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Natural lipids with nutritional or therapeutic benefits that also provide desired texture, melting and organoleptic appeal (mouthfeel, skin feel) are difficult to procure for the food and cosmetics industries. Natural Astrocaryum pulp oil (AVP) and kernel fat (AVK) from Guyana were blended without further modification to study the potential of extending the physical functionality of the blends beyond that of crude AVK and AVP. An evaluation of non-lipid components by ESI-MS indicated twenty-four (24) bioactive molecules, mainly carotenoids (90%), polyphenols (9%) and sterols (1%) in AVP, indicating important health and therapeutic benefits. Only trace-to-negligible amounts of these compounds were detected in AVK. The thermal transition phase behavior, solid fat content (SFC), microstructure and textural properties of five AVP/AVL blends were used to construct phase diagrams of the AVK/AVP binary system. Binary phase diagrams constructed from the cooling and heating DSC thermograms of the mixtures and description of the liquidus line indicated a mixing behavior close to ideal with a tendency for order, with no phase separation. Melting onsets, solid fat content and measurements of solid-like texture all predictively increased with increasing AVK content. The descriptive decay parameters obtained for SFC, crystal size, hardness, firmness and spreadability were similar and predictive and indicate the way the binary system structure approaches that of a liquid or a functional solid. The bioactive content of the blends was accurately calculated; the work provides a blueprint for the blending of AVP and AVK to deliver targeted bioactive content, stability, spreadability, texture, melting profile, organoleptic appeal and solid content. SFCs at 20 °C ranged from 9.1% to 39.1%, melting onset from −17.5 °C to 27.8 °C, hardness from 0.1 N to 3.5 N and spreadability from 3.3 N·s to 147.1 N·s; indicating a useful dynamic range of physical properties suitable for bioactive oils to bioactive butters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase behavior of lipids extracted from Astrocaryum vulgare (AV) and Astrocaryum aculeatum (AA) pulp and kernels and their microstructural, thermal and flow properties were studied. The lipid profiles, crystal structures, microstructures, thermal stabilities and flow behaviors of these lipids provided important structure–function information that are useful to assess potential applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. AV and AA fruits were sourced from the lowlands and rainforests, respectively, of Guyana. AV and AA pulp oils (AVP and AAP) were distinguished from each other in composition and unsaturation, with AVP oils being predominated by a di-unsaturated TAG (2-(palmitoyloxy)propane-1,3-diyl dioleate (POO)) and AAP oils predominated by propane-1,2,3-triyl trioleate (OOO); there were unsaturation levels of 65% and 80%, respectively. The main fatty acids in AVP oils were oleic, palmitic and stearic; for AAP, these were oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic. The kernel fats of AV and AA were similar in composition and had saturation levels of 80%, being mainly comprised of tri-saturated TAGs propane-1,2,3-triyl tridodecanoate (LLL) and 3-(tetradecanoyloxy)propane-1,2-diyl didodecanoate (LML). The onset of mass loss (T 5 % o n) of AV and AA pulp oils were similar at 328 ± 6 °C, which were 31 °C ± 9 higher compared to that of the kernel fats, which demonstrated similar T 5 % o n = 293 ± 7 °C. AA and AV pulp oils were liquid at room temperature, with melting points of −5 ± 1 °C and 3 ± 1 °C, respectively; both kernel fats were solid at room temperature, packing in β′ (90% of crystals) and β (10% of crystals) polymorphic forms and melting almost identically at 30 ± 1 °C. Pulp oils demonstrated sporadic nucleation at the onset of crystallization with slow growth into rod-shaped crystallites, leading to an approximately 50% degree of crystallization at undercooling of approximately 40K. Nucleation for kernel fats was instantaneous at undercooling of approximately 23K, demonstrating a spherulitic growth pattern incorporating crystalline lamella and a 90% degree of crystallization. Kernel fats and pulp oils demonstrated Newtonian flow behavior and similar dynamic viscosity in the melt, approximately 28.5 mPa·s at 40 °C. The lipid profiles of AVP and AAP oils were dominated by unsaturated TAGs, suggesting potential nutrition and health benefits, particularly compared to other tropical oils with higher saturation levels, such as palm oil. AAP oil in particular is as unsaturated as olive oil, contains high levels of beta carotene and provides a unique flavor profile. The AAK and AVK lipid profiles and phase transformation indicate potential for applications where a high solid fat content and medium-chain fatty acids are required. Their high lauric and myristic acid content makes them similar to industrially important tropical oils (coconut and palm kernel), suggesting their use in similar formulations. The melting point and plasticity of the kernel fats are similar to that of cocoa and shea butters, suggesting use as replacements in cosmetics, foods and confections. There is, however, the need to better understand their nutritional status and effects on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural lipids with nutritional or therapeutic benefits that also provide desired texture, melting and organoleptic appeal (mouthfeel, skin feel) are difficult to procure for the food and cosmetics industries. Natural Astrocaryum pulp oil (AVP) and kernel fat (AVK) from Guyana were blended without further modification to study the potential of extending the physical functionality of the blends beyond that of crude AVK and AVP. An evaluation of non-lipid components by ESI-MS indicated twenty-four (24) bioactive molecules, mainly carotenoids (90%), polyphenols (9%) and sterols (1%) in AVP, indicating important health and therapeutic benefits. Only trace-to-negligible amounts of these compounds were detected in AVK. The thermal transition phase behavior, solid fat content (SFC), microstructure and textural properties of five AVP/AVL blends were used to construct phase diagrams of the AVK/AVP binary system. Binary phase diagrams constructed from the cooling and heating DSC thermograms of the mixtures and description of the liquidus line indicated a mixing behavior close to ideal with a tendency for order, with no phase separation. Melting onsets, solid fat content and measurements of solid-like texture all predictively increased with increasing AVK content. The descriptive decay parameters obtained for SFC, crystal size, hardness, firmness and spreadability were similar and predictive and indicate the way the binary system structure approaches that of a liquid or a functional solid. The bioactive content of the blends was accurately calculated; the work provides a blueprint for the blending of AVP and AVK to deliver targeted bioactive content, stability, spreadability, texture, melting profile, organoleptic appeal and solid content. SFCs at 20 °C ranged from 9.1% to 39.1%, melting onset from −17.5 °C to 27.8 °C, hardness from 0.1 N to 3.5 N and spreadability from 3.3 N·s to 147.1 N·s; indicating a useful dynamic range of physical properties suitable for bioactive oils to bioactive butters.

Copyright of ESPOCH Congresses: The Ecuadorian Journal of S.T.E.A.M. is the property of Knowledge E DMCC 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.)

Arecaceae palm tree fruits (APTFs) with pulp or kernel rich in oil are widely distributed in six Brazilian biomes. APTFs represent a great potential for the sustainable exploitation of products with high added value, but few literature studies have reported their properties and industrial applications. The lack of information leads to underutilization, low consumption, commercialization, and processing of these fruit species. This review presents and discusses the occurrence of 13 APTFs and the composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and potential applications of their 25 oils and fats. The reported studies showed that the species present different lipid profiles. Multivariate analysis based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated a correlation between the composition of pulp and kernel oils. Myristic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids are the main saturated fatty acids, while oleic acid is the main unsaturated. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds are the main bioactive compounds in APTFs, contributing to their high oxidative stability. The APTFs oils have a potential for use as foods and ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries. However, more studies are still necessary to better understand and exploit these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arecaceae palm tree fruits (APTFs) with pulp or kernel rich in oil are widely distributed in six Brazilian biomes. APTFs represent a great potential for the sustainable exploitation of products with high added value, but few literature studies have reported their properties and industrial applications. The lack of information leads to underutilization, low consumption, commercialization, and processing of these fruit species. This review presents and discusses the occurrence of 13 APTFs and the composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and potential applications of their 25 oils and fats. The reported studies showed that the species present different lipid profiles. Multivariate analysis based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated a correlation between the composition of pulp and kernel oils. Myristic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids are the main saturated fatty acids, while oleic acid is the main unsaturated. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds are the main bioactive compounds in APTFs, contributing to their high oxidative stability. The APTFs oils have a potential for use as foods and ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries. However, more studies are still necessary to better understand and exploit these species.

Highlights • Logging had no detectable effect on an understory palm 30 years post logging. • The size structure changed over in logged and control plots independent of logging. • This and indicates that some biodiversity can be conserved logging concessions. Abstract We studied the long-term effects of different selective-logging intensities on the stem-less palm Astrocaryum sociale in a central Amazonian forest 90 km north of Manaus. The experiment consisted of three blocks of 24 ha, each divided into six 4 ha plots in which the treatments were allocated randomly. Each block had a control plot. Within each block, commercial timber was logged with intensities of 44%, 50% and 67% of basal area in 1987, 1988 and 1993 respectively. Stem-less palms in each plot were measured in 1996 and 2016. The number of individuals decreased slightly from 3229 in 1996 to 2997 in 2016, and there was an increase in the proportion of large palms. The degree of change in size structure was related to time since logging (p = 0.012), which also affected the total number of leaves (p = 0.0001), the sum of all leaf lengths (p = 0.01) and the number of adults (p = 0.056). The volume of timber extracted and in standing dead trees was not related to size-structure change. In the control block, the number of individuals changed slightly during the study period. As the different cutting intensities had little, if any, effect of the size-structure of this understory palm up to 30 years after logging, management concessions can contribute to the conservation of some elements of palm biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Peels from tucumã, a widely consumed fruit in the North of Brazil, were calcined at 800 °C and employed as heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel synthesis. The catalyst characterization by WDXRF showed it was mostly composed of K, P, Ca, and Mg. The catalytic activity was evaluated by transesterification of soybean oil with methanol. The transesterification conditions were optimized at 1% w/w of the new catalyst, 4 h reaction time, 80 °C, and 15:1 methanol:oil molar ratio, yielding-biodiesel high oil conversion (97.3%). Because of its heterogeneous and non-leachable nature, the catalyst derived from tucumã peels could be reused 5 times under optimized conditions; a 17.3% decrease of catalytic activity was observed in the fourth reuse. Catalytic activity was also observed in reactions at room temperature and pressure, yielding conversions higher than 80% in 6 h of reaction time with 5% w/w of the catalyst. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • A new heterogeneous catalyst from waste tucumã peels was used in the synthesis of soybean biodiesel. • Oil-biodiesel conversions were higher than 97% with only 1% of new catalyst. • Transesterification reactions were performed at room temperature and pressure. • Conversions above 80% were obtained using 5% of new catalyst in only 6 h of reaction at ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basal branching process of Astrocaryum carnosum and A. huicungo is described and its rate and structural expression at the population level is analyzed. Two populations of palms were used in this study, A. carnosum from the Alto Huallaga valley and A. huicungo from the Alto Mayo valley. Branching systems underground were exposed and drawn. For both species, it was established 25 quadrants of 20x20m, in which were counted (i) the number of solitary and caespitose individuals, and (ii) the numbers of axes composing the caespitose individuals. The axes of solitary and caespitose individuals were distributed by growth stages (seedling/juvenile-1/juvenile-2/adult). Seedling and juvenile-1 are not caespitose, basal branching starts in juvenile-2. A. huicungo presents a higher density of axes produced by basal branching than A. carnosum. This branching process in both species by formations of clones from short rhizomes allows an optimized exploitation of space and ensures the continuity of the population over time. However, its role in the spatial propagation of the species is very limited by the shortness of the rhizomes.

This work investigated the physico-chemical properties of tucumã pulp ( Astrocaryum aculeatum ) encapsulated with different biopolymers. Gum arabic, Maltodextrin, Dextrin (Capsul ® ) and Modified Starch (SnowFlake ® ) were used as wall material. The pulp/wall material solution was prepared in an 85:15 ratio. The microparticles were obtained from freeze-drying of the tucumã solutions. The pulp composition, physicochemical properties (moisture content, water activity, size and morphology) of the microparticles, sorption isotherms, water adsorption kinetics, thermogravimetrics (TGA) and content of different bioactive compounds (antioxidant, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and vitamin A) were all analyzed. The powders presented typical morphology of products dehydrated by freeze drying, with vacuoles and surface defects of the microparticles. The DX treatment showed lower hygroscopic behavior, favoring the stability of the tucumã powder. Better bioactive compound retention values were observed for microparticles with modified starches. GA and MD showed better thermal resistance compared to modified starches. In general, the biopolymers showed good maintenance of the bioactive compounds of the encapsulated tucumã. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbons (ACs) prepared from tucumã seed (Astrocaryum aculeatum) were used for 2-nitrophenol removal from aqueous solutions. The ACs were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, TGA, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity balance, and total of acidic and basic groups. The ACs showed to have hydrophilic surfaces and they presented high specific surface areas (up to 1318 m2 g−1). In batch optimization studies, maximum removal was obtained at pH 7, contact time of 30 min, adsorbent dosage 1.5 gL−1 and temperature of 50°C. The general-order kinetic model and Liu isotherm model best fit the kinetic and equilibrium adsorption data with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1382 mg g−1 at 50°C. Effect of temperature and thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption processes of 2-nitrophenol onto ACs are dependent on temperature and are exothermic and spontaneous, respectively. About the applicability of the ACs for treating simulated effluents, the tucumã seed-activated carbon showed an excellent outcome in the treatment of simulated effluents, evidencing its high efficiency for phenolic compound adsorption. Tucumã seed-ACs showed to be cost effective and highly efficient adsorbents for efficient removal of 2-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with Astrocaryum vulgare oil (tucumã oil), a hypoglycemic natural compound, was able to reduce hepatic oxidative stress of diabetic mice. An increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activities, as well as glutathione reductase (GSH) levels were observed in diabetic/water group. Treatment with tucumã oil prevented lipid peroxidation and inhibition of CAT and SOD activities in diabetic mice. The tucumã oil treatment may provide effective protection against lipid oxidative damage in the liver tissue of diabetic mice, since it improved the enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Therefore, the tucumã oil can be an important coadjutant in the treatment of diabetes, contributing to the prevention and reduction of oxidative damage. Practical applications: Recently, it was demonstrated that tucumã oil exerts potent antihyperglycemic effect in alloxan‐induced diabetic mice. The oil improved the pancreatic oxidant/antioxidant status, playing an essential role in the hypoglycemic effect. The results showed that tucumã oil can reduce oxidative stress in liver tissue, and consequently, prevent the hepatic alterations caused by high glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was the physicochemical characterization, fatty acid composition and Vitamin E content of oil extracted from the kernel of the fruit of cumare's palm (Astrocaryum chambira). The plant material used in this research was collected in Caney-Restrepo, km 12 in the department of Meta-Colombia. The oil extraction process was performed by the soxhlet method using n-hexane as solvent, applying a unifactorial three-level experimental design to determine the most appropriate mass: solvent ratio. The percentage of lipids in dry basis of the kernel samples was 46.88% ± 0.73, which corresponds to the ratio 5 g of dry sample: 150 mL of solvent. The results of the physicochemical parameters were: density at 25 °C 0.9171 ± 0.003 g mL-1, refractive index at 40 °C 1.4518 ± 0.0004, iodine index 8.28 ± 0.60 g I2 100 g-1 oil, saponification index 246.66 ± 0.69 mg KOH g-1 oil, the percentage of acidity 0.248% ± 0.002 and the acid index 0.694 ± 0.006 mg KOH g-1 oil. The fatty acid profile presented a higher proportion of saturated (91.6%) than unsaturated (8.3%), likewise the analysis showed that lauric acid is the most abundant (48.6%) followed by myristic (29.8%), palmitic (6.7%), oleic (5.7%) and linoleic (2.5%). Based on the results obtained in the present study, data reported in the literature and regulations related to the use of oils of vegetable origin, this oil shows a great potential to be used as raw material in the food, pharmaceutical and oleochemical industry is feasible. However, it is recommended to perform additional tests in order to reaffirm their use in them.fisicoquímicos [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palm genus Astrocaryum with 40 species is common in tropical South America extending northwards reaching Central America and Trinidad. Twenty-six species grow in Brazil, 14 in Peru, 11 in Colombia, 9 in Guyana, 9 in Suriname, 8 in Bolivia, 8 in French Guiana, 6 in Venezuela, 4 in Ecuador, 2 in Costa Rica, 2 in Panama, and 1 in Trinidad. The genus includes solitary or caespitose species in the following classes: (i) large palms with tall stem, (ii) palms with large leaves and medium-sized, or short, or subterranean stem, (iii) slender to mediumsized palms, (iv) acaulescent palms with very short leaves. Although most Astrocaryum species are used by humans, only a few may have promising economic potential and are significantly important in the local and regional trade. In this article, I propose a new taxonomic classification based on characters of the fruit, flowers and vegetative parts. The genus is divided in three subgenera: (i) Munbaca with two sections, Munbaca and Mumbacusu, each with 2 species; (ii) Astrocaryum with two sections, Euchambira (new section with 1 species) and Astrocaryum with three subsections — Astrocaryum (9 species), Acaulia (5 species) and Perstaminata (new subsection with 1 species); (iii) Monogynanthus with four sections: Monogynanthus (with 3 species), Ayri (1 species), Guatinajo (new section with 1 species) and Huicungo (new section) that includes three subsections — Huicungo (7 species); Sachacungo (new subsection with 5 species), and Murumuru (3 species). A synoptic review of the genus is presented herein, including descriptions and illustrations as well as data on distribution, habit, ecology and common names for each species. An identification key to all species is also supplied.

The phylogenetic affinities of the anamorphic fungus Ernakulamia cochinensis are investigated based on a representative specimen recently collected on Astrocaryum standleyanum (Arecaceae) in Panama. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence data of the large subunit and the internal transcribed spacer region together with a fragment of the β-tubulin gene suggest that the fungus belongs to the Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota) where it groups with members of the family Tetraplosphaeriaceae in Pleosporales. Morphologically, this placement is further supported by the presence of an internal hyphal structure found within the conidia of the Panamanian collection and an isotype specimen of the fungus similar to species of closely related genera within Tetraplosphaeriaceae, e.g., Quadricrura and Polyplosphaeria. The putative phylogenetic position of the morphologically similar Piricaudilium lobatum in Tetraplosphaeriaceae is proposed based on examination of its type specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycling of plant wasted materials into useful products represents a green alternative to prevent environmental problems. Tucumã palm fruit ( Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer) is widely used in Amazon region for food and crafts. Due to the large amount of wasted Tucumã’s endocarp, this work proposes a new approach for extraction of cellulose and its structural characterization. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Rietveld Refinement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Infrared-transform Fourier Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermal Analysis (TG/DSC) have been used for characterization of the extracted cellulose. XRD patterns of the in natura tucumã’s endocarp has showed a natural crystalline content embedded in a non-crystalline matrix. Nanocrystals of cellulose have been observed in the XRD pattern of the extracted cellulose, showing a good agreement with type II. Rietveld refinement allowed the cell parameters obtainment ( a = 8.43(1) Å, b = 9.50(1) Å, c = 9.39(3) Å and γ = 118.43(4)°). Apparent average crystallite size and microstrain were, respectively, 20.0 Å and 0.1%. Two different methods were applied for estimative of crystallinity percentage. In the first method the height ratio between the intensity of the crystalline peak and the total intensity after the subtraction of the non-crystalline content was applied, leading to 48.5%. The second approach was performed using the amorphous area and the total area of the (1 1 0) peak from the experimental diffractogram, leading to 31.5%. The difference in crystallinity percentage concerning these two used approaches may be explained due to the first method does not consider the broad peaks resulted from nanocrystals diffraction. FTIR spectroscopy has evidenced a cellulose type II structure. SEM images showed micrometric sized fibers with ranged thicknesses. However, a new morphology of spherical nanostructures was observed on the type II matrix fibers. Thermal analysis suggests that the extracted cellulose have low thermal stability, which resulted from poor ordered, packed chains. A large exothermic band was found in DSC curve and associated to the release of energy from the amorphous phase degradation. Thus, this work successfully extracted cellulose from tucumã’s endocarp and allowed its structural, morphological and thermal characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polysaccharide compositions of primary and secondary cell walls of members of the family Arecaceae in the commelinid clade of monocotyledonous plants have previously been found to be distinguishable from other commelinid families, and to be more similar to those of non-commelinids. However, few studies have been conducted. We aimed to extract and characterize the main cell-wall polysaccharides in the fruit pulp of tucumã ( Astrocaryum aculeatum ), a member of Arecaceae family. Hemicellulosic polysaccharides extracted by alkali from the fruit pulp were present in greater proportions (6.4% yield) than water-extracted ones (3.0% yield). Thus, the former was analyzed using monosaccharide composition, methylation, molecular weight determination and 13 C-NMR data. The tucumã alkaline extract presented a highly ramified acidic galactoarabinoxylan (53.7%), a linear (1 → 5)-linked α-L-arabinan (27.8%), a low branched glucuronoxylan (14.1%) and small portions of a xyloglucan (4.4%). The major polysaccharide found in A. aculeatum (acidic galactoarabinoxylan) is similar to those found in other commelinid plants such as grasses and cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palm Astrocaryum malybo is an endangered species growing in forest remnants in the Caribbean lowlands of Colombia, where its spear leaves provide fiber for a flourishing artisanal activity. We studied the palm's population structure and dynamics near the town of Chimichagua, Cesar, in order to provide ecological information required for its management and conservation. We modeled population growth and fiber production in the next 20 years under different management scenarios using Integral Projection Models. Although there was a low proportion of seedlings and population structure was variable, the population would grow for the next 20 years, with an annual growth rate of 7.1%, yielding ca. 35 spear leaves/ha/year for artisanal activity. Simulations of the model show that the population is susceptible to alterations that affect the survival of individuals; removal of as few as 34 palms of any size per ha/year would cause the population to decrease, and spear leaf production will decline accordingly. Conversely, any increase in seedling growth or survival would lead to population growth. If properly managed, A. malybo is a key species for conservation of the dry forest relicts in the Caribbean lowlands of Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scatter-hoarding by rodents is expected to benefit palm recruitment by allowing cached seeds to escape predation and to colonize new areas, but evidence that seedlings emerge from cached seeds is scarce. We aimed to assess to what extent seedling establishment of two palm species (Astrocaryum aculeatissimum and Attalea humilis) is favoured by seed caching by rodents in a large Atlantic Forest remnant. We mapped the location of conspecific seedlings within circular plots of 15-m radius around five adult individuals of each palm species, checking if seedlings established from dispersed (>2 m from parent palms) or non-dispersed seeds (0–2 m from parent palms), and from buried or unburied seeds. We found a total of 42 A. aculeatissimum seedlings and 16 A. humilis seedlings. Nearly all (98%) seedlings established from seeds dispersed away from parents (mainly located 10–15 m from parents), and 83% and 75% of seedlings of A. aculeatissimum and A. humilis, respectively, established from seeds buried in the soil. Results show that both palm species depend almost entirely on caching of seeds by rodents to establish seedlings. Our study suggests that checking for endocarps associated with established seedlings can accurately estimate the process behind seedling establishment, improving our understanding about the net outcome of seed caching for large-seeded palms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The research for new alternative energy sources has encouraged the study of different raw materials for the production of biodiesel. This work evaluated the use of murumuru ( Astrocaryum murumuru Mart.) butter, and oils of buriti ( Mauritia flexuosa Mart.) and pracaxi ( Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze) for biodiesel production by homogeneous alkaline transesterification. It was also studied their thermal stability by thermal gravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) and performed a kinetic study of the thermal decomposition of biodiesels using the Ozawa method. Classical physical and chemical analyses were used to characterize the oils and synthesized biodiesels. The results regarding the physico-chemical properties of the biodiesels were consistent with the values specified by Brazilian, American and European standards. Pracaxi biodiesel was thermally more stable than buriti and murumuru biodiesels. Due to their low decomposition temperatures, buriti and murumuru biodiesels showed high volatility, a very important feature associated with improved combustion properties, allowing their application in diesel engines. The values obtained for the activation energy of the thermal decomposition process of biodiesels confirmed that pracaxi biodiesel possesses greater thermal stability among the species studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed distribution of Astrocaryum sect. Huicungo (Arecaceae) in Peru is presented and discussed. Twelve out of the 15 species that compose this section are found in the Peruvian territory from North to South in the eastern Andean foothills and western Amazonian lowlands. All these species have a parapatric distribution, except for Astrocaryum macrocalyx and A. urostachys, which share a very limited area. Limits of distribution areas may be related to geographical, geomorphological and ecological barriers (river, geological rising, soil drainage). In some cases, however, the contact between species is almost contiguous; no natural barrier could be detected in the field.

Astrocaryum ulei, previously known from Brazil and Bolivia, is here reported from Madre de Dios in Peru. Based on the new material collected it has been possible to write an amended description of this species, which is presented here.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi designar o nome correto do afídeo que ataca palmáceas nativas amazônicas e descrever sua infestação. O monitoramento de insetos-praga em mudas e em plantas adultas permitiu a identificação de Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel, 1901) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae: Cerataphidini). Relatos anteriores identificaram erroneamente a espécie como Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval, 1867). Recomenda-se o monitoramento dessa espécie em palmáceas.The purpose of this study was to denominate correctly the aphid that attack native Amazonian palms in the Eastern Amazon and describe its infestation. The monitoring of insect-pests on seedlings and mature plants allowed the identification of Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel, 1901) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae: Cerataphidini). Earlier reports erroneously identified the species as Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval, 1867). It is recommended the application of monitoring of this species on palm trees.

It has been shown that the local extinction of large-bodied frugivores may cause cascading consequences for plant recruitment and overall plant diversity. However, to what extent the resilient mammals can compensate the role of seed dispersal in defaunated sites is poorly understood. Caviomorph rodents, especially Dasyprocta spp., are usually resilient frugivores in hunted forests and their seed caching behavior may be important for many plant species which lack primary dispersers. We compared the effect of the variation in seed mass of six vertebrate-dispersed plant species on the caching decision by the red-rumped agoutis Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758 in a land-bridge island of the Atlantic forest, Brazil. We found a strong positive effect of seed mass on seed fate and dispersal distance, but there was a great variation between species. Agoutis never cached seeds smaller than 0.9 g and larger seeds were dispersed for longer distances. Therefore, agoutis can be important seed dispersers of large-seeded species in defaunated forests.

Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

Background: Astrocaryum aculeatum is a palm tree species native to the tropical regions of South America, exploited commercially by local farmers for the pulp extracted from its fruits. The objective of this research was to compare the genetic diversity between adult plants and seedlings from open-pollinated seeds, quantify the pollen flow and dispersal, the spatial genetic structure, and the effective size of a population that has been continuously harvested for its fruits. The study was carried out in a natural population of A. aculeatum distributed over approximately 8 ha in the State of Amazonas (Brazil), separated by 400 m from the closest neighboring population. In total, 112 potential pollen donors, 12 mother plants and 120 offspring were mapped and genotyped. Results: Genetic diversity was high for parents and the offspring. The fixation indexes for adults (F = -0.035) and offspring (F = -0.060) were negative and not significant. A significant spatial genetic structure was detected for the adult plants (up to the distance of 45 m) indicating short-distance seed dispersal. Paternity analysis detected 9.2% of pollen immigration and the average distance of pollination within the population was 81 m. The average effective pollination neighborhood area between plants was 1.51 ha. Conclusions: Our results indicate that substantial introduction of new alleles has occurred in the population through pollen immigration, contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity. Conservation efforts aimed at maintaining the gene pool of the current population or establishing new populations should utilize offspring from mother plants selected to be spaced by at least 50 m to prevent collecting seeds from relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of methylic and ethylic esters from tucumã ( A. huaimi Mart.) seeds oil. Thermal properties of these biofuels were evaluated by thermogravimetric and differential-thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTG) as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Chemical analysis indicated that tucumã seeds oil content was around 21% (w/w). The oil was rich in low molecular weight fatty acids, with lauric acid being the major constituent (38%), followed by oleic (24.8%) and myristic (17.9%) acids. The 1 H NMR spectra of the biodiesel produced revealed that all samples were free from contamination of triacylglycerol oil, indicating the efficiency of the transesterification process. The TG/DTG and DSC analyses indicated similar thermal behavior for both biofuels, but the ethylic biodiesel exhibited exothermals at lower temperatures, in the cooling cycles, which suggested better cold properties. The predicted CFPP value was −8.8 °C for ethylic biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oils obtained from native palm fruits are considered new sources of high added value phytochemicals, making it necessary to know the composition of the less studied species in order to evaluate their economic potential. The objective of this study is to identify and quantify the carotenoids in palm fruit oils from the Brazilian Amazon: bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), inajá (Maximiiiana maripa), pupunha (Bactris gasipaes) and tucumä (Astrocaryum vulgare), by means of liquid phase extraction and HPLC-UV-vis. analysis. The results showed an extremely variable carotenoid content, from 13 mg·kg-1 in bacaba oil to more than 1000 mg·kg-1 in the tucumä one. The oils obtained from buriti, pupunha and tucumä displayed high concentrations of ß-carotene, corresponding to fruits with the series ß, ß dominant metabolism. Upon analyzing the carotenoid profile in bacaba oil for the first time, an extraordinary dominance of the ß, e pathway was observed, proving them to be oils with high lutein and a-carotene contents. Although the ß, ß pathway dominates in inajá oil, the exclusive and high lycopene content implies that LCY-E is barely active in these fruits, in contrast to what has been evidenced so far. It is therefore of the utmost importance to characterize these new potential sources of carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Dexterous tool use has been crucial in the evolution of hominid percussive technology [ 1–3 ]. According to Newell [ 4 ], “dexterity” is the ability of an organism to make goal-directed corrections in movements to optimize effort. Dexterous movements are smooth and effective and accomplish the same goal with less energy than less dexterous movements. Dexterity develops during the later phases of refining a motor skill as the actor becomes sensitive to the outcome of the preceding movement, or to its modulation. In the present study, we examined how wild bearded capuchin monkeys, Sapajus libidinosus , at Fazenda Boa Vista in Piauí, Brazil, that routinely crack palm nuts using stones by placing them on rock outcrops, boulders, and logs (collectively termed anvils) [ 5 ] modulate the kinematic parameters of the strikes while processing a single tucum, Astrocaryum campestre nut. The monkeys cracked the nuts by repeatedly striking them with moderate force (i.e., not exceeding a threshold), rather than by striking them more forcefully once, and modulated the kinematic parameters of the current strike on the basis of the condition of the nut following the preceding strike (i.e., the development of any fracture or crack). Repeatedly striking the nuts with moderate force is energetically more efficient than forcefully striking them once and reduces the likelihood of smashing the kernel. Determining the changing energetic constraints of the task and dynamically optimizing movements using those as criteria are dexterous accomplishments. We discuss the implications of the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantifies the bioactive molecules in and determines the in vitro protective effect of ethanolic extracts isolated from the peel and pulp of tucumã ( Astrocaryum aculeatum , Mart.), an Amazonian fruit rich in carotenoids. The cytoprotective effect of tucumã was evaluated in lymphocyte cultures exposed to H 2 O 2 using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric, and immunoassay assays. The results confirmed that tucumã pulp extract is rich in β-carotene and quercetin, as previously described in the literature. However, high levels of these compounds were also found in tucumã peel extract. The extracts also contained significant amounts rutin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Despite quantitative differences in the concentration of these bioactive molecules, both extracts increased the viability of cells exposed to H 2 O 2 in concentrations ranging from 300 to 900 μg/mL. Caspases 1, 3, and 8 decreased significantly in cells concomitantly exposed to H 2 O 2 and these extracts, indicating that tucumã cryoprotection involves apoptosis modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-plant interactions in Neotropical forests are complex processes. Within these processes, mid- to large-sized mammals consume fruits and seeds from several species; however, because of their size these mammals are overhunted, resulting in defaunated forests. Our objective was to evaluate and compare seed removal and survivorship in a forest with no hunting, a forest with moderate or reduced hunting, and a forest with higher hunting pressure. We examined the interaction between Astrocaryum gratum and white lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) to tease apart the defaunation process. To isolate and evaluate mammal seed removal rates and to identify the causes of mortality on A.gratum, under the three different hunting pressures forests, we used exclosures in each one. In four different forest-patches for each forest, we positioned a block-treatment consisting of three exclosures (total exclusion, peccary exclusion, and control), randomly distributed 5m apart and the block-treatments spaced 50-75m apart from one another. We established 15 treatments in total for each patch (5 blocks per patch). There were 20 blocks within each forest type. For total exclusion, all vertebrates were excluded using galvanized wire mesh exclosures. The second, the peccary exclusion, was designed to stop peccaries from entering treatment units, providing access only to small vertebrates; larger mammals were able to access the treatment unit by reaching over the sides and the open top; finally, the Control allowed full access for all mammals. Fresh A. gratum fruits were collected from the forest floor under different adult trees throughout the study area. In each exclosure treatment, twenty A.gratum seeds were placed, and their removal was recorded. In total, 3 600 seeds were analyzed. Seed survival was lower in unhunted forest compared to areas with moderate hunting and forest with a higher hunt pressure, supporting the hypothesis of the importance of mammals in seed removal. From the initial 400 seeds left for each control exclosure in each type of forest, there was a significant difference between the seed removal; 1.75% seeds in the unhunted forest remained; 43.5% in the moderately hunted forest, and 48.5% in hunted forest. The main cause of seed mortality was white lipped peccaries; while in the forests without them, the main removal was caused by rodents and a higher insect infection was observed in the heavily hunted forest. Our results indicated that defaunation affects seed survivorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocaryum jauari is a non-domesticated palm that is exploited by poachers. Our objective was to investigate the organization of the genetic diversity and structure of three A. jauari populations. The study was carried out in the state of Amazonas, between the municipalities of Coari and Manaus. Nine microsatellite loci were used for the genetic analyses. High genetic variation was found, with a mean number of alleles per locus varying from 3.9 to 4.4. The average observed heterozygosity, varying from 0.71 to 0.78, was higher than expected. No spatial genetic structure was detected, since only one cluster was observed. Our results indicate a possible dispersion strategy and suggest that conservation measures of this species should focus mainly on the populations found at the end of the main river (Solimões) where most of the plant material originating from the headwaters of the tributaries of this river is concentrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several compounds present in fruits as polyphenols are able to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. These proprieties are relevant mainly in tropical areas, as Amazonian region where infectious are highly prevalent. Therefore, this study investigated the antimicrobial activity of tucumã Amazonian fruit against 37 microorganisms. The potential role of oxidative metabolism imbalance was also studied as causal mechanism of antimicrobial activity. The results showed antibacterial effect of pulp and peel tucumã hydro-alcoholic extracts on three Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes) and antifungal effect against Candida albicans. The antimicrobial contribution of main chemical compounds (quercetin, rutin, β-carotene and gallic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids) found in tucumã extracts was also investigated showing an inhibitory effect depending of the organism mainly by quercetin in bacteria and rutin in C. albicans. Analysis of kinetic of DNA releasing in extracellular medium by fluorescence using DNA Pico Green assay® and reactive oxygen species production (ROS) showed potential oxidative imbalance contribution on tucumã inhibitory effect. In B. cereus and C. albicans this effect was clear since after 24h the ROS levels were higher when compared to negative control group. In conclusion, tucumã extracts present antimicrobial activity to four microorganisms that have large problems of drug resistance, and the possible mechanism of action of this Amazon fruit is related to REDOX imbalance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An in vivo study was conducted to assess the effects of the consumption of Astrocaryum aculeatum Amazon Meyer (tucumã) in the treatment of diet-induced dyslipidemia in sedentary and exercised Wistar rats. With an average weight of 350 grams, 40 male rats were divided into 4 subgroups of 10. The sedentary control group (SCG) was fed with commercial feed, while the sedentary treatment group (STG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. In addition to the sedentary groups, two exercise groups were formed. The Exercised control group (ECG) was fed with commercial food and the exercised treatment group (ETG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. Body weight gain and food intake were monitored during the experiment. Plasma was analyzed for cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL, total protein, glucose, insulin, and leptin concentrations. Our results show that the ECG group tended to consume more food, while the groups that were fed with tucumã pulp (STG and ETG) presented a greater tendency to gain body mass. ECG group showed a tendency towards a higher concentration of cholesterol in plasma, while STG and ETG presented higher absolute values for triglycerides and VLDL. No hypolipiemic effect was observed related to tucuma ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]