NEWSLETTER 21

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

AABC - Volume 89 (3) - September 2017

The present issue of the AABC presents 50 papers and covers a great variety of fields. Contrary to most issues, this one is dominated by Agrarian Sciences (21), followed by Biological (10) and Earth Sciences (6). However, contributions in Chemical, Biomedical, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences are also found.

Among the interesting papers in Agrarian Sciences published here, is a study on forage potential of native plant species that have shown great potential as pasture for cattle in southern Brazil. Another contribution of potential economic value discusses how sampling procedures are carried out to provide an idea of the economic value of tree species in the Amazon area.

In Chemical Sciences, there is an interesting contribution on the cytotoxic activity of steroids and triterpenoids recovered from plants and may be important to future studies on substances that might help the treatment of cancer.

In Earth Sciences, there are papers focusing on the Quadrilátero Ferrífero in Minas Gerais, ostracods and foraminifera from Paraíba, and a study on dinosaurs from the Bauru Group and the extinction of these creatures.

Lastly, there are several important contributions regarding Biological Sciences, such as spider diversity in endagared areas, substances used in the traditional Brazilian medicine that might aid the fight against the Dengue virus, and the first attempt to calculate the biomass in belowground mangroves.

I would also like to call your attention to the editorial, that focuses on problems caused by the Qualis system to multidisciplinary journals.

Please keep in mind that since 2000, all papers published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site and previous editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website.

We are now inviting you to scroll through the text and click on the title of the article that interests you!

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES 

1 - A new model for describing remission times: the generalized beta-generated Lindley distribution
Authors: Maria do Carmo S. Lima, Gauss M. Cordeiro, Abraão D.C. Nascimento and Kássio F. Silva

New generators are required to define wider distributions for modeling real data in survival analysis. To that end we introduce the four-parameter generalized beta-generated Lindley distribution. We propose a maximum likelihood procedure to estimate the model parameters, which is assessed through a Monte Carlo simulation study. We also derive an additional estimation scheme by means of least square between percentiles. The usefulness of the proposed distribution to describe remission times of cancer patients is illustrated by means of an application to real data.

Read here

CHEMICAL SCIENCES 

2 - Terpene Esters from Natural Products: Synthesis and Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Mauricio M. Victor, Jorge M. David, Maria C.K. Sakukuma, Letícia V. Costa-Lotufo, Andrea F. Moura and Ana J. Araújo

This work describes procedures for obtaining compounds with anticancer activities. From steroids and triterpenoids, class of compounds broadly spread in plants, chemical derivatives were obtained. These prepared new compounds were evaluated in a panel of cancer cells, which include ovarian and prostate carcinomas, gliobastoma, colon adenocarcinoma and leukemia. The potential toxic activities against the cells permitted obtain one derivative from betulinic acid with anticancer potential performance.

Read here

3 - Poly (methylene blue)-modified electrode for indirect electrochemical sensing of OH radicals and radical scavengers
Authors: Walter A. Braun, Bruna C. Horn, Lucélia Hoehne, Simone Stülp, Marcelo B. da Rosa and Maurício Hilgemann

We report a modified electrode for indirect sensing of OH^. and radical scavengers. The electrochemical polymerization of methylene blue in aqueous solutions and the properties of the resulting films on a glassy carbon electrode were carried out using cyclic voltammetry. The proposed sensor exhibited great stability and reproducibility. The applicability of the sensor was demonstrated by evaluating the OH^. radical scavenging effect on different concentrations of ascorbic acid. The optimal concentration of ascorbic acid against OH· generated in a Fenton solution was found to be 30 mM. Above this concentration, ascorbic acid played a pro-oxidative role.

Read here

4 - Physical and chemical study of lattice kaolinites and their interaction with orthophosphate
Authors: Marcondes Silva e Silva, Anderson S. Lages and Genilson P. Santana

The structure and the capacity in adsorbing orthophosphate ions of kaolinite collected from sampling sites in Manaus (Brazil) were evaluated in this work. The results showed a transitional state in the crystallographic structure from kaolinite caused by isomorphic substitution of Al³⁺ by Fe³⁺ in octahedral sites. Isomorphic substitution reduces of unit cell dimension, mean particle sizes, and optical pleochroism behavior, besides increases the number of structural defects and magnetic properties. Kaolinite lattices presented different octahedral sites of Al bounded by cis-OH-Fe³⁺ and trans-OH-Fe³⁺ octahedral sites. The number of cis-OH-Fe³⁺ into the octahedral sites permits the high adsorption of orthophosphate ions.

Read here

5 - Asymmetric bioreduction of β-ketoesters derivatives by Kluyveromyces marxianus: influence of molecular structure on the conversion and enantiomeric excess
Authors: Simone S.S. Oliveira, Murilo L. Bello, Carlos R. Rodrigues, Paula L. de Azevedo, Maria C.K.V. Ramos, Francisco R. de Aquino-Neto, Sorele B. Fiaux and  Luiza R.S. Dias

Ever since chiral β-hydroxyesters are organic synthesis intermediates widely used in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry, this work has as purpose an approach that can be used in asymmetric bioreduction of β-ketoesters with the aim to obtain these compounds. The result obtained from bioreduction using whole cells of Kluyveromyces marxianus was investigated by hologram quantitative structure-activity relationship (HQSAR) in order to relate with conversion and ee of β-stereogenic-hydroxyesters. The HQSAR method was performed on the β-ketoesters derivatives separating them into those provided predominantly (R)- or (S)-β-hydroxyesters. The HQSAR models for both (R)- and (S)-configuration showed high predictive capacity.

Read here

6 - Comparative toxicity of essential oil and blends of selected terpenes of Ocotea species from Pernambuco, Brazil, against Tetranychus urticae Koch
Authors: Marcilio M. de Moraes, Claudio A.G. da Camara and Milena M.C. da Silva 

The chemical composition of essential oil from Ocotea glomerata leaves  growing wild in Pernambuco, Brazil is reported for the first time. Acaricidal bioassay showed the Ocotea duckei oil was more toxic than O. glomerata oil by fumigation and residual contact methods. Independently of the method employed, β-caryophyllene was the most toxic among selected compounds. Toxicities of the blends prepared with selected terpenes, demonstrated that the contribution of a single chemical constituent to the toxicity of the complete blend is not predictable based solely on individual toxicity and than possible interactions among these constituents should be taken into consideration.

Read here

EARTH SCIENCES 

7 - Analog Models of Flanking Structures and a natural example in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais
Authors: Caroline J.S. Gomes, Braulio A. Rodrigues and Issamu Endo  

The aim of this study is to present analog models of flanking structures and to analyze the Fábrica Nova synform, Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, from a geometric point of view. At different initial orientations with respect to the shear zone boundary, a rigid cross-cutting element with lubricated boundaries was deformed via sinistral bulk flow at a shear strain of γ = 1.28. We suggest that the north-south simple shear, which is recognized in the east Quadrilátero Ferrífero produced local perturbations of the flow field around a mafic dyke that were similar to those described in the analog experiments.

Read here

8 - Ostracoda and foraminifera from Paleocene (Olinda well), Paraíba Basin, Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Enelise K. Piovesan, Robbyson M. Melo, Fernando M. Lopes, Gerson Fauth and Denize S. Costa  

This article deals about the Paleocene ostracods and planktonic foraminifera from the Maria Farinha Formation, Paraíba Basin. Eleven ostracod species were identified in the genera Cytherella Jones, Cytherelloidea Alexander, Eocytheropteron Alexander, Semicytherura Wagner, Paracosta Siddiqui, Buntonia Howe, Soudanella Apostolescu, Leguminocythereis Howe and, probably, Pataviella Liebau. The planktonic foraminifera are represented by the genera Guembelitria Cushman, Parvularugoglobigerina Hofker, Woodringina Loeblich and Tappan, Heterohelix Ehrenberg, Zeauvigerina Finlay, Muricohedbergella Huber and Leckie, and Praemurica Olsson, Hemleben, Berggren and Liu. The ostracods and foraminifera analyzed indicate an inner shelf paleoenvironment for the studied section.

Read here

9 - The last dinosaurs of Brazil: The Bauru Group and its implications for the end-Cretaceous mass extinction
Authors: Stephen L. Brusatte, Carlos R.A. Candeiro and Felipe M. Simbras 

Dinosaurs died out at the end of the Cretaceous Period, ~66 million years ago, after an asteroid impact. It is widely thought that the effects of the impact suddenly killed the dinosaurs, but this hypothesis is based almost entirely on the fossil record of North American dinosaurs. Over the last few decades, the Bauru Group of Brazil has emerged as one of the best records of latest Cretaceous dinosaur evolution from the southern continents. Our review shows that there was a large diversity of dinosaurs that persisted until the end of the Cretaceous in Brazil, just as in northern continents.

Read here

10 - Assigning dates and identifying areas affected by fires in Portugal based on MODIS data
Authors: Jessica Panisset, Carlos C. Dacamara, Renata Libonati, Leonardo F. Peres, Teresa J. Calado and Ana Barros 

We develop an automated procedure that allows identifying and dating burned areas in Portugal using MODIS instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites. Under this approach, the method for burned area identification was able to detect almost two-thirds of all scars whereas the method for dating correctly dates 75% of the burned areas. This work paves the way for generating a long-term series of burned area maps containing accurate information about the dates of fire occurrence. This information complements the currently existing spatial information contained in the annual maps of fire perimeters provided by the Portuguese authority for forests (ICNF).

Read here

11 - Geo-environmental zoning using physiographic compartmentalization: a proposal for supporting sustainable decision-making
Authors: Claudia V.S. Corrêa, Fábio A.G.V. Reis, Lucilia C. Giordano, Adriano Bressane, Camila J. Chaves, Ana Maria C. do Amaral, Hermes D. Brito and Gerson A. de Medeiros 

The geo-environmental zoning can be considered an important strategy in the land use management. However, it requires a logical and structured procedure. Therefore, in the present study a methodology using physiographic compartmentalization is introduced, based on photointerpretation techniques and remote sensing in a geographical information systems environment. In order to do so, an approach taking into account the geo-environmental potentialities and limitations has been developed and applied as a case study, achieving promising results, able to support sustainable decision-making, so that it could be applied in other regions.

Read here

12 - Numerical Simulations to Assess ART and MART Performance for Ionospheric Tomography of Chapman Profiles
Authors: Fabricio S. Prol, Paulo O. Camargo and Marcio T.A.H. Muella

A simulation analysis was performed to compare two ionospheric tomographic algorithms. Chapman functions represented the ionospheric morphology and analyses were conducted to assess the Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART) and Multiplicative ART (MART) performance for estimating the Total Electron Content (TEC) and parameters that describe the Chapman function. MART performed better in the reconstruction of the electron density peak and ART gave a better representation for estimating TEC and the shape of the ionosphere. Therefore, the simulations provide an important specification of the performance of ART and MART to recover valuable information for applications of Telecommunication, Spatial Geodesy and Space Weather.

Read here

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 

13 - Spider species richness and sampling effort at Cracraft´S Belém Area of Endemism
Authors: Bruno V.B. Rodrigues, Manoel B. Aguiar-Neto, Ubirajara de Oliveira, Adalberto J. Santos, Antonio D. Brescovit, Marlúcia B. Martíns and Alexandre B. Bonaldo 

This study was carried out in one of the most endangered areas of the Brazilian Amazon. The Belém Area of Endemism, with 243.753,18 Km², includes 27 conservation units, 14 indigenous areas and 149 municipalities in the states of Pará (69) and Maranhão (80). Located in an area known as “arc of deforestation”, this region suffers with deforestation, fragmentation, logging and agriculture. These activities have contributed towards the reduction of the habitat and consequently the loss of biodiversity. In this context, we provided a list of species of spiders, emphasizing possible endemism and identifying areas with great potential of species richness.

Read here

14 - Antidiarrheal activity of extracts from Maytenus gonoclada and inhibition Dengue virus by lupeol
Authors: Fernando C. Silva, Vanessa G. Rodrigues, Lucienir P. Duarte, Ivana S. Lula, Ruben D. Sinisterra, Sidney A. Vieira-Filho, Rodrigo A.L. Rodrigues, Erna G. Kroon, Patrícia L. Oliveira, Muiz M. Farias, Paula P. Magalhães and Grácia D.F. Silva      

Species of Maytenus genus are used in the traditional Brazilian medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcers and diarrhea. Maytenus gonoclada is a plant native of regions of “cerrado” and its extracts are rich in triterpenes, such as lupeol. Six pentacyclic triterpenes were isolated from branches and heartwood of Maytenus gonoclada. Some of the crude extracts were bioactive against diarrheagenic bacteria, and the lupeol presented antiviral property against Dengue virus and low cytotoxicity. Data obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies are promising and further evaluation of lupeol as a candidate therapeutic agent for human diseases seems justifiable.

Read here

15 - Clusia criuva Cambess. (Clusiaceae): anatomical characterization, chemical prospecting and antioxidant activity
Authors: Karla M.M. da Silva, Andrea B. da Nóbrega, Bruno Lessa, Maria Carolina Anholeti, Adriana Q. Lobão, Alessandra L. Valverde, Selma R. de Paiva and Ana Joffily      

Clusia (Clusiaceae) includes 300-400 species and presents ecological and pharmacological importance. This paper shows the anatomical description, chemical characterization and evaluation of the antioxidant activity and flavonoid content of crude extracts from aerial parts of Clusia criuva. Secretory ducts and the shape of the midrib are diagnostic for C. criuva. Chemical prospection mainly confirmed the abundant presence of terpenes and phenols in crude extracts. The methanolic extract of pericarps exhibited the highest maximum antioxidant activity. However, this activity is not directly related to flavonoids. The results indicate the importance of future studies with C. criuva chemical constituents.

Read here

16 - First Assessment of Carbon stock in the Belowground Biomass of Brazilian Mangroves
Authors: Daniel M.C. Santos, Gustavo C.D. Estrada, Viviane Fernandez, Marciel R.M. Estevam, Brunna T. de Souza and Mário L.G. Soares     

For the first time, carbon stock in the belowground biomass of mangroves is reported in Brazil, the country with the second largest mangrove area of the world. Based on five trenches of 1 m³ excavated on fringe forests in SE-Brazil, the following belowground biomass was estimated: 104.41 ± 20.73 tC.ha⁻¹, mostly concentrated at the first 40 cm of depth (ca. 70%) and in fine roots (ca. 80%). This estimate lies within the range found in other mangroves of the world, but is generally higher than in terrestrial ecosystems.

Read here

17 - Correlations of condition factor and gonadosomatic, hepatosomatic and lipo-somatic relations of Leptodactylus macrosternum (ANURA: Leptodactylidae) in the Brazilian Semi-arid
Authors: Marcio F. Chaves, Fernanda C.M.A. Tenório, Igor L.V.L. Santos, Clovis J.C.L. Neto, Valeria W. Texeira, Geraldo J.B. Moura and Álvaro A.C. Texeira  

The objective of this study was to assess variations of the condition factor (K1) in relation to the gonadosomatic- RGS and energy reserves (hepatosomatic - RWL and liposomatic – RFB relations) of Leptodactylus macrosternum and their relationship to climate variation in the Northeast of Brazil, Caatinga area. Climate change showed significant relationships with the variation of the indexes evaluated, with the exception of RWF. The variation of K1, RGS, RWL and RFB values over the months of collection as well as their relation with the local climatic variation, showed a brief reproductive activity for the species.

Read here

18 - Preparation and characterization of alginate and gelatin microcapsules containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Susiany Lopes, Luciano Bueno, Francisco de Aguiar Júnior and Christine Finkler  

Alginate beads coated with gelatin and containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus were prepared by extrusion method and an experimental design was performed to optimize the encapsulation process. Beads using 1 % w/v of alginate and 0.1 % w/v of gelatin showed the highest concentration of viable cells (4.2 x 10⁹ CFU/g) and were predominantly spherical with a rough surface, a narrow size distribution (1.53 to 1.90 mm) and a moisture content of 97.70 ± 0.03 %. FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis indicated an interaction between alginate–gelatin. Cell concentration of beads was 10⁵ CFU/g after 4 months of storage at 8 ^oC.

Read here

19 - Influence of substrate on the richness and composition of Neotropical cave fauna
Authors: Tamires Zepon and Maria Elina Bichuette 

This work presents the study of terrestrial invertebrate communities in Neotropical caves. The influence of complexity of available substrates on the richness and taxonomic composition was tested and the results showed a niche separation among taxa. The trophic structure and the main threats for the cave studied communities is also presented. Understanding the functioning of these ecosystems is possible to support conservation proposals for Brazilian caves, highly impacted mainly by mining and hydroelectric projects.

Read here

20 - The use of Proteinase K to access genitalia morphology, vouchering and DNA extraction in minute wasps
Authors: Arturo B. Martinelli, Cecilia Waichert, Diego N. Barbosa, Valéria Fagundes and Celso O. Azevedo 

The dung beetle, Scybalocanthon nigriceps (Harold, 1868), is recorded in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, for the first time, at the Moreno Fortes Biological Reserve, municipality of Dois Irmãos das Missões, expanding the area of occurrence and distribution of this species in the country. Because it is a species that occur almost exclusively in preserved areas, and is a possible bioindicator, it is necessary to carry out further studies to verify the biology, ecology and distribution of S. nigriceps aiming a better knowledge of its natural history and ecological use of the species.

Read here

21 - First record of Scybalocanthon nigriceps (Harold, 1868) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil
Authors: Sheila C. Ferreira, Rocco A. Di Mare and Pedro G. da Silva 

The dung beetle, Scybalocanthon nigriceps (Harold, 1868), is recorded in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, for the first time, at the Moreno Fortes Biological Reserve, municipality of Dois Irmãos das Missões, expanding the area of occurrence and distribution of this species in the country. Because it is a species that occur almost exclusively in preserved areas, and is a possible bioindicator, it is necessary to carry out further studies to verify the biology, ecology and distribution of S. nigriceps aiming a better knowledge of its natural history and ecological use of the species.

Read here

22 - A new name for Agromyza flava Sousa & Couri (Diptera: Agromyzidae)
Authors: Viviane R. de Sousa and Márcia S. Couri 

Agromyza flava was described from Brazil (Sousa and Couri 2016), however, the specific name was a mistake, as it was already preoccupied by Agromyza flava Meigen. This note proposes the correction and to replace A. flava Sousa & Couri by Agromyzapauciflava nom. nov.

Read here

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 

23 - Development and evaluation of an inhalation chamber for in vivo tests
Authors: Eduardo R. da Silva, Humberto R. Bizzo, Patrícia D. Fernandes, Valdir F. da Veiga Junior, Suzana G. Leitão and Danilo R. de Oliveira  

The pulmonary route can be accessed by inhalation and apparatus specifically designed and validated for this type of administration are extremely important for pharmacological and toxicological evaluation. Based on pre-existing models, an inhalation chamber was developed for in vivo biological assays. Its operation was performed using clove essential oil, a nebulizer, and a flow meter. The air within the chamber was collected by static headspace and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC/FID). During the first minute, the chamber became saturated with the nebulized material. The inhalation chamber works satisfactorily without accumulation of volatile material inside it for 25 minutes.

Read here

24 - Is Forced Swimming Immobility a Good Endpoint for Modeling Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia? - Study of Sub-Anesthetic Ketamine Repeated Administration Effects
Authors: Gilda Neves, Milene Borsoi, Camila B. Antonio, Mariana A. Pranke, Andresa H. Betti and Stela M.K. Rates   

Ketamine is extensively used to model schizophrenia in rodents. Among the behavioral tasks employed, immobility time during forced swimming has been associated to schizophrenia negative symptoms (such as apathy). In our work, we showed that ketamine repeated administration induces a decrease in the immobility time (consistent with an antidepressant-like effect) and a recognition memory impairment in mice. Our results confirm that ketamine can be used for modeling schizophrenia-related cognitive disruptions. However, the described antidepressant-like effect introduces a bias for using immobility time during forced swimming as a suitable end point to study negative symptoms in the ketamine model of schizophrenia.

Read here

HEALTH SCIENCES 

25 - Antifungal and antioxidant activity of fatty acid methyl esters from vegetable oils
Authors: Maria E.A. Pinto, Sthéfane G. Araújo, Marcela Í. Morais, Nívea P. Sá, Caroline M. Lima, Carlos A. Rosa, Ezequias P. Siqueira, Susana Johann and Luciana A.R.S. Lima  

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were obtained from vegetable oils of soybean, corn and sunflower. The study was focused on evaluating the antifungal activity of FAMEs mainly against Paracoccidioides spp., as well as testing the interaction of these compounds with commercial antifungal drugs and also their antioxidant potential. FAMEs presented small IC₅₀ values (1.86-9.42 µg/mL). All three FAMEs tested showed antifungal activity against isolates of Paracoccidioides spp. with MIC values ranging from 15.6-500 µg/mL. FAMEs exhibited a synergetic effect with itraconazole. The results obtained indicate the potential of FAMEs as natural sources for antifungal and antioxidant activity. 

Read here

26 - A possible relationship between gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism in rabbits during myocardial ischemia
Authors: Raquel R. de Aguiar, Daniela F. Vale, Renato M. da Silva, Yolanda P. Muniz, Fernanda Antunes, Carlos Logullo, André L.A. Oliveira and Adriana J. de Almeida

The study aims to understand aspects related to the regulation of glucose metabolism during cardiac ischemia and reperfusion, focusing on PEPCK, which regulates gluconeogenesis. Therefore, the results aiding to describe the organ metabolism adaptation that will ensure the energy homeostasis after these important stress conditions.

Read here

27 - A scientific survey on 1550 cases of oral lesions diagnosed in a Brazilian referral center
Authors: Artur C. Vasconcelos, Carlos Aburad, Igor F.P. Lima, Sheila M.M. Santos, Silas Antonio J. de Freitas Filho, Ademir Franco, Sigmar M. Rode and Luiz R. Paranhos 

The prevalence of oral lesions may depend on extrinsic and intrinsic aspects such as culture, age and sex. Investigating these lesions in population-specific samples contributes to the clinical routine in Dentistry, especially concerning diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, epidemiological surveys on the prevalence of oral lesions are strategic tools to support public services on the development of policies for dental care. Screening 1550 histopathological records, the present study pointed towards a higher prevalence of oral lesions in men aged around the fourth decade of life. Consequently, it highlights the need for major attention to this population within health care services.   

Read here

28 - Oral insulin improves metabolic parameters in high fat diet fed rats
Authors: Leandro C. Lipinski, Louise B. Kmetiuk, Paulo C.F. Mathias, Ananda Malta, Giovani M. Favero, Tatiane A. Ribeiro, Alceu Toledo, Mario R. Montemor Netto and Marcos R.S. Rodrigues

The gut has shown to have a pivotal role on the pathophysiology of metabolic disease. In different experimental models, oral insulin has potential to change intestinal epithelium behavior promoting positive effects on metabolic parameters. This study tested if oral insulin can influence metabolic parameters and intestinal weight in high-fat diet rats. Results showed that the intervention was able to decrease body weight gain, fasting glucose and triglycerides serum levels, increased intestinal weight of distal ileum and improved HOMA-beta index. Oral insulin improved metabolic malfunction associated to rescue of beta-cell activity.

Read here

AGRARIAN SCIENCES 

29 - Fatty acid profile in vertical strata of elephant grass subjected to intermittent stocking
Authors: Kamila M. Dias, Daniel Schmitt, Giselle R. Rodolfo, Francisco C. Deschamps, Guilherme N. Camargo, Raphael S. Pereira and André F. Sbrissia 

The milk and meat from animals with a pasture-based diet have higher proportions of CLA and C18:3 and lower omega-6:omega-3 ratios than products from animals with diets based on corn silage and concentrate. In our study we found that well managed pastures of elephant grass (a tall tufted tropical grass) can present similar proportions of C18:3 (linolenic acid) to that found in temperate climate grasses showing their potential to provide forage with a good amount of that polyunsaturated fatty acid which can beneficial to increase milk and meat quality.

Read here

30 - Evaluation of cell proliferation and endometrial thickness of bitches in different periods of diestrus
Authors: Vanessa S.A. Gossler, Francislaine A.G. Santos, Aline R. de Azevedo, Priscila C. Gonçalves, Hugo A. Rigolo, Cleonice Trevisan, Ana Paula B. Masseno, Ana Paula M.M. Cardoso, Paula C. Papa, Caliê Castilho and Ines C. Giometti 

In this study, the endometrial cell proliferation of bitches at specific moments of diestrus, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 was reported. The uterine horns of 26 bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy were histologically analyzed at specific moments of diestrus. The endometrial thickness is not influenced by hormones, weight, blood glucose or serum cholesterol of bitches in this phase of the estrous cycle and it does not differ at any of the moments analyzed in diestrus. However, there is greater cell proliferation in the endometrium at day 40 compared to day 60 post-ovulation under the influence of the endocrine profile.

Read here

31 - Leaf area estimation of cassava from linear dimensions
Authors: Samara Zanetto, Laís F.M. Pereira, Maria Márcia P. Sartori and Marcelo A. Silva 

The manuscript entitled "Leaf area estimation of cassava from linear dimensions" is a study that assists in the evaluation of the cassava crop IAC 576-70, since establishes and provides mathematical models to estimate the leaf area from of simple measurements, such as, the width and the length of the central lobe and the count of the number of lobes.

Read here

32 - Occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on King George Island in the Shetland archipelago of the South of Antarctica
Authors: Marisângela V. Barbosa, Elismara A. Pereira, Juliano C. Cury and Marco A.C. Carneiro

Documentation on the importance of mycorrhizae for the maintenance of plant systems in tropical, temperate and even frozen environments near the North Pole is already very extensive. There are few studies on mycorrhizae in Antarctica. One explanation for this may be the fact that Maritime Antarctica has only two vascular plant species, that is two species that establish symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. However, this theme tends to become more important if we consider the increase in average temperatures in the Maritime Antarctica in recent years, resulting in a greater coastal zone of soils where the native plants can grow and also the possibility of invasive plant species becoming established. This work is the first Brazilian scientific initiative addressing this theme.

Read here

33 - The quantification of testicular cells during the postnatal development in two Caviomorph rodents: the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) and the cutia (Dasyprocta agouti)
Authors: Luciana S. Simões, Tais H.C. Sasahara, Phelipe O. Favaron, Ricardo Marques Júnior, Moacir F. de Oliveira, Marcia R.F. Machado and Maria Angelica Miglino  

This study applied the design-based stereological methods to estimate the total number of testicular cells and the fractional volume occupied by seminiferous tubules and interstitium during the postnatal development in two Caviomorph rodents. Germinative cells increased during the pubertal phase. The Sertoli cells increased in pubertal guinea pigs and cutias, but reduced in adult animals. The Leydig cells doubled in pubertal guinea pigs and proliferated in adult phase. In cutias, proliferated in puberty and reduced in adults. The fractional volume occupied by the seminiferous tubules increased from 81% to 89% in guinea pig and from 70% to 89% in cutia.

Read here

34 - Forage potential of native ecotypes of Paspalum notatum and P. guenoarum
Authors: Marcelo G. Steiner, Miguel Dall’Agnol, Carlos Nabinger, Simone M. Scheffer-Basso, Roberto L. Weiler, Carine Simioni, Maria Teresa Schifino-Wittmannd and Éder A.M. da Motta

The importance of working with native species of South Brazil fields is to minimize the use of exotic materials, although they can have productive potential, they are often not adapted to local environmental conditions and can generate competition and degradation of southern fields as important Brazilian ecosystems. This study investigated forage production and chemical composition of two ecotypes of Paspalum guenoarum (Azulão and Baio) and two ecotypes of Paspalum notatum (André da Rocha and Bagual) in relation to the cv. Pensacola (P. notatum). The data demonstrate the potential of native genotypes for use as cattle feeding in southern Brazil.

Read here

35 - Carbon and nutrient stocks of three Fabaceae trees used for forest restoration and subjected to fertilization in Amazonia
Authors: Roberto K. Jaquetti  and José Francisco C. Gonçalves

Amazonia is crucial to global carbon cycle. Deforestation continues to be one of the main causes of the release of C into the atmosphere, but forest restoration plantations can reverse this scenario. Mixing trees that rapidly assimilate C and are of significant ecological and commercial value (e.g., Fabaceae) represents a good way to restore degraded areas. Higher sequestration of C and nutrients by early successional species is important for forest restoration, but mixing other, later-successional species can provide long-term benefits to fulfill restoration goals. Overall, the study species showed significant C and nutrient sequestration in a degraded area of Amazonian.

Read here

36 - Assessment of cow and farm level risk factors associated with Ureaplasma  diversum in pasture-based dairy systems - A field study
Authors: Josefa M. Nascimento-Rocha, Benedito D. de Oliveira Filho, Emannuel Arnhold, Regiani N.G. Pôrto, Svetlana F. Lima and Maria Lucia Gambarini

In this paper the role of potential risk factors for the presence of Ureaplasma diversum in the vaginal mucus of dairy cows was studied. The main point related to the results was the interaction of U. diversum and Mycoplasma spp. and also with E. coli. These findings will allow to explore factors related to production level and predisposition of the dairy cow to this opportunistic bacteria and to develop management strategies to minimize its effect on milk production.

Read here

37 - Activity of Brazilian propolis against Aeromonas hydrophila and its effect on Nile tilapia growth, hematological and non-specitfic immune response under bacterial infection
Authors: Ricardo O. Orsi, Vivian G. dos Santos, Luiz E. Pezzato, Pedro L.P.F. de Carvalho, Caroline P. Teixeira, Jakeline M.A. Freitas, Carlos R. Padovani, Maria M.P. Sartori and Margarida M. Barros

Protein concentration techniques (isoelectric pH (pHi), acid pH and alkaline pH) in crambe meal and sunflower meal were tested in order to enhance their use in feeding monogastric animals, especially fish. For both products, pHi extraction was more efficient to yield and crude protein content, with high levels of lysine and methionine. The protein concentration through this methodology proved to be efficient for the tested products, since it also caused reduction of the total phenolic compounds content. Thus, with increasing protein content and reduction of antinutritional factors, the plants protein quality is improved, for the fish feed.

Read here

38 - Selection of alfalfa genotypes for resistance to the foliar pathogen Curvularia geniculate
Authors: Mariana R. Ávila, Miguel Dall’Agnol, José A. Martinelli, Gerarda B.P. da Silva, Carolina Bremm and  Tamyris Nunes

This manuscript focuses on the problem caused by the fungus Curvularia geniculata in southern Brazilian alfalfa production, since it became a big challenge for producers in the last few years, reducing its quality and yield. In our work, we found in alfalfa an excellent genetic variability for resistance to this foliar pathogen, diminishing the need of unrecommended practices such as frequent cuts or even the use of fungicides.

Read here

39 - Predicting of biomass in Brazilian tropical dry forest: a statistical evaluation of generic equations
Authors: Robson B. de Lima, Francisco T. Alves Júnior, Cinthia P. de Oliveira, José A.A. da Silva and Rinaldo L.C. Ferreira

Our research was developed for the reasons of estimating biomass potential and recommend the correct use of generic equations. In this way, we address the main issues of Brazilian dry forest biomass estimation through local and pan-tropical generic equations. Some discussions and statistical analyzes were performed considering multi-species data as well as individual species, as well as inferences by diameter classes. We also emphasize the importance of the development of local biomass equations for the analyzed levels and report in a complementary way the correct use of the equations of other localities.

Read here

40 - Sampling procedures for inventory of commercial volume tree species in Amazon Forest
Authors: Sylvio P. Netto, Allan L. Pelissari, Vinicius C. Cysneiros, Marcelo Bonazza and Carlos R. Sanquetta

The performance of sampling procedures in Amazon tropical rainforests is directly related to the spatial patterns, levels of aggregation and density of rare and common commercial tree species, in which the adaptive clusters sampling makes it possible to reduce the percentage of zero-plots for obtaining accurate estimates of volume stock in forest surveys.               

Read here

41 - New seminal variety of Stevia rebaudiana: Obtaining fractions with high antioxidant potential of leaves
Authors: Paula G. Milani, Maysa Formigoni, Antonio S. Dacome, Livia Benossi, Cecilia E.M. da Costa and Silvio C. da Costa

This study shows for the first time the determination of the composition and antioxidant potential of leaves of a new variety of Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia UEM-13). Stevia leaves of UEM-13 contain rebaudioside A as the main glycoside, while most wild Stevia plants contain stevioside. Furthermore can be multiplied by seed, which reduces the cost.  Ethanol and methanol were used in the extraction to determine the bioactive compounds. The methanolic extract was fractionated sequentially with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and isobutanol, and the highest concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was obtained in the ethyl acetate fraction, with a potential to be used as additives in food.         

Read here

42 - Leaf area estimation from linear measurements in different ages of Crotalaria juncea plants
Authors: Juliana O. de Carvalho, Marcos Toebe, Francieli L. Tartaglia, Cirineu T. Bandeira and André L. Tambara

The goal of this study was to estimate the leaf area of Crotalaria juncea according to the linear dimensions of leaves from different ages. Two experiments were conducted and 4,000 leaves were collected. The linear dimensions were measured and the leaf area was determined. The leaf areas determined by Digimizer and Sigma Scan Pro software are identical. The estimation models of leaf area as a function of length×width showed superior adjustments to those obtained based on the evaluation of only one linear dimension. The model Ŷ=0.7390x as a function of length×width is adequate to estimate the C. juncea leaf area.  

Read here

43 - Biological Activity of Piper aduncum extracts on Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Daiane C. Lucena, Lucia R. Bertholdo-Vargas, Wilson C. Silva, Aaron F. Machado, Tamiris S. Lopes, Sidnei Moura and Neiva M. Barros

The diversity of plants in the world facilitates research about new products that may replace or reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This paper reports results of the insecticidal potential of Piper aduncum extracts on Anticarsia gemmatalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. This research is important to the area of Biotechnology, especially for pest control, because larvae are the main pests of soybean and corn, respectively. These crops have great economic and social value due to their composition, which permits them to be used for various purposes, including human food and animal feed, as well as various industrial products and raw materials for agroindustries.

Read here

44 - Nutrition facts and limits for micronutrients in tree species used in urban forestry
Authors: Flávia G.K. Brun, Eleandro J. Brun, Dionatan Gerber, Denise A. Szymczak, Eduardo K. Londeiro, Evandro A. Meyer and Márcio C. Navroski 

The nutrition of urban trees was studied. These researches are practically no existent in Brazil. The manuscript was written based in data and leaves samples collected in tree species implanted in the urban area of Santa Maria city, Rio Grande do Sul State – Brazil. The results of this work can be a guide to the professionals that work with forestry in urban environmental conditions to make decisions about nutritional management of the urban trees and publish new information to the researchers, to make a base to new discussions and works in the nutrition of the tree species implanted in urban areas.

Read here

45 - Modeling and mapping basal area of Pinus taeda L. plantation using airborne lidar data
Authors: Carlos A. Silva, Carine Klauberg, Andrew T. Hudak, Lee A. Vierling, Scott J. Fennema and Ana Paula D. Corte 

Basal area is a good predictor of timber stand volume and forest growth. This study developed predictive models using field and airborne LiDAR data for estimation of basal area in Pinus taeda L. plantation in south Brazil. Multiple linear regression models for predicting BA from LiDAR-derived metrics were developed and the best model revealed an adj. R²=0.93 and RMSE=7.74%. This study showed that LiDAR-derived metrics can be used to predict BA in P. taeda plantations in south Brazil with high precision. We hope that the promising results for BA modeling presented herein will stimulate to operational this technology in Brazil.  

Read here

46 - Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils from leaves and flowers of Eugenia klotzschiana Berg (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Nárgella S. Carneiro, Cassia C.F. Alves, José M. Alves, Mariana B. Egea, Carlos H.G. Martins, Thayná S. Silva, Lizandra Bretanha, Maira P. Balleste, Gustavo A. Micke, Eduardo V. Silveira and Mayker L.D. Miranda 

Eugenia klotzschiana is a species of Myrtaceae with restricted distribution in the Cerrado. The essential oils (leaves and flowers) were extracted through the hydrodistillation technique using a modified Clevenger apparatus and chemically characterized by GC-MS. The essential oils showed moderate to high antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS methods and showed promising antibacterial activity against Streptococcus salivarius, S. mutans, S. mitis and Prevotella nigrescens. These results suggest that E. klotzschiana provides initial evidence of a new and alternative source of substances with medicinal interest.

Read here

47 - Palisadegrass effects on N fertilizer dynamic in intercropping systems with corn
Authors: Rodrigo E.M. de Almeida, Silas M. de Oliveira, Bruno C. Lago, Clovis P. Junior, José L. Favarin  and Paulo C.O. Trivelin  

Corn and palisadegrass intercropping is an alternative to increase biomass yield into no-tillage fields or pasture in crop-livestock integration. However, the effect of intercropping implantation systems on corn grains yield and nitrogen (N) fertilizer is not clear during cogrowth period. Our results indicate that, due corn competitive ability, corn and palisadegrass intercropping systems did not affect yield components in corn. Accordingly, N fertilizer recovery by corn and fertilizer residual in the soil were similar across all intercropping systems and corn monocrop. All intercropping systems studied can be used without affecting the corn crop.

Read here

48 - Morphophysiological and biochemical alterations in Ricinus communis L. seeds submitted to cobalt⁶⁰ gamma radiation
Authors: Amanda M. Lopes, Vera L. Bobrowski, Sergio D. dos Anjos e Silva and Sidnei Deuner  

Castor bean is one of the major oilseeds in the world mainly due to its oil peculiarities, in addition studies regarding increases in its production in terms of biomass are needed to further value the culture. To increase productivity and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress factors in this crop, ionizing radiation can be used on seeds to induce mutation. Thus, the increase of gamma radiation suggests a response pattern with changes in morphophysiological and biochemical of castor bean seedlings, which may serve as a tool for generating greater genetic variability.

Read here

49 - Productive performance of Holstein calves finished in feedlot or pasture
Authors: Ana Maria O. Dias, Luis F.G. de Menezes, Wagner Paris, Priscila V. dos Santos, Ronaldo R. Biesek, Renan D. Mafioletti and Renato Marchesan  

We applied the GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) method to detect hydrocarbons contamination in the subsurface of gas stations. This method detected the vadose and saturated zones and allowed inferring that these areas would be contaminated by hydrocarbon products. To complement and corroborate these indicatives it was applied the Gas Chromatography analysis to check for the presence of BTEX substances in collected water samples next to gas stations. This analysis detected in all samples the presence of BTEX. This study showed the successful application of physical and chemical properties of the rocks to determine the existence of environmental contamination in the subsurface.

Read here

ENGINEERING SCIENCES 

50 - Hybrid Geoid Model
Authors: Daniel Arana, Paulo O. Camargo and Gabriel N. Guimarães

The paper deals with the computation of hybrid geoid modeling for the State of São Paulo in Brazil by fitting geoid heights from (a) EGM08, (b) a gravimetric geoid for the whole country and (c) a local gravimetric geoid to GNSS/leveling derived geoid heights in a number of benchmarks. The aforementioned fitting was carried out via the generation of a corrector surface using the Radial Based Function (RBF) neural network methodology. The results by RBF were compared with those derived by Kriging. For the hybrid geoid models it was achieved 30 to 40% of improvement comparing to used gravimetric geoid.

Read here

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
aabc@abc.org.br

| unsubscribe |