Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 54

AABC - volume 94.2 2022

  
 
 

 
 

With great pleasure I am introducing the volume 94-2 of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) with a record number of articles: 70! As everyone knows, the present time has been quite hard for periodicals in Brazil and, therefore, to have this large number of papers demonstrates the indisputable commitment of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) to the dissemination of science. Again, almost all main scientific fields covered by the AABC are represented: Health Sciences (HeSci - 14), Ecosystems (Ecosy - 10), Crop Science (CrSci - 10), Cellular and Molecular Biology (CeMoBio - 9), Biomedical Sciences (BmSci - 7), Microbiology (Mcbio - 5), Animal Science (AnSci - 4), Soil Science (SoiSci - 2), Geosciences (Geosci - 2), Engineering Sciences (EnSci - 2), Social Sciences (SocSci - 2), Forestry Science (FoSci - 1), Chemical Sciences (ChSci - 1), and Mathematical Sciences (MaSci - 1).

As usual, it is very difficult to point out the highlights since more than ever, tough decisions must be made to accept manuscripts in this journal. This issue presents several papers regarding the effects of COVID-19 (HeSci), such as numbers of deaths in Brazil and influences of the pandemic in respect to other diseases, the impact in southern Brazil, risks of miscarriages, and the potential of vitamin D to cope with this viral infection. There are also several interesting papers on cancer.

In the field of CeMoBio, there is an article on the effect of commercial Atrazine and a study of new molecular data of a specific anuran and its diversification in several regions of Brazil. BmSci shows contributions focusing on yellow fever in urban areas and the use of nanocrystals in healing wounds.

Other interesting articles deal with the reaction of microbiological communities in areas of toxic disposals (Mcbio), fisheries resources and the patent system (Ecosy), silver nanoparticles to study invasive plant species (CrSci), and the feeding ecology of endemic frogs that live in the Atlantic Forest (AnSci).

Lastly, there is an article concerning the perception of harassment in universities (SocSci) and the influence of seismic hazards on cultural heritage (Geosci).

Please have a quick look at the editorial as well, which provides some discussions about the bicentennial commemoration of Brazilian independence.

Again, I would like to point out that since 2000 all manuscripts published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site. Furthermore, I would like to invite you to access previous editions of the Newsletter 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 competitive family to the Beta and Kumaraswamy generators: Properties, Regressions and Applications

GAUSS M. CORDEIRO, JULIO CEZAR S. VASCONCELOS, EDWIN M.M. ORTEGA & PEDRO RAFAEL D. MARINHO

This paper presents two families of continuous distributions that combine the maximum and minimum of Marshall–Olkin (1997) random variables with the power series distribution. Linear representations for their densities are useful to obtain their properties. A script was developed in the R software to fit them to real data. A regression model was proposed based on one of the families. Two applications illustrate the usefulness of the new models.

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CHEMICAL SCIENCES

  
       
 

2- Current extraction methods and potential use of essential oils for quality and safety assurance of foods

JÉSSICA M.F. DE ALMEIDA-COUTO, JÉSSICA B. RESSUTTE, LÚCIO CARDOZO-FILHO & VLADIMIR F. CABRA

Essential oils can be extracted from plants, trees, roots or flowers. These substances have medicinal properties. Many researchers have studied ecologically friendly methods for extracting essential oils and the effect of their application as a coating or packaging for food in order to extend the shelf life of various types of products. This review article presents the most used essential oil extraction methods and the effect of their application in food products.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

  
       
 

3- Alterations in the testicular parenchyma of Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- adult mice

FERNANDA C.R. DIAS, SÉRGIO L.P. MATTA, MICHELLE B. SOARES, ELIZABETH L. OLIVEIRA, FABIANA C.S.A. MELO, NIVALDO A. PARIZOTTO, ANGELICA O. GOMES & MARCOS L.M. GOMES

Nude mice carry a mutation in the Foxn1 gene and therefore are homozygous recessive animals (Foxn1-/-). This strain is commonly used in scientific studies, however its fertility rate is low. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the reason of such alteration. After testicular analyzes we have concluded that Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- mice showed reduced sperm count, sperm transit, and spermatogenic yield, affecting the fertility rate of such strain. Since the number of Leydig cells, which produce testosterone, were also lower, the overall androgen production could also be affected by the lack of Foxn1 gene.

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4- Gait analysis with muscular fibrosis and treatment with Alpinia zerumbet essential oil in immobilized rats

THAISA S.C. BATISTA, AMANDA F.R. OLIVEIRA, LUANA B. SANTANA, VÍTOR NASCIMENTO, EDNA A.F. CÂNDIDO & MARCUS V.A. BATISTA

This study evaluated the use of the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAz) in the treatment of muscle fibrosis in rats with immobilized paws, condition that affects gait functionality. The use of EOAz was effective in reversing the changes in the gait of rats caused by the immobilization process. The results showed that EOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to assist in the treatment of post-immobilization muscles, serving as the basis for further tests in humans, as this is a very common situation in several human pathologies that require immobilization or develop muscle fibrosis

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5-The second coming of urban yellow fever in the Americas: looking the past to see the future

OSCAR D. SALOMÓN & ANTONIETA ROJAS DE ARIAS

Yellow fever (YF) epidemics in South America during the 21st century are of unprecedented magnitude, reaching the edge of large cities. We review the contexts conducive to urban epidemics since the 17th century in the Americas to assess their current risk. The necessary conditions in the past were the massive introduction of viremic human carriers clustered in time and space, coinciding with vector peaks. Therefore, urban YF-Aedes-human outbreaks in the Americas are possible, but with low probability or very focal transmission, if the clustering of the past is avoided and vaccination of at-risk populations and integrated vector control are maintained.  

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6- Promising effect of propolis and a by-product on planktonic cells and biofilm formation by the main agents of human fungal infections

ISABELLA L.E. BARROS, FLÁVIA F. VEIGA, ISABELE C. JARROS, JAKELINE L. CORRÊA, RAFAELA S. DOS SANTOS, MARCOS L. BRUSCHI, MELYSSA NEGRI & TEREZINHA I.E. SVIDZINSKI

We invite all researchers to read our study which brings, for the first time, a comparative analysis between a propolis extract and its by-product through a screening with three of the main genera of fungi frequently isolated from human infections. In addition to the important antifungal action on the planktonic cells, these compounds demonstrate great potential to inhibit the formation of biofilms. Thus, in addition to being promising as a topical treatment for onychomycosis, it is possible to infer its potential for the prevention of cutaneous candidiasis, as well as its application in the treatment of medical and dental devices.

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7- TiO2 Nanocrystals and Annona crassiflora Polyphenols Used Alone or Mixed Impact Differently on Wound Repair

FRANCYELLE B.R. DE MOURA, BRUNO ANTONIO FERREIRA, ELUSCA HELENA MUNIZ, RINARA A. SANTOS, JOSÉ AUGUSTO L. GOMIDE, ALLISSON B. JUSTINO, ANIELLE CHRISTINE A. SILVA, NOELIO O. DANTAS, DANIELE L. RIBEIRO, FERNANDA A. ARAÚJO, FOUED S. ESPINDOLA & TATIANA CARLA TOMIOSSO

We evaluated the healing effect of three ointments: TiO2 nanocrystals (TiO2-NCs), polyphenol enriched fractions obtained from Annona crassiflora fruit peel (PFAC) and a combination of these (PFAC + TiO2-NCs). The results demonstrate that although TiO2-NCs and PFACs have a healing effect, with anti-inflammatory activity, increase in collagen deposition and accelerated wound closure, the results with PFAC + TiO2-NCs showed opposite effects, with increased wound area and intensified inflammation. We suggest that although recent studies have shown promising effects of associations of nanocompounds and natural compounds, these are not always positive, varying according to the interaction between the molecules evaluated.

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8- Samanea tubulosa Benth. (Fabaceae): Antinociceptive effect on acute pain in mice: K+ATP channel and opioid activity

TAMNATA F. ALIXANDRE, RENATO P. SOUSA, BRUNO S. GOMES, ARÊTHA H.S. SILVA, BENEDITO P. SOUSA NETO, ELCILENE A. SOUSA, MARLUCE P.D. LIMA, EVERTON M. LOPES, CELYANE A. PIAUILINO, REJANE T. NASCIMENTO, ANTÔNIO C. REIS FILHO, FERNANDA R.C. ALMEIDA, FRANCISCO A. OLIVEIRA, MARIANA H. CHAVES, LUCIANA M. COSTA, MICHEL M. MORAES ALVES & AMILTON P.R. COSTA

Samanea tubulosa Benth., object of this study, is popularly used for treatment of skin infections, gastric inflammation, parasitic infestations and for pain. The present study aimed to investigate the pain inhibitory effect of two fractions obtained from the pods of this plant, in mice, as well as the mechanism of action. There was significant antinociception produced by the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions, related to the opioid pathway and by activating K+ATP channels. Thus, the plant under study proves to be a potential source of active principles for pain therapy.

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9- Neuroprotection of Triptolide against Amyloid-Beta1-42-induced toxicity via the Akt/mTOR/ p70S6K-mediated Autophagy Pathway

PENGJUAN XU, ZIXUAN WU, YANFEI PENG, JING GAO, FANG ZHENG, JUNZHEN TAN, JING XU & TAO WANG

In this study, we investigated the effect and potential mechanism of the triptolide on neuronal death caused by amyloid-Beta1-42 (Aβ1-42). The results indicated that triptolide treatment exhibited a cytoprotective effect against cell injury induced by Aβ1-42. Meanwhile, triptolide reduced apoptosis and enhanced cell survival by decreasing autophagosome accumulation and inducing autophagic degradation. Furthermore, our results also showed that activating the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K mechanism induced triptolide protection. In conclusion, triptolide decreased autophagosome accumulation and induces autophagic degradation in Aβ-treated PC12 cells. And these results indicated that activating the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway induced the protective effect of triptolide.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

  
       
 

10- Protective effect by low-intensity downhill running training against muscle damage and oxidative stress after high-intensity downhill running in rats

AYSEL YILDIRIM, MUAZ BELVİRANLI & NİLSEL OKUDAN

Today, many interventions have been developed to prevent or reduce eccentric exerciseinduced muscle damage. Low-intensity eccentric exercise training or preconditioning exercises applied before high-intensity eccentric exercise are among these recommendations. This study aimed to examine the effects of low-intensity eccentric exercise training before high-intensity eccentric exercise on muscle damage markers, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in rats. According to the findings we obtained from the study, low-intensity eccentric exercise training performed before high-intensity eccentric exercise has a protective effect against muscle damage and decreases the formation of oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant levels, especially in the vastus intermedius muscle.

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11- Plasma antioxidant capacity in cervical cancer patients

EDUARDO C. NERY, ALUÍSIO M.S. NETO, JORGE S. LYRA & MICHELLI E.S. FERREIRA

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the major causes of mortality in women worldwide. The involvement of oxidative stress has drawn attention of researchers in this area. Our research carried out in a group of women with CC, revealed the presence of imbalanced redox state and lower antioxidant activity in the CC group when compared to paired controls. Our data corroborate the findings available in the medical literature, reinforcing the role of antioxidant defenses in the underlying mechanisms of CC. The present study is a stimulus for further research into the involvement of oxidative pathways in the development of CC.

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12- Diagnostic Value of Serum Cytokines in Predicting a Complicated Acute Appendicitis

SINAN BINBOGA, NILGUN ISIKSACAN, ELIF BINBOGA, PINAR KASAPOGLU, AHMET SUREK & MEHMET KARABULUT

Appendicitis is one of the most common diseases that requires urgent surgical intervention. Preventing complications is the most important part of treatment in patients with appendicitis. Inflammatory markers are widely used in the diagnosis and post-treatment follow-up of appendicitis. Previous studies examining immunological responses to bacterial infections have demonstrated the production of specific cytokines that aid in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) can be used safely in the detection of complicated and uncomplicated patients with appendicitis. Serum interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels are valuable diagnostic parameters in predicting complicated acute appendicitis.

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13- Analysis of the number of deaths in Brazil between 2003 and 2020 and possible inferences about the COVID-19 pandemic and history of other diseases

LILIAN P. SOSMAN & ANDRÉS R.R. PAPA

A remarkable increase in the number of deaths in Brazil (between 2019 and 2020) took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also happened between 2005 and 2006, 2009 and 2010 and 2015 and 2016. They can be associated, among other factors, with epidemics. It is interesting to analyze this correlation. The correct quantification of victims of an eventual epidemic and the allocation of resources in the sense of not neglecting other equally fatal diseases which are always present is also important. The number of deaths in Brazil in 2020, due solely to Covid-19, is discussed in this work.

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14- Fatty acid synthase as a potential new therapeutic target for cervical cancer

JÉSSICA NASCIMENTO, CAMILA MARIOT, DÉBORA R.B. VIANNA, LÚCIA M. KLIEMANN, PAULA S. CHAVES, MASSIMO LODA, ANDRÉIA BUFFON, RUY C.R. BECK & DIOGO A. PILGER

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and is associated with HPV infection. It is well known that tumor cells need a greater amount of energy and one way to obtain it is from fatty acids. FASN enzyme regulates the speed of fatty acids production in cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that FASN is present in greater amounts in cervical cells in more advanced stages of cancer than in normal cells and that this enzyme may be an important therapeutic target for new treatments for this cancer type.

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15- Does being infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the first-trimester increase the risk of miscarriage?

SEVIL KIREMITLI, TUNAY KIREMITLI, PASA ULUG, AHMET KIRKINCI, FATMA ZEHRA KURNUC, NESRIN YILMAZ, KEMAL DINC, BETUL KALKAN YILMAZ, OZLEM ILBAY GUL & KEMINE UZEL

In this retrospective study, as a result of the comparison of 52 patients who had COVID-19 in the first trimester and 53 patients in the control group, miscarriage was observed at the rate of 28.8% in the SARS-CoV-2 infected group, while this rate was 13.2% in the control group (p=0.04). According to the comparison results of the miscarriage group and the group with ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage was more common in patients with worse laboratory results and clinic (p<0.05). In coclusion, the risk of miscarriage increases in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 (especially in severe infection) in the first trimester.

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16- Effects of exercise on the cardiovascular function of rats in a sulfur dioxide polluted environment

YANRU HU, TINGTING WU, XIAOLI LIU & DECAI QIAO

The combined effects of exercise and sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure on the cardiovascular function, and the related mechanisms still remain to be fully understood. In the present study, the authors observed changes of aortic pressure and left ventricular pressure, Ang II concentration, ACE concentration and ACE activity in myocardial tissue of rats exercising in sulfur dioxide polluted environment. Results found that, the combination of aerobic exercise and SO2 exposure can aggravate the negative effects of SO2 inhalation on cardiovascular function. Renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in mediating the negative effect of SO2 inhalation.

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17- Longitudinal study about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a southern Brazilian state: the PAMPA cohort

NATAN FETER, EDUARDO L. CAPUTO, IGOR R. DORING, JAYNE S. LEITE, JÚLIA CASSURIAGA, FELIPE F. REICHERT, MARCELO C. DA SILVA & AIRTON J. ROMBALDI

Data from the first wave (June/2020) of the PAMPA cohort showed that 45% of the 2321 participants residing in the Rio Grande do Sul reported not being able to work from home during the first months of the pandemic. Moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression increased 8.4 and 7.3 times during the same period. Three in four people reported low back pain. The pandemic made it difficult to manage chronic diseases for 29% of the sample, while 40% gave up seeking medical care although needed. The pandemic negatively impacted the health of adults in RS in several aspects.

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18- Does Money Buy Happiness? Disentangling the Association Between Income, Happiness and Stress

LAURO M. DEMENECH, RAIMUNDO B. ALMEIDA, LUCAS NEIVA-SILVA & SAMUEL C. DUMITH

This population-based study aimed at disentangling the association between income, happiness and stress. The results showed that wealthiest people tended to present increased probability of being happy and less stressed. However, at low stress levels, income does not influenced happiness. Although stress exerted a happiness-reducing association on everyone, this reduction seems to be more pronounced among the poorest respondents. Thus, there was evidence that money can partly buy happiness, but it seems that this purchase power is highly dependent of individuals' stress levels.

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19- Pesticides and farmers’ health: an analysis of variables related to management and property

ARYANE EVARISTO, DANIELLE O. PEDROSO, NILVA L.S. RECH, LARISSA M. BOMBARDI, BRUNA F. SILVA, ANA E. SIEGLOCH & LENITA AGOSTINETTO

This article aimed to verify the effects of pesticides on the health of farmers in the southern region of Brazil. The survey was carried out with 79 farmers. The pesticide most used by farmers was glyphosate. The farmers presented three symptoms of intoxication, demonstrating possible probable cases of intoxication. Farmers who use PPE during the preparation of the pesticide spray are neither chronic diseases, nor psychological problems. The exposure to pesticides cusing the farmers them more vulnerable to health problems.

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20- Stroke epidemiology in southern Brazil: Investigating the relationship between stroke severity, hospitalization costs, and health-related quality of life

DENISE M. TEREZA, GABRIELA M. BALDASSO, RODRIGO S. PAES, ANTONIO R. DE SÁ JUNIOR, MARUI W.C. GIEHL & RAFAEL C. DUTRA

Stroke is a complex disease commonly associated with a sudden interruption of blood supply on the brain, usually resulting in a focal or global neurological impairment and even death. Stroke is the most common cause of disability, the second most typical cause of dementia, and the fourth cause death in high-income. Our data showed the relationship between stroke severity, disability, hospitalization costs and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Characterizing the profile of the most affected patients, means creating new policies and strategies for this disease, reducing hospitalization cost, stroke prevalence, and improving the population's quality of life.  

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21- Pediculosis knowledge among schoolchildren parents and its relation with head lice prevalence

ARIELA B. DE SOUZA, PATRICIA C. DE MORAIS, JOÃO PEDRO S.P. DOREA, ANA BEATRIZ M. FONSECA, FLÁVIA T. NAKASHIMA, LAÍS L. CORRÊA, PÂMELA O. FRANÇA, OTILIO M.P. BASTOS, ALYNNE S. BARBOSA & CLAUDIA M.A. UCHÔA

Pediculosis refers to infestation by the insect Pediculus humanus capitis, known as louse, common in children. A study aimed to analyze the knowledge on the subject among schoolchildren parents and showed that few considered pediculosis as a disease, despite the majority assuming the infestation as harmful to health. Several respondents erroneously associated the lice transmission to air or wind, to blood type, or even mentioned that insects jump or fly. The lack of correct information, as well as indifference regarding infestation, can harm preventive and curative approaches to this parasitosis.

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22- The Association of Passive Smoking and Serum Urotensin-II Levels in Children HAYRUNNISA BEKİS

HAYRUNNISA BEKİS BOZKURT, MUHAMMED YAYLA, DAMLA BINNETOGLU & MULTEHAN EVRAN

This study evaluate the relationship between passive smoking and Urotensin-II on childhood. We think that it is important to illuminate the etiopathogenesis of diseases by passive smoking on childhood, so it will be a step to prevent diseases which are caused by passive smoking on childhood before they were existed on adulthood.

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23- Vitamin D: a potentially important secosteroid for coping with COVID-19

THAYANNE S.S. ARAÚJO, COSME S. SANTOS, JULIANA K.B. SOARES & JULIANO C.R. FREITAS

COVID-19 is a disease that has caused a high number of deaths in the world, and despite being controlled, it requires attention and the search for new quick and economical therapeutic strategies. In this sense, vitamin D stands out, an immunomodulator that has shown beneficial effects in decreasing the risk and severity of acute respiratory tract infections, possibly including COVID-19. Therefore, this review brings together a set of evidence on the role of vitamin D against viral infections with an emphasis on COVID-19, in addition to highlighting its general characteristics and importance to the organism.

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

 
       
 

24- Toxicity of commercial atrazine in rattus novergicus organs as a function of concentration: histopathological, ultrastructural and hematological evaluation

JOSÉ RIERA, ERICKA MATUS, LORENA MATUS & JAY MOLINO

The effect of commercial Atrazine (ATR) on Rattus Novergicus organs was determined for a different concentration. ATR was dissolved in drinking water and the rats were allowed to drink from it ad libitum for an uninterrupted period of 28 days. In the 28 days, data on the behavior of the medicated animals was recorded before the extraction of sample tissues (heart, liver, spleen, brain, and testicles) for histological analysis. A direct correlation of cATR and organ damage was found. The study showed that even for the smallest doses (1ppb), commercial ATR produced several lesions in the studied animals."

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25- Anatomy and histology of the metapleural gland in the giant tropical ant Paraponera clavata (Fabricius, 1775) (Formicidae: Paraponerinae)

LUIZA C.B. MARTINS, JOSÉ E. SERRÃO, HELEN P. SANTOS & VINÍCIUS A. ARAÚJO

This study describes the anatomy and histology of the metapleural gland in workers of P. clavata. The metapleural gland is formed by secretory units that release secretion in a reservoir through collecting canaliculi. Secretory units are bicellular with a well-developed globular secretory cell, with 145 µm in diameter, and a duct cell forming the collecting canaliculi characterizing a class III gland. Paraponerinae constitutes one of the six subfamilies of the basal and paraphyletic Poneroide clade and knowledge of the metapleural gland morphology contribute to the understanding of evolutionary history of the basal ants’ groups.

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26-  Hepatotoxicity and Mutagenicity assessment during chronic in vivo exposure to aqueous extracts from Peperomia pellucida

YU-WEN HUANG, ARIANNE JAN TUOZO & ROGER S. TAN

Studies on herbal medicine have exposed some toxic effects on humans. In this study, the effects of subchronic in vivo exposure to Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK (P. pellucida) was investigated by administering two (2) concentrations (60 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) of P. pellucida aqueous extracts to mice for nine (9) weeks. Results showed no sufficient evidence that subchronic exposure to the aqueous extracts incurred hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, higher concentrations may be mutagenic. This study suggests that with prolonged consumption, users are advised to take precautions and moderations of its use due to the possibility of potential mutagenic effects.

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27- Molecular data reveal multiple lineages of Scinax nebulosus (Spix, 1824) (Anura: Hylidae) with Plio-Pleistocene diversification in different Brazilian regions

TATIANA M.B. FREITAS, JOÃO M.S. ABREU, IRACILDA SAMPAIO, NIVALDO M. PIORSKI & LUIZ N. WEBER

Brazilian biodiversity is a topic discussed worldwide, due to its richness of fauna and flora. Knowing the aspects related to its preservation and maintenance is necessary so that we have an environment with conscious use so that every society can preserve it. Studies on biodiversity are extremely important, as they show us how rich it is and how it should be preserved. We have a very active academic community in the area of biodiversity with hundreds of Institutions, including Universities and Teaching and Research Institutes, funding agencies, which carry out research on the topic.

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28- Effect of Supplemental Zinc on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Jejunum Architecture, and Immune Response in Broiler chickens Fed Wheat-Soy Diets

HEYDAR ZARGHI, ABOLGHASEM GOLIAN, AHMAD HASSANABADI & FARHAD KHALIGH

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element in the living system and has a significant role in various biological processes. Because of its outstanding contribution to enzymatic functions, Zn plays an essential role in complex biochemical functions such as energy metabolism, proteins turnover, nucleic acid synthesis, and cellular proliferation. It is necessary for growth, immunity, hormone secretion, antioxidant protection system, and many other biochemical processes. The current study demonstrate, in the broilers fed wheat-soy diet, dietary Zn supplementation improve growth performance, the Zn requirement is higher than the NRC, 1994 recommendation.  

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29- Protective effect of kavain in meristematic cells of Allium cepa L.

ERASMO P. DO VALE JUNIOR, MARCOS VITOR R. FERREIRA, BIANCA CRISTINA S. FERNANDES, THAIS T. DA SILVA, FRANCIELLE ALLINE MARTINS & PEDRO MARCOS DE ALMEIDA

Kavain is one of the main kavalactones extracted from the roots of kava, Piper methysticum (Piperaceae). Kavain has different pharmacological, analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Due to its medicinal potential, the present study used the Allium cepa L. (onion) test to evaluate the toxicogenetic activity of kavain. The evaluated concentrations of kavain did not interfere with the cell cycle and were not mutagenic. The kavain had a cytoprotective effect and reduced the damage caused when associated with the alkylating agent. The observed data indicate the importance of kavain in chemoprevention.

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30- LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 promotes the apoptosis and inflammatory response of microglia by regulating the miR-589-5p/ NPTN axis after spinal cord injury

ZHAOMING CHU, YOU LU, RUJIE QIN & YUEFU DONG

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disabling neurologic insult accompanied with excessive inflammatory response and apoptosis of microglia. Long noncoding RNA KCNQ1OT1 was upregulated in spinal cord of SCI model mice. Silencing KCNQ1OT1 alleviated inflammation response and cell apoptosis after SCI. Moreover, KCNQ1OT1 acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to interact with miR-589-5p, thereby upregulating NPTN expression. Overexpressing NPTN reversed the inhibitory impact of KCNQ1OT1 depletion on inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. In conclusion, KCNQ1OT1 promotes inflammatory response and apoptosis of microglia by regulating the miR-589-5p/NPTN axis after SCI.

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31- Cytotoxic effect of combining two antisense oligonucleotides against telomerase rna component (hTR and mRNA of centromere protein B (CENP-B) in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AHMED M. EL-DESOKY, YASSER B.M. ALI & ROBA M. TALAAT

Our novel therapeutic approach was targeting HCC via combined two LNA-Gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASO). The two antisense oligos were designed targeting (hTR) and mRNA of CENP-B. HepG2 cells were treated by both ASOs alone or in combination with different concentrations. The results showed that ASO hTR is potent in decreasing telomerase activity with a rapid anti-tumor effect and Caspase-independent cell death. This tumor inhibitory effect was magnified by ASO CENP-B indicating the synergistic cytotoxic effect of oligonucleotides combination at certain concentrations. The rapid inhibitory effects of combined oligonucleotides on tumor growth open a new application of antisense in cancer therapy.

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32- Colleters in Cephalanthus (Rubiaceae) and reevaluation of occurrence of corolline colleters in Angiosperms

MARÍA FLORENCIA ROMERO, ROBERTO MANUEL SALAS & ANA MARIA GONZALEZ

Colleters are glandular structures related the young shoots protection. Morpho-anatomical studies determined that in Cephalanthus the glands described in the corolla are standard type colleters, classified as light (LC) and dark colleters (DC). LC were found only on the inner side of the stipule, while DC were present in several organs: stipule, bract, bracteole, calyx and corolla. Cephalanthus natalensis was the only species devoid of DC. Histochemical studies revealed that secretions are mainly composed of mucilage in both types. Corolline colleters are considered to be a synapomorphy of the genus and are a rare character in Angiosperms.

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MICROBIOLOGY

 
       
 

33-Algae as a source of peptides inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme: a systematic review

ANDREZA P. DE AMORIM, GABRIELLY H. DA SILVA, ROMERO M.P. BRANDÃO, ANA LÚCIA F. PORTO & RAQUEL P. BEZERRA

The number of people with hypertension had increase in the world and, consequently, increase the use of drugs to control the blood pressure. The current drugs available in the market are synthetic and can cause several side effects. Thus, it is important to search for new drugs to overcome this trouble. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory (ACEi) peptides possess the capacity to lower blood pressure in hypertensive subjects and can be obtained from natural sources, such as algae. Thus, this systematic review discusses the production, amino acid composition and activity of ACEi peptides derived from macroalgae and microalgae proteins.

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34- Synergistic combination of duloxetine hydrochloride and fluconazole reduces the cell growth and capsule size of Cryptococcus neoformans

RAQUEL T. MENEZES, THAÍS C. PEREIRA, JULIANA C. JUNQUEIRA, LUCIANE D. OLIVEIRA & LILIANA SCORZONI

Cryptococcosis is caused by the inhalation of yeasts or spores of Cryptococcus spp., causing pulmonary infection and meningitis. Toxicity, antifungal resistance development, and cost are limitations of the available therapy and options are needed. Drug repositioning permits the evaluation of new uses for approved or investigational drugs, been considered an economic and rapid approach. This study evaluated the effect of the antidepressants, duloxetine hydrochloride (DH) on C. neoformans. We demonstrate that DH is active against C. neoformans alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) and could reduce the capsule size, which is an important virulence mechanism of this yeast.  

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35- Physical activity reduces intradermal bacterial load in a murine model submitted to forced swim training – a pilot study

MARIA P.L. GALANTINI, LORENA S. LEAL, KARINE B. RODRIGUES, ISRAEL S. RIBEIRO, ITALO S. PEREIRA, CAROLINE V. GONÇALVES, STÉFANO P.M. CALADO, DENISAR P. DOS SANTOS, IGOR P.R. MUNIZ & ROBSON A.A. DA SILVA

Regular exercise is beneficial to health. This study evaluated the effects of moderate and  intense physical exercise modalities on intradermal infection by Staphylococcus aureus in a murine model. Mice that practiced moderate exercise had lower bacterial load on lymph nodes and less inflammatory infiltrate in dermis. Animals that were under high intensity exercises presented superior bacterial load on the lymph nodes and had leukocyte recruitment to the dermis augmented, when compared to the ones in moderate exercise. These findings suggest that moderate physical activity modulates the immune response in dermal infection caused by S. aureus in a murine model.

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36- Filamentous fungi from textile effluent and their potential application for bioremediation process

MILENE M.A. LIRA, SUZAN P.F. BERNAL, CAMILA C.J. CASTRO, PRISCILA M.M. RAMOS, MICHAEL J.S. LIRA, JÚLIA R. OTTONI, MARCELA BOROSKI & MICHEL R.Z. PASSARINI

The inappropriate disposal of toxic compounds has considerably impacted the environment. Microbial communities inhabiting contaminated sites may represent ecological alternatives for the decontamination of environments. The present work aimed to search the potential of fungi isolated from the wastewater treatment plants of the textile industry for bioremediation processes.  Most isolates were resistant to at least two metals tested. Two isolates were able to tolerate benzene, toluene, and hexane, separately. One isolate was able to degrade 24.9% of pyrene after 5 days of cultivation. The results encourage future studies on the treatment of environments contaminated with heavy metals and hydrocarbons.

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37- An experimental and in silico analysis of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei isolated from whey shows an association between lactate production and amino acid catabolism

CARLOS E. MEJÍA-GOMEZ, RIGOBERTO RIOS-ESTEPA, LUIS A. GONZALEZ-LOPEZ & NORMAN BALCAZAR-MORALES

Lactic acid (LA) production from agroindustry waste heavily relies on microorganisms within the genus Lactobacillus. In this work, a metabolic flux analysis was conducted based on a Lactobacillus casei genome-scale metabolic network model to analyse a Lactobacillus strain associated with LA production from whey. The model showed that lactate production was associated with the catabolism of the amino acids. This finding is supported by the reactions carried out by three different enzymes, corroborating the modelled phenotype with experimental data. Increasing the restrictions due to intracellular metabolites optimises the use of amino acids in biomass synthesis and lactate production.

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ECOSYSTEMS

 
       
 

38- Destruction of Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts in Biomphalaria glabrata after phytochemical exposure

GABRIELA FRIANI, VALDIR A. COSTA, ESTER MOTA, MARTA JÚLIA FARO, SAMALY SOUZA, MARCELA FIGUEIREDO, PATRÍCIA S. GÔLO & CLÉLIA CHRISTINA MELLO-SILVA

The snail Biomphalaria glabrata is one of the intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni (parasitic worm), which causes schistosomiasis mansoni. The objective of this work was to verify the action of Euphorbia milii var. hislopii latex (Crown of Christ) on the profile of defense cells and on possible tissue lesions in B. glabrata infected by S. mansoni. The mortality rate, the number of defense cells and the tissue lesions were higher and/or greater in the infected and exposed group. We conclude that latex directly influenced the cellular immune response of snails, promoting parasite destruction.

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39- The use of fisheries resources in the Brazilian patent system

RAYSSA L. CARDOSO, JONATAS S. CASTRO, MARCELO H.L. SILVA, TICIANNE S.O.M. ANDRADE & RAIMUNDA N.F. CARVALHO-NETA

Technological advances are essential for the development of society. Considering the great marine and freshwater biodiversity of aquatic organisms in different Brazilian ecosystems, this article brings an approach focused on knowing the applicability of these resources in the production of technologies in different areas of knowledge, focusing on patents made available in the national industrial property system. This information makes us understand the importance of fishery resources not only for human consumption, but also as a sustainable technological resource for the country's development.

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40- Temporal and vertical variation of phytoplankton and zooplankton in two tropical reservoirs with different trophic states

ANAMARIA S. DINIZ, SILVANO L.N. FILHO, WATSON A. GAMA & ARIADNE N. MOURA

Temporal and vertical variation of limnological factors is responsible for changes in plankton. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temporal and vertical variation of the water column on phytoplankton and zooplankton dynamics in two tropical reservoirs (mesotrophic and supereutrophic) in Northeastern Brazil. We found that the dynamics of phytoplankton was mainly dependent on the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, while zooplankton proved to be dependent on the dominant phytoplankton groups. These results increase knowledge about the influence of nutrients on phytoplankton, and intensify the importance of nitrogen in the dynamics of phytoplankton in reservoirs with different trophic states.

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41- Influence of the drought on antioxidant and enzymatic activities of two Pinus species in humid and sub-humid climate

CHERIF SAMEH, GHAZGHAZI HANENE, EZZINE OLFA, BAHRI SALIMA, MOHAMED L. KHOUJA, NASR ZOUHAIER & MIGUEL M. GRACA

Pinus genus is widespread in the Mediterranean region. The impact of climate on the accumulation of natural antioxidants in needles of Pinus pinea and P. pinaster were performed in two collection zones from Tunisia, in 2015 and 2016. The values of measured parameters increased from 2015 to 2016 in both pine species, being 2016 warmer and drier than 2015 in both harvest zones. Pinus pinea produced more natural antioxidants than Pinus pinaster. These findings confirmed the impact of water deficits on pine species in the context of climate change and help to select the most resistant species for future reforestation.

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42- Reproduction of saguiru Steindachnerina elegans (Steindachner, 1874) (Pisces: Curimatidae) in the São Francisco River, downstream from a large reservoir in south-eastern Brazil

LÍVIO GIORGIO L. DE CAMPOS FILHO, LUCAS MARCON, JOSÉ E. DOS SANTOS, KLEBER B. SANTIAGO, ELIZETE RIZZO & NILO BAZZOLI

The gametogenesis and reproduction of saguiru Steindachrina elegans fishes from the São Francisco River at Três Marias, Minas Gerais, were analyzed in this study. Reproduction occurred more frequently from September to April in females. Meanwhile, in males, the reproductive peak was from November to February. This period had high water temperature values. The long spawning period and the histological characteristics of the spawned ovaries that contained oocytes at different stages of development along with post-ovulatory and atretic oocytes indicates that the spawning of saguiru S. elegans is of the partial type.

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43- Advances in knowledge of Manihot (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazil

MÁRCIO L.L. MARTINS, PRISCILA ORLANDINI, PAULO C.L. DE CARVALHO & CARLOS A.S. LEDO

The genus Manihot stands out for presenting agronomic and biocultural interest since cassava is one of the most important crops in the world, especially in tropical regions. Taxonomic studies conducted by Martins et al. corroborated the existence of a wild species of Manihot, native to Itirapina, SP, Brazil. The new species is characterized by having linear bracts, high morphological variation in the shape of its leaves (which inspired the species specific epithet) and prominent caruncle. The new species can be considered Critically Endangered (CR), according to the IUCN criteria.

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44- The influence of environmental factors on Clinostomum sp. (Digenea) infection in the fish Cichlasoma paranaense (Kullander, 1983) in Central Brazil

YASMIM R.R. SILVA, ANGÉLICA B. LOURENÇO, WERTHER P. RAMALHO, MAXWELL B. CAIXETA, THIAGO L. ROCHA, JESSICA Y. DE SOUZA, MAYRA I. GRANO-MALDONADO & LUCIANA D. SILVA

Clinostomum sp. (Digenea) is a parasite that causes a zoonosis known as clinostomiasis. Despite a large number of freshwater fish species in Brazil, there are only a few researches of parasitism by the larvae of Clinostomidae in fish. In aquatic anthropogenic impacted environments, parasite fauna and fish health may be affected, causing an increase or decrease in the abundance and/or richness of the parasites in the fish host. Thus, one way of assessing “the health of the environment” is by studying the parasitic fauna in fish, which responds differently to environmental variations.

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45- Studies on aquatic fungi in Dikarya: a review of the literature from Southern Cone of South America

ALAN S. TARDA, MARIO C.N. SAPARRAT & NORA GÓMEZ

A bibliographic analysis upon 38 articles reported was carried about aquatic fungi belonging to the subkingdom Dikarya in the Southern Cone of South America. It shows that a total of 325 aquatic fungal taxa were reported, mainly Ascomycota. While 17 of these fungi were aero-aquatic, 199 and 109 were facultative and Ingoldian fungi, respectively. Although the methodologies used in these studies were mainly by using substrates such as leaf litter and wood in wet chamber traditional technique, more data are still needed to contribute to a better understanding of aquatic fungi in ecosystems of the Southern Cone of South America.

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46- Environmental heterogeneity drives the distribution of copepods (Crustacea: Copepoda) in the Amazon, Araguaia, Pantanal, and Upper Paraná floodplains

DIOGO C. AMARAL, FRANCIELI F. BOMFIM & FÁBIO A. LANSAC-TÔHA

In this research we evaluate the effect of the spatial and temporal limnological heterogeneity on the distribution of copepods in the Amazon River floodplain, Araguaia River floodplain, Pantanal floodplain, and Upper Paraná River floodplain. We observed higher environmental heterogeneity during dry periods, especially in the Amazon floodplain. The Amazon environments also showed the highest species richness and abundance of individuals, with endemic species, which is possibly related to the biogeography, the size of the basin, and the heterogeneity of the environments. Copepods distribution was highly correlated with environmental heterogeneity and species were mainly related to temperature, nutrients, and depth.

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47- Warming alters the metabolic rates and life-history parameters of Ceriodaphnia silvestrii (Cladocera)

FRANCIELI F. BOMFIM, MARIA G.G. MELÃO, RENAN C. GEBARA & FÁBIO A. LANSAC-TÔHA

In this research we tested the effects of three temperature levels on C. silvestrii metabolic rates. Warming increased the rates of assimilation and secondary production, and decreased filtration and ingestion rates. Warming also increased C. silvestrii fecundity and the body size of neonates and juveniles, and decreased the embryonic and post-embryonic time of development. At the highest temperature, we observed a substantial decrease in assimilation and secondary production, which could be a sign of stress starting. Even a small increase (2°C) might induce drastic fluctuations in metabolic processes and affect the carbon and energy availability inside aquatic food-webs.

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GEOSCIENCES

  
       
 

48- Some features of solitonic waves propagating in intermediate waters

LUIZ GALLISA GUIMARÃES

This work addresses the problem of weakly non linear ocean waves propagation in intermediate waters. We have shown that the propagation of waves similar to hole solitons, as well as progressive waves of high intensity multipeaks are likely to occur in this non linear regime. In addition, we note that along intermediate waters, these particular non-linear waves satisfy a wave equation model similar to Korteweg de Vries equation, and their propagation features strongly depend on the initial conditions adopted to the present problem.

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49- The Influences of Seismic Hazards for Cultural Heritage Sites: Roman City of Hierapolis

ÖZDEN SAYGILI & GULTEN POLAT

Site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) has been performed through a homogeneous Poisson process. Probability distribution of ground-motion intensity at the region resulting from a rupture is adopted to quantify the seismic hazard. The seismic performance of the Frontinus Gate in the Roman city of Hierapolis which is one of the important cultural heritages located in the city of Denizli (Turkey), was evaluated through a 3D numerical model considering structural nonlinearity.

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

  
       
 

50- Feeding ecology of endemic frogs of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil

CAMILA FERNANDA MOSER, RENATA KRENTZ FARINA, AMANDA CAROLINE DUDCZAK, ALEXANDRO MARQUES TOZETTI & RODRIGO LINGNAU

Our objective was to describe and compare the diet of endemic anurans of the Atlantic Forest and to evaluate the influence of biotic factors on the trophic ecology of the species. We conducted the study in Mananciais da Serra (Piraquara-PR), a transition region between mixed and dense ombrophilous forest, between January 2019 and February 2020. We describe the diet of eight species. Coleoptera were important prey in the diet of most species. All species showed potential selection for some category of prey. We observed a correlation between the size of the individuals and the volume of consumed prey in I. henselii.

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51- Fatty Acid Incorporation in the Muscle, Oxidative Markers, Lipid Peroxidation and PPAR-α and SREBP-2 Expression of Zebrafish Fed Linseed Oil and Clove Leaf Essential Oil

THIBÉRIO C. DA SILVA, KARINA S. UTSUNOMIYA, PEDRO LUIZ CASTRO, JOANA D’ARC M. ROCHA, JESUI V. VISENTAINER, ELIANE GASPARINO & RICARDO P. RIBEIRO

The data provide important scientific information that contributes to a better understanding of fish nutrition, about the use of an ingredient in the diet as a source of nutrients in addition to better animal health. The data can benefit the aquaculture sector, especially the area of nutritional and food management, the industry of natural products (essential oils), the scientific community of interest. The data can be used to improve the formulation of fish diets, to encourage new studies seeking to identify nutraceutical foods with potential for use and to improve the information base with scientific data inherent to the area.In the next three points you may like to explain how these data could potentially make an impact on society and highlight any other additional value of these data. With the discovery of the data it is possible to offer a food (fish) with more nutritional value to society. 

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52- Reproductive Biology, Sperm storage, and Sexual Maturity of Thamnodynastes strigatus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)

LUIZA LOEBENS, TIAGO F. THEIS, SELMA M. ALMEIDA-SANTOS & SONIA Z. CECHIN

Life history strategies determine and influence many aspects of species fitness. We describe the reproductive biology - reproductive cycle, sperm storage, and sexual maturity - of Thamnodynastes strigatus in South Brazil. The reproductive cycle of males and females was described considering the morpho-anatomical and histological The reproductive cycle is seasonal with reproductive peak in spring and summer. The seasonal biennial reproductive cycle and viviparity are two phylogenetically conserved characters in Tachymenini snakes. Thamnodynastes Strigatus females store sperm in the utero-vaginal junction furrows during autumn. There were no differences between the ages of sexual maturity of males and females.

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53- Effects of organic Selenium- and Chromium-Enriched Diets on performance, carcass characteristics, lipid profile and fat quality of finishing pigs in different weight ranges

EDUARDO V. FERREIRA, JOÃO G.C. JÚNIOR, GERUSA S.S. CORRÊA, CHARLES KIEFER, STEPHAN A.S. ALENCAR, LUIZ H. VIANA & LEANDRO F. CAVALHEIRO

To evaluate the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat from barrow supplemented with organic chromium and selenium initiated in different weight ranges in the finishing. Diets: control - without CrSe; CrSe70 – control with 500 g ton-1 CrSe from 70-130 kg in body weight; and CrSe100 - control with 500 g ton-1 CrSe from 100-130 kg body weight. Performance, carcass characteristics, and lipid profile were evaluated. The moment when supplementation starts does not improve the performance and carcass characteristics, does not change the fatty acid profile, and does not improve the quality of the fat.

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CROP SCIENCE

  
       
 

54- Effects of lysine levels on performance, blood parameters, and nutrient digestibility of Duroc barrows in the starter phase

LILIANE O. PALHARES, WILSON M.D. JUNIOR, MARCONI I.L. DA SILVA, MATHEUS S. DA CRUZ, KAROLAYNE R.S. DE LIMA, KALINE A.L. DE SÁ, EMANUELA N.R. BARBOSA & MARIA C.M.M. LUDKE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of different levels of digestible lysine at fixed amino acid ratios in performance blood parameters and diet digestibility of barrows of the Duroc from 15 to 30 kg. Treatments consisted of crude protein and lysine levels. The feed conversion decreased linearly according to lysine levels. The apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein, serum total protein, and urea increased linearly. The results indicate that the digestible lysine level for Duroc barrows in the starter phase is 12.4 g kg–1 of diet as it improved feed conversion ratio and apparent nutrient digestibility.

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55- Chemical composition and in situ degradability of sugarcane tip hay subjected to alkaline treatment

LUÍS J.D. FRANCO, BRUNO S. GARCEZ, ARNAUD A. ALVES, DANIELLE M.M.R. AZEVÊDO, HENRIQUE N. PARENTE, MIGUEL A.M. FILHO, ANTÔNIA L. MOREIRA & FRANCISCO W.R. LIMA

The tip of sugarcane is a by-product from the cut for processing, being used as forage for ruminants in regions that produce this crop. However, the fiber quality is limiting for its use in greater proportions, which requires alkaline treatments for its improvement. Thus, treatment with urea, sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide was evaluated on the nutritional value of sugarcane tip hay. A reduction in fiber contents and an increase in nitrogen in the ammoniation were observed, resulting in an improvement in ruminal degradation and making the technique an alternative for the viable use of this by-product

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56- Melon genotypes with resistance to Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

JOSIELMA M. DE OLIVEIRA, JACKSON L. ARAÚJO, JOSÉ WAGNER S. MELO & NIVIA S. DIAS-PINI

The vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) is considered one of the main melon pests, causing serious problems for producers in all growing regions. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of melon genotypes to L. sativae. We had demonstrated that there is variability among the melon genotypes evaluated in relation to resistance to L. sativae. There is an antixenosis and antibiosis effect among the tested genotypes. Genotype 341 is the least preferred for oviposition and feeding and the most promising as a source of resistance to L. sativae.

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57- Reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica in soybean genotypes

RICARDO R. BALARDIN, CRISTIANO BELLÉ, BRUNO C. PIOVESAN, DAIANE DALLA NORA, RODRIGO F. RAMOS, ANDREZZA N. LOPES, PAULO SERGIO DOS SANTOS & ZAIDA INÊS ANTONIOLLI

Meloidogyne javanica is an important soybean parasitic nematode, and few cultivars are described as resistant in Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the reaction of soybean cultivars to M. javanica. Nematodes were obtained from soybean plants. Thirty-seven soybean cultivars were tested. Each plant was inoculated with a suspension of M. javanica, with six replications. The root weight, gall number, and number of nematodes were evaluated 60 days after M. javanica inoculation. M. javanica showed RF> 1.00 in all soybean genotypes tested, but different levels of susceptibility were observed. Thus, the lowest reproduction of M. javanica was observed in FPS ATALANTA.

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58- Silver nanoparticles intensify the allelopathic intensity of four invasive plant species in the Asteraceae

YOULI YU, HUIYUAN CHENG, MEI WEI, SHU WANG & CONGYAN WANG

This study aimed to estimate the allelopathic intensity of four Asteraceae invasive plant species on the seed germination and seedling growth (SGe and SGr) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in combination with two particle sizes of silver nanoparticles. These four IPS decreased the germination of lettuce seeds but increased the growth of lettuce seedlings. The allelopathic intensity of the four IPS decreased in the following order: B. pilosa > C. canadensis > E. annuus > A. subulatus. Silver nanoparticles intensify the allelopathic intensity of the four invasive plant species on the SGe and SGr of lettuce.

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59- Estimating the light conversion efficiency by sugarcane: the segmented approach

LARISSA P. CRUZ, EDUARDO C. MACHADO & RAFAEL V. RIBEIRO

The light conversion efficiency (εc) is one of the fundamental variables defining the biomass production. The long-standing and classical method estimates a single εc value for the whole growing season. Using this approach, we estimated theoretical εc values for sugarcane from 1.91 to 2.84 g MJ-1. The segmented approach proposed herein considers the variation of εc along the crop cycle and revealed that it can be almost three times higher than the single εc value estimated by using the classical method. Such segmentation of εc allows us to capture more insightful information about the crop dynamics in a changing environment.

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60- Adaptation of rapid multiplication method: cassava stem and root yield at different spacings and transplanting seasons

ANDRÉ SCHOFFEL, SIDINEI J. LOPES, JANA KOEFENDER, ALESSANDRO D. LÚCIO, JULIANE N. CAMERA & DIEGO P. GOLLE

Cassava crop is propagated vegetatively by planting stem cuttings. One of the significant constraints on cassava yield is the quality of propagation material. The traditional planting method becomes a severe constraint in cases of shortage of propagation material due to the low multiplication rate and use of high-quality stems. It highlights the need to define management strategies for cassava cultivation propagated by adapting the rapid multiplication method for root and stem production.  

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61- Do biofertilizers affect nodulation ability and pod production in peanut genotypes?

ANA KELLY S. JULIÃO, LUCAS N. DA LUZ, MARYSSOL T. GADELHA, MATHEUS L. OLIVEIRA, MARIA V.S. SILVEIRA, SAMUEL F.A.O. CASTRO & LENIN P. BARROS

Peanut is a much appreciated oilseed plant in the world. In the northeast of Brazil, it is consumed a lot at some times of the year. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on peanut nodulation and production components, to define the best dose and genotype. Generally, low crop productivity is caused by the absence of appropriate technological packages. We believe that easy-to-use, low-cost technological packages, such as the use of biofertilizers, are able to increase productivity and make production more profitable to the producer.

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62- Antifungal activity of essential oil from Eucalyptus staigeriana against Alternaria alternata causing of leaf spot and black rot in table grapes

CARINE PEDROTTI, CLARISSA FRANZOI, MARIA TATIANE S. ROSA, TAYNÁ R. TRENTIN, JOHNATAN VILASBOA, FERNANDO JOEL SCARIOT, SÉRGIO L. ECHEVERRIGARAY & JOSÉLI SCHWAMBACH

Eucalyptus staigeriana essential oil showed high fungicidal effect against Alternaria alternata in vitro and in vivo. In the in vivo evaluation, the essential oil was able to reduced the mycelial growth and conidia germination at 1 µL mL-1 concentration. In vivo, the essential oil reduced the severity of leaf spot disease in the leaves of grapevines, and incidence and severity of black rot disease in grapes. This results demonstrate that E. staigeriana essential oil could be used for alternative control of A. alternata in grapes in the postharvest and in grapevines.

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63- Lethal and sublethal effects of essential oils from Piper capitarianum Yunck and Piper krukoffii Yunck on Plutella xylostella L.

MILENA L.G. SANTANA, JOÃO P.R. DE MELO, CLÁUDIO A.G. DA CAMARA, MARCÍLIO M. DE MORAES, CAROLINA A. DE ARAUJO, GERALDO J.N. DE VASCONCELOS, MARTA R.S. PEREIRA & CHARLES E. ZARTMAN

This study describes the chemical composition of essential oils from the leaves of Piper capitarianum and Piper krukoffii, evaluate the insecticidal properties on P. xylostella in terms of mortality (eggs and larvae), feeding deterrence and repellent action to enable the formulation of a plant-based insecticide containing these Piper oils as the main ingredient. The phytotoxicity of the oils to the host plant was also investigated.

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SOIL SCIENCE

 
       
 

64- Influence of different Eucalyptus hybrids on soil macrofauna

VANESSA S. GOMES, PATRÍCIA A.B. BARRETO-GARCIA, RAFAEL N. SCORIZA, VALDEMIRO C. JÚNIOR, JHULY E.S. PEREIRA & JAMILY S. FERNANDES

The paper deals the influence of seven different eucalyptus hybrids on soil macrofauna, assuming the hypothesis that this influence is conditioned by the quantity and quality of litterfall deposited on the soil. There are several researchs about soil fauna in eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. However, there are few studies that consider the relationship between edaphic fauna and different Eucalyptus species or hybrids, especially in semi-arid climate conditions. In this context, this study contributes to the understanding of changes in soil biology and can provide subsidies for the development of more efficient management techniques.

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65- Spatial variability of soil physical properties in longitudinal profiles

THIAGO C.R. FRANCO, GABRIEL A.S. FERRAZ, LUIS C.C. CARVALHO, FÁBIO M. DA SILVA, MARCELO C. ALVES & DIEGO B. MARIN

This study evaluated the spatial dependence of physical properties in coffee plantation streets with different lengths in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. For that, five longitudinal profiles were measured in streets, each one with depths varying from 0 to 0.60 m, in six layers of 0.10 m. The higher superficial layers, from 0 to 0.30 m, presented lower bulk density and lower penetration resistance, with variable gravimetric moisture in the direction of the length of some coffee plantation streets, and these properties presented different spatial dependence structures for each Street.

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FORESTRY SCIENCE

 
       
 

66- Phenotypic divergence among half-sib progenies of African mahogany

AGNES C. CRUZ, PRISCILA A. BARROSO, BRUNA A.S. DIAS, SILVOKLEIO C. SILVA & JOAQUIM S. LIMA

The major contribution of the manuscript is the implementation of the multivariate technique of multi-dimensional scaling using the Gower distance. Based on this analysis, it was possible to perform progeny selection based on quantitative and qualitative characters simultaneously. In forest species breeding programs, qualitative traits are not commonly considered in divergence studies, and as noted in this paper, their simultaneous use is able to more effectively discriminate clusters based on their similarity.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

  
       
 

67- Quality Properties and Headspace Volatiles of Hot Air-Dried Strawberries

YELİZ TEKGÜL & EDİBE S. ERTEN

Strawberries are important fruits for both health and consumer appeal, however, they have short shelf-life that makes them difficult to use in raw form. One of the methods to extend their shelf-life is drying with hot air, however, this method affects the properties of strawberries. In this study, two different varieties of strawberries analyzed for their quality aspects and volatile content in both raw and dried forms at 50 ˚C, 60 ˚C and 70 ˚C. Drying decreased the initial ascorbic acid content and caused the formation of new aroma compounds. The most abundant volatiles were dimethyl sulfide, acetic acid and acetone in both strawberry varieties.

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68- Control of Reactive Power with Genetic Algorithm in Electrical Power Systems with Photovoltaic Power Plant

JAQUELINE O. REZENDE, GERALDO C. GUIMARÃES & PAULO H.O. REZENDE

The paper aims to regulate the voltage level of the buses of an electrical system that has a photovoltaic plant connected, through the optimization of reactive power. For this, the genetic algorithm was used to determine the amount of ideal reactive power that the photovoltaic power plant and the synchronous compensators present in the system must supply/absorb. The developed algorithm presented an efficient result, since it made it possible for the voltage level of all buses, in different load scenarios, to stay within the values determined by the current regulatory standards

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

  
       
 

69- Harassment in Brazilian universities: how big is this problem? The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) as a case study

CAROLINA BRITO, MARCIA C. BARBOSA, DANIELA B. PAVANI, ANGELO BRANDELLI COSTA & HENRIQUE C. NARDI

How common is sexual and moral harassment in the Brazilian academia? What is the profile of the victims? Do victims report harassment?  In this work, we investigate these questions in one of the biggest Brazilian universities, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)  using data collected using a survey with the members of the academic community. Our results show that sexual and moral harassment are very frequent and rarely reported in UFRGS. Victims are more frequently women, black, pardos, and people with non-heterosexual orientation. Based on the results, we discuss some recommendations to improve this scenario.

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70- “I am a scientist, but nobody needs to know”: towards an understanding about professional self-designation among university professors in Brazil

TAYLINE S. DE OLIVEIRA & ADLANE VILAS-BOAS

This article aims at assessing the circumstances under which university professors are willing to adopt the term ‘scientist’ as a form of self-designation. Using questionnaires and focus groups, the authors found that most of the investigated professors (biologists) prefer not to call themselves a ‘scientist’ in certain situations and for distinct publics and believe that just the term ‘university professor’ is appropriate to describe their jobs. The participants could, however, envision impacts of this attitude on the general public and possible implications for public perception of science and technology, such as investment and science career choice.  

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All abstracts of the publications were provided by the respective authors.

  
     
       
 
 

 

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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