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Gamasiphis Berlese is the most diverse genus of Ologamasidae, with 74 described species, seven of which were described from Ecuador. The main objective of this paper is to report the Gamasiphis species found in surveys recently conducted in Ecuador, including a new species here described, Gamasiphis vikkiae Melo-Molina & Santos n. sp. Complementary descriptions of two previously described species, also collected in this study, are presented.

Morbidity and mortality of the infected patients by multidrug-resistant bacteria have increased, emphasizing the urgency of fight for the discovery of new innovative antibiotics. In this sense, natural products emerge as valuable sources of bioactive compounds. Among the biodiversity, Eryngium pristis Cham. & Schltdl. (Apiaceae Lindl.) is traditionally used to treat thrush and ulcers of throat and mouth, as diuretic and emmenagogue, but scarcely known as an antimicrobial agent. With this context in mind, the goals of this study were to investigate the metabolic profile and the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract (EE-Ep) and hexane (HF-Ep), dichloromethane (DF-Ep), ethyl acetate (EAF-Ep) and butanol (BF-Ep) fractions from E. pristis leaves. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to stablish the metabolic profile and revealed the presence of 12 and 14 compounds in EAF-Ep and HF-Ep, respectively. β-selinene, spathulenol, globulol, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, and lupeol derivative were some of phytochemicals identified. The antibacterial activity was determined by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using the broth micro-dilution against eight ATCC® and five methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical strains. HF-Ep was the most effective (MIC ≤ 5,000 µg/µL), being active against the largest part of tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including MRSA, with exception of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) and (ATCC 27853). These results suggest that E. pristis is a natural source of bioactive compounds for the search of new antibiotics which can be an interesting therapeutic approach to recover patients mainly infected by MRSA strains.

Diabetes is currently a worldwide health concern. Hyperglycemia, hypertension, obesity, and oxidative stress are the major risk factors that inevitably lead to all the complications from diabetes. These complications severely impact the quality of life of patients, and they can be managed, reduced, or even reverted by several polyphenols, plant extracts and foods rich in these compounds. The goal of this review is to approach diabetes not as a single condition but rather an interconnected combination of risk factors and complications. This work shows that polyphenols have multi target action and effects and they have been systematically proven to be relevant in the reduction of each risk factor and improvement of associated complication.

Geogamasus lasaroi Barros, Azevedo & Castilho sp. nov. is described based on the morphology of adult females collected from soil-litter of a well preserved fragment of the natural vegetation of the Caatinga biome, in Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil. In addition, key information on the morphology of the world Geogamasus species is presented in a tabular format.

Emphasis has been given in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso to the implementation of more sustainable production practices, including what has been termed agrosilvopastoral production system (ASPS), which involves the integration of different types of land use in a same area along time, seeking increased ecological stability. The Gamasina mite group (order Mesostigmata) is usually diverse and abundant in non-cultivated soils, where they can prey on arthropods and nematodes; some are commercialized for biological pest control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity and abundance of edaphic Gamasina in plots of grain production managed under conventional (alternating cultivation) system and under ASPS, both with the adoption of no-tillage cultivation, in the municipality of Sinop, Mato Grosso state. In samples of soil and litter taken biweekly from August 2015 to May 2016, 762 Gamasina representing 32 species of 21 genera and nine families were collected. Considering both systems together, the dominant Gamasina were quite different from those of other parts of Brazil. Calculated ecological indexes showed no major differences between the two systems, possibly because of the relatively short time since the implementation of ASPS. In both systems, Rhodacaridae was one of the dominant families (37.5% of the Gamasina), followed by Macrochelidae (20.9%) and Laelapidae (18.8%). The most abundant species were Multidentirhodacarus squamosus Karg (Rhodacaridae), a new species of Holostaspella (Macrochelidae) and Cosmolaelaps barbatus Moreira, Klompen and Moraes (Laelapidae). Future studies are warranted, allowing more time for the adoption of ASPS to produce possible ecological changes.

Ferulic acid (FA) is a natural antioxidant with limited absorption when conjugated with biomolecules but whose free form is readily absorbed in the stomach and, to a lesser extent, in the ileum. The latter suffers from inflammation and oxidative stress, so a novel strategy for the delivery of FA in this compartment of the gastrointestinal tract was developed. Using the neutral un-functionalized resin Lewatit® VP OC 1064 MD PH, under optimized conditions, a loading of 144 mg FA/g of dry resin was obtained. By means of an in vitro simulated digestion, an average release of 32 mg FA/g of dry loaded resin (recovery of 22%) was observed in intestinal conditions. The incorporation/release of FA onto/from the resin was confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and by HPLC-DAD. This work showed that the free form of FA can effectively be delivered in the small intestine, after immobilization in solid matrices.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:26:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da UNESP (FUNDUNESP) Universidade Estadual Paulista The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) on pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI), cellular composition of the corpus luteum (CL) and endometrial gland morphometry. In Experiment 1, Nelore cows (n = 587) received a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and, at insemination, received 0, 250 or 500 mg of bST subcutaneously (SC). In Experiment 2, Nelore cows (n = 243) received 0 or 500 mg of bST, SC, on D7 (D0 = day of FTAI). Blood samples were collected on D7 and D16 to measure progesterone (P4) concentrations. In Experiments 1 and 2, pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days after FTAI. In Experiment 3, Nelore heifers (n = 20) received a FTAI protocol, but were not inseminated, and on D0 (ovulation day), they received 0 (bST 0; n = 9) or 500 mg of bST (bST 500; n = 11), SC. The heifers were slaughtered on D15 (D0 = ovulation day), at which time the CL was evaluated for diameter, weight, a percentage of large (LLC) and small (SLC) luteal cells, and the concentration of progesterone in plasma measured. The number, perimeter and area of superficial and deep endometrial glands were evaluated. There was no difference in P/AI when bST was applied on D0 and D7. In Experiment 1, P/AI did not differ among treatments, with 59.28% (115/194), 58.38% (115/197) and 65.82% (129/196) for the bST 0, 250 and 500 treatments, respectively. In Experiment 2, P/AI did not differ between treatments, with 57.3% (71/124) and 60.5% (62/119) for the bST 0 and 500 treatments, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentrations on D16 was greater in the bST 500 (11.63 ± 0.84 ng/mL) than bST 0 (9.83 ± 0.88 ng/mL). In Experiment 3, there was no difference in ovarian diameter and weight, CL diameter, percentage of SLC, P4 concentrations and endometrial gland morphology. Heifers in the bST 500 treatment had heavier CL (3.11 ± 0.32 vs. 2.25 ± 0.20 g); however, the bST 0 treatment heifers had a greater percentage of LLC than did the bST 500 treatment (13.72 ± 1.16% vs. 8.60 ± 1.52). It was concluded that the doses of bST used in this study do not increase P/AI; however, they do cause changes in P4 concentration and the cellular composition of the CL. São Paulo State University - UNESP University of Florida North Florida Research & Education Center Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of São Paulo RG Advanced Genetics University of São Paulo West São Paulo State University - UNESP

We report the occurrence of Pyemotes tritici (LaGreze-Fossat and Montagne) (Acari: Pyemotidae) parasitizing the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in shed squares of cotton grown in a greenhouse. Parasitized larvae, pupae and adults of the cotton boll weevil had abdominal sternites and/or tergites covered by whitish spherical physogastric females of P. tritici. This is the first record of the cotton boll weevil parasitized by this mite species.

The variability of the organisms living in a given area constitute what is referred to as biodiversity, one of nature’s fundamental properties, responsible for the balance and stability of ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity has been of great concern to scientists, especially because of the role played by human activities in this regard, able to lead to irreversible circumstances. The São Paulo Research Foundation (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, FAPESP) plays a major role in supporting research efforts in the most diverse branches of science. In the late 1990´s, FAPESP launched a major program to promote research on biodiversity, named BIOTA/FAPESP. So far, this program has financed the conduction of 26 projects, involving research activities in most of Brazil, while focusing mainly the State of São Paulo. These projects have generated about 1140 publications in peer-reviewed journals of high standard, providing relevant information, including the original description of 1187 species and 76 genera, the complementary description of 350 species, as well as a number of inventory works, biological studies, etc. The program has also been instrumental in the establishment or adequacy of research facilities and training of new taxonomists. Most extensively studied groups of terrestrial invertebrates include Insecta of the orders Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera, and Arachnida of the subclasses Araneae and Acari. Distinct projects have also contributed to the detection of organisms potentially useful as biological control agents and in the determination of maps of major interest for the establishment of public policies. In the future, priority groups for study should include the Annelida and the Nematoda, for the potential both have as beneficial organisms, or for the potential some Nematoda have as organisms harmful to plants and animals. Resumo A variabilidade dos organismos em uma determinada área constitui o que se denomina biodiversidade, uma das propriedades fundamentais da natureza, responsável pelo equilíbrio e estabilidade dos ecossistemas. A perda da biodiversidade tem sido uma grande preocupação para os cientistas, principalmente pelo papel desempenhado pelas atividades humanas, com potencial para desencadear circunstâncias irreversíveis. A Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) desempenha um papel importante no apoio às pesquisas nos mais diversos ramos da ciência. No final da década de 1990, a FAPESP lançou um grande programa de fomento à pesquisa em biodiversidade, denominado BIOTA/FAPESP. Até o momento, este programa financiou a realização de 26 projetos, envolvendo atividades na maior parte do Brasil, embora tenham como foco principal o estado de São Paulo. Esses projetos geraram cerca de 1.140 publicações em periódicos de alto impacto, fornecendo informações relevantes que incluem a descrição original de 1.187 espécies e 76 gêneros e a descrição complementar de 350 espécies, além de diversos trabalhos de inventário, estudos biológicos etc. O programa também tem sido fundamental para o estabelecimento ou adequação de instalações de pesquisa científica e o treinamento de novos taxonomistas. Os grupos de invertebrados terrestres mais estudados incluem os Insecta das ordens Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera e Diptera, e os Arachnida das subclasses Araneae e Acari. Projetos distintos também têm contribuído para a detecção de organismos potencialmente úteis como agentes de controle biológico e na determinação de mapas de áreas preferenciais para o estabelecimento de políticas públicas. No futuro, os grupos prioritários de estudo devem incluir os Annelida e os Nematoda, pelo potencial que ambos têm como organismos benéficos, ou pelo potencial que alguns Nematoda têm como organismos prejudiciais a plantas e animais.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:47:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-03-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) BACKGROUND: The house fly, Musca domestica L., and the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), are important and harmful organisms. The cosmopolitan house fly is not parasitic, but the adults are annoying and a known vector of several pathogens. The importance of the stable fly has increased in Brazil in the last 40 years, after major changes in sugarcane cultivation practices were implemented, including the widespread application of vinasse (byproduct in sugarcane mills) and the parallel reduction of sugarcane preharvest burning. These changes have favored the development of this fly, which can reach high populations, that can negatively affect cattle and other animals. The control of these flies relies heavily on the use of chemical products, which very often do not provide adequate population reduction. Predatory mites of the family Macrochelidae have been evaluated under laboratory conditions for the biological control of these organisms, especially of the house fly. The objective of this study was to examine the predation capacity of the macrochelids Macrocheles embersoni Azevedo, Castilho & Berto and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) on the house fly and the stable fly, under semi-field conditions (screen-houses). RESULTS: Reductions of 83 to 90% of the house fly and 66 to 73% of the stable fly populations were observed, with the release of 100 of these predators per square meter. CONCLUSIONS: The number of adults of both fly species was much lower in the units where the predators had been released than in the others. However it is suggested that provisioning and or conserving alternative food sources for these macrochelids, such as free-living nematodes, could further improve biocontrol efficacy. Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ) Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Funding: This work was supported by FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia through the CQM Base Fund—UIDB/00674/2020, and Programmatic Fund -UIDP/00674/2020, and by Madeira 14–20 Program, project PROEQUIPRAM—Reforço do Investimento em Equipamentos e Infraestruturas Científicas na RAM (M1420-01-0145-FEDER-000008), by ARDITI—Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação, through the projects M1420-01-0145-FEDER-000005—Centro de Química da Madeira—CQM+ (Madeira 14–20 Program), Project M1420-09-5369-FSE-000001—Madeira Oceanic Observatory project. André Lopes was supported by a grant under the project ISLANDAP “R+D+i Towards Aquaponic Development in the UP islands and the Circular Economy (ISLANDAP, MAC/1. 1ª/207)” founded by the FEDER under the INTERREG MAC 2014-2020 program. Worldwide, the food industry generates a large number of by-products from a wide variety of sources. These by-products represent an interesting and economical source of added value components with potential functionalities and/or bioactivities, which might be explored for industrial purposes, encouraging and promoting the circular economy concept. In this context, the current work aimed to evaluate the fatty acids (FAs) profile using gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), as well as the determination of related health lipid indices (e.g., atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI)) as a powerful strategy to investigate the potential applications of different agri-food by-products for human nutrition and animal feeding. This work results showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the predominant group in grape pomace (72.7%), grape bunches (54.3%), and brewer’s spent grain (BSG, 59.0%), whereas carrot peels are dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs, 47.3%), and grape stems (46.2%), lees (from 50.8 to 74.1%), and potato peels (77.2%) by saturated fatty acids (SFAs). These findings represent a scientific basis for exploring the nutritional properties of agri-food by-products. Special attention should be given to grape pomace, grape bunches, and BSG since they have a high content of PUFAs (from 54.3 to 72.7%) and lower AI (from 0.11 to 0.38) and TI (from 0.30 to 0.56) indexes, suggesting their potential to provide a variety of health benefits against cardiovascular diseases including well-established hypotriglyceridemia and anti-inflammatory effects, products to which they are added. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Lasioseius foliatisetus n. sp. is described based on the morphology and molecular markers of adult females collected in litter/soil samples of the Caatinga and Pantanal, extensive Brazilian biomes. This new species can be distinguished from other Lasioseius species mainly by having fixed cheliceral digit with three teeth in addition to apical tooth, most dorsal shield setae leaf-shaped, and ventrianal shield with seven pairs of setae (including Jv5) in addition to the circumanal setae. The determined nucleotide sequences of the CytB gene and of ITSS of Lasioseius foliatisetus n. sp. are the first data of these types deposited in a published database (GenBank) for a species of this genus. The phylogenetic tree generated in the analysis of ITSS sequences showed a clade constituted only by species of the superfamily Phytoseoidea, including L. foliatisetus n. sp.. The phylogenetic tree generated in the ML analysis based on CytB showed a separation of the blattisociid species (including L. foliatisetus n. sp.) in one clade and the phytoseiid species in another clade. The analysis of the 28S 1–3 domain by itself did not allow the separation of the new species here described from species of other blattisociid genera.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:44:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-01 The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), is one of the main pests of livestock in Brazil, especially in areas where cattle is raised next to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) fields in which vinasse is used as a fertilizer. Knowledge about the predatory mites associated with this parasite in the field may be helpful in designing programs to control it biologically. Mites of the family Macrochelidae are known to attack fly immatures, and thus could be helpful in reducing the population of the stable fly in the field. The aim of this paper is to report the macrochelid species found in surveys conducted in northwestern São Paulo state, where the fly is known to be present, including a new species here described, Holostaspella paulista Borges & Azevedo sp. nov., to provide complementary descriptions of the other species collected, and to present a key to the caelata group of Holostaspella. In total, 2,946 macrochelid specimens were collected from 264 samples of soil-litter or soil-cow obtained from two areas of sugarcane plantations, a pasture area and a disturbed patch of the Atlantic Forest in 2018 and 2019. Four species of Macrocheles, two of Holostaspella and one of Glyptholaspis were identified. The predominant species was Macrocheles merdarius (Berlese). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ) Universidade de São Paulo (USP), SP Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), SP Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), SP

Lasioseius Berlese is the largest genus of Blattisociidae (Phytoseioidea), with slightly more than 200 described species. Mites of this genus have been collected from different habitats such as soil, litter and in association with insects. In an effort to understand the fauna of edaphic mites, soil samples have been collected from different Brazilian biomes. The objectives of this work are to describe a new Lasioseius species from Brazil, to redescribe Lasioseius meridionalis Chant and to present a key for the separation of the species of the genus reported from that country. The samples were processed in modified Berlese-Tullgren funnels, and the mites collected were mounted in Hoyer’s medium for identification. The Mesostigmata were separated into families, and the Blattisociidae were separated into genera. The Lasioseius specimens were compared with the original descriptions and redescriptions of the species presently placed in the genus, leading to the conclusion that part of the specimens belonged to a new species. Other specimens belonged to a species taxonomically known only from the original description, L. meridionalis, which was redescribed. Lasioseius n. sp. has an unusual feature among the Lasioseius species for having dorsal setae mostly bacilate and saber to leaf-shapped. This species is most similar to L. foliatisetus Merlin et al. in also having a wide peritreme, but differs for not having post-stigmatic extension of the peritreme and different dorsal shield setae. The other species collected in this work is very similar to Lasioseius barbensiensis Faraji & Karg, morphologically known only from the original description, based solely on the holotype. The examination of part of the specimens collected and of the holotypes of L. barbensiensis and L. meridionalis led us to the conclusion that they represent two similar species, differing mostly in relation to the spermathecal apparatus. Lasioseius barbensiensis has been previously reported from Brazil, but L. meridionalis is reported for the first time. With this publication, the total number of Lasioseius species reported from Brazil is increased to nineteen, which can be separated with a key presented in this publication. Financial support FAPESP (2019/27793-7; 2017/12004-1).

Study question Is the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) able to prevent the increase of the inflammatory proteins in the testis of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)? Summary answer HIIT for 8 weeks inhibits the increase of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and the interleukin 6 (IL6) in the testis of SHR. What is known already Hypertension increases the inflammatory cytokines of the cardiovascular system, causing damage in the microcirculation and in the testes. Hypertension is a cause of low fertility in men and exercises are indicated to decrease blood pressure and improve overall health. HIIT is characterized by short periods of exercise, with an intensity equal to or greater than the anaerobic threshold, separated by recovery periods. HIIT can be indicated for cardiac patients, as this type of training improves the cardiac autonomic nervous system and lipemic control in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals. Study design, size, duration Male Wistar-Kyoto rats without hypertension and SHRs were divided into 3 groups (n = 4): WKY (Wistar-Kyoto); SHR; and SHR-HIIT (SHRs that performed HIIT). The HIIT was realized in treadmill for 5 days/week for 8 weeks. HIIT started with 5 times of 4 minutes of 100% of the maximum exhaust speed, with active rest intervals of 3 minutes at 60%. There was an increase of once every week until reaching 7 times each session. Participants/materials, setting, methods Samples from testicles were used for immunostainig IL6 and TNFα. After the blocking, the sections were subjected to reaction of specific antibodies IL6 (1:50, E–4, sc–28343) and TNFα (1:50, 52B83, sc–257) at 4ºC overnight, and with secondary antibodies m-IgGK (1:200, IgG-HRP, sc–516) at room temperature for 2 hours. Diaminobenzidine (1:50) was used against Harris stained with Hematoxylin and evaluated in the photomicroscope. Data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey post test (P Main results and the role of chance The immunostainig of IL6 was higher in SHR (10.23 ± 0.47) than in SHR-HIIT (8.69 ± .44) group (P = 0,0237). From the same perspective, immunoexpression of TNFα was higher in SHR (10.10 ± 0.42) than WKY (8.24 ± 0.24) and SHR-HIIT (7.82 ± 0.39) groups (P = 0.0018). Limitations, reasons for caution As a limitation of the study, we have no measurement of fertility parameters to affirm that the HIIT improve the fertility because of the reduction of inflammatory mediators. Wider implications of the findings: The hypertension drugs have a negative effect on fertility. HIIT can be suggested as a treatment for hypertension as an alternative to medication, since HIIT can inhibit the increase of the inflammatory mediators in testis and its consequences to the reproduction. Financial support by São Paulo Research foundation, FAPESP (2018/22682–0). Trial registration number 2018/22682–0

Myrica faya Aiton (fire tree, faya) is an underused species with a diverse flavonoid composition (anthocyanins, flavonols, ellagitannins) which can promote positive effects on human health. M. faya has been reported to possess high antioxidant activities, but its potential in the prevention of type II diabetes has not been evaluated so far. In the present study, eight M. faya samples from different areas of Madeira and Azores archipelagos (Portugal) were collected to determine their phytochemical profile and then tested for their in vitro anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. The analyzed extracts showed strong inhibitory activities towards α -glucosidase, aldose reductase and glycation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and moderate effects towards α-amylase and lipase (by comparison with reference compounds). Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and ellagitannins were the main bioactive agents involved in the anti-diabetic effects of M. faya. Such results may provide important scientific evidence for further utilization of M. faya as dietary or nutraceutical products for the prevention and/or control of hyperglycaemia-associated complications.

Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway vital to the production of energy and some organisms rely on it solely to meet their energy requirements. It is also a central pathway in the metabolism of carbohydrates and a source of therapeutic targets against diabetes and cancer. Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) have been extensively studied for their role in the treatment and prevention of diabetes (and cancer) but their mechanisms of action remain mostly unknown. As such, molecular docking was used to find possible targets of CQAs in the glycolysis pathway. The molecular docking assays showed that CQAs were docked preferably to the Rossman fold (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — NAD(H) binding site) of oxidoreductases, that use NAD(H) as a cofactor, than to any other site. In-vitro assays were then performed using two NAD(H) dependent oxidoreductases from glycolysis (alcohol dehydrogenase and L-lactate dehydrogenase) in order confirm if CQAs would compete with the cofactor to inhibit the reaction. The results from these assays indicate that CQAs can act as both inhibitors and activators of NAD(H) dependent oxidoreductases of the glycolysis pathway.

Methanolic leaf extracts of four Lauraceae species endemic to Laurisilva forest (Apollonias barbujana, Laurus novocanariensis, Ocotea foetens and Persea indica) were investigated for the first time for their potential to inhibit key enzymes linked to type-2 diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aldose reductase) and obesity (pancreatic lipase), and protein glycation. Lauraceae extracts revealed significant inhibitory activities in all assays, altough with different ability between species. In general, P. indica showed the most promissing results. In the protein glycation assay, all analysed extracts displayed a stronger effect than a reference compound: aminoguanidine (AMG). The in vitro anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-glycation activities of analysed extracts showed correlation with their flavonols and flavan-3-ols (in particular, proanthocyanins) contents. These Lauraceae species have the capacity to assist in adjuvant therapy of type-2 diabetes and associated complications, through modulation of the activity of key metabolic enzymes and prevention of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:23:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Amblydromalus zannoui Sourassou, Sarmento and Moraes is a phytoseiid mite of the limonicus group described from central Brazil from leaves of physic nut, Jatropha curcas L. (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae), a plant potentially useful as a source of biofuel. This plant is often attacked by the mites Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) and Tetranychus bastosi Tuttle, Baker and Sales (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae). The objectives of this work were to evaluate the predation rate of A. zannoui on those phytophagous mites, to assess its life cycle on these prey and on pollen of Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), and to determine its attraction to physic nut leaves infested by P. latus or T. bastosi. Amblydromalus zannoui attacked more nymphs and adults than eggs of P. latus, and more eggs and larvae than adults of T. bastosi. The life table parameters suggest that A. zannoui performs better on P. latus (rm: 0.20, Ro: 18.77; λ: 1.23) and pollen (rm: 0.18, Ro: 23.32, λ: 1.18). The predator seems to be attracted to plants with P. latus, but attraction was not clear cut for plants with T. bastosi. The results suggested that A. zannoui is a potential control agent to be used against P. latus on physic nut plants, and that R. communis pollen can be used as supplementary food to maintain the predator population in the absence of prey. Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), PO BOX 66 Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) CBGP Montpellier SupAgro INRA CIRAD IRD Univ. Montpellier Campus International de Baillarguet, CS 30016 Departamento de Entomologia Fitopatologia E Zoologia Agrícola ESALQ-USP Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

The conversion of food industry by-products to compounds with high added value is nowadays a significant topic, for social, environmental, and economic reasons. In this paper, calcium phosphate-based materials were obtained from black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) bones and grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) skin, which are two of the most abundant fish by-products of Madeira Island. Different calcination temperatures between 400 and 1000 degrees C were employed. Materials obtained from calcination of bones of black scabbard fish were composed by homogeneous mixtures of hydroxyapatite (Ca-10(PO4)(6)(OH)(2), HAp) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-Ca-3(PO4)(2), beta-TCP). Because of the high biocompatibility of HAp and the good resorbability of beta-TCP, these natural biphasic materials could be very relevant in the field of biomaterials, as bone grafts. The ratio between HAp and beta-TCP in the biphasic compound was dependent on the calcination temperature. Differently, the material obtained from skin of grey triggerfish contained HAp as the main phase, together with small amounts of other mineral phases, such as halite and rhenanite, which are known to enhance osteogenesis when used as bone substitutes. In both cases, the increase of calcination temperature led to an increase in the particles size with a consequent decrease in their specific surface area. These results demonstrate that from the fish by-products of the most consumed fishes in Madeira Island it is possible to obtain bioceramic materials with tunable composition and particle morphology, which could be promising materials for the biomedical field.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:42:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-07-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Knowledge of the fauna of soil mites in Brazilian soils is still scarce and limited to a few regions, referring almost exclusively to areas of natural vegetation. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the abundance and diversity of edaphic Gamasina mites (Mesostigmata) on ecosystems of natural vegetation and cultivations of prickly pear, cassava and pasture located in the Caatinga biome in the state of Alagoas, northeast Brazil. Collections were carried out every three months between December 2018 and August 2019. In each collection date and in each ecosystem, 16 soil samples were collected. During the study, a total of 2,979 Gamasina were collected. Representatives of 10 families were identified, one of which, new to science. The largest number of Gamasina collected belonged to Ascidae (60%), followed by Laelapidae (14.3%) and Rhodacaridae (10%). Forty-four morphospecies were found, of which 25 new to science, distributed in 22 genera, two new to science. Protogamasellus mica Athias-Henriot, Protogamasellus sigillophorus Mineiro, Lindquist & Moraes and a new species of Protogamasellus (Ascidae) were the most abundant species. Mean abundance and richness were highest in the natural vegetation (respectively 38.2 mites and 12.6 species per sample), followed by prickly pear (29.6 and 8.6), pasture (20.8 and 8.6) and cassava (10.9 and 5.7). The Shannon-Weaver's index diversity was highest for pasture (2.6) and lowest for the natural vegetation (2.2). The equitability indexes were quite similar in the different ecosystems though slightly lower in the natural vegetation (0.7 in the natural vegetation and 0.8 in other ecosystems). A cluster analysis indicated that the area of natural vegetation was the most distant from the others. Several of the species collected belong to Laelapidae and Macrochelidae, families with species used in the applied biological pest control. Thus, it is hoped that this work will serve as a basis for future applied research, aimed at prospecting Gamasina potentially useful for use in biological control programs. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Alagoas Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ) Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 900 Piracicaba Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo FAPESP: 2017/12004-1 FAPESP: 2018/14478-3 FAPESP: 2019/27793-7

Enzyme immobilization comprises several methodologies that take advantage of the properties of different support materials for improving enzymatic processes. Among many techniques, the entrapment of enzymes in calcium alginate beads is one of the simplest and most used. β-Galactosidase is an enzyme relevant in the food industry for its ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of lactose into its constituent monomers, glucose and galactose, and to produce lactose-free consumer goods. The activity of this enzyme can be evaluated before and after its immobilization in calcium alginate beads, by its reaction with O-nitrophenyl β-d-galactopyranoside or with lactose.

The highly demanding conditions of industrial processes may lower the stability and affect the activity of enzymes used as biocatalysts. Enzyme immobilization emerged as an approach to promote stabilization and easy removal of enzymes for their reusability. The aim of this review is to go through the principal immobilization strategies addressed to achieve optimal industrial processes with special care on those reported for two types of enzymes: β-galactosidases and fructosyltransferases. The main methods used to immobilize these two enzymes are adsorption, entrapment, covalent coupling and cross-linking or aggregation (no support is used), all of them having pros and cons. Regarding the support, it should be cost-effective, assure the reusability and an easy recovery of the enzyme, increasing its stability and durability. The discussion provided showed that the type of enzyme, its origin, its purity, together with the type of immobilization method and the support will affect the performance during the enzymatic synthesis. Enzymes’ immobilization involves interdisciplinary knowledge including enzymology, nanotechnology, molecular dynamics, cellular physiology and process design. The increasing availability of facilities has opened a variety of possibilities to define strategies to optimize the activity and re-usability of β-galactosidases and fructosyltransferases, but there is still great place for innovative developments., Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos

This work aims to develop simpler methodologies of extracting ferulic acid (FA) from brewer’s spent grain (BSG). BSG is produced by brewing companies at high amounts all over the year and does not possess a direct application. Thus, its use as raw material for extraction of bioactive compounds has gained attention in the last years. FA has different interesting applications in cosmetics, food industry, and pharmaceutics. Several studies aim for its extraction from BSG by various methods, namely alkaline hydrolysis. In the present work, we suggest the use of autoclave to process higher amounts of BSG in a lab scale. A simplification of the regular post-hydrolysis procedures is also proposed to decrease the number of experimental steps and energy costs and to simultaneously increase the extraction yield (up to 470 mg of FA per 100 g of BSG). The adsorption of extracted FA in a synthetic resin is suggested as a partial purification method.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:08:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-02-01 The objective of this study was to quantify serum progesterone levels, uterine features, and pregnancy rates in acyclic, embryo recipient mares using a bovine progesterone-releasing intravaginal device in a commercial embryo transfer (ET) program. The study included 73 recipient mares of unknown breed, aged 3–10 years, weighing 350–500 kg, and kept under an intensive management system on Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) pastures with water and mineral salt ad libitum. The horses were divided into two groups: a group with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (1 g progesterone, G-IVP4, n = 24) and a control group (G-iP4, n = 49) receiving an injection of 1,500 mg long-acting progesterone. Jugular blood was collected for the G-IVP4 group for subsequent progesterone measurement by radioimmunoassay on three occasions: Day 0 (D0), intravaginal device was placed; Day 5 (D5), day of the ET; and Day 9 (D9), day of pregnancy diagnosis. There was an increase (P < .0001) in serum progesterone levels on D5 and D9 compared with D0 (4.09 ± 0.81 and 6.45 ± 1.03 ng/mL vs. 0.71 ± 0.14 ng/mL). There were no differences among groups in the pregnancy rate (P > .05), with rates of 83.33% and 73.46% for G-IVP4 and G-iP4, respectively. In conclusion, the intravaginal route for absorption of 1 g of progesterone device increased the serum level of progesterone sufficiently to prepare the uterus of acyclic recipient mares for ET, and the conception rate was similar to the standard protocol using long-acting injectable progesterone. University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE) Veterinarian Haras University of São Paulo State (UNESP) University of São Paulo State (UNESP)

Gamasellodes lavafesii Castro, Azevedo & Castilho sp. nov. is described based on the morphology of adult females collected from litter and soil in a transition region between Cerrado and Amazon Rainforest of Mato Grosso state and in the Caatinga biome of Alagoas state, respectively in midwestern and northeastern Brazil. A key for the separation of females of the 26 recognisable world species of Gamasellodes is provided.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:31:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-06-22 The mite family Podocinidae consists of 38 species in three genera, namely Africoseius Krantz (two species), Podocinella Evans & Hyatt (five species) and Podocinum Berlese (31 species). They are free living, but their biology is poorly known. The objective of this work was to summarise the history of the classification of the podocinids, to provide a brief diagnosis of the family, a key to the genera, and to assemble the scattered taxonomic information about the species and the genera in which they are placed. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ) Universidade de Saõ Paulo (USP) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

The qualitative and quantitative characterization of Madeira moneywort (Sibthorpia peregrina L.) compounds was investigated for the first time. The antioxidant activity and the effect of the methanolic extract on digestive enzymes activity linked to type-2 diabetes and obesity were also determined by in vitro assays. A total of 56 components were characterized in S. peregrina. Phenylethanoids glycosides (PhEGs) represented the main classes of compounds (95.23 mg g−1 of dry extract), almost all verbascoside and its derivatives (up to 98.85% of the total individual phenolic content). The analysed sample was active against ABTS, DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide radicals, suggesting a potential beneficial effect against oxidative stress. In addition, the methanolic extract was able to inhibit the catalytic activity of α-, β-glucosidases, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase. Overall, S. peregrina showed good perspectives to be explored as a rich source of verbascoside and its derivatives for nutraceutical/pharmaceutical products.