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Se evaluaron 10 alternativas de fertilización fosfatada en la secuencia soja - trigo, en la localidad de La Ramada de Arriba (departamento Burruyacú, provincia de Tucumán). Dicho estudio se llevó a cabo sobre un suelo Argiudol típico con 3,5% de materia orgánica y 7,8 ppm de fósforo (P -Bray 1). El objetivo fue determinar la influencia de cada alternativa de fertilización sobre el contenido de P disponible en dos espesores de suelo, 0 -5 cm y 0 -25 cm, a través de cinco años de evaluación (desde 2002 a 2007). Además, se determinó la incidencia de la fertilización fosfatada sobre los rendimientos culturales de la soja en las dos últimas campañas (2006 y 2007), y del trigo en 2005. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron: tres correspondientes a tres dosis de P (30, 45 y 60 kg/ha de P2O5) como superfosfato triple de calcio (SPT), suministradas solo en soja; tres correspondientes a esas mismas dosis, pero aplicadas al trigo, y finalmente tres que incluyeron las mencionadas dosis de P, aunque aplicadas a ambos cultivos. Completó la grilla de tratamientos un testigo absoluto al cual no se añadió P. El efecto residual del P se evidenció en ambos cultivos con el agregado de 45 kg/ha de P2O5. Solo las dosis de 45 y 60 kg/ha de P2O5, en los sistemas de doble aportación, lograron elevar la disponibilidad de P por encima de 13 ppm (nivel de suficiencia en soja), logrando además la mayor eficiencia del P residual. Los rendimientos de la soja fueron superiores en las aplicaciones directas de P, respecto del efecto residual proveniente de dosis equivalentes añadidas al trigo. También, la mayor eficiencia del P se determinó en los sistemas de aportación simple cuando el P se suministró en forma directa al cultivo correspondiente.Ten phosphorus fertilization alternatives were evaluated in a soybean-wheat cropping system in La Ramada de Arriba (Burruyacú, Tucumán province). The study was carried out on a Typic Argiudoll, with 3.5% organic matter and 7.8 ppm phosphorus (P-Bray 1). The objective of this trial was to estimate the effect of each fertilization alternative on available phosphorus concentration in two soil layers, 0-5 cm and 5-25 cm, over five years (from 2002 to 2007), and on soybean and wheat yields. Evaluated treatments consisted in applying 30, 45 and 60 kg P2O5/ha as triple superphosphate yearly only to soybean, only to wheat and to both crops. P residual effect was found for both crops when 45 kg P2O5/ha was applied. Available soil phosphorus concentration increased over 13 ppm (critical P-Bray 1 concentration for soybean) when 45 and 60 kg P2O5/ha rates were applied to both crops, reaching at the same time the highest residual phosphorus uptake efficiency. Soybean yields were higher when P was applied to soybean, as compared to wheat treated with the same P rates. Soybean highest P uptake efficiency was found when P was applied to soybean.

En un ensayo de manejo de suelos conducido desde hace 23 años en la localidad de Monte Redondo, Tucumán, se evaluaron los coeficientes de escurrimiento e infiltración, las pérdidas de suelo, de carbono orgánico total (COT) y de fósforo extractable (Pe) utilizando un simulador de lluvias. Se evaluaron también las propiedades edáficas superficiales antes de la lluvia, tales como COT, la densidad aparente (DA), la estabilidad de agregados, la conductividad hidráulica (K) y la infiltración básica (Ib). Los tratamientos fueron: siembra directa con 0%, 40% y 80% de cobertura de rastrojos (SD0, SD1, y SD2, respectivamente); laboreo vertical con cincel previo a la siembra (LV) y monte natural como testigo (MN). El COT, la estabilidad de agregados y la Ib decrecieron significativamente desde MN a LV. En cambio, la DA y la K no fueron diferentes entre SD0 y LV, pero sí con MN. Los coeficientes de escurrimiento (CE) fueron significativamente mayores en LV que en siembra directa, pero en esta no hubo diferencias entre los distintos grados de cobertura. En cambio, las pérdidas de suelo en SD1 y SD2 fueron menores que en SD0 un 48% y 62%, respectivamente. La estabilidad de agregados fue la propiedad edáfica superficial que mejor explicó las pérdidas de suelo por escurrimiento en los suelos sin cobertura (R²=0,92). La infiltración acumulada después de una hora de lluvia fue 24,2 mm para SD0 y 15,3 mm para LV, mientras que para MN fue 34,7 mm . En LV, el COT y Pe en el sedimento erodado fueron casi el doble que en SD0, mientras que SD1 y SD2 mostraron pérdidas hasta tres veces menores que SD0.In a soil management trial that conducted for 23 years in Monte Redondo, Tucumán, runoff and infiltration coefficients, soil losses, total organic carbon and available phosphorus were evaluated using a rainfall simulator. Before the rainfall simulations, some surface soil properties, such as organic carbon, bulk density, aggregate stability, hydraulic conductivity and basic infiltration were also evaluated. The treatments were: no-tillage cropping systems with 0%, 40% and 80% crop residues (SD0, SD1 and SD2 respectively); chisel plowing (LV) before sowing and natural vegetation (MN) as the blank treatment. Total organic carbon, aggregate stability and basic infiltration decreased significantly from MN to LV. Even though there were no differences in bulk density and hydraulic conductivity between LV and SD0, they differed significantly when compared with MN. Runoff coefficients were significantly higher in LV when compared with no-tillage systems; however, there were no differences between crop residue rates in the no-tillage treatments. Soil losses in SD1 and SD2 were 48% and 62% lower than in SD0. Aggregate stability was the surface soil property that had the highest relationship with soil losses in the treatments without crop residue ( R²=0.92). Cumulative infiltration after an hour of rain was 24.2 mm in the SD0 treatment, 15.3 mm in LV and 34.7 mm in MN. In the LV treatment total organic carbon and available phosphorus concentrations were almost twice higher than in SD0, while SD1 and SD2 showed soil losses even three times lower than SD0.

Examination of a newly discovered specimen of Nuvol showed that our earlier species determination of Nuvol umbrosus Navás had been incorrect and that our “redescription” of the species actually applied to an undescribed species. Here, we redescribe the true N. umbrosus, based on a newly discovered male specimen. This specimen closely resembles Navás’ description, and it was collected from the Atlantic Forest as was the original type specimen. In addition, we assign the previously misidentified Nuvol specimens from the Amazonian region to a separate species, Nuvol satur Sosa & Tauber, sp. nov. As a result of these actions, the genus Nuvol now contains two morphologically and geographically distinct species. In addition, the abdomens and genitalia of both sexes of Nuvol are now described (although each from a separate species).

In this study, we report on the isolation, purification, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of compounds from the plant species Ageratina pichinchensis. Using open-column chromatography, 11 known compounds were purified, which chemical structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques (1D and 2D). All compounds were evaluated in an in vitro model of RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells, measuring the nitric oxide inhibition to determine the anti-inflammatory effect. The compound betuletol 3-O-β-glucoside (11) inhibited nitric oxide with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 75.08 ± 3.07% at 75 µM; additionally, it inhibited the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and activation of the nuclear factor (NF-kβ). These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect attributed to A. pichinchensis species is promoted by compound 11, which could be considered a potential anti-inflammatory agent by suppressing the expression of NF-kβ target genes, such as those involved in the proinflammatory pathway and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Buddleja cordata cell suspension cultures could be used as a tool for investigating the capabilities of this species to tolerate heavy metals (HMs) and for assessing the effects of HMs on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in this species. It grows in a wide range of habitats in Mexico, including ultramafic soils, and mobilizes some HMs in the soil. The mobilization of these HMs has been associated with phenolic substances. In addition, this species is used in Mexican traditional medicine. In the present study, a B. cordata cell suspension culture was grown for 18 days in a culture medium enriched with Cu (0.03–0.25 mM), Fe (0.25–1.5 mM), Mn (0.5–3.0 mM), or Zn (0.5–2.0 mM) to determine the effects of these HMs on growth and HM accumulation. We also assessed the effects of the HMs on phenolic compound accumulation after 1 and 18 days of HM exposure. Cells were able to grow at almost all tested HM concentrations and accumulated significant amounts of each HM. The highest accumulation levels were as follows: 1160 mg Cu kg−1, 6845 mg Fe kg−1, 3770 mg Mn kg−1, and 6581 mg Zn kg−1. Phenolic compound accumulation was affected by the HM exposure time and corresponded to each HM and its concentration. Future research should analyze whole plants to determine the capabilities of Buddleja cordata to accumulate abnormally high amounts of HM and to evaluate the physiological impact of changes in the accumulation of phenolic compounds.

The açaí palm plays major socioeconomic importance to human populations in North Brazil. Damages caused by pest insects in the orchards are among the main factors that limit açaí production, mainly members of Coleoptera. However, rhinoceros beetles (Dynastinae) had never been observed damaging açaí palms. Here, we noticed the first occurrence of Oxyligyrus nasutus (Burmeister, 1847) (Melolonthidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini) attacking young açaí plants in the locality of Nova Colônia, Capitão Poço municipality, Pará state, Brazil. The species was observed digging tunnels in the soil near attacked plants. The damages happened through perforation localized at the basal stem part, where the beetles feed on the heart of the palm, preventing its development. This event is a wake-up call for local farmers to avoid the intervention of the edges of floodplains that could be the natural habitat of these insects. In addition, it also represents the first record of O. nasutus from Brazil.

Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.M. King & H. Rob. belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a plant native to Mexico to which several biological properties are attributed. In this study, the cytotoxic effect of four extracts from the wild plants and two extracts from A. pichinchensis callus culture were evaluated against carcinogenic cell lines including prostate carcinoma, cervical cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatoma human, lung cancer, and cellular keratinocytes. The extracts were obtained with ethyl acetate and methanol using both leaves and stems or the callus. Only the ethyl acetate extract of the callus culture influenced the cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) with an IC50 of 94.79 ± 2.0 µg/mL. From the ethyl acetate callus extract, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran was isolated and purified and also evaluated against cancer cells. The cytotoxic evaluation of this compound showed a significant effect against the HeLa cell line with an IC50 of 23.86 ± 2.5 µg/mL. Our results contribute to the development of biotechnological alternatives and extraction processes to produce compounds with possible potential against certain types of human cancer.

One of the distinctive characteristics of cacti species is the presence of alkaloids. Alkaloids are nitrogenated molecules with hallucinogenic and pharmacological properties in humans and other animals. Plant cell, tissue, and organ culture have emerged as an effective tool for investigating the biosynthesis of a variety of functional metabolites and for studying the preservation of endangered plant species. In this study, we examined the alkaloid and nitrogenated compound profiles of the aerial and radicular sections of Coryphantha macromeris plants that were cultivated in both greenhouse and in vitro conditions. Additionally, we analyzed the callus cultures generated from stem discs. To perform these analyses, Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-HESI-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was utilized. Under the working parameters, 78 compounds were detected, and 61 of them were identified. Among the identified compounds, the in vitro plants presented 24 compounds, greenhouse plants a total of 21 compounds, and callus tissue 16 compounds. On the other hand, 7 compounds (laurydiethanolamine, toluic acids, and their derivatives) were detected in all systems, suggesting that these metabolites may serve as markers to help find the authenticity of C. macromeris preparations, and that, plant and cell-tissue cultures with this plant species are suitable for the biosynthesis of the selected compounds. In addition, our research suggests that no alkaloids with reported psychotropic properties are present in C. macromeris.

Abstract Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of cancer in pediatric individuals. Glucose regulated protein (GRP78) is an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone that facilitates the folding and assembly of proteins and regulates the unfolded protein response pathway. GRP78 has a role in survival of cancer and metastasis and cell-surface associated GRP78 (sGRP78) is expressed on cancer cells but not in normal cells. Here, we explored the presence of sGRP78 in pediatric B-ALL at diagnosis and investigated the correlation with bona fide markers of leukemia. By using a combination of flow cytometry and high multidimensional analysis, we found a distinctive cluster containing high levels of sGRP78, CD10, CD19, and CXCR4 in bone marrow samples obtained from High-risk leukemia patients, which was absent in the compartment of Standard-risk leukemia. We confirmed that sGRP78+CXCR4+ blood-derived cells were more frequent in High-risk leukemia patients. Finally, we analyzed the dissemination capacity of sGRP78 leukemia cells in a model of xenotransplantation. sGRP78+ cells emigrated to the bone marrow and lymph nodes, maintaining the expression of CXCR4. Testing the presence of sGRP78 and CXCR4 together with conventional markers may help to achieve a better categorization of High and Standard-risk pediatric leukemia at diagnosis.

ABSTRACT In the northeastern of Pará, cowpea is one of the main protein sources of the population. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of liming, the P and K mineral fertilization, and the combination of seed inoculation with Rhizobium associated with mineral N supplementation in the growth and production of cowpea cultivars. Two experiments were carried out in two consecutive years at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia (Capitão Poço-PA). A randomized block experimental design with subdivided plots was used with four replications, two cowpea cultivars (BRS Tapaihum and BRS Marataoã) and six fertilization and liming treatments: i) without fertilization and without liming; ii) P and K mineral fertilization, liming and seed inoculation with Rhizobium; iii) P and K mineral fertilization and seed inoculation with Rhizobium; iv) N, P and K mineral fertilization and liming; v) P and K mineral fertilization and liming; and vi) N, P and K mineral fertilization, liming and seed inoculation with Rhizobium. Cowpea responded to liming and P and K mineral fertilization, but not N fertilization. There was no difference between the supply of N through seed inoculation or mineral fertilization. Thus, it is suggested to inoculate seeds with Rhizobium in order to maintain the soil N reserve.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical variations of the root canal system of mandibular second molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods 190 mandibular second molars cone-beam computed tomography images were reviewed. The evaluation was performed by a radiologist with endodontic experience and two endodontists trained with CBCT technology. Tooth position, number of root and root canals, C-shaped root canal system configuration, presence of extra root (radix), and radicular grooves were assessed. Data was statistically analyzed using The Chi-square test (α = 0,05) to determine any significant difference between gender and the total number of root and root canals, and any significant difference between gender and root canal anatomical variation. Results Overall, 85.5% showed two separated roots, 12.1% a single root, 2.6% three roots or radix. 87.7% showed three root canals, 12.1% two root canals, 2.6% four root canals, and 1.6% a single root canal. 10% showed a single foramen, 75.3% two foramina, 13.6% three foramina and 1% showed four foramina.19.5% showed C-shaped anatomical variation, 51.4% in male patients, 48.6% in female patients. According to Fan classification: C1 13.6% in cervical third, C2 10% in the middle third, C3 17.3% in middle third, 15.5% in apical third, and C4 12.7% in the apical third. Root canals number in these samples were 5.4% a single canal, 21.6% two canals, 70.3% three canals, and 2.7% four canals. The root showed 46% with one foramen, 46% two foramina, and 8% three foramina. Radicular grooves 83.3% were found in the lingual area and 16.2% towards the buccal area. Conclusions The most prevalent anatomic presentation of the evaluated sample was a mandibular second molars with two roots, three root canals, and two apical foramina. Their variation was C-shaped root canals and Radix Paramolaris.

En la provincia de Tucumán y en el Noroeste Argentino se ha incrementado en los últimos años la superficie de caña de azúcar regada por goteo. Esta tecnología permite aumentar los rendimientos culturales y ofrece nuevas alternativas en el manejo de la fertilización. La información local acerca del manejo de la fertilización nitrogenada vía riego por goteo en caña de azúcar es escasa. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la respuesta productiva de la caña de azúcar a dosis crecientes de nitrógeno (N) aplicadas vía riego por goteo y en secano. Se establecieron dos ensayos en la Llanura chaco pampeana sub-húmeda seca, ubicados en las localidades de Los Ralos (LR) (2010) y La Cruz (LC) (2010 y 2011), provincia de Tucumán, República Argentina. Tanto en riego como en secano se compararon niveles crecientes de fertilización con N, utilizándose un diseño en bloques totalmente aleatorizados. Con la dosis recomendada para secano (86 kg N ha-1, equivalente a 3 kg urea surco-1), se incrementaron los rendimientos culturales entre un 17% y 28% vía riego por goteo, aun cuando el N se aplicó en un momento posterior al recomendado. Aplicaciones tardías de N afectaron negativamente la producción de caña y retrasaron la maduración; el efecto negativo de una provisión tardía de N sobre la maduración fue mayor cuando la aplicación se realizó vía fertirriego. Con la fertirrigación nitrogenada se redujo sensiblemente el índice de consumo de N.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world; its production is based mainly on varieties of the Coffea arabica species. Mexico stands out for its specialty and organic coffee. In Guerrero, the production is done by small indigenous community cooperatives that market their product as raw material. Official Mexico Standards stipulate the requirements for its commercialization within the national territory. In this work, the physical, chemical, and biological characterizations of green, medium, and dark roasted beans from C. arabica varieties were carried out. Analysis by HPLC showed higher chlorogenic acid (55 mg/g) and caffeine (1.8 mg/g) contents in the green beans of the Bourbon and Oro Azteca varieties. The caffeine (3.88 mg/g) and melanoidin (97 and 29 mg/g) contents increased according to the level of roasting; a dissimilar effect was found in the chlorogenic acid content (14.5 mg/g). The adequate nutritional content and the sensory evaluation allowed the classification of dark-roasted coffee as premium coffee (84.25 points) and medium-roasted coffee as specialty coffee (86.25 points). The roasted coffees presented antioxidant activity without cytotoxic effects; the presence of CGA and caffeine supports the beneficial effects of drinking coffee. The results obtained will serve as a basis for making decisions on improvements to the coffees analyzed.

Abstract Background Mandibular premolars are complicated teeth to endodontically treat due to the anatomical variations that can present. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of C-shaped configurations in mandibular premolars by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods 380 mandibular first premolars and 308 mandibular second premolars cone-beam computed tomographic images were obtained from 292 patients (175 female and 117 male). Tooth position, number of roots, root canals, C-shaped root canal system configuration, level of canal bifurcation and radicular grooves were evaluated by two endodontists trained in CBCT evaluation; previously calibrated between them, and a radiologist with endodontic experience. Data were statistically compared by The Chi-square test (α = 0.05) to examine any significant difference between gender and C-shaped root canal system and any significant difference between C-shaped configuration according to Fan criteria and gender. Results Overall 100% (n = 688) teeth examined, 19.2% (n = 132) had a C-shaped root canals system. 9.16% (n = 63) in male patients and 10.03% (n = 69) in female patients. The prevalence of C-shaped root canal system in mandibular first premolar was 83.33 and 16.66% in mandibular second premolars. According to Fan classification, the mandibular first premolars showed 3.63% as C1, 9.09% C2, 59.09% C3, 21.81% C4a, 1.8% C4b. Mandibular second premolars showed 13.63% as C1, 18.18% C2, 13.63% C3, 27.27% C4a, 9.09% C4b. Male patients showed 4.54% as C1, 3.78% C2, 22.72% C3, 11.36% C4a, 0.75% C4b, and 4.54% out of classification. Female patients showed 0.75% as C1, 6.81% C2, 30.03% C3, 9.84 C4a, 2.27% C4b, and 2.27% out of classification. The 53.36% canal bifurcation in mandibular first premolars and 50.09% in mandibular second premolars were in the middle third. No statistical differences were found between C-shaped root canal system and gender or C-shaped configuration according to Fan criteria and gender. P was

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to measure the dental pulp inflammatory response through neuropeptides (SP and CGRP) as a response to occlusal trauma, orthodontic movements and a combination of both, as well as the angiogenic defense mechanism through VEGF expression, which could be the initial step to mineralized tissue formation. Methods Forty human dental pulp samples were collected from healthy first premolars with extraction indicated due to orthodontic reasons from a sample of 20 patients. Patients were divided into four groups with 10 premolars each (1 mandibular and 1 maxillary premolar from each patient): healthy pulp control group, occlusal trauma group, moderate orthodontic forces group; and occlusal trauma plus moderate orthodontic forces group. Stimuli were applied for 24 h before tooth extraction in all experimental groups. All samples were processed, and SP, CGRP, and VEGF were measured by radioimmunoassay. The Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to assess significant differences among groups and Mann–Whitney’s U post hoc pairwise comparisons were also performed. Results The highest increase in SP, CGRP, and VEGF expressions was found in the occlusal trauma plus orthodontic forces group, followed by the moderate orthodontic forces, the occlusal trauma and the control groups, with statistically significant differences between all groups for each of the 3 peptides analyzed (Kruskal–Wallis p

The Sphaeralcea angustifolia plant is used as an anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal protector in Mexican traditional medicine. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects have been attributed to scopoletin (1), tomentin (2), and sphaeralcic acid (3) isolated from cells in suspension cultures and identified in the aerial tissues of the wild plant. The hairy roots from S. angustifolia established by infecting internodes with Agrobacterium rhizogenes were explored to produce active compounds based on biosynthetic stability and their capacity to produce new compounds. Chemical analysis was resumed after 3 years in these transformed roots, SaTRN12.2 (line 1) produced scopoletin (0.0022 mg g−1) and sphaeralcic acid (0.22 mg g−1); instead, the SaTRN7.1 (line 2) only produced sphaeralcic acid (3.07 mg g−1). The sphaeralcic acid content was 85-fold higher than that reported for the cells in the suspension cultivated into flakes, and it was similar when the cells in suspension were cultivated in a stirring tank under nitrate restriction. Moreover, both hairy root lines produced stigmasterol (4) and β-sitosterol (5), as well as two new naphthoic derivates: iso-sphaeralcic acid (6) and 8-methyl-iso-sphaeralcic acid (7), which turned out to be isomers of sphaeralcic acid (3) and have not been reported. The dichloromethane–methanol extract from SaTRN7.1 hairy root line had a gastroprotective effect on an ulcer model in mice induced with ethanol.

Ageratina pichichensis, is commonly used in traditional Mexican medicine. In vitro cultures were established from wild plant (WP) seeds, obtaining in vitro plant (IP), callus culture (CC), and cell suspension culture (CSC) with the objective to determine total phenol content (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC), as well as their antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS and TBARS assays, added to the compound’s identification and quantification by HPLC, from methanol extracts obtained by sonication. CC showed significantly higher TPC and TFC than WP and IP, while CSC produced 2.0–2.7 times more TFC than WP, and IP produced only 14.16% TPC and 38.8% TFC compared with WP. There were identified compounds such as epicatechin (EPI), caffeic acid (CfA), and p-coumaric acid (pCA) in in vitro cultures that were not found in WP. The quantitative analysis shows gallic acid (GA) as the least abundant compound in samples, whereas CSC produced significantly more EPI and CfA than CC. Despite these results, in vitro cultures show lower antioxidant activity than WP, for DPPH and TBARS WP > CSC > CC > IP and ABTS WP > CSC = CC > IP. Overall, A. pichichensis WP and in vitro cultures produce phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, especially CC and CSC, which are shown to be a biotechnological alternative for obtaining bioactive compounds.

Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.King & Ho.Rob. is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine, and some biotechnological studies have shown that its calluses and cell suspension cultures can produce important anti-inflammatory compounds. In this study, we established a cell culture of A. pichinchensis in a 2 L airlift bioreactor and evaluated the production of the anti-inflammatory compounds 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (1) and 3-epilupeol (2). The maximum biomass production (11.90 ± 2.48 g/L) was reached at 11 days of culture and cell viability was between 80% and 90%. Among kinetic parameters, the specific growth rate (µ) was 0.2216 days−1 and doubling time (td) was 3.13 days. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of extracts showed the maximum production of compound 1 (903.02 ± 41.06 µg/g extract) and compound 2 (561.63 ± 10.63 µg/g extract) at 7 and 14 days, respectively. This study stands out for the significant production of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and 3-epilupeol and by the significant reduction in production time compared to callus and cell suspension cultures, previously reported. To date, these compounds have not been found in the wild plant, i.e., its production has only been reported in cell cultures of A. pichinchensis. Therefore, plant cell cultured in an airlift reactor can be an alternative for the improved production of these anti-inflammatory compounds.

Acanthocereus tetragonus (L.) Hummelinck is used as an alternative food source in some Mexican communities. It has been shown that the young stems of A. tetragonus provide crude protein, fiber, and essential minerals for humans. In this work, we analyzed the phytochemical profile, the total phenolic content (TPC), and the antioxidant activity of cooked and crude samples of A. tetragonus to assess its functional metabolite contribution to humans. The phytochemical profile was analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-HESI-Orbitrap-MS/MS). Under the proposed conditions, 35 metabolites were separated and tentatively identified. Of the separated metabolites, 16 occurred exclusively in cooked samples, 6 in crude samples, and 9 in both crude and cooked samples. Among the detected compounds, carboxylic acids, such as threonic, citric, and malic acids, phenolic acids, and glycosylated flavonoids (luteolin-O-rutinoside) were detected. The TPC and antioxidant activity were analyzed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical inhibition method, respectively. The TPC and antioxidant activity were significantly reduced in the cooked samples. We found that some metabolites remained intact after the cooking process, suggesting that A. tetragonus represents a source of functional metabolites for people who consume this plant species.

The aim of this study was to verify the pattern and the spatial and temporal behavior of the corn earworm and corn-silk fly in the corn crop. Hybrid corn was planted without chemical insect control in one hectare, this area was divided into 100 plots of 100 m². For the occurrence of Euxesta spp. all parts of the plants were visually analyzed, whereas for Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) 10 ears were removed at random from each plot, totaling 1,000 ears per sample. Population fluctuation was related to the phenological stages of corn. For spatial behavior, the dispersion indices, frequency distribution models and geostatistics (Krigagem) were analyzed. The corn earworm (small and large) and corn-silk fly showed aggregate pattern and spatial behavior. The reach of caterpillars 1 cm, with spatial dependence being considered moderate. The corn-silk fly had a maximum area of influence of 1.33 ha with moderate and weak spatial dependence. The maps demonstrated that these insects occur dispersed throughout the corn area, but with aggregations influenced by the adjacent areas and edges of the crop. The largest occurrence of corn earworms was at the R3 stage. It was also found that the corn-silk fly followed the occurrence of the corn earworm. It is concluded that the studied pests have an aggregate spatial tendency in the corn crop and with the influence of adjacent areas, in addition to presenting related population peaks in the reproductive period of the corn crop.

Brachycyrtus pretiosus Cushman, 1936 is recorded from Venezuela for the first time. The green-lacewings species Ceraeochrysa valida (Banks, 1851) and Ceraeochrysa fairchildi (Banks, 1946) are considered as the first known recorded hosts of Brachycyrtus cosmetus (Walkley, 1956). Illustrations of the studied Brachycyrtus spp. Adults, final larval instar cephalic structures of B. cosmetus and maps with geographical distribution are provided.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neurodegeneration that accounts for 60–70% of dementia cases. Symptoms begin with mild memory difficulties and evolve towards cognitive impairment. The underlying risk factors remain primarily unclear for this heterogeneous disorder. Bioinformatics is a relevant research tool that allows for identifying several pathways related to AD. Open-access databases of RNA microarrays from the peripheral blood and brain of AD patients were analyzed after background correction and data normalization; the Limma package was used for differential expression analysis (DEA) through statistical R programming language. Data were corrected with the Benjamini and Hochberg approach, and genes with p-values equal to or less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. The direction of the change in gene expression was determined by its variation in the log2-fold change between healthy controls and patients. We performed the functional enrichment analysis of GO using goana and topGO-Limma. The functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed upregulated (UR) pathways: behavior, nervous systems process, postsynapses, enzyme binding; downregulated (DR) were cellular component organization, RNA metabolic process, and signal transduction. Lastly, the intersection of DEGs in the three databases showed eight shared genes between brain and blood, with potential use as AD biomarkers for blood tests.

ABSTRACT Hexapods, commonly known as insects, are a neglected taxonomic group in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, with unanswered questions about their species richness and the ecological processes in which they are involved (e.g., colonization, introduction, establishment, and extinction). Herein, we provide an updated Hexapod checklist with current nomenclatural combinations. The entomofauna of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is currently composed of 453 species in 21 orders. The orders, and their respective number of species, are: Blattaria (9), Coleoptera (118), Collembola (29), Dermaptera (3), Diplura (1), Diptera (134), Embioptera (1), Hemiptera (29), Hymenoptera (59), Isoptera (2), Lepidoptera (25), Mantodea (1), Neuroptera (3), Odonata (5), Orthoptera (11), Phasmatodea (1), Phthiraptera (6), Psocoptera (3), Siphonaptera (1), Thysanoptera (10), and Zygentoma (2). The archipelago has 263 new taxon records (family + genera + species). Thirty-eight species (3.39%) were described from local specimens and most of them are likely endemic species. This study more than doubles our knowledge (from the previous 190 records) of the entomofauna in this large Brazilian archipelago. This study also provides a baseline for studies on its conservation status and for implementing future environmental management programs.

Objetivo: generar recomendaciones sobre el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca (APLV), que sirvan de referencia y consulta para los médicos pediatras y de cuidado primario. Materiales y métodos: el presente documento de posición de expertos fue desarrollado por un grupo de médicos, especialistas en diferentes áreas terapéuticas y con experiencia en APLV. Se definieron los temas más relevantes y se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica disponible, a fin de elaborar una propuesta de recomendaciones que fue discutida por los autores. Resultados: se elaboró un documento de posición que propone un enfoque práctico sobre la definición, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la APLV en el paciente pediátrico. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico temprano y el manejo adecuado de la APLV pueden contribuir a una disminución de la carga de esta enfermedad y sus complicaciones.

The large-scale production of plant-derived secondary metabolites (PDSM) in bioreactors to meet the increasing demand for bioactive compounds for the treatment and prevention of degenerative diseases is nowadays considered an engineering challenge due to the large number of operational factors that need to be considered during their design and scale-up. The plant cell suspension culture (CSC) has presented numerous benefits over other technologies, such as the conventional whole-plant extraction, not only for avoiding the overexploitation of plant species, but also for achieving better yields and having excellent scaling-up attributes. The selection of the bioreactor configuration depends on intrinsic cell culture properties and engineering considerations related to the effect of operating conditions on thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena, which together are essential for accomplishing the large-scale production of PDSM. To this end, this review, firstly, provides a comprehensive appraisement of PDSM, essentially those with demonstrated importance and utilization in pharmaceutical industries. Then, special attention is given to PDSM obtained out of CSC. Finally, engineering aspects related to the bioreactor configuration for CSC stating the effect of the operating conditions on kinetics and transport phenomena and, hence, on the cell viability and production of PDSM are presented accordingly. The engineering analysis of the reviewed bioreactor configurations for CSC will pave the way for future research focused on their scaling up, to produce high value-added PDSM.

Ageratina pichinchensis (Asteraceae) has been used for a long time in traditional Mexican medicine for treating different skin conditions and injuries. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date view regarding the traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials) that have been achieved using crude extracts, fractions, or pure compounds. Moreover, for a critical evaluation of the published literature, key databases (Pubmed, Science Direct, and SciFinder, among others) were systematically searched using keywords to retrieve relevant publications on this plant. Studies that reported on crude extracts, fractions, or isolated pure compounds of A. pichinchensis have found a varied range of biological effects, including antibacterial, curative, antiulcer, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytochemical analyses of different parts of A. pichinchensis revealed 47 compounds belonging to chromenes, furans, glycosylated flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils. Furthermore, biotechnological studies of A. pichinchensis such as callus and cell suspension cultures have provided information for future research perspectives to improve the production of valuable bioactive compounds.

Arnica montana cell suspension culture could be a sustainable source of a vegetal material producer of secondary metabolites (SMs) possessing biological effects. Different plant growth regulator concentrations (0–5 mg/L) were tested in foliar explants to induce a callus that was used to establish a cell suspension culture. Growth kinetics was carried out for 30 days. A methanolic extract obtained from biomass harvested at 30 days of growth kinetics was fractionated, and three fractions were tested for bioactivities. We induced a callus with 1 mg/L of picloram and 0.5 mg/L of kinetin in foliar explants, which allowed for the establishment of a cell suspension culture, and the latter had the highest total SMs contents at day 30. Three fractions showed differences in total SMs contents, with the highest values per gram as follows: 270 mg gallic acid equivalent for total phenolic content, 200 mg quercetin equivalent for total flavonoid content, 83 mg verbascoside equivalent for total phenolic acid content, and 396 mg parthenolide equivalent for total sesquiterpene lactone content. The best bioactivities were 2–6 µg/mL for the 50% inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, 30% cellular viability of lymphoma cells at 40 µg/mL, 17% inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at 8 µg/disk, and α-amylase inhibition at 12% with 10 µg/mL. The total SMs contents were correlated with bioactivities.

Eysenhardtia platycarpa (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Mexico. Biotechnological studies of its use are lacking. The objective of this work was to establish a cell suspension culture (CSC) of E. platycarpa, determine the phytochemical constituents by spectrophotometric and gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) methods, evaluate its antifungal activity, and compare them with the intact plant. Friable callus and CSC were established with 2 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid plus 0.1 mg/L kinetin. The highest total phenolics of CSC was 15.6 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight and the total flavonoids content ranged from 56.2 to 104.1 µg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry weight. The GC‒MS analysis showed that the dichloromethane extracts of CSC, sapwood, and heartwood have a high amount of hexadecanoic acid (22.3–35.3%) and steroids (13.5–14.7%). Heartwood and sapwood defatted hexane extracts have the highest amount of stigmasterol (~23.4%) and β-sitosterol (~43%), and leaf extracts presented β-amyrin (16.3%). Methanolic leaf extracts showed mostly sugars and some polyols, mainly D-pinitol (74.3%). Compared with the intact plant, dichloromethane and fatty hexane extracts of CSC exhibited percentages of inhibition higher for Sclerotium cepivorum: 71.5% and 62.0%, respectively. The maximum inhibition for Rhizoctonia solani was with fatty hexane extracts of the sapwood (51.4%). Our study suggests that CSC extracts could be used as a possible complementary alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat multiple ailments. However, there have not been biotechnological studies on producing compounds in in vitro cultures. The aim of this study was to establish a cell suspension culture of A. pichinchensis, quantify the anti-inflammatory constituents 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (2) and 3-epilupeol (3), evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of its extracts, and perform a phytochemical analysis. Cell suspension cultures were established in a MS culture medium of 30-g L−1 sucrose, 1.0-mg L−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid, and 0.1-mg L−1 6-furfurylaminopurine. The ethyl acetate extract of the cell culture analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) revealed that the maximum production of anti-inflammatory compounds 2 and 3 occurs on days eight and 16, respectively, improving the time and previously reported yields in callus cultures. The anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts exhibited a significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. Furthermore, a phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts from day 20 led to the identification of 17 known compounds. The structures of the compounds were assigned by an analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data and the remainder by GC–MS. This is the first report of the production of (-)-Artemesinol, (-)-Artemesinol glucoside, encecalin, and 3,5-diprenyl-acetophenone by a cell suspension culture of A. pichinchensis.