Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 66

AABC - volume 95 (Suppl. 2) 2023

What a year! Due to the continuous publication adopted for a long time by the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC), accepted manuscripts are published at different times of the year and can be allocated to any specific issue of the journal. Here I present the latest issue of AABC published in 2023 with several articles covering different scientific areas.

This issue contains several articles in Chemical Sciences (ChSci), such as a study on “green” adsorbent and the chemical profile of Persian lime seeds.

Studies in Health Sciences (HeSci) vary from bartonella in Norway rats to challenges in detecting areas at risk for snake bites.

In Ecosystems (Ecosy), the reader will find an article on artificial intelligence and cyanobacteria, the invasion of a particular fly, and fungi in the Brazilian Cerrado.

There is also a study on gender gab in scientific production in biodiversity (Social Sciences).

Please take a look at the editorial - I am addressing a huge problem for scientific periodicals that is having a great impact in the publication industry: the lack of reviewers!

Since 2000, all papers published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site. If you are interested in previous editions of the Newsletter, please click on theABC website.

I am 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

CHEMICAL SCIENCES

1- A ‘green’ adsorbent: effect of chemical modification of biosorbents on the adsorption of methylene blue and malachite green

STEPHANY B. FRANCESCHINI, CAROLINE P. SENDESKI, KETHLEENN D. DE LIMA, KELLER P. NICOLINI & JAQUELINE NICOLINI

Was investigated the effect of chemical modification of a ‘green’ adsorbent prepared using crushed calabash (Lagenaria siceraria) on the adsorption of methylene blue and malachite green. The maximum adsorption capacities for methylene blue were, in ascending order: acid biomass < basic biomass < neutralized biomass < natural biomass. In ascending order, for malachite green the maximum adsorption capacities were: basic biomass < acid biomass < natural biomass < neutralized biomass. The removal capacity, the Freundlich isotherms and the pH of the biosorbents underwent changes with the chemical modification carried out, promoting a novel approach for the use of this biosorbent

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2- Alkaline lignins from Morinda citrifolia leaves are potential immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial agents

IRANILDO J. CRUZ FILHO, DANIEL P. REIS, PEDRO HENRIQUE B. NASCIMENTO, DIEGO S.C. MARQUES & MARIA C.A. LIMA

Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni, this plant has high biological potential. In this work, the immunomodulatory, antitumor and antimicrobial activities of lignin isolated from Morinda citrifolia leaves were investigated in vitro. The results showed that this lignin was not cytotoxic and was capable of promoting activation and differentiation of immune cells in addition to inducing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, it was able to inhibit the growth of different tumor and microbial cells. This study shows that isolated lignin can be used as a raw material to obtain biomedical and pharmaceutical products. 

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3- Chemical profile of persian lime seeds (Citrus Limettioides T.): Focus on limonoids and polyphenols

TAIRINI R. DA SILVA & ANTONIO JORGE R. DA SILVA

In this paper, the authors focus on waste from citrus agroindustry with the aim of adding economic value to it, by using sustainable green extraction methods (supercritical CO2 extraction), to obtain bioactive compounds. The relevance of the described methodology is that it allows recovery of valuable compounds by eco-friendly techniques.   In this way, limonoids and flavonoids were extracted, isolated and identified using spectroscopic techniques. The methodology described open ways to access limonoids, compounds displaying a wide range of biological activities, including insect antifeedant and growth regulating properties, a variety of medicinal effects in animals and humans, antifungal, bactericidal, and antiviral activity.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

4- Influence of maternal periuterine and periovarian fat on reproductive performance and fetal growth in rats

MARIA EDUARDA P. GOMES, LUIGI M.J. DIDOMIZIO, YURI K. SINZATO, VERÔNYCA G. PAULA, MAYSA R. SOUZA, FRANCIANE Q. GALLEGO, VINÍCIUS S. BARCO, GUSTAVO T. VOLPATO & DÉBORA CRISTINA DAMASCENO

Obesity is highly prevalent around the world, and the increase of obese people may be related to a sedentary lifestyle and high consumption of ultra-processed foods rich in fat. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a high-fat diet on maternal reproductive parameters and the repercussions on offspring. The study used laboratory animals as models to mimic women who consume a high-fat diet during pregnancy. In conclusion, consumption of a high-fat diet caused an increase in periovarian and periuterine fats, negatively influencing maternal reproductive performance and fetal development. 

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5- In silico ADMET prediction, evaluation of cytotoxicity in mouse splenocytes and preliminary evaluation of in vitro antimalarial activity of 4-(4-chlorophenyl) thiazole compounds

BEATRIZ R.M.G. DA SILVA, NATANAEL DA SILVA BEZERRA JÚNIOR, JAMERSON F. DE OLIVEIRA, DENISE MARIA F.A. DUARTE, DIEGO S.C. MARQUES, FÁTIMA NOGUEIRA, MARIA CARMO A. DE LIMA & IRANILDO JOSÉ DA CRUZ FILHO

In this work, a cytotoxicity study of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazole compounds against mouse splenocytes and the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain sensitive to chloroquine is reported. The compounds have low cytotoxicity. Furthermore, they were able to promote the activation of these cells by increasing the production of nitric oxide without promoting cell death and were able to promote cell proliferation. Regarding anti-P. falciparum compounds showed IC50 values ​​ranging from 0.79 to greater than 10 µM. These results are promising when compared to chloroquine. Therefore, this study showed that 4-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazole compounds are promising candidates for antimalarials. 

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HEALTH SCIENCES

6- An interdisciplinary therapy for lifestyle change is effective in improving psychological and inflammatory parameters in women with grade I obesity

ADRIANA P. DE SOUZA, LORENZA OLIVEIRA T. CARVALHO, AMANDA PAULA PEDROSO, AMANDA DE SANTOS MORAES, MARCOS ALBERTO TADDEO CIPULLO, ANA RAIMUNDA DÂMASO, MÔNICA M. TELLES, LILA M. OYAMA, ALEXANDRE K. TASHIMA, DANIELLE A. CARANTI & ELIANE B. RIBEIRO

Obesity and depression, disorders associated with inflammation, have high incidences in women. The present investigated the effects of a 6-months interdisciplinary therapy for weight loss in women with grade I obesity. Before and after the therapy, 37 middle-aged women donated blood and responded to questionnaires for depression and anxiety symptoms. Inflammatory parameters were evaluated in serum and a preliminary screening of the plasma proteome was performed. The therapy improved anthropometric, inflammatory and psychological statuses and affected plasma proteins related to cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory response. The data suggests that inflammatory mediators may be useful to monitor psychological status in obesity.

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7- Bartonella in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from the urban slum environment in Brazil

CAIO G. ZEPPELINI, DAIANA DE OLIVEIRA, MICHAEL Y. KOSOY, MITERMAYER G. REIS, ALBERT I. KO, JAMES E. CHILDS & FEDERICO COSTA

Bartonella are rodent-borne bacteria that can cause a diversity of illnesses in humans. However, this is an understudied potential pathogen, especially in urban areas of Brazil, which suffer with public health issues associated to rapid growth and poverty. We tested samples from 79 Brown rats from an urban slum in Salvador for genetic markers that indicate Bartonella infection. Nine individuals were positive, with two genotypes detected. This is the second report on urban rat Bartonella in Brazil, indicating bacterial circulation at detectable rates. Its presence in rats from vulnerable human settlements demands public health attention.

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8- In silico affinity between analgesic/antiinflammatory drugs and the transient receptor potential A1 to predict potential pharmacological managing approaches for bleaching sensitivity

MOAN J.F. COSTA, PEDRO H. SETTE-DE-SOUZA & BONIEK C.D. BORGES

OReducing sensitivity after tooth bleaching at the dentist's office is a challenge. Researchers have studied a pain receptor called TRPA1 to find ways to reduce this sensitivity. They tested different analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications to see if they "fit" well with TRPA1. They used computer programs to do this. They found that codeine and dexamethasone seem to be good options because they "fit" well and may help alleviate tooth sensitivity after dental whitening.

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9-  Brazilian national production of active pharmaceutical ingredients: regulatory and strategic framework

MARLON DANIEL L. TONINI, RAQUEL O. LOPES & MARIA LETÍCIA DE CASTRO BARBOSA

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) represents the main therapeutically active component of a pharmaceutical product. Producing APIs with quality, low cost and using processes with the lowest possible environmental impact is what the API Manufacturing seeks. Brazil is a large consumer of pharmaceuticals, but only 5% of the APIs required by local pharmaceutical companies are produced domestically. Huge investments are required to boost the growth of the API Manufacturing sector in the country. A critical analysis of the current regulatory and strategic status of the national production and acquisition of APIs is presented in this paper.

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10-  The challenge in detecting risk areas of snakebite when case rates are low: the case of Amazonian coral snakes

PEDRO FERREIRA BISNETO, LUCIANA FRAZÃO, KAROLINE CERON, JACQUELINE SACHETT, WUELTON MARCELO MONTEIRO, IGOR LUIS KAEFER & THAÍS B. GUEDES

Identifying risk areas for envenomation by animals is relevant for public health, such as strategic distribution of antivenoms. Coral snakes are highly diverse in the Amazon, inhabit natural and human-modified environments, and the outcome of the cases tends to be serious and potentially lethal due to their neurotoxic venom. By integrating species' geographical records and environmental variables, we used species distribution modeling to predict the distribution of coral snake species in the Brazilian Amazonia. Differently from other venomous snakes, the scenario regarding coral snakebites precludes the detection of prominent geographical areas of concern and demands a broad and equitable availability of health centers throughout Amazonia.

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11- LINC00115 promotes gastric cancer partly by the miR-212-5p/ATPAF1 axis

QINGXI ZHU, JIE TAN, TING ZHAN, MENG LIU, YANLI ZOU & WEIJIE LIU

We found that LINC00115 was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Functionally, silencing LINC00115 inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration but facilitated cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, LINC00115 sponged miR-212-5p, and miR-212-5p targeted ATPAF1 in gastric cancer cells. ATPAF1 overexpression countervailed the inhibitory role of silencing LINC00115 in gastric cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. Overall, LINC00115 promoted gastric cancer progression by upregulating ATPAF1 via miR-212-5p. Our data suggest that LINC00115 might be a therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

12- The implications of DNA methylation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ADRIANA HELENA DE OLIVEIRA REIS, LUNA B. FIGALO, MARCO ORSINI & BERNARDO LEMOS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex and serious neurodegenerative disorder that develops in consequence of the progressive loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. Numerous lines of evidence indicate that epigenetic changes are linked to aging, as well as neurodegenerative disorders, such as ALS. Mechanisms involving aberrant DNA methylation could be relevant to ALS pathobiology and therapeutic targeting. Despite advances in research to find factors associated with ALS and more effective treatments, this disease remains complex and has low patient survival. Here, we provide a narrative review of the role of DNA methylation for this neurodegenerative disorder. 

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13- Resveratrol directly suppresses proteolysis possibly via PKA/CREB signaling in denervated rat skeletal muscle

IVANILDO I.S. JÚNIOR, GUSTAVO O. ZANETTI, TALES S. VIEIRA, FLÁVIA P. ALBUQUERQUE, DAYANE A. GOMES, SILVA PAULA-GOMES, RAFAEL R. VALENTIM, FLAVIA A. GRAÇA, ISIS C. KETTLHUT, LUIZ C.C. NAVEGANTES, DAWIT A.P. GONÇALVES & EDUARDO C. LIRA

Skeletal muscle is mainly composed of proteins, is the largest tissue in the body, and is fundamental for maintaining several vital functions like locomotion. Muscle wasting in different clinical conditions, such as motor denervation and cancer, is a real challenge for medicine, especially because muscle atrophy compromises the patient's quality of life. Strategies for preserving lean mass, including the use of natural products such as resveratrol (Rsv), and understanding the underlying mechanism of their effectiveness are important for treating muscle atrophy. We show that Rsv directly inhibits protein degradation in denervated muscles through the activation of PKA kinase. 

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14- Systematic review of reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics data for nonviral sexually transmitted infections

LUCAS GABRIEL R. GOMES, JOYCE C.F. DUTRA, RODRIGO PROFETA, MARIANA V. DIAS, GLEN J.Y. GARCÍA, DIEGO LUCAS N. RODRIGUES, ARISTÓTELES GOÉS NETO, FLÁVIA F. ABURJAILE, SANDEEP TIWARI, SIOMAR C. SOARES, VASCO AZEVEDO & ARUN K. JAISWAL

This review focuses on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, and parasitic infections like trichomoniasis, which are primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact. If left untreated, these infections can lead to severe health complications, as with untreated chlamydial and gonorrheal infections causing pelvic inflammatory diseases in women and leading to infertility. Syphilis, if not treated properly, can be fatal. Controlling and treating STIs can be vital for public health and can save community STIs outbreaks. In this systemic review, we summarize research on these diseases, focusing on vaccine and drug development through bioinformatics 

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15- Purification, biochemical characterization of a lectin from marine sponge Ircinia strobilina and its effect on the inhibition of bacterial biofilms

ALEXANDRA S. DE ALMEIDA, DAYARA N.M. MENDONÇA, RÔMULO F. CARNEIRO, ULISSES PINHEIRO, ELIELTON FRANCISCO DO NASCIMENTO, ALEXANDRE L. ANDRADE, MAYRON A. DE VASCONCELOS, EDSON H. TEIXEIRA, CELSO S. NAGANO & ALEXANDRE H. SAMPAIO

We discovered a novel protein, IsL, from the marine sponge Ircinia strobilina. IsL has the ability to agglutinate rabbit blood cells and inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilms. It remains stable under alkaline conditions but loses activity at higher temperatures. Although not toxic to aquatic organisms, IsL showed promise in combating bacterial biofilm formation, offering potential applications in biotechnology and the study of molecular interactions.

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MICROBIOLOGY

16- Comparative analysis of β-glucosidase activity in non-conventional yeasts

JUAN CARLOS GONZÁLEZ-HERNÁNDEZ, JUAN DAVID RAMÍREZ-CONEJO & YOLANDA PATRICIA GARCÍA-AGUIRRE

Skeletal muscle is mainly composed of proteins, is the largest tissue in the body, and is fundamental for maintaining several vital functions like locomotion. Muscle wasting in different clinical conditions, such as motor denervation and cancer, is a real challenge for medicine, especially because muscle atrophy compromises the patient's quality of life. Strategies for preserving lean mass, including the use of natural products such as resveratrol (Rsv), and understanding the underlying mechanism of their effectiveness are important for treating muscle atrophy. We show that Rsv directly inhibits protein degradation in denervated muscles through the activation of PKA kinase. 

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ECOSYSTEMS

17- Phylogeography of Drosophila buzzatii (Diptera, Drosophilidae): responses of the species to Quaternary climates in tropical and subtropical South America

MATEUS HENRIQUE SANTOS, DORA YOVANA BARRIOS-LEAL & MAURA HELENA MANFRIN

We examined the evolutionary history of the Drosophila buzzatii fly, known for its cactus diet, found across multiple South American countries. Employing phylogeography, we delved into its dispersal patterns. Furthermore, we utilized Ecological Niche Modeling to create maps depicting both current and historical scenarios, pinpointing potential habitats. Our findings unveiled that dispersal initially initiated in the Caatinga region, radiating southward—a correlation with glacial periods, characterized by cooler and drier climates, which facilitated the expansion of both cacti and these flies.

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18- Sisyridae (Insecta, Neuroptera) of the Estação Ecológica de Jataí, in southeastern Brazil and new records for species of Climacia McLachlan, 1869 and Sisyra Burmeister, 1839

ROGÉRIA I.R. LARA & NELSON W. PERIOTO

This long-term study contributed to increase the knowledge of Sisyridae in Brazil and to characterize the diversity of Sisyridae collected in an area of riparian vegetation within the Brazilian Savannah domain located in the northeast of the State of São Paulo and to report new distributional records for Climacia carpenteri Parfin & Gurney, 1956 and Sisyra panama Parfin & Gurney, 1956. 

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19- Artificial intelligence to explain the variables that favor the cyanobacteria steady-state in tropical ecosystems: A Bayeasian network approach

FÁBIO HENRIQUE P.C. DE OLIVEIRA, NEIDE K.S. SHINOHARA & MOACYR CUNHA FILHO

The steady-state is a situation of little variability of species dominance and total biomass over time. Maintenance of cyanobacteria are often observed in tropical and eutrophic ecosystems and can cause imbalances in aquatic ecosystem. Bayeasian networks allow the construction of models capable of predicting the probability of occurrence of a given event. This study aims to propose a Bayeasian network model to assess the occurrence, composition and duration of cyanobacteria steady-state in a tropical and eutrophic ecosystem.  

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20- Diversity and distribution of the genus Tetmemorus (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae) in Brazil

GERALDO JOSÉ P. RAMOS & CARLOS WALLACE N. MOURA

In the present study, a taxonomic review was conducted on representatives of the freshwater algal genus Tetmemorus documented within Brazilian territory based on compiling data from the literature and analyzing samples from Bahia State. For each taxon, we provided information including description, geographic distribution, ecological aspects, and taxonomic comments. Through this review, we identified a total of eight Tetmemorus taxa occurring in Brazilian territory, comprising five species (T. brebissonii, T. furcatus, T. granulatus, T. laevis, T. planctonicus) and three non-typical varieties (T. brebissonii var. minor, T. laevis var. borgei, T. laevis var. minutus). 

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21- Morphology of pollen grains and orbicules of two threatened species of Cedrela P. Browne (Meliaceae A. Juss.)

FERNANDA C. FERNANDES & ANDREA P. LUIZI-PONZO

This paper presents the morphology of pollen grains and orbicules of Cedrela fissilis Vell. and Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae A. Juss.), that occur in Brazil. The structures were analyzed under light and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the pollen grains of the two species are medium in size (measuring between 25 and 50 micrometers), 4,5-colporate, with subcircular to subquadrangular amb and psilate ornamentation; the orbicules are also psilate and measure about 7 to 10 micrometers. It was possible to observe some differences between the species, mainly related to size of pollen grains, orbicules characterization, and number of apertures. 

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22- Drosophila nasuta (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in Brazil: a decade of invasion and occupation of more than half of the country

TEREZA CRISTINA DOS SANTOS L. MARTINS, MARIA DE FÁTIMA SEVERINA DOS SANTOS, MANUELLA MARIA S. SANTOS, JULIANA DE SOUZA ARAÚJO, CARLOS HENRIQUE C.B. NEVES, ANA CRISTINA LAUER GARCIA & MARTÍN ALEJANDRO MONTES

Invasive species are responsible for the loss of biodiversity and cause ecosystemic harm throughout the world. Here, we report the rapid, broad geographic expansion of the invasive fly Drosophila nasuta in Brazil. This is the first record of D. nasuta in the Pantanal and in the Atlantic Forest in Paraíba and Bahia. We also report its introduction in the Amazon Forest in the state of Amazonas. An 84% increase was found in its area of occupation in the country compared to previous studies. In the first decade of invasion, D. nasuta has colonized more than half of the Brazil.

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23-  Corticioid and poroid fungi from Brazilian Cerrado: a history of research and a checklist of species

LUCAS LEONARDO-SILVA & SOLANGE XAVIER-SANTOS

Corticioid and poroid fungi are traditional morphological groups composed of ligninolytic species. Although being one of the most studied groups of fungi worldwide, data on diversity and geographic occurrence patterns in Brazil are insufficient. In the Cerrado, 223 species are known, and this diversity is lower than that of some other Brazilian biomes. The low number of trained mycologists, deficient data from unexplored areas, and few long-term studies are obstacles to understanding the species richness of the biome and its biological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects. Therefore, intensifying studies throughout Cerrado could help in a better understanding of its Funga.

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24-  The historical ecology of the world’s largest tropical country uniquely chronicled by its municipal coat-of-arms symbology

JULIANO A. BOGONI, HENRIQUE VILLAS BOAS CONCONE, VÍTOR CARVALHO-ROCHA, KATIA M.P.M.B. FERRAZ & CARLOS A. PERES

In socio-political theatre, biodiversity is chronically neglected. Few political districts across the vast Brazilian territory have been marked in their symbols throughout history with a legacy containing any element of native biodiversity or indigenous peoples. When it does happen, they often depict species that have long been extinct or forcibly marginalized peoples. In doing so, Brazil has been myopic, historically failing to perpetuate a convincing narrative of the natural history value of the world's largest tropical country. This story of territorial, biotic, and ethnocultural conquest continues today with an inexorable "march of progress" that predictably homogenizes and impoverishes our wildlands.

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GEOSCIENCES

25- Late Quaternary hydroclimate and vegetation changes in an upland lake in southeastern Amazonia

EDILSON F. DA SILVA, KAREN S. LOPES, RONNIE ALVES, LÉA MARIA M. CARREIRA, DELMO F. DA SILVA, LUIZA A. ROMEIRO, WILSON F. BATISTA JÚNIOR, TARCÍSIO M. RODRIGUES, RICARDO S. SECCO & JOSÉ TASSO F. GUIMARÃES

An integrated approach considering facies, isotopic, and palynological analyses of lake sediments from the Serra Norte de Carajás, southeastern Amazonia, is presented in this work to refine paleoclimate and paleohydrological changes based on upland lake sediments during the late Quaternary. The sediments have a fining-upward deposition cycle typical of upland swamps/lakes. The origin of organic matter is autochthonous mainly related to C3 terrestrial plants, macrophytes and algae. The relative contribution of forest pollen along the records indicated that drier conditions were not strong enough for an extensive expansion of canga over forested areas. 

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26-  Assessment of River-Aquifer Interaction and Nitrogen Contamination in an Agricultural Zone Located in the Guarani Aquifer System Outcrop Area

CAMILA DE LIMA, LUDMILA V. BATISTA, LIA N. GARPELLI, VINÍCIUS DOS SANTOS, CAROLINA S. QUAGGIO & DIDIER GASTMANS

Excessive nitrogen fertilizer use is increasing nitrate concentrations in water bodies, posing a risk of irreversible contamination. Understanding water movement and evaluating agricultural impacts is crucial for water management. Based on tracer application in a watershed located at the Guarani Aquifer outcrop our study indicate that rivers are supplied by groundwater discharge and nitrate concentrations in groundwater reaching the creeks that indicates contamination in surface water bodies. Despite the nitrate levels are above the regulatory levels, the expansion of sugarcane production raises the risk of heightened nitrate levels, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to protect the Guarani Aquifer.

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PALEONTOLOGY

27- The genus Bradleya Hornibrook, 1952 (Crustacea: Ostracoda) in South America and adjacent oceanic areas, with description of a new bradleyine genus

CRISTIANINI T. BERGUE & JOÃO CARLOS COIMBRA

The ostracod genus Bradleya Hornibrook is an important taxon of Cenozoic assemblages, occurring practically in all oceanic regions. The present work aims at the study of fossil and recent species in South America and adjacent regions. The chronostratigraphic, (paleo)bathymetric and (paleo)zoogeographic distribution of the species is reviewed. The taxa identified were gathered into three morphological groups: two proposed previously (i.e., the dictyon- group and the arata-group) and a new one in the present work (i.e., the normani-group). Bradleya victorjarai sp. nov. is proposed for the Miocene of Chile, and Bradleya ybate (Bergue et al.) is reassigned to Rigracythere gen. nov.

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

28- Description of Uniphylus gen. nov., a new genus of Carcharodini (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae, Pyrginae) for Staphylus evemerus Godman & Salvin, 1896

JOSÉ RICARDO A. LEMES, RICARDO RUSSO SIEWERT, OLAF H.H. MIELKE, MIRNA M. CASAGRANDE & ANDREW DAVID WARREN

Introducing Uniphylus gen. nov.: a new genus of butterfly. The species Staphylus evemerus Godman & Salvin, 1896, stands out in the tribe Carcharodini (Subfamily Pyrginae, Family Hesperiidae) with unparalleled morphology. The mitochondrial molecular marker (COI) reveals significant genetic divergence from related genera. Uniphylus gen. nov. is described to accommodate this exceptional species, with a detailed male redescription and the first-ever female description. Additionally, a comprehensive distribution map includes all known records. Redefining entomological understanding, our study reshapes taxonomy and sheds light on hidden evolutionary complexities of this butterfly tribe.

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29- Different nutritional systems influence the tenderness and lipid oxidation of ewe lamb meat without altering gene expression

ISABELLA G. SILVA, INES CRISTINA GIOMETTI, CALIÊ CASTILHO, GABRIELA A.M. SORIANO, ALINE O. SANTOS, LETICIA J. GUIMARÃES, GABRIELLA C. SENA, FABIOLA C.A. RÊGO & MARILICE ZUNDT

Samples of the Longissimus lumborum muscle of 24 ewe lambs were used, distributed in 3 groups: pasture, pasture and supplement and feedlot. There is an increase in daily weight gain and ethereal extract values in the meat of confined animals. Animals kept only on pasture have lower lipid oxidation in meat than other treatments. The Warner-Bratzler shear force is considerably higher in the meat of animals kept only on pasture but is still considered tender. The different nutritional systems do not interfere with the gene expression of CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST in ewe lambs. 

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30- Abundance of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in Characiformes fish and associated factors in Midwest Brazil

RAFAEL B. AMARAL, GABRIELLY R. LEÃO, THIAGO N.S. CAMPOS, KARINE M. BORGES, MAYRA I. GRANO-MALDONADO, CIRO N.R. LINO, RICARDO M. TAKEMOTO, THIAGO L. ROCHA & LUCIANA DAMACENA-SILVA

The success of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus infection in fish involves a complexity of variables. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between abundance of P. (S.) inopinatus with biometric and somatic parameters, sex, relative condition factor (Kn) and hosts diet, as well as to evaluate length relationship of the parasites and the hosts. Twenty-seven specimens of P. (S.) inopinatus were collected in the intestine from Serrasalmus rhombeus and 52 from Leporinus friderici. In general, prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of infection was higher in L. friderici. On average, S. rhombeus parasites are 0.69 cm larger than L. friderici parasites.  

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31- Frequency of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) in domestic cats from Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

JULIANY B. CAVALHEIRO, JÉSSICA T. ECHEVERRIA, CARLOS A.N. RAMOS & VERONICA J. BABO-TERRA

Cats have become much popular as pets and their relationship with humans is stronger each day. Unfortunately, with this approaching, some cats may suffer with the housing environment, especially when they are put in a multicat house. Diseases caused by virus are better spread in such an environment and may affect many cats as they are very contagious. Thus, it is mandatory that cat owners are aware of these diseases and should be able to provide means to avoid them, either through vaccination or by limiting factors that promote the dissemination of pathogens among cats." 

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FORESTRY SCIENCE

32- Assessing over decadal biomass burning influence on particulate matter composition in subequatorial Amazon: literature review, remote sensing, chemical speciation and machine learning application

ADRIANA GIODA, VINICIUS L. MATEUS, SANDRA S. HACON, ELIANE IGNOTTI, RUAN G.S. GOMES, MARCOS FELIPE S. PEDREIRA, JOSÉ MARCUS GODOY, RIVANILDO DALLACORT, ANA LÚCIA M. LOUREIRO, FERNANDO MORAIS & PAULO ARTAXO

A study on aerosols in the Brazilian subequatorial Amazon region, Tangará da Serra (TS) and Alta Floresta (AF) was conducted and compared to findings in an additional site with background characteristics (Manaus, AM). TS and AF counties suffer from intense biomass burning periods in the dry season, and it accounts for high levels of particles in the atmosphere. Chemical characterization of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM) was performed to quantify water-soluble ions (WSI) and black carbon (BC). The importance of explanatory variables was assessed using three machine learning techniques. The results highlighted the influence of biomass burning for key sample groups and periods. 

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

33- Effect of wheat bran and whole wheat flour on manti quality

EDA AKTAS-AKYILDIZ

Manti is a traditional Turkish food made from refined wheat flour. Increasing awareness of the health benefits of dietary fibre has spurred the production of fibre-rich foods. Wheat bran and whole wheat flour are excellent fibre sources that could be used in food production. This study demonstrated the applicability of wheat bran and whole wheat flour in the production of manti with increased fibre content without adversely affecting the cooking quality. Furthermore, it was found that the in vitro glycemic index could be significantly reduced with the use of whole wheat flour. 

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

34- Scientific production in biodiversity: the gender gap continues in Brazilian universities

FEDERICO GARRIDO-DE LEÓN, JAIR H. CASTRO ROMERO, MICHEL V. GAREY & ANA ALICE ELEUTERIO

Scientometrics allows us to assess trends and relationships within scientific practices. Our study aims to understand how gender, location, graduate program score, and academic experience impact the scientific production of Brazilian researchers in graduate programs in Biodiversity. We found that males exhibit a higher H-index and produce more articles than females, yet there is no disparity in number of citations between genders. We have confirmed the presence of gender inequality in scientific production in the Biodiversity field. However, its important to note that the gender inequality in the number of articles published does not necessarily reflect gender differences in scientific impact.

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35- The teaching of offensive skills against different defensive scenarios in handball: analysis of coaches’ perspectives in different categories

VINICIUS S. MUSA & RAFAEL P. MENEZES

Our study identifies and analyzes coaches’ preferences to teach offensive skills to handball players from U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18 teams. Coaches’ revealed an increasing expectation throughout the categories, and the expectation the players can deal with different situations based on their analysis with different skills. We found that teaching approaches are based on a technocratic way with further attempts to transfer the learned skills to the game context for all age groups. We hope to contribute to the discussions on the topic and that the findings are used to improve the teaching and training process for young handball players.

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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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