Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 41

AABC - Volume 92 S2 - 2020

The present volume is dedicated to Biological Sciences, one of the areas that has shown the greatest submission rates to the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC). As usual, it is hard to select the highlights regarding the 56 papers published here.

Among the most interesting studies presented in this issue is one regarding the genetic variability of a medicinal plant found in the restinga ecosystem, which can help us to better assess questions related to conservation strategies of this coastal vegetation. There is also another paper that aims to explain the high rate of parasitic infection in a non-native fish species that was introduced in Brazil.

Other studies focus on a mass mortality of a giant freshwater bivalve and its implication concerning extreme climatic events, the chromosome diversity in several peanut species, the consequences of the aquatic invasions in estuarine habitats by bivalves in Rio de Janeiro, and the variation in the spring and summer ichthyoplankton assemblages in the Patagonian gulf.

Lastly, I would like to point out a study of the impact of publications in English - the lingua franca of science - on the metrics of journals published in Brazil that address biodiversity questions. For that matter, I would also like to suggest looking at the editorial, that provides a brief analysis regarding the overall contributions of papers of Biological Sciences to the metrics of the AABC.

Keep in mind that since 2000 all papers published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO site. Previous editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website and we invite you to check them out - there are several interesting papers that might help in your studies.

Please scroll through the text and click on the title of the articles that interest you!

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

1- Harvesting the cockle Leukoma  pectorina (Lamarck, 1818) on Algodoal-Maiandeua Island (Pará, Brazil): techniques, bio-ecology, and ethnoecological knowledge
Authors: Roseanne F. da Silva, Daiane Aviz, Carlos Augusto R. Cardoso & José S. Rosa Filho

The fishery of clams is culturally and economically important for communities on the Amazon coast. Our study describes the ecological and ethnological aspects of the harvesting of the cockle Leukoma pectorina, species most harvested and consumed on the Bazilian Amazon coast. In Maiandeua-Algodoal Island (PA) cockling is an artisanal activity mainly performed by women. The cockles are larger, and populations are denser on the dry season, and the cocklers recognize that during this season fisheries are more profitable. These findings reinforce the value of traditional knowledge for both scientific research and the planning of the management of coastal fishery resources

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2- Effect of tween 40 and ethanol on the secretion, structure and antioxidant activities of exopolysaccharides from Inonotus rickii
Authors: Jiafeng Bai, Tianxiao Li, Xuewei Jia, Yichang Chen, Lizheng Nong, Shaohua Liu & Chunping Xu

The effects of Tween 40 and ethanol supplementation on the secretion, structure and antioxidant activities of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Inonotus rickii were investigated. It was observed that Tween 40 and ethanol displayed a stimulatory effect on EPS secretion. Although the EPSs obtained by the addition of Tween 40 (EPS-T), ethanol (EPS-E) and control (EPS-C) had different molecular weight, all of them were mainly composed of mannose and glucose. Furthermore, EPS-E exhibited better OH and DPPH scavenging activities than those of EPS-C and EPS-T, which might be associated with its molecular characterization.

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3- Size at onset of sexual maturity in Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) phenotypes: an integrative approach
Authors: Lucas R.P. Paschoal & Fernando J. Zara

Establishing the size at the onset of sexual maturity (SOM) of a species is essential for its conservation and use as a resource. The use of only one criterion to determine the SOM can promote bias, due to phenotypic plasticity of some species, as is the case of the Amazon River prawn that shows large and small size populations. We evaluated the SOM of this species in distinct populations analyzing morphometric, physiological and functional aspects. We observed a great variability of SOM for each phenotype. The criterion applied to define the SOM in this species must be carefully chosen.

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4- Palynological analysis of the genus Dryopteris Adans. (Dryopteridaceae) in Argentina
Authors: Daniel A. Gorrer, Juan P. Ramos Giacosa & Gabriela E. Giudice

The spore morphology and wall ultrastructure of Dryopteris filix-mas, D. patula and D. wallichiana from Argentina were studied using light microscope, scanning and transmission electron microscope. Equatorial diameters, polar diameters and laesura length were measured. The spores are monolete with rugate ornamentation. The exospore of all the species analyzed is two-layered in section. Some abnormalities were observed. The differences observed are related to the length and thickness of the perispore folds. The characteristics of these spores would not provide relevant information to differentiate species within the genus, but they could be useful for alterations in the biological cycles.

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5- Stingless bee (Apidae, Meliponini) guilds occurring in the immediate edges of forest fragments of the Baturité Massif, State of Ceará, Brazil
Authors:  Luiz Wilson Lima-Verde, Alípio José S. Pacheco Filho & Breno M. Freitas

Bees are important pollinators of cultivated and wild plants, but face threats such as habitat loss. We investigated species of stingless bees in forest fragments in the Baturité Massif, State of Ceará, Brazil. We found a total of 20 species, seven still abundant in the area and two (Trigona spinipes and Trigona fulviventris) were dominant. The fragments present a similar stingless bee fauna and the bee species can be split in five distinct groups according to their preference for visiting flowers of certain plant species. These information can be important for sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts in these areas.

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6- Updated and annotated checklist of recent mammals from Brazil
Authors: Fernando M. Quintela, Clarissa A. da Rosa & Anderson Feijó

An updated and annotated checklist of mammals occurring in Brazil is presented. A total of 750 native species, distributed in 249 genera, 51 families and 11 orders were recorded to the country. Fifteen new species were described since the last national compilation (published in 2017), which associated to new records to the country and synonimizations resulted in an increment of 29 species.

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7- Iron Or Zinc Bioaccumulated In Mycelial Biomass Of Edible Basidiomycetes
Authors: Suzana H. Umeo, Maria Graciela I. Faria, Douglas C. Dragunski, Juliana S. do Valle, Nelson B. Colauto & Giani Andrea Linde

Iron and zinc bioaccumulation in mycelial biomass of different medicinal basidiomycetes was evaluated in order to produce metal-enriched mycelial biomass as an alternative functional food from non-animal sources and based on biotechnology processes. The mycelial biomass was separated and iron and zinc concentrations were determined in a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mycelial biomass enriched with iron or zinc is an alternative to a new functional food from non-animal sources.

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8- Genetic and demographic aspects of Varronia curassavica Jacq. in a heterogeneous coastal ecosystem
Authors: Marcia P. Hoeltgebaum, Miguel B. Lauterjung, Tiago Montagna, Rafael Candido-Ribeiro, Willian Vieira, Alison P. Bernardi, Caroline Cristofolini & Maurício S. dos Reis

Restinga is a threatened Brazilian ecossystem with high environmental heterogeneity. Varronia curassavica is an important medicinal species, typical from this environment. This study aimed to evaluate demographic and genetic aspects of this species and to verify if the environment heterogeneity can influence population parameters. Our results show that the distribution of individuals and genotypes can be related to specific environments of restingas. This environmental diversity contributed to an aggregated distribution pattern, which is relevant to the maintenance of demographic and genetic processes of restinga species, and needs to be accounted for in in situ conservation strategies. 

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9- Massive mortality of the giant freshwater mussel Anodontites trapesialis (Lamarck, 1819) (Bivalvia: Mycetopodidae) during a severe drought in a Neotropical reservoir
Authors: Lucas R.P. Paschoal, Douglas P. Andrade, Daniel M. Pimpão, Santiago Torres & Gustavo Darrigran

Extreme climatic events have become common worldwide. Droughts associated with damming directly affect the aquatic biota and, in case of bivalves, the effect of this synergy is even worse, as these animals have low capacity of dispersion and locomotion. Here, we described the massive mortality (MM) of the giant freshwater mussel in southeastern Brazil and discuss this conservationist problem. In 2012, a large population of the species was severely affected due to a drought in the studied area, with no population recovery in the following years. However, MM proved to be important for the environmental scenario, because it helped a terrestrial succession.

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10- Activation of SOD-3 is involved in the antioxidant effect of a new class of β-aryl-chalcogenium azide compounds in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hodara S. Motta, Daniel Roos, Greice Tabarrelli, Oscar E.D. Rodrigues, Daiana Ávila & Caroline B. Quines

Organochalcogen present an atom of selenium, tellurium or sulfur in their chemical structure and are promising pharmacological agents. In fact, several new molecules are synthetized and demand a rapid and efficient screening to evaluate their biological effects. Among them are β‐aryl‐chalcogenium azide compounds that have antitumoral and antioxidant properties in vitro. In this study, we verified that these compounds have low toxicity to the non-parasitic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and provided a stress-resistance response against hydrogen peroxide by modulating superoxide dismutase expression, an antioxidant enzyme. C. elegans is a great model for fast screenings and has high homology to mammalian systems.

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11- Chromosome diversity in species of the genus Arachis, revealed by FISH and CMA/ DAPI banding, and inferences about their karyotype differentiation
Authors: María C. Silvestri, Alejandra M. Ortiz, Germán A. Robledo Dobladez & Graciela I. Lavia

Arachis includes the cultivated peanut and forage species. Thus, studies to improve the knowledge of the germplasm of this genus are priority. This work constitutes an extensive karyotype analysis of Arachis by molecular cytogenetic and contains relevant information for the peanut research community. Comparative analysis among 45 species recognize five patterns of DAPI heterochromatin distribution, and establish 11 karyotype groups. Moreover, we made inferences about karyotype differentiation of the genus through the chromosome diversity discussed. Together, our results provide useful information for future evolutionary studies and contribute to identify interspecific hybrids.

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12- Metacercariae of Austrodiplostomum compactum (Trematoda, Diplostomidae) in non-native fish species in Brazil: a possible explanation for the high rate of parasitic infection
Authors: Igor P. Ramos, Cibele D. Pagliarini, Lidiane Franceschini & Reinaldo J. da Silva

Metacercariae of Diplostomidae are parasites widely distributed in America and may cause an ocular disease (diplostomiasis) in fishes. This study reports the infection with metacercariae of Austrodiplostomum compactum (eyefluke) in the non-native fish species Plagioscion squamosissimus (silver-croaker) from Tietê River, Brazil, and an explanation for the high infection rates with this parasite is proposed. The infection of silver-croakers with A. compactum is high in areas where P. squamosissimus were introduced, while it was low in areas of natural occurrence. This may be explained by the low genetic variability of the silver-croaker from the Paraná Basin.

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13- The spreading of the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) into estuaries of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Maurício R. Fernandes, Igor C. Miyahira, Carlos H.S. Caetano & Fabiano Salgueiro

Aquatic invasions in estuarine habitats are increasing worldwide, often bringing a varied array of ecological and economic damages. Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Conrad, 1831) is an estuarine bivalve native from the Gulf of Mexico, having arrived in Rio de Janeiro (southeastern Brazil) during the 2010’s decade, at the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. This study evaluated the spreading of this bivalve into the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. A novel record is made to the Marapendi Lagoon, where M. leucophaeata mainly colonizes mangrove roots. A reef composed of druses above the soft sediment is recorded for the first time for this species.

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14- Bryophyte flora of two Natural Parks in Amapá: richness, composition and new records
Authors:  Fúvio R. Oliveira-da-Silva & Anna Luiza Ilkiu-Borges

Bryophyte flora of Amapá State, eastern Amazon, is poorly known in comparison to too the states in Brazil. The aim of this study is to investigate the richness and composition of the bryophytes of two Municipal Natural Parks in Amapá State. Bryophytes were collected in the Arivaldo Gomes Barreto Municipal Natural Park (AGBMNP) and Cancão Municipal Natural Park (CMNP). In total, 53 species were identified in AGBMNP, and 110 species in CMNP. This study recorded 54% of the known bryophyte flora of Amapá, 63 new records for the state and three new records for the North region of Brazil.

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15- Fetal lesions of EHV-1 in equine
Authors: Abdelmoneim A. Ali, Nahla A. Refat, Naif A. Algabri & Mohammed S. Sobh

EHV-1 infection is responsible for huge economic losses in equines due to abortion and neonatal mortality. During the period from May 2015 to October 2017. EHV-1 was successfully isolated from two aborted fetuses and one dead neonatal foal from mares, beside one aborted fetus from a she-donkey. The positive cases showed cytopathic effect scattered on chorioallantoic membrane. Moreover, PCR was applied for the pock lesions and revealed positive results for EHV-1. The pathological lesions were severe in the aborted fetuses from mares than the others. EHV-1 antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry staining.

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16- Lipase production by Aspergillus brasiliensis in solid-state cultivation of malt bagasse in different bioreactors configurations
Authors: Paulo Eichler, Daniela C. Bastiani, Fernando A. Santos & Marco A.Z. Ayub

In this project, we are involved in researching the use of agroindustry waste as a substrate for the growth of GRAS fungi, capable of producing enzymes with industrial demand, such as lipases. We also explored the use of newly isolated strains of Brazilian biodiversity, as a way of valuing national genetic resources. Thus, a strain of Aspergillus brasiliensis (157f) was grown in malt bagasse and soybean oil, in several configurations of bench bioreactors and pilot scale, producing significant amounts of enzyme. The results demonstrate the possible application of this system on an industrial scale.

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17- Development and differentiation of the extrafloral nectaries from flower buds in Vigna luteola (Leguminosae, Phaseolinae)
Authors: Fabiana S. Ojeda, Beatriz G. Galati & María T. Amelia García

The ontogeny (topography, morphology, anatomy and citology) of the extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) in the inflorescences of Vigna luteola were studied. Each of the six nodes of the raceme bears a short globose secondary axis with two flowers and one-three EFNs. Every EF originates from abscission of a flower bud and consists in a ring of epidermal cells surrounding the main secretory papillose ones, both with underlying secretory parenchyma. Secretion occurs by exocytotic vesicles and plasmalemma invaginations. Four developmental stages succeed, only the third secrets. The EFNs of each secondary axis are active during the anthesis of the co-axial flowers.

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18- Reproductive biology of Erythrolamprus jaegeri coralliventris (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in the Brazilian Coastal Pampa
Authors: Victor H.S. Teixeira, Fernando M. Quintela & Daniel Loebmann

Erythrolamprus jaegeri coralliventris is a common snake from the coast of Rio Grande do Sul. In this research its reproductive biology was studied. We found that females reach longer lengths than males. This result suggests that there is no combat for females between males. The reproductive cycle has a marked seasonality and females have fertility between 2 to 8 eggs. The absence of secondary follicles suggests that females have only one litter per reproductive cycle, differing from Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus, a sympatric species that have females with a high incidence of secondary follicles, in addition to having greater fertility.

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19- Tephritidae flies associated with Chuquiraga avellanedae (Asteraceae) in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors:  Fernando J. Martinez, Allen L. Norrbom, Pablo Schliserman & María Victoria Campanella

Non-frugivorous flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) have ecological importance in ecosystems. Some species have been used for biological control of weedy plants and only a small number of species are pests. The results of this study report for the first time two tephritid flies associated with Chuquiraga avellanedae (Asteraceae), a representative shrub of the Patagonian Phytogeographical region: Cecidochares sp. and Neosphaeniscus m-nigrum. Most inflorescences of C. avellanedae were occupied by tephritid larvae. This appears to reduce seed production and subsequent dispersion, possibly constraining the abundance of C. avellanedae.

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20- Second-generation ethanol production by Wickerhamomyces anomalus strain adapted to furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and high osmotic pressure
Authors: Nicole T. Sehnem, Ângela S. Machado, Carla R. Matte, Marcos Antonio de Morais Jr & Marco Antônio Z. Ayub

The development of new technologies to diversify our country's energy matrix has been going on for years. Ethanol production is a success story, but to enable its production without competing with food production, the use of agro-industrial waste as raw material is studied. In order to make full use of these residues, lignocellulose hydrolysis treatments are applied, which generate toxic compounds to microorganisms. Therefore, the focus of this work was to increase the tolerance to toxic compounds of the yeast Whicherhamomyces anomalus, which was submitted to evolutionary engineering. We observed that this yeast has potential for the production of second-generation ethanol.

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21- Erythrodiplax nataliae sp. nov., a new species for the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Alejandro Del Palacio, Javier Muzón, Leandro Juen, Victor Rennan Santos Ferreira & Joana Darc Batista

A new species of dragonfly (Insecta, Odonata) is described and illustrated from specimens collected in the Vereda wetlands in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new species, named Erythrodiplax nataliae after the first author's beloved wife, can be distinguished from other species in this genus by its color pattern and the morphology of the male secondary genitalia. The new species belongs to one of the most diverse genera of American dragonflies, whose species are inhabitants of different types of wetlands; many of them can be abundant in ponds, marshes and temporary ponds distributed from southern Canada to 45° S in Patagonia.

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22- Spring and summer ichthyoplankton assemblages in a temperate Patagonian gulf: an overview of temporal and spatial patterns on their structure
Authors: Gabriela L. Villanueva-Gomila, Martín D. Ehrlich, Fernando J. Martínez, Gabriela N. Williams & Leonardo A. Venerus

Knowing about the spatio-temporal patterns in the structure of larval fish (ichthyoplankton) assemblages allows inferring about the spawning behaviour of adult, understanding the recruitment dynamics, and predicting the potential effects of mid- and long-term changes. We studied changes in space and time of ichthyoplankton assemblages within a small gulf. We took samples in spring and summer during two consecutive years, and found large differences in the structure of the assemblages between years and seasons, coincidently with changes in water temperature. In the paper, we discussed the potential role of environmental and oceanographic features on the interannual variability in the ichthyoplankton within a small gulf.

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23- Publishing in English is associated with an increase of the impact factor of Brazilian biodiversity journals
Authors: Juan C.S. Abad, Raony M. Alencar, Ben H. Marimon Jr, Beatriz Marimon, Adelmo C.C. Silva, Halina Jancoski, Renan S. Rezende & Estevão Alves-Silva

English is the lingua franca of scientific communication. We compare the quality indexes between Brazilian journals that have always published in English and journals that have published in different languages. Our analyzes covered 16 biodiversity journals and accounted for 12,640 articles published since 2007. The average impact factor was on average 55% higher in journals that published consistently in English. Publishing in this language can be a first step towards increasing the visibility of journals on biodiversity, since Brazilian ecosystems are considered of interest to the international scientific community and to nature conservation.

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24- Evaluation of the antigenotoxic and antioxidant activity induced by Croton antisyphiliticus
Authors: Regildo M.G. da Silva, Célia C.M. Figueiredo, Amanda C. Gomes, Paulo C. Ferreira, Filipe O. Granero, Patrícia S. Santiago & Luciana P. Silva

This paper demonstrated that C. antisyphiliticus species presents antigenotoxic   effect on mice bone marrow cells and antioxidant activity.  The methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction present vitexin flavonoid, possible compound responsible for in vivo antigenotoxic effect and in vitro antioxidant potential. The antigenotoxic effect possible relation with antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract, ethyl acetate fraction and vitexin isolated from C. antisyphiliticus was reported for the first time in this paper.

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25- Morphometric Characterization of Trypanosoma spp. and blood parameters in Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Pisces: Loricariidae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors:  Luciclara F. de Sousa, Darlison C. de Souza, Tássio A. Coêlho, Marcos Tavares-Dias & Lincoln L. Corrêa

The present study describes Trypanosoma spp. infection and blood parameters in Pterygoplichthys pardalis from the Tapajós River basin in the Eastern Amazon. Two Trypanosoma sp. morphotypes were characterized and compared with species described in literature infecting other Loricariidae. The plasma glucose and aspartate aminotransferase levels, hematocrit, number of total erythrocytes, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in the infected and uninfected fish were similar, but hemoglobin was lower in fish infected with Trypanosoma spp. This is the first study of hemoparasitism by Trypanosoma spp. and blood parameters in P. pardalis.

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26- Occurrence of metacercariae of Austrodiplostomum compactum (Lutz, 1928) (Trematoda, Diplostomidae) in Pimelodus platicirris in the Ilha Solteira Reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Denis W.J. Campos, Letícia O. Manoel, Lidiane Franceschini, Rosicleire Veríssimo-Silveira, Rosilene L. Delariva, Cristiéle S. Ribeiro & Igor P. Ramos

This study reports the occurrence of the parasite Austrodiplostomum compactum (eyefluke) in Pimelodus platicirris (yellow catfishe) from Ilha Solteira Reservoir, Upper Paraná basin, SP, Brazil. A total of 164 fish were collected, of which 12.80% were infected with this parasite in the eyes. The analyzed fish show mean of the 0.23±0.05 parasite/fish. The presence of this parasite with a high intensity of infection can cause exophthalmos, retinal displacement, opacity of the lens, blindness or even death. This is the first record of A. compactum for P. platicirris, thus increasing the number of hosts for this parasite.

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27- Trophic ecology of the intertidal sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii (Cnidaria, Actiniaria): diet composition, seasonal variation and trophic parameters
Authors: Stefanía M. Erralde & Fabián H. Acuña

Sea anemones are polyphagous opportunistic predators and some authors suggested that their diet reflects the structure of the community they inhabit. We studied the diet of Bunodosoma zamponii, the most abundant actiniarian in the rocky intertidal of Punta Cantera (Mar del Plata, Argentina), and identified 39 different prey items in a total of 154 gastral cavities examined.The diet composition did not vary between seasons or between diurnal and nocturnal high tides, suggesting no variation of the food available. Bunodosoma zamponii ingests mostly mollusks, being its main prey the bivalve Brachidontes rodriguezii. Crustaceans and eventually algae are additional food resources.

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28- Bacteriocins as an alternative in the treatment of infections by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Elma L. Leite, Alberto F. de Oliveira Jr, Fillipe L.R. do Carmo, Nadia Berkova, Debmalya Barh, Preetam Ghosh & Vasco Azevedo

Our proposal with this work was to explore new ways of treating cases of infection from bacterial agents. We know that in the current state of affairs, bacteria have become increasingly resistant to the various antibiotics available and, consequently, increasing the number of infections that were no longer considered of risk. In our literary review, we highlighted bacteriocins, natural products created by the bacteria themselves, as potential candidates capable of overlap the function of antibiotics already considered not as effective as before.

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29- Effect of dietary NiCl₂ on the cell cycle of cecal tonsil in the chicken broiler
Authors: Lu Hu, Baolin Song, Hengmin Cui & Bangyuan Wu

In this study, we detected the cell cycle by flow cytometry (FCM), and the protein expression and the mRNA expression levels of p53, p21, cyclin B and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) involved in the cell cycle arrest. The data suggested that the cells’ (mainly the T lymphocytes) proliferation in the cecal tonsil was inhibited by the high dietary NiC₂.

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30- Dendrapta nasicola n. sp. (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Lernaeopodidae) a parasite from the olfactory sacs of Bathyraja scaphiops (Norman, 1937) in the South Western Atlantic
Authors: Manuel M. Irigoitia, Verónica Taglioretti & Juan T. Timi

The present study describes a new species of copepod named Dendrapta nasicola n. sp. (Siphonostomatoida: Lernaeopodidae) found parasitizing the olfactory sacs of the cuphead skate Bathyraja scaphiops (Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The new species can be easily distinguished from its congeners by the ratio between lengths of posterior process and trunk (1:0.8), the large to width ratio of trunk (1:0.7) and the armature of the antennule (1, 1, 5 + 1 aesthete). Additionally, Dendrapta cameroni longiclavata is raised to full specific status, as Dendrapta longiclavata Kabata and Gusev, 1966.

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31- Evaluation of wood degradation rates by Teredinidae (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in two ecologically distinct areas, and temperature and salinity influences on the cellulolytic activity of associated bacteria
Authors: Gustavo C. Maldonado, Mariana M.S. Moura, Luís Felipe Skinner & Fábio V. Araújo

Teredinidae are marine wood-boring bivalves that feed on it that live in symbiosis with cellulolytic bacteria and play an important role in wood decay, contributing to the nutrient cycle. Due to this activity, these organisms have been proposed to be used in the development of technologies related to the production of biofuels. We evaluate the rate of degradation of wood by teredinids and the influence of salinity and temperature on the enzymatic activity of associated bacteria from each Teredinidae species. We expand the knowledge and biotechnological potential of this abundant and wide distributed invertebrates highlighting their importance for human activities.

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32- Pseudophacopteron longicaudatum (Hemiptera) induces intralaminar leaf galls on Aspidosperma tomentosum (Apocynaceae): a qualitative and quantitative structural overview
Authors: Vitor C. Martini, Ana Silvia F.P. Moreira, Leandro Fuzaro, Letícia A. Gonçalves & Denis C. de Oliveira

Galls are tumour-like structure induced by organisms from different taxa. These organisms are named as gall-inducers or gallings. The major group of galling are insects, who can manipulate the host plant tissues to their own benefit. As an example, a psyllid Pseudophacopteron longicaudatum induce leaf galls on Aspidosperma tomentosum (Apocynaceae). The structural changes in the host are step-by-step and very conservative, moreover the galling organism can alter the chemical composition of the infected tissues and increase the storage of primary metabolites. These chemical metabolites help to maintain the gall metabolism and thus, guarantee the insects success.

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33- Influence of dietary graded levels of lycopene on the growth performance, muscle cholesterol level and oxidative status of Japanese quail fed high-fat diet
Authors: Shimaa A. Amer, Asmaa T.Y. Kishawy, Ali Osman, Khalid M. Mahrose, El-Sayed I. Hassanine & Zaib Ur Rehman

This study investigated the impact of supplementing normal and high-fat diets with graded levels of lycopene on the growth performance, cholesterol level of the muscle, and antioxidant markers in Japanese quail. Japanese quail chicks were used in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement consisting of a control group; birds that were fed a normal fat diet, another control group; birds that were fed a high-fat diet with 4 levels of lycopene (0, 100, 200 and 300mg lycopene/kg diet). Lycopene slightly improved growth performance, but significantly improved the antioxidant status and lowered cholesterol concentration in the muscle. A diet supplemented with 300 mg lycopene/kg could be recommended for Japanese quail.

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34- In vitro anthelmintic activity of Psidium guajava hydroalcoholic extract against gastro-intestinal sheep nematodes
Authors: Luciana P. Silva, Rafael R. Debiage, João L. Bronzel-Júnior, Regildo M.G. da Silva & Erika C.T. Mello-Peixoto

Tanniferous plants have been used for ruminants verminosis control a possibility to minimize the pharmacological resistance against conventional antiparasitics. This study aimed to evaluate the antihelminthic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of stem bark of guava tree (PgHA). PgHA was able to inhibit both hatchability and larval migration, but only hatchability inhibition presented dose-dependent pattern. The antioxidant activity was demonstrated by linear regression with IC₅₀ corresponding to 534.02 μg mL-1. The antiparasitic mechanism occurred through pro-oxidative activity by the increase of total proteins, intracellular H₂O₂ and the lipid peroxidation products, as well as the increase of enzymes above related.

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35- Characterizing ecoregions in Argentinian Patagonia using extant continental ostracods
Authors: Gabriela Cusminsky, Corina Coviaga, Lorena Ramos, A. Patricia Pérez, Antje Schwalb, Vera Markgraf, Daniel Ariztegui, Finn Viehberg & Marta Alperin

In order to contribute to the knowledge of the Argentinian Patagonian ecoregions, we study the ostracods, non-marine microcrustaceans, distribution. Our results show that Patagonian ostracods are mainly related to electrical conductivity (EC), pH, altitude and temperature. According to that, the ostracods association has been distributed in three assemblages related to the Patagonian ecoregions, such us the Andean Patagonian Forest, Patagonian Steppe and Monte-Espinal ecoregions. This type of study allows to corroborate the usefulness of ostracods in ecological analysis and thus contribute to the increase of knowledge of the lacustrine Patagonian fauna.

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36- Chironomidae assemblages at different altitudes in Northwest Argentina: the role of local factors.
Authors: Gretel N. Rodríguez Garay, Analía C. Paggi & Erica E. Scheibler

This study examined spatio-temporal variations in chironomid assemblages and detected how environmental variables affected their structure. We sampled seven streams at low and high altitudes in northwestern Argentina under contrasting climate conditions (Puna and Chaco Serrano). Fine substrates, gravel, and low water temperature favored cold stenothermic fauna in high-altitude streams, while warm waters with low conductivity and higher velocity favored greater species diversity in lowland streams, where there was a greater abundance of warm eurythermic fauna. The environments studied belong to a transition zone that should be conserved where cold stenothermal Chironomidae and warm eurythermal Chironomidae overlap.

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37- Antineoplastic potential and chemical evaluation of essential oils from leaves and flowers of Tagetes ostenii Hicken
Authors: Jisette G. Núñez, Jordânia S. Pinheiro, Gustavo L. Padilha, Helana O. Garcia, Vitória Porta, Miriam A. Apel & Alessandra N. Bruno

In this study we had special attention on two neoplasias with highly incidence in women, cervical cancer that ranks fourth for both incidence and mortality and breast cancer, the first in incidence and mortality in women. We analyzed the effects of essential oils from leaves and flowers of a south American native plant, Tagetes ostenii, in cells of breast and cervical cancers. Our promissory results suggest that these oils have a long-lasting inhibitory activity in the tumor cells and highlight the importance of further studies involving plant-derived actives for the development of new approaches to cancer treatment.

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38- Economic efficiency and family income of small-scale fisheries on the north coast of São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Janice Peixer & Ricardo Maroni Neto

There are about 130 fishers in Caraguatatuba. Taking into account the estimates of FAO (2010) that for each person employed in this sector another three are employed in secondary activities, there should be around 390 people involved fisheries. If we also consider that each fisher has at least three people in their family, then there would be approximately 1170 people who would depend on this sector in this municipality. The importance of fishing income to family income ranged from 50.60% to 78.25%. Fishers dedicate themselves to this activity for 8.47 to 13.22 hours daily (fish production 42.72 to 122.14 kg/day).

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39- Pollen and microsporangium development in Ziziphus jujuba, Z. mucronata, Paliurus spina-christi and Gouania ulmifolia (Rhamnaceae)
Authors: Marina M. Gotelli, Elsa C. Lattar, Gabriela Zarvlasky & Beatriz G. Galati

Palynology is considered a useful tool to discriminate among related taxa. Tapetum is a fundamental tissue of the anther involved in the development of pollen grains.Wedescribe the ultrastructural events that occur during pollen grain development, with emphasis in pollen grain wall and tapetum ontogeny in species of Paliureae and Gouanieae (Rhamnaceae). Tapetal cells present an anastomosing tubular network and large vesicles withfibrillar content in the cytoplasm, that seems to be exclusive of these tribes.Differences and similarities in pollen grain development, pollen grain wall and anther featuressupport the phylogenetic relationships previously published for the Rhamnaceae family.

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40- Gasteruptiidae (Hymenoptera, Evanioidea) of three savannah phytophysiognomies of the Estação Ecológica do Jataí, in southeastern Brazil, under three sampling methods and a new record for Gasteruption helenae Macedo
Authors: Nelson W. Perioto, Rogéria I.R. Lara & Antonio C.C. Macedo

The Gasteruptiidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) has a worldwide distribution. Biologically, their species act as predator-inquilines on larvae of solitary bees. The females of gasteruptiids oviposit in nests of Apinae, Colletinae, Halictinae, and Megachilinae that nesting in soil, stems, and wood and their larvae feed on egg or larvae host and, subsequently, on stored pollen. It is not clear if Crabronidae, Sphecidae and Vespidae-Eumeninae wasps are hosts of Gasteruptiidae. The adults Gasteruptiidae are particularly distinctive and easily recognized from other wasps by the elongate neck-like propleura, slender subclavate metasoma inserted high on the propodeum, and expanded hind tibia.

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41- Comparison of Bovine Small Antral Follicle Development in Two- and Three Dimensional Culture Systems
Authors: Yuanyuan He, Kai Meng, Xiaomei Wang, Zhihang Dong, Yong Zhang & Fusheng Quan

To compare the effects of two-and three-dimensional in vitro culture systems on culturing bovine early small antral follicles, the diameter changes, survival rate, and hormone secretion and oocyte quality were detected and recorded. We found that there was no difference between the two systems in the first 4 days. For >4 days, follicles cultured in the 3D system have a higher concentration of estradiol and a lower concentration of progesterone. The survival rate and oocyte quality of follicles in the 2D system were significantly lower than those in the 3D system. So, within 4 days, both systems are suitable. For >4 days, the 3D system is more suitable.

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42- Behavioral and morphological contrasts on the reproduction of two prolonged breeders of the genus Physalaemus (Anura: Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Rodrigo Cajade, Mirta L. García, Diego O. Pietro & Néstor G. Basso

The reproductive strategies of anurans are fascinating due to their diversity of reproductive modes and their relationship to physical and biological environmental variables, such as relationships between species. Understanding these relationships was our objective in describing the reproduction of Physalaemus aff. albonotatus and Physalaemus santafecinus, two syntopic species from northeastern Argentina. With similar reproductive patterns, the variations in their responses to environmental variables and the differential use of the space-time dimension of the ecological niche allow us to interpret the coexistence during reproduction of these two species.

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43- Morphological and molecular identification of the invasive freshwater snail Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) into Llanquihue Lake, Chilean Patagonia
Authors: Gonzalo A. Collado, Marcela A. Vidal, Cristian Torres-Díaz, Francisco J. Cabrera, Juan F. Araya & Gustavo Darrigran

The sewage snail Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 is recognized as an effective invasive species. In Chile, it was first reported in 2014 from several aquatic ecosystems in the north central area of the country. Based on morphological, microstructural and phylogenetic analyses using COI mtDNA sequences, in this paper we report the finding of this species in three localities from Llanquihue Lake, Chilean Patagonia, entailing a large southward range expansion of these snails. We suggest taking prompt measures to prevent the expansion of Physa acuta in Llanquihue Lake and nearby aquatic ecosystems.

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44- The marine catfish Genidens barbus (Ariidae) fisheries in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil: diagnosis and management suggestions
Authors: Jocemar T. Mendonça, Samuel Balanin & Domingos Garrone-Neto

Data on fishing landings of marine catfish Genidens barbus in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2000 to 2014 were analyzed. The abundance index (CPUE) showed stability in the period. However, due to the high number of production units, fishing effort needs to be maintained, as there is a risk that increased production may affect the abundance of G. barbus. The work suggests effort control measures to promote the sustainable exploitation of marine catfish.

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45- Ecotoxicological effects of swine manure on Folsomia candida in subtropical soils
Authors: Julia C. Segat, Paulo R.L. Alves, Dilmar Baretta & Elke J.B.N. Cardoso

Pig farming generates a large volume of manure that is normally discarded in agricultural soils as fertilizer. However, this practice causes the accumulation of waste and results in contaminated environments. To assess the impacts of swine manure on soils, springtails were used. These organisms were exposed to different soils with swine manure and changes in survival, reproduction and avoidance were measured by comparing them with soil without application of the manure. The results showed that, except for the avoidance in Tropical Artificial Soil, there were toxic effects in all evaluated parameters, even when lower manure doses were used than those allowed by current legislation.

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46- Ethanolic extract of Croton blanchetianus Ball induces mitochondrial defects in Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes
Authors: Katily L.G. Pereira, Mancy B.R. Vasconcelos, Juliana V.C. Braz, Job D.F. Inácio, Charles S. Estevam, Cristiane B. Correa, Roberta P.M. Fernandes, Elmo E. Almeida-Amaral & Ricardo Scher

Leishmaniasis are a group of neglected diseases caused by Leishmania. The available drugs fail to provide a parasitological cure and are associated with toxicity. This work investigated the leishmanicidal properties of ethanolic extract of Croton blanchetianus (EECb) on Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis, and found that EECb was active against promastigote and amastigote. Promastigotes exposed to EECb were less viable and had their body cellular volume reduced and altered to a round shape, and the flagellum was duplicated. The mitochondrial function was also affected, suggesting that EECb may interfere with the energetic process which leads to the impairment of cellular division.

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47- Pond characteristics influence the intraspecific variation in the morphometry of the tadpoles of two species of Dendropsophus (Anura: Hylidae) from the Cerrado savanna of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Gildevan N. Lopes, Raymony T.A. Serra, Nivaldo M. Piorski & Gilda V. de Andrade

Our study provides evidence that variations in environmental conditions can affect phenotypic characteristics leading to morphological variation between different populations of the same species of amphibian larvae. Neotropical tadpoles of the species Dendropsophus minutus and D. nanus were used as models, which had changes in the tail shape associated to variation in substrate and in internal vegetation of the pond. The study was carried out in the Cerrado biome, in the state of Maranhão, and is part of the Tadpoles of Brazil Project that aims to determine the patterns of diversity and life history of tadpoles in Brazil.

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48- Negragrion sagma gen.n. and sp.n. from South America with a morphological phylogeny of the New World Ischnurinae (Odonata: Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: Javier Muzón & Federico Lozano

A new coenagrionid genus, Negragrion, is described for N. sagma sp.n. found in Argentina and Brazil. This new genus, named after the first author's beloved wife is characterized by morphology of the cerci (decumbent from base; saddle-shaped; in lateral view with an acute apophysis directed dorsally located at 0.3 from base). The presence of a vulvar spine on S8 of females places this genus within Ischnurinae. A cladistics analysis using morphological data was carried out to determine its phylogenetic position. Negragrion gen.n. is recovered as the sister group of the clade (Acanthallagma Acanthagrion (Oxyagrion, Fluminagrion)).

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49- Effect of phosphorus on the toxicity of zinc to the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata
Authors: Suzelei Rodgher, Thais M. Contador, Giseli S. Rocha & Evaldo L.G. Espindola

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of phosphorus on the toxicity of zinc for the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata. Algal cells were acclimated to the specific P concentrations. The inhibitory Zn²⁺ concentration values were 2.74 x 10^-6 mol L^-1, 0.24 x 10^-6 mol L^-1 and 0.58 x 10^-6 mol L^-1 for the microalgae acclimated at P concentrations of 2.3 x 10^-4 mol L^-1, 2.3 x 10^-6 mol L^-1 and 1.0 x 10^-6 mol L^-1, respectively. The study showed that besides the reduction in algal growth rates, phosphorus had an important influence on the toxicity of zinc for microalga.

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50- Altitudinal variation in butterfly community associated with climate and vegetation
Authors: Ana Carolina V. Pires, Milton Barbosa, Wallace Beiroz, Marina do Vale Beirão, Onildo J. Marini-Filho, Marcelo Duarte, Olaf H.H. Mielke, Fabiola A. Ladeira, Yule R.F. Nunes, Daniel Negreiros & Geraldo W. Fernandes

Environmental conditions change along the elevational gradient in mountains, which makes it possible to study the effects of climate on organisms. We evaluated butterflies’ response to both climate and changes in vegetation due to the climate. We identified a butterfly species replacement along the elevation and a gradual reduction in diversity. Besides the direct effect of the climate on butterflies, their response is more associated with changes in plants community. We highlight the importance of considering both conditions and resources when studying species distribution.

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51- A new species of Oxyrhopus Wagler, 1830 (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from the Bolivian Andes
Authors: Lucindo Gonzales, Steffen Reichle & Omar M. Entiauspe-Neto

The genus Oxyrhopus Wagler, 1830 encompasses 14 species of nocturnal, small to medium sized snakes, widely distributed in the Neotropical region. In this study, we describe a new species to the Central Andes mountains in Bolivia, distinct from its congeners based on external and hemipenial morphology. We also discuss the taxonomic relationships of the new species and its congeners to the Central Andes.

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52- Improvement of vegetation structure enhances bird functional traits and habitat resilience in an area of ongoing restoration in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Marcos Antônio Melo, Marco Aurélio G. da Silva & Augusto João Piratelli

Birds perform central ecosystem services to catalyze increases in the habitat complexity in active ecological restorations.  Yet there is little evidence of their effects on avian functional diversity in Neotropical restored habitats. We studied bird functional diversity responses from increased habitat complexity in an Atlantic Forest restoration, compared with pastures and native forest-fragments. We recorded 172 bird species (5% endemic; 12% migratory). Shifts in plant-characteristics rearranged bird functional traits associated with forest habitats. The rapid development of vegetation structure is a key factor for active restoration to provide additional habitat for semi-dependent forest birds, enhancing resilience in restored forests.

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53- High turnover of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) species in semideciduous forest remnants in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Thiago S. Teles, Francisco Valente-Neto, Danilo B. Ribeiro, Josué Raizer & Adelita M. Linzmeier

Difference in species composition among sites (β diversity) is generated by replacement (turnover) of species, or by nestedness. In landscapes that suffered with habitat loss and fragmentation, the forest cover amount may be a driver of β diversity. In our study, we observed that β diversity pattern of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) in semideciduous forest remnants immersed in an agricultural matrix is caused by turnover and it is not related to the forest cover amount or to the spatial variables. Thus, we suggest that other characteristics of the landscape (e.g. isolation and size of fragments) may be responsible for β diversity of Chrysomelidae.

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54- The immatures of three Neotropical species of Palpomyia Meigen (Diptera, Culicomorpha, Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Danielle Anjos-Santos, Florentina Díaz, Gustavo R. Spinelli & María M. Ronderos

Palpomyia Meigen, a worldwide genus of predaceous midges of the tribe Palpomyiini, includes 283 species. At present there are 49 extant species inhabiting the Neotropical region. They are relatively common inhabitants of streams, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes and sphagnum bogs. So far, immatures are known only for five species.The first description of the fourth instar larva and pupa of Palpomyia mapuche Spinelli, Grogan and Ronderos and the pupa of P. subfuscula Ingram and Macfie are provided, the redescription of the pupa of P. subaspera (Coquillett). Immature were collected in lotic environments of Argentinian Patagonia, in Neuquén and Chubut Provinces.

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55- First record of Spirocamallanus krameri (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in Brazil: Morphological revie
Authors: Raul H.S. Pinheiro, Patrick J.C. Cardoso, Scott Monks, Jeannie N. Santos &  Elane G. Giese

The Camallanidae family is divided into two subfamilies: Camallaninae and Procamallaninae. They consist of parasites of marine and freshwater fishes and are distributed worldwide. In this study, we aimed to describe the occurrence, morphology and prevalence of the nematode Camallanidae, a parasite of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, in Brazil. The study presented here provides ecological information on the prevalence, morphology and morphometry of Spirocamallanus krameri. The new report of its geographical distribution in Amazonia biome and increases our knowledge of the biodiversity of Brazil.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

56- Notes on court and copula, fertility, nest, eggs and hatchlings of the Caatinga’s black snake Boiruna sertaneja Zaher, 1996 (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from northeastern Brazil
Authors: Thaís Guedes & Abimael Guedes

The Caatinga’s black snake Boiruna sertaneja is rare and deserve more attention in conservation policies. This study describes important aspects of reproduction and can give us some clues about how the species reproduce in nature. The court, copula, and oviposition are associated to high temperature and dry season.Three oviposture happened after a single event of copula suggesting this species can store sperm in their oviducts or do facultative parthenogenesis. In nature, females could select protected places or actively build nests. Clutch size and hatchling size were high and there was variation on the coloration among hatchlings of same litter.

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

Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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