Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 40

AABC - Volume 92.2 - 2020

I am happy to introduce another issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC). A total of 60 articles are published here, mainly covering the fields of Biological (29) and Health Sciences (14), followed by Earth (7) and Engineering Sciences (7). Contributions in Chemical (2) and Biomedical Sciences (1) are also present.

As a general trend in the AABC, Biological Sciences continues being one of the leading fields. This issue presents studies varying from the influence of metal toxicity on benthic biota, resource partitioning in a snake assemblage, and criteria for the identification of priority areas regarding conservation of the Amazon forest.

Readers interested in Health Sciences will find studies on COVID-19, new perspectives on aging, and obesity. In Earth Sciences there are papers on the cerrado physiognomies, bioremediation in Amazon forest areas, and remote observations applied to environmental impact by agrarian reform in Brazil.

Lastly, I would like to call your attention on an interesting overview of electrochemical capacitors (Chemical Sciences).

Please keep in mind that since 2000, all papers published by this journal can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site. We also invite you to check on previous editions of the Newsletter 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

CHEMICAL SCIENCES

1- An Overview on the Development of Electrochemical Capacitors and Batteries – Part I
Authors: Vitor L. Martins, Herbert R. Neves, Ivonne E. Monje, Marina M. Leite, Paulo F.M. de Oliveira, Rodolfo M. Antoniassi, Susana Chauque, William G. Morais, Eduardo C. Melo, Thiago T. Obana, Breno L. Souza & Roberto M. Torresi

Electrochemical capacitors are a collection of energy storage devices that differ from batteries fundamentally on the physicochemical processes occurring during operation. These differences result in devices with different characteristics: higher power and longer cycle life but lower energy density when compared to batteries. This review discusses those differences, considering past reports and important achievements within the different electrochemical capacitors, as double-layer capacitors and pseudocapacitive materials. Moreover, synthetic strategies to obtain nanostructured materials for electrochemical energy storage devices is discussed.

 Read here

2- An Overview on the Development of Electrochemical Capacitors and Batteries – part II
Authors: Vitor L. Martins, Herbert R. Neves, Ivonne E. Monje, Marina M. Leite, Paulo F.M. de Oliveira, Rodolfo M. Antoniassi, Susana Chauque, William G. Morais, Eduardo C. Melo, Thiago T. Obana, Breno L. Souza & Roberto M. Torresi

Rechargeable batteries gained a lot of attention recently due to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019 being awarded to Goodenough, Whittingham and Yoshino for their contribution on the development of the lithium-ion battery. In this review, the advances behind the success of rechargeable batteries are revised from fundamental aspects to new chemistry that can enhance energy density, as lithium-sulfur and lithium-air. Alternatives, as sodium-ion batteries are also covered. A general perspective is given facing the strategies to obtain new materials in order to achieve better and safer electrochemical energy storage devices.

 Read here

EARTH SCIENCES

3- Characterization of volcanic structures associated to the silicic magmatism of the Paraná-Etendeka Province, in the Aparados da Serra region, southern Brazil
Authors:  Susana Benites, Carlos A. Sommer, Evandro F. de Lima, Jairo F. Savian, Mauricio B. Hagg, Thiago R. Moncinhatto & Ricardo I.F. da Trindade

The Paraná-Etendeka Magmatic Province represents one of the largest volcanic episodes of the world. Geomorphological features observed in the silicic portion in the Aparados da Serra region, southern Brazil, were studied through remote sensing, geophysical data, petrography and geochemistry. Two geomorphological units correspond to silicic lava flows linked to effusive fissure eruptions, presenting a dome morphology explained by differential erosion. One unit may correspond to volcanic domes and the other one may correspond to the feeder dikes.

 Read here

4- Remote observations with images from landsat satellites to determine the environmental impact of agrarian reform in the Brazilian Midwest between 2004 and 2014
Authors: Alencar G. Bacarji, Olivier F. Vilpoux & Antonio C. Paranhos Filho

This paper explores the evolution of land use and environmental preservation in the settlements of agrarian reform in the Midwest region of Brazil. The remote observation allowed the estimation of the evolution of forests and savannah percentages in the settlements of the different Midwest states, verifying compliance with the Brazilian environmental legislation. In parallel, a field research allowed the verification of the conditions of the environmental reserves and of the production areas in these settlements, complementing the remote observation. Based on this analysis, the impact of agrarian reform on environmental preservation in this region was evaluated.

 Read here

5- Fish Assemblages in Pampean Streams (Buenos Aires, Argentina): Relationship to Abiotic and Anthropic Variables
Authors: Ariel Paracampo, Natalia Marrochi, Ignacio García, Tomás Maiztegui, Pedro Carriquiriborde, Carlos Bonetto & Hernán Mugni

We study the effect of natural and anthropic environmental variables on the fish assemblages in the pampean streams, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Streams running through land used by industry and urbanization were characterized by impoverished water quality, and lower species richness and abundance of fish. The streams surrounded by land devoted to livestock breeding evidenced good water quality and fish assemblages that were characterized by a higher species richness and abundance. The evidence garnered in our study suggests that a deterioration in water quality is the cause of the observed impoverishment of fish assemblages in the urban pampean streams.

 Read here

6- Hydrological modelling in small ungauged catchments
Authors: Ulisses B. Comini, Demetrius David da Dilva, Michel C. Moreira & Fernando F. Pruski

The knowledge of low flows in small ungauged basins in Brazil is one of the greatest limitations to the efficient management of water resources, especially, in droughts and water supply shortages periods. We used a rainfall-runoff model (Silveira Method - SM) to estimate flow rates during the dry season in a small basin with few data located in Minas Gerais (Brazil). Results showed that the model simulates flows closer to the observed values than the overestimated results of existent regionalization studies and water grants. This result showed the capacity of SM for the evaluation of water potential in small basins.

 Read here

7- Oil Bioremediation in a Tropical Contaminated Soil Using a Reactor
Authors: Catalina Trejos-Delgado, Gloria E. Cadavid-Restrepo, Angelina Hormaza-Anaguano, Edison A. Agudelo, Leonardo Barrios-Ziolo, Juan Carlos Loaiza-Usuga & Santiago A. Cardona-Gallo

This bioremediation research was developed in a Colombian Amazon forest area to promote the accelerated decomposition of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in oil spills. The objective of this research is to assess the effect of a surfactant in the TPH degradation under aerobic conditions in the laboratory and pilot-scale. The results for a Leonardite and Tween®80 (1.5 g /L)at pilot-scale is 21% higher than natural attenuation. Bioremediation strategies improved the natural degradation processthrough increased CO₂ production; which is bigger with the addition of co-substrate (compost), that favored microbiota increase result in 76% of contaminant degradation in 60d.

 Read here

8- Climatological aspects and changes in temperature and precipitation extremes in Viçosa-Minas Gerais
Authors: Alvaro Avila-Diaz, Flávio Justino, Douglas S. Lindemann, Jackson M. Rodrigues & Gabriela Regina Ferreira

Extreme climatic events such as floods and droughts have caused serious problems in Brazilian cities, leading to losses of life. Viçosa is a densely populated medium-sized city located in Southeastern Brazil. Therefore, the investigation of climate extremes is vital. The present study identified an increasing number of hot days and a reduction in cold nights. An increase in the number of days with torrential rains in summer, but decreased number of consecutive days without rain in winter, as found, can lead Viçosa to a shortage of water in winter and floods in summer.

 Read here

9- Cerrado physiognomies in Chapada das Mesas National Park (Maranhão, Brazil) revealed by patterns of floristic similarity and relationships in a transition zone
Authors: Raysa Valéria C. Saraiva, Léo V. Leonel, Felipe F. dos Reis, Fábio A.M.M.A. Figueiredo, Fabrício de O. Reis, José Roberto P. de Sousa, Francisca Helena Muniz & Tiago M. Ferraz

The Chapada das Mesas National Park is a federal reserve located in the State of Maranhão, in an ecotonal region of the Brazilian Cerrado. Aiming to assess the influence of biogeographic patterns and support restoration actions for regions where information is scarce, we analyzed the floristic composition of savanna and forest Cerrado physiognomies. In addition to the Amazon, physiognomies had greater floristic connection with the Caatinga flora. The registration of endangered species and new occurrences contribute to updating of floristic data for the State of Maranhão, which contains one of the last continuous areas of Cerrado in Brazil.

 Read here

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

10- Taxonomic and non-taxonomic responses of benthic macroinvertebrates to metal toxicity in tropical reservoirs. The case of Cantareira Complex, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Frederico G.S. Beghelli, Maurício Cetra, Mercedes Marchese, Júlio César López-Dovál, André H. Rosa, Marcelo Luiz M. Pompêo & Viviane Moschini-Carlos

When considering freshwater environments, benthic macroinvertebrates are one of the most promising bio-indicators: they cannot escape from a stressing condition, they have great variety of tolerance to different natural and man-made conditions and are worldwide distributed. Researchers have focused on indexes responding mainly to sewage discharge or deforestation. In the present work we achieved specific responses to metal pollution that are usually related to industrial waste, garbage deposition and agrochemicals. Results from this work gives the bases to developing indexes for freshwater monitoring with benthic macroinvertebrates and highlight some ecological aspects of metal pollution in Cantareira Complex, São Paulo, Brazil.

 Read here

11- Effect of host and environment-related factors on fleas of the pichi, an armadillo from Argentina
Authors:  Maria Cecilia Ezquiaga, Tatiana A. Rios, Esteban A. Actis, Guillermo H. Cassini, Agustín M. Abba & Mariella Superina

In this work we study the flea community of a population of Zaedyus pichiy from Malargüe (southern Mendoza province, Argentina) and associate their presence and parasitism rates with the factors that influence them, such as host-related factors (age, sex, physical condition) and environment-related factors (seasonality and year). Intensities of fleas were higher in 2015, in juveniles, in males and in individuals with poor physical condition. The main explanatory variable was sampling year and this factor was directly associated with precipitation. The extreme environmental conditions during El Niño led to environmental changes that severely affected the life cycle of fleas.

 Read here

12- Resource partitioning in a snake assemblage from east-central Argentina
Authors: Diego O. Di Pietro, Jorge D. Williams, Mario R. Cabrera, Leandro Alcalde, Rodrigo Cajade & Federico P. Kacoliris

Two dimensions of the ecological niche (diet and habitat) of a snake assemblage from an endemic rich area in east-central Argentina, the Sierras de Ventania mountain chain, were analyzed. Our results supported the partitioning of the snake assemblage by both habitat use and diet into at least three functional groups. Consistent with previous work, diet was more important than habitat in explaining ecological niche partitioning of this snake assemblage. Our results showed that high overlap values of microhabitat use were compensated by low overlap values of the trophic niche dimension, thus matching the traditional complementary niches hypothesis.

 Read here

13- Modeling the potential distribution of Epiphyllum phyllanthus (L.) Haw. under future climate scenarios in the Caatinga biome
Authors: Arnóbio M.B. Cavalcante, Aryberg S. Duarte & Jean Pierre H.B. Ometto

The climate change projections for the Caatinga biome this century are for an increase in temperature and reduction in rainfall, leading to aridization. The objective of the study was to model the potential distribution of Epiphyllum phyllanthus, a cactus that is native to the Caatinga biome, to assess this species’ spatio-temporal response to these climate change. We used the MaxEnt algorithm and we considered the times 2050 and 2070 and the greenhouse gas scenarios RCP4.5/8.5. For all the scenarios considered, the models generated for 2050 and 2070 projected drastic contraction for the areas of potential occurrence of the species.

 Read here

14- Antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of selenium nanoparticles against murine eimeriosis
Authors: Abdulsalam Alkhudhayri, Esam M. Al-Shaebi, Mahmood A.A. Qasem, Mutee Murshed, Mohammed M. Mares, Saleh Al-Quraishy & Mohamed A. Dkhil

Recently, nanoparticles have been considered to be innovative antiparasitic agents. Eimeriosis is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Eimeria and infection affecting most animal species. In this study, we proved the antioxidant and the anti-apoptotic effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on eimeriosis induced by Eimeria papillata in mice. SeNPs was able to regulate the oxidative status in the infected mice through changing the level of glutathione, nitric oxide malondialdehyde and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase. In addition, the expression levels of the apoptotic markers Bax and caspase-3 were also regulated after treatment of mice with SeNPs.

 Read here

15- Ichthyoplankton community structure on the shelf break off northeastern Brazil
Authors: Jana R. Santana, Alejandro E.S.F. da Costa, Dóris Veleda, Silvia Helena L. Schwamborn, Paulo O. Mafalda Júnior & Ralf Schwamborn

Oceanographic features influence the early stages of fish to a high degree. We investigated the influence of continental shelf-slope gradient on the ichthyoplankton composition and distribution off Northeastern Brazil and found higher concentrations of fish eggs on the continental shelf, probably because of the North Brazil Undercurrent flux. Higher concentrations of larvae were found at night and could be associated with net avoidance. Larvae of neritic, demersal and pelagic fishes prevailed on the continental shelf, while larvae of oceanic, mesopelagic and bathypelagic fishes prevailed on the continental slope.

 Read here

16- Diversity and turnover in a rocky shore intertidal community of an upwelling region (Arraial do Cabo, Brazil)
Authors: Joel C. de Paula, Amanda C.S. Coração, Erick A.P. Lopes-Filho, Roberta P. Silva, Luciano N. dos Santos & Wanderson F. de Carvalho

The rocky shore intertidal community at Prainha Beach, Arraial do Cabo (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil), was sampled seasonally using photoquadrats. In the upper intertidal zone, the coverage was frequently dominated by invertebrates. Macroalgae always dominated the middle and lower zones, covering almost 100 % in both. The highest values of species diversity (H′), richness (S), and turnover rates were found during the transition from spring to summer, which coincided with the upwelling period. Based on community composition and diversity values, it’s possible to infer that the environment at this location is still healthy.

 Read here

17- Ecological risk assessment of glyphosate in surface water when it is used to control floating aquatic macrophytes
Authors: Marina Andrada Maria, Samuel R. Castro, Liséte C. Lange, Cláudia L.F. Siúves & Aylton Carlos Soares

We evaluated the ecological risk of glyphosate by its commercial formulation (Roundup Original®) used to control floating aquatic macrophytes. Exposure analysis and ecological effects were performed from microcosm studies. The risk characterization was performed based on the calculation of the risk quotient. The commercial formulation of glyphosate had high toxicity when it was assessed separately. On the other hand, ecotoxicological evaluation of water samples from microcosms did not present toxicity to any tested organisms, however, glyphosate application is recommended exclusively to water bodies that have the surface completely covered by macrophytes.

 Read here

18- Biodiversity of parasites found in the trahira, Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch, 1794), collected in the Batalha River, Tietê-Batalha drainage basin, SP, Brazil
Authors: Thayana Gião, Larissa S. Pelegrini, Rodney K. de Azevedo & Vanessa D. Abdallah

Eighty-one Hoplias malabaricus specimens were analised between 2014 and 2016 in two sampling points at Batalha River. A total of 29 metazoan parasites species were identified. Tylodelphys sp. presented the highest prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity. The abundance of Urocleidoides cuiabai and Bucephalidae gen. sp. exhibited significant positive correlations with host weight and length. For Contracaecum sp., a significant negative correlation was found between its abundance and host length and weight. The Sorensen similarity index (0.82) revealed that the parasitic diversity between the two streches is similar. Urocleidoides margolisi, Scleroductus sp. and Helobdella sp. are new parasitic records for H. malabaricus.

 Read here

19- Localization and distribution of CCK-8-, NPY-, Leu-ENK-, and Ghrelin- in the digestive tract of Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836)
Authors: Carlos E. Barrios, Juan José Santinón, Hugo A. Domitrovic, Sebastián Sánchez & David R. Hernández

This study describes the histological characteristics and endocrine cells (ECs) distribution of gastrointestinal tract of Prochilodus lineatus using specific antisera against cholecystokinin, -neuropeptide Y, -ghrelin and -leu-enkephalin. A large number of ECs immunoreactive to cholecystokinin and neuropeptide Y were recorded in the anterior, glandular and middle intestine; leu-enkephalin in the stomach and pyloric caeca, while ghrelin ECs were restricted to the glandular intestine. The results indicate that P. lineatus presents an ECs distribution pattern with species-specific particularities, possibly related to local signaling functions in order to achieve the correct digestion of the organisms found in the detritus.

 Read here

20- Tangential distribution of cell type and direction selectivity in monkey area MT
Authors: Antonia Cinira M. Diogo, Bruss Lima, Juliana G.M. Soares & Ricardo Gattass

We studied area MT using multi-electrode arrays to explore activity-dependent neuronal clustering. Responses were classified into four categories: Type-I (orientation selectivity orthogonal to the axis of motion), Type-II (orientation selectivity coaxial to the axis of motion), Type-DS (significant response to moving stimuli, but not to static stimuli) and Type-OS (significant orientation selectivity, but with no direction selectivity). Types I (34%), II (24%) and DS (32%) clusters are the most predominant and are associated with different stages of motion processing in MT. Type-OS clusters (9%) may be integrating motion and form processing. Unidirectional-Type I sites exhibited significant clustering.

 Read here

21- Antiplatelet and antibacterial activities of Essential Oils obtained from rhizomes and leaves of Hedychium coronarium J. Koening
Authors: Luis Guzmán, Luz S. Nerio, Whitney Venturini, Julyleth P.J. Macias, Wendy Donoso & Oscar Forero-Doria

Hedychium coronarium J. Koening is a perennial herb with fleshly aromatic rhizomes, used as food flavoring and seasoning, but also in traditional medicine for treatment of different illness, however, there are no information about the antiplatelet properties of essential oils from rhizomes (HCR) and leaves (HCL) of this herb, and no studies about the antibacterial activity have been carried out in the Colombian Amazon Region. The HCL essential oil (EO) showed antiaggregant activity when collagen was used and HCR EO showed a concentration-dependent activity against ADP and collagen, meanwhile only the HCR EO showed antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and S. aureus.

 Read here

22- Lecithochirium monticellii digenetic trematode parasites of Trichiurus lepturus (Actinopterygii) from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with notes on its taxonomy
Authors: Luma F. França, Marcelo Knoff, Michelle C.G. da Fonseca, Delir C. Gomes, Micheli S. Ferreira, Nilza N. Felizardo, Sérgio C. de São Clemente & Danuza P.B.G.  de Mattos

Sixty specimens of Trichiurus lepturus (Actinopterygii, Perciformes), cutlassfish, were collected from the municipalities of Niterói and Cabo Frio, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were necropsied for investigation of digenetic trematodes. Taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometric characters. The specimens of T. lepturus were parasitized with adult specimens of Lecithochirium monticellii. Parasite indices of prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, abundance, mean abundance, range of infection, and site of infection of parasites were evaluated. Notes on the taxonomy of the parasite were also included. This is the first report of L. monticellii parasitizing T. lepturus in Brazil.

 Read here

23- Involvement of redox status and the nuclear-related factor 2 in protecting against cadmium-induced renal injury with Sana Makki (Cassia senna L.) pre-treatment in male rats
Authors: Gadah Albasher, Tarfa Albrahim, Nada Aljarba, Raedah I. Alharbi, Nouf Alsultan, Jawaher Alsaiari & Humaira Rizwana

We investigated the potential defensive strategy of Sana Makki extract (SME) against Cd-induced in vivo nephrotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms. Male albino rats were used in a thirty days study comparing control, SME-treated, CdCl₂-treated, and combined SME and Cd treatment. Pre-treatment with SME significantly reduced serum kidney biomarkers (urea and creatinine), the concentration of renal KIM-1, and kidney index values. The combination of Cd and SME relieved the Cd-induced apoptotic damage by enhancing Bcl2 and suppressing Bax and Cas-3 levels in renal tissue. The data indicate that SME can counteract Cd-induced renal intoxication through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

 Read here

24- Hydrolysis of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) flour by Candida homilentoma strains: effects of pH and temperature using Central Composite Rotatable Design
Authors: Ana Letícia S. Coelho, Agelles A. Arraes, Thiago Lucas de Abreu-Lima & Solange Cristina Carreiro

We focused the study on the evaluation of culture parameters on the enzymatic hydrolysis of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam flour by Candida homilentoma strains. A 2-factor-5-level CCRD was used to evaluate the effect of pH and temperature on the hydrolysis process. For the S-47 strain, pH and both studied parameters were significant at 48 h and 96 h, respectively. Regarding S-81 strain, temperature was the only factor affecting the process, at 96 hours. The regression models were significant, and no lack of fit was observed for them.

 Read here

25- A new species of Cosmocercoides (Nematoda; Cosmocercidae) and other helminths in Leptodactylus latrans (Anura; Leptodactylidae) from Argentina
Authors: Regina Draghi, Fabiana B. Drago & Lía I. Lunaschi

In this study we describe a new species of nematode found parasitizing Leptodactylus latrans from Argentina. Cosmocercoides latrans n. sp. (Cosmocercidae) can be distinguished from their congeners by a combination of characters, among which stands out the number of rosette papillae, the lack of gubernaculum and the presence of lateral alae in both sexes. Additionally, seven previously known taxa of helminths are reported; Pseudoacanthocephalus cf. lutzi, Catadiscus uruguayensis, Rauschiella palmipedis, Aplectana hylambatis, Cosmocerca parva, Schrankiana sp. and Rhabdias elegans; providing literature records and information on distribution and host-parasite relationships.

 Read here

26- Evolutionary mechanisms for camouflage in Cladomorphus phyllinus (Phasmatodea): A reflection on the role of evidence for hypotheses proposition
Authors:  Dimitri Forero, Luiz Alexandre Campos, Valentina Castro-Huertas & Filipe M. Bianchi

In this reply, we call into question the validity of the conclusions made by Costa et al. (2019) over a new hypothesis for the camouflage of the walking-stick insect Cladomorphus phyllinus and the putative relation to the stink bug Supputius cincticeps. Our discussion approaches the lack of empirical and theoretical underpinnings to support that horizontal gene transfer could be a plausible mechanism to explain the twig aspect of this species of Phasmatodea. The morphological diversity of walking-stick insects is likely related to many complex evolutionary mechanisms.

 Read here

27- Antioxidant potential and chemical characterization of bioactive compounds from a medicinal plant Colebrokea oppositifolia Sm
Authors: Saiqa Ishtiaq, Uzma Hanif, Shabnum Shaheen, Saraj Bahadur, Iram Liaqat, Umer Farooq Awan, Memuna Ghafoor Shahid, Muhammad Shuaib, Wajid Zaman & Mehwish Meo

The fresh plant parts were subjected to the extraction of volatile chemical constituents by maceration using n-hexane as the menstruum. The resulting n-hexane fractions were purified and then subjected to GC-MS and FTIR analysis. In-vitro antioxidant abilities were evaluated by, DPPH, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content method against the standard solutions of (Gallic acid, Quercetin) as a positive control. The GC-MS analysis of leaves, stem and inflorescence showed the highest total of 100, components out of which 47 peaks were identified representing 67.64 % of the total oily fractions respectively. The FTIR spectrum indicated the presence of various functional groups. Leaves showed the highest antioxidant and total phenolic contents.

 Read here

28- Under the light: high prevalence of haemoparasites in lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from Central Amazonia revealed by microscopy
Authors: Amanda M. Picelli, Adriane C. Ramires, Gabriel S. Masseli, Felipe A.C. Pessoa, Lucio A. Viana & Igor L. Kaefer

Parasites are involved in important mechanisms that regulate wildlife populations and structure communities. However, knowledge about diversity of blood parasites in reptiles consists of few studies in Brazil. Here, we investigate the occurrence of haemoparasites in lizards from Central Amazonia. Our low-cost approach using light microscopy recorded a high prevalence and diversity of blood parasite taxa in a relatively small number of host species. This report is the first survey of haemoparasites in lizards from the study region and highlights the need to understand their impacts on hosts.

 Read here

29- Solanaceae diversity in South America and its distribution in Argentina
Authors: María Virginia Palchetti, Juan José Cantero & Gloria Estela Barboza

Solanaceae, the potato family, is one of the most diverse families in the Americas. We present an update on Solanaceae diversity in South America, and an analysis of its distribution and preliminary conservation assessments for endemics to Argentina. Solanaceae comprises 1611 species in South America. The highest diversity is in Peru, which, together with Ecuador, possesses more diversity than expected for the area; Chile and Brazil have the greatest percentage of endemic species. In Argentina, Chaco ecoregion hosts the highest number of taxa, and Monte ecoregion the largest number of endemic species. Twenty-eight endemic species from Argentina are threatened.

 Read here

30- Correlation profile of the heavy metal distribution in the Pontastacus leptodactylus tissues
Author: Şeyda Fikirdeşici-Ergen

Accumulation of metals in aquatic organisms is influenced by several factors including the presence of other metals. Therefore it is important to understand metal-metal(loid) interactions. This study shows that uncovering the effects of metal-metal interactions and their tendency to accumulate in the tissue is a requirement to improve our understanding of bioaccumulation, bio-monitoring studies.

 Read here

31- Natural products from some soil cyanobacterial extracts with potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities
Authors:  Saly F. Gheda & Gehan A. Ismail

Oscillatoria acuminata, Oscillatoria amphigranulata and Spirulina platensis methanolic extracts showed a potent antimicrobial activity. O. acuminata extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical-scavengers Similarly, O. acuminata extract revealed very strong cytotoxicity activity against HepG2 and HCT-116 cell lines and strong activity with MCF-7 cell lines. O. amphigranulata extract showed strong cytotoxicity with HepG2 and HCT-116 and moderate cytotoxicity for MCF-7 cell line. Whereas, S. platensis extract exhibited moderate cytotoxicity for all cell lines. The extracts activity might be attributed to a synergistic effect between their pronounced contents of fatty acids, alkaloids, phytol, hydrocarbons, phenolics and phthalates.

 Read here

32- Nineteenth century zootherapy in Benedictine monasteries of Brazil
Authors: Maria F.T. Medeiros & Rômulo R.N. Alves

This work provides a dialogical analysis of information retrieved from historical documents from the nineteenth century about the therapeutic use of animal species in Benedictine monasteries in Brazil and their contemporary medicinal applications. Cross-referencing of written codices from the nineteenth century Benedictine monasteries infirmaries was performed. Animal species provided 13 zootherapeutic resources, which were related to 17 therapeutic indications. Insects, birds and mammals concentrated the greatest number of pharmaceutical actions (37%, 32% and 16%). Such research is essential for a better scientific understanding of the history of medicine, focusing on how different cultures have contributed to the actual therapeutic practice.

 Read here

33- Are Fabaceae the principal super-hosts of galls in Brazil?
Authors:  Juliana Santos-Silva & Tainar J. Araújo

The Leguminosae are among the most highly valued plants throughout the world and one of the most diverse families of angiosperms in Brazil. We surveyed 60 scientific articles published between 1987 and 2018 to evaluate the representivity of the Leguminosae as hosts of galls in Brazil, and to gain a better understanding of the interactions between gall-inducing insects and plants. A total of 438 gall morphotypes were reported as being generated by gall-inducing insects on 178 host species belonging to five subfamilies. Leguminosae are the principal super-hosts in Brazil, aggregating evidences for the hypotheses of floristic richness and taxon size.

 Read here

34- Connectivity, spatial structure and the identification of priority areas for conservation of Belém area of endemism, Amazon
Authors: Rodrigo B. Castro, Jorge Luis G. Pereira, Marina Zanin & Ana L.K.M. Albernaz

The Belém Area of Endemism is facing unprecedented vulnerability due to the intensity of deforestation making urgent the development of conservation measures. Connect the remaining fragments of native vegetation, mainly the larger ones, is a key strategy to avoid the well know challenges of small and isolated populations. Despite the overall importance of large fragments, some of the medium and small-sized fragments are key to enable the species flow across northwest and southeast. Ensuring the protection of these fragments are fundamental to maintain the connectivity and minimize the biodiversity loss in the Belém Area of Endemism.

 Read here

35- Occurrence, residency patterns and habitat use of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus truncatus, on two Marine Protected Areas in Southeastern Brazil
Authors:  Rodrigo H. Tardin, Israel S. Maciel, Guilherme Maricato, Sheila M. Simão, Tatiana F. Maria & Maria Alice S. Alves

In this paper, we described the ecology and behavior of a transient population of bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus truncatus, recently considered as a distinct Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) in the Southwestern Atlantic in Cabo Frio region, Brazil. Bottlenose dolphin groups occurred more frequently on summer and winter months using preferentially the areas within the local Marine Protected Area, likely influenced by the upwelling phenomenon. In general, we observed dolphins more frequently travelling or searching for food in groups up to 120 individuals. An evident low recapture rate was observed, in which more than 90% of individuals were seen only once.

 Read here

36- Determination of antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of agro-waste peels
Authors: Syeda A.Z. Naqvi, Ali Irfan, Ameer F. Zahoor, Muhammad Zafar, Anum Maria, Amar J. Chand & Shomaila Ashfaq

Therapeutic potential of different natural agro wastes such as garlic, ginger, onion and potato peel extracts. Antimicrobial potential of these peels extracted were evaluated by screening against different bacterial and fungal strains. The FRAP, DPPH, ABTS/TEAC and TAC methods were used to determine the antioxidant potential of agro waste peels extracts. Ginger peel extracts exhibited the highest FRAP activity while garlic peel extracts exhibited the highest TAC activity. Overall, this study has unlocked the opportunity of the use of agro-waste in drug development for the treatment of various infectious diseases.

 Read here

37- Molecular characterization of the progenetic metacercariae Crocodilicola pseudostoma parasitizing Rhamdia quelen (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) in Brazil
Authors: Débora C. Negrelli, Diego H.M.D. Vieira, Vanessa D. Abdallah & Rodney K. Azevedo

We are publishing the manuscript entitled “Molecular characterization of the progenetic metacercariae Crocodilicola pseudostoma parasitizing Rhamdia quelen (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) in Brazil” in Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências. The basis of this study was morphological and molecular analysis of progenetic metacercariae of C. pseudostoma found in R. quelen, collaborating with the analysis of biodiversity of the state of São Paulo. This study shows the importance to researchers studying digenetic trematode parasites, because this is the first partial sequence of COI gene obtained from the specie C. pseudostoma in Brazil.

 Read here

38- Foraminiferal assemblage structure from Brazilian tropical urbanized beaches (~7°S)
Authors: Bruna M. Alves & Miodeli Nogueira Júnior

Foraminifera are diversified protists with ecological and bioindicator importance. Five urbanized tropical Brazilian beaches were sampled in this study in order to characterize the diversity and taphonomic structure of Foraminifera assemblages. A total of 69 foraminiferan species were found with predominance of dead tests (>90%). Two groups of beaches were found: one with higher abundances and ecological indexes, dominated by Ammonia tepida and Sorites marginalis, and white tests, associated with fine sand, sheltered-condition and low hydrodynamic energy. The other group was dominated by Quinqueloculina lamarckiana and brownish tests, associated with oceanic influence, medium and coarse sand and high hydrodynamic energy.

 Read here

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

39- Type 2 diabetes mellitus alters cardiac mitochondrial content and function in a non-obese mice model
Authors: Ainhoa R. de Yurre, Eduarda G.L. Martins, Micaela Lopez-Alarcon, Bruno Cabral, Narendra Vera, Jarlene A. Lopes, Antonio Galina, Christina M. Takiya, Rafael S. Lindoso, Adalberto Vieyra, Oscar C. Sáenz & Emiliano Medei

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased cardiac complications. Therefore, having study models in research laboratories that reflect these changes is of vital importance. Thus, the purpose of this work was to generate a new model for studying cardiac changes in animals that show characteristics similar to those observed in patients with type 2 diabetes, but without being obese. Our results show that the non-obese T2DM model developed here recapitulated metabolic changes and mitochondrial dysfunction, providing a useful model to further study the mechanisms underlying of these changes.

 Read here

HEALTH SCIENCES

40- Hancornia speciosa serum fraction latex stimulates the angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling processes
Authors: Patrícia L. D’Abadia, Elisa Flávia Luiz C. Bailão, Ruy S. Lino Júnior, Matheus Gabriel Oliveira, Vinicius B. Silva, Leandra A.R. Oliveira, Edemilson C. Conceição, Paulo Roberto Melo-Reis, Leonardo Luiz Borges, Pablo José Gonçalves & Luciane M. Almeida

Serum fraction of Hancornia speciosa latex has angiogenesis properties. Biological assays, biochemical characterization and computational simulations were performed in order to understand the contribution of this biomaterial in the wound healing process. Our results revealed weak antioxidant potential and absence of antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis identified chlorogenic acids (CGA) as the main compound of SE fraction. CGA bioactivity predictions identify different molecules associated with extracellular matrix remodeling. Docking simulations revealed the interactions between CGA and matrix metalloproteinase 2. In conclusion, SE latex fraction stimulates angiogenesis and may influence ECM remodeling. These properties may contribute to the wound healing process.

 Read here

41- COVID-19: therapeutic approaches description and discussion
Authors: Guilherme G. Trindade, Samyra M.C. Caxito, Alessandra Rejane E.O. Xavier, Mauro A.S. Xavier & Fabiana Brandão

In dealing with the new Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the world has not faced such extreme global fragility since the “Spanish flu” pandemic in 1918. The COVID-19 has disrupted global public health and changed economic paradigms. Drugs already used in a clinical setting have been tested as a new therapeutic approach, setting off a frenzy over the preliminary data. This work aims to compile and discuss the data published thus far. Despite the potential effects of some antivirals and antiparasitic against COVID-19, clinical studies must confirm real effectiveness. However, non-pharmacological approaches have proven to be the most efficient strategy to date.

 Read here

42- Aging: a New Perspective on an Old Issue
Author: Marcelo A. Mori

In this Review, Marcelo A. Mori gives an historical overview of the aging field, from Aristotle’s views to the newest discoveries on interventions that prolong lifespan and promote rejuvenation in animal models and potentially humans. He also states the importance of studying aging given the increasing number of elderly individuals, the diseases that are accompanied by aging and the burden which societies and individuals themselves have to carry to sustain the growing economical and public-health costs of an aged population. He concludes with his take on how the adipose tissue and small non-coding RNAs can be targeted to increase healthspan.

 Read here

43- Acute effects of expiratory positive pressure on autonomic cardiac modulation during spontaneous and slow deep breathing in COPD patients
Authors: Andréa L.G. da Silva, Cássia L. Goulart, Kamila M.K. Mansour, Guilherme D. Back, Ramona Cabiddu, Renata Trimer & Audrey Borghi-Silva

We are pleased to share our research paper with the scientific community.  The main aim of this research was to evaluate the acute effects of expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) on cardiac autonomic modulation in COPD patients during spontaneous breathing (SB) and slow deep breathing (DB). Our results showed that 5 cm H₂O EPAP during SB and slow DB can elicit an acute response, resulting in cardiac autonomic control improvement in moderate-to-very severe patients. This may contribute to the development of new tools in the clinical settings and its inclusion in pulmonary rehabilitation programs as an adjunct therapy for these subjects.

 Read here

44- Transdermal patches of lidocaine/ aspirin ionic liquid drug-loaded gelatin/ polyvinyl alcohol composite film prepared by freeze-thawed procedure
Authors: Pattwat Maneewattanapinyo, Alisa Yeesamun, Fueangfah Watthana, Kamon Panrat, Wiwat Pichayakorn & Jirapornchai Suksaeree

The 5 wt% lidocaine/aspirin ionic liquid drug-loaded gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol composite film using a freeze-thaw procedure and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics, in vitro drug release, and stability. Lidocaine/aspirin ionic liquid drugs can be prepared by an ion-pair reaction between the hydrochloride salts of lidocaine and sodium salt aspirins as anionic counterions. The transdermal patch could feasibly be used in pharmaceutical transdermal patches with good physicochemical properties. A chemical interaction between the drug and polymer base was not found. The patch controlled the drug release and showed good stability during the studied period of three months.

 Read here

45- Invert sugar induces glucose intolerance but does not cause injury to the pancreas nor permanent DNA damage in rats
Authors:  Patrícia Molz, Walter A. Molz, Danieli R. Dallemole, Luciana F.S. Santos, Mirian Salvador, Dennis B. Cruz, Daniel Prá & Silvia I.R. Franke

The high sugar content is linked to the induction of pre-diabetes. Therefore, we evaluated the effects, in rats, of the inverted sugar overload (32%), and analyzed the changes in obesity, glucose tolerance, pancreatic/hepatic histology and primary and permanent DNA damage. Inverted sugar is a sweetener widely used in the sugary food and beverage industry. After 17 weeks, inverted sugar induced effects similar to those found in humans with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome such as glucose tolerance and obesity, without affecting the functionality of the pancreas neither inducing oxidative stress nor permanent DNA damage.

 Read here

46- Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 3-to-10-year-old children: assessment of different cut-off criteria WHO-IOTF
Authors: Augusta Gama, Vítor Rosado-Marques, Aristides M. Machado-Rodrigues, Helena Nogueira, Isabel Mourão & Cristina Padez

This study compares the prevalence of overweight and obesity between the WHO-IOTF criteria.  A total of 17,277 children aged 3-10 years old were analysed. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were higher at WHO classification (19.8%-20.7%) than at IOTF classification (8.2%-16.1%, p<0.001). Agreement between the criteria were substantial for overweight (Kappa= 0.67, p<0.001) and moderate for obesity (Kappa= 0.47, p<0.001). The prevalences ratio for inequality between criteria were greater for boys than for girls and lesser for children aged 6-7 years than children aged 8-10 years old. The disparities between the two criteria and the higher overweight obesity prevalences highlight the needs to develop more studies.

 Read here

47- Brazilian Publication Profiles: Where and How Brazilian authors publish
Authors: Concepta M. McManus, Abilio A. Baeta Neves & Andrea Q. Maranhão

This paper looks at where Brazilian scientists publish their studies, as well as the impact and cost of publishing. Eighty-nine percent of papers published in Brazil are open access, compared with 21% of papers published abroad in hybrid journals, where the authors are more often opting for closed access.  Correlations were positive between the publishing cost and citation impact. Publishing patterns differ depending on the area of knowledge and Brazilian region. Stagnation or reduction in publications with international or industry collaboration, as well as in high impact open access journals may be the cause of a reduction in citation impact.

 Read here

48- Effects of grape juice, red wine and resveratrol on liver parameters of rat submitted high-fat diet
Authors: Teresa P. Bedê, Vanessa A. Jesuz, Vanessa R. Souza, Monique B. Elias, Felipe L. Oliveira, Juliana F. Dias, Anderson J. Teodoro & Vilma B. Azeredo

The Consumption of a high-fat diet is associated with increased body weight, metabolic changes, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, cell damage as well as chronic non-transmissible diseases involving various tissues such as the liver. This work evaluated the effect of grape juice, red wine and resveratrol in liver parameters of rats submitted to high-fat diet. Consumption of grape juice, even associated with a high-fat diet, represents a promising protection of the liver against cellular damage, but red wine further affects the tissue, and resveratrol alone was able to reduce damage but did not minimize cellular damage to the liver.

 Read here

49- In Silico studies of novel Sildenafil self-emulsifying drug delivery system absorption improvement for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Barbára A. Abrahim-Vieira, Alessandra M.T. de Souza, Rita C. Barros, Flávia A. do Carmo, Letícia C.L. de Abreu, Ronyson S.S. Moreira, Thiago S. Honório, Carlos R. Rodrigues, Valeria P. de Sousa & Lucio M. Cabral

Sildenafil was approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment but its oral administration shows pharmacokinetic problems. This work brings a novel drug delivery system called SEDDS (self-emulsifying drug delivery system) to improve oral absorption and to manage dosage of sildenafil. The safety of 2-pyrrolidone/isobutanol as a solvent in oral formulations was assessed in mice and no lethality was achieved in the placebo groups, suggesting it as safe excipient for humans. Subsequently, PBPK evaluation indicated that the sildenafil SEDDS droplet size influenced its bioavailability, enhancing drug oral absorption with the possibility to control drug dosage as they are liquid pharmaceutical formulations.

 Read here

50- High-saturated fatty meals with orange juice intake have subjective appetite sensations suppressed: Acute, postprandial study
Authors: Alessandra da Silva, Daniela Mayumi U.P. Rocha, Lilian L. Lopes, Josefina Bressan & Helen Hermana M. Hermsdorff

The study conducted was an acute, postprandial, and parallel, which aimed to evaluate the subjective appetite effects from different high-fat meals in healthy, adult women. After 5 hours from high-fat meal intake, we verified that the consumption of a high-saturated fatty (SFA) meal raised the prospective desire to eat something fatty, compared to a high-monounsaturated fatty (MUFA) meal. Additionally, when the high-SFA meal was accompanied by orange juice intake a reduced subjective area under the curve from appetite sensations and appetite score compared to a high-MUFA meal could be observed.

 Read here

51- Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extract inhibits hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette smoke-induced oxidative pulmonary damage
Authors: Fernanda D.M. Camara, Giulia S. Pedroso, Silvane S. Roman, Rogério M. Dallago, Alice T. Valduga, Bruna B. Fernandes, Eduardo B.B. Cunha, Paulo Cesar L. Silveira, Renata T. Nesi & Ricardo A. Pinho

Smoking is considered an important risk factor for the development of diseases and the chronic use of cigarettes leads to oxidative stress and promotes changes in lung structure. However, antioxidant supplementation has been strongly recommended for the treatment of tobacco-related diseases. In this study, we showed that exposure to hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette (HRC) smoke compromises the lung by promoting structural changes and increasing the oxidants levels. However, the treatment with yerba mate extract regulated the oxidative stress-reducing the harmful effects of HRC smoke exposure in the lungs. 

 Read here

52- Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Solidago microglossa (Arnica-brasileira) in vivo and its effects on PPARγ activity
Authors: Rityello S. Vogas, Mariana T.M. Pereira, Luiza S. Duarte, Mara J. Carneiro, Andrew F. Farsura, João Augusto M.M. Machado, Ingrid F. Costa, Mayara R.N. Tomé, Flora A. Milton, Francisco A.R. Neves, Marcio Adriano Andreo, Begoña Gimenez-Cassina Lopez, Alexandra Christine Helena F. Sawaya, Vinicius D’Ávila Bitencourt Pascoal & Aislan Cristina R.F. Pascoal

Solidago microglossa is used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional Brazilian medicine.  The ethanolic extract of flowers S. microglossa was evaluated and showed anti-inflammatory paw edema animal models and the extract activated PPARδ compared to the full agonist rosiglitazone and in a response-manner dose. It was possible to identify five compounds: quinic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, hyperosid, and rutin. We concluded that extract the flower of S. microglossa showed anti-inflammatory activity and the phenolic compounds present in this species might be responsible for this activity.

 Read here

53- Antiproliferative effect of guava fruit extracts in MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Mariana G. Correa, Jessica S. Couto, Bruno B. Trindade, Joel P. Abreu, Vania M. Nakajima, Felipe L. Oliveira, Adriana Farah & Anderson J. Teodoro

Cancer is a complex disease characterized by an increase in cell proliferation or a reduction in cell death or both. Currently, Brazil is the third world producer of guava fruit. Only a few studies have evaluated the anticarcinogenic effect of the pulp, especially in the case of breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the anticarcinogenic potential of guava cultivars pulp extracts in MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Results demonstrated that guava extracts, especially Pedro Sato, can play an important role in the reduction of cancer cells viability, regulation of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis.

 Read here

ENGINEERING SCIENCES

54- WMA: Wizard System Architecture for the execution of meta-analysis: A case study applied to verify the efficacy of fluquinconaole in the control of Asian soybean rust
Authors: Bruna R. Delazeri, Suelyn F. da Silva, Simone N. Matos, Alaine M. Guimarães & Marcelo G. Canteri

This paper presents the creation of a computer system, the WMA, which aims to simplify the execution of meta-analysis, providing a graphical interface and improves the display of the results through an interactive visualization using the Hierarchical Information Visualization Technique Bifocal Tree. The WMA proposed tool was applied in the agricultural area in a case study that grouped studies that used the fungicide fluquinconazole to combat the soybean rust disease.

 Read here

55- Kinetics of colour and texture changes of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) coated with chitosan during storage at low temperature
Authors:  Emine Nakilcioğlu-Taş & Semih Ötleş

Mushrooms have been consumed for centuries due to their nutritional and medical properties. The edible coatings can extend the shelf life of products by minimizing the change in their colour and textural properties. In this study, the effect of chitosan ratio used in edible coatings on colour and textural properties of button mushrooms during storage was determined by kinetic modelling and the formulation of edible coating, which best preserves both colour and texture of button mushrooms, was found to be 2%. This study presents valuable data to producers that can help meet the demand and expectations of consumers related to extending shelf life by preserving the colour and texture properties of mushrooms.

 Read here

56- Kinetic modelling of vitamin C losses in fresh citrus juices under different storage conditions
Authors:  Emine Nakilcioğlu-Taş & Semih Ötleş

The degradation kinetics of vitamin C in different citrus juice types were investigated during four hours of storage at temperatures of 4 and 25ºC under different conditions in terms of light and oxygen presence. The loss of vitamin C at each sample followed the first-order kinetic model. The  results indicated that the highest and lowest retentions of vitamin C were observed in orange and grapefruit juices respectively during storage. Additionally, storage time, light penetration and oxygen presence were the most effective factors on vitamin C degradation while the storage temperature revealed no significant effect on the vitamin C content.

 Read here

57- Reaction Mechanism of Magnesium in Roasting of Vanadium Slag LIU DONG
Authors: Liu Dong, Xue Xiangxin & Yang He

There are only few researches on the effect of elements in vanadium slag on vanadium extraction. The effects of magnesium on salt roasting have been investigated and a theoretical basis for vanadium extraction was provided in the article. In this paper, the best content of MgO is 1.65%.

 Read here

58- The use of DEA as a tool to evaluate public expenditure on education: an analysis of the cities of the state of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Tulio R.A. Mota & Lidia A. Meza

The cities of the State of Rio de Janeiro are in different stages of economic development and therefore, register different endowments of resources to build a quality public education. The aim of this article is to evaluate the efficiency of cities of the State of Rio de Janeiro in relation to municipal expenditures on education, as well as to identify the reasons that lead to inefficiency. This study uses DEA technique. This study concludes that the cities that displayed a good performance are located in the least economically developed regions and that teachers’ average salary is an important motivational factor.

 Read here

59- Bogdanov Map-based Permuted Double Image Encryption
Authors:  Subashini V. Janardhanan & Poornachandra Sanjeeva

The chaos-based image cryptosystem presented encompasses both the confusion and diffusion techniques. Bogdanov map is employed in scrambling of the image and dyadic transform is exercised to generate the key sequence meant for encryption. Encryption is done through XOR plus mod operation, where each pixel is encrypted based on the current pixel value and the encrypted value of the preceding pixel. The quality of the cipher image is assessed through plotting correlation distribution of adjacent pixels and by computing correlation coefficients, MSE, NPCR and UACI. The cryptosystem is simple, fast and secure with sufficiently large key space. This guarantees its use in real-time image transmission. 

 Read here

60- Time and energy reduction on grape dehydration by applying dipping solution on freeze drying process
Authors: Cicerón González-Toxqui, Alvaro González-Angeles, Roberto López-Avitia & Ismael Mendoza-Muñoz

The preservation for perishable products (meat, fish, fruits and vegetables) is very important. There are several ways for preserving products such as dehydrated, frozen, pickled and syrup. There are various methods of dehydration such as sun drying, hot air drying, spray drying, vacuum drying, lyophilization, hybrid methods among others. Freeze drying is one of the most widely used at the industrial level and also one of the most expensive. In this investigation was proposed to reduce the dehydration time on grapes, modifying freeze drying method with dry ice (CO₂) and applied coconut oil alkaline emulsion, getting a 54% energy saving.

 Read here

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

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
aabc@abc.org.br