in the last few decades of the 20th century. Floristic composition differed mainly with logging history categories, with only minor change over the nine annual census intervals. Aboveground biomass increased in all plots, but increases were higher in mature unlogged forests, which showed signs of forest growth associated with increased CO2, temperature, and rainfall/treefall gap disturbance at the same time. Logged forests showed arrested succession as indicated by reduced abundances of Pioneers and biomass‐accumulators like Large Seeded Pioneers and Araucaria, as well as reduced functional diversity. Management actions aimed at creating regeneration opportunities for long‐lived pioneers are needed to restore community functional diversity, and ecosystem services such as increased aboveground biomass accumulation. We conclude that the effects of climate drivers on the dynamics of Brazilian mixed Atlantic forests vary with land‐use legacies, and can differ importantly from the ones prevalent in better known tropical forests.

A saúde florestal precisa ser considerada nas estratégias de conservação in situ da Araucaria angustifolia, e eventos climáticos extremos podem influenciar processos de estresse em árvores maduras, com baixo poder de recuperação. Apresenta-se um diagnóstico fitossanitário de pinheiros antigos em uma área de eminente valor ecológico em Palmas, PR, permitindo comparações futuras sobre a frequência dos pinheiros desvitalizados e mortos. Foi verificado o comportamento de variáveis meteorológicas, entre 2008 a 2018. Os dados foram organizados pela ANOVA e por testes de médias. Foi realizada uma Análise de Agrupamento, utilizando a distância euclidiana como medida de similaridade, e formados os grupos, foi realizado uma Análise de Componentes Principais, para ordenação das variáveis. As alterações aqui reportadas foram para os meses de inverno, onde no Sul do Brasil, as chuvas são provocadas principalmente pela interação entre as massas de ar polar, com as massas continentais condicionadas a eventos de El Niño. As mudanças foram cíclicas e padrões puderam ser verificados. O calor e a secura do ar precisam ser monitorados por mais tempo, para a constatação do aquecimento climático, porém, verificou-se que chuvas concentradas em períodos curtos podem ter influenciado a desvitalização e condicionado árvores à murchas por ressecamento, devido às falhas hidráulicas, o que aumentaria a mortalidade no longo prazo. Existem indícios de que os invernos de 2009 e de 2015 foram estressantes às araucárias maduras e de grande porte, dada à irregularidade na distribuição das chuvas e aos períodos de secas. Ainda, que uma próxima estiagem prolongada poderá ser verificada até o inverno de 2021.

Brazil has a vast diversity of natural resources, which are important in the economic and social context of many families, identified through non-wood forest products (NWFP), among them chestnuts, in the north, and pine nut, in the south of the country. Thus, the objective of the work was to analyze the productive chain of the Brazilian chestnuts in order to establish and identify potentialities existing in its productive chain that can be used to promote the pine nut productive chain in the social, economic and environmental spheres. The study was carried out through the application of an open questionnaire, having as target audience representatives linked to the commercialization and research of both forest products. As a main result, it is evident that the pine nut has an incomplete production chain, presenting itself as a product with secondary representation in the formation of farmers' income, which contributes to the structure of pine nut commercialization being incipient. In addition, the lack of social organization for extractivism is responsible for the non-consolidation of the chain, coupled with the incipient process of industrialization and processing of the pine nut. which limits the added value of the product. There is a need for greater interest and attention on the part of the government with actions involving entities that can assist in the most different spheres, as well as providing technical assistance, research, and financial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Araucaria Mixed Forests (AMF) are subtropical conifer-hardwood mixed forests that are part of the Atlantic forest floristic dominion in Brazil and Argentina. The AMF is dominated by the conifer Araucaria angustifolia (hereafter araucaria), accompanied by a diversity of angiosperms. Its distribution largely corresponds to the 13°C isotherm and is associated with overall lower temperature, frost-prone, and wetter climates than neighboring vegetation types. Palynological research and bioclimatic modelling have yielded somewhat conflicting results but suggest intense forest-grassland dynamics, with grasslands possibly dominating the landscape during the drier and colder last glacial maximum. Araucaria is a cultural keystone species whose distribution has been greatly fostered by Amerindian activity in the last few millennia. Angiosperms form a lower layer beneath araucaria canopies, and they seem to be geographically structured into a wetter and colder eastern and a drier and hotter western portion. Araucaria attain large sizes and high longevity but is unable to regenerate under the shade cast by angiosperm canopies and need large-scale disturbances for successfully complete their life-cycles. This cycle has been synthesised in the non-equilibrium Lozenge model of forest dynamics. Regeneration opportunities arise from the frequent multiple treefall gaps produced by the tornado and windstorm-prone climate of subtropical South America and by the grazing-, fire-, and nurse-plant successional dynamics of the forest-grassland mosaic. Dispersal is mediated by a complex web of interactions with birds and mammals. A review of the dynamics of southern Oceanic Temperate Forests indicates that the dynamics of the AMF fits a prevailing pattern in these forests that corresponds to the Lozenge model. Deforestation and degradation by logging and cattle grazing have impacted most of the AMF original range. Similarly to what happened to Agathis australis in New Zealand, the establishment of commercial plantations still need incentives and research to thrive and produce large-scale environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pinhão shows high nutritional value; however, its consumption is still low owing to the long cooking time required because it is hard to peel, and it is susceptible to sprouting, larval infestation, and fungal contamination. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the storage stability of minimally processed pinhão by using edible coatings with antimicrobial characteristics. The pinhões were subjected to minimal processing with the following treatments: Treatment A - control; Treatment B - chitosan; Treatment C - xanthan gum and clove essential oil. After drying, they were packed in polyethylene terephthalate and stored at 4 °C for nine days. The pinhões were analyzed for mass loss, total acidity, reducing sugars, vitamin C, color, firmness, respiratory rate, sensory characteristics, and microbial growth. In general, no differences were observed in mass loss, reducing sugars, and oxygen concentrations of the pinhões after any treatment. In addition, we observed a reduction in acidity and carbon dioxide concentrations, maintenance of color parameters, and the absence of growth of thermotolerant coliforms and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. Although the minimal processing did not increase the respiratory rate of pinhões, it did not stop the process of seed maturation. Of the coatings evaluated, chitosan coating of the pinhões was associated with a higher content of vitamin C as well as a lower number of psychrotrophic microorganisms. The coatings did not influence the taste and aroma of the minimally processed pinhões.

Height-to-diameter ratios (HD) are an important measure of the stability, density and competition of forest stands. It reflects the vertical growth of the trees, the vulnerability of the forest canopy structure and influences volumetric production. HD ratios vary according to tree size, availability of resources for growth, stand density and species composition. Data were taken from 210 trees and a regression technique of generalized linear models for the HD ratio applicable for forest structure conservation was developed. The objective of this study was to model the HD ratios of dominant and co-dominant trees of Araucaria angustifolia according to morphometric, dendrometric, annual diameter increment, stand density, and age variables in three sites in southern Brazil. The results show that the HD ratio decreases with increasing age, crown area and basal area, and increases with stand density and annual diameter increment. Accuracy of the developed equations was demonstrated by the values of deviation, Bayesian and Akaike criteria. The results are of interest to forest managers since they make decisions about silvicultural operations. Growth continuity and forest production indicate that any intervention should be directed at younger trees of smaller sizes, and that one of the main management factors for stand stability and growth is the formation of the stand and its capture of light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a global biodiversity hotspot and has been extensively mapped using satellite remote sensing. However, past mapping focused on overall forest cover without consideration of keystone plant resources such as Araucaria angustifolia. A. angustifolia is a critically endangered coniferous tree that is essential for supporting overall biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest. A. angustifolia’s distribution has declined dramatically because of overexploitation and land-use changes. Accurate detection and rapid assessments of the distribution and abundance of this species are urgently needed. We compared two approaches for mapping Araucaria angustifolia across two scales (stand vs. individual tree) at three study sites in Brazil. The first approach used Worldview-2 images and Random Forest in Google Earth Engine to detect A. angustifolia at the stand level, with an accuracy of >90% across all three study sites. The second approach relied on object identification using UAV-LiDAR and successfully mapped individual trees (producer’s/user’s accuracy = 94%/64%) at one study site. Both approaches can be employed in tandem to map remaining stands and to determine the exact location of A. angustifolia trees. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, and we discuss their adoptability by managers to inform conservation of A. angustifolia.

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main morphological and structural properties of native and modified starch by heat-moisture treatment (HMT) of "pinhão" seeds. Materials and methods. "Pinhão" starch was extracted from seeds of Araucaria angustifolia. Amylose content was determined by iodine affinity. Humidity, ashes, protein and fats were determined by the Association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) methods. The microscopic techniques used were Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). For structural evaluation of the granules, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) was used. Results and discussion. The "pinihão" starch extracted from aqueous methodology showed an amylose content of 26.3%. The samples showed low moisture (<8.5%) content as well as ash content (<1.44%). By SEM and AFM, the largest average diameter (da) was for untreated "pinhão" starch granules; 10.85 and 10.64 μm, respectively. The smallest granules were those treated with 10% humidity for 60 min and 120 °C. The medium roughness (ra) studied by AFM increased according to HMT, from 321.68 to 470.06 μm, respectively. A reduction in the relative crystallinity (Rc) was observed according to the HMT performed. Conclusions. Round and oval shapes were found for the starch granules, with a flat face. Similarities were found in the mean diameter values (da) between the techniques. The average diameter of the granules increased as humidity increased during the modification by HMT. The mean roughness (ra) increased with the HMT while the relative crystallinity (RC) decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Films were produced using the blown extrusion method from blends made with cassava and pinhão thermoplastic starch, compostable polyester (poly(butylene adipate co‐terephthalate, PBAT) and natural extracts (rosemary and green tea). The effect of the incorporation of the extracts and the type of starch added in the film properties were investigated following the mixture design (23) approach. Regression models and response surface curves were generated to predict the film properties. The effect of the cold storage (6 °C and 17% of humidity relative, for 60 days) on the film properties was also investigated in order to simulate future applications. All the properties were mainly influenced by the extract type. The incorporation of the extracts decreased the lightness parameter and the films produced with green tea extract were more opaque than those made with rosemary. Starch/rosemary blends were more flexible, while the extract type did not have a significant effect on tensile strength (TS). Film elongation (ELO) ranged from 520% to 719% and might be comparable to some synthetic polymers. The water vapor permeability was improved in approximately 14% with addition of the extracts. The storage conditions, on the one hand, increased the TS, elastic modulus, and opacity of films and, on the other hand, decreased the elongation parameter. The thermal stability of films was not modified by adding extracts or varying the starch type. The results demonstrated that pinhão/cassava/PBAT blends and the natural extracts are a good alternative matrix to produce packagings with adequate mechanical and barrier properties. Practical Application: Extruded films produced from cassava or pinhão starch, poly(butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and natural extracts show technological potential to be used as active packaging for food products. Pinhão starch is a great alternative substitute to cassava starch and the incorporation of the commercial compostable polymer (PBAT) is necessary in order to confer suitable mechanical properties to extrusion process. The extrusion blown method, a process widely used by plastic industries, allows the scale‐up of bio‐based packagings for industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about the effects of fire on tree communities of Araucaria forests (AF) is scarce, although this physiognomy is among the most threatened ones in the entire Brazilian hotspot Atlantic Forest. With this study, we sought to answer the following questions: After three years of the fire, how has the soil of this forest remnant been recovering? Are fires in the AF able to change the structure, composition and species richness of tree community? The survey was carried out in a remnant of AF in an integral protected area in Brazil. Two areas were selected, one that has no fire history in the last 30 years (unburned) and another that burned recently. In each area 25 permanent plots of 20 × 10 m were allocated and all shrub-tree vegetation with DBH ≥ 4.8 cm was sampled. Our initial expectations were largely refuted, since we found no differences between the two areas in composition and richness of tree species and in most soil environmental variables, but only in the community structure. The majority of the dead individuals were concentrated in the smallest diameter classes (DBH < 9.8 cm). The only soil environmental variables that presented differences were pH and organic matter. Our study shows that the AF presents a significant resistance against forest fires, probably due to the evolutionary history of this physiognomy with fire. Nevertheless, several individuals died, so it is also important to highlight that preventive measures against fires are always relevant for conservation of this endangered physiognomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Araucaria angustifolia is an anemophilous conifer native to Southern America threatened with extinction, with a noticeable decrease in its distribution area and seed production. To better understand the reproductive dynamics, the aerobiological curves obtained with Hirst methodology were analyzed during 7 years in San Antonio (Misiones, Argentina), including productivity, seasonality, start, end, duration, and peak, along with the role of meteorological/seasonal climate factors. An alternation between 1 year of high pollen values (1685 pollen grains day m−3, on average), followed by 2 years of a progressive reduction (456 pollen grains day m−3, on average) in productivity, was observed. This pattern was negatively related to temperature during the month preceding pollination; August minimum temperature yielded the best fit (correlation coefficient r = − 0.9, p < 0.01). In only 36 days, including October, 90% of the annual pollen was released. The daily pattern showed a curve with higher concentrations between hour 8 and hour 14. The daily maximum at hour 10 suggests pollen inputs from local sources. The eolic transport is limited due to the big size and weight of the grains and the unfavorable atmospheric conditions that prevail in this subtropical forest (high humidity and low wind speed). The average airborne pollen curve showed a peak during the second fortnight of October. Rain induced a noticeable reduction in pollen concentration modifying the shape of the aerobiological curve. Aerobiological analyses provide reliable information for the design of conservation strategies, such as ex situ planting and selective harvesting of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Analysis of polyamines and amino acid profiles in Araucaria angustifolia immature seeds from two mother tree genotypes in 2 consecutive years, and their association with the establishment of embryogenic cultures. Polyamines (PAs) and amino acids are an important source of nitrogen in plants. They are known to participate in plant development and their levels are associated with specific zygotic and somatic embryogenesis stages, which means that they may be useful as biochemical markers of developmental stages. The present study carried out an analysis of PA and amino acid profiles in immature Araucaria angustifolia seeds from two mother tree genotypes over 2 consecutive years, and their association with the initiation and maintenance of embryogenic cultures (ECs). The results showed that initiation of ECs in A. angustifolia, as observed in other conifers, depends on harvest year and mother tree genotype. PA and amino acid profiles showed that seeds from distinct mother trees and harvest years are different from one another. These differences were reflected in the initiation of ECs. The metabolic analysis indicates that conjugated Spd, ornithine, and asparagine profiles are candidates as biochemical markers for selection of mother trees. These results will allow for the testing of a large number of mother trees as explant sources and the selection of those with higher potential for somatic embryogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Araucaria angustifolia seed, named pinhão, has a high content of carbohydrates, and it is considered an unconventional starch source. Its coats are rich in phenolic compounds, which can be easily extracted with some solvents. This study presents a method of aqueous and ethanolic extraction of phenolic compounds from pinhão coats and its incorporation into corn and pinhão starches. Thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy were applied to evaluate the thermal, structural and morphological properties of starches. The control samples were prepared under the same conditions, with deionised water and ethanol/water 55:45 v/v, without extracts. Starches incorporated with both extracts showed lower thermal decomposition temperatures than the native ones. The gelatinization enthalpy (ΔHgel) of corn starch decreased after incorporation with extracts. The ΔHgel of native pinhão starch was 7.3 J g−1. A higher ΔHgel was observed after treatment with ethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract caused a decrease in this value. Treatments did not change the diffraction patterns but change the relative crystallinity (RC) of starches, except to the samples treated with ethanol/water 55:45 v/v that maintained RC similar to the native ones. There was a good correlation of FTIR data with RC and ΔHgel. After incorporation with ethanolic extract, the pinhão starch showed superficial peeling. No change was observed in morphological characteristics for the other samples. Results indicate that there is an interaction between the phenolic compounds of the pinhão coats and the starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the previous study, the effect of chemical modification with sodium tripolyphosphate on the properties of corn and pinhão starches was evaluated. However, physical modifications also confer specific characteristics on the starch, diversifying its application. Thus, in this study, thermal (thermogravimetry [TG], differential exploratory calorimetry [DSC]), structural (X‐ray powder diffractometry [XRD], Fourier‐transform infrared [FTIR]) and morphological (field emission gun‐scanning electron microscopy) properties of native and phosphated corn and pinhão starches are evaluated before and after ball milling treatment. In addition, wavelength dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy is applied as a new technique to measure the level of phosphorus and sodium. The incorporation of phosphate groups in starches is confirmed and phosphorus and sodium are reduced after milling. The doubly modified starches show lower moisture retention capacity and lower thermal stability. All treatments reduce the gelatinization enthalpy mainly for double modified starches. Relative crystallinity is drastically reduced after the double modification. Changes in FTIR results are more pronounced after the physical treatment, corroborating with DSC and XRD results. Morphological changes are observed only in the milled samples. Thus, the double modification confer greater changes compared to the isolated modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil's Araucaria tree (Araucaria angustifolia) is an iconic living fossil and a defining element of the Atlantic Forest global biodiversity hotspot. But despite more than two millennia as a cultural icon in southern Brazil, Araucaria is on the brink of extinction, having lost 97% of its extent to 20th‐century logging. Although logging is now illegal, 21st‐century climate change constitutes a new—but so far unevaluated—threat to Araucaria's future survival. We use a robust ensemble modelling approach, using recently developed climate data, high‐resolution topography and fine‐scale vegetation maps, to predict the species' response to climate change and its implications for conservation on meso‐ and microclimate scales. We show that climate‐only models predict the total disappearance of Araucaria's most suitable habitat by 2070, but incorporating topographic effects allows potential highland microrefugia to be identified. The legacy of 20th‐century destruction is evident—more than a third of these likely holdouts have already lost their natural vegetation—and 21st‐century climate change will leave just 3.5% of remnant forest and 28.4% of highland grasslands suitable for Araucaria. Existing protected areas cover only 2.5% of the surviving microrefugia for this culturally important species, and none occur in any designated indigenous territory. Our results suggest that anthropogenic climate change is likely to commit Araucaria to a second consecutive century of significant losses, but targeted interventions could help ensure its survival in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the adsorption and removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using sterile bract of Araucaria angustifolia as novel natural adsorbent. Raw and boiling-treated sterile bract samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and point of zero charge. The contents of humidity, ash, total extractive content, lignin and cellulose were 13.20, 3.30, 7.12, 44.45 and 30.92%, respectively. The methylene blue adsorption mechanism in the sterile bract was evaluated using non-linear Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson and Sips isotherm models, whereas the adsorption kinetic was evaluated using pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The methylene blue removal efficiencies of the raw and boiling-treated bracts were 98.59 ± 0.01 and 99.90 ± 0.01%, respectively, after 480 min. The best adsorption efficiency was found within 480 min of contact, 5.0 g of adsorbent with 500 mesh granulometry, pH = 6, initial adsorbate concentration of 150 mg L−1 and temperature of 292 K. The maximum methylene blue adsorption capacities of the raw and boiling-treated bracts according to the non-linear Langmuir isotherm model were 125.34 and 138.65 mg dye per gram bract, respectively. The kinetic fit depends on the solution pH, determination coefficient and Chi square test statistic. From thermodynamic results, it was concluded that the adsorption process is favorable, spontaneous (ΔG < 0), exothermic (ΔH < 0) and disordered at the solid–solution interface (ΔS > 0). Overall, the sterile bract of Araucaria angustifolia could be applied as low-cost alternative adsorbent for the treatment of textile industry wastewater. Article Highlights: Adsorption of methylene blue on sterile bract structures was performed. FT-IR, SEM and point of zero-charge confirmed the adsorbent properties. The adsorption process was influenced by pH, temperature and particle sizes. Adsorption was favorable, exothermic and disordered at the solid–solution interface. The adsorbent was efficient for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain disorders (BD) including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, are often associated with impairments in mitochondrial function and oxidative damage that can lead to neuronal injury. The mitochondrial complex I enzyme is one of the main sites of ROS generation and is implicated in many BD pathophysiologies. Despite advances in therapeutics for BD management, conventional pharmacotherapy still cannot efficiently control neuronal redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction. Araucaria angustifolia is one of the main pine species in South America and presents a notable therapeutic history in folk medicine. A. angustifolia extract (AAE), obtained from the natural waste named bracts, is rich in flavonoids; molecules able to regulate cell redox metabolism. We examined the effects of AAE on rotenone-induced mitochondrial complex I dysfunction in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. AAE restored complex I assembly and activity mainly through overexpression of NDUFS7 protein and NDUFV2 gene levels. These findings were accompanied by a reduction in the generation of neuronal reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Our data demonstrates, for the first time, that AAE exerts in vitro neuroprotective effects, thus making it an interesting source for future drug development in BD-associated mitochondrial dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To increase its resistant content, native pinhão starch was modified using a microwave (300 W, 90 s) and subsequently cooled at 4 °C for 4, 8, 16, 24, and 72 h. The results demonstrated that all starches exhibited a crystalline structure of type C, with decreased crystallinity after modification. In the modified samples, the ratio of peaks 1047/1022 cm−1 and 995/1022 cm−1, as identified by FTIR, indicated a reduction in the crystalline region and damage to the double helix structure of starch granules. DSC analysis revealed that modified starches had lower gelatinization temperature range values due to the presence of more homogeneous crystals. Rheological analyses showed that starch suspensions obtained exhibited pseudoplastic fluid behavior and gel-like viscoelastic structure formation, with higher storage moduli in samples with longer cooling times. The microwave-modified starch, cooled for 72 h, exhibited higher digestion resistance, resulting in a 43.6 % increase in resistant starch content and a 26.1 % decrease in rapidly digestible starch compared to native starch. The results highlight that the modification of native pinhão starch using a microwave, followed by cooling at 4 °C for 72 h, presents a promising method for increasing the resistant starch content. • Microwave irradiation followed by cooling was applied to pinhão starch. • Swelling power, crystallinity, and rapidly digestible starch content decreased. • Resistant starch content increased after microwave irradiation and cooling. • Modified starches had dominance of elastic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Starch from Brazilian native fruits seeds were isolated to produce hydrogel. • Guabiju hydrogel had the highest final viscosity resulting in lowest water absorption. • Guabiju hydrogel had internal structure with shallow and closed pores. • Pinhao and Uvaia had similar internal structure and water absorption behaviour. • Non-conventional starch contribute to the valuation of by-products and local native species. The physicochemical properties of starch vary depending on the botanical sources, thereby influencing the gelatinisation/retrogradation properties and subsequently affecting the hydrogels characteristics. This study aimed to assess the influence of botanical sources influence on starch and hydrogel properties using non-conventional starch derived from guabiju, pinhão, and uvaia seeds. Hydrogels were prepared by starch gelatinisation followed by 6 h ageing period at room temperature (20 ± 2 °C) and subjected to five freeze–thaw cycles. Pinhão starch exhibited a higher viscosity peak and breakdown, along with a lower final viscosity and setback, compared to guabiju and uvaia starches. The significantly different pasting properties influenced the porous microstructure, water absorption (p-value: 0.01), and resistance of the hydrogels (p-value: 0.01). The guabiju starch hydrogels showed a uniform pore structure without cavities, whereas pinhão and uvaia starch hydrogels exhibited agglomerated and spongy pore structures. Furthermore, the guabiju starch hydrogel demonstrated the lowest water absorption (4.56 g/g) and the highest compression resistance (1448.50 g) among all the studied starch hydrogels. In contrast, the pinhão starch hydrogel showed the highest water absorption (7.43 g/; p-value: 0.01) among all studied starch hydrogels. The hardness of uvaia starch hydrogel did not differ significantly from the guabiju and pinhão starch hydrogel. The different non-conventional starches reveal important variations in the hydrogels characteristics. This provides insights into how amylose and amylopectin interact and present alternatives for using these unique starch-based hydrogels in diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dendrochronological series of Araucaria angustifolia was analyzed for a better understanding of the climatic factors that operate in Campos do Jordão city, São Paulo state, Brazil. The dendroclimatic analysis was carried out using 45 samples from 16 Araucaria angustifolia trees to reconstruct the precipitation and the temperature over the 1803–2012 yearly interval. To this end, Pearson’s correlation was calculated between mean chronology and the climatic time series using a monthly temporal resolution to calibrate our models. We obtained correlations as high as r=0.22(α=0.1) for precipitation (February), and r=0.21(α=0.1) for temperature (March), both corresponding to the end of the summer season. Our results show evidence of temporal instabilities because the correlations for the halves of 1963–2012 were very different, as well as for the full period. To overcome this problem, the dendrochronological series and the climatic data were investigated using the wavelet techniques searching for time-dependent cause–effect relationships. From these analyses, we find a strong influence of the region’s precipitation and temperature on the growth of tree ring widths.

O crescimento da vegetação está relacionado com a disponibilidade de recursos naturais e a capacidade de cada espécie em utilizá-los. Por isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o crescimento de dois grupos arbóreos: Grupo 1, correspondente a espécie Araucaria angustifolia; e Grupo 2, representado pelas dez espécies com maior valor de importância em uma Floresta Ombrófila Mista. Para isso, as seguintes hipóteses foram formuladas: a Araucaria angustifolia apresenta crescimento diferenciado das espécies mais representativas em função de características ambientais em que está localizada? e quais locais podem ser prioritários para o manejo dessa espécie? Este estudo foi realizado na Floresta Nacional de São Francisco de Paula, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, onde todas as espécies com diâmetro à altura do peito ≥ 9,5 cm foram avaliadas por meio de inventário florestal contínuo em cinco unidades de estudo (UEs I, II, III, IV e V) por um período de dez anos. Foram calculados os incrementos correntes anuais em diâmetro para cada árvore, sendo posteriormente calculados os valores de incremento corrente médio por espécie. No último ano, foram medidas as alturas totais e comerciais. O Grupo 1 manteve crescimento superior (0,32 cm·ano-1) ao Grupo 2 (0,23 cm·ano-1), atribuído à capacidade de resiliência de Araucaria angustifolia. Essa espécie também demonstrou maiores alturas totais e comerciais médias, com 18,54 e 14,92 m, respectivamente, resultado que corroborou para evidenciar o seu potencial para o manejo. As UEs II, III e IV apresentaram características edáficas que podem estar relacionadas ao maior potencial de crescimento de Araucaria angustifolia, o que confere a espécie um crescimento diferenciado ao das demais espécies da floresta.

Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze (Araucariaceae), commonly known as araucaria and Brazilian pine tree, can be grown for their edible pine nuts (pinhões), medicinal properties, and ornamental purposes. The aim was to assess the shoot and root growth and the overall quality of A. angustifolia seedlings grown in containers with different sizes, shapes and composition. Seeds were sowed in five containers: I – 126cm³ polypropylene cone-tainers (small cone-tainers); II – 290cm³ cone-tainers (large cone-tainers); III – 879cm³ polyethylene black bags; IV- 275 cm³ nonwoven fabric (TNT) containers (small TNT container) and; 493 cm³ nonwoven fabric (TNT) containers (large TNT container). Seedlings were evaluated 210 days after sowing, regarding the following variables: aboveground height (cm), root collar diameter (mm), shoot dry mass (g), roots dry mass (g), total dry mass (g), leaf area (cm²), roots area (cm²), roots volume (cm³), sturdiness quotient, root-shoot ratio and Dickson quality index. Height was superior for seedlings grown in the plastic bags (27.6 cm) and the large TNT containers (27.02 cm) when compared to the small and large cone-tainers (21.75 and 21.78 cm, respectively). Plastic bags also presented greater values of root-collar diameter, shoots, roots and total biomass and Dickson Quality index. Small and large TNT containers promoted lower root area and volume when compared to large polyethylene cone-tainers, but allowed for the same or better aboveground growth. Taking all results analyzed together, the polyethylene black bag promoted better growth and quality of Brazilian pine tree seedlings in comparison to the other containers.