Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 33

AABC - Volume 91. 2 - June 2019

With great pleasure I would like to introduce the present issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC). Here 55 articles from several areas are published: Biological Sciences (17) and Biomedical Sciences (14) predominate, followed by Health Sciences (7) and Agrarian Sciences (5). Other areas are also present: Mathematical Sciences (3), Physical Sciences (2), Chemical Sciences (2), Earth Sciences (3), Engineering Sciences (1), and Social Sciences (1).

Among the highlights, I would like to call your attention to a paper that discusses the processing of nanomaterials and its potential use for energy storage (Physical Sciences). Another contribution has provided data on biomonitoring of mercury in marine turtles and its application in monitoring the environment (Chemical Sciences).

Lastly, there is a study on geosites in São Paulo and how geoheritage might provide possibilities for regional sustainable management (Earth Sciences).

Please keep notice that previous editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website. All abstracts of the newsletters have been provided by the authors. Since 2000, all papers published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site.

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- Inflated Kumaraswamy distributions
Authors: Francisco Cribari-Neto and Jéssica Santos

This article introduces a class of distributions that can be used to model random variables that assume values in [0,1), (0,1] or [0,1]. The authors first address the simpler case of single inflation (at zero or at one) and then consider the more challenging case of double inflation (at zero and at one). They present Monte Carlo evidence on point estimation, interval estimation and hypothesis testing inferences. They also present and discuss an empirical application. 

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2- New classes of polynomial maps satisfying the real Jacobian conjecture in R²
Authors: Jackson Itikawa and Jaume Llibre

We present two new classes of polynomial maps satisfying the real Jacobian conjecture in R². The first class is formed by the polynomials maps of the form (q(x) – p(y), q(y) + p(x)) : R² → R² such that p and q are real polynomials satisfying p' (x)q'(x) ≠ 0. The second class is formed by polynomials maps (f, g) : R² →R² where f and g are real homogeneous polynomials of the same arbitrary degree satisfying some conditions.

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3- The Log-Odd Normal Generalized Family of Distributions with Application
Authors: Muhammad Zubair, Tibor K. Pogány, Gauss M. Cordeiro and Muhammad H. Tahir

• Log-odd normal generalized (LONG) family of distributions satisfying the T-X family criteria by ratios of the baseline CDF.
• Mathematical properties of the LONG family: linear representation of the CDF; modality analysis by nonlinear ODE.
• Statistical properties: modality analysis by saddle point method; moments, generating function, ML parameter estimation.
• LONG’s special case, the log-odd normal power Cauchy (LONPC) is proposed to model real-life data. Properties of LONPC.
• Statistical testing of LONPC model with respect to earlier used models for a set of real-life data.

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PHYSICAL SCIENCES

4- Processing of nanomaterials in Layer-by-Layer films: Potential applications in (bio)sensing and energy storage
Authors: Danilo A. Oliveira, Luiz H.S. Gasparotto and José R. Siqueira Jr

The control at the nanoscale is the key to manipulate tailored materials for reaching nanostructures with physicochemical properties that permit the study and the development of devices for high technological applicability, including (bio)sensing and energy storage systems. In this context, the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is a suitable bottom up method to manipulate nanomateriais in a nanostructure architecture, offering diverse advantages among other thin film methods. This review brings to the readers the concepts and advantages of using the LbL process to achieve nanostructured films with propitious properties specifically for applications in (bio)chemical sensors and supercapacitors.

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5- Propagation of vibrational modes in classical harmonic lattice with correlated disorder
Authors: Leonade D. da Silva,  Adhemar Ranciaro Neto, Messias O. Sales, José L.L. dos Santos and Francisco A.B.F. de Moura

We investigated  the propagation of vibrational energy in harmonic lattice with long-range correlated disordered masses. Our calculations were done by the numerical solution of the classical equations for the mass displacement and velocities. We numerically demonstrate that as the intrinsic correlation degree is increased, the vibrational energy propagation throughout lattice become faster. Within our precision, we found evidences about the existence of extended vibrational modes within this disordered two-dimensional system.

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CHEMICAL SCIENCES

6- Exploring the metallochromic behavior of pentacyanidoferrates in visual, electronic and Raman spot tests   
Authors: Jorge S. Shinohara, Daniel Grasseschi, Sabrina N. Almeida and Henrique E. Toma

By introducing a suitable chromophore group, the classical Prussian blue  spot test for ferric ions has been extended to the entire first row of transition metal elements, allowing  their analytical detection on filter paper by means of in situ resonance Raman and electronic spectroscopy.

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7- Mercury and methylmercury in carapace of the marine turtle Caretta caretta, in northeastern Brazil and its potential for environmental monitoring
Authors: César Augusto B. Rodriguez, Moises F. Bezerra, Carlos Eduardo de Rezende, Wanderley R. Bastos and Luiz D. de Lacerda

The present work uses the carapace fragments of the marine turtle Caretta caretta as a tool from environmental biomonitoring of mercury (Hg) and to evaluate the influence of biological (size and sex) and ecological (diet) factors in Hg concentrations. The results showed a wide variation in Hg concentrations in adult females sampled on the same spawning beach, besides presenting no difference in the trophic level shown by their isotopic signatures. 

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EARTH SCIENCES

8- Inventory and assessment of geosites to stimulate regional sustainable management: the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Maria da Glória M. Garcia, Eliane Del Lama, Lucelene Martins,  Carlos Eduardo M. Mazoca and  Christine L.M. Bourotte

The northern coast of the State of São Paulo, Brazil is a traditional leisure destination, with extreme real state speculation and a tourism industry lacking environmental concerns. In order to include geological sites in public policies and guarantee conservation and sustainable use, an inventory of geosites was carried out. Each geosite works as pieces of a large puzzle, representing different parts of the geological history and allowing reconstructing the evolution of the landscape. These sites can be used as tools to disseminate scientific knowledge to the population and can be crucial in understanding issues such as climate change and natural disasters.

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9- Trophic dynamics (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen-DIN and Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus-DIP) in tropical urban estuarine systems during periods of high and low river discharge rates
Authors: Carlos Noriega, Moacyr Araujo, Manuel Flores-Montes and Julia Araujo

This work focused on the use of the biogeochemical model to establish the rates of autotrophy and heterotrophy in three highly urbanized tropical estuaries (density of 1200 hab. km^-2), located in the northeastern region of Brazil, through their nutrient (DIN and DIP), water and salt balances during periods of high and low fluvial discharge. Two systems appeared to be dominated by river fluxes, where most of the loads were exported to adjacent coastal zones. The third system, the opposite seemed to occur, with long residence times to change the metabolism to heterotrophic, which is characteristic of systems wherein mineralization prevails.

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10- Environmental fragility and vegetation cover dynamics in the Lapa Grande State Park, MG, Brazil
Authors: Jasmine A. Campos, Uilson R.V. Aires, Demetrius D. da Silva and maria Lúcia Calijuri

The paper provides information that would help decision makers to create policies to mitigate environmental degradation. We analyze the environmental fragility of the Lapa Grande State Park, Brazil, and quantify the vegetation cover changes before and after the park’s implementation. We used multicriteria analysis to map the environmental fragility and NDVI to quantify the vegetation cover changes. The central, eastern and northeastern regions of the park showed higher levels of environmental fragility. However, the creation of preservation areas led to an increase in vegetation cover, which contributed to a reduction in environmental fragility overall.

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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

11- Morphometric variation in pink shrimp populations at Rio de Janeiro coast (SE Brazil): are  they really similar in closer areas?
Authors: Cássia de Carvalho, Karina A. Keunecke and Helena P. Lavrado

In order to verify if nursery areas with different environmental conditions influence on pink shrimp populations (Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis, F. paulensis), samplings were carried out in Sepetiba and Guanabara bays. Differences in size and morphology were found between bays, mainly regarding the total length/carapace length ratio (TL/CL). Shrimps in Sepetiba Bay have larger abdomen than those from Guanabara Bay. Results suggest the existence of an estuary vs shrimp morphology relationship which causes differences in body shape even in spatially close areas. TL/CL ratio has proven useful and might be tested for tracking the origin of adult shrimps stocks at the coast.

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12- Evaluation of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of 7-hydroxy-4', 6-dimethoxy-isoflavone and essential oil from Myroxylon peruiferum L.f
Authors: Rafael Pereira, Anna L. Pereira, Marcilio M. Ferreira, Raquel O.S.  Fontenelle, Silvana Saker-Sampaio, Hélcio S. Santos, Paulo N. Bandeira,  Mayron A. Vasconcelos, José A.N.  Queiroz, Raimundo Braz Filho and Edson H. Teixeira 

This article describes the isolation and the extraction of bioactive natural products from Myroxylon peruiferum, plant with distribution throughout Brazil. The isoflavone and essential oil have significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, showed potential as natural antioxidant products. The data obtained here demonstrates the importance of the study of natural products obtained from plants.

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13- Influences of stocking density and dietary probiotic supplementation on growing Japanese quail performance
Authors: Khalid M. Mahrose, Mahmoud Alagawany, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Samir A. Mahgoub and Faten A.M. Attia 

This study examined impacts of stocking density and probiotic supplementation on Japanese quail. Quails were allotted to 6 groups included 2 levels of stocking density (100, and 75 cm2/bird) and 3 levels of probiotic (0.00, 0.02 and 0.04 g/kg diet). Quails reared at 100 cm2/ bird showed the highest body weight. While, quails reared at 75 cm2/ bird had lower average of feed intake and the best feed conversion ratio. Increasing level of probiotic up to 0.04 g/kg decreased dressing percentage. The low stocking density was gave better performance. Probiotic diminished the stressful effect of crowding on quails.

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14- An integrated approach clarifies the cryptic diversity in Hypostomus Lacépède 1803 from the Lower La Plata Basin
Authors: Yamila P. Cardoso, Florencia Brancolini, Lucila Protogino, Ariel  Paracampo, Sergio Bogan, Paula Posadas and Juan I. Montoya-Burgos

Hypostomus commersoni, H. cordovae, and H. laplatae have been little studied since their original descriptions. This study shows a comprehensive review of these species, including their taxonomic history, distribution, color patterns, morphology, and ecological and molecular phylogenetic data. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses suggested that H. commersoni can be separated into two subclades with non-overlapping distribution range, so we conclude that they represent two distinct species, thereby revalidating H. spiniger. The results also suggest that H. cordovae should be considered as valid species. This integrated approach provides key information for assessing the conservation status and biogeographic aspects of these species.

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15- Comparison of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis of pectin, as inexpensive source to cell growth of Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Gabriel Olivo Locatelli, Leandro Finkler and  Christine L.L. Finkler

Cupriavidus necator has great importance industrial by the production of single cell protein and production of polyhydroxybutyrate, both applications require inexpensive substrates. Pectins are heteropolymers with a high content of galacturonic acid (around 65.0%). Pectins can be degraded by either acid or enzymatic hydrolysis, although few studies have been undertaken concerning its saccharification. This way, we aim to compare acid and enzymatic hydrolysis procedures for saccharification of pectin, and getting a high concentration of reduction compounds (RCs). The best conditions of each procedure were used in study kinetics of RCs’ production and as a substrate for cell growth of C. necator.

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16- New records of nocturnal Anomaloninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in South America
Authors: Daniell R.R. Fernandes and Francisco A. Díaz

We report for the first time Castrosion renei Gauld & Bradshaw, 1997 in South America. Castrosion is a monotypic genus and was described based on specimens from Costa Rica. This paper expands the extension of distribution of this genus and species for Venezuela and Brazil. We are also including some comments on morphological variations in the studied specimens. Additionally, we report for the first time Aphanistes ruthae Alvarado, 2018 in Venezuela. This species has been recently described based on specimens from Peru and is also a Nocturnal Anomaloninae such Castrosion.

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17- Genetic Population Structure and Allela Surfing During Range Expansion in Dynamic Habitats
Authors: Rosana T. Braga, João F.M. Rodrigues, José A.F. Diniz-Filho and Thiago F. Rangel

Expanding populations may loss genetic diversity because sequential founder events throughout a wave of demographic expansion may cause “allele surfing”, as the alleles of founder individuals may propagate rapidly through space. We studied how interactions between different habitat restoration scenarios and biological characteristics affect the spatial patterns of the genetic structure of a population during demographic expansion. Allele surfing is more common when a species with low dispersal capacity colonizes a large geographic area with slow restoration, however, allele surfing can be reduced by dispersal management through suitable habitat restoration. Investigating how colonization influence genetic diversity are essential to effective planning of habitat restoration.

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18- Helminth parasites of Cichla ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801 collected in the Jacaré-Pepira River, São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Felipe F. Januário, Thayana Gião, Rodney K. de Azevedo and Vanessa D. Abdallah

For Cichla ocellaris nine species of parasites were sampled Proteocephalus macrophallus, Diplostomum sp., Austrodiplostomum compactum, Gussevia arilla, G. tucunarense, G. undulata, Gussevia sp., Contracaecum sp. and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus. P. macrophallus presented higher values for prevalence, intensity and abundance. The metacercariae of A. compactum and Diplostomum sp. presented a significant positive correlation between their abundances and the length of their hosts and A. compactum showed a significant positive correlation with the host weight. All parasite species presented an aggregate distribution. Diplostomum sp. and P. (S.) inopinatus are being registered for the first time in this host.

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19- Temporal changes in biological traits of diatom communities  in response to an oil spill in a subtropical river
Authors: Denise M. de Faria, Júlio C. Costin, Priscila I. Tremarin and Thelma Ludwig

Diversity and related biological traits were used to assess the structure of epilithic diatom community after an unexpected oil spill in an inland river. Environmental conditions can be successfully predicted by applying both diatom guilds and growth forms.  We observed that the spill displayed distinct shift in diatom composition. While diatom guilds responded to disturbances along a temporal gradient, changes inside the guilds were the main factor for environmental gradient understanding.

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20- Identification of two species of Binema Travassos 1925 (Oxyurida: Travassosinematidae) and Cameronia arecoensis Marchissio and Miralles 1987 (Oxyurida: Thelastomatidae) based on morphological and 18S rRNA partial sequence
Authors: José M. Rusconi, Martín Montes, Walter Ferrari and María Fernanda  Achinelly

Oxyurid nematodes parasitizing the mole cricket Neoscapteriscus vicinus were isolated in the framework of sampling fields of mole-crickets from the pampean region, in Argentina. In this work, molecular characterization of the 18S rRNA partial sequence of nematodes belonging to the families Thelastomatidae (Cameronia arecoensis Marchissio and Miralles 1987) and Travassosinematidae (Binema korsakowi Sergiev 1923 and Binema klossae, Marchissio and Miralles 1993) were carried out. This is the first world report of sequences belonging to B. klossae and C. arecoensis and first Argentinian report of B. korsakowi sequence. Also, morphological and morphometric features of B. klossae, B. korsakowi and C. arecoensis from Argentinian populations are reported.

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21- Antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities and phytochemical analysis of three ornamental plants grown in Mexico
Authors: Patricia Ríos-Chávez, Jordy Perez-Gonzalez, Rafael Salgado-Garciglia, Enrique Ramírez-Chávez, Jorge Molina-Torres, Miguel Martinez-Trujillo and  Yazmin Carreon-Abud

This work analyzes three plants used as ornamentals in Mexico with medicinal use in other countries. The results showed that the leaves and flowers of Callistemon citrinus have a strong antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and negative bacteria as well, as a null cytotoxic activity for Artemina salina. These properties suggest that Callistemon citrinus may be used as antibacterial agent. For the first time, major compounds in the leaves and flowers of Plumbago auricualta and Hibiscus rosa-sinesis are reported, and some of them have pharmacological activities.

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22- Physiological parameters of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Osteichthyes: Characidae) exposed to a biopesticide based on Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Wagner S. Mariano, Saulo B. Azevedo, Francisco L. Gomes, Liana B.D. Lima, Sandro E. Moron and Marcos Tavares-Dias

Biopesticides have been used as an alternative to chemical pesticides and are considered more advantageous because they are less toxic and cause damage only to target insects. In addition, biopesticides are used in small concentrations and have a rapid decomposition. Biopesticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis have been widely used in biological control of crop pests in several countries since they are not considered to be environmentally harmful. The toxicity of the concentrations of biopesticide in short-term exposure in water and diet of Piaractus mesopotamicus led to blood alterations Care must be taken to avoid a possible prolonged contamination in the tanks of fish farming by agricultural pollution based on B. thuringiensis.

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23- Jabuticaba (Plinia jaboticaba) skin extracts as inhibitors of phospholipases A₂ and proteases
Authors: Tamara R. Marques, Mariana A. Braga, Pedro H.S. Cesar, Silvana Marcussi and Angelita D. Corrêa

Agro-industrial wastes are promising sources of phytochemicals for the development of products to be used in the promotion of health. The extracts of jabuticaba skin flour could be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and/or food industry, mainly due to its high levels of phenolic compounds that provide nutraceutical properties. In this study, the extracts, aqueous and methanolic, of jabuticaba skin flour mainly due to its high levels of phenolic compounds were able capable of modulating the activity of enzymes such as phospholipases A₂ and proteases (mainly thrombin-like), acting on coagulant/anticoagulant, thrombolytic/thrombotic activities, besides the breakdown of phospholipids, inflammation and platelet aggregation. Thus, these extracts show therapeutic potential for the treatment of several diseases related to the disequilibrium of the hemostatic system, in addition to resulting in a positive economic and environmental impact.

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24- Community structure of metazoan parasites in Hemibrycon surinamensis, (Characidae) from the Matapi River in the State of Amapá (Brazil)
Authors: Briani O. Sousa, Marcos S.B. Oliveira and Marcos Tavares-Dias

The aim of this study was to investigate the community of metazoan parasites in Hemibrycon surinamensis from the Matapi River, State of Amapá, Brazil. Among the 31 examined fish, 77.4 % were parasitized by Jainus hexops, Tereancistrum ornatus (Monogenea), Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), Clinostomus marginatum and Posthodiplostomum sp. (Digenea). However, the dominance was of monogeneans J. hexops and T. ornatus, and among the endoparasites, the predominance was of species at the larval stage. The parasites showed random dispersion. The results indicate that this intermediate host occupies a low position in the food web. This is the third eco-epidemiological study for H. surinamensis.

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25- Influence of microhabitat on the richness of anuran species: a case study of different landscapes in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil
Authors: Guilherme de T. Figueiredo, Luis Fernando Storti, Ricardo Lourenço-de-Moraes, Oscar A. Shibatta and Luiz dos Anjos

We investigated the influence of microhabitats availability on the richness and composition of amphibians anurans. We found that species richness increases with a higher number of microhabitats availability. The composition of aquatic-breeding anurans varies according to the landscape (agricultural, urban, and forested) where the water bodies are located. We also report what species occur in each landscape type and which ones are exclusively or not of these landscapes. We recorded 34 species of amphibians anurans, of which, species indicators of the forested landscapes should be restricted to a relatively small proportion of the recorded species (38%). Four species which could be considered as a true indicator of forested landscapes, which are: Crossodactylus cf. schmidti, Haddadus binotatus, Ischnocnema cf. henselii, and Vitreorana uranoscopa. We emphasize the importance of environmental heterogeneity to amphibians in the reproduction season, whereas our results show that the microhabitat availability is a strong predictor of species richness in the breeding sites. In addition, we report a concerning situation of the invasive species Lithobates catesbeianus to Londrina region informing that this species is already established there.

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26- Temporal variation of bacterial population and response to physical and chemical parameters along a petrochemical industry wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Themis C. Antunes, Ana E. Ballarini and Sueli Van Der Sand

Microorganisms present in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) are responsible for most nutrient removal. In this study, microbiological and physicochemical parameters were used to estimate changes in bacterial community in a petrochemical industrial wastewater treatment plant. The results showed that the activated sludge was the place with higher heterotrophic bacterial quantification. Denitrifying bacteria was reduced at least 5.3 times throughout all collections samples. The MALDI-TOF MS allowed the identification of 93% of the isolates and only 5% show different results from 16S rDNA sequencing showing that the MALDI-TOF MS can be a tool for identifying environmental bacteria.

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27- Bioactivity and action mechanism of green propolis against Pythium aphanidermatum
Authors: Wallace  M. Pazin, Suikinai N. dos Santos, Sonia C.N. Queiroz, Luis A. Bagatolli, Ademilson E.E. Soares, Itamar S. de Melo  and Amando S. Ito

Propolis is a resinous product consisting of compounds that bees collect from the vegetation to protect their colonies against the attack of pathogens. The Brazilian green propolis has many pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant actions. In this study, we report observation of the deleterious effect of green propolis against P. aphanidermtaum, an aggressive false-fungal species that is highly resistant to fungicides and which causes pre- and post-emergence damping off in vegetable crops. We identified Artepillin C as the major constituent of green propolis and described the action mechanism of this bioactive compound against P. aphanidermatum.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

28-Candesartan inhibits inflammation through an angiotensin II type1 receptor independent way in human embryonic kidney epithelial cells
Authors: Ying Yu, Haifeng Jiang, Yangyang Niu, Xiaoqin Zhang, Yingying Zhang,  Xi Liu,Tao Qi and Chen Yu

Candesartan, an angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) receptor blocker, exert its anti-inflammatory effects ex vivo. Candesartan significantly suppressed transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression after incubation with tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α). Silence of angiotensin II type-1 receptor has little effects on reducing TGF-β or IL-6 products. Candesartan inhibited TNF-α-induced oxidative stress in the primary cultured tubular epithelial cells. Overall, these data indicate that candesartan suppresses TNF-α-induced inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting oxidative stress, rather than block AT1 receptor activity.

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29- The impact of long-term consumption of diets enriched with olive, cottonseed or sesame oils on kidney morphology: A stereological study
Authors: Mohammadmehdi Hassanzadeh-Taheri, Mahsa hassanzadeh-Taheri, Farnaz Jahani, Zahra Erfanian, Hesam Moodi and Mehran Hosseini

Recent studies reported that excessive and long-term high-fat diet could have destructive effects on kidney structure. We hypothesized that the source of fats may be important as well. Therefore, we fed rats by diets enriched with three of most consumed dietary vegetable oils (olive, cottonseed, sesame) at two concentrations (moderate and high) for 5 consecutive months. All of the studied oils in low concentration had no devastating effects on renal morphology and also its pathological features. However, sesame oil in high concentration (20%) caused renal deformities as a result of histopathological changes such as dilatation, fibrosis, and tubular defects.

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30- Inhibitory Effect on the Hepatitis B Cells through the Regulation of miR-122-MAP3K2 signal pathway
Authors: Songlin Chen, Lei Yang, Aiping Pan, Siliang Duan, Mingfen Li, Ping Li, Jingjing Huang, Xingxin Gao, Xioqi Huang and Yinghui Lin

According to this article, we have discussed about the inhibitory effect that overexpression of miR-122 could inhibit the migration of hepatoblastoma cells; however, following transfection with miR-122, DNA synthesis and the secretion of HBsAg were inhibited. Overexpression of miR-122 can also downregulate MAP3K2. Consequently, we concluded that overexpression of miR-122 exerts an inhibitory effect in hepatitis B cells through the miR-122-MAP3K2 signaling pathway. And this is our preliminary basic research for the study of traditional Chinese medicine.

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31- Assessment of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Safranal on CCI₄-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Ömer  N. Alayunt, Laçine Aksoy, Yasemin S. Karafakioğlu and Sevcan Sevimli

CCI₄ is a chemical agent that causes cirrhosis-like damage in the liver. In this study, liver damage was induced with CCI₄ and the effects of different doses of safranal were investigated against hepatotoxicity. It was found that the bile had positive effects on liver enzymes. Low-dose safranal administration has been found to have an antioxidative effect on oxidative damage. It is noteworthy that the 100 mg/kg safranal administration has protective effects against inflammation as well as oxidative stress caused by damage. For this purpose, it can be said that safranal is an antioxidative and antiinflammatory effective phytochemical due to dose.

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32- Mapping Study on the Use of Digital Games for Persons with Disabilities in Upper Members
Authors: Flávia G. Fernandes, Alexandre Cardoso and Renato A. Lopes

Digital games are no longer seen as a form of entertainment detrimental to health. They have become an important tool to improve the treatment of patients, ranging from those who are experiencing a serious illness, such as cancer, to those requiring milder procedures such as physiotherapy. However, there are people who are physically disabled and have difficulty playing digital games. In this line of reasoning, this work presents a systematic review on the use of digital games for people with physical disabilities in the upper limbs. Finally, the results shows that it is an area that is constantly expanding.

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33- Inhibitory effect of Lonchocarpus araripensis lectin in rat acute models of inflammation
Authors: Alana F. Pires, Gabriela F.O. Marques, Nylane M.N. de Alencar, Maria G.Q. Martins, Mayara T.L. da Silva, Kyria S. do Nascimento, Benildo S. Cavada and Ana Maria Assreuy

The anti-inflammatory effect of the lectin isolated from L. araripensis (LAL) seeds, had been already described in mice. In the present study this effect was demonstrated in rat models of acute inflammation (paw edema and peritonitis), along with the lack of LAL systemic side effects. LAL inhibited both the cell-infiltrate paw edema and the neutrophil migration stimulated by carrageenan. However, LAL did not alter the osmotic paw edema elicited by dextran. The anti-inflammatory effect of LAL was shown to be mediated by the lectin domain, indicating it’s potential modulator role in cellular inflammatory events.

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34- Evaluation of Gastro-protective Activity of Myristica fragrans on Ethanol-induced Ulcer in Albino Rats
Authors: Arransa Sattar, Abdullah Abdo, Muhammad N. Mushtaq, Irfan Anjum and Ahsan Anjum

Myristica fragrans seeds are traditionally used to treat dyspepsia, vomiting and abdominal pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Myristica fragrans in ethanol induced gastric ulcer. The pH, ulcer index, acidity and histopathological examination of stomach were evaluated. Myristica fragrans significantly reduced gastric lesions and total acidity in ethanol induced ulcer rat model. pH of gastric contents of rats from extract treated was increased as compared to positive control group. Ulcer index and histopathological findings of extract treated rats were improved. Myristica fragrans showed significant protecting activity in ethanol induced ulcer.

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35- Blood compatibility assessments of electrospun polyurethane nanocomposites blended with megni oil for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Saravana Kumar Jaganathan, Mohan P. Mani and Eko Supriyanto

Tissue engineering holds as a prominent technique to repair or replace the damaged human parts to recreate its native function. One of the major components of tissue engineering is scaffolds which is used to assist the cell growth.  A novel polyurethane scaffold incorporated with Megni oil was fabricated using electrospinning technique. Fabricated scaffold displayed better physicochemical properties, enhanced blood compatibility and nontoxic behaviour against red blood cells. Hence, fabricated scaffold with the advanced properties may be successfully exploited for tissue engineering application.

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36- Pharmacognostical study of Desmodium caudatum
Authors: Junni Li, Xiaojing Lin, Gengqiu Tang, Rong Li, Dong Wang and Shengguo Ji

Desmodium caudatum is an important plant widely used in the central and southern China for its extensive medical values. This study is focused on the traditional pharmacognostical identification of Desmodium caudatum, including the botanical origin and morphological characters, medicinal material characters, microscopic characters, physicochemical parameters determination and phytochemical screening, and DNA barcoding analysis. Furthermore, the whole ITS fragment of Desmodium caudatum had not been reported in previous literature, and the login number that we have requested at Geenbank is MG991101.1. This study will be beneficial to the development of the quality standard and the identification of species.

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37- In vitro effect of globotriaosylceramide on electron transport chain complexes and redox parameters
Authors: Rafaela M. Alvariz, Isabel T.D.S. Moreira, Gabriela K. Cury, Carmen R. Vargas and Alethéa G. Barschak

Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystemic disease, caused by storage of GB3, in vascular endothelia, with renal, cardiac and vascular involvement. Our aim was to evaluate the in vitro effect of GB3 on electron transport chain complexes and redox parameters. We found that GB3 caused an increase on complexes II and IV activities, increased production of reactive species and decreased superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in cerebral cortex. GB3 also increased production of reactive species and superoxide dismutase activity in kidney. The imbalance in cellular redox state indicate that these alterations may be involved in the pathophysiology of FD.

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38- Position-dependent correlation between TBX22 exon 5 methylation and palatal shelf fusion in the development of cleft palate 
Authors: Ke Li, Xuan Shu, Hui Gong, Liuhanghang Cheng, Zejun Dong and Shenyou Shu

We propose a novel molecular mechanism of palatal shelf fusion in the development of cleft palate. The mechanism relies on changes in TBX22 exon 5 methylation. TBX22 exon 5 Hyper-methylation inhibits TBX22 exon 5 expression, which may enlighten the development of novel epigenetic biomarkers in the treatment of CP in the future.

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39- Persistent Mullerian duct Syndrome in a Brazilian miniature schnauzer dog
Authors: Denise M. Nogueira, Jorge L.A. Armada, Diego M. Penedo, Vania G.S. Tannouz and Vicki N. Meyers-Wallen

Here we describe an eight-year-old miniature schnauzer dog from Brazil with Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome and the single base pair substitution in AMHR2 exon 3, first detected in this breed in the USA. This finding is evidence of mutation dissemination to South America. A Robertsonian translocation was also identified, which may be an incidental finding. We emphasize the importance of cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses to improve health outcomes for affected dogs and to reduce the prevalence of PMDS and cryptorchidism in this breed by avoiding the mating of carriers.

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40- Protective Effect of Vitamin C on Triptolide-induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Mice through mitigation of oxidative stress
Authors: Pengjuan Xu, Youyou Li, Zhichao Yu, Lin Yang, Rong Shang and Zihang Yan

In this study, we investigated the effect and potential mechanism of the vitamin C on liver injury induced by triptolide. The results of HE staining, AST and ALT showed that treatment with vitamin C prevented the triptolide induced liver injury. Meanwhile, treatment with vitamin C could protect the mice liver against triptolide-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the generation of H₂O₂ and MDA and restoring the level of T-SOD and GSH. In conclusion, the decreased oxidative stress is a key mechanism in the protective effect of vitamin C in triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity.

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41- A low-protein, high carbohydrate diet induces increase in serum adiponectin and preserves glucose homeostasis in rats
Authors: Patrícia Ceolin, Suélem A. de França, Mendalli Froelich, Maísa P. dos Santos, Mayara P. Pereira, Thaís S. Queiroz, Flávia H.S. da Silva, Patrícia C. Lisboa, Claudia M.B. Andrade, Amanda M. Baviera and Nair H. Kawashita

Our objective was to verify the effects of a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet introduced to rats soon after weaning and to compare with the effects of the change for a balanced diet after a short period on LPHC diet. The study concluded that the change of the diet lead to a different metabolic evolution from that observed while maintaining the LPHC diet. The level of serum adiponectin seems to be associated with those different effects, since the level of serum adiponectin increased more in rats fed only LPHC diet than in the rats fed with a balanced diet, and then it was reduced when the LPHC diet was substituted by a balanced diet.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

42- Regular exercise, overweight/obesity and sedentary lifestyle cause adaptive changes in thiol–disulfide homeostasis
Authors: Mehmet Gol, Beytullah Özkaya, Caner Yildirim and Ramazan Bal

Redox reactions are ongoing in each cell of our body. It is noteworthy to discuss that whether any aberration in redox balance could an intrinsic predictor or biochemical marker for certain diseases or not. Chronic diseases related to sedentary life style or overweight/obesity could be triggered by aberrations in redox balance of the body. Thiol compounds are participating in redox reactions throughout the body. Evaluation thiol disulfide homeostasis might provide significant information about redox balance life style of an individual. Some representative alterations in thiol–disulfide homeostasis can also distinguish individuals exercising regularly from the others.

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43- Plant Extracts Display Synergism with Different Classes of Antibiotics
Authors: Danielle M. Silva, Priscilla A. da Costa, Andréa O.B. Ribon, Gislaine A. Purgato, Gaspar Diaz-Muñoz and Marisa A.N. Diaz

The activity of 15 plant extracts was evaluated for the interactions between the extracts and antibiotics using the checkerboard method. The active extracts were a hexane extract of the leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia and the ethanol extracts of the leaves of Plectranthus ornatus, Inga edulis, Salvia officinalis and Senna macranthera. these interactions resulted in a reduction in the minimum dose required for effective antimicrobial effects, which is interesting because it may decrease both the risk of side effects and the costs of treatment.

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44- Hepcidin is a useful biomarker to evaluate hyperferritinemia associated with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Mariana R. Rauber, Diogo A. Pilger, Daiane K. Cecconello, Frederico S. Falcetta, Natália A. Marcondes and Gustavo A.M. Faulhaber

The investigation of the increased ferritin in metabolic syndrome is essential for identification of patients with iron accumulation secondary to hemochromatosis. Hepcidin levels are low in the set of iron overload, so hepcidin could be a biomarker in the assessment of hyperferritinemia associated with metabolic syndrome. Patients with hyperferritinemia had higher hepcidin and transferrin saturation levels when compared to those with normal ferritin levels, showing that hepcidin is a promising tool in the differential diagnosis of hyperferritinemia related to metabolic syndrome, since high levels are related to the inflammatory state, while low levels are indicative of iron overload.

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45- Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on total myenteric neurons in mice experimentally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Noemi D. de Souza, Bruna S. Belin, Cristina L. Massocatto, Silvana M. de Araújo, Débora M.G. Sant`Ana, Eduardo J.A. Araújo, Phileno P. Filho, Oscar K. Nihei and Neide M. Moreira  

We investigated the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the myenteric neuronal in the colon in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mice. Mice, were divided into a control group (C group), control treated with ASA (CA group), infected (I group), and infected treated with ASA (IA group). Trypomastigotes of T. cruzi were intraperitoneally inoculated in the IA and I groups. At 75 days post-infection, the animals were sacrificed. Neurons were quantified and measured. ASA in the CA and IA groups did not alter the number neurons. The CA and IA groups exhibited an increase area compared with the C and I groups.

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46- Relationship between periodontal outcomes and serum biomarkers changes after non-surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Walder J.M. Lobão, Rosana C.C. de Carvalho, Sandra A.M. Leite, Vandilson P. Rodrigues, José Eduardo Batista, Isaac S. Gomes-Filho and Antonio L.A. Pereira

Strong scientific evidences have shown that periodontal treatment modalities for subgingival biofilm control in residual pockets contribute to the reduction of systemic inflammatory status. This study investigated the correlation between changes in periodontal parameters and serum markers after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) to identify which factors may further affect the systemic inflammatory status. Our findings suggest that NSPT improves periodontal outcomes and reduces the serum interleukin 6 levels in systemically healthy adults. Also, changes in the periodontal oucomes may show an effect on the C-reactive protein level and basophils percentage in pactients with chronic periodontitis.

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47- Metaphylactic effect of calcium on milk composition and animal health in post-partum dairy cows
Authors: Kássio D. Albani, Leandro S. Lopes, Gabriela Campigotto, Matheus D. Baldissera and Aleksandro S. da Silva

It is important emphasize that the most appropriate method to prevent hypocalcemia is the use of anionic diet in pre-partum. However, the use of a single dose of calcium (150 mL/cow) subcutaneously maintained calcium levels above 8 mg/dL, and this avoided the subclinical hypocalcemia observed in cows in the control group. Calcium application produced few alterations in milk composition at the evaluated time points, all of which can be considered positive effects. However, this prophylactic treatment can be considered an approach to avoid hypocalcemia in dairy cows during the postpartum period.

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48- Effects of fed mycotoxin contaminated diets supplemented with spray-dried porcine plasma on cholinergic response and behavior in piglets
Authors: Lucieli K.F. Müller, Aleksandro S. da Silva, Nathieli B. Bottari, Janio M. Santurio, Vera M. Morsch, Manoela M. Piva, Ricardo E. Mendes, Eduardo M. Gloria and Diovani Paiano

Pigs are highly susceptible to aflatoxins and fumonisins, especially in the weaning stage where they can cause a variety of chronic or acute syndromes. The co-contamination of aflatoxins and fumonisins to piglet diets avoids the increase and reduction of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase activities in serum, respectively. Subclinical mycotoxin poisoning in piglets reduces the activity of cerebral AChE, thus interfering in the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft and, consequently, altering the behavior of the animals. The SDPP supplementation avoids changes in blood and brain AChE activity in pigs exposed to mycotoxin co-contaminated diets.

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AGRARIAN SCIENCES

49-Performance and egg quality of laying hens fed with mineral sources and rosemary oil
Authors: Elis Regina de M. Garcia, Natália R.B. Chaves, Carlos Antonio L. de Oliveira, Charles Kieffer and Evilásio P. de Melo

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of rosemary oil (0, 100 or 200 mg kg^-1) and micro mineral sources (inorganic or organic) on the performance and egg quality of laying hens. In conclusion, the use of 200 mg kg^-1 of rosemary oil improves the performance of red laying hen eggs. The association between organic minerals and 100 mg kg^-1 rosemary oil in laying hen diets increases yolk color and percentage of albumen. The use of organic minerals is superior to inorganic minerals as to improve the quality of eggs, increasing average egg weight, yolk color and percentage of albumen.

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50-Productivity and nutritive  value of elephantgrass pastures under organic and conventional production systems
Authors: Gabriela D. Simonetti, Clair J. Olivo, Daiane C. Seibt, Vinicius F. Bratz, Julio C. Sauthier and Carine B. Adams

The article entitled productivity and nutritive value of elephantgrass pastures under conventional and organic production systems had the objective of evaluating the production of elephantgrass grasses in low impact systems, for example in organic systems of production more ecologically correct. Among the studied variables are: botanical and morphological compositions, forage yield, nutritive value, grazing efficiency, nutrient extraction / export (N), forage yield and stocking rate. As main results: elephantgrass adapts well in both organic and conventional production; mixed pastures, in conventional and organic production, presented better distribution of forage along the seasons.

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51- Alcoholic extract of propolis in Nile tilapia post-larvae and fingerlings' diets: effects on production performance, body composition and intestinal histology
Authors: Lilian D. dos Santos, Izabel V. Zadinelo, Lilian C.R. da Silva, Rogério L. Zilli, Marco Antonio B. Barreiros, Marlise T. Mauerwerk and Fábio Meurer

The conceptual idea of this research was using a potential natural additive for the formulation and production of fish feed, to improve productivity and welfare. Therefore, productive performance of Nile tilapia post-larvae and fingerlings fed with increasing levels of alcoholic extract of propolis to diets, was evaluated. The propolis extract inclusion of 1 g/kg, in both stages, resulted in a better body condition factor and higher body protein deposition. The condition factor is an estimate for the future growth of the animals, and possibly the fish treated with propolis extract will present better growth, survival, and potentially higher productivity rates.

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52- Evaluation of food baits to capture Drosophila suzukii in the southern of Brazil
Authors: Jutiane Woolmann, Daniele C.H. Schlesener, Júlia G.A. Vieira, Daniel Bernardi, Mauro S. Garcia and Flávio R.M. Garcia

Drosophila suzukii is a pest of range economically important small fruits in the world, and detecting its presence in new areas is fundamental to the effectiveness of management strategies. We investigate the performance of food baits (Ceratrap®, Torula®, Biofruit®, Suzukii Trap®, apple cider vinegar, and a homemade mixture comprising wine, vinegar and molasses) to flies attractiveness. We also evaluated bait selectivity to non-target insects, the reproductive stage of females captured in different attractive baits and the preference relationship between ripe blackberry fruit and the food baits. The results demonstrate the variability in D. suzukii preference in the tested food baits.

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53- Post-fire recovery of a dense ombrophylous forest in Amazon
Authors: Dárlison F.C. de Andrade, João R.V. Gama, Ademir R. Ruschel, Lia O. Melo, Angela L. de Avila and João O.P. de Carvalho

The frequency and extent of drought events in the Amazon have increased the vulnerability of the forest to the occurrence of fires. In the present study, we found that although the fire has increased the mortality and recruitment rates after 15 years, the highest mortality occurred on trees with smaller diameters (DBH <30 cm), so the fire did not affect the survival of large trees. Our results indicate that the primary natural forest in Eastern Amazon can be resilient after a fire and that large trees play an important role in maintaining the structure and dynamics of disturbed forests.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

54- Physical characterization of Arabica ground coffee with different roasting degrees
Authors: Emine  Nakilcioğlu-Taş and  Semith Ötles

In this study, the physical properties of Arabica fine ground coffee samples (raw, light roasted, medium roasted and dark roasted coffee) were investigated. This is the first study in which the effect of roasting degree on physical properties of Arabica ground coffee is examined in depth. The best roasting degree on coffee was found according to customer and producer preference. The coffee sample which has a longer shelf life and a lower cost and maintains the quality characteristics better, was determined and the best roasting level (light roasted coffee) for Arabica ground coffee was presented.

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

55- Perceptions of Graduate Students at the University of São Paulo about  Plagiarism Practices in  Academic Works
Authors: Marcelo Krokoscz and  Sueli M.S.P. Ferreira

This study analyzed the understanding of theoretical aspects and the interpretation of practical situations that a sample of 3,623 graduate students have regarding academic plagiarism. Was identified that the fact of respondents agreeing or disagreeing with the theoretical-conceptual characteristics of plagiarism did not make a difference in their capacity of correctly assessing practical situations characterizing plagiarism. Moreover, the agreement or disagreement responses regarding the concepts of plagiarism were observed not to differ among the respondents who had been trained to use references and citations. Therefore, seems to have a gap between theoretical and practical knowledge regarding plagiarism for graduate students. 

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Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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