Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 29

AABC - Volume 90.3 - September 2018

The present issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) presents 55 articles, half of which in Biological Sciences (28). Contributions in Health Sciences (8), Mathematical Sciences (6), Chemical Sciences (4) and other scientific areas can also be found.
The wide range of contributions in Biological Sciences published in the present issue varies from descriptions of new species of insects and crustaceans to the versatility of native medicinal plants and their use. I would also like to call your attention to a paper that addresses bioremediation of diesel and other contaminant oils.

In Health Sciences, you can find a study on the benefits of the extract from a species of Hibiscus and on an environmental microbiological monitoring program of mice.

Among the comparatively high numbers of articles in Mathematical Sciences, there is an article that discusses a different way to characterize the Euclidean sphere with several applications.  

In Chemical Sciences, a study focuses on the antileishmanial and cytotoxic actions of silver and gold nanoparticles from tannic acid, and another addresses the water quality of a river using multivariate analysis.

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

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

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

1- The Exponentiated Power Generalized Weibull: Properties and Applications
Authors: Fernando A. Peña-Ramírez, Renata R. Guerra, Gauss M. Cordeiro and Pedro R.D. Marinho

The exponentiated power Generalized Weibull distribution (EPGW) is a new lifetime model obtained from the exponentiated family for the power generalized Weibull (PGW) distribution. It can also be derived from a power transform on the exponentiated Nadarajah-Haghighi distribution. Since several structural properties of PGW distribution have not been studied, they can be obtained from those of the EPGW distribution. We also give a physical motivation for introducing the EPGW if the power parameter is an integer. Some of its mathematical properties are investigated. The maximum likelihood estimators, a simulation study and two applications to real data are also provided. 

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2- The Lindley Weibull Distribution: properties and applications
Authors: Gauss M. Cordeiro, Ahmed Z. Afify, Haitham M. Yousof, Selen Cakmakyapan and Gamze Ozel

We introduce a new three-parameter lifetime model called the Lindley Weibull distribution, which accommodates unimodal and bathtub, and a broad variety of monotone failure rates. We provide a comprehensive account of some of its mathematical properties. The new density function can be expressed as a linear combination of exponentiated Weibull densities. The maximum likelihood method is used to estimate the model parameters. We present simulation results to assess the performance of the maximum likelihood estimation. We prove
empirically the importance and exibility of the new distribution in modeling two data sets.

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3- The phase portrait of the Hamiltonian system associated to a Pinchuk map
Authors: Joan Carles Artés, Francisco Braun and Jaume LLibre

In 1994, Pinchuk presented a class of counterexamples to the real Jacobian conjecture, that polynomial maps with positive Jacobian determinant in the plane must be injective. Since then, an open problem is to understand what really fails in this conjecture or how different are the Pinchuk from the injective maps.  In Mathematics, another point of view of a problem sometimes makes the solution more tangible. Due to Sabatini, we can study the injectivity of a map from the dynamic of a suitable vector field associated to it. Here we qualitatively describe the vector field associated to a Pinchuk map.

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4- A weighted negative binomial Lindley distribution with  applications to dispersed data
Author: Hassan S. Bakouch

The proposed paper introduces a new discrete statistical distribution for modeling many types of over- and under-dispersed count data. Various properties of the distribution are obtained, involving generating functions, moments, random number generation, estimation, characterization, self-decomposability and infinite divisibility. Different count data sets are modeled by the distribution. Therefore, we hope that this model will be able to attract wider applicability in the analysis of count data.

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5- Objective and subjective prior distributions for the Gompertz distribution
Authors: Fernando A. Moala and Sanku Dey

Gompertz distribution was introduced in connection with human mortality and actuarial sciences by Benzamin Gompertz (1825). This distribution is applied in various fields especially in reliability and life testing studies, actuarial science, epidemiological and biomedical studies.  In this paper, we present a statistical analysis (called Bayesian analysis) when there is a limited prior knowledge about the parameter of interest.  Our main interest in the Bayesian analysis is to select a prior distribution in which the information regarding the parameters is not considered substantial as compared with information from the data. A real data set has been analyzed for illustrative purposes.

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6- A new characterization of the Euclidean sphere
Authors: Abdênago A. Barros, Cícero P. Aquino and José N.V. Gomes

There are important applications of the Lie derivative in the study of how geometric objects such as Riemannian metrics, volume forms, conformal vector fields, and symplectic forms behave under flows. In this paper, we obtain a new characterization of the Euclidean sphere as a compact Riemannian manifold with constant scalar curvature carrying a nontrivial conformal vector field which is also conformal Ricci vector field.

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CHEMICAL SCIENCES

7- Chemical composition and evaluation of antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil from leaves of Cryptocarya aschersoniana Mez. (Lauraceae Juss.)
Authors: Priscila M. de Andrade, Daiana C. de Melo, Ana Elisa T. Alcoba, Walnir G. Ferreira Júnior, Mariana C. Pagotti, Lizandra G. Magalhães, Tainá C.L. dos Santos, Antônio E.M. Crotti, Cassia C.F. Alves and Mayker L.D. Miranda

Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In this study, the leaf essential oil of Cryptocarya aschersoniana was obtained by hydrodistillation. Limonene, linalool and nerolidol were the main constituents in the oil of C. aschersoniana. The in vitro activity of the oil was evaluated against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. The essential oil of C. aschersoniana showed high activity against L. amazonensis promastigote forms, however it also demonstrated a relatively high cytotoxicity on mouse peritoneal macrophages. This is the first report of the study of the leaf essential oil of C. aschersoniana.

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8- Silver and gold nanoparticles from tannic acid: synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities
Authors: Lourdes C.S. Lopes, Lucas M. Brito, Thayllan T. Bezerra, Kleyton N. Gomes, Fernando A. de A. Carvalho, Mariana Helena Chaves and Welter Cantanhêde

In this work, we have evaluated the antileishmania activity of Au and Ag nanoparticles stabilized with tannic acid, a tannin with vast biological application. The nanomaterials were analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential and TEM. Nanosilver inhibited the proliferation of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes by adhering to the cell membrane, thus, causing alterations in the osmosis process. Tannic acid attenuates the cytotoxicity of nanosilver, while AuNPs did not present any antileishmania activity.

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9- Essential oils from Piper aduncum inflorescences and leaves: chemical composition and antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Anna Carolina F. Valadares, Cassia Cristina F. Alves, José Milton Alves, Isabella P.B. de Deus, Josemar G. de Oliveira Filho, Tainá Caroline L. dos Santos, Herbert Júnior Dias, Antônio Eduardo M. Crotti and Mayker L.D. Miranda

White mold is a plant disease caused by the phytopathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which needs to be controlled by alternative measures. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of essential oils from P. aduncum leaves (PL-EO) and inflorescences (PI-EO) on the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum. Piperitone, myristicin, terpinen-4-ol, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, germacrene-D and dillapiol were the main constituents found in oils from P. aduncum. The in vitro antifungal activity showed that PI-EO dose above 30 µL inhibited mycelial growth in 100 %, whereas PL-EO at 50 µL inhibited it in 98.74 %.

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10- Seasonal variations, metal distribution and water quality in the Todos os Santos River, Southeastern Brazil: a multivariate analysis
Authors: Cláudia A.F. Pereira, Luiz F.O. Maia, Márcia C.S. Faria, Paulo H. Fidêncio, Cleide A. Bomfeti, Fernando Barbosa Junior and Jairo L. Rodrigues

This manuscript focuses on the application of different multivariate statistical analyses for the assessment of spatial and temporal patterns in water quality of a riverine area using the Todos os Santos River in the Southeastern Brazil as a case study. The work comprises the determination of more than 30 chemical elements and others quality parameters of water which makes that the observed trends could be relevant within the environmental field. Principal components analysis indicated distinct geographical and seasonal patterns for multiple elements with hierarchical cluster analysis confirming the observed spatial patterns of contamination in the Todos os Santos River.

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EARTH SCIENCES

11- Environmental diagnosis of metals in streams near sugarcane cultivation areas: current and historical analysis in the central region of the State of São Paulo
Authors: Juliano J. Corbi, Camila G. Costa, Guilherme R. Gorni, Vanessa Colombo and Leonardo Rios

Streams located in areas of sugarcane cultivation receive elevated concentrations of metal ions from fertilizers applied in the soils of adjacent areas. Several studies conducted in the last 10 years have shown the contamination of sediments of streams in sugarcane cultivation areas, as well as the bioaccumulation of metals in the aquatic insects fauna. The present status confirms the previous results and still points to an increment of Cd in the sediment of agricultural streams. We strongly recommend the construction of a standard containing guiding values for aquatic sediment.

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12- Monitoring vegetation coverage in Tongren from 2000 to 2016 based on Landsat7 ETM+ and Landsat8
Authors: Huaipeng Liu, Yongxin Zhang and Xiaoping Zhang

To monitoring the spatial evolution of vegetation coverage from 2000 to 2016 in China Tongren, we adopt Landsat data, using NDVI dimidiate pixel model to invert the vegetation coverage and divide them into five grades. Results showed that the areas of grade I, II, III, IV and V increased by 0.42%, -3.15%, -6.98%, -5.37% and 15.08%, respectively, indicates that most of the area containing lower amount of vegetation gradually altered into an area containing a higher coverage of vegetation, whereas a few areas became bare land; the vegetation areas changed due to cities, dams construction and crops, trees cultivation.

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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

13- Biochemical characterization of the nuclease StoNurA from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii
Authors: Tao Wei, Kunpeng Yang, Jie Zang and Duobin Mao

In this paper, we have described the biochemical characterization of the DNA nuclease StoNurA from S. tokodaii. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that StoNurA has DNA binding and Mn2+-dependent 5’–3’ exonuclease activities. The optimal conditions for the activity of this enzyme were 65 °C and pH 7.5. StoNurA was found to exist as a dimer in solution. Furthermore, the results of a pull-down analysis revealed that StoNurA formed a physical interaction with StoHerA. These results show that StoNurA exhibits 5’–3’ nucleolytic degradation activity, and could therefore play a critical role during archaeal recombinational repair.

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14- Simulation of a surface spill of different diesel/biodiesel mixtures in an ultisol, using natural attenuation and bioaugmentation/biostimulation
Authors: Daniel D. Meyer, Sabrina A. Beker, Karina Heck, Maria do Carmo R. Peralba and Fátima M. Bento

Bioremediation of diesel, biodiesel and B20 blend in an ultisol from Southern Brazil under natural attenuation and biostimulation/bioaugmentation was investigated. Bioremediation was monitored by dehydrogenase activity, respirometry by CO2 release, the most probable number of heterotrophic and degrading microorganisms and gas chromatography. The goal of bioremediation was achieved in an ultisol submitted to surface contamination by B0, B20 and B100. The selected bacterial consortium, combined with the addition of nutrients, was effective to accelerate the biodegradation of pure biodiesel (B100).

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15- Solaropsis brasiliana: anatomy, range extension and its phylogenetic position within Pleurodontidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Stylommatophora)
Authors: María Gabriela Cuezzo, Augusto P. de Lima and Sonia B. dos Santos

This work focuses on Solaropsis brasiliana, a key species of the South American malacofauna. We studied its anatomy proposing new characters and revising traditional ones. This information was included in a matrix with other known species of the genus upon which a cladistic analysis was carried out. The monophyly of the genus was tested and S. brasiliana sister relationships was proposed. We inquired into the known distribution of the genus Solaropsis in South America and proposed that the distribution area of S. brasiliana is restricted to Brazil, in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Bahia and Minas Gerais.

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16- Medicinal Plants: versatility and concordance of use in the caatinga area, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Maria O. Santos, Daiany A. Ribeiro, Delmacia G. de Macêdo, Márcia J.F. Macêdo, Julimery G.F. Macedo, Maria Natália S. de Lacerda, Maria Soraya Macêdo and Marta Maria A. Souza

The versatility of 35 native medicinal plant species was evaluated by quantitative method of Relative Importance, which shows the importance of the species from the number of properties that it acquires by the interviewees. In order to evaluate the agreement of use, the Informants Consensus Factor, was calculated, whose analysis aims to identify the body systems that have a greater knowledge and/or use consensus. Ziziphus joazeiro and Heliotropium indicum presented the highest RI values. Genitourinary System Disorder and Nervous System Disorder, which reached the highest consensus value (0.81 each), included the same number of citations of use and species.

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17- New data on the Late Cretaceous lizard Dicothodon bajaensis (Squamata, Borioteiioidea) from Baja California, Mexico reveals an unusual tooth replacement pattern in squamates
Authors: María Luisa Chavarría-Arellano, Tiago R. Simões and Marisol Montellano-Ballesteros

New specimens of the fossil lizard Dicothodon bajaensis (Cretaceous, North America) reveal a unique pattern of tooth replacement that was previously unknown among extant or fossil squamates. Most squamates replace their teeth throughout their entire life, and some specialized families stop replacing their teeth very early in their development. Specimens comprising an ontogenetic series of D. bajaensis indicate it had active tooth replacement during most of its life, but replacement ceased in adults. Other fossil lizards closely related to D. bajaensis had active and arrested tooth replacement, indicating D. bajaensis is possibly an evolutionary intermediary between both conditions.

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18- Wollastonite to hinder growth of Aspergillus niger fungus on cotton textile
Authors:  Hamid R. Taguiyari, Reza Majidinajafabadi and Reza Vahidzadeh

Aspergillus niger is a constant threat to works of art in museums around the world. However, usual fungicides are not recommended to be used for preservation of works of art as to their toxicity to humans. The present project utilized nano-wollastonite to hinder growth of A. niger on cotton textiles. The results demonstrated negative effects of the fungus on mechanical strength of cotton textile was significantly limited by wollastonite. Therefore, it was concluded that NW positively protect cotton textile against A. nigra; however, complementary studies should be committed to make decision on the ultimate NW-content.

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19- A comparative study of phytoconstituents and antibacterial activity of in vitro derived materials of four Passiflora species
Authors: Mariela J. Simão, Thiago J.S. Barboza, Marcela G. Vianna, Renata Garcia, Elisabeth Mansur, Ana Claudia P.R. Ignacio and Georgia Pacheco

Passiflora species are well known for their common use in popular medicine for the treatment of several diseases, such as insomnia, anxiety, and hysteria, in addition to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and antibacterial potential. However, few data about the chemical composition and the medicinal potential of in vitro derived materials are available. This work describes, for the first time, the antibacterial potential of leaves and roots from four Passiflora species obtained by plant tissue culture techniques, associated with their phytoconstituents. 

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20- Molecular characterization of Moenkhausia (Pisces: Characiformes) populations with different lateral line developmental levels
Authors: Thaís F.M. Mota, Thomaz M.C. Fabrin, Gabriel C. Deprá, Luciano S. Gasques, Alessandra V. de Oliveira, Carla S. Pavanelli, Sônia M.A.P. Prioli and Alberto J. Prioli

The main distinguishing characteristics between the species M. bonita and H. marginatus are the presence of complete and incomplete lateral lines, respectively. However, specimens with the diagnostic features of M. bonita, collected from the floodplain of the upper Paraná River, exhibited different developmental levels of the lateral line, making it difficult the correct identification. We employ molecular tools to analyze the genetic similarities between M. bonita with different developmental levels of the lateral line and H. marginatus. The developmental level of the lateral line is not a consistent characteristic that distinguishes between Moenkhausia and Hemigrammus species.

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21- Saturniid moths (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidae) from an Atlantic Rain Forest fragment in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Fabiano F. Albertoni, Carlos G.C. Mielke and Marcelo Duarte

The light-attracted silk moths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) of the Boraceia Biological Station in the municipality of Salesópolis, state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil have been sampled over more than seven decades - from 1942 to 2013. A total of 133 species belonging to five subfamilies and 46 genera were identified. The importance of long-term surveys and lists of species to increase the knowledge and understanding of Brazilian biodiversity is emphasized.

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22- First record of the invasive tapeworm, Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Pseudophyllidea; Bothriocephalidae) in native freshwater fish, Brazil
Authors: Geovane A. de Souza, Victor O.  Moresca, Gustavo M. Teixeira, Fernando C.  Jerep and Aline Aguiar

Schyzocotyle acheilognathiare a tapeworm cestode commonly found in native freshwater fishes from Asia. This cestode parasites more than 200 cultured and wild fish species, besides several tetrapods including humans. In South America, Schyzocotyle were reported in Cyprinus carpio from a Brazilian fish farm, northern Paraná State and from the natural environment in C. carpio from Neuquen River, Argentina. However, there is no report of this parasite in South American native fishes. Herein, we present the first occurrence of the invasive tapeworm S. acheilognathi in Rineloricaria pentamaculata (Siluriformes, Loricariidae), a native freshwater catfish from the southern of Brazil.

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23- The identity of the mysterious “Azara´s Parakeet” Sittace flaviventris Wagler, 1832
Author: Paul Smith

Wagler described Sittace flaviventris based on a written description by the Spanish naturalist Félix de Azara the No.276 “Maracaná cabeza y encuentro roxos”. However the identity of the bird has remained a mystery ever since. Based on a tail-less domestic individual, most authors have considered it an aberrant Aratinga parakeet, and it is currently considered a doubtful taxon.  Following a careful review, the identity of “Azara’s Parakeet” is confirmed as Red-spectacled Amazon Amazona pretrei (Temminck, 1830), a species that still occurs today in the region from where Azara described it. Sittace flaviventris is thus a junior synonym of Amazona pretrei.

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24- Nanoencapsulated Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil exerts anesthetic effects in the brachyuran crab Neohelice granulata
Authors: Carine F. Souza, Tábata Lima, Matheus D. Baldissera, Márcio A. Geihs, Fábio E. Maciel, Luiz E.M. Nery, Roberto C.V. Santos, Renata P. Raffin, Berta M. Heinzmann, Braulio O. Caron and Bernardo Baldisserotto

Our study is innovative and aimed to find an ideal anesthetic for the crab Neohelice granulata. After numerous attempts, we found that the behavior terpinen-4-ol and the essential oil of nanoencapsulated Melaleuca alternifolia were able to cause a rapid anesthetic effect in the animal. In addition, the compound eugenol, among other essential oils tested may be used for euthanasia. In this way, we have been able to find a way to minimize the suffering of the animal, since it is often used as an experimental model in research, contributing to animal welfare.

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25- Acanthagrion marinae sp. nov. (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae): a new species of the apicale group
Authors: Federico Lozano and Marciel E. Rodrigues

The Odonata, commonly known as dragonflies and damselflies, are conspicuous freshwater insects which can be found in a wide variety of habitats. Due to its size and beauty they have received attention from scientists and amateurs. The Neotropical region is highly diverse with more than 1,700 species described; however, many more are yet to be discovered. In this contribution, we describe a new species, Acanthagrion marinae, based on male specimens found in the Veredas (palm swamps) of Mato Grosso do Sul and one male from Paraguay. This species can be easily identified by the morphology of the genital ligula.

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26- Mutations in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene have no influence on the distinct patterns of melanic plumage found in the manakins of the genus Antilophia (Aves: Pipridae)
Authors: Leilton W. Luna, Weber A. Girão e Silva, Juliana Araripe, Isadora T.F. Pereira, Fernando M. D´Horta, Iracilda Sampaio, Horacio Schneider and Péricles S. do Rêgo

The MC1R gene is a widely-used marker for the investigation of the genetic determination of melanic plumage patterns. The genus Antilophia (Pipridae) includes only two species, where A. galeata has a black plumage, while A. bokermanni is predominantly white. This study investigates the possible association between mutations of the MC1R and the variation in plumage coloration observed in the two species. Concluding that the complete absence of any systematic association between the MC1R's variants and plumage coloration in the Antilophia species suggest that alternative mechanisms regulate the expression of the coloration of the plumage in these species.

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27-Hypoglycemic property of triterpenoid saponin PFS isolated from Polyscias fruticosa leaves
Authors: Nguyen Thi Luyen, Nguyen Hai Dang, Phung Thi Xuan Binh, Nguyen Thi Hai and Nguyen Tien Dat

Postprandial hyperglycemia is an important target in type 2 diabetes treatment. Polyscias fruticosa has been used in Vietnam for food and medicinal purposes. The saponin 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (PFS) was isolated as a main compound from the leaves of Polyscias fruticosa. PFS strongly inhibited the digestive enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase.  PFS at 100 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased the postprandial blood glucose level in mice fed a high-sucrose diet. These results suggest that the saponin PFS can be used to prevent and treat diabetes and its complications.

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28- Structural characterization of vegetative organs of the endangered Brazilian native species Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling
Authors: Carlos G. Pinheiro, João Marcelo S. de Oliveira and Berta M. Heinzmann

This study describes the structural characterization of Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling. vegetative organs. Plant material were collected from a population located in Santo Antão, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The leaf blade, petiole and stem present glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Phenolic idioblasts were found in the cortical region of plant root. Great amount of apparently two different crystals were detected in all organs. Once little information is known on the structural characterization of Hesperozygis, the information obtained may be used to distinguish characters of taxa and can help understand the species survival in its occurrence sites.

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29- Occurrence and characterization of entomogenic galls in an area of Cerrado sensu stricto and Gallery forest of the state of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Aparecida Ravene F. da Silva, Ravena M. Nogueira, Elaine C. Costa, Sheila P. Carvalho-Fernandes and Juliana Santos-Silva

We surveyed galls in an area of Cerrado and Gallery forest in Caetité to contribute to current knowledge of the local flora and its associated gall-inducing insects. A total of 63 gall morphotypes were identified on 47 host plant species belonging to 22 families; 17 morphotypes were found in the Gallery forest and 46 in Cerrado vegetation. Most galls were observed on leaves and stems. They were mostly green or brown, with globoid shapes, and were unilocular, glabrous and isolated. Cecidomyiidae were the principal gall-inducing insects. Nine plant taxa were recorded for the first time as hosts of galling fauna.

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30- Contulma vascaina sp. n. (Insecta: Trichoptera: Anomalopsychidae), a new species from Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil
Author: Leandro L. Dumas

This work describes a new Brazilian species of Contulma Flint, 1969 (Trichoptera: Anomalopsychidae), a Neotropical caddisfly genus comprising 30 species described from Costa Rica, the Andes from Colombia to Chile, and mountainous areas of Southeastern Brazil. Species within this genus seem to display patterns of local endemism, being rarely collected with light traps. The vast majority of species have been describe based on few specimens. So, it is an important contribution to the knowledge of Trichoptera taxonomy, providing greater understanding of these rare caddisfly species. The manuscript presents descriptions and illustrations of male and female, something uncommon in caddisfly taxonomy.  

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31- Brazilian fruit processing, wastes as a source of lipase and other biotechnological products: a review
Authors: Clarissa H. Okino-Delgado, Débora Z. Prado and Luciana F. Fleuri

Brazil has been investing in researches to turn its wastes into byproducts, as biomolecules of high value such as lipases, aiming at solving food loss and waste issues. Until now, just one lipase from plant source is characterized and commercialized, thus, the aim of the present study is to discuss the potential of wastes generated by the Brazilian fruit processing for lipases production, aiming the biorefinery concept.  In conclusion, orange, mango, papaya and palm are the most promising crops for direct lipase obtainment, due to characteristics inherent to the fruit, absence of inhibitory lipases compounds and mild temperatures of processing.

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32- Light environment influences the flood tolerance in Cordia americana (L.) Gottschling & J.S.Mill.
Authors: Caroline G. Samojeden, Ághata C. Artusi, Heliur A.A. Delevatti, Silvia V. Milesi, Rogério L. Cansian, Camila Kissmann and Tanise L. Sausen

The objective of this work was to evaluate the responses of Cordia americana to different light intensities combined with soil flooding. Seedlings were acclimated to two light treatments. Sun and shade plants were subjected to soil flooding during periods of 10 (short) and 30 (longer) days. Periods of short flooding, characterized in subtropical forests as from 5 to 15 days, favor the growth of shade plants and the roots sugar accumulation, fact that can explain the species distribution. However, long periods of flooding may be associated with light environment plasticity and associated with the ability to maintain the sugar content.

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33- Production of lipolytic enzymes by bacteria isolated from biological effluent treatment systems
Authors: Graciane furini, Jussara S. Berger, José A.M. Campos, Sueli T. Van Der Sand and José C. Germani

This work aimed to evaluate the production of lipolytic complexes, produced by microorganisms isolated from a biological treatment system of effluents from a hotel’s restaurant. Results showed 22 isolates lipase producers. The strain that showed the best result in the first screen was assayed in submerged culture using an orbital shaker and a bioreactor, with three different substrates (olive oil, grape seed oil, and canola oil). The results obtained in the bioreactor were much higher than the ones observed in the shaker with an improvement of 253.90% for olive oil, 311.5% for grape seed oil and 440.5% for canola oil.

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34- A new species of Microtetrameres (Nematoda, Tetrameridae) parasitizing Buteogallus urubitinga (Aves, Accipitridae) from northeastern Argentina
Authors: Mariano Dueñas Díaz, Fabiana B. Drago and Verónica Núñez

A new nematode species, Microtetrameres urubitinga n. sp. (Tetrameridae), is described parasitizing the great black-hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga (Accipitridae), from Argentina. Females of Microtetrameres spp. are spirally coiled and embedded in the gastric glands, with the tails directed towards the lumen of proventriculus, where filiform males move about freely. Females of M. urubitinga have a tail with a cuticular fold and males have spicules unequal and dissimilar, asymmetric caudal papillae and cloacal lips highly protruded. The low prevalence found of M. urubitinga (17%) would indicate the occasional ingestion of insects (intermediate hosts of Microtetrameres), since B. urubitinga mainly preys on vertebrates.

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35- Immunophenotyping lymphocyte and acute phase proteins in canine X-linked muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dilayla K. de Abreu, Janaina M. Monteiro, Carolina C. Souza, Rafael G. Karam, Renata A. Fernandes, Thais B. Lessa, José J. Fagliari, Maria Angelica Miglino and Carlos Eduardo Ambrosio

The Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy model (GRMD) is consider the most suitable for several studies in muscular dystrophy. This assay aims to quantify lymphocyte subpopulations CD4, CD5, and CD8, and standardizing, the serum electrophoretic profile, in normal Golden Retriever dogs and dystrophy’s ones, through the umbilical cord blood, in dogs aged from 2 to 3 months and in dogs over 1 year of age. We show the expression of acute phase proteins are worst during the aging of the dogs. We hope to expand knowledge to better understand the GRMD model and the translational data.

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36- Tracking atmospheric dispersion of metals in Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan region (Brazil) with epiphytes as bioindicators
Authors: Aguinaldo N. Marques Junior, Douglas P. Panetto, Fernando Lamego, Felipe O. Nepomuceno, Fabrice Monna, Remi Losno and Rodrigue Guillon

The goal was evaluating the atmospheric dispersion of metallic elements in the atmosphere of the metropolitan region of the Rio de Janeiro City using epiphytes as bioindicators. The bromeliad Tillandsia usneoides and the lichen Parmotrema crinitum were linked to Na and Pb atmospheric levels, respectively. These patterns were associated with the mesoscale atmospheric circulation regime, in which, during the arrival of cold fronts, air masses from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro are transported towards the mountainous region of Teresópolis, which acts as a barrier to the dispersion of pollutants.

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37- Ongoing quiescence in the Borborema Plateau Plague focus (Paraiba, Brazil)
Authors: Caio G. Zeppelini, Alzira M.P. de Almeida and Pedro Cordeiro-Estrela

Plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis still an active zoonosis with thousands of cases per year and a complex biological cycle involving sylvatic and synanthropic small mammals. The Plague foci can remain inactive during long periods of time, a phenomenon called quiescence, thus demanding constant monitoring to detect activity and prevent outbreaks. This paper is an investigation on the small mammal fauna of two localities within the Borborema Plateau Plague Focus, place of the last outbreak in Brazil. The results of the investigation confirm the quiescence period in the Borborema Plateau focus.

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38- Description of the final instar larva of Argia serva Hagen in Selys, 1865 (Odonata Coenagrionidae)
Authors: Alejandro Del Palacio, Federico Lozano and Javier Muzón

In this contribution, the final stadium larva of Argia serva, the southernmost distributed species of Argia, is described and diagnosed based on reared material from Martín García sland, Buenos Aires, Argentina. A key to the known larvae of Argia of the Southern Cone is provided.

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39- New records of the rare Troschel’s Pampas Snake, Phimophis guianensis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Brazil
Authors: Omar M. Entiauspe-Neto, Weverton S. Azevedo, Valquiria O. Pereira,  Arthur D. Abegg, Anderson M. Rocha and Daniel Loebmann

The Troschel’s Pampas Snake, Phimophis guianensis (Troschel, 1848), is widely distributed in Amazonian Savannas at northern South America and a small portion of southern Central America, being recorded to Brazil based on three historical records, that ranged from 1997 to 2002, in Amapá and Pará states. In this study, we revise all known records of P. guianensis, providing an updated distribution map, and the first record to Roraima state.

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40- The family Phoxocephalopsidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Brazilian coastal waters with description of four new species
Authors: Priscila S. do Nascimento and Cristiana S. Serejo

The present study describes four new species of amphipods of the family Phoxocephalopsidae for Brazilian coast. This crustaceans with fossorial habit are common in the sediment of marine environments. Phoxocephalopsids are endemic to the Southern Hemisphere, but previous records to the Brazilian coast are limited to Phoxocephalopsis zimmeri Schellenberg, 1931.Phoxocephalopsis ruffoi sp. nov. had been misidentified as P. zimmeri since its first discover by Ruffo in 1956. The genus Puelche, previously monotypic, has now other three new species: Puelche irenae sp. nov.; Puelche longidactylus sp. nov.; Puelche mourae sp. nov. A key to Phoxocephalopsidae species from Brazil is provided.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

41- Physicochemical quality profiles of commercial oral tablets and capsules containing lutein – impact of insufficient specific sanitary regulations
Authors: Carina de S. Anselmo, Thamara C. Mendes, Lucio M. Cabral and Valéria P. de Sousa

In Brazil, dietary supplements are registered as food and in the US do not require registration. In the present study, quality control tests, which are necessary to ensure formulation effectiveness, were carried out on tablet and capsules containing lutein, a carotenoid with antioxidant activity. It was selected formulations currently being marketed in the Brazilian and American markets. None of the formulations studied were found to be of satisfactory quality. Some formulations had no-significant available lutein content and the capsules had alarmingly negative dissolution results. The low physicochemical performance in these formulations can be explained by the lack of specific regulations.

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42- New technique of intragastric sleeve: viability and survival in a pig model
Authors: Mariana S. Ribeiro, Ricardo P.A.S. Zorrón, Saulo José Q. Silva,  Silvia M.R. Cadena,   Fernanda Antunes, Marcelo B. dos Santos Junior, Luciana M. Mello, Haroldo José S. Igreja Júnior, Vilson L.  Batista, Jussara P. Scheffer and André L.A. Oliveira

The relevance was the use of intragastric sutures by single port access to reduce de stomach volume and food intake. This new technique is a variant of gastric sleeve that aims to minimize cost, increase public access, be less invasive and practical. The study consists to test the intragastric single port sleeve by endoplication in pigs, as this experimental model has a similar gastric system when compare to humans. Such assessments have not yet been reported in vivo. The results could demonstrate a safe technique, with acceptable technical  and reproducible viability, with short procedure time, without intra and postoperative complications.

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43- Glucocorticoid susceptibility and in vivo ABCB1 activity differ in murine B cell subsets
Authors: Kelli M. da Costa, Raphael C. Valente, Joyle M.C. da Silva, Luciana S. de Paiva and Vivian M. Rumjanek

Hydrocortisone is well known for its immunosuppressive effects, however little is known about its effects on B cell differentiation. ABCB1 is a transporter that modulates the gradient of various hormones, including hydrocortisone/cortisol. Three daily injections of hydrocortisone reduced the number of most B cell subpopulations, being their differentiation inversely related to susceptibility to hydrocortisone. In general, B cell subpopulations exhibited in vivo ABCB1 activity. However, hydrocortisone treatment did not affect ABCB1 activity in most subpopulations analyzed. ABCB1 is finely regulated during the B cell differentiation although its efflux activity is not related to resistance to this glucocorticoid.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

44- L-carnitine supplementation in the recovery of plasma L-carnitine in patients with heart failure submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Wanise M. Souza Cruz, Sheila M.S. Guimarães, Gabrielle C. Maciel,  Ana Beatriz A. Huguenin,  Monicque E.M. de Carvalho, Bárbara O. Costa, Geisiane A.  da Silva, Alexandre S. Colafranceschi, Fernanda B. Scalco and Marcia Ribeiro

The heart depends on the great production of energy through the oxidation of the fatty acid, to maintain adequate electrical and mechanical activities. L-carnitine is important in the oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria. Reduction of plasma L-carnitine may compromise cardiac bioenergetics and is associated with decompensation and progression of heart failure. Myocardial revascularization surgery promotes oxidative stress, reduces plasma L-carnitine and this may compromise the heart's energy efficiency. A recommended daily dose for L-carnitine is still under study. We have shown that the supplementation of L-carnitine at the daily dose of 50mg / kg recovered the pre-operative plasma L-carnitine.

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45- Methodological description and preliminary results of a cohort study on the influence of the first 1,000 days of life on the children’s future health
Authors: Jefferson Traebert, Sandra E. Lunardelli, Luiz G.T. Martins, Karoliny dos Santos, Rodrigo D. Nunes, Abelardo N. Lunardelli and Eliane Traebert

This article describes general and methodological characteristics of a cohort study in southern Brazil aimed at understanding the impact of the first 1,000 days of life on children’s health. During this period, biological, behavioral and socioeconomic factors may influence children’s growth and development and may cause future damage or benefits for their health. The findings of such a study may provide useful information for development of public policies directed to improving health conditions and quality of life of the population.

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46- Spray-dried porcine plasma added to diets contaminated with aflatoxins and fumonisins shows beneficial effects to piglet health
Authors: Lucieli K. F. Müller, Diovani Paiano, Nathieli B. Bottari, Janio M. Santurio, Aline Zampar, Maria R.C. Schetinger, Régis A. Zanette, Ricardo E. Mendes, Eduardo M. Gloria, Matheus D. Baldissera and Aleksandro S. da Silva

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by filamentous fungi that challenge pigs in the most diverse production cycle stages. Mycotoxins induced oxidative stress in piglets. The effect of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on mycotoxin contamination diet was tested. SDPP minimized the mycotoxin-induced oxidative stress, and improved protein levels use by the piglets. SDPP had beneficial effects for the production system and health of the litters, protecting against the negative effects of the mycotoxin present in the diet.

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47- Cohort study of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic young adults: subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary calcium score
Authors: Sadi Poletto, Paulo R. Schvartzman, Neide M.  Bruscato and Emilio Moriguchi

Detectable coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an important marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. A cohort of 155 asymptomatic young adults < 45 years, followed-up from 1999-2016, was assessed with a coronary calcium score in 2016. Over 17 years, there was only one case of nonzero CAC score in a man. His 75th percentile for age and sex indicated an aggravating factor for coronary artery disease and high risk of clinical events in 2-5 years. An important finding was the reduction in HDL-C levels, with participants who gained 1 cm in waist circumference showing a mean reduction of 0.36 mg/dL in HDL-C.

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48- Dextran Sulphate of Sodium-induced colitis in mice: antihyperalgesic effects of ethanolic extract of Citrus reticulata and potential damage to the central nervous system
Authors: Alexandre S. Hilel, Bruna Gysemans, Maria E.M. Lisbôa, Ana C. Heymanns, Viviane Freiberger, Letícia Ventura, Rachel F. Magnago, Clarissa M. Comim, Verônica Horewics, Daniel F. Martins, Franciane Bobinski and Anna P. Piovezan

Citrus genus is one of the most important crops worldwide and its peels are rich in compounds with antioxidant and analgesic properties. We evaluated the effects of ethanolic extract from peels of mature Citrus reticulata Blanco (EECR) on the mechanical hyperalgesia in DSS-induced colitis mice, as well as the oxidative damage in different brain regions caused by intestinal inflammation. EECR treatment reduced hyperalgesia in animals subjected to colitis, while lipid peroxidation or carbonyl proteins were augmented in these animals. These results indicated an antihyperalgesic effect for EECR and a potential impairment of the central nervous system functioning caused during colitis.

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49- Accuracy of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin A of saliva in early diagnosis of dengue: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tamy Colonetti, Belise V.E. Rocha, Antônio J. Grande, Maria C.M. Alexandre, Eduardo R. Dondossola, Kristian Madeira and Maria I. Rosa

Dengue fever is a viral disease with higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical countries.New rapid tests are being developed, but attention must be paid in its accuracy with gold standard tests. We have assessed and presented the best available evidence for use of the Saliva (IgM and IgA) in Dengue diagnosis.  The accuracy of IgM in the saliva for dengue diagnosis was greater than IgA, however salivary IgA presents high specificity demonstrating to be an important test to early Dengue diagnosis, being easy to collect data.

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50- Establishment of an environmental  microbiological monitoring program in a mice barrier facility
Authors: Geraldine Schlapp, Gabriel Fernández-Graña, Ana Paula Arévalo and  Martina Crispo

The aim of this work was to evaluate the results and the efficiency of an environmental microbiological monitoring program implemented at our SPF mouse facility, based in sedimentation and swabbing, after seven years. The median for bacteria and fungi in sampled areas was ≤2CFU/2h for settle plates and <1CFU/swabbing plate, satisfying the requirements for grade C of EU-GMP, with some modifications. Our program was useful to define a safe range of microbiological counts. Mice SPF status was maintained throughout this study, confirmed by our Health Monitoring program. This work could encourage mouse facilities staff to implement this kind of program.

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51-Hibiscus acetosella extract protects against alkylating agent-induced DNA damage in mice
Authors: Thais C. Vilela, Daniela D. Leffa, Adriani P. Damiani, Daiane Dal Col  Damazio, Aline V. Manenti, Tiago José G.  Carvalho, Fernanda  Ramlov, Patricia A. Amaral and Vanessa M. de Andrade

Hibiscus acetosella was shown to exert beneficial effects in humans and animal models however, the effects of this plant on DNA are unknown. This study shows that H. acetosella to have protective effects against the genotoxicity (through Comet Assay) and mutagenicity (through Micronucleus tests) induced by alkylating agents, probably due to the antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds. Besides, this protective effect appears to be dose dependent.  Thus, the results supported the utilization of this plant may have potential therapeutic interest and could justify their use in traditional medicine and local nutraceutical resources.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

52- Satellite Telemetry and Image Reception with Software Defined Radio Applied to Space Outreach Projects in Brazil
Authors: David Julian M. Peralta, Douglas S. dos Santos, Auro Tikami, Walter A. dos Santos and Edson W.R. Pereira

This work briefly presents the Software Defined Radio concept and approach for obtaining satellite telemetries and imagery in the context of different modulation schemes, link budget requirements and different satellites types. This can be adapted to other projects mainly those with a limited budget and outreach for major inclusion on space topics in Brazil. Two case studies are presented, firstly, the reception from the 1st Brazilian picosatellite, Tancredo-1 with software packages to pipeline and automate a ground station. Finally, a case was performed in order to receive NOAA class satellites imagery over VHF band and decoded by specific software freely available.

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53- Study of barium sulfate dissolution by scale dissolver based on solutions of DTPA
Authors: Geizila A.P. Abib, Georgiana F. da Cruz and Alexandre S.L. Vaz Junior

In offshore oil wells, the perform seawater injection often leads to sulfate salts formation due to chemical incompatibility between formation water and sea water. The barium sulfate (BaSO4) is the most problematic mineral scale and may cause many complications. In order to solve this issue, polycarboxylic acids, such as diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), are used. Thus, the primary focus of this work was to develop an experimental procedure to study the BaSO4 dissolution, initially through static tests to understand the relationship between dissolver concentration, temperature and dissolution time, and then through dynamic tests in sandstone reservoirs.

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54- Expanded perlite/cork fillers applied to aerospace insulation materials
Authors:  Juliano R.A. Pinto, Natalia B. Sanches, Milton F. Diniz, Régis S. Santos,  José I.S. de Oliveira and Rita de Cássia L. Dutra

On November 27, 2017, the Brazilian Supreme Court decided to prohibit the exploitation and commercialization of asbestos and the materials that contain it from all over the country, so that those who use it need an alternative. To adapt to the new determination, the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) and the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) conducted a research using a mixture of Expanded Perlite and Cork in Powder. After tests, this mixture shows satisfactory results that allow the replacement of asbestos in flexible thermal protections used in the combustion chambers of solid rocket engines.

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

55-The positive moderating effect of absorptive capacity on  R&D investment: the case of Argentina’s ict firms
Authors: Luis Felipe Agramunt and Juan M. Berbel-Pineda

This study has as referential framework on the successful international performance of the Argentinian TIC´s small firms. An empirical case which include almost 200 firms show how the efforts that these firms developed using outside knowledge, has improved their results in international markets. The absorptive capacity (ACAP) has an important role in that process. It includes all the internal resources that the firms has and that gave them the possibility to transform the external knowledge into a business opportunity (innovation). The external knowledge is particularly important for these firms because usually they don´t have the chance to create it by themselves.

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NOTE: The text of each article was provided by the authors.

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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