NEWSLETTER 24

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

AABC - Volume 90.1 - March 2018

The first issue of 2018 presents a total of 50 papers, mainly belonging to two distinct areas: Agrarian (31) and Biological Sciences (15).

Among the most interesting contributions of Agrarian Sciences is a study on the dispersal of insects in a particular cotton intercropping system, and how infestations can be reduced. Other studies focus on Eucalyptus plantations and different approaches to establish wood quality, the toxicity in Africanized honey bees, as well as papers dealing with different aspects of sugarcane production.

In Biological Sciences, this issue shows a study on the diversity of plants from the Brazilian Pantanal, indicating factors that might be influencing species diversity and endemicity. There are also papers related to insect biodiversity in protected areas of the Atlantic forest, avian diversity in fragmented areas of the Cerrado biome and the description of a new taxon of predaceous midges from Argentina.

Last but not least, I would like to call your attention to a paper that describes the first meteorite recovered from the Amazonian area. It has been found in the region of Serra Pelada, which is better known for gold mining activities.

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

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

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

EARTH SCIENCES  

1 - Serra Pelada: the first Amazonian Meteorite fall is a Eucrite from Asteroid 4-vesta
Authors: Maria Elizabeth Zucolotto, Amanda A. Tosi, Caio V.N. Villaça, André L.R. Moutinho, Diana P.P. Andrade, Fabiano Faulstich, Angelo M.S. Gomes, Debora C. Rios, Marcilio C. Rocha Nathan B. Gonçalves, Felipe C. Nettesheim and Marilena  M.S. Conde

This paper reports on the first recovered meteorite fall from Amazonia. It fell in the famous gold mining of Serra Pelada Village. The inhabitants of nearby towns thought an airplane had fallen, using helicopters to search in vain for the accident. Some students and staff of a Municipal School witnessed the meteorite falling at the sidewalk and collected its fragments. The petrography, chemistry, mineralogy and its magnetic properties are consistent with howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED). The most interesting aspect of this study is the opportunity to study a fresh recovery sample from Vesta’s surface as recently confirmed information revealed from Dawn's mission.

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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES  

2 - Tree community variation in a tropical continental island according to slope aspect and human interference
Authors: Nathan B. Gonçalves, Felipe C. Nettesheim and Marilena M.S. Conde

In this study we bring comprehensive descriptive data regarding the tree community structure of an Atlantic Rainforest remnant on a continental island. Information here corroborates that the forest on Marambaia island is in overall advanced natural regeneration and is a relevant representative of the fragmented Atlantic Rainforest. Our evidence proves that the tree community structure variation typically observed on regional scales can also be detected on local scales. Findings also suggest that environmental changes favored by the rough terrain together with human interferences appear decisive to shape tropical tree community structure in the Atlantic Rainforest.

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3 - Microscopic aspects of electrosensory system on the partially euryhaline lesser guitarfish
Authors: Bianca S. Rangel, Natascha Wosnick, Alberto F. Amorim, José Roberto K. Junior and Rose E.G. Rici

The distribution of dorsal and ventral pores and ampullae of Lorenzini in Zapteryx brevirostris resembled those of the same family. The ampullae morphology of the lesser guitarfish Z. brevirostris was similar to that found in euryhaline elasmobranchs species, suggesting that the morphological organization in Z. brevirostris is linked to its possible evolutionary transitory position among batoids. The canal features distal expansion, where the ampullae are located with up to six alveoli. The sensory epithelium of ampullae is composed by cubic cells, with oval nucleus, restricted to the interior of the alveoli. 

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4 - Protocol for chromosome-specific probe construction using PRINS, micromanipulation and DOP-PCR techniques
Authors: Paulo Z. Passamani, Carlos R. Carvalho and Fernanda A.F. Soares

Chromosome specific probe constructed by microdissection is a usefull strategy for genome characterization, construction of chromosome maps, as well as association with diseases or syndromes. A major limitation concerns the amplification from the small amount of DNA microdissected. To overcome this limit, we performed in situ amplification (PRINS) before microdissection to improve the copies of the target. Ten subcentromeric fragments of the human X chromosome were microdissected and subsequently DOP-PCR was conducted in order to generate sufficient template for probe fluorescent labeling. The association of these methodologies was adequate for probe construction from a small microdissected subcentromeric region.

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5 - Hematological and biometric traits of tuvira Gymnotus inaequilabiatus (Valenciennes, 1839) (Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae) from the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Robson A. Rodrigues, Eduarda S. Silva, Sandriely F. Marcondes, Gizela M. Galindo, Gustavo G. de Oliveira, Alda I. de Souza, José Ragusa-Netto and Carlos E. Fernandes

The present article reports the hematological and biometric traits of the Gymnotus inaequilabiatus from natural environment. The qualitative and quantitative aspects of the blood presented can be used as a physiological and health marker and may contribute to references parameters to future researches. There is a growing interest in the production of Gymnotus inaequilabiatus in controlled conditions. Thus this study is relevant to knowledge about the distinct aspects of biology/physiology of this species in view of its productive potential.

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6 - Reproductive Biology of Varronia curassavica Jacq. (Boraginaceae)
Authors: Marcia P. Hoeltgebaum, Tiago Montagna, Ana Paula Lando, Catarina Puttkammer, Afonso Inácio Orth, Miguel P. Guerra and Maurício S. dos Reis

This article presents relevant aspects of autoecology of Varronia curassavica (erva-baleeira), a medicinal plant associated with restinga and used by local communities and by the pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to evaluate aspects of V. curassavica reproductive biology, with respect to their morphology and floral resources, pollinators and seed dispersers. The results indicate that the species presents mechanisms for the prevention of self-pollination and has many interactions with a wide variety of insects and birds, which is relevant to its reproductive success and also to maintain the biodiversity of the ecosystem to which it is associated.

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7 - Evaluation antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the antimicrobial peptide P34 against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Géssica A. Costa, Fernanda C.P. Rossatto, Aline W. Medeiros, Ana Paula F. Correa, Adriano Brandelli, Ana Paula G. Frazzon and Amanda de S. da Motta

The discovery and application of new substances to control microbial biofilms have been widely studied in recent years. The use of compounds such as antimicrobial peptide P34 demonstrates to be a new approach in combating biofilms formed by Gram-positive bacteria such as S. aureus and E. faecalis, because it demonstrates to have potential to reduce the cellular metabolism of these species.

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8 - Plant species diversity in a Neotropical wetland: patterns of similarity, effects of distance and altitude
Authors: Francielli Bao, Thales D. Leandro, Maíra da Rocha, Vanessa S. dos Santos, Thiago H. Stefanello, Rafael Arruda, Arnildo Pott and Geraldo A. Damasceno-Júnior

Altitude, distance among plant formations, and flood pulse can be addressed to better understand plant diversity. In this context, six areas in the Brazilian Pantanal were studied, which showed low floristic similarity, higher resemblance of species between neighboring areas, and no relation with altitude. We recorded 356 species in 87 families, mostly perennial (75%), and only 12% endemic to Brazil. River-floodplain connectivity may be a determinant factor in species richness and occurrence of endemic species.

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9 - Thiol/disulfide status regulates the activity of thiol-containing kinases related to energy homeostasis in rat kidney.
Authors: Virginia C. Rech, Nathana J. Mezzomo, Genaro A. Athaydes, Luciane R. Feksa, Vandré C. Figueiredo, Adriana Kessler, Itiane D. de Franceschi and Clovis M.D. Wannmacher

The oxidative stress may affect the redox status of the cells, and the thiol/disulfide ratio is a way to evaluate this redox status. Cysteamine is a substance that augments the reducing power, increasing the thiol/disulfide ratio, whereas cysteine dimethyl ester increases de oxidant power, decreasing the thiol/disulfide ratio. The administration of these two substances to rats was used to modify the redox state inside the renal cells.  The possible alteration of the thiol/disulfide ratio inside the molecules of some enzymes critical for energy homeostasis affected their function. Therefore, the redox status may regulate the energy homeostasis in the kidney cells.

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10 - Biodiversity of Coreoidea and Pentatomidae (Heteroptera) from Atlantic forest protected areas. Insights into their conservation
Authors: Gimena Dellapé, Karine D. Colpo, María C. Melo, Sara I. Montemayor and Pablo M. Dellapé

Knowledge of the diversity, ecological role and impact of insect biodiversity loss on ecosystem processes is very limited. Four families of Heteroptera: Pentatomidae, Coreidae, Alydidae and Rhopalidae, were collected from a protected area in the Paraná Forest. The assemblages were characterized and the biodiversity estimated, and they were compared with the assemblages in five other protected areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We explored the application of the Species Conservation Importance index, following four criteria, to evaluate the relative importance of the pentatomid species studied and its usefulness for assigning conservation values to areas. 

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11 - Bird diversity along a gradient of fragmented habitats of the Cerrado
Authors: Shayana de Jesus, Wagner A. Pedro and Arthur A. Bispo

The manuscript brings unprecedented information about the influence of landscape configuration on bird communities composition in forest fragments of the Cerrado biome. Our results show that fragmentation in the Cerrado is modifying the landscape, resulting in species replacement along the gradient of fragmentation due to species-specific responses. We believe that these results are particular to the Cerrado biome or other environments that are a natural mosaic of habitats. Our research draws attention to the need to develop management strategies for the Cerrado in order to ensure the conservation of forest bird communities in this biome.

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12 - Yungahelea, a new genus of predaceous midge from northwestern Argentina (Culicomorpha: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Gustavo R. Spinelli, María M. Ronderos, Mariano Donato and Augusto Siri

A survey of ceratopogonids from the southernmost area of the Yungas in northwestern Argentina revealed the presence of males and females of a species of predaceous midge which could not be placed within any of the hitherto recognized genera in the family. The species clearly belonged to a group of genera of Ceratopogonini mostly distributed in the Neotropics, represented by Parabezzia, Spinellihelea, Diaphanobezzia, Fittkauhelea and Leptohelea. We describe and illustrate a new monotypic genus and species, Yungahelea australis Spinelli and Ronderos. Phylogenetic interpretation indicates that Yungahelea is the sister group of Spinellihelea or the clade composed by Parabezzia and Diaphanobezzia.  

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13 - Two new species and updated checklist of Oxyethira Eaton, 1873 (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae) from Brazil
Authors: Isabela C. Rocha, Leandro L. Dumas and Wagner R.M. Souza  

The Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra is an important mountain range situated between São Francisco and Paraná basins, two of the major Brazilian river basins. Two new species of Oxyethira Eaton, 1873 are described from this locality, which had no previous record of the genus until this work. Oxyethira cascadanta sp. n. and Oxyethira quadrilobata sp. n. are assigned to the subgenus Loxotrichia but differ from other species mainly in morphology of the subgenital plate, subgenital processes and inferior appendages. Additionally, an updated checklist of the Oxyethira species from Brazil are provided.

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14 - Invertebrate herbivory on floating-leaf macrophytes at the northeast of Argentina: should the damage be taken into account in estimations of plant biomass?
Authors: Fedra F. Martínez  and Celeste Franceschini

We assessed the damage produced by invertebrate herbivores per leaf lamina and per m² of populations floating-leaf macrophytes of Neotropical wetlands in the growth and decay periods, and assessed if the damage produced by the herbivores should be taken into account in the estimations of plant biomass of these macrophytes. The biomass removed per lamina and per m² was higher during the growth period than in decay period in floating-leaf macrophytes. In Nymphoides indica, underestimation up to 17.69% should be produced in cases that herbivory should not be taken into account to evaluate these plant parameters on this macrophyte.

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15 - Morphological Characterization of Diaphragm in Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: José Ricardo N. de Souza Neto, Érika Branco, Elane G. Giese and Ana Rita de Lima

Diafragmatic hernia is common in animals principally caused by trauma. In this case omentum, colon, or stomach may herniate into the thoracic cavity. Surgical repair of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is necessary to replace abdominal contents, relieve respiratory compromise, and reestablish diaphragmatic function. The diaphragm muscle of Saimiri sciureus is a musculotendinous partition that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The central tendon is "V-shaped" and located in the transverse plane, as found in the majority of mammals and contained three apertures in the muscle (vena cava foramen, aortic hiatus, and esophageal hiatus).

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16 - The predator Coenosia Attenuata Stein (Diptera, Muscidae) on cultivated plants from Brazil
Authors: Marcia S. Couri,Viviane  R. de Sousa, Rafael M. Lima and Nivia S. Dias-Pini

The Coenosia attenuata Stein (1903) is a predatory fly that is commonly found in greenhouses and open fields preying on diverse insects. The species is widespread in the Old World and its distribution has expanded in recent times to Neotropical countries. We report for the first time the presence of C. attenuata in Brazil, occurring in different sites in the State of Ceará. Expansion of the distribution range of this muscid to the eastern parts of South America opens up the possibility of applying the beneficial predator as a biological control agent for protected crops of the region.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES  

17 - Antiedematogenic activity of the indole derivative N-salicyloyltryptamine in animal models
Authors: Benedito P. de Sousa-Neto, Bruno S. Gomes , Francisco V.M. Cunha, Daniel D.R. Arcanjo, Stanley J.C. Gutierrez, Fernanda R.C. Almeida and Francisco A. Oliveira

The N-salicyloyltryptamine (NST) is an indole derivative compound analogue to the alkaloid N-benzoyltryptamine. In this study, NST-induced antiedematogenic activity was assessed using different phlogistic agents in rats and mice. The NST inhibited the carrageenan-, dextran-, compound 48/80-, histamine-, serotonin-, capsaicin-, and prostaglandin E2-induced edema throughout the observation period. Furthermore, the NST attenuates the 48/80-induced ex vivo mast cell degranulation on mice mesenteric bed. In conclusion, the inhibition of both mast cell degranulation (induced by dextran and compound 48/80) and release of endogenous mediators (histamine, serotonin, and PGE2) are probably involved in the NST-induced antiedematogenic effect.

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18 - UV induced surface modification on improving the cytocompatibility of metallocene polyethylene
Authors: Saravana K. Jaganathan and Mani M. Prasath

Demand for medical implants is rising day by day as the world becomes the place for more diseased and older people. In this research, metallocene polyethylene (mPE), a commonly used polymer was treated with UV rays for improving its biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and contact angle measurements depicted the improvement in surface roughness and wettability of UV treated samples compared to untreated mPE. The UV treated surface exhibited enhanced blood compatibility and more compatible to the 3T3 cell as determined in coagulation studies and MTT assay. Hence UV-modified surface of mPE may be successfully exploited for medical implants.

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AGRARIAN SCIENCES  

19 - Quantification of anti-nutritional factors and their correlations with protein and oil in soybeans
Authors: Rafael D. Bueno, Leandro L. Borges, Pedro I.V. Good God, Newton D. Piovesan, Arlindo I. Teixeira, Cosme Damião Cruz and Everaldo G. de Barros

Our work shows in detail how to extract and quantify non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in soybean seeds. NSP are not hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract of monogastric animals. These NSP negatively affect the development of these animals, especially the soluble fraction. Many studies have correlated traits that are economically interesting for soybean production, such as productivity and the contents of oil or protein. Correlations between these characters and the contents of oligosaccharides or NSP have received little attention. The knowledge of phenotypic association among these characters is important because it shows how the selection for one trait influences the expression of other characters.

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20 - The effect of Agaricus brasiliensis extract supplementation on honey bee colonies
Authors: Jevrosima Stevanovic, Zoran Stanimirovic, Predrag Simeunovic, Nada Lakic, Ivica Radovic, Marina Sokovic and Leo J.L.D. Van Griensven

Agaricus brasiliensis extract proved safe for the honey bees (Apis mellifera) irrespective of feeding mode (sugar syrup or candy). Treatments of honey bee colonies with single dose of A. brasiliensis extract added to syrup (100 mg/kg/day) significantly increased colony strength parameters, with brood rearing and adult population growth being more often affected than honey and pollen reserves. Positive effects of A. brasiliensis extract in this study were mainly observed in April indicating the benefit of spring treatments. In conclusion, A. brasiliensis extract is safe for the bees and helps maintaining strong colonies, especially in spring.

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21 - Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in wild animals in State of Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Lew K. Sprenger, Ursula Y. Yoshitani, Andreia Buzatti and Marcelo B. Molento

Many of the parasitic zoonosis occurred only after the agricultural expansion and the major contact with animals. Assess and manage the effect of gastrointestinal parasites on any animal population dynamics is very important. This study was conducted in Paraná State, Brazil between January 2013 and January 2014, faecal birds samples (n=220) were analyzed and 52.7% (116/220) of the animals were positive. In birds, the positivity rate was 37.9% (25/66) and in mammals 59.1% (91/154). The Strongyloidea Superfamily eggs were observed in 37.3% (82/220) of the samples. A high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was observed in most of wildlife animals.

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22 - Toxicity and motor changes in Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) exposed to fipronil and imidacloprid                                                                                   
Authors: Thaís S. Bovi, Rodrigo Zaluski and Ricardo O. Orsi

In this study, we evaluated the in vitro toxicity and motor activity changes in Africanized adult honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) exposed to lethal or sublethal doses of the insecticides fipronil and imidacloprid. Both insecticides evaluated were highly toxic to Africanized A. mellifera and caused impaired motor function in these pollinators. Our study highlight the importance of restrict the use of these pesticides in crops that could present a contamination risk to bees, and measures should be undertaken to replace fipronil, imidacloprid and associated insecticides with products that have lower toxicity to pollinators.

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23 - Changes in adipose cells of Longissimus dorsi muscle in Iberian pigs raised under extensive conditions
Authors: Dolores A. Carrizosa, Ana G. Martinez, Francisco P. Blanco and Mercedes C. Izquierdo

Iberian castrated male pigs were used to characterize and evaluate the effect of the duration of "Montanera" in the adipocytes size and its relation with the backfat thickness and intramuscular fat. The fat cells in Iberian pig hypertrophy during the “montanera stage”, being this increase significant from month to month in this period of fattening. Also this adipocyte increase is correlated with animal weight. The correlation between adipocyte size and inner layer of backfat shows that the inner layer obtained in live pig by ultrasound techniques could be a good marker of fat infiltration in pigs fattening in “montanera” system.

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24 - Thinning regimes and initial spacing for Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil
Authors: Antonio C. Ferraz Filho, Blas Mola-Yudego, José R. González-Olabarria and José Roberto S. Scolforo

A long standing forest conundrum is the correct manipulation of stand tree density (through the practice of thinning) that satisfies both whole stand growth (e.g. volume and basal area) and individual tree development (e.g. diameter and height). This paper presents results from 4 different thinning, spacing and fertilization trials installed in the Brazilian costal region using clonal Eucalyptus material. A wide variety of thinning ages and residual tree density were covered. An interesting result was that thinning influenced all tested tree and stand variables, including dominant height, which is traditionally considered as being unaffected by thinning.

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25 - Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) peel flour: effects on hepatoprotection and dyslipidemia induced by a hypercholesterolemic diet
Authors: Estela R. Queiroz, Celeste M.P. de Abreu, Denise A. Rocha, Raimundo V. de Sousa, Rodrigo M. Fráguas, Mariana A. Braga and Pedro H.S. César

Dyslipidemias are associated with the cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and hepatic steatosis. This study investigated the effects of lychee peel flour (PF) on serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triacylglycerols (TAG) and various parameters related to obesity, in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. The PF intake attenuated weight gain, reduced body mass index, glucose and the levels of TAG, TC, LDL-c, hepatic enzymes and leptin, besides the percentage of hepatic lipids, liver lipid peroxidation and frequency of severe steatosis. These results reinforce its potential to reduce the risk of diseases associated with obesity.

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26 - Yellow sweet potato flour: use in sweet bread processing to increase β-carotene content and improve quality
Authors: Amanda C. Nogueira, Georgia A.R. Sehn, Ana Paula Rebellato, Janclei P. Coutinho, Helena T. Godoy, Yoon K. Chang, Caroline J. Steel and Maria Teresa P.S. Clerici

Sodium chloride is traditionally used as a food additive in food processing. However, because of its high sodium content, NaCl has been associated with chronic diseases. Margarine is a popular product that is used in several preparations, but it includes high sodium content; therefore, it is among the products whose sodium content should be reduced. This study shows an alternative to produce sodium-reduced margarines with a good sensory acceptance, using salt mixtures consisting of NaCl, KCl, and monosodium glutamate at different concentrations. Therefore, the results of this study may help in the low-sodium products development.

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27 - Estimating Sand Height and Tree Density in Pinus taeda plantations using in-situ data, airborne LiDAR and k -Nearest Neighbor Imputation
Authors: Carlos Alberto Silva, Carine Klauberg, Andrew T. Hudak, Lee A. Vierling, Veraldo Liesenberg, Luiz G. Bernett, Clewerson F. Scheraiber and Emerson R. Schoeninger

The aim of this study was to estimate stand dominate and mean heights (HD and HM) and tree density (TD) of Pinus taeda L. plantations located in South Brazil using in-situ measurements, airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) imputation. Imputation model using only four LiDAR-derived metrics (H99TH, HSD, SKE and HMIN LiDAR) was more effective for retrieving height than tree density. The model coefficients of determination (adj.R²) and a root mean squared difference (RMSD) for HD, HM and TD were 0.90, 0.94, 0.38m and 6.99, 5.70, 12.92%, respectively. 

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28 - Population dynamics of Aphis gossypii Glover and Aphis  craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aphididae) in sole  and intercropping systems of cotton and cowpea
Authors: Francisco S. Fernandes, Wesley A.C. Godoy, Francisco S. Ramalho, Adriano G. Garcia, Bárbara D.B. Santos and José B. Malaquias

This is the first report that investigated the population dynamics of aphids Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora over time, using mathematical models. There are good fits for aphid dynamics by mathematical model over time. The highest population peak of both species A. gossypii and A. craccivora is found in the sole crops. The lowest population peak of both species A. gossypii and A. craccivora is found in crop system t₂ (two cowpea plants: two cotton plants in the row, with alternate rows starting and ending with two cowpea plants. These results are important for integrated management programs of aphids in cotton and cowpea crops.

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29 - Harvesting Season and Botanical Origin Interferes in Production and Nutritional Composition of Bee Pollen
Authors: Adriana F. Negrão and Ricardo O. Orsi

We evaluate the frequency of bee pollen production in a given region, its botanical origin and chemical composition when collected in different seasons. We demonstrate that not only the production and composition, but also the botanic origin of pollen varies considerably throughout the year. We found higher protein and flavonoid contents during winter. We also found a total of 14 botanical families and 3 pollen types, being the spring the most abundant season with different pollen types. These results suggest that further analyses regarding the bee pollen composition are needed to verify its changes in different regions and seasons.

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30 - Ash content, carbon and C/N ratio in paricá in function of NPK fertilization
Authors: Cristiane R. Vieira, Oscarlina L.S. Weber and José Fernando Scaramuzza

The experiment was performed to check the influence of fertilization on levels of ash, carbon and C/N relation in Schizolobium amazonicum. For this, seedlings were submitted to fertilization with N, P and K. The plants were measured after 180 days and the seedlings of the 20 treatments with the highest increase in height and diameter were transplanted to the field. After 12 months, it was verified that the fertilization influenced the levels of ash and organic carbon and C/N relation in S. amazonicum, indicating that the species has potential for energy production.

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31 - Relashionships of rice yield and quality based on genotype by trait (GT) biplot
Authors: Peyman Sharifi and Ali Akbar Ebadi

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the diversity of 57 rice mutant lines and eight cultivars based on multiple traits using GT biplot. Polygon view of biplot suggested seven sections for 64 genotypes. The vertex G38 had good amounts of grain yield, panicle length, hundred grain weight, internodes length, plant height and fertility percentage. Vector view of biplot indicated that there are positive associations between grain yield, panicle length, grain width, hundred grain weight, fertility percentage, internodes length, plant height and ratton yield. G2 (TM6-230-VE-7-5-1), G4 (TM6-250-10-7-1) and G7 (TM6-B-7-1) could be used in the selection strategy of rice improvement programs.

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32 - Effectiveness of Arbuscular Myborrhizal Fungal Isolates from the Land Uses of Amazon Region in Symbiosis with Cowpea
Authors: Gláucia Alves e Silva, José O. Siqueira, Sidney L. Stürmer and Fatima M.S. Moreira

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide several ecosystem services, including increase in plant growth and nutrition. Fungal communities from distinct land use systems in the Brazilian Amazon region had contrasting effectiveness in promoting plant growth and nutrition of cowpea, indicating the presence of efficient fungal lineages within each community that could be selected for inoculation programs (Silva et al. 2009). In this study, a generalised effect of isolates from these communities in promoting phosphorus uptake, increase in biomass, and cowpea yield was observed in two soil types. Glomus isolates were the most efficient and are promising isolates for practical inoculation programs.

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33 - The behavior of Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and of their predator Cycloneda sanguinea (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in cotton-cowpea intercropping systems
Authors: Francisco S. Fernandes, Wesley A.C. Godoy, Francisco S. Ramalho, José B. Malaquias and Bárbara D.B. Santos

This is the first study of the impact of intercropping colored fiber cotton with cowpea on  A. gossypii and A. craccivora populations and on their predator C. sanguinea and the dispersal of these insects among cropping systems. Implementing  cotton-cowpea  intercropped system in the S1 scheme (two cotton plants: two cowpea plants within the row- each row began and ended with two cotton plants) reduces  A.  gossypii  infestation, the multiplication of  C. sanguinea, and  allows obtaining heavier open bolls.

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34 - Somatic embryogenesis in Carica papaya as affected by auxins and explants, and morphoanatomical-related aspects
Authors: Jamile L.D. Cipriano, Ana Cláudia F. Cruz, Karina C. Mancini, Edilson R. Schmildt, José Carlos Lopes, Wagner C. Otoni and Rodrigo S. Alexandre

The higher frequency of somatic embryos in Carica papaya L. was achieved with cotyledonary leaves cultured in medium containing 4-CPA than with apical shoots and the auxin 2,4-D. Histological analyses confirmed that the somatic embryos formed from parenchyma cells, predominantly differentiated via indirect and multicellular origin and infrequently via synchronized embryogenesis. The combination of abscisic acid and activated charcoal in maturation medium resulted in the highest frequency developmental of normal morphology and the lowest percentage of early germination in somatic embryos.

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35 - Evaluation of growth performance and gastro-intestinal parameters on the response of weaned piglets to dietary organic acids
Authors: Henrique A.T. Grecco, Alessandro B. Amorim, Mayra A.D. Saleh, Marcos Tse, Filipe G. Telles, Gabriela M. Miassi, Guilherme M. Pimenta and Dirlei A. Berto

Weaning is the most critical management practice in piglet’s life; it affects their feed intake and growth performance. As alternative to antibiotics’ banning, additives such as organic acids are used in order to achieve better zootechnical results. Thus, two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of fumaric acid (FA) and an acidifier blend (AB) on growth performance, organs weight, pH, morphometry and microbiota of weaned piglets. The inclusion of FA decreased (P<0.05) total coliform and Escherichia coli counts in cecum, exerting an inhibitory effect on its microbiota.

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36 - Timing and placement of cattle manure and/or gliricidia affects cotton and sunflower nutrient accumulation and biomass productivity
Authors: Dário C. Primo, Rômulo S.C. Menezes, Fabio F. de Oliveira, José Carlos B. Dubeux Júnior and Everardo V.S.B. Sampaio

The relatively recent fertilization practice of using gliricidia prunings as green manure combined with the traditional fertilization with cattle manure is a strategy that has the potential of increasing cotton and sunflower productivities in low-input agricultural systems in the Brazilian Northeast soil. Gliricidia prunings applied on the soil surface 45 days after planting is a viable management strategy of fertilizer. This high quality N-rich legume species may act as an N source of rapid decomposition and fast supply compared with cattle manure. The successful application of gliricidia depends on the simultaneous occurrence of nutrient release from the fertilizer and crop demand throughout its growth cycles.  

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37 - Heartwood and sapwood in eucalyptus trees: non-conventional approach to wood quality
Authors: Sabrina G. Cherelli, Maria Márcia P. Sartori, André G. Próspero and Adriano W. Ballarin

This study evaluated the quality of heartwood and sapwood from three species of Eucalyptus, by means of the qualification of their proportion, determination of basic and apparent density using non-destructive technique and calculation of the density uniformity index. The percentage of the heartwood was higher than the sapwood in all species studied. The density results showed no statistical difference between heartwood and sapwood. Differently from the density results, in all species studied, there were statistical differences between uniformity indexes for heartwood and sapwood regions, making justifiable the inclusion of the density uniformity index as a quality parameter for Eucalyptus wood.

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38 - Neutral detergent fiber in piglet diets: digestibility, performance and deposition of body nutrients
Authors: Rafael C. Nepomuceno, Pedro H. Watanabe, Ednardo R. Freitas, Luiz E. de Carvalho, Emanuela L. de Oliveira, Thalles R. Gomes, Germana C. Aguiar, Rayssa S. Candido, Jordânia L. Ferreira and Alini M. Veira

The old concept of fiber in pig feed, associated with action as antinutritional factor, has been rethought, since recent studies suggest that different fiber sources may promote the maintenance and prevention of intestinal health in weaned piglets. However, there are differences in the results of researches related to the minimum and maximum level of fiber. Thus, in this research we study how fiber levels in diets for piglets affect the digestibility of dietary nutrients and energy, productive performance, composition and rate of deposition of nutrients and energy in the body, which allowed us to recommend an ideal level of fiber for weaned piglets.

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39 - Fatty acid compostion from the marine red algae  Pterocladiella capillacea (S.G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand 1997 and Osmundaria obtusiloba (C. Agardh) R. E. Norris 1991 and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Daniel B. de Alencar, Jaécio C. Diniz, Simone A.S. Rocha, Kelma M.S. Pires-Cavalcante, Rebeca L. de Lima, Karolina C. de Sousa, Jefferson O. Freitas, Rayssa M. Bezerra, Bárbara M. Baracho, Alexandre H. Sampaio, Francisco A. Viana and Silvana Saker-Sampaio

Marine algae produce many biologically active phytochemical constituents, making them increasingly interesting for commercial purposes. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry identified nine fatty acids in the two species. The major fatty acids of P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba were palmitic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Fatty acids showed antioxidant activity (BCB) above 50% at the lowest concentrations, suggesting that these algae can be sources of beneficial supplements for animal and human health. In addition, fatty acids from marine algae can be used in the food industry to enrich food and provide a protective effect against lipid oxidation.

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40 - Statistical tools application on dextranase production from Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4) and its application on dextran removal from sugarcane juice
Authors: Bruna L. Sufiate, Filippe E.F. Soares, Angélica S. Gouveia, Samara S. Moreira, Evandro F. Cardoso, Gabriella P. Tavares, Fabio R. Braga, Jackson V. de Araújo and José H. de Queiroz

Effects of different components from the culture medium over the P. chlamydosporia dextranase production were analyzed to determine the levels that, among the variables that influence dextranase production, provide higher production of these enzymes. Only NaNO₃ and pH showed significant effect (p<0.05) over dextranase production and it was determined that the levels which provided higher enzyme production were, respectively, 5 g/L and 5.5. The enzymatic effect on the removal of dextran present in sugarcane juice was also evaluated. The dextranases from P. chlamydosporia reduced by 75% the dextran content of the sugarcane juice once treated for 12 hours.

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41 - Apparent digestibility of conventional and alternative feedstuffs by hybrid tambacu juveniles
Authors: Álvaro J.A. Bicudo, Thiago A.T. Araujo, Luís G.T. Braga, William C.T. Tonini and Hamilton Hisano

Although the commercial importance of hybrids between the genera Colossoma and Piaractus has significantly grown in recent years, nutritional studies on those fish are scarce. The present study determined the apparent digestibility coefficients of conventional and regional alternative feedstuffs to tambacu (C. macropomum female x P. mesopotamicus male) juveniles. These findings are important for the development of low-cost and balanced aquafeeds made from regionally available residues and ingredients for these fish.

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42 - Modification of the Alere GIARDIA Ag TEST immunochromatography KIT methodology for its use in frozen fecal sediment of dogs and cats
Authors: Viviane A.N. Costa, Beatriz Brener,  Ana Beatriz M. Fonseca and Adriana P. Sudré

This study aimed to modify the methodology of Alere GIARDIA Ag TEST KIT for its use in frozen fecal sediments with different storage times in a freezer. Fecal sediments from dogs (n=50) and cats (n=50) previously examined by optical microscopy for Giardia cysts were selected for this study. The modified immunochromatography assay showed a higher sensitivity when compared with microscopy, regardless of the frozen storage time. These results allow the use of this methodology in a greater scope of analysis, especially in frozen fecal sediment from sample collections, enabling epidemiological and comparative analysis along different decades.

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43 - The Effect of Ferrous Nano-oxide Particles on Physiological Traits and Nutritional Compounds of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Seed
Authors: Roghayyeh Sheykhbaglou, Mohammad Sedghi and Bahram Fathi-Achachlouie

Nanoparticles containing fertilizers are now in great attention pointed by farmers and scientists because of their slow releasing capacity of nutritional ions. This experiment has focused on the ability of iron nanoparticles to increase the chlorophyll content in soybean which influence on the photosynthetic rate of the plant to produce more assimilates converted into seed reserves. Accumulation of more assimilates improves the nutritional value of soybean seeds through changes in the protein and oil content and some fatty acid composition. Also, nano iron oxide increased both protein and oil content together not reversely. 

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44 - Cryopreservation of banana’s cv Grand Naine in vitro rhizomes
Authors: Luciana C.N. Londe, Wagner A. Vendrame, Massy Sanaei and Alexandre  B. de Oliveira

Cryopreservation is a feasible technique that allows the  preservation of banana genotypes indefinitely. For the success of cryopreservation protocols, the selection of cryoprotectants and pre-freezing techniques are important  factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the effects of  different cryoprotectants with and without 1% phloroglucinol and pre-cooling periods on  the development of a protocol for cryopreservation of in vitro rhizomes of Musa  accuminata (AAA) cv Grand Naine banana. The addition of 1% phloroglucinol to the  cryoprotective solutions, such as PVS2 enhanced recovery of cryopreserved banana  rhizomes. In addition, pre-cooling of explants in ice for 3 hours in PVS2 + 1% of  phloroglucinol allowed efficient cryopreservation of banana rhizomes, followed by  successful recovery and regeneration of in vitro shoots of banana cv Grand Naine.

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45 - Optimization of RT-PCR reactions in studies with genes of lignin biosynthetic route in Saccharum spontaneum
Authors: Juan P.P. Llerena, Pedro Araújo and Paulo Mazzafera

Because of lignin, the polymeric sugars of the cell wall, cellulose and hemicellulose, become less accessible for hydrolytic enzymes, interfering in the production of second generation bioethanol (E2G) from sugarcane bagasse. Recently, a new type of cane, richer in fibers, has been proposed for E2G production, Saccharum spontaneum. In this paper we described protocols to isolate the genes of the lignin biosynthesis in S. spontaneum from RT-PCR amplifications.

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46 -Shoot and root interference of morning glory on the initial growth of sugarcane
Authors: Felipe C. Alves, Silvano Bianco,  Mariluce P. Nepomuceno, José Valcir F. Martins and Pedro Luís C.A. Alves 

Morning glories comprise a recent very important group of climbing weeds that infest sugarcane, one of the most important economic activity in Brazil, where it can compete with crop for environmental resources, leading to a reduction in the yield and quality of the harvested product. As a new weed, there is a lack of information on its effects on the sugarcane, be they direct or indirect effects. With this research, it was shown that both the shoot and root of interferes negatively in the growth of sugarcane, with the effect proportional to the period of coexistence.

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47 -Replacing soybean oil with increasing levels of soybean acid oil in diets of coturnix quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and the effects on egg quality
Authors: Aline A.P. Roll, Juliana Forgiarini, Eduardo G. Xavier, Débora C.N. Lopes, Victor F.B. Roll and Fernando Rutz 

The soybean acid oils are by-products derived from oil refinement, keeping 75 to 95% fatty acids from original sources, but with 40 to 90% of them as free fatty acids. They show lower digestibility due to a lack of monoglycerides, which play a role in fat absorption. There is little scientific information on the use of soybean acid oil as quail feed in poultry production. Furthermore, the results available in the literature concerning the damages of acid oil to animals and their products are contradictory. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate sensory characteristics and internal and external quality of fresh and stored eggs of quails fed diets with increased levels of soybean acid oil.

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48 - Potassium adsorption in soil cultivated wih sugarcane
Authors: Joycyely M.A.S. Freitas, André M. Netto, Marcus M. Corrêa, Bruno T.L. Xavier and Fernando X. de Assis 

The research deals with the adsorption behavior of Potassium from vinasse, a byproduct of the production of the sugarcane industry, in coastal tray soil, where sugarcane is predominantly grown. In this sense, it is important to know the fate of this residue in the soil. However, if poorly managed, it can become an important pollutant of natural resources, such as soil and surface water and groundwater. This is a relevant issue due to the scarcity of studies in the area in question, as well as the behavior of this alleged pollutant in this soil.

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49 - Plant growth, nutrients and potentially toxic elements in leaves of yerba mate clones in response to phosphorus in acid soils
Authors: Julierme Z. Barbosa, Antonio C.V. Motta, Rangel Consalter,  Giovana C. Poggere, Delmar Santin and Ivar Wendling

The infusion prepared from the processed leaves of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St., Hil.) is a non-alcoholic beverage traditionally consumed in South America. But, recently, the consumption of yerba mate products has expanded to several countries. Yerba mate is responsive to P, but the degree of influence of genetic and soil on the growth and composition of the leaf is unknown. The study evaluates plant growth and twenty elements in leaves of yerba mate clones (BRS 408 and BRS BLD Aupaba) in response to P application in four acid soils.

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50 -Wall function treatment for bubbly boundary layers at low void fractions
Authors: Daniel V. Soares, Marcelo C. Bitencourt, Juliana B.R. Loureiro and Atila P. Silva Freire

This work investigates the role of different treatments of the lower boundary condition on the numerical prediction of bubbly flows. A new analytical solution derived through asymptotic techniques is tested against experimental data and is compared with previous formulation available in literature. A modified kappa-epsilon model is used to close the RANS equations together with the hypothesis that turbulence can be modeled by a linear superposition of bubble and shear induced eddy viscosities. The work shows how four corrections must the implemented in the standard single-phase kappa-epsilon model to account for the effects of bubbles.

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