Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The main objective of this study was to optimize the fermentation process using Serratia sp. BR13816, a bacterial isolate from Amazonian soil, and to evaluate the formation of nanoemulsions. Submerged fermentation was carried out with different carbon and nitrogen sources. Based on the emulsification index and surface tension results, we selected a hydrophobic (corn oil) and a hydrophilic (glycerol) carbon source, and a nitrogen one (urea). For fermentation using corn oil/urea greater emulsification indexes and lower surface tensions were verified at pH 8, 25 °C, and 48 h, whereas for glycerol/urea-supplemented medium the best conditions were attained at pH 7, 30 °C, and 96 h. These pre-selected factors (pH, temperature, and time) were used in a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) for an additional fermentation optimization of the two carbon/nitrogen mediums, corn oil/urea and glycerol/urea. The two best nutritional systems based on corn oil/urea and glycerol/urea were selected using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The mathematical models using the response surface methodology showed adequate adjustment. The best run of the experimental design for corn oil/urea (6.00% /0.60%) and glycerol/urea (3.00% /1.40%) systems presented surface tension values of 35.70 mN/m and 37.10 mN/m, respectively. The nanoemulsions produced by a low-energy method presented average sizes by dynamic light scattering varying from 453.1 nm to 667.3 nm when 0.1% of the oil was employed. Therefore, Serratia sp. BR13816 showed promising biosurfactant-producing potential for future industrial applications.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Meteorological conditions affect the dynamics of nitrogen (N) by oat crops. Fuzzy logic allows the development of simulation models involving N management and the non-linearity of meteorological conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the most sustainable N management for oat crops considering N rates applied at sowing and as top-dressing with different timing. Potential variables were selected for the development of a rule base for fuzzy modeling and simulate grain yield for N managements considering the non-linearity of meteorological conditions. The experiment was carried out in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, from 2015 to 2017. A randomized block design with four replications was used, in a 4×3 factorial arrangement, consisted of four N rates applied at sowing (0, 10, 30 and 60 kg/ha), using total N top-dressing rates of 70 kg/ha for the soybean-oat and 100 kg/ha for the maize-oat, applied at three timings (10, 30, and 60 days after emergence). The most sustainable N managements for oat crops were under absence of N and application 10 kg/ha of N at sowing, with the remainder applied as top-dressing at 10 and 30 days after emergence. The N application timing, mean air temperature, and rainfall depth are potential variables for the development of a rule base for fuzzy modeling, and efficient in simulating oat grain yield.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Wild passion fruit (Passiflora cincinnata) has great adaptability to the semi-arid environment of the Caatinga biome, Brazil. However, information about the postharvest quality and the ideal ripening points of the fruits are still insufficient in the literature. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the physical, chemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of P. cincinnata fruit at different ripening stages, harvested in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Three ripening stages (stage I = 100% green peel color; stage II = green-yellow peel color; stage III = yellow-green peel color) were evaluated. Physical characteristics (pulp yield with seeds pulp yield without seeds, pulp volume without seeds, fresh peel mass, rind thickness, longitudinal fruit diameter, transversal fruit diameter, fruit shape, longitudinal inner cavity diameter, transversal inner cavity diameter, and firmness) in the whole fruit and physicochemical (moisture, ashes, pH, H+ ion concentration, soluble solids, titratable acidity, SS/TA ratio, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, soluble sugars, and proteins) and bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds) in the fruit pulp were evaluated. Based on the physical and physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds analyzed in the P. cincinnata pulp, the stage II of ripening stands out as the most promising for in natura consumption and elaboration of food products of this fruit. The results obtained allowed us to prove the nutritional potentiality of the fruit, providing technical subsidies for the use of P. cincinnata in agroindustry.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This research aimed to predict the seasonal incidence of whitefly, B. tabaci (Asia II 5) with its management by new plant systemic insecticides and their influence on natural enemies on potato crop. Results concluded that the whitefly population was slightly higher in 2020-21 than in 2019-20 and temperature (minimum and maximum), relative humidity (minimum), evaporation, and sunshine hours were key factors in determining the B. tabaci population buildup with reasonable accuracy (R2=0.82). Sequential spray of Diafenthiuron and Thiamethoxam (1.61 adults/3 compound leaves) was noticed to be the most effective treatment with the highest cost-benefit ratio (1:2.55), whereas two sequential sprays of Pymetrozine (3.17 adults/3 compound leaves) was found to be the least effective with the lowest cost-benefit ratio (1:1.61). All of the insecticides sequential spray examined were found to be either harmless or slightly detrimental to natural enemies (spiders and coccinellids). The current study concluded that B. tabaci population growth and seasonal incidence were greatly influenced by weather factors and this information validates the monitoring for early decision-making prior to developing insect pest management strategies against B. tabaci. Sequential spray of Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam were shown reliable both from bio-efficacy and economic point of view in managing B. tabaci infestations in potato crop and can be incorporated into the IPM module.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Strategies for evaluating oat leaf diseases and using cultivars for pesticide-free growing enable more sustainable managements with food safety. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal timing for assessing genetic variability of resistance to leaf diseases among Brazilian oat cultivars through analysis of necrotic leaf area; and identify the most suitable cultivars for agroecologically-based production systems through analysis of grain yield and necrotic leaf area using adaptability and stability parameters. The experiment was carried out in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, using a randomized block design with three replications for evaluating 22 Brazilian oat cultivars (recommended and no longer recommended for cultivation) grown under no fungicide applications, from 2015 to 2020. Necrotic leaf area was measured at 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 days after plant emergence (DAE), using the WinDIAS software (Copyright 2012, Delta-T Devices Limited); grain yield was determined after harvesting grains with approximately 15% moisture. Regarding the necrotic leaf area analysis, the highest genetic variability of resistance to leaf diseases in the Brazilian oat cultivars evaluated was observed between 90 and 105 DAE. Regarding grain yield and necrotic leaf area, the oat cultivars URS Altiva, URS Charrua, UPFPS Farroupilha, and UPFA Gauderia stood out as the most suitable genetic resources for agroecologically-based production systems.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Among the vegetables produced in the organic system, there are the brassicas as the largest group in Brazil, and in brassicas, one of the most important pathogens is Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), which causes black rot of crucifers. The importance of this bacterium is increased because it is transmitted by seeds. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of thermotherapy in kale seeds, produced in the organic system, on the physiological seed quality and on Xcc control. Sixteen treatments were evaluated [factorial scheme: four lots of kale seeds (10714, 10751, 10756 and 10789) and four treatments (control, seeds inoculated with Xcc, seeds inoculated and treated at 50°C for 20 and 40 minutes)], in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. Germination, seed vigor (first count) and Xcc incidence were evaluated. Thermotherapy in kale seeds at 50°C for 20 and 40 minutes of exposure reduces the infection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris to 10% and 4%, respectively. However, in a seed lot with low initial seed vigor, the heat treatment reduces the germination rate and first count in the germination test. In seed lots with high initial vigor it can be recommended heat treatment at 50°C for up to 40 minutes of exposure for control of Xcc in kale organic seeds.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of present study was the production of protease from local Bacillus subtilis through solid state fermentation. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of all the culture conditions. Casein (1% w/v) was used as a substrate in nutrient agar medium for the screening of enzyme production potential and showed maximum zone of clearance (4.6 cm). It was identified as Bacillus subtilis K-5 by genetic identification based on 16S rRNA and blast technology of NCBI. Among culture conditions, incubation temperature, incubation time, pH of the medium and moisture level of the substrate were optimized. Maximum protease production was observed at 37oC, pH 9.0 with incubation time of 36 h and moisture to substrate ratio of 1: 0.75. Maximum protease production of 70.21 U/mL was recorded when wheat bran was used as an agro-industrial substrate. The activity of crude protease was observed 99.63 % at 60oC and pH 10.0 with protein concentration 0.63 mg/mL and specific activity of 111.56 U/mg. Protein contents of 0.57 mg/mL (specific activity of 124.72 U/mg) and protein contents of 0.44 mg/mL (specific activity of 143.65 U/mg) were observed by 70% saturation with ammonium sulphate and gel chromatography, respectively. Line Weaver Burk plot was used to find its Vmax and Km, which were 344. 83 mg/mL/min and 100.04 mg/mL, respectively. The study concluded that Bacillus subtilis K-5 is thermophilic and alkaliphilic strain which produces active protease and can be used as potential microorganism for industries.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, nutritional composition and fatty acid profile of eleven exotic fruits in Brazil Northeast. The fruits, except pequi, presented acid pH, high moisture, low protein, low lipid and low energetic contents. Pequi is highlighted by its high protein content (2.79 g.100 g-1), lipid (13.6 g.100 g-1), carbohydrates (28.71 g.100 g-1), titratable acidity (2.75 g citric acid.100 g-1) and pH (2.54-5.19). Unpeeled and peeled jenipapo presented higher ash composition (1.26-1.38g.100 g-1), soluble solids (20.29-21.17 ºBrix) and carbohydrates (22.55-23.66 g.100 g-1) compared to others fruits. Fourteen fatty acids were quantified and classified as saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The concentrations of total fatty acids ranged from 1.92 to 1293.21 mg.100 g-1, being palmitic acid and oleic acid more prevalent. The fruits composition data indicated potential for improvement of diets, food industry and gastronomic market.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract India in today’s scenario is implementing an agroecologically based, diversified agricultural system that includes functional biodiversity along with crops, trees and livestock. Therefore, advocating natural farming, an agroecologically based diverse farming system that includes crops, trees and animals as well as functional biodiversity. It is primarily focused on the recycling of biomass inside the farm, with a focus on the use of formulations made on the farm from cow dung and urine (Jeevamrit & Ghanjeevamrit) and the elimination of all synthetic chemical inputs. It aims to lessen smallholder farmers' reliance on inputs that must be purchased as well as their credit load. With all of these facts in mind, this study investigated how the application of bioorganic nutrient sources like Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit used in natural farming system affected the crop performance in strawberry grown under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India. Farmyard manure, freshly prepared Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit was used for manuring in twelve different treatment combinations replicated thrice planned on the basis of recommended dose of nitrogen. The nitrogen content in bioorganic nutrient sources like Jeevamrit (1.71%) and Ghanjeevamrit (1.68%) was analyzed before application. Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit treatments significantly increased plant growth, flowering, fruit yield and fruit quality. The findings indicated that application of treatment combination T4 (100% RDN through Jeevamrit + Ghanjeevamrit in the ratio of 1:1) resulted in better effects on strawberry plant growth, fruit quality and yield (17.50 tonnes/ha) as compared to the recommended practices.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Lettuce is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, with significant global economic relevance. Furthermore, the demand for organic products today is considerably higher than in the past, causing changes in the production methods, such as the sources of fertilizer. Several nutrients are limiting for the development of lettuce when deficient in the soil, among them phosphorus stands out. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two organic sources of phosphorus at different doses on the production of red-leaf lettuce in an organic farming system. The plants used were from the cultivar Scarlet (Sakata®), transplanted and placed in 12 L plastic pots in a greenhouse, with 10 treatments being carried out in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme. Yoorin Thermophosphate and Bone Meal were tested at doses of 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 kg ha-1 of P2O5. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications. Bone Meal resulted in plants with higher dry matter weight and plant circumference but lower values for plant height and leaf width. Doses above the recommended (400 kg ha-1 of P2O5 according to the literature for soils with low phosphorus content: 6 mg dm-3), regardless of the source, resulted in an increase in the values of the characteristics evaluated, but, with a decrease in the increases as high was the dose, except for the number of leaves where the increase was linear. Yoorin Thermophosphate resulted in plants with higher phosphorus content.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

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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.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract L-carnitine, an increasingly vital compound in livestock nutrition, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the β-oxidation of fatty acids. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of L-carnitine supplementation, administered at varying doses, on pregnancy toxemia susceptible goats. A total of 150 goats underwent estrus synchronization, natural mating, and pregnancy confirmation. Among these, 90 goats carrying multiple fetuses were categorized into three groups on the 100th day of pregnancy, with their feed supplemented as follows: CAR50 (50 mg/kg of L-carnitine), CAR100 (100 mg/kg of L-carnitine), and CON (control without L-carnitine). Subsequently, blood samples were collected from 15 randomly selected goats from each group on days 100, 115, 130, and 145 of pregnancy to quantify serum levels of β-HBA (beta-hydroxybutyrate) and NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids), alongside glucose levels. Dietary supplementation of L-carnitine did not exert a significant impact on blood glucose levels in the CAR50 and CAR100 groups, in comparison to the CON group, during the third trimester of pregnancy (P>0.05). Nevertheless, serum NEFA levels exhibited a noteworthy reduction in the CAR50 and CAR100 groups compared to the CON group on day 145 (P<0.01). Furthermore, no substantial fluctuations in mean NEFA and β-HBA levels were observed in the CAR100 group between days 100 and 145 of gestation (P>0.05). The body condition score exhibited consistent maintenance both within and between groups (P>0.05). To conclude, this study underscores the efficacy of dietary supplementation with L-carnitine in mitigating ketone and NEFA levels in pregnant goats, particularly when administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg. Consequently, the integration of a standardized quantity of L-carnitine into the diet holds the potential to serve as a valuable preventive strategy for goats susceptible to pregnancy toxemia.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Brazil is a large sheep and cow producer, and the development of new strategies for the treatment of lamb umbilical cord healing as well as the bovine mastitis is very important. The aim of this study was to develop emulgels containing propolis, curcumin and andiroba oil for the treatment of mastitis and umbilical cord healing in animals. The formulations were composed of poly (acrylic acid) derivative (Carbopol 974P or polycarbophil), Brazilian green propolis extract, curcumin, and andiroba oil. The systems were investigated as the activity on umbilical cord healing of newborn lambs, and evaluation of the prevention of mastitis in dairy cows. The emulgels effectively promoted umbilical cord healing, preventing infections. Moreover, they were effective for reducing the somatic cell count a health indicator for mammary glands in cows. These findings suggest that these formulations can potentially treat cattle mastitis and improve lambs' umbilical cord healing.

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Abstract The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate whether the administration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) reduces exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) markers following eccentric exercise (EE) compared to a placebo (PL). The Cochrane bias risk tool and NutriGrade scale were used to critically evaluate the included studies. Forest plots were used to visualize the standardized mean differences (SMD) and p-values. The included studies were randomized controlled trials with either a placebo or crossover randomized design. The assessment of EIMD markers was compared between the intervention (BCAA) and placebo situations at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the EE protocol. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the effects of BCAA intake on creatine kinase concentration based on follow-up times (immediately, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours), dosage (≥ 10 g/day, < 10 g/day), administration duration (≥ 1 week, < 1 week), exercise type (aerobic, anaerobic), and training status (trained, untrained). The intervention situation showed a significant reduction in indirect markers of EIMD compared to the placebo situation (p = 0.001; I2 = 81%). Subgroup analyses indicated that BCAA administration had a significant reducing effect on creatine kinase levels in trials with a dosage of ≥ 10 g/day, anaerobic exercise, trained individuals, and an ingestion duration of less than 1 week. The findings of this study suggest that BCAA administration reduces EIMD markers following chronic EE in both trained and untrained individuals. BCAA administration reduces creatine kinase activity at 48 hours, 72 hours, and overall post-EE compared to a placebo.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the responses of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), IGF-1/CRP ratio, and skin temperature (Tsk) of the lower limbs (LL) of under-20 elite soccer athletes to a non-contact team sport activity circuit throughout 48h. Thirty elite soccer athletes (19.0 ± 1.0 years, 74.3 ± 7.13 kg, 10.3 ± 2.2 %F, 178.1 ± 6.6 cm, 56.3 ± 3.1 mL.kg-1.min-1) were submitted to a team sport activity circuit with intermittent exercises, jumps, direction shifts, accelerations and decelerations. Plasma concentrations of IGF-1 and CRP were evaluated pre-training session (baseline), and immediately after, and at 3, 24 and 48h following exercise. While the Tsk of the LL was evaluated at baseline, and at 24 and 48h following exercise. Plasma IGF-1 concentrations were greater immediately after, 24 and 48h after the circuit compared to 3h (p< 0.05; ES= 0.66, 0.72 and 0.70, respectively). CRP values did not change throughout the study (p> 0.05). When verifying the IGF-1/CRP ratio, the values at 3h after the activity circuit were lower than those presented in baseline, and immediately after, 24 and 48h after the exercises (p< 0.05; ES= 0.53, 0.65, 0.56 and 0.57, respectively). The hot and neutral zones increased the number of pixels at 24 and 48h after the activity circuit, while the cold zone showed an opposite behavior (p< 0.05). Changes in the values of blood biomarkers and Tsk of the LL suggest that there is possibly an active tissue repair process throughout 48h following exercise.

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Abstract Since the inception of COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a challenging race for the development of precise diagnostic tests. Specific SARS-CoV-2 serological assays are the main tools used to estimate the rate of past infections or herd immunity in epidemiological studies, in addition to being helpful in guiding public health management policies. In this study, an in-house ELISA based on the construct of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) proteins, named rCoV2, rCoV4, and rCoV7, showed diagnostic performance for the detection of IgG antibodies. Sensitivity was evaluated in serum samples from patients with mild to moderate or severe COVID-19 infections, which were collected at different time points, while specificity was evaluated using pre-pandemic sera. In samples from mild to moderate cases obtained ≥16 days after the onset of symptoms, the sensitivities for rCoV2, rCoV4, and rCoV7 were 66.7%, 75%, and 77.8%, respectively. For samples from severe cases, the sensitivity was above 80% for all constructs. All proteins showed high specificity (94-98%). Overall, rCoV7 (C-terminus N-protein portion) showed better diagnostic performance, with 62.3% sensitivity in moderate and severe cases and 96.6% specificity. The SARS-CoV-2 ELISA using N-protein-based constructs could be a promisor tool for investigate the epidemiology of COVID-19 and monitor population-level serosurveillance.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

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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.

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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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

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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.

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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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

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Abstract The oncoprotein E6, a pivotal player in HPV-16-induced cancer, has long been the focus of extensive research. Building upon our previous study, we identified asarinin and thiazolo[3,2-a] benzimidazole-3(2H)-one-(2-fluorobenzylideno)-7,8-dimethyl (thiazolo) as potential potent anti-HPV-16 E6 oncoprotein agents. Utilizing the UniProt-derived E6 sequence, we employed I-TASSER to model the protein's three-dimensional structure. Subsequent molecular docking via AutoDock Vina, coupled with a 1,000 ps dynamic analysis under physiological parameters, revealed that both asarinin and thiazolo have a high chance of forming stable protein-ligand complexes with HPV-16 E6, displaying distinct molecular dynamic properties. Thiazolo exhibited superior stability in simulation, evident in ligand conformation and movement graphs, while asarinin excelled in terms of contact residues. Furthermore, SASA, hydrogen bond graphs, and the DCCM graph collectively underscore the comparable potential of both drugs as robust inhibitors of the HPV-16 E6 oncoprotein.

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Abstract In this study, we aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect between the Amazon seasonality and the El Niño climate anomaly (2015/16 event) on the growth of oysters cultivated on the Amazon coast in comparison with the growth of oysters in a normal year (2013). It should be noted that both experiments determined the absolute growth of oysters Crassostrea gasar by reading microgrowth using an internal calcein marker. the results clearly indicate the synergistic effect of the Amazon seasonality with the El Niño climatic anomaly. thus, in normal years, the best oyster growth performance occurs in the dry season, while in El Niño years it occurs in the wet season. This is the first study carried out in the Amazon region that aims to analyze the effects of El Niño on the production of fishery resources from aquaculture. Such information enables adaptations in the planning of the production cycle of oyster farming, serving as an investment indicator.

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Abstract A Cellulase enzyme is the enzyme synthesized by some bacterial and fungal species and breaks down the ß-1,4 glycoside bonds of cellulose. Cellulase enzyme has a wide range of uses such as food, paper, textile industry, animal feed and detergent production. In this study, which was designed to add a new cellulase enzyme with such a wide industrial use, cellulotic bacterium isolation, identification, partial purification, characterization and application on denim fabric of the cellulase enzyme synthesized by the identified bacterium was performed. Firstly, bacterium that can produce cellulase enzyme was isolated from soil samples containing hazelnut wastes. The enzyme-producing isolate was identified as Bacillus cereus strain DU-1 by morphological, biochemical and molecular techniques. The optimum conditions for enzyme production by B. cereus DU-1 was determined as pH 7.0, at 37°C and 24h. However, the activity of the enzyme (5.16 U/mL) was found to be optimum at 50°C and pH 6.0. The Vmax value of the enzyme was 3.18 U/mL and the Km value was 0.0019 mM. The enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation. The molecular size of the partially purified enzyme was determined as approximately 40 kDa by SDS-PAGE and Zymogram analysis. Finally, enzyme was applied on the denim fabric and when the fabrics were viewed under the electron microscope, it was seen that they were suitable for textile use.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Cytogenetic techniques have been improving over the last decades, providing useful information for the systematics and evolution of several groups, such as social insects. On the other hand, karyotypic data are still incipient for most wasp genera. For instance, only 21 out of the 242 species of Polistes were karyotyped, generally with data restricted to number and morphology. Therefore, this study aimed to revisit the karyotype structure of Polistes canadensis, providing unpublished information based on traditional cytogenetic methods (karyotyping, C-banding and base-specific fluorochrome staining). Males and females of P. canadensis were characterized by haploid and diploid numbers of n=28 and 2n=56, respectively. The karyotype formula was established in 2K=18M+22SM+16A with a predominance of pericentromeric heterochromatin and terminal GC+ sites in 16 chromosome pairs. These data suggest that fissions and inversions may be involved in the group karyoevolution. It should be pointed out that our results differ significantly from the first cytogenetic report in this species, which may be related to the outdated method of obtaining mitotic chromosomes or misidentification. As a matter of fact, the improved cytogenetic methods from the present study provided reliable information about the karyotype of P. canadensis that can be used in further comparative cytotaxonomic and evolutionary analyses of social wasps.

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Abstract Records of amputated teleost fish in the aquatic environment are becoming more frequent; however, it is difficult to find the causes of amputation when there is little evidence. For this reason, this study focused on describing the damage and causes of the amputations of two striped corvina Cynoscion reticulatus specimens collected from landing sites of a small-scale fishery in northwestern Mexico, and determining if the damaged organisms could survive in the environment. Specimens were sexed and whole-body radiographs of amputated specimens and of a normal specimen were taken. Morphometric measurements (TL, SL, MDF, BD, HL, and TW) of the amputees and of 54 normal specimens were recorded. The TL of amputees was estimated and compared to that of normal specimens; stomach contents were also analyzed. The first organism was male, it was missing 1 ½ vertebra and had an estimated TL of 36.64 cm; the second was a female, it was missing 3 ½ vertebrae, with an estimated TL of 38.59 cm; both had bite marks, skin regeneration, and scales in the affected area. Stomach analysis showed Engraulidae fish of the Anchoa genus in stomach contents. There were no significant differences in the measurements of the two amputated and 54 normal organisms (p>0.05). Based on this evidence, it was determined that amputated fish could survive, escape from predators, feed, and obtain energy to heal wounds; the amputations were attributed to the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus, a potential predator of croakers in the study area and other regions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Epibiosis is an interaction between two organisms, and it can be a relationship with both positive and negative effects. Protozoa of the subclass Suctoria are common epibionts in freshwater environments. Their preference for attaching to other organisms reflects their biological needs, such as food availability and environmental conditions, as well as the anatomy of their hosts. The study area of this work was the lakes of Ingá Park located in Maringá, Paraná state, Brazil. Leeches were collected in August 2019, through an active search on aquatic vegetation, among submerged trunks and rocks. Subsequently, the specimens were sent to the laboratory. In the laboratory, they were fixed in 5% formaldehyde, and subsequently submitted to two procedures, in which permanent slides of the specimens stained by the hydrochloric carmine method were made and images were obtained by electronic scanning microscopy. For the identification and description of the leech species, morphological data, taxonomic characteristics, and the use of the identification key were obtained. The epibiont ciliated protozoa occurred in Antiga Santa Lake, associated with four specimens of the leech Helobdella adiastola. We report the first record of epibiosis among the protozoan epibiont ciliates (Ciliophora: Suctoria) associated with Helobdella adiastola in Brazil.

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Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with a pathogenicity that is an important factor in public health and is the result of the functioning of the Quorum Sensing (QS) system. Currently, compounds of natural origin have shown promising biological effects on certain pathogens in recent years. The aim of the present study was to determine the possible inhibitory effect of five naturally occurring molecules on some genes associated with two pathways of the QS system, as well as on elastase protease and pyocyanin production in two resistant strains of P. aeruginosa. For this purpose, RT-qPCR assays were performed to know the expression of some QS-associated genes (lasR, rhlR, lasI, aprA and lasB) and spectrophotometric assays to evaluate the production of elastase, protease and pyocyanin in the presence or absence of the molecules. It was found that sesamin and ferulic acid were the molecules with the highest inhibitory effect, higher than 40 %, on most of the genes evaluated (lasR, rhlR, aprA and lasB) in the two P. aeruginosa strains BAA-47 and 27853. Likewise, ferulic acid was the most active compound on two of the three virulence factors evaluated even though in general the effect of the molecules was not greater than 50 %. Therefore, these compounds are considered to have a possible multitarget effect by inhibiting the expression of genes associated with the two main systems of P. aeruginosa.

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Abstract one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss is the introduction of non-native species with high potential for invasion, and fish farms are largely responsible for introducing these species into continental aquatic ecosystems. To assess the possible impacts caused by the introduction of fish species from fishing grounds in natural areas in the Baixada Santista watershed (São Paulo, State, Brazil), the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) was used. The study showed that escaped species, primarily caused by the water drainage system of fishing ground tanks and dispersion by birds, can cause significant damage to the conservation of native species. Therefore, it is imperative to establish management practices for cultivated species and frequently monitor the physical-chemical and microbiological parameters of water quality in ponds. African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Trahira (Hoplias malabaricus) showed a high risk of invasion. Conversely, Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) was classified as medium risk, highlighting the importance of this species for breeding in fish farming systems and recreational fishing activities conducted in fishing grounds.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the viability of using wooden breast (WB) chicken fillets in the production of hamburgers and bologna. Fillets (pectoralis major) were collected from a commercial slaughterhouse and classified as normal (no visible alteration) or WB (with characteristic visual alterations) by a trained specialist. The quality parameters and physical, chemical, and technological stability of the resulting meat products during the storage period, at 1, 30, 60, and 90 days from production were evaluated. Hamburgers with WB showed a significant increase of 2.38% in moisture content and a reduction of 17% in protein content, whereas bologna showed an increase of 1.15% in moisture content. The inclusion of WB meat did not influence the yield and stability of these products, but resulted in higher pH and softer hamburgers with greater lipid oxidation. The results suggest that the manufacture of meat products with a lower percentage of WB meat in their formulation is a viable alternative to minimize costs and reduce economic losses generated by the incidence of the anomaly.

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Abstract Shalgam juice is a red colored and cloudy traditional fermented beverage produced by lactic acid fermentation of bulgur flour, black carrot, salt, turnip, sourdough, and water. In this study, the usability of grape pomace as a black carrot substitute for the enrichment of shalgam juice with phenolic compounds was investigated. Five different ratios of pomace (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) were added to the formulation as a substitute of black carrot and samples were analyzed for pH, acidity, soluble solid content (SSC), color (L*, a*, b*, C*, h, color density, color tone), microbiologically and sensorially during the fermentation to find out the effects of pomace on the progress of the fermentation. The shalgam juice containing only black carrot was used as control. The cloudiness, pH, and brightness of the shalgam juice increased as the pomace ratio increased. The control contained less yeast and mold counts than the pomace containing the shalgam juices. Grape pomace addition did not have an effect on the total mesophilic aerobic and the lactic acid bacteria counts. The sensorial properties of the shalgam juice containing 25% grape pomace were almost the same as the control sample, and as the pomace ratio increased, the shalgam juice samples could not meet the consumer's taste and expectations. In conclusion, when considering microbiological, sensorial and physicochemical properties, 25% grape pomace can be added to formulation before the fermentation as a carrot substitute.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Agriculture is the primary source of income for each country, serving as its mainstay. A promising study topic has been predicting wheat production based on environmental, soil, and water characteristics. Deep-learning-based algorithms are widely employed in crop prediction to extract significant crop traits. Wheat is linked to a variety of economic, societal, and health-related factors. Wheat yield forecasting and estimation on a regional scale, on the other hand, remains difficult. Two strategies for estimating wheat yield using deep learning (DL) models are presented in this study. To solve the limitations of regional forecasting, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Deep Learning Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) technology are utilized to anticipate agricultural yields in a timely and reliable manner.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Pereskia aculeata, Miller is a Cactaceae originally from the American continent, and despite its notable nutritional value, this species is little consumed as food. The aim was a comparison between two techniques: saline extraction and alkaline extraction for produce a protein concentrate through inexpensive and easily reproduced techniques. For the saline extractions, two salts, sodium chloride and sodium carbonate, were used with 0.1 M, 0.5 M, and 1 M concentration rates. The alkaline extraction was done isolated at pH 10 and combined with ultrasound in 1:10 and 1:20 plant/solvent dissolutions. The treatments have been through isoelectric precipitation with different pH rates and then were centrifuged. The proteins resulted from precipitation were quantified through the Bradford method. Moreover, the purity level of the recovered protein products was established, and the characterization of the proteins molecular weight was done with polyacrylamide gel at 12%. The results revealed that the alkaline extraction with ultrasound in 1:20 dissolution was the best treatment. The positive effects of the highest dissolution combined with the alkaline extraction with ultrasound were evident with 27.42% (w/w) average percentage of extracted protein. The electrophoresis gel revealed two key bands of 68 kDa and 168 kDa. It is concluded that this plant's leaves have the potential to become a low-cost and industrially feasible protein product.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Efficient and exact traffic flow forecasting is critical for intelligent transportation systems. The number of model generations increases the computational complexity of deep neural network (DNN) models. Overfitting occurs when hyperparameters are used excessively to train neural network models, and this has a major influence on prediction accuracy. To address these limitations, this approach employed H2O grid-based stochastic gradient descent with ridge regression in deep neural network (GSGDRR-DNN). This technique efficiently distributes memory across several clusters, runs independently, and simultaneously creates numerous DNN models. To remove multicollinearity and achieve better computational efficiency and lower variance, GSGDRR-DNN utilizes stochastic gradient descent (SGD) with ridge regression in the H2O cluster. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the recommended GSGDRR-DNN approach against several DNN methods, including LSTM, Bi-LSTM, GRU, and current state-of-the-art methods. Additionally, the run-time performance of the parallel GSGDRR-DNN model was compared with the run-time performance of the sequential GSGDRR-DNN model. The suggested system has a minimum MSE, a minimum RMSE, a minimum MAE, a minimum RMSLE, and maximum R2 values of 0.012, 0.108, 0.096, 0.015, and 0.99. This demonstrates that the GSGDRR-DNN model of traffic flows outperforms other state-of-the-art approaches in terms of prediction accuracy.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This research evaluated the use of industrial ash from eucalyptus chips in the biosorption of sodium dipyrone with the subsequent, study of its potential in Portland cement matrix. The biosorbent was characterized by the point of zero charge and the surface area. For comparison, before and after the biosorption process, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry were performed. Regarding the study of the potential of industrial ash after biosorption (AAB), it was characterized by analyzing specific mass, moisture, loss on fire, and X-ray fluorescence, as well as by X-ray diffraction, modified Chapelle, pozzolanic activity index with lime, and performance index with cement, compressive strength, and tensile strength by diametral compression. The biosorption tests were carried out in batch, it being possible to observe that at 298.15 K, 130 rpm, without pH adjustment approximately 93% of commercial dipyrone was removed. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted better with the experimental data and the process was characterized as exothermic and spontaneous. The chemical composition of ash and AAB showed a predominance of CaO followed by MgO, without the presence of an amorphous halo. In the study of the filer effect, using cement pastes, both materials showed favorable results. Thus, it is concluded that the industrial ash studied has the potential to be applied as an alternative material in the removal of sodium dipyrone and for the replacement of cement in the composition of cement matrices, due to the filer effect they presented.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Energy sources, like hydro and wind power, present uncertain nature, characteristic that affects the electric power systems operation planning. Such factors require using methodologies capable to handle these uncertainties in interconnected hydro-thermal-wind power systems operation. This work proposes a computational model for the day-ahead unit commitment problem for interconnected hydro-thermal-wind power systems, considering the uncertainties related to wind power, water inflow, and energy demand, employing the Robust Optimization (RO). The optimization model consists in a three-level mixed integer linear programming problem, which is resolved using a two-stage decomposition approach, solved using the column-and-constraint generation algorithm. The model is validated using the 30 nodes IEEE and the 33 nodes Brazilian test system. The model proposed proved to have an operating cost proportional to the level of uncertainty and the methodology employed provides a preventive view of what may occur during the hydro-thermal-wind systems operation, allowing the central system operator to take certain actions in order to ensure reliable operating conditions. In addition, the model allowed the identification of important aspects related to computational costs, such as the verification that constraints that couple the problem in time and space significantly impact the simulation times of the problem.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Internet of Things (IoT) has experienced rapid development in area-specific applications, including smart transportation systems, healthcare, industries, and smart agriculture, to enhance socio-economic development over the past few years. This IoT system includes different actuators, interconnected sensors, and network-enabled devices that exchange various data through private networks and the Internet infrastructure. The intrusion detection system (IDS) is deployed with preventive security mechanisms, namely access control and authentication. The usual behaviors of the mechanism distinguish malicious and normal activities based on specific patterns or rules of IDSs. Therefore, this article focuses on developing IDS using Double Adaptive Weighting Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning (DAWAOA-DL) approach in the IoT environment. The DAWAOA-DL methodology's objective is to recognise and classify intrusions in the IoT platform accurately. To execute this, the presented DAWAOA-DL approach involves the design of the DAWAOA technique for the feature selection procedure. Next, the convolutional neural network-gated recurrent unit (CNN-GRU) technique is used for the intrusion detection task. Finally, the Adam optimizer is exploited as a hyperparameter optimizer of the CNN-GRU methodology. A series of simulations were performed on the BoT-IoT dataset to exhibit the effectual detection performance of the DAWAOA-DL method. A widespread experimental validation demonstrated the betterment of the DAWAOA-DL method over other recent models under several metrics.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The pandemic and other environmental conditions have increased the use of masks as a precautionary measure. It is an effective way to protect ourselves from viruses/pollution/ and other health-affecting environmental factors. However, for smart devices such as smartphones with face locks, attendance systems, and smart surveillance cameras with enabled face recognition, these masks raised another challenge of masked face recognition. Masked face recognition is an increased subset challenge of the standard face recognition problem as they lack facial features. The masked images are occluded, making the structure and the facial features of the non-occluded region of importance. This paper presents a novel two-fold approach KInsight (K Nearest Neighbor-based Insight Face algorithm) for masked face detection using antelopev2, which uses a RetinaFace detection algorithm and a ResNet100 Convolutional Neural Network for face detection and embedding generation. Further, we propose to use a KNN classifier for masked face recognition. Several experiments have compared the proposed scheme’s performance with important research contributions. Experimental results show that the scheme significantly outperforms several benchmark approaches with an accuracy of around 98.5%.

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Abstract Clustering algorithms play a crucial role in identifying co-expressed genes in microarray data, while feature subset identification is equally important when dealing with large data matrices. In this research paper, we address the problem of simultaneous feature selection and gene expression data clustering within a multi-objective optimization framework. Our approach employs the Archived multi-objective simulated annealing (AMOSA) algorithm to optimize a multi-objective function that incorporates two internal validity indices and a feature weight index. To determine data point membership in different clusters, we utilize a point symmetry-based distance metric. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach on three publicly available gene expression datasets using the Silhouette index. Furthermore, we compare the clustering results of our approach, unsupervised feature selection and clustering using Multi-objective optimization framework (UFSC-MOO), to nine other existing techniques, showing its superior performance. Statistical significance is confirmed through Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Also, biological significance test is employed to show that the obtained clustering solutions are biologically enriched.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Current wireless communication systems demand high data transmission throughput. To comply with this requirement, multiple concurrent communication channel usage are an option. The digital pre-distortion associated with the power amplifier (PA) in high suppression guarantees the linearity and maximum efficiency for a single transmission. However, reaching a high output transmission power using more than one band is not possible because the traditional pre-distortion cannot accept a saturation level. This work focuses on showing an approach for a dual-band transmission with an equivalent envelope saturation that, contrarily to previous dual-band crest factor reductions from literature based on only amplitude information, also takes into account the phase and frequency information. The introduced idea was tested by linearizing a broadband power amplifier for two-carrier, ieee802.11n at 2.4 GHz and LTE at 3.5 GHz, concurrent transmission. Simulation results in the Cadence Virtuoso software showed gain of up to 8.8 percentage points (p.p.) in the PAE metric controlling with loss less than one p.p in EVM metric.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Designing and analyzing adaptive controllers to control blood glucose levels by giving insulin in the Lehman-Based Diabetic Patient Model (LBDPM) while considering diverse stochastic environments in gaining popularity is challenging task. RECCo, a notable recent innovation that implements the concept of the ANYA fuzzy rule-based system, is an online adaptive type controller that is used in this study for the application of diabetes. The simulation results show that the suggested controller is used in the model to track standard blood glucose values even in the presence of some unexpected external disturbances. The primary concern in the field of type 1 diabetes is achieving higher accuracy using a deep learning algorithm with data obtained from simulated patient models. To achieve better accuracy, validation of the model is performed using the N-BEATS algorithm. By utilizing an online parameter estimation technique, the RPME is integrated to improve the performance of the adaptive model predictive controller. The system identification technique is used to attain a transfer function that is designed further for implementation of the controller. The experimental validation of the proposed N-BEATS algorithm method is compared with other conventional machine learning algorithms. The proposed controller method attains excellent blood glucose set point tracking and the proposed algorithms give accuracy rates of 97.4% and 96% for the data obtained. It outperforms other state-of-the-art methods with an increase in the accuracy percentage compared with other Benchmark Pima Indian Diabetes Datasets (PIDD).

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The effect of material size on the amount and uniformity of power absorbed during microwave heating was evaluated by numerical and experimental methods. A three-dimensional (3D) mathematical model, based on the Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism, was solved using the Finite Element Method to predict the power dissipated in the sample. Experimental analysis was performed using a domestic oven and distilled water. Experimental and numerical results showed a good agreement to each other. However, a complex relationship exists between sample size and absorbed power. The modification of the resonance modes in the oven when the sample size is changed may explain it. Furthermore, heating uniformity decreases as the water load size increases because microwave power dissipation occurs mostly near the sample surface due to a lower intensity of resonances inside large samples.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Power distribution utilities effort to ensure the quality of energy to their consumers and the reliability of their power distribution system. It is necessary that maintenance activities are planned with the aim of maintaining or improving reliability indicators in supply to consumers. In this paper, a computational model based on integer nonlinear multiobjective programming is presented to improve the maintenance of equipment in the power distribution system. Since it is a reliability-centered approach, a probabilistic failure model is first used to obtain equipment reliability values at each time point through fuzzy inference. Three objective functions are optimized: i) minimizing maintenance cost, ii) minimizing failure frequency, and iii) maximizing equipment reliability. The optimization problem is also formed by three sets of constraints: i) individual and collective continuity indicators; ii) task execution time; and iii) maintenance limit for each type of equipment. Lichtenberg's algorithm is used to solve the model. A case study is performed for a feeder section consisting of twenty-eight distribution equipment. The results obtained using the Pareto constraints show scenarios that can help maintenance teams to make decisions and develop the preventive maintenance planning. Adding constraints on the duration and frequency of collective interruptions indicators improves the power quality of the distribution system; however, it requires an increase in investment by 36%.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that may affect the aquatic life, including fish, raised in aquaculture. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of biodegradable-MPs mixed in canola meal based diet on the growth performance, body composition, nutrient digestibility and gut content of grass carp fingerlings. For this purpose, six canola meal based diets were prepared including one control diet (without addition of MPs) and five other diets containing 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% MPs. 270 fingerlings were fed twice for 60 days at a rate of 5% of their wet weight. Effect of each treatment on the weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), nutrient digestibility, gut performance and body composition was calculated by standard procedures. Highest value for growth, nutrient digestibility and no damage to gut was observed in fish fed control diet. Results showed that there was significant decrease (P<0.05) in growth and increase in FCR in fish fed 9% biodegradable-MPs added diet. Nutrient digestibility and body composition of grass carp was highly affected by microplastics. Microplastics also caused severe damage to gut of fish including, tissue damage, vacuolization and necrosis of enterocytes.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the phenophases of Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis in an area of Caatinga in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Field research was carried out in the municipality of Sumé, in the Experimental Space reserved for Studies on Ecology and Dynamics of the Caatinga - Area I of the Laboratory of Ecology and Botany - LAEB/CDSA/UFCG (7°39'38.8'' S and 36°53'42.4'' W; 538 m altitude). A total of 96 plots of 10 x 10 m were arranged in the study area, seeking to identify one specimen of C. pyramidale per plot. Monitoring was performed monthly from March 2019 to February 2020, recording budding, senescence, flower bud, flowering, and fruiting data. The Fournier intensity percentage and the activity index were analyzed. The highest budding intensity index was observed when there was a gradual increase in precipitation. Senescence had the highest peaks of intensity in the months with the absence or reduced levels of precipitation. Flower bud and flowering were practically equal throughout the monitoring period. The highest fruiting intensity occurred in the month with the highest precipitation. Regarding the budding activity index, all specimens expressed this phenophase as soon as the precipitation levels increased. In the dry period, all specimens showed senescence. Flower bud and flowering phenophases occurred synchronously. Fruiting had a higher activity index in periods of higher precipitation. Thus, it was observed that precipitation has a great influence on phenological events.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Alfamurom (alpha-cypermethrin) against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes under spatial application using a portable ultra-low volume (ULV) nebulizer. The study consisted of two treatments: the treatment with four repetitions using two cages at each application distance of 10, 15, 20, and 25 meters, and a control group. Twenty-five female mosquitoes were used per repetition (cage). The sample was diluted to obtain a formulation containing 300 mL of Alfamurom + 100 mL of water + 100 mL of Natuinset. A total of 37.5 mL of this solution was applied to a final area of 750 m2 (equivalent to 500 mL per hectare). Knockdown assessment was conducted after 60 minutes, and mortality evaluation was performed 24 hours after insecticide application. The results showed 100% A. aegypti mortality at distances of 10, 15, 20, and 25 meters. The study was considered remarkable appropriate since there was no mortality in the control group. The A. aegypti female mosquitoes’ mortality in this experiment with alpha-cypermethrin (Alfamurom) using the ULV formulation was proved, and this formulation can be used in vector control actions alongside the adjuvant Natuinset.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates are renewable, and biocompatible plastics having physiochemical properties similar to petrochemical plastics, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Two bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis were selected to produce the PHA. The standard carbon source was glucose while molasses and banana peels were cheaper carbon substrates used in a medium to grow the bacterial strains. Sudan black B and Nile blue A staining were used to confirm the PHA production via spread plate assay. PHA granules were observed inside the bacterial cell microscopically, using Sudan stain. The carbohydrate concentration was estimated in molasses (29.4mg/mL) and banana peel extract (9.8mg/mL) by the Phenol-sulfuric acid test. In batch fermentation, time profiles of PHA production and growth of microbial strains for every 3hrs were performed up to incubation of 48hrs at 150rpm. PHA was extracted by sodium dodecyl sulfate digestion and chloroform extraction method. PHA production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1.120g/L (66.82%) and 0.380g/L (44.60%) while in Bacillus subtilis was 0.476g/L (53.84%) and 0.288g/L (39.18%) utilizing molasses and banana peels, respectively after 48hrs. FTIR characterized the PHA monomer as polyhydroxybutyrate having a C=O bond at 1697.8cm-1 and 1750.0cm-1 and a CH3 group at 1395.9cm-1 and 1458.3cm-1. A statistical significance between the PHA productions was calculated by applying an unpaired t-test, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant difference was observed between glucose with both substrates, while for Bacillus subtilis, a significant difference was noted only between glucose and peel extract.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Anatomically, the digestive system of oxudercinae lacks a distinct stomach, and that is why this group of fish is classified as stomachless. Since the environment, dietary requirements, and eating habits strongly influence the anatomy of the fish's digestive system, mudskippers (Periophthalmus waltoni) appear to have a stomach due to their carnivorous nature. The present study was undertaken to confirm the presence of stomach in P. waltoni and for this purpose, histological and immunohistochemical methods were used in this study. The results of this study showed that despite absence of an anatomical and distinct stomach, histological point of view the digestive system of this species was divided into 4 distinct parts; esophagus, stomach, intestine, and rectum. The stomach consisted of tubular glands in which the oxynticopeptic cells were present. In an immunohistochemical examination, the observation of the protein channels H+/K+ ATPase and Na+/K+/Cl cotransporter in the membrane of the oxynticopeptic cells confirmed the function of the stomach. In conclusion, the digestive system of P. waltoni is consist of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum, anatomically. Microscopic evaluation of digestive system indicated that unlike some other species, the Stomach is existed in P. waltoni, but has not any secretion of acid.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This paper presents a systematic review focused on organic photovoltaic cells and their electronic protection systems. Utilizing the Proknow-C methodology, the study constructs a bibliographic portfolio to identify the current state of research in this field. Out of 2,231 papers obtained from major scientific databases, only 14 prove relevant to the theme, highlighting a significant research gap. The paper presents the bibliometric analysis of the selected articles, by citations, periodicals and publications per year, in addition to the systemic analysis of the most relevant articles, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, offering an updated overview and foundation for future investigations in organic photovoltaics. By addressing the identified research gap, researchers can drive advancements in electronic protection systems for organic photovoltaic cells, contributing to the progress of renewable energy technologies.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract As the demand for higher-strength of concrete is increasing, the research on Ultra-High Strength Concrete (UHSC) has the spectacular development in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to compare and summarize the properties of UHSC with different raw materials based on the published research and share it with researchers involved in the study of UHSC. Thus, papers relevant to UHSC were identified through a systematic literature search. The use of supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume (SF), fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), nanomaterials and fibers that were widely used in UHSC was investigated. This results in UHSC with promising compressive strength and better workability. Curing under high temperatures found denser microstructure and higher strength than standard curing.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Muscular fatigue is associated with repeated muscle contraction exercises and with intense use of muscles with high intensity leading to a decline of performance and inability to continue with the same activity original intensity of activity. One of most promising interventions is the photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). The objective was to analyze the results of the studies that investigated the effects of acute and long-term photobiomodulation in experimental animal models of muscle fatigue levels. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021274444). 10 studies were identified (n=366 animals). 77% used histological analysis and blood level of lactate measures to record changes in fatigue and were considered moderate evidence. Nine chose isotonic contractions and one study opted for isometric contraction to induce fatigue. 77% applied long term PBMT and 33% applied an acute form. Most of the studies used the infrared wavelength; the power output varied from 0.625mW to 300mW and energy per point varied from 0.105J to 12J. This review demonstrates that PBMT has positive effects in acute and long-term treatment decreasing the level of fatigue and accelerating exercise performance in different animal models, even with distinct PBMT parameters and number of therapy sessions

Resumo em Inglês:

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.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The ubiquitous presence of fried foods in our diet necessitates the upgradation of techniques to override the ill effects of conventional frying. Vacuum frying, employing frying at low pressure and temperature has recently attracted research due to its excellent food frying capabilities with minimal damage to nutritional as well as sensorial quality. The objective of this review paper is to highlight the basics of vacuum frying technology, provide information about quality of vacuum fried products, parameters affecting the frying process, and interventions to improve the products quality. Prospects of vacuum frying technology to develop products with lower oil content using certain pre-treatments to foods such as partial drying, freezing, hydrocolloids etc. are included. With proper deployment and overcoming of the research gaps, vacuum frying technology can be used effectively as a food processing technique both in small as well as large-scale production industries.

Resumo em Inglês:

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.