Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 47

AABC - Volume 93.3 2021

The present issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) presents a total of 65 articles in a variety of scientific fields: Ecosystems (15), Animal Science (10), Cellular and Molecular Biology (10), Biomedical Sciences (6), Crop Science (5), Geosciences (4), Engineering Sciences (4), Health Sciences (3), Soil Science (3), Microbiology (2), Mathematical Sciences (2), and Forestry Science (1).

With such a diversity of papers, a typical feature of the AABC, it is always very difficult to choose highlights. Most articles of this issue are related to Ecosystems. There are studies on the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles in plants, the distribution of darkling beetles, methodological approaches to establish behavior characters in cnidarians, dispersion routes for lichens, and first records of fish parasites with potential deleterious consequences for fish farming.

In Cellular and Molecular Biology, there is a paper that reviews the studies of an important sand fly vector and the phylogeography of a neotropical orchid. There is also a study on gulls as carriers of antimicrobial resistance genes in South America (Microbiology).

In Biomedical Sciences, there are articles dealing with multiple risk factors that influence cardiovascular diseases and the cytotoxic and genotoxic potentials of certain plant extracts. The area of Health Sciences shows an interesting study reporting the distribution of urban arboviroses (Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya) in one region of Bahia.

I would also like to call your attention to the editorial note which deals with an increasing problem regarding publications: convenience authorship.

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

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

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

1- The Weibull Burr XII distribution in lifetime and income analysis

RENATA ROJAS GUERRA, FERNANDO A. PEÑA-RAMÍREZ & GAUSS M. CORDEIRO

We propose the five-parameter Weibull Burr XII (WBXII) distribution, which is quite flexible in terms of the hazard and density functions. We use maximum likelihood and derive a profile log-likelihood for the Weibull-G family. The survival analysis application reveals that the WBXII model is suitable to accommodate left-skewed tails, which are very common when the variable of interest is the time to failure of a product. The income application is related to player salaries within a professional sports league. It is peculiar because the mean of the player's salaries is much higher than for most professions.

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2- Straightforward synthesis of cytosporone analogs AMS35AA and AMS35BB

NEIMAR VITOR, ALISSON MEZA, ROBERTO S. GOMES, JAMAL RAFIQUE, DÊNIS P. DE LIMA & ADILSON BEATRIZ

Two synthetic analogs of a type of natural compound called cytosporones, AMS35AA and AMS35BB, have been shown to be important substances for cancer-related studies. However, the method used to prepare these two compounds results in low yields, which is a critical disadvantage for biological studies. In this study, our group was able to synthesize them in a few reaction steps with excellent overall yields using readily available starting materials. The syntheses use the same intermediate, which makes both production processes easier and cheaper. Additionally, the reaction leading to AMS35AA was efficiently catalyzed by vitamin C.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

3- Water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) from Moringa oleifera seeds treatment recovers glycemic levels and improves left ventricular ejection fraction on Type-2 Diabetes mice model

NARENDRA VERA-NUÑEZ, AINHOA R.Y. GUIRAO, JOSÉ DAYVID F. DA SILVA, ISALIRA P. RAMOS, MARÍLIA K.S. TORRES, LUANA CASSANDRA B.B. COELHO, THIAGO HENRIQUE NAPOLEÃO, PATRÍCIA MARIA G. PAIVA & EMILIANO MEDEI

Moringa oleifera, a plant widely used in traditional medicine as well as for water purification, contains a lectin on its seeds named WSMoL. Here, we tested the hypothesis that WSMoL is able to recover fasting glucose levels and to improve the cardiac left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice model. T2DM was induced in adult C57BL/6 mice by combining a high fat diet and low doses of Streptozotocin. WSMoL treatment presented a potent hypoglycemic effect decreasing insulin resistance and was able to improve LVEF.

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4- Hepato- and cardioprotective effects of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. against multiple risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases

TATIANE C. MENDES, GUSTAVO R. DA SILVA, ANIELY O. SILVA, MAYSA I. SCHAEDLER, LUCAS P. GUARNIER, RHANANY A.C. PALOZI, CLEIDE T. SIGNOR, JANAÍNA D. DAL BOSCO, PABLO A. AUTH, EDUARDA C. AMARAL, DIEGO L. FROELICH, ANDRÉIA A. SOARES, EVELLYN C.W. LOVATO, JOÃO T. RIBEIRO-PAES, ARQUIMEDES GASPAROTTO JUNIOR & FRANCISLAINE A. DOS REIS LÍVERO

Cardiovascular diseases are associated with multiple risk factors such as dyslipidemia, smoking and hypertension. These isolated factors have already been evaluated in experimental models, but few studies have evaluated associations between them. In our study, hypertensive rats received a diet enriched with cholesterol and were exposed to cigarette smoke for 8 weeks. In the last 4 weeks, the animals were treated with a vehicle, Baccharis trimera or simvastatin+enalapril. Cardiac and hepatic parameters were assessed. Our results suggest that B. trimera may be useful for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular and liver disorders, especially those associated with multiple risk factors.

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5- Synthesis of new 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles using the CuAAC reaction and determination of their antioxidant activities

JOSEFA A. DA CUNHA LIMA, JADSON DE FARIAS SILVA, COSME S. SANTOS, RODRIGO R.A. CAIANA, MARCÍLIO M. DE MORAES, CLAUDIO A.G. DA CÂMARA & JULIANO C.R. FREITAS

This work describes the synthesis and antioxidant evaluation of new 1,2,3-1H-triazole compounds derived from natural products. The new compounds were prepared using a fast and efficient method based on Cu (I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The products were obtained at 50 to 80% yield and characterised through several spectrographic techniques. Antioxidant activity was assayed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The products exhibited moderate antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the generation of these compounds opens new possibilities for the development of new antioxidant agents.

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6- Nuclear and mitochondrial genome instability induced by fractions of ethanolic extract from Hovenia dulcis Thunberg in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains

LUANA B.N. DE ARAÚJO, BRUNA B.F. CAL, BRENO M. NUNES, LETICIA O. DA CRUZ, CLAUDIA R. DA SILVA, TATIANA C. DE CASTRO, ÁLVARO C. LEITÃO, MARCELO DE PÁDULA, NORMA ALBARELLO & FLAVIO J.S. DANTAS

Brazil is the 5^th largest country in the world, and holds one of the greatest levels of biodiversity on the planet. The country has six biomes with a large number of plant species with medicinal applications. The use of plant extracts as medicine is an ancient practice that has contributed to the cure of several diseases. However, many plant species used in traditional medicine also have toxic or carcinogenic properties. In order to evaluate adverse effects of Hovenia dulcis, this study investigates yeast strains exposed to extracts of H. dulcis, and their cytotoxic and genotoxic potentials.

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7- A combined injectable contraceptive improves plasma redox status and does not induce vascular changes in female rats

LUDMILLA C. DO ESPÍRITO SANTO NERY, LESLIE C.S. BRAZ, LETICIA L.D.M. FERREIRA, FLÁVIA P. VIEIRA, LEANDRO L. DA SILVA, HELENE N.H. BLANC & JULIANA M. RAIMUNDO

Combined injectable contraceptives (CIC) are an alternative to oral contraceptives. However, the cardiovascular safety profile of CIC has not yet been well determined. In this work, female rats were treated with the CIC containing estradiol valerate and norethisterone enanthate for 8 weeks, which corresponds to approximately five years of use by a woman. There were no structural and functional changes in the aorta artery, as well as in blood pressure. Lipid peroxidation on plasma was reduced, indicating that free radical production was not increased. Our data suggest no cardiovascular risk associated with the long-term use of this CIC.

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8- Leptin negatively regulates thyroid function of Wistar rats

FABIO HECHT, JULIANA CAZARIN, CAMILA L. ROSSETTI, DORIS ROSENTHAL, RENATA L. ARAUJO & DENISE P. CARVALHO

Leptin is a hormone secreted mainly by the adipose tissue that has a central role in energy homeostasis. Its most known effect is to decrease hunger by acting on specific areas of the hypothalamus. However, leptin also affects several other tissues throughout the body, including the thyroid gland. In this study, we treated rats with leptin for 10 days and analyzed important parameters of the thyroid function like the serum levels of thyroid hormones, the uptake of iodide, and the activity of the enzyme that converts thyroxine to triiodothyronine. We observed an overall negative impact of leptin on thyroid function.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

9- Dynamics of Transmission of Urban Arbovirus Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya in Southwestern Region of Bahia, Brazil

JOSE HERBERTO M. SOUZA, TÁCITA B. BARROS, PALLOMA P. ALMEIDA, SUZE C.A. VIEIRA, FABRÍCIO F. MELO, ROBSON A.A. SILVA & LAIZE TOMAZI

Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya are diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In Brazil, they remain neglected, alerting public authorities to possible outbreaks. We reported the distribution of Dengue (2010-2015), Zika (2015-2016) and Chikungunya (2014-2016) in 19 municipalities in the Southwestern Region of Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected from Brazilian national public information systems and by Endemic Control Agents. Most municipalities showed the presence of the mosquito in the properties with reported cases of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. It is believed that the data collected may contribute to public health policies aimed at controlling future epidemics of these arboviruses.

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10- Composition and bioactivity of essential oil from Stachys macrostachya (Wend.) Briq

ESEN SEZEN KARAOGLAN, ARZU GORMEZ, BILAL YILMAZ, FATMA NECMIYE KACI & UFUK OZGEN

- Stachys spp. have been used in traditional medicine for their biological activity, which are consist of sesquiterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes.
- This study highlights the main compounds, antibacterial acitivity and tyrosinase inhibition activity of Stachys macrostachya L.
- According to the results of this study, the main compounds of essential oil of S. macrostachya L. were germacrene D (12.2%), globulol (10.9%), α-pinene (9.7%), and valencene (7.6%). It was showed that the tested essential oil of S. macrostachya exhibited antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC 62.50 μg/mL) and tyrosinase inhibition activity (IC50 22.86 ± 0.82 μg/mL).

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11- The correct pronunciation of the generic name Aedes, to which Aedes aegypti belongs

HÉLCIO R. GIL-SANTANA, ERNST BROCKMANN & JERONIMO ALENCAR

Aedes aegypti is currently the mosquito with major impact on public health in Brazil. By consequence, its name is frequently being spoken by lay people of the media and general public, as well as by researchers in this country both in general media and academic events. On many occasions, the generic name Aedes, contrary to its etymological origin from Greek and worldwide correct pronunciation (“A-e-des”), has been frequently mispronounced as “Edes”. However, based on historical and linguistic evidence, it is confirmed that the correct pronunciation (A-e-des) must be maintained in Brazil as it is enunciated all over the World.

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

12- Lutzomyia longipalpis: an update on this sand fly vector

FELIPE D. RÊGO & RODRIGO PEDRO SOARES

Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most important vector of Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the New World. It is a permissive vector, susceptible to infection with several Leishmania species. One of the advantages favoring the study of this sand fly is the possibility of colonization in the laboratory. For this reason, several researchers around the world use this species as a model for different subjects including biology, insecticides testing, host-parasite interaction, physiology, genetics, proteomics, molecular biology, and saliva among others. This review summarizes what has been published between 2003-2020, following our last review on this vector.

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13- Allele Specific Expression (ASE) analysis between Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus cows using RNA-Seq data at SNP level and gene level

SHEIDA VARKOOHI, MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN BANABAZI & MOJGAN GHSEMI-SIAB

Allele Specific Expression (ASE) is the phenomena that two alleles of the same loci are expressed differently, and its a powerful method that measures the expression of each allele through SNP in RNA samples. By SNP screening process, Allelic specific expression (ASE) was identified in both American Holstein and Pakistani Cholistani cows. The expression difference between two alleles in a single-nucleotide position causes phenotype diversity and probably explains the large part of variances between these two bovine subspecies especially in diversity, susceptibility to disease and parasites, tolerating environmental stress such as biological and non-biological stresses in different environmental conditions.

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14- BHLHE40 modulates post-traumatic stress disorder behaviors with the involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

ADILA AJI, RENA AIHEMAITI, SHAOHONG ZOU, ALIMUJIANG MAISIYITI, CHENG ZHANG, RUONAN LIU & XIAOKAITI SULIDAN

Basic helix-loop-helix family member e40 (BHLHE40) is implicated with neuron maturity and neuronal differentiation. We constructed a PTSD mice model by single prolonged stress method and injected the PTSD mice with adeno-associated virus conveying BHLHE40 to overexpress BHLHE40 in mice. Effects of BHLHE40 on PTSD-like behaviors including memory deficits, anxiety-like behaviors, and freezing in mice were detected. Glutamate receptors play significant roles in PTSD and the effects of BHLHE40 on protein levels of glutamate receptor 1-4 in the hippocampal tissues of PTSD mice were evaluated. Overall, our study revealed that BHLHE40 alleviates PTSD-like behaviors in mice.

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15- Purification and characterization of two new antimicrobial molecules produced by an endophytic strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa

NADJA F.G. SERRANO, DOUGLAS FERREIRA, EDSON RODRIGUES-FILHO, JOSÉ ANTÓNIO TEIXEIRA, JEAN DANIEL DUBREUIL & CRISTINA P. DE SOUSA

An endophytic bacterium identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa was isolated from Prunus spp. The biochemical characterization of the fermentation broth indicated the presence of antimicrobial peptides. The primary structure of one molecule was determined as Gly-Glu-Hyp-Gly-Ala by N-terminal sequencing. With a molecular mass of 463 Da, it is one of the smallest active natural peptide reported, yet. Mass spectrometry analysis of a sample revealed the presence of an ion with m/z 3,376.4 Da, whose proposed molecular formula is C182 H321 N29 O29. The compound called polycerradin, showed a spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (except Proteus mirabilis) and a fungus.

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16- Characterization of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase and Na⁺ /H⁺ antiporter genes in Vuralia turcica and expression analysis under salt and cadmium stresses

DILEK TEKDAL

Vuralia turcica (Fabaceae; Papilionoideae) is a critically endangered endemic plant species in Turkey. The most important feature of this plant is that it has 2-4 carpel ovaries. In addition, this plant is the only member of the Vuralia genus. This valuable gene resource is in danger of extinction. Although this plant is an ideal source for studies to increase yield, genome information has not been clarified since its discovery in 1983. In the light of this information, this study has attempted to enlighten the little-known gene information of the plant.

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17- The effect of chitosan addition on cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of ursolic acid niosomes

ANDANG MIATMOKO, BERLIAN S. HARIAWAN, DEVY M. CAHYANI, RETNO SARI, ARISTIKA DINARYANTI & ERYK HENDRIANTO

For improving the internalization and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, Ursolic Acid (UA) has been prepared into niosomes (Nio-UA), which are vesicular drug carriers composed of Span 60, Cholesterol, UA at a molar ratio of 6:4:1, respectively. These vesicles were further mixed with Chitosan solution to produce Nio-UA-CS. The Chitosan layers affected the cellular uptake pathways of niosomes loading UA. Moreover, it successfully increased cytotoxicity in HeLa cells, but it was less sensitive for Huh7it cells, showing that each cell type has different biological properties determining certain functions. Further investigations on specific cellular uptake pathways are still highly in demand.

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18- Beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors in Brazilian brown seaweed

TAINÁ N. FERREIRA, JOSÉ B. BARUFI, PAULO A. HORTA, DANIELE P. CASTRO & FERNANDO A. GENTA

Beta-1,3-glucanases are enzymes that are essential for the metabolism of plants, fungi, and several animals, including insects. They are promising targets for the development of new tools for the control of insects that are agricultural pests or disease vectors. Beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors have been described previously in brown seaweed, but they were never screened in Brazilian species. In this work, we describe the presence of beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors in the brown seaweed Padina gymnospora and Lobophora sp, using the commercial enzyme from Trichoderma sp. as a target. These inhibitors may be explored in the future for the development of new insecticides.

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19- Phylogeography of the neotropical epiphytic orchid, genus Dracula

MARCO F. CERNA, MARIELA M. MORENO, BYRON G. FUERTES, MARIO L. IZA, GERARDO E. MEDINA & CELSO G. RECALDE

The tropical Andes constitute a natural barrier between the Pacific and Atlantic. There is a great biodiversity, in some cases endemic and associated with relatively small geographic areas. As a contribution to the discussions related to the difficulty in classifying species, the DNA of orchids of the genus Dracula was isolated and sequenced. The geophysical conditions of the Andes have generated greater biodiversity on the Pacific side. Although the species Dracula cordobae and alessandroi reported on both sides of the study site belong to the same clade, they show limited mobility through the drier zone south of the mountain range.

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20- In vitro storage of sweet passion fruit seeds as an innovation conservation alternative

TATIANA G. JUNGHANS, ONILDO N. JESUS, JAILTON J. SILVA & MICHELE S. FERREIRA

Sweet passion fruit (Passiflora alata Curtis) is economically important for fruit consumption. This species is propagated from seeds, but there is great difficulty in the storage of its seeds, being frequent the loss of viability in only one month when stored conventionally in a cold chamber. However, under in vitro culture medium conditions, it was possible to maintain the seed viability for three years. Therefore, this innovative technology of in vitro culture medium of its seeds brings great benefit to the conservation of this species.

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21- Mitochondrial DNA suggests Hybridization in Freshwater Stingrays Potamotrygon (POTAMOTRYGONIDAE: MYLIOBATIFORMES) from the Xingu river, Amazonia and reveals speciation in Paratrygon aireba

DAMIRES SANCHES, THAIS MARTINS, ÍTALO LUTZ, IVANA VENEZA, RAIMUNDO DA SILVA, FELIPE ARAÚJO, JANICE MURIEL-CUNHA, IRACILDA SAMPAIO, MAGALI GARCIA, LEANDRO SOUSA & GRAZIELLE EVANGELISTA-GOMES

In the Xingu river basin, Brazil, occurs two genera of Potamotrygonidae: Potamotrygon and Paratrygon. Fish intensively captured, especially the species Potamotrygon leopoldi, which is endemic to this basin. Here we analyze the genes Cytochrome Oxidase C – subunit I and Cytochrome B of five species: P. leopoldi; Potamotrygon orbignyi; Potamotrygon motoro; Potamotrygon scobina and Paratrygon aiereba. We found haplotype sharing, with a total absence of reciprocal monophyly. Individuals morphologically identified as a species showed mitochondrial DNA from another, suggesting hybridization amongst freshwater stingrays. Also, we detected a deep divergence among Paratrygon aiereba haplotypes, suggesting a new species for the Xingu.

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MICROBIOLOGY

22- Gulls as carriers of antimicrobial resistance genes in different biogeographical areas of South America

ELIANA LORENTI, FABIANA MOREDO, JAVIER ORIGLIA, JULIA I. DIAZ, FLORENCIA CREMONTE & GABRIELA GIACOBONI

Gulls as carriers of antimicrobial resistance genes in different biogeographical areas of South America”, is a short communication whose aimed was to establish if Enterobacterales associated with gulls in Argentina harbored antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Cloacal swabs sampled from gulls that frequent different landfills located in two contrasting biogeographical areas were analyzed. The bla_CTX-M and mcr-1 genes were isolated. The finding of AMR in wildlife constitutes a useful tool in evaluating the anthropogenic impact on environmental health.

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23- Determination of antimicrobial and antimutagenic properties of some Schiff bases

HATICE OGUTCU, SEHER MERAL, SELCUK CEKER, AYSEN ALAMAN AGAR & GULERAY AGAR

Schiff bases have increasing importance in the preparation of some drugs, production of dye, in the electronics industry, in the plastics industry, in cosmetics. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate for the first time antimicrobial and antimutagenic activities new two Schiff bases, obtained from a primary amine and an aldehyde. The results showed that both studied compounds exhibited antimutagenic properties and were effective against pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. In line with the results obtained, it can be emphasized that these compounds can be used as phytotherapeutics due to their antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities.

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ECOSYSTEMS

24- Effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on germination of Sesbania virgata (FABACEAE) plants

ELIENE S. DOS SANTOS, DANIELA E. GRACIANO, WILLIAM F. FALCO, ANDERSON R. LIMA CAIRES & EDUARDO J. DE ARRUDA

The work investigates the biological effects that copper oxide nanoparticles, CuO NPs, can cause to the biological system of plants and the environment. The knowledge allows to propose control measures and to measure the toxicity of nanoparticulate materials that can interfere in the germination and growth of plants by application. of non-destructive methods of analysis. The study demonstrates, for the first time, that CuO NPs can negatively affect the physiological state and development of the seed of Sesbania virgata (Fabaceae), by altering the efficiency of the functioning of photosystem II in the initial stage of development, depending on the concentration of CuO NPs.

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25- Decomposition of leaf litter in the Brazilian savanna on limestone and sandstone Neosols

VINÍCIUS N. ALVES, DANILA G. BERTIN, DOUGLAS DA S. SANTOS, BENO WENDLING, REGINA M.Q. LANA, JOSÉ LUIZ R. TORRES & MARCELO H.O. PINHEIRO

The decomposition of litter in the soil is a fundamental step in the process of nutrient cycling and is little studied in Brazilian savannas on young soils. We describe and statistically compare the decomposition of two areas of 'sensu stricto' cerrado with opposite edaphic characteristics - limestone (eutrophic) and sandstone (dystrophic). The rate of decomposition in the limestone savanna was higher than in the sandstone savanna. This difference can be explained by the absence of aluminum and the greater fertility of the soil in the unusual limestone savanna, especially phosphorus which is highly limiting in savannahs with soils typically dystrophic.

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26- Distribution and environmental determinants of darkling beetles assemblages (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Península Valdés (Argentinean Patagonia)

GERMÁN H. CHELI, RODOLFO CARRARA, LUCAS BANDIERI & GUSTAVO E. FLORES

Arid lands provide several products/services to humankind, but human activities affect this environment. Darkling beetles play relevant roles in deserts. However, there is no agreement on the environmental factors that mainly determine its spatial distribution. Here, we assessed the role of climate, vegetation, and soil variables as factors that determine tenebrionid distribution patterns in Northeastern Patagonia. Differences in temperature, precipitations, and soil texture determined several species assemblages, suggesting that the magnitude of several ecosystem processes may vary among them. We recommend prioritizing the conservation of these assemblages and incorporating the beetles-environment relationship in future conservation strategies for arid Patagonia.

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27- Seasonal diet variation, preferences and availability of resources consumed by Sturnira lilium (É. Geoffroy St.-Hilaire, 1810) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Brazilian seasonal deciduous forest

FÁBIO A.F. JACOMASSA, ITIBERÊ P. BERNARDI & FERNANDO DE C. PASSOS

We captured Sturnira lilium for a year in the northern of Rio Grande do Sul to study: their diet; food preferences; and the correlation 'seasonal availability × preferred plant in the diet'. We found 11 species of plants in the diet, mostly solanaceous (81%), highlighted on pioneers plants, that are important for ecological succession. There was weak correlation 'seasonal availability × preferred plant in the diet'. The mobility of these bats and the abundance in the diet of their preferred fruits place these species as good dispersers of plants, especially those characteristic of early stages of succession and regeneration areas.

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28- Parasites in Leporinus macrocephalus (Anostomidae) of four fish farms from the western Amazon (Brazil)

LUCIANO P. NEGREIROS, LIGIA R. NEVES & MARCOS TAVARES-DIAS

This study evaluated the presence of metazoan parasites in Leporinus macrocephalus from four fish farms from the western Amazon (Brazil). In 160 fi sh examined, prevalence was 61.9%, and parasites found were: Urocleidoides paradoxus, Urocleidoides eremitus, Tereancistrum parvus, Jainus leporini, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) acuminata, Dolops discoidalis and Ergasilus sp., but U. paradoxus was the dominant parasite. Jainus leporini and Ergasilus sp. occurred only in L. macrocephalus from one fish farm, while U. paradoxus, U. eremitus and T. parvus were found in fish from three fish farms. Dolops discoidalis, P. (S.) inopinatus and R. (R.) acuminata occurred only in L. macrocephalus from two fish farms. Higher infection levels were caused by U. paradoxus, U. eremitus and P. (S.) inopinatus, which had an aggregated dispersion. There was positive correlation between abundance of parasites and the length of hosts. No difference in the condition factor of parasitized and non-parasitized fish were found. Such differences between fish farms were attributed to differences in management and quality of cultivation environments, and data indicate the need to adopt prophylactic measures in the fish farms to prevent diseases in the future. This was the first report of D. discoidalis and Ergasilus sp. for L. macrocephalus.

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29- Classification of homogeneous regions of vegetation cover in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and its temporal dynamics, using AVHRR GIMMS and MODIS data sets

ANA PAULA A. CORDEIRO, RITA DE CÁSSIA M. ALVES, ANA PAULA L.W. STEFFLER, VAGNER P. MENGUE, DENISE C. FONTANA, VINICIUS S. ROGLIO & LAURINDO A. GUASSELLI

The main contribution of this work is the delimitation of homogeneous regions of vegetation from temporal variability of vegetation indices. By the temporal dynamics of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), it is possible to monitor phenological changes of the vegetation, as well as the dynamics of land use and land cover. This information can aid decision making and enable public policy planning appropriate to a sustainable organization of the territory. The technique used is indicated for large areas, in which the objectives are to understand the dynamics and great spatial patterns of the vegetation. These results can serve as basis for constructing a long synthetic series, in future works, for studies of land cover change.

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30- Transplanting macrophytes as a rehabilitation technique for lowland streams and their influence on macroinvertebrate assemblages

PAULA ALTIERI, LAURA E. PAZ, ROBERTO F. JENSEN, JORGE DONADELLI & ALBERTO RODRIGUES CAPÍTULO

Our aim was to assess the transplantation of macrophytes with different complexity into a lowland stream which was dredged and widened. Stuckenia pectinata and Hydrocleys nymphoides were collected at an extraction site and installed at a transplant site. The growth of both macrophytes did not differ significantly between sites and the coverage of transplanted beds increased. Macroinvertebrate assemblage presented in macrophyte beds were assessed between sites and species. Our study showed that this technique is suitable for reintroducing these species and is applicable in rehabilitation projects that promote the restoration of habitat heterogeneity deteriorated by river engineering works.

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31- Native and non-native species of Litopenaeus Pérez-Farfante, 1969 (Crustacea: Penaeidae) from the East Atlantic: Geometric morphometrics as a tool for taxonomic discrimination

ALEX B. DE MORAES, DANIELE C.S. DE MORAES, CARLOS EDUARDO R.D. ALENCAR & FÚLVIO A.M. FREIRE

Quantitative evaluation of body structures that are morphologically variable in species can favor additional identifications. Cephalotorax shape variation was discriminatory in interspecific comparative morphology between conspecific native Litopenaeus schmitti and non-native L. vannamei that co-occur in the Atlantic coast. It was not possible to distinguish the specimens of L. vannamei that were grown in shrimp farms from those acclimated to the natural environment. Additionally, the base position of the first rostral spine in relation to the tip of the hepatic spine is indicated as a characteristic that can be used to distinguish these two species on the field.

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32- On the Dental Formulae of Brazilian Terrestrial Carnivora (Mammalia)

FILIPE S. GUDINHO & MARCELO WEKSLER

In this study, we revisit the dental formulae of Brazilian terrestrial Carnivora, including members of the families Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae (weasels and otters), Procyonidae (raccoons) and Mephitidae (skunks). We discuss teeth number and type for each species based on vouchered material deposited at the Museu Nacional/UFRJ. We summarize the general form of each tooth, its position related to other teeth and to cranial structures, the replacement of deciduous teeth by permanent ones, and dental anomalies such as supernumerary teeth. Finally, we present the dental formulae for all studied species, and propose a dichotomous key based on dentition.

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33- Teissiera polypofera: first record of the genus Teissiera (Hydrozoa: Anthoathecata) in the Atlantic Ocean

EVERTON G. TOSETTO, SIGRID NEUMANN-LEITÃO, ARNAUD BERTRAND & MIODELI NOGUEIRA-JÚNIOR

This study reports for the first time a hydromedusa (phylum cnidarian) species of the genus Teissiera in the Atlantic Ocean. The specimens assigned to the species Teissiera polypofera were observed in tropical epipelagic waters off the coast of Northeastern Brazil. Previously the species was only known from the coast off China. The lack of knowledge concerning hydrozoan biodiversity in tropical ocean basins and the resemblance between medusae from Teissiera and other genera in their family are likely to be the main causes of the disjunct distribution of this species.

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34- Is it possible to use behavior characters for evolutionary reconstruction in marine invertebrates? A methodological approach using Ethokit Logger

ISABELA A. DE GODOY, CARLOS C. ALBERTS, CAIO H. NESPOLO, JULIANA DE OLIVEIRA & SÉRGIO N. STAMPAR

In our study we used behavior to unravel the level of kinship among groups of Cnidarians, which include Anthozoans and Medusozoans, something that was not tried before. We studied feeding behavior sequences and the data that came out were analyzed with a new software, EthoKit Logger, which identified sequential patterns unique or shared among each group of cnidarians. The results show that the achieved phylogenetic reconstruction is very similar to other that used molecular data. This indicates that behavior may be used as a trusted source of phylogenetic characters and can be used along other type of characters.

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35- Effect of fine-scale habitat differences on algal colonisation in a coral-dominated subtropical reef

LEONARDO L. DE CARVALHO & ROBERTO C. VILLAÇA

Studies on biological interactions and coexistence between corals and algae allow predicting possible scenarios of a reef ecosystem in cases of environmental changes. We investigated how the algal turfs colonisation occurs under different conditions regarding the presence of corals and their substrate. We also examined for 1.5 years whether algal turfs have invasive potential on living coral tissue. Our findings indicate that fine-scale changes in the configuration of the reef environment and the coral substrate itself influence the pattern of algae colonisation. Finally, we have identified that after colonisation there is stability in the competitive process between algae and coral.

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36- Species diversity of Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) in mountaintops of extra-Andean volcanoes of Payunia (Argentina), with descriptions of two new species

RODOLFO CARRARA, GERMÁN H. CHELI, VIOLETA A. SILVESTRO, SERGIO ROIG-JUÑENT & GUSTAVO E. FLORES

The biodiversity that inhabits the mountain tops is in serious risk of extinction due to the possible effect of global climate change. In this work we prospect the top of two nearby volcanoes, and found that they presented different assemblages of darkling beetles insects, even with the appearance of new species that were described. We discussed the probable causes of the differences in species composition, pointed out the main adaptations that allow species to survive in these high altitude environments, and established the implications that our work has for the conservation of the biodiversity in those areas.

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37- The first record of Centrocestus formosanus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) in southern Brazil supported by molecular data

JULIANA R.M. CICCHETO, BRUNO H.M. STABILE, THOMAZ M.C. FABRIN, ALESSANDRA V. DE OLIVEIRA, RICARDO M. TAKEMOTO & RODRIGO J. DA GRAÇA

Centrocestus formosanus was found parasitizing specimens of Melanoides tuberculata and poeciliid fishes in an urban park located in southern Brazil. This parasite was identified using an integrative taxonomic approach, supported by molecular and morphological data. These hosts are intermediates host in the life cycle of this parasite, and different bird species can eat them and get infected, thus completing the cycle. The presence of these parasites in fish farming can cause damage and management expenses, also it is considered zoonotic. Therefore, it is important to understand the cycles of digenean species, particularly those representing health risks and economic loss.

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38- Peripampasic Arc: a route of dispersion for lichens

RENATO A. GARCÍA & ALEJANDRO DEL PALACIO

The Peripampasic Arc is a set of low mountains that connects the Andes with the Atlantic coastal range of the Serra do Mar in Brazil. The aim of this work is to establish if the dispersion route of the lichenbiota follows Peripampasic Arc. A comparative study of each area regarding its similarities was analyzed. There was a strong similarity between Ventana and Tandil, which in turn is linked to the biotas of Uruguay, the Pampean Sierras and the northwest. The lack of subgroups in the Peripampasic Arc implies the arc acts as a functional unit of dispersion.

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GEOSCIENCES

39- High-resolution semi-automatic mapping based on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture geological structures

JULIO A. MOREIRA, FABRICIA B. DE OLIVEIRA, CARLOS H.R. DE OLIVEIRA, ALVARO C. FIGUEIREDO, MAURO C.L. FILHO & EDUARDO B. DUARTE

Due to the recent technological progress, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), is an alternative for the high resolution imaging of the terrestrial surface, helping map lineaments, essential structures on the stage of geological mapping. Therefore, this research aims to accomplish and to confirm the efficiency of the use of UAV high-resolution imaging for semi-automatic lineament mapping. On the semi automatic and manual extraction on the orthomosaic and shaded relief image, 61.30%, 61.63%, 57.38% of the lineaments, respectively, have NW-SE direction, showing a really strong correlation. Therefore, the semi automatic mapping can provide fine-scale data for the assessment of inaccessible areas.

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40- Comparing explosive cyclogenesis cases of different intensities occurred in Southern Atlantic

VILSON D. DE AVILA, ANDRÉ B. NUNES & RITA DE CÁSSIA M. ALVES

The main results showed strong cases presenting more prominent tropopause anomalies, stronger ascendent movement and more meridional southward trajectories while the others were to the southeast. Generally, the baroclinicity and the great amplitude jetstream perturbation were the main mechanisms for the systems’ development. It was also observed that all cases developed following the Shapiro-Keyser conceptual model.

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41- Chemical classification of common volcanic rocks based on degree of silica saturation and CaO/K₂O ratio

JOÃO O.S. SANTOS & LÉO A. HARTMANN

We propose a classification scheme that solves the problems involved in volcanic rocks. Classification is a challenge particularly because these rocks are fine-grained or glassy making difficult and expensive the identification of their constituent minerals. Existing chemical classifications are uncapable of identifying all 16 families of volcanic rocks and frequently generate misclassifications. Several publications since 1980 contain wrongly classified rock names in other diagrams. The present proposal is based on three major elements (Si, Ca, and K), is simple and robust and will be useful for many geologists working with volcanic rocks. 

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42- Petrologic and geochronological constraints on the polymetamorphic evolution of the collisional granites, Araçuaí Orogen (SE Brazil)

SANDRO MAURI, MARILANE G. MELO, CRISTIANO LANA, RODSON A. MARQUES

In our work, we investigated the geological evolution of a rock widely used as an ornamental rock - the granites of the Carlos Chagas Suite, which outcrop in the region of Barra de São Francisco and Nova Venécia, in the state of Espírito Santo. This region has stood out as an important national pole for the extraction and processing of ornamental rocks. Our study shows that these rocks were formed at about 580 Ma, in processes related to the formation of large mountain ranges in southeastern Brazil and to the formation of the western Gondwana paleocontinent.

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

43- Nutritional performance and metabolic characteristics of cattle fed tropical forages with protein and starch supplementation

MARCIA O. FRANCO, EDENIO DETMANN, ERICK D. BATISTA, LUANA M.A. RUFINO, MARIO F. PAULINO & SEBASTIÃO C. VALADARES FILHO

Tropical forages have low concentration of crude protein and high lignification of insoluble fiber during dry season. Moreover, even during rainy season, tropical forages can be considered unbalanced diet. Supplementation schemes may improve energy extract from forage, even if it is low-quality. There is an interaction between protein and starch supplementation, however this information in tropical condition is still scarce. This paper investigated single (protein) and combined (protein + starch) supplementation in animal fed low- and medium-quality forage. Protein supplementation increased nitrogen retention was more prominent when animals were fed low-quality forages.

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44- Safflower seed supplementation in lamb feed: effects upon fatty acid profile and quality of meat patty formulations

MITALLY RAYANA C. DE OLIVEIRA, LARISSA ECHEVERRIA, ANTONIO C. MARTINEZ, RAFAEL HENRIQUE T.B. DE GOES, JULIANA SCANAVACCA & BEATRIZ C.B. BARROS

The aims of this study were to determine the fatty acid profile of meat from lambs fed with different levels of safflower seed (0%, 7.5%, and 15%) and, also, to compare the characteristics of the meat patties prepared from this lamb meat with beef meat patties. The safflower seed-supplemented diet did not change the contents of polyunsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids, except for C22:1. Most of the properties evaluated were similar among meat patties formulations. The incorporation of 15% safflower seed into lamb feed contributed to promoting better sensory attributes of the meat patties.

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45- Key roles of paternal care and climate on offspring survival of an Amazonian poison frog

SULAMITA M.C. DA ROCHA, ALBERTINA P. LIMA & IGOR LUIS KAEFER

In poison frogs, usually the males are territorial and care for terrestrial nests and later transport their offspring to waterbodies where they complete larval development. In some species, mothers care for their offspring or may exhibit flexible care to compensate for father absence. In this field experiment we studied the joint impact of paternal care and the El Niño climatic anomaly on Allobates paleovarzensis' offspring survival. We found that pre-metamorphic individuals are highly vulnerable to the loss of paternal care. We also showed that paternal care, when present, does not prevent offspring death under these increasingly frequent climatic anomalies.

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46- Detection of virulence genes and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Listeria monocytogenes isolates recovered from artisanal cheese produced in the Southern region of Brazil

LEANDRO PARUSSOLO, RICARDO ANTÔNIO P. SFACIOTTE, KARINE ANDREZZA DALMINA, FERNANDA DANIELLE MELO, UBIRAJARA M. DA COSTA & SANDRA MARIA FERRAZ

The objective of this work was to investigate the presence of virulence genes and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of L. monocytogenes isolates recovered from serrano artisanal cheese produced in Southern region of Brazil. Nine strains were evaluated through PCR to detect the presence of the virulence genes, while antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined via disk diffusion method. All strains exhibited the presence of the genes hly and plcB, whereas the other genes (iap, actA, inlA, inlC, inlJ) were only detected in eight strains. All strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent and three of them showed multidrug resistance.

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47- High-concentrate diets with fibrous by-products for feedlot Nellore heifers

ERIC H.C.B. VAN CLEEF, PRISCILA S.N. DE OLIVEIRA, ROSEMARY LAÍS GALATI, DANIEL S. FERREIRA, VIVIANE C. SANTOS, ANTÔNIO CARLOS HOMEM JUNIOR, SERGIO ANTÔNIO G. PEREIRA JÚNIOR, RENÉ MAURICIO P. PARDO & JANE MARIA B. EZEQUIEL

Twenty-eight finishing heifers were fed four treatments: two concentrate levels (70 and 80%) and two energy sources (corn and corn germ meal). The concentrate level of 80% and corn as energy source, allowed the greatest crude protein and fiber intakes. Final body weight and daily weight gain were greater in corn-fed heifers, and carcass muscle and fat were greater in 80% concentrate-fed heifers. High proportions of concentrate containing corn provided the best performance in heifers, but the total replacement of corn with corn germ meal in high-concentrate diets is not recommended, even with improved sensory quality of the meat.

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48- Influence of creep feeder position on the behavior and performance of preweaning piglets and sows in a hot climate environment

EWERSON S. OLIVEIRA, ELAINE L.L. NASCIMENTO, HELLEN K.S. LIMA, JACQUELINE S. NEVES, JAMILLY G. DAMASCENO, JULIANA C. SILVA, NATÁLIA C. OLIVEIRA, PEDRO H. NASCIMENTO, RAFAEL A. OLIVEIRA, VITOR O. ARAÚJO, MARIA F.A. VIEIRA, BRUNO M. MONTEIRO, ALLAN P. SCHINCKEL & CESAR A.P. GARBOSSA

The use of feed besides the maternal milk for preweaning piglets is important to improve their performance. Considering it the effect of using or altering the position of piglet’s creep feeder during lactation on piglet's performance in a hot climate environment was evaluated. Forty-five sows and their litters at 10 days of lactation were distributed into three treatments: front feeder near the side of the sow’s head; back feeder near the side of the rump of the sow; and no feeder. The creep feeders positioned in the front increased piglet growth rate and decreased frequency of belly nosing behavior.

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49- Effect of different cryopreservation extenders added with antioxidants on semen quality and in vitro embryo production efficiency in cattle

NATALIA C. SILVA, KAREN M. LEÃO, JOÃO T. PÁDUA, THAISA C. MARQUES, FRANCISCO R.A. NETO, MARGOT A.N. DODE & ANDRIELLE T.M. CUNHA

In this article, we evaluated the addition of antioxidants glutathione and melatonin in different procedures in the cryoprotectants Andromed® and Bovimix® on bovine sperm quality and its efficiency in in vitro embryo production. We found that glutathione did not improve sperm viability and melatonin had a negative effect on semen characteristics. Andromed® presents results regarding the kinetic parameters of sperm, and Bovimix® regarding cell integrity. At PIVE, Andromed® without glutathione and Bovimix® added with 2.5 mM of glutathione improved the cleavage rate.

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50- Starter bacteria as producers of CLA in ripened cheese

PAULA M. OLIVO, GERALDO TADEU DOS SANTOS, BRUNA M. RODRIGUES, MILENE P. OSMARI, FRANCILAINE ELOISE DE MARCHI, GRASIELE S. MADRONA, BRUNA C. AGOSTINHO & MAGALI S.S. POZZA

During cheese maturation, CLA can be formed from linoleic acid by the action of primary or secondary cultures with alteration of the lipid profile due to lipolysis reactions. The effect on the fatty acid profile using Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus were evaluated in the manufacture of ripened cheese. Physical-chemical, antioxidant, microbiological and fatty acid analyzes were performed. Lactic acid bacteria remained viable. There was no difference in texture and collor. The fatty acids quantified in greater proportion were stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic. Monounsaturated fatty acids were increased and saturated fatty acids decreased.

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51- Effect of chromium yeast supplementation on lipid profile of swine fat

STEPHAN A.S. ALENCAR, CHARLES KIEFER, KARINA M.R.S. NASCIMENTO, LUIZ HENRIQUE VIANA, ANDERSON CORASSA, GABRIELA P. RODRIGUES, CAMILLA M. SILVA & LEANDRO F. CAVALHEIRO

There is evidence that it is possible to change the lipid profile of swine fat and improve the quality of fat for human health. Increasing the period of chromium yeast supplementation before slaughter influence the lipid profile of the backfat and Longissimus lumborum muscle. Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are affected in backfat. The supplementation period of chromium yeast with the greatest effect on fatty acids was around 51 days.

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52- Richness and distribution of the meliponine fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in the State of Ceará, Brazil

JÂNIO A. FELIX & BRENO M. FREITAS

The stingless bees are diverse and widely distributed in tropical regions, but little studied in NE Brazil. This is the first comprehensive survey sampling stingless bee species throughout the state of Ceará, and reviewing the list of species known to the state increased their numbers from 29 to 49. The natural distribution of the species is not homogeneous and is strongly linked to the environmental conditions and type of vegetation. We also indicate rare species and those presently threatened, demonstrating the need of conservation efforts and potential for sustainable exploitation of these bee species and their habitats through meliponiculture.

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CROP SCIENCE

53- Plant growth regulators to increase fruit set and yield of ‘Rocha’ pear trees in Southern Brazil

BRUNO CARRA, MATEUS S. PASA, EVERTON S. ABREU, MAXIMILIANO DINI, CARINA P. PASA, MARLISE N. CIOTTA, FLAVIO G. HERTER & PAULO MELLO-FARIAS

Pear production in Brazil represents only 10% of total domestic consumption. The other 90% are imported, indicating a market demand and potential opportunity for growers. Low fruit set is one of the main factors leading to this scenario. Plant growth regulators (PGR’s) are involved in pear fruit set and its exogenous applications may provide a potential tool to increase fruit set and yields. The present study demonstrates the effect of different PGR’s on pear production. The results we have found indicate that some of the PGR’s can be efficiently used to increase production and profitability of pear orchards.

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54- Increased atmospheric CO₂ combined with local climatic variation affects phenolics and spider mite populations in coffee trees

EUNICE R. BATISTA, JEANNE S. MARINHO-PRADO, JEFERSON L.C. MINEIRO, MÁRIO E. SATO, ALFREDO J.B. LUIZ & ROSA T.S. FRIGHETTO

Continuous increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration [CO₂] may alter carbon-based phytochemicals such phenolics and modify plant interactions with herbivorous. We investigated the effects of enhanced [CO₂] on phenolic compounds in coffee leaves cultivated under two atmospheric [CO₂] conditions and the correlations with mite populations. High levels of phenolics were negatively correlated with mite population size. Otherwise, mite species richness were negatively correlated with total soluble phenolics and chlorogenic acid levels. Our findings show that [CO₂] enhancement affects phenolics in coffee plants, however seasonality is the key determinant of phenolics composition, mite species richness and population size.

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55- Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oils of Piper marginatum, Piper callosum and Vitex agnus-castus

VANESSA F.S. AYRES, MIDIÃ R. OLIVEIRA, EDSON L.L. BALDIN, GEONE M. CORRÊA, ANDERSON C. GUIMARÃES & RENATA TAKEARA

During grain storage, a considerable amount of product is lost because of insects, such as Zabrotes subfasciatus. Currently, studies are searching for plants with potential for the control of agricultural pests, also known as botanical insecticides. In this study, the fumigant toxicity of the essential oils of Piper callosum (PC-EO), Piper marginatum (PM-EO) and Vitex agnus-castus (VA-EO) against Zabrotes subfasciatus was investigated. The VA-EO sample provided the lowest LD₅₀, followed by PC-EO and PM-EO. These results demonstrate that the essential oils of these species can be an alternative to control pests in stored products.

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56- Differential defense responses of tropical grasses to Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) infestation

RAFAEL DE A. BARROS, CAMILO E. VITAL, NEILIER R.S. JÚNIOR, MANUEL A.S. VARGAS, LUANA P. MONTEIRO, VERÔNICA A. FAUSTINO, ALEXANDER M. AUAD, JORGE F. PEREIRA, EUGÊNIO E. DE OLIVEIRA, HUMBERTO J.O. RAMOS & MARIA GORETI A. OLIVEIRA

The spittlebugs Mahanarva spectabilis is an important insect pest that infect tropical grasses. For development of resistant genotypes, we evaluated biochemical responses of the interaction between M. spectabilis and the widely cultivated tropical grasses. These responses were host-dependent as verified for lipoxygenases activity.  JA and ABA levels were similar and increased under herbivory in all genotypes, which SA was constitutively higher in Brachiaria sp. Plant resistance to insect attack did not dependent of PI productions. Thus, SA-dependent cascades may also be related to plant resistance.

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57- Light quality and sealing type affect in vitro growth and development of Capsicum frutescens cultivars

TAINARA GRIS, MARCOS V.M. PINHEIRO, LEONARDO A. THIESEN, ANDERSON R. WEBLER, DIÉSSICA L. JUNGES, EVANDRO HOLZ, IURI NAIBO, DIEGO S. BATISTA, WAGNER C. OTONI & DENISE SCHMIDT

The development and biological processes of plants are influenced by light spectrum stimuli, interfering with the size and number of organs, number of sprouts, seed germination, determination of growth and flowering habits, fruiting, among others. With advances in light technology, especially light-emitting diodes (LEDs), have led researchers to explore several areas, including tissue culture, demonstrating great potential for its use in in vitro cultivation, especially in which refers to the ability to emit specific wavelengths, such as red and blue light, which have regulatory effects on plant development, and often the responses become species-specific.

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SOIL SCIENCE

58- Structure and diversity of bacterial community in semiarid soils cultivated with prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.)

MARIA DO CARMO C.P. DE LYRA, RODRIGO G. TAKETANI, ANA DOLORES DE FREITAS, CAROLINA E.R.S. E SILVA, ADÁLIA C.E.S. MERGULHÃO, MARIA LUIZA R.B. DA SILVA, JADSON E.L.S. ANTUNES, ADEMIR S.F. DE ARAÚJO & POLIANA F. GIACHETTO

The cultivation of forage cactus (Opuntia fícus-indica) has an extremely important role in the northeastern semiarid as it is the main source of food for animals in the dry season. The semiarid is part of the Caatinga biome, which has great biodiversity. Because this crop is highly susceptible to a plague called cochineal, and knowing that the relationship between soil microbial communities can interfere with plant health, we seek to discover the diversity and structure of the soil microbial community using the 16S gene sequencing technology ribosomal. The results were very interesting because they showed that depending on the area where this crop is located, and the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region, there is a change in the soil microbiota, which may interfere in the crop's response to various external factors such as pests and diseases.

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59- Biological activity of bacteria isolated from wetland sediments collected from a conservation unit in the southern region of Brazil

PRISCILA R. JANKOSKI, ANA PAULA F. CORREA, ADRIANO BRANDELLI & AMANDA S. DA MOTTA

Wetlands are ecosystems rich in biodiversity and their ecological importance is recognized worldwide. The selected isolates were evaluated for enzymatic properties and 64% showed positive results for amylase, 16% for gelatinase, 37% for lipase, 91% for protease and 2.7% for inulinase. Bacillus sp. sed 2.2 showed inhibitory activity against Corynebacterium fimi NCTC 7547, and the antimicrobial substance was partially purified. This substance was active against some species of Listeria, including Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644. Bacillus sp. obtained from sediment samples were important sources of bioactive compounds.

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60- Evaluation of the agricultural potential of the serpentinite rock as a soil remineralizer

JOÃO H.M. VIANA, ANTÔNIO M. COELHO, ANDRÉ THOMAZINI & MATHEUS P.F. DE CARVALHO

Mineral nutrition has a key role in crop production and in the sustainability of the food supply. The use of rock powders as an alternative source of essential nutrients is important to broaden the options for farmers and to use local or regional low cost resources. This work aims to evaluate the serpentinite rock, which is rich in the key nutrient magnesium, as a new fertilizer for tropical agriculture. The results show that it may be used to supply or to balance the Mg levels in soil, when limestone is not an option.

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FORESTRY SCIENCE

61- Spatial variability of the nutritional status and the leaf chlorophyll index of from rubber tree

JULİÃO S.S. LİMA, MARCELO S. ALTOÉ, SAMUEL A. SİLVA, ABEL S. FONSECA & CAÍQUE C. MEDAUAR

The precision silviculture favor the collection and analysis of geospatial data enabling interventions located in the forest with adequate accuracy and precision. Thus, the study of the spatial distribution of the dendrometric variables of the rubber plants and their relationship with the other attributes of the soil and leaf becomes essential to understand their productive behaviour.  

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

62- Influence of different relief information sources on the geomorphological characterization of small watersheds

MAÍRA M. DE MOURA, SAMUEL BESKOW, FABRÍCIO S. TERRA, CARLOS ROGÉRIO DE MELLO, ZANDRA A. DA CUNHA & FELÍCIO CASSALHO

This study sought to evaluate the influence of Digital Elevation Models (DEM) (ASTER, SRTM-30, SRTM-90, and TOPO) over geomorphological attributes of five Brazilian watersheds considering TOPO DEM as reference: drainage area, perimeter, and watershed slope; length and slope of the main stream; and bifurcation, stream length and stream area ratios. It was found that: i) slope of main stream and bifurcation ratio were the most sensitive parameters; ii) flat watersheds were more susceptible to altimetric errors; iii) ASTER did not adequately represent drainage networks for flat watersheds; and iv) the differences in the geomorphological attributes increased as drainage area decreased.

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63- Influence of hemodialysis blood flow rate on the thrombogenic potential in patients with central venous catheters

JONATHAS HANIEL, THABATA C. LUCAS, MÁRIO LUIS F. DA SILVA, VÍTOR S. GOMES & RUDOLF HUEBNER

In this study we apply methods to determine the tendency for thrombus formation in different central venous catheters models associated with flow rate variation. To calculate the thrombogenic potential, we proposed a new numerical model of the platelet lysis index (PLI) equation. The PLI computed at the catheter outlet presented higher values when compared to the values computed at the vein outlet. The arterial lumen presents a larger thrombogenic potential when compared to the vein lumen. This finding showed that with the PLI equation it was possible to demonstrate the thrombogenic potential that the flow rate can possibly offer.

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64- Assessment of spatial variability of bedding variables in compost bedded pack barns with climate control system

CARLOS EDUARDO A. OLIVEIRA, FLÁVIO A. DAMASCENO, GABRIEL A.S. FERRAZ, JOÃO ANTÔNIO C. DO NASCIMENTO, FELIPE A.O. VEGA, ILDA F.F. TINÔCO & RAFAELLA R. ANDRADE

The use of compost barns facilities (CBP) for confinement of dairy cattle is relatively recent in Brazil, and little is known about its operation in Brazilian climatic conditions. Most CBP installations built in the country are opened, using natural or mechanical ventilation by positive pressure. However, recently some fully closed and air-conditioned CBP facilities have been deployed in the country. Given the lack of information about this new system implemented, this work was carried out with the purpose of evaluating and characterizing the bed environment in a closed CBP facility with controlled climate, through the use of geostatistics.

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65- Mechanical and electrical properties of MWCNTs - high early strength cement - mortars composite: Dispersion of CNTs and effect of chemical admixtures

VÍCTOR J. GARCÍA, CARMEN O. MÁRQUEZ, ALONSO R. ZÚÑIGA-SUÁREZ, BERENICE C. ZÚÑIGA-TORRES & PEDRO J. RÍOS-GÓNZALEZ

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed in an aqueous system with (1) hydroxylated polymers-based water reducing plasticizer (HPs), a nonionic compound, (2) Naphthalene based superplasticizer (SNF), an anionic compound, and (3) calcium chloride-based accelerating agent (CC) a neutral amphoteric salt. Although the SNF (anionic) based superplasticizer resulted incompatible with the HE cement, it improved the indirect tensile strength of [PM+SNF+MWCNTs] composite. In contrast, the CC (amphoteric) based accelerating agent was compatible with the HE cement; the CC adsorption on the MWCNTs surface favors an improvement in the electrical conductivity of [PM+CAd+MWCNTs] composite.

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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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