Abstract in English:

Abstract Vegetative propagation methods of acerola cherry are important in standardizing orchards and fruit quality, and the cutting process has been investigated as a promising alternative. The present work aimed to propose the best combination of substrate and cutting type (herbaceous and semi-woody) to provide a greater root rate and seedling development. The trial was conducted in a greenhouse at the State University of Maranhão, in São Luís - MA under intermittent nebulization conditions. The cuttings with dimensions of 10 cm were treated with indole butyric acid (IBA) at a concentration of 2,000 mg L-1, and as substrate were used vermiculite (MV), Plantmax ® (PL) (commercial substrate based on decomposed pine bark), agricultural soil + tanned and sieved bovine manure (S + M) (50% + 50%, v / v); and vegetable soil (VS) composed of fresh soil with the remains of decomposed plants (leaves, stems, bark, and tree fern). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete design in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement (2 types of cuttings x 4 substrates) with eight replications with five cuttings per plot. At 60 days after the establishment of the trial, it was concluded that the best combination for rooting cuttings was vermiculite with herbaceous cuttings because they favor a higher rooting rate (95.0%). The alternative substrate composed of soil and tanned bovine manure provided promising results in the rate of rooting (72.5%), root formation, and vegetative development of the aerial part.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Rice is the most consumed and the most traded food in the world, and so it is very important for it to be classified correctly by its qualities. In this study, the success situation in the classification of rice by qualities with information technologies systems was aimed. In the study, the feature selection process was applied by making statistical analyzes of the features obtained from the images of two different rice species. The classification process was carried out with five different Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms using 6 different morphological features. When the results and performance values are examined, it was viewed that the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm gave the highest accuracy in classification with 93.53%. The obtained Area Under the Curve (AUC) values showed that a very high classification result of 99.18% was accomplished. It was detected that morphological features were very important parameters in classifying rice varieties with the AI algorithms. It is accepted that this study will be important in accelerating the process of product classification which is one of the main components of agricultural marketing and classifying correctly crops.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Chives are one of the most popular spice plants in world cuisine. It is usually produced by small producers, often in an organic farming system. However, research with chives in this production system is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the production of chives with the use of organic fertilizers before planting and in top dressing. Seven treatments were evaluated, resulting from the factorial 2x3+1, with two organic fertilizers (castor bean cake and hoof and horn powder) x 3 application modes (100% before planting; 100% in top dressing; 50% before planting and 50% in top dressing) + 1 control (without these organic fertilizers). The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five replications and plots of 1 m2. The relative index of chlorophyll (“Spad” index), height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of the plants were evaluated. All treatments of the factorial were better than the control, showing that these organic fertilizers improve production in chives. It is recommended to use the hoof and horn powder in installments (50% before planting and 50% in top dressing) or 100% in top dressing, the latter option being more interesting for reducing the need for labor, with just one application moment.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Biofilm degradation with amylase is one of the effective ways for controlling bacterial biofilm. Although amylase can be obtained from several sources, microbial amylase is preferred. Information of the new source of amylase and its activity is therefore fundamental for new applications and enzyme technology advancement. In this study, amylase was extracted from bacteria isolated from soil in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Two different soil isolates AMPB10 and AMPB31 were selected for the purification of amylase; they were identified as Bacillus tequilensis and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The efficiencies of purified amylase in degradation of biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 1466, Staphylococcus epidermidis TISTR 518, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa TISTRA 781 biofilms were measured. The amylase from AMPB10 and AMPB31 degraded 70.9% and 66.1% of S. aureus biofilm, 59.6% and 64.1% of S. epidermidis biofilm, and 57.8% and 60.1% of P. aeruginosa biofilm, respectively. Amylase produced from AMPB10 had greater biofilm degrading activity on S. aureus than AMPB31, while amylase from AMPB31 was more effective against P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis at high concentration. However, AMPB10 amylase showed stronger degrading activity on P. aeruginosa at intermediate concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a successful use of B. tequilensis amylase to degrade the bacterial biofilm.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Tea is identified as the second most consumed drink in the world, and its frequent intake is related to several benefits to human health, considering its antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, calming, and above all, antioxidant effects. These effects are often associated with the action of the phenolic compounds contained in these infusions. In Brazil, among the most consumed infusions are the teas of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), and green/black tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Therefore, said popularity is the reason why the mentioned species were chosen to be evaluated on inflammatory enzymes. The activity of phospholipases A2 was reduced by more than 25% after treatment with black tea and yerba mate. The most significant inhibition of protease activity was observed after incubation with black tea (40.74%), green tea (31.48%) and yerba mate (25.93%). Infusions of black and green tea reduced hemolysis in semisolid and liquid media, and for the latter, reductions of up to 50% of hemolytic activity were observed, indicating an anti-inflammatory potential of the samples. Plasma incubations with green tea, black tea and lemon balm and subsequent addition of venom (1:10 ratio; tea:PBS, v:v) prolonged the coagulation time of citrated plasma by approximately twice compared to the positive control. All controls with pure tea had a thrombolytic character, in higher proportions than the venom control, especially chamomile (273.55% dissolution). Phenolic compounds derived from phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins are identified as the main agents that promote the biological effects observed in this study. This is mainly due to their anti-catalytic properties exerted on inflammatory enzymes and as chelating agents of enzymatic co-factors. The evaluated teas showed potential for nutraceutical use, thus pointing to the possibility of use as an adjuvant in the treatment of diseases linked to hemostasis.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and changes in lipoprotein. Literature data suggest that cholesterol associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDLc) plays a protective role against albuminuria and diabetic nephropathy. These factors are related with changes in serum apolipoproteins such Apo A-I. This work aims to evaluate the correlation of apolipoprotein A-I with renal function in diabetic outpatients. Samples were collected from 281 outpatients for analyses of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine (SCr), urea (BUN), cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDLc) and estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Urinary samples were obtained to assess urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR). Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) was calculated to estimate insulin resistance. The mean age was 61,5 ± 16,4 years. Most patients were female, Afro-Mestizo and over 50 years of age. Pearson's revealed negative correlation of creatinine with HDLc and Apo A-I. There was a correlation of eGFR with HbA1c, TG and HDLc. TyG presented a negative correlation with Apo A-I and HDLc. The highest quartiles of UACR presented the highest TyG and the lowest Apo A-I. In conclusion, Apo A-I indicated an association with insulin resistance and changes in renal function parameters, especially as a factor associated with the onset of albuminuria, with a better predictive potential than the HDLc.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Studies investigating the effects of different modalities of exercises on the immune system are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of eight weeks of resistance and aerobic training on the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes from mice. Eighteen male C56BL6/J mice were divided into groups (n=6), sedentary, aerobic, and resistance training. After 8 weeks, animals were euthanized, and their splenocytes were labeled and cultured with and without stimulation. Lymphocyte proliferation (CD4+, CD8+ and CD21/CD35+) was evaluated by flow cytometry. The mice subjected to resistance exercise exhibited greater proliferation for total, CD8+ and B lymphocytes (p<0.05), but not CD4+ cells (p>0.05), compared with their sedentary counterparts. We found significant correlations between maximum load and total, CD8+ and B lymphocytes proliferation rates (p<0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that resistance training promoted an improvement in the immune response associated with CD8+ and B lymphocytes.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Resin CAD/CAM guides for the maxilla are widely used and differ from custom miniplates essentially in that they do not have drill guides for screw fixation and use miniplates that must be modeled in surgery. To solve this problem, we have developed a new Maxillary guide bone-supported indicated for osteotomy, drilling, and maxillary positioning in orthognathic surgeries using standard modeled miniplates. In this study were included sixteen patients who had bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. The technique for its manufacturing is described, and its surgical accuracy was analyzed using the planning image (CT0) superimposed on the computed tomography scan post-treatment (CT1). The mean positional differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment were obtained Tri-dimensionally on the X, Y, and Z axes using four landmarks points: one bone (SNA), and three dentals (CI, RM, and LM). At Sixty-four points analyzed on the X axis of the four landmarks, only eight points were greater than 1 mm; 87.5 % of the deviations were <1 mm. For the Y-axis 78.12% of the deviations were <1 mm and for Z-axis, 76.56 %. The mean and standard deviation of the error was 0.36 (0.28) mm, 0.93 (1.07) mm, and 0.73 (0.86) mm on the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. The X-axis demonstrated the best results among the three axes. The results of the accuracy and reliability tests were satisfactory and support the use of the proposed technique.

Abstract in English:

HIGHLIGHTS • The surface area of the material was 0.2653 m² g-1. • After three days immersed in SBF solution, bands at 604 and 563 cm-1 were detected. • Biogran has stimulated sustained levels (130-200 pg/100mg) of BMP-2. • Bone formation was similar or significantly higher in the Biogran groups than in autogenous grafting.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Vascularization is crucial strategy for bone tissue constructs. To mimic natural bone structure, researchers benefit from co-culture strategy by using stem cell and endothelial cells. The correlation of them supports proliferation of both cells. Moreover, the combination of them contributes vascularization marker expression such as Vascular Endothelial (Ve)-cadherin, Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (PECAM) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Detection of expression rate of markers may be limited in monolayer. Three dimensional scaffold free microtissues (3D SFMs) are used to understand natural expression rate of vascular markers and to form in vivo mimetic environments. To analyze proliferation and vitality of SFMs, diameter measurements and live and dead assay were performed. For vascular analysis, relative Ve-cadherin, PECAM and VEGF mRNA fold changes were calculated by qPCR. Moreover, VEGF immunofluorescence staining was performed to analyze expression of VEGF. Diameters and vitalities of SFMs coculture increased compared with only Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) and only Human Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hBMSC) groups. mRNA expression of vascular marker was higher than only HUVEC and only hBMSC groups. The highest VEGF protein expression rate was observed in coculture rather than the other groups. hBMSC:HUVEC coculture showed that association of both cell contributes proliferation of cell viability. Moreover, the coculture showed upregulation of vascular marker and high VEGF protein expression. Co-culture system may be preferred to understand more straight responses in terms of vascularization during osteogenic differentiation.

Abstract in English:

Abstract We used mitoquinone (MitoQ), a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, alone and combined with moderate ET (endurance training) in male patients with hypertension to determine their effects on blood pressure (BP), cardiac function, TOS (total oxidant status), and serum miR-145, miR-133a, and hs-CRP levels. Moderately HTN patients participated in groups of Placebo, MitoQ, ET, and MitoQ+ET. Serum was used to assess miR-133a, miR-145, TOS, and hs-CRP, and echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac performance. In the MitoQ+ET group, BP, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac filling pressure decreased. Ejection fraction did not change significantly. Both MitoQ+ET and ET significantly reduced TOS and hs-CRP and significantly increased miR-145 and miR-133a in serum. Overall anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ET and MitoQ were associated with miR-145 and miR-133a increase, and with cardiac function and BP improvements in patients with HTN. MitoQ+ET may potentially be used as an alternative therapy in HTN treatment.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Liver’s contribution to innate immunity is eminent. However, uncontrolled inflammatory conditions predispose the liver to immune-mediated injury. Nigella sativa L. is traditionally implicated in infectious, inflammatory, metabolic and hepatorenal complications. This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of N. sativa seed extract (NSE) against concanavalin A (ConA)-induced acute immunological liver injury in mice. In vitro, NSE was subjected to quantitative phytochemical characterization and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) analysis. In vivo, male Balb/c mice were pretreated with NSE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and pioglitazone (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for seven consecutive days. A single dose of ConA (12 mg/kg, i.v.) was injected and samples were collected for biochemical, histopathological and qRT-PCR analyses after 8 h of ConA injection. In vitro analysis showed considerable quantities of polyphenols and significant DPPH scavenging ability of NSE. In mice, ConA resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in liver injury markers (ALT, AST, ALP and TBil) and hepatic oxidative stress (SOD, CAT and MDA). Also, a substantial elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in liver tissues was noticed. Furthermore, ConA markedly downregulated PPARγ and upregulated JAK2 and STAT3 expressions. In addition, considerably decreased expressions of Bcl-2 and increased Bax and Caspase-9 were observed. NSE demonstrated hepatoprotective effect in a dose-dependent manner through attenuating liver injury markers, oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels as well as liver inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis via modulating PPARγ/JAK2/STAT3 and Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-9 pathways. Conclusively, the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions of NSE could protect against acute immunological liver injury.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Small joints are the primary target for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, few studies have investigated the quantitative aspects of these changes using a design-unbiased stereological method. Eight male Lewis rats were randomized to either an arthritis group (complete Freund’s adjuvant at the base of the tail) or a control group (saline solution). After 28 days the 5th metatarsophalangeal joints (5MTP joint) were decalcified and embedded in methylmethacrylate. The fingers were systematically sectioned perpendicular to the joint cartilage surface to produce 10-12 vertical sections. We quantified the morphological changes in four steps: (i) determination of the Cavalieri volume of joints, (ii) ascertainment of the volume density of tissues, (iii) estimation of the cartilage surface area, and (iv) 3-D counting of chondrocytes and mast cells. Arthritic joints were edematous due to a significant increase in the periarticular region. Synovium volume was inversely related to synovial space. Stereological analysis provided details of changes induced by chronic inflammation, particularly edema, synovial space narrowing, synovitis, mast cell recruitment, bone remodeling, and chondrocyte loss in 5MTP joints. These interrelated pathological changes in chronic inflammation collectively contribute to the progressive joint damage and dysfunction seen in arthritis.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The use of different medical imaging modalities is becoming more frequently engaged in medical applications. This is mainly due to the expansion of different computational processing techniques, which facilitates not only diagnosis but also the follow-up care during medical treatments. The use of anatomical medical images, acquired by computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be registered with the functional images of the human body, obtained by other exams, such as infrared thermography and scintigraphy. Therefore, this combination of different imaging modalities is representing an innovative perspective in medicine. The methodology presented in this paper allows the imaging fusion and achieves new 2D images, which merge different modalities altogether. The image data acquired are aligned based on the affine registration, where at least three corresponding pairs of points are selected in both images. For this purpose, it was developed a script in MATLAB®. This processing allows the combination of different pairs of images, as it also applies transparencies into them. The results obtained can grant the visualization of the thyroid and other structures of the human anatomy simultaneously into a single aligned image. In this research, the focus is to perform imaging fusion of anatomical and functional images. As example, the endocrinology case study proposed was applied for a Graves’ disease. This is a hyperthyroidism condition that causes the thyroid gland to hyper-uptakes related to the radiopharmaceuticals being used during the scintigraphy imaging. Additionally, this image was also blended with infrared thermography image, among other further combinations. Innovative results are presented based on the superposition/overlap of a pair of images, allowing physicians to evaluate both anatomical and functional images. Therefore, this paper presents the investigation of an endocrinological application improving diagnostic sensitivity.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Haemonchus contortus is an important parasite in sheep and the abuse of anti-helminthics has resulted in a rapid resistance. Little is known about the abomasal microbiota in sheep and the relation to local parasitism. This study aimed to identify bacteria in the abomasum of sheep, through the abomasal content, abomasal mucosa, and adult H. contortus parasites, in high and low parasitism. Eight sheep naturally infected with H. contortus were classified as high (n = 4) and low infection (n = 4). Samples of abomasal contents, abomasal mucosa, and adult H. contortus parasites were collected. Samples were pooled to form six groups, three in each level of parasitism: high infection/abomasal contents (HC), high infection/mucosa (HM), high infection/parasites (HP); low infection/abomasal contents (LC), low infection/mucosa (LM), and low infection/parasites (LP). Molecular identification of bacteria was performed by the amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene. A similar distribution of phyla was observed between pools HC/LC and HP/LP. For pools HM/LM, there was a significant difference (p = 0.01) in the proportion of phyla observed. The bacterial phyla predominant for libraries HC/LC were Firmicutes (82% and 62%) and Bacteroidetes (10.4% and 17.6%); for HM/LM, Firmicutes (76.9% and 56%) and Proteobacteria (10.2% and 38.4%); and for HP/LP, Proteobacteria (42.8% and 55%) and Firmicutes (31.6% and 40%). We observed differences about the samples analyzed, suggesting that there are various bacterial communities closely associated with the different materials analyzed, even from the close environment.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Postprandial lipemia (PPL) is associated with cardiovascular diseases, and it is assessed by the oral fat tolerance test (OFTT), which measures circulating triacylglycerol (TG). The objective is to propose an OFTT meal and to evaluate men’s and women’s perceptions, attitudes, sensory acceptability, and satiety. After overnight fasting, blood was collected (n=105), participants ingested the OFTT meal (75.4g lipids, 25.2g carbohydrates, and 10.8g protein/ 822.6 Kcal), and a new blood sample was collected 4h later. Fasting TG was 125.7±92.0 mg/dL (mean±SD) for men and 108.9±52.6 mg/dL for women. It increased by 97.7% and 86.7%, respectively, 4h after meal ingestion (P<0.0001), with no change in glucose. Participants felt satiated during the test. The meal was considered easy to eat and better tolerated by men. The median overall sensory acceptability was 7.0 [9-point hedonic scale]. The greatest fullness was seen in the first hour (magnitude satiety scale) and higher for women (P<0.01). The fatty meal proposed by the current study is adequate for the OFTT since it increased blood TG after 4h without hypoglycemia, it was easy to prepare, to eat, it kept participants satiated, and it displayed good perception, attitudes, and sensory acceptability.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Natural compounds are possible alternatives for wound treatment, including Ilex paraguariensis, a plant with several pharmacological actions already reported, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and healing activities. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a technological and scientific mapping of Ilex paraguariensis used for healing and/or analgesic purposes. Technological prospection was carried out in the Questel-Orbit system, while the scientific research was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. The terms “Ilex paraguariensis”, “Yerba-mate”, “Painkiller”, “Analgesic”, “Wound”, “Healing”, and “Scar” were combined using Boolean operators “OR” and “AND”. The technological prospection resulted in 164 patents found initially. After sorting the abstracts, five patents were read entirely, of which three were selected. Such selected patents report using Ilex paraguariensis for analgesics, wound healing, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications. In addition, the scientific research showed a small number of studies aimed at using Ilex paraguariensis for healing and/or analgesic purposes. Among the 26 articles initially found, only 5 met the inclusion requirements. Scientific studies demonstrate that Ilex paraguariensis is used as an extract or drink, presenting promising results regarding analgesia, inflammation, and wound healing, using in vitro or in vivo models. Despite the potential of Ilex paraguariensis in skin wound therapy, our study demonstrates that few patents and scientific studies explore Ilex paraguariensis for this purpose. This fact may be an incentive for the development of further studies employing Ilex paraguariensis in cutaneous wound management and the pain associated with them.

Abstract in English:

Abstract This study investigated the development, validation and applicability of a high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for analysis of eprinomectin (EPR) in thermoresponsive bioadhesive systems aiming the future pour-on administration in animals. For the determination of the both two types of EPR (B1a and B1b), an HPLC method was developed and validated according to the international standardized guidelines. A factorial design 22 plus central point was utilized for the system design, rendering five formulations containing poloxamer 407, carbomer 974P, isopropanol and EPR. The formulations were evaluated as visual characteristics and sol-gel transition temperature (Tsol/gel). In addition, the applicability of HPLC method was evaluated by analysis of the selected formulations, analyzing the drug content and trapping efficiency. The HPLC method was selective, linear, homoscedasticity, precise, accurate and robust. Formulations F3 and F5 presented instability; however, F1, F2 and F4 were considered suitable. Tsol/gel of F1, F2 and F4 were compatible for use on the animal skin, and they displayed good recovery for EPR content and trapping efficiency. The proposed HPLC method for eprinomectin analysis was valid and could determine the eprinomectin content in systems F1, F2 and F4. Moreover, the methodology showed to be of importance for EPR analysis in thermoresponsive systems, displaying applicability.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The honey bee Apis mellifera is a plant-pollinator that produces commercial products. It has female castes with workers performing tasks in the colonies and a queen, it has the longest lifespan, in charge of reproduction. This bee undergoes a population decline worldwide. Therefore, it is important to understand how aging affects the digestive tract of this insect. In the midgut, regenerative cells are organized in nests replacing the dead cells. This study verified the hypothesis that the number of regenerative cells decreases as A. mellifera queen ages. The midgut was evaluated in queens at the age of four days and eight, 11 and 25 months. The midgut of 11- and 25-month-old queens presented signs of epithelial disorganization in comparison with younger queens. The number of regenerative cell nests in the midgut decreases according to the age of the queen, but the number of cells per nest is similar. The decreased number of regenerative cell nests reveals a potential loss in the amount of these cells available for the renewal of the midgut epithelium. The absence of variations in the number of regenerative cells per nest according to the queen age indicates that these cells do not undergo proliferation before the differentiation.

Abstract in English:

HIGHLIGHTS • Hypericum extracts have been used in the traditional medicine. • H. heterophyllum extracts contained various bioactive compounds. • The effect of the different solvent extraction was revealed. • The solvent type displayed major effect on the various biological activities.

Abstract in English:

HIGHLIGHTS • Room temperature shows advantages to plastinate birds. • The run over animals can compose a collection of high quality plastinated specimens. • There are necessary adaptations in plastination for each class of vertebrates, but the standard protocol can produce good specimens. • Run over animals plastinated can be used in environmental and scientific education.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Natural products have been studied as potential anthelmintic drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the polypeptides/proteins exuded from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia mature seeds on the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. After seed immersion for 24 h at 25 ºC in sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0.15 M NaCl and 1.0 M MgSO4, the constituent polypeptides/proteins were fractionated using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ultrafiltration and their effects on C. elegans motility were assessed. Moreover, we evaluated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) whether exposition of the nematode to the polypeptide fraction McSEX10-2 could cause any alteration on the animal’s external surface (cuticle). The whole seed exudates (SEX) from the M. caesalpiniifolia mature seeds (named McSEX) and its polypeptide/protein derived fractions, termed McSEX90%/80°C, McSEX30-10, and McSEX10-2, inhibited the C. elegans motility with an IC50 of 15.18, 12.59, 9.74 and 1.34 μg mL-1.The McSEX10-2 fraction, which encompassed the polypeptides with the molecular mass varying from 10 kDa to 2 kDa, was the most effective. In addition, McSEX10-2 altered the ultrastructure and the mechanical properties of the C. elegans cuticle. McSEX10-2, in particular, can be used as a model to bioinspire structure-based design of new peptides that could control, alone or in combination with other drugs, economically important parasitic nematodes.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small groups of proteins obtained from plants and animals. AMPs participate in the immune response, as they provide a quick line of defense against infections, while others may be related to the plant's defense against certain pests and pathogens. The objective of the present study was to evaluate an inhibitory activity of fractions obtained from immature fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (accession UENF 1755) on trypsin, chymotrypsin and α-amylase families and on yeast growth. The peptides were obtained from the immature fruits using saline extraction. The extract was semi-purified by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography into two fractions: D1 (non-retained fraction) and D2 (retained fraction), and analyzed using SDS-tricine-gel electrophoresis. The antifungal activity of these fractions was tested on Candida albicans, Candida buinensis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. To elucidate the antimicrobial mechanism of these fractions, membrane permeabilization and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction assays were performed. The fractions were also tested for inhibition of trypsin, chymotrypsin and α-amylase enzymes. The two fractions, D1 and D2, inhibited yeast growth at a concentration of 100 μg.mL-1, promoted membrane permeabilization and caused an increase in the induction of endogenous ROS in C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Both these fractions were able to inhibit trypsin and α-amylase enzyme, while only D1 inhibited chymotrypsin activity. Thus, D1 was found to possess a greater antifungal and enzymatic inhibition activity on trypsin, chymotrypsin and α-amylase.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Schinus fasciculatus (Griseb.) I.M. Johnst and S. gracilipes I.M. Johnst are plants rich in secondary metabolites traditionally used for dye, fodder, and medicinal purposes. This work is a comprehensive comparative analysis of leaf architecture and histochemistry between the two species to determine the in situ localization of their secondary metabolites. Leaf anatomy was characterized by classical histological methods. Fresh leaf cross-sections were treated with ferric chloride, Fast Blue B, aluminium chloride, vanillin-HCl, 1% KOH, Sudan IV, Neu´s, NADI, Liebermann-Burchard, PAS, and lugol. The leaves of both species shared morphological traits suitable for survival in water-limited environments, such as amphistomacy and anomocytic stomata. Glandular and non-glandular trichomes were abundant in S. gracilipes suggesting that they have a protective role against biotic and abiotic stresses. Some features like mesophyll structure and thickness indicate S. fasciculatus leaves respond better to the selective pressure of extreme environments. The histochemical analysis revealed a widespread distribution of phenolic compounds and terpenoids in the mesophyll tissue of both species. Glandular trichomes contained polysaccharides, terpenoids and phenolic compounds, including flavonoids. Numerous schizogenous phloem ducts containing terpenoids were observed in both species, with alkaloids only present in the phloem ducts of S. fasciculatus. These findings suggest that terpenoids and phenolic compounds in both Schinus species serve as plant defenses and protect against environmental stresses. The distribution and abundance of tannins and flavonoids suggest they protect against excessive UV radiation and reactive oxygen species. The ecophysiological significance of the results are discussed in relation to other Anacardiaceae species.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The anti-cancer effects of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJSC)-derived secretome (WJSC-S) have been demonstrated in previous studies. However, the anti-cancer mechanism of WJSC-S in tumor suppression remains largely elusive. This study investigated the cytotoxic impacts of WJSC-S by evaluating autophagy and mitophagy on a colon carcinoma cell line (HT-29 cells). The HT-29 cells were treated with 100 µg/mL WJSC-S with or without mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) for 24 hours. MTT test and DAPI staining had used to determine the impacts of WJSC-S on the viability and apoptosis rates of the cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and expression of autophagy and mitophagy-related genes (Parkin and PINK1) had evaluated. Protein levels of the Parkin, PINK1, and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio were also evaluated. WJSC-S reduced ΔΨm and survival of the cells while ROS level and apoptosis index significantly increased. WJSC-S raised the expression of Parkin and reduced PINK1 expression in the HT-29 cells. WJSC-S could also decrease the expression of Beclin-1, ATG5, and ATG12 genes and reduce the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio. Mdivi-1 could enhance WJSC-S impacts on the cancer cells. These findings show that WJSC-S prevents the proliferation of the HT-29 cells and elevates HT-29 cell death by suppressing the mitophagy process.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Pulmonary mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) are considered important in therapeutic and regenerative responses to lung injury. Despite extensive studies on the human, porcine, sheep, mouse and rat, it was found that PMSCs, which can been performed on goose, have not been well explored. Elucidation of cell differentiation, proliferation, which have not yet been well described, may promote the development of injured lung therapy. In our study, we firstly disclosed biological characteristics of spindle-shaped PMSCs from pulmonary tissues of goose embryos. Growth kinetics and counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay were employed for proliferative activity evaluation. When appropriately induced, PMSCs could differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, type II alveolar epithelial cells (ATII), which demonstrated that PMSCs have cross-embryonic layer differentiation potential. Besides, undifferentiated PMSCs consistently expressed MSCs associated phenotypes, such as CD166, CD90, CD44, CD29, CD71 and CD105, as identified by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Karyotype analysis demonstrated that PMSCs possessed stable diploid karyotype. Collectively, we successfully established applicable methods for isolation, culture, identification and characterization of goose PMSCs which suggested a potential therapeutic use in regenerative therapy.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of actinomycetes isolated from soils in the Brazilian Amazon. Soil samples were collected for the isolation of actinomycetes. The actinomycetes were grown in submerged culture and the metabolites extracted in ethyl acetate. The well diffusion method was used to verify the antimicrobial activity of isolated actinomycetes against test microorganisms. The microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts against the test microorganisms. Bioautography was used to verify the bioactive compound of the extracts. The biomass and active metabolites were determined. 219 actinomycetes were isolated from Amazonian soils, organized into 153 morphospecies. The most frequent genus were Streptomyces (48.85%) and Nocardia (20.09%). Of the 153 extracts analyzed, 12 (7.84%) had antimicrobial activity, 9 against Gram positive bacteria and 5 against Candida albicans. The MICs of the extracts with activity ranged from 15 to 250 ug/mL. The bioautography method showed that the extracts from Streptomyces 3323 HEX, Streptomyces 3098 DCM, Streptomyces 3333 DCM and Streptomyces 3333 EtOAc generally had an active substance, and that they are different from commercial antimicrobials produced by actinomycetes. Therefore, the actinomycetes from these areas can contribute to the discovery of new antibiotics and the fight against resistant pathogens.

Abstract in English:

Abstract In this research, acorn flour (AF) was used in starch based noodle production. It was replaced with gluten free mix at four different ratios (10, 20, 30 40%) for supplementation. The results indicated that AF utilization caused lower L* values and higher a* values and the total color difference reached 22.86. Especially, 30% and 40% addition of AF led to volume and weight increases and high cooking losses compared to control. Besides these samples exhibited lower firmness values. There were not a significant effect on optimum cooking time, swelling index, water solubility index and brix values. The utilization of AF at the level of 40% increased ash, protein and fat content from 0.89%, 5.64% and 2.64% to 1.14%, 7.70% and 6.83% respectively. The highest total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity were detected in 40% AF added samples (17.55 and 5.77 fold). Also one of the remarkable results of the study were the lower phytic acid and phytate phosphorus contents with AF usage. The results changed between 184.39-27.54 mg/100g and 52.00-7.76 mg/100g respectively. An increment in water absorption and decrement in C3 and stability values revealed with usage of 30% and upper levels of AF in mixolab measurements. The parameters of sensory analysis evaluated, it was observed that AF addition occured negative effects and it was concluded that although improvement of nutritional composition of gluten free noodles with AF, it may be used maximum 20% as ratio.

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Abstract Large quantities of residual cooking oil are being increasingly generated in various sectors, as it is often improperly disposed of and causes serious environmental problems. A commonly used alternative is the use of lipases in enzymatic hydrolysis, since it is rather attractive to several sectors, in addition to allowing the use of products generated thereof, such as: free fatty acids, diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols and free glycerol, moreover, it is capable of operating in mild temperature and pressure conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate alternatives for the hydrolysis of residual frying oil by evaluating the efficiency of different types of supports and heating systems using free and immobilized forms of lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (BCL) and Porcine pancreas (PPL) as biocatalyst. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and chitosan (CHIT) were evaluated as support for immobilizing BCL and PPL lipases, and superior results were found regarding the hydrolytic activity of immobilization derivatives using PHB and Nb2O5. Among the heating systems under evaluation, the highest percentage of residual oil hydrolysis was found using the ultrasound system for both free and immobilized lipases, reaching 57.91% hydrolysis for lipases immobilized on Nb2O5 and 61.11% hydrolysis for the derivative immobilized on PHB. The operational stability of both biocatalysts was evaluated using similar half-life time values for both. Thus, it was observed that the ultrasound system was efficient in improving lipase performance in the hydrolysis of free fatty acids, once this unconventional heating system is quite promising for accelerating such enzymatic reactions.

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Abstract Tilapia is one of the most important aquaculture species due to the desirable characteristics as easy reproduction and quick growth in several farming systems, including the recirculating aquaculture systems RAS. In this, the high flow of water to remove waste casually stimulates the fish to swim backset, and growth performance may be improved. Increasing the speed of swimming can improve performance within certain limits, in which however if exceeded can be harmful. Fish may be exhausted leading to impaired growth or even mortality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth performance of tilapia juveniles under sustained swimming exercise at different speeds. Additionally, the fish stocking density effect was tested in the sustained swimming exercise condition. In the first experiment, Nile tilapia juveniles were submitted in triplicates to sustained swimming exercise in speeds of control (not exercised), 1 BL/s (body length per second), 1.5 BL/s and 2 BL/s. In the second experiment, two fish stocking densities were tested in triplicates in sustained swimming exercise in speed of 2 BL/s and control not exercised. Fish growth performance was improved by sustained swimming exercise in speeds up to 2 BL/s. No expressive fish mortalities were observed in both experiments. The comparison between the two stocking densities does not allow us to safely say tilapia can be reared at stocking densities in order of 1,000 fish/m3, even under sustained swimming exercise. Other densities need to be tested.

Abstract in English:

HIGHLIGHTS • Multiple forms of lipases can exhibit different properties and applications. • Mycelium-bound lipases can be helpful for the oleochemical industry. • All of the multiple forms of lipase were studied and presented hydrolysis activity. • Partial biochemical characterization of multiple forms of lipases was realized. • Trichoderma koningii was suggested as a good producer of mycelium-bound lipases.

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Abstract The study aimed to optimize microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of phenolics from gilaburu fruit (GF) with the response surface method (RSM). GF was used to produce two functional products: The first one was encapsulated hydrogel beads GF (eGF) using ionic gelation and chitosan system, and the second one was a sugar-free functional beverage (FB) enriched with black carrot, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid. The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be 60 °C for temperature, 5 minutes for time, and 4.18 g/100 mL for solid/solvent ratio based on the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and extraction yield. The model was found to be sufficient for the successful prediction of experimental results. Chlorogenic acid was a major compound of GF, eGF, and sugar-free FB. The inhibition of α-glucosidase activity (%) for GF, eGF, and sugar-free FB was detected as 54, 92, and 77, respectively. These findings revealed that utilizing MAE may shorten the extraction of GF phenolics with low energy and maximum efficiency. Furthermore, GF, eGF, and sugar-free FB have promising antioxidant and antidiabetic activities due to their rich bioactive and fortified compounds. They may be regarded excellent sources of compounds for the functional food industry. Besides, they can be used to provide health benefits to diabetic patients and future consumers.

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Abstract Nano-sensor can directly monitor human motion, and transmit the data to the monitoring center through the micro-nano interface, which can be analyzed and processed based on real-time monitoring data under the premise of execution capability. Due to the defense human motion posture trajectory data containing rapidly changing angular velocity and acceleration, it is difficult to perform fine localization and analysis during rapid motion. Therefore, a trajectory method for defense human motion posture based on nano-sensor is proposed. First, nano-sensor monitoring nodes are arranged to set up the defense data mining process and initially obtain the defense human motion posture trajectory data. Second, the collected data are used to build a trajectory description model to match the trajectory states under different virtual forces. Finally, according to the trajectory state conversion of human running trajectory coordinate system, using the gravitational model to determine the attraction and repulsion of the defending human, to achieve the deep mining of defense posture data. The results show that the proposed method can classify the five defense poses more accurately than other traditional methods, and the accuracy of defensive posture recognition is high. It can truly restore the execution of tactics, arrange the offensive and defense positions of personnel, and better design the defense and offensive strategies of personnel.

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Abstract With the growing demand for solutions to prevent and resolve faults in gas-insulated substations that affect the operation of the electrical system, a fault simulation laboratory for gas-insulated substations was developed to develop solutions for monitoring and locating these faults. The laboratory is composed of instruments for a fault location system based on traveling wave theory. The laboratory also has computational programs for fault simulation control and signal acquisition, in addition to having tools to analyze the data. The results were obtained through tests carried out that confirmed the laboratory's ability to simulate the operation of faults in gas-insulated substations, which allowed demonstrating the capacity of the fault location system using the theory of traveling waves.

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Abstract The use of computational simulation techniques is an important tool for the coffee harvesting issues, particularly the finite element method. The method is widely used in the structural analysis of agricultural machinery, as well as in the analysis of the stresses and vibrations of coffee branches and peduncles during the harvesting process. The present study aimed to develop three-dimensional finite element models of the plagiotropic branches of the Catuaí Vermelho variety of Arabica coffee in different positions along the orthotropic branches of the plant; considering high-fidelity models. Additionally, by considering the branches’ experimental properties (physical-mechanical), the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the branches were determined by means of computer simulations. First, the geometric properties of the coffee branches were obtained by means of two images taken using a professional camera to obtain the input data of the virtual simulation. For the mechanical properties, it was used a semi-analytical digital scale, to obtain the mass of the specimens. The modulus of elasticity was determined using a universal testing machine. The variability in the simulated natural frequencies could be identified, which was on the order of 30% for the first frequency, regardless of the position of the branch in the plant. These values were lower for the other frequencies. Linear regression fits showed a coefficient of determination, and correlation tests were used to verify the relationship between the values obtained numerically and experimentally, which were validated by using experimental data using the modal analysis techniques.

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HIGHLIGHTS • Up to a third of the grape produced for processing is discarded as waste, without valorization. • Wastes of grape processing are rich in compounds with biological activity. • This kind of waste is also rich in nutrients making it useful for plant fertilization. • Wastes from grape processing have the potential to be reused in applications with more added value.

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HIGHLIGHTS • Bilevel approach to enhance penetration of green energy in the power system. • Demand response coordination with the optimally-integrated distributed generations.

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HIGHLIGHTS • Use of boost power stage ensures improved voltage gain for the existing Zeta converter. • The proposed Zeta topology produces high voltage gain at low duty ratio itself. • Low voltage stress is observed on both power switches. • Characteristics of the DC motor-generator set are obtained by duty ratio adjustment.

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HIGHLIGHTS • Development of a laboratory with a low-energy, mobile current waveform impulse generator. • The goal is of this laboratory is for conducting aging tests on low-voltage zinc oxide surge arresters. • The current waveform impulses are sufficient to induce degradation in the electrical parameters of the tested surge arresters. • Results of testing performed on new ZnO surge arrester samples.

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HIGHLIGHTS • EVGG-CNN Architecture is proposed for brain tumor detection. • The proposed method on the brain images from BRATS 2021 and Kaggle dataset. • The performance of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy is analyzed.

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Abstract The work presents the study of synergistic effects in changing of 1) the diffuse reflectance spectra within 0.2-2.2 µm and 2) the solar absorptance of barium sulfate (nBaSO4) modified by silicon dioxide nanoparticles under separate and simultaneous irradiation with 30 keV electrons and 5 keV protons. The spectra were recorded before and after each irradiation period in vacuum at the site of irradiation (in situ). It was found that the change in optical properties of the powder under simultanous irradiation is larger in comparison with the total change under separate irradiation, with the values of electron fluence varying up to Fе=9•1016 cm-2 and the values of proton fluence varying up to Fр=6•1016 cm-2. The difference reaches 1.24 times. The work provides the description of formation and accumulation of absorption centers under separate and sumultaneous irradiation of nBaSO4.

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Abstract Recently, the renewable energy applications require the development of highly efficient DC-DC converters with higher voltage transfer gain capability to meet out the increased global power demand. The non-isolated DC-DC converters are preferred due to certain drawbacks of isolated structures. The traditional boost, SEPIC (single-ended primary-inductor converter), and CUK based DC-DC converter structures are modified with additional power switches, diodes, and passive components in order to achieve high voltage gain. However, the modified structures with large number of active and passive elements suffer from the drawbacks of increased complexity of control algorithm, reduced power conversion efficiency and higher converter cost. Hence, the researchers started to explore more on single power switch configured non-isolated high step-up DC-DC converter topologies using hybrid concept. The research work presented in this paper explores such a high gain single-switch hybrid DC-DC converter structure that combines the conventional SEPIC and CUK topologies to achieve enhanced voltage gain. In the proposed hybrid topology, the input current is continuous during all modes of converter operation. Moreover, the power switch experiences only low voltage-current stress. The closed-loop configuration of the proposed hybrid converter is implemented using classic PID (Proportional+Integral+Derivative) and FOPID (Fractional Order PID) controllers, and simulated in MATLAB / SIMULINK environment with duty ratio D = 0.7 for the power switch. The results demonstrate that the dynamic performance of the converter with FOPID controller is much improved in terms of reduced settling time, overshoot, and ripples for the output voltage, as compared to that with classic PID controller.

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Abstract Green areas have important social, biological and aesthetical values. They might provide house and food for fauna, protect biodiversity and can provide several ecosystem services of provision, regulation, support and culture. This research aimed to analyze composition of native and exotic species in urban parks in São Paulo (Brazil), in response to variables considered drivers of diversity adapted to urban environment and to socioeconomic aspects. We expected that socio-economic factors and age and size of parks would be important determinants of species richness All county parks (municipal management) larger than 1 ha were selected, which summed 68 parks throughout São Paulo. Socioeconomic variables for this study were population, growth rate of population, average per capita income, IDH and population density. We also accessed native and exotic species richness of plants and trees from the flora list of each park. In order to determine the effects of park size and age and neighbourhood socio-economic status on richness of plants and trees we used multiple regression analyses. We found a great species richness in urban parks in São Paulo and that richness associated to park age and size, and to some socio-economic factors, especially when combined to age and size of parks. Bigger sites could offer more resources and area for the growth and establishment of native plants, and older parks in São Paulo likely had more management and interventions improving its biodiversity. Lastly, in vulnerable regions and in smaller and newer parks, we recommend improvement in plant species diversity by managers.

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Abstract In aquaculture, biological treatments usually have an excellent benefit-cost ratio. This study evaluated the efficiency of different ecotechnologies on aquaculture wastewater treatment. Two experimental units were installed. In the first one, tanks were individually vegetated with free-floating aquatic macrophytes. In the second experimental unit, 10.72 m² of artificial substrate were added for periphyton colonization. The hydraulic retention time of the wastewater was of 30 days. Both physical and chemical characterizations of the effluent were carried out at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. The periphyton community attached to the substrate was catalogued. In the first unit, the pH, nitrite, and orthophosphate values were significantly different. The tanks vegetated with Azolla filiculoides were the only ones where the electrical conductivity values were reduced. Tanks vegetated with Azolla filiculoides and Pontederia crassipes presented decreased the nitrate concentration. On the other hand, the concentration of ammonia and total phosphorus decreased in all vegetated tanks. In the second unit, only the nitrate and ammonia values did not decrease in the last day of the experiment. 33 taxa belonging to the classes Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, Coleochaetophyceae, Coscinodiscophyceae and Zygnematophyceae were identified in the substrate. The experimental units were effective in mitigating the nutrients in aquaculture wastewater that cause eutrophication.

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Abstract Anthropogenic interventions have had a compromising effect on environmental health, intensifying the degradation of ecosystems, and the quantity of chemical pollutants released into nature. Therefore, research areas within the scope of environmental assessments and monitoring such as ecotoxicology have contributed to the determination of the toxic potential of contaminants. A small cyprinid known as the zebrafish (Danio rerio), the use of which has exponentially grown, is an alternative vertebrate model for scientific research, mainly in the assessment of environmental risks. The species exhibits several advantages for breeding in a laboratory, in addition to presenting multi-biomarkers of environmental toxicity. Thus, this review aims to present the main characteristics and advantages of working with this species, as well as show studies related to ecotoxicology involving biomarkers of toxicity in zebrafish. The results show a progressive trend towards employing the species in environmental risk analyses, it is an increasingly recommended species in the assessment of the toxicity level of a range of chemical pollutants. The development of future technologies must contribute to scientific advancement, rendering the potential application of this model organism an even more widespread one, which will certainly help in bridging knowledge gaps in various areas of study.

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Abstract We describe the toxicity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in two aquatic species: Danio rerio and Artemia salina. Fish were exposed to 25 mg L-1, 50 mg L-1, and 100 mg L-1 MWCNTs for 7 days. After exposure, the gills from D. rerio showed lamellar fusion and epithelial lifting in the secondary lamellae, and vasodilation in the primary lamellae. In the gills, heat shock protein 70 and Bax (pro apoptotic member) were stained more intensely in the treated groups than in the control group. The nauplii of A. salina were exposed to 25 µg L-1, 50 µg L-1, and 100 µg L-1 MWCNTs for 96 h. After exposure, the nauplii from the control group presented 20 % mortality, whereas the 25 µg mL-1, 50 µg mL-1, and 100 µg L-1 groups had 46.7 %, 70 %, and 100 % mortality, respectively. The nauplii exposed to 25 µg mL1 and 50 µg mL1 MWCNTs had black aggregates in the intestine because of the uptake of nanomaterials. In addition, the 25 µg mL-1 and 50 µg mL-1 MWCNT groups had black aggregates attached onto the body surface, appendages of the second pair, and mandibles.The results revealed the toxic effects of MWCNTs on the two aquatic organisms, and both species showed great potential for toxicological evaluation of MWCNTs in aquatic environments.

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Abstract Chicken feathers that make up 4-6% of total weight of chicken are most influential waste by-product from poultry farm and slaughter. Annual worldwide generation of several tons of feather biomass raise solid waste management concerns. In environmental perspective, the burning or dumping in landfills are not promising approaches. Keratin, tough and fibrous protein, is an important polymer abundant in chicken feathers. The present study aimed at extraction, characterization of keratin from chicken feather waste. Moreover, this study was performed to evaluate the adsorption potential of keratin adsorbent for the treatment of heavy metal contaminated synthetic water. Feathers after collection was treated with sodium sulfide for the extraction of valuable keratin protein. The extracted keratin was dialyzed using cellulose membrane and freeze dried. Adsorption of metals (Zn and Cu) onto extracted keratin has been studied using batch-adsorption studies. The concentration of obtained protein from chicken feather was computed to be 0.95mg/mL. Functional groups of amide I, amide II, tryptophan, stretching C-O and bond of C-N were confirmed through FTIR. XRD analysis confirmed sem-crystalline structure of keratin whereas SEM analysis showed roughness on surface of keratin due to alkaline hydrolysis. Freundlich isotherm identified ideal parameters for removal of zinc and copper from water as eight hours of contact time, temperature of 250C. With regard to pH, the optimum level was 5.0 and 4.5 for zinc and copper respectively. After treatment with extracted keratin, the removal of 52% zinc and 69% copper from the synthetic water was observed. Results clearly indicate the potential of keratin from chicken feather for effective, economic and eco-friendly treatment of contaminated water.

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Abstract The Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex (CIELC) is an area of low anthropogenic impact; however, it is not completely isolated from human pressure, particularly in the northern sector. Considering this scenario, this study aims to identify the health of two catfish species Cathorops spixii and Genidens Genidens taking into account the hepatic pathological analysis and the accumulation of iron in the form of hemosiderin considering a temporal approach. Biometric measurements were taken, and the condition factor was obtained. The main liver alterations found in the two catfish species were necrosis, inflammation, hemorrhage, cytoplasmatic vacuolization, and pyknosis nuclei. Necrosis (2014: 57%; 2017: 71 %; and 2018: 20%) and pyknosis nuclei (2014: 86%; 2017: 43%; and 2018: 40%) was the most frequent alteration. However, cytoplasmatic vacuolization was the only change that was statistically significant over time. Regarding hemosiderin, catfish livers mostly presented a minimum degree of accumulation, which represents healthy results. Finally, histopathological observations in C. spixii and G. genidens catfish tissues are confirmed to be an efficient tool to evaluate the health of these fish and the changes induced by environmental conditions over the years. However, the absence of significant differences on the histopathological changes over time can suggest a physiological equilibrium of these fish in the CIELC.

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Abstract In this work, we studied the effects of different types of soils contaminated with diesel on the germination and early growth of four plant species (Xanthium strumarium, Avena sativa, Daucus carota, and Cerinthe major). We used four potting soils that we contaminated with different levels of diesel: 2.5%, 5%, and the control (0%). The results showed that the effect of the contamination depends on the species. Thus, compared with the three other species, X. strumarium showed the best results. This species showed good germination rates, with a lower rate of 50%. Its root length and weight were stimulated in the contaminated soils, and its shoot growth was less affected than that of the other species. The results depend also on the soil type. X. strumarium showed the best results in the different types of soils; thus, in soil three, at 5% diesel, all species showed a germination rate of 0%, but X. strumarium showed a rate of 50%. Our study demonstrated the variation in diesel effects across different plant species and soil types. The four species showed different levels of tolerance that varied with diesel concentrations, soil types, and parameters. We recommend performing phytoremediation tests in soils contaminated with petroleum products using preferably X. strumarium, but it would be interesting to test the other species. Additionally, it would be interesting to test the tolerance of this species using seeds extracted from the burs, to investigate the role of the X. strumarium burs in its tolerance to diesel contamination.

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Abstract Curcumin is a polyphenol present in Curcuma longa, a root used in Asian cuisine for thousands of years, and it has several medicinal properties, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, among others. Polyphenols generally have the ability to restore BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, which is a very important neurotrophin in controlling neuronal development and survival, when they are impaired, offering a therapeutic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease and Depression, which has as its main pathogenesis the reduction of BDNF levels, monoamine levels, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, beta-amyloid aggregation, Tau protein accumulation and aluminum neurotoxicity, verifying its therapeutic capacity. Therefore, a literature review was performed in the Scholar Google, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases. The data analyzed demonstrated that curcumin supplementation is able to restore BDNF levels in Alzheimer's disease and depression, in addition to modulating monoamines and reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, beta-amyloid aggregation, Tau protein accumulation and aluminum neurotoxicity, improving their symptoms.

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Abstract Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem developed by different etiologies, which induces metabolic dysfunctions and triglycerides accumulation in hepatocytes. This lipid accumulation can generate lipotoxicity, inflammation and the production of reactive oxygen species, collaborating with the progression of liver pathogenesis to more deleterious stage. Among the elements that initiate the establishment of liver diseases, pesticides should be considered. Worldwide, the use of agricultural chemicals to increase food production may accumulate in the environment, affecting non-target organisms. Thus, worldwide legislation must control pesticides use to preserve economies and lives. In this context, to address pesticide toxicity, the alternative animal model, Drosophila melanogaster, emerges as relevant biotechnological tool to investigate molecular connectors of toxic mechanisms in the establishment and development of NAFLD and liver diseases. In this review a comprehensive explanation about pesticides on human health and the use of Drosophila melanogaster as an alternative approach to defeat NAFLD will be presented.

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Abstract Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a super-fruit with high ascorbic acid content and its quality can be highly affected by the genetic and environmental conditions. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the influence of genetic variability on acerola quality traits. It was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendations. PubMed, Scopus and SciELO electronic databases were searched using terms acerola, selection, and genotypes. 29 studies were selected after assessing articles for eligibility criteria, which reported data on 22 quality parameters. A high genetic diversity was observed for all quality traits. Soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents are the main parameters determined in studies with acerola. Titratable acidity, SS/TA ratio and pH are also evaluated in most studies. Different studies have already identified possible genotypes for use in acerola breeding programs based on fruit quality, both for launching new cultivars and for use as parents in crosses. Our review is a useful basis for acerola breeding programs and germplasm conservation. Future studies are required to further identify and quantify bioactive compounds in acerolas of different genotypes.

Abstract in English:

HIGHLIGHTS • Illustration of problems of hospital waste management • Impact of improper biomedical waste on human health and environment. • Discussion of usefulness of bioremediation in managing hospital waste.