Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 52

AABC - Volume 94.1 2022

  
 
 

 
 

The present issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) shows a quite diverse selection of 65 original contributions in 13 of the 16 scientific areas of this periodical. Most contributions fall under the category Ecosystems (22), followed by Animal Science (13), and Microbiology (10). There are also papers in Health Sciences (4), Cellular and Molecular Biology (4), Chemical Sciences (2), Forestry Science (2), Engineering Sciences (2), Social Sciences (2), Physical Sciences (1), Biomedical Sciences (1), Crop Science (1), Soil Science (1), and Social Sciences (1).

As always it is very hard to choose the highlights. In Ecosystems, there are papers on proposals of zoning of the industrial fisheries, ghost nets and freshwater biodiversity, sea anemones, current pitfalls on snake phylogeny, and a review of the restoration practices for the Cerrado.

Microbiology presents a study regarding the evaluation antibacterial activity of some herbs and extracts, the effect of some natural products on a fungus that affects potato and tomato plantations, and the use of specific bacteria to mitigate the negative effects of a widely used herbicide.

Other papers published in the present issue of the AABC deal with the characterization of natural zeolites (Physical Sciences), a wireless sensor system that can be applied in evaluation of human movements (Biomedical Sciences), treatment of wastewater from mining activities (Engineering Sciences), and questions regarding education of the public concerning the nuclear industry (Social Sciences).

I would also like to call you attention to the editorial that presents some of the characteristics of the AABC, the sole lato sensu multidisciplinary periodical edited in Brazil.

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! Enjoy and let us know what you most - or least liked about this issue.

 

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

  
       
 

 

  
 

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

  
       
 

1- Characterization of Cuban and Brazilian natural zeolites by photoacoustic spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance

ARLEM LARA-BERNAL, MARCELO G. DA SILVA, LEONARDO MOTA, ERNESTO MARÍN, THALLIS C. CORDEIRO, EDSON C. DA SILVA, DANIEL A. VIANA, HELION VARGAS, JOSÉ CARLOS POLIDORO & MARISA B.M. MONTE

Urea is extensively used in agriculture. However, its utilization may compromise the freshwater reservoirs and the atmosphere by lixiviation and volatilization of ammonia and emission of nitrous oxide. The application of materials with high specific area as substrate for nitrogen fertilizers is an environmental mitigation, reducing nitrogen losses from agricultural activities. Zeolite appears to be an excellent candidate. This manuscript brings some new properties of natural zeolites, i.e., photoacoustic assessment of optical transition bands, crystal field and Racah parameters as well as the determination of nonradiative relaxation and characteristic diffusion times of iron and manganese ions within the zeolite.

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CHEMICAL SCIENCES

  
       
 

2- Recovery of β-galactosidase produced by Kluyveromyces lactis by ionexchange chromatography: Influence of pH and ionic strength parameters

CATHERINE T. DE CARVALHO, SÉRGIO D. DE OLIVEIRA JÚNIOR, WILDSON B. DE BRITO LIMA, FÁBIO G. MACÊDO DE MEDEIROS, ANA LAURA O. DE SÁ LEITÃO, JULIA M.M. DANTAS, EVERALDO S. DOS SANTOS, GORETE R. DE MACÊDO & FRANCISCO C. DE SOUSA JÚNIOR

β-galactosidase is an industrially relevant enzyme used in the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries. The development of efficient and inexpensive methodologies to purify it is essential. The objective of this work was to investigate ion-exchange chromatography as a straightforward, simple strategy to recover β-galactosidase produced by the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. The influence of pH and ionic strength parameters was evaluated to obtain a high purification factor without impairment in yield, in a simple one-step process. The results showed that a single-stage ion-exchange chromatography is a potential recovery strategy of β-galactosidase.

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3- Dereplication by HPLC-ESI-MS and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from Banisteriopsis laevifolia (Malpighiaceae)

GERSO P. ALEXANDRE, JORGE LUIZ S. SIMÃO, MARIA OLIVIA A. TAVARES, IZABELLA MARIANA S. ZUFFO, STÉPHANIE V. PRADO, JOSEILSON A. DE PAIVA, ABUBAKAR N. MUSTAPHA, ANSELMO E. DE OLIVEIRA, LUCILIA KATO & VANESSA GISELE P. SEVERINO

Banisteriopsis laevifolia (Malpighiaceae) is distributed around the South American continent and there are folkloric reports about its use in the treatment of diseases. However, little is known about the metabolic fingerprinting of this species. Thus, in this study was performed the analysis of antioxidant potential highlighting the presence of bioactive compounds, which were identified by using advanced methodologies such as high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The dereplication afforded the identification of seven compounds reported for the first time in this species. Also, a mixture of two known flavonoids and a diterpenoid were isolated by conventional separation methods.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

  
       
 

4- An open-source low-cost wireless sensor system for acquisition of human movement data

MIGUEL A. LANDA-JIMÉNEZ, PATRICIA GONZÁLEZ-GASPAR, FERNANDO M. MONTES-GONZÁLEZ, CONSUELO MORGADO-VALLE & LUIS BELTRÁN-PARRAZAL

Here, we present an open-source low-cost wireless sensor system for acquisition of human movement data. As a proof of concept, we measured human gait activity. Our results show that our system with IMUs can acquire quantifiable movement data. Characteristics such as open-source code and its low-cost, make our system a viable alternative for clinical or research.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

  
       
 

5- Astragalus polysaccharide attenuates overexercise-induce myocardial injury via activating AMPK signaling pathway to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress

XINLING TUO, ZHIJIAN DENG, GUOCHAO HUANG, HUIPING GONG & HEZHI XIE

Excessive exercise leads to myocardial injury or even sudden exercise death. For the vast sports population, appropriate physiological state is a necessary condition for exercise. The present study aims to investigate the cardioprotective effects and potent mechanism of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) treatment against the exercise-induced myocardial injury via in vitro cell-based assay and in vivo model rats. In current study, we demonstrated that the APS exerted the protective efficacies on overexercise-induced myocardial injury by activating the AMPK signaling pathway to increase autophagy and suppress the inflammation response, oxidative stress, apoptosis of myocardial cells.

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6- Swimming exercise and diphenyl diselenide supplemented diet modulate cerebral cortical and striatal GABA uptake in aged rats

ANA PAULA PESARICO, JOSÉ L. CECHELLA, CRISTINA W. NOGUEIRA & SUZAN G. ROSA

Neurochemical modifications involving structural proteins and neurotransmitters are manifestations of aging and age-related disorders. The combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can be useful to prevent the aging effects. In the present study, the effects of swimming exercise and a diet supplemented with diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) were evaluated on the neurotransmitter GABA uptake in the cerebral structures of aged rats. Exercise is an enhancer of overall health; whereas, (PhSe)2 is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective compound. This study demonstrates that the association of (PhSe)2 dietary supplementation with swimming exercise modulated the GABA uptake in cerebral structures of aged rats.

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7- An Investigation of The Effect of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts on Wound Healing in an Experimental Diabetic Mouse Model

AHMET S. BOZKURT, DAVUT S. KAPLAN, ALI O. ÇERİBAŞI, MUSTAFA ORKMEZ, ASUMAN ÇANAK & MEHMET TARAKÇIOĞLu

Mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEFs) have a similar structure to stem cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exosom secreted from MEFs  on wound healing of full-thickness skin defect in a diabetic mouse model. The study included both in vitro and in vivo studies 82 mice. This study is one of the first studies conducted with biochemical and histopathological findings, by measuring the wound healing of mExos isolated using primary MEFs and by measuring the macroscopic area in mice with a diabetic wound model. It has been determined that the wounds healing faster with the effect of exosome.

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8- Drug-induced metabolic alterations in adipose tissue - with an emphasis in epicardial adipose tissue with an emphasis in epicardial adipose tissue

ARYANE C.O. PINHO, ANA BURGEIRO, MARIA JOÃO PEREIRA & EUGENIA CARVALHO

Adipose tissue (AT) is an endocrine organ, that releases proteins, specific metabolites, hormones, micro-RNAs and signaling lipids, all involved in a network of inter-organ communication. AT dysfunction contributes to a proinflammatory and diabetogenic state from an early stage in the disease development. Therapeutic strategies have been devised to modulate the composition of fat stores, including changes in lifestyle and pharmacological treatment for weight management or attenuation of cardiometabolic risk factors. However, secondary adverse effects due to overmedicated can be serious. In this review, we discuss important molecular mechanisms in AT, especially in epicardial AT (EAT), highly modulated by the use of drugs.

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

  
       
 

9- Isolation and characterization of the most abundant rhizobacterial species associated with Vuralia turcica (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae)

DİLEK TEKDAL, CEM ÇİFTÇİ, BURÇİN ÇINGAY & SELİM ÇETİNER

Vurali turcica is naturally grown in a limited area in Central Anatolia in Turkey and was categorized as a critically endangered plant in the Red Data Book of Turkish Plants. The symbiotic and mutualistic relation between V. turcica rhizomes and microflora may be a reason for the distribution of the plant in a very narrow area. To date, microbial activity at the rhizomes of V. turcica has not been studied. To close this gap in the literature, PGPRs living on the rhizomes of V. turcica were isolated and identified.

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10- Isolation of keratinase-producing Bacillus strains and enhanced enzyme production using in vitro mutagenesis

MERYEM KARADAGLI & BAHRI DEVRIM OZCAN

In the study, three keratinolytic Bacillus strains were isolated. The overexpressing mutant varieties were improved after EtBr treatment. A comparison of keratinase activity between native and improved isolates showed that mutant variants exhibited higher activity ranging from 116 to 214%. According to BLAST analysis, the Bacillus sp. MK1 rDNA sequence was 96.83% similar to that of B. subtilis subsp. stercoris strain 153, B. subtilis strain FR10, B. tequilensis strain P12, and B. subtilis strain SRR21, and Bacillus sp. MK2 and MK3 16S rDNA sequences were 99.54% similar to those of B. subtilis strain 21M and B. subtilis strain NX17 sequences.

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11- Genotoxicity evaluation of a new phthalazine substituted β-lactam derivative in human lymphocytes

BETÜL AYGÜN, AHMET A. BERBER, MERVE A. DOGANCI, NURCAN BERBER, SELEN ŞEN, ESRA YILDIZ & HÜSEYIN AKSOY

In the present study, evaluation of the genotoxic potential of 1-(4-(3,3-dimethyl-1,6-dioxo-2,3,4,6,11,13-hexahydro-1H-indazolo[1,2b] phthalazine-13yl)phenyl)-2-phenylazetidine-3-yl-acetate was carried out with chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Lymphocyte cultures were treated with 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 μg/mL concentrations, furthermore, positive, negative and solvent control were conducted. According to the results, CA and MN frequencies were significantly increased in concentrations 30, 15 μg/mL and 30, 15, 7.5 μg/mL, respectively. Mitotic indices were also affected by treatment with test compound. The obtained results provide that test substance can exert genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in peripheral human lymphocytes especially at high concentrations.

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12- A SAS code to estimate phenotypic-genotypic covariance and correlation matrices based on expected value of statistical designs to use in plant breeding

MEHDI RAHIMI & MATEO V. HERNANDEZ

There is no program for calculating variance-covariance and correlation matrix (phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental) based on expected value of designs mean squares. This program performs these calculations for any type of statistical design and any number of traits. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations between different traits may help the breeder in indirect selection.

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MICROBIOLOGY

  
       
 

13- Characteristics of two terbutylazine degrading-bacteria and the construction of a live bacterial agent for effective degradation of terbutylazine in soil

JIANGWEI ZHU, YAN ZHAO , XIAOLOU LI & LI FU

Terbutylazine is a widely used herbicide, but its residue will bring many negative effects to the environment and public health. It is an effective scheme to treat terbutylazine residue by biodegradation technology. In this study, two bacteria that can degrade terbutylazine are isolated from soil. They have been developed into a living microbial agent that can be used to degrade terbutylazine or other s-triazine herbicides in the environment.

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14- Combining UFLC-QTOF-MS analysis with biological evaluation of Centrosema coriaceum (Fabaceae) leaves

ARI S.O. LEMOS, LARA M. CAMPOS, THALITA F. SOUZA, JULIANA T. GRANATO, ERICK E. OLIVEIRA, DANIELLE M.O. ARAGÃO, ANA CAROLINA M. APOLÔNIO, ANA PAULA FERREIRA & RODRIGO L. FABRI

Centrosema coriaceum Benth belongs to Fabaceae family and have few studies of biological activity and chemical composition. Thus, the aims of this work were to determine chemical profile of the ethanolic extract of C. coriaceum leaves (CCE) by UFLC-QTOF-MS and to evaluate its in vitro biological potential. Our results suggest that C. coriaceum has interesting antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, rutin, kaempferol-3O-rutinoside, caffeic acid, and sucrose were identified, for the first time, in CCE by UFLC-QTOF-MS.

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15- Importance of palynology in the taxonomy of Piptolepis Sch.Bip. (Asteraceae: Lychnophorinae), a genus endemic to Brazil

RAQUEL M.B. SOUZA-SOUZA, GRACE K.R. DE SOUSA, ROBERTO L. ESTEVES, CLAUDIA B.F. MENDONÇA & VANIA GONÇALVES-ESTEVES

Palynology for studying pollen grains, bryophyte spores, pteridophytes s.l. and other palynomorphs (foraminifers, diatoms etc.) became a science whose results help in many other branches of science such as taxonomy (palynotaxonomy), biological analysis of honey (melissopalynology), pollinoses (allergenic plants) biology of reproduction (anemophilous plants), the reconstitution of an environment through the recognition of past flora (paleopalynology), the type of food used by insects that prey on pests in cultivation. In Asteraceae, the use of pollen attributes allowed taxonomists to reorganize the family into subfamilies, tribes, etc. Thus, knowing the pollen type of a group became necessary for phylogeny studies.

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16- Evaluation of the influence of chemical and physical factors on mixtures of fungal and plant lipases

CLARISSA H. OKINO-DELGADO, MILENE STEFANI PEREIRA, DÉBORA Z. DO PRADO & LUCIANA FRANCISCO FLEURI

The combination of lipases from different sources with complementary characteristics is a viable strategy for increasing the enzymatic activity. In this study, fungal (Aspergillus niger 01 - CBMAI 2084) and plant (orange frit – orange peel fragment) lipases were analyzed separately and together in different concentrations and conditions. Increased enzyme activity was observed in formulations with higher concentration of fungal extract. The combination of 50% fungal extract and 25% plant extract increased about 55% lipase activity and showed the highest absolute lipase activity among all combinations, this combination was selected for the following study.

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17- Association of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf with nystatin against oral cavity yeasts

LUIZ FRANCISLEY DE PAIVA, ANA BEATRIZ A. TEIXEIRA-LOYOLA, TAYLOR B. SCHNAIDER, ANGÉLICA CRISTINA DE SOUZA, LIDIANY M. ZACARONI LIMA & DISNEY R. DIAS

Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (Lemongrass) is a plant widely used in traditional medicine. The antimicrobial potential of this plant has already been tested in other studies. Here we test the hypothesis that C. citratus essential oil associated with nystatin may have a better fungicidal effect than when used alone. Tests were performed in vitro against Candida sp. isolated from the oral cavity of patients undergoing chemotherapy. The association of essential oil with nystatin resulted in additivity in more than 78% of the strains. We conclude that the association of this herbal drug with nystatin potentialized the antifungal effect.

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18- GC-MS analysis & antifungal activity of Datura metel L. against Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn

SHAHNAZ HANIF, KHAJISTA JABEEN, NAUREEN AKHTAR & SUMERA IQBAL

The main aim of this research work was to find some plant based natural products to overcome the harmful effects of a destructive fungus Rhizoctonia solani (Belly rot). This fungus causes diseases in a number of economically important plants including potato and tomato. Due to this fungus the quality of vegetables and fruits is badly affected. Datura metel plant which is commonly known as Angle’s trumpet or Thorn apple contain phytochemicals which prove significantly good to control the devastating fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani.

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19- Antimicrobial resistance of enterococci isolated from food in South Brazil: Comparing pre- and post-RDC 20/2011

LETÍCIA DA F.X. COSTA, DAIANE A. FALCÃO, TIELA T. GRASSOTTI, FRANCIELE D.P. CHRISTIANO, JEVERSON FRAZZON & ANA PAULA G. FRAZZON

Drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050, unless a global response to this problem is mounted. Current regulations in Brazil (RDC 20/2011) state that antibiotics cannot be sold without a medical prescription. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of enterococci collected from food in South Brazil in 2017 (pos-RDC 20/2011) for comparison with isolated in 2007 (pre-RDC 20/2011). Our results suggest that RDC 20/2011 had a positive outcome in controlling the spread of antimicrobial resistance, since enterococci isolated in 2017 are more susceptible to certain antibiotics than 2007.

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20- Determination of chemical compositions and antibacterial effects of selected essential oils against human pathogenic strains

MEHZAT ALTUN & BINNUR MERICLI YAPICI

Cost of conventional treatments, resistance and side effects of antibiotics have led to investigate for alternative drugs like herbs and extracts. The present study was predicted to evaluate antibacterial activity of cinnamon, lavender, tea tree, lemon, coconut, oregano, mint, laurel and eucalyptus EOs alone and in combination. Tea tree/lavender, cinnamon/lavender, oregano/tea tree, oregano/laurel, oregano/cinnamon, oregano/lavender and oregano/tea tree EO mixtures showed higher antibacterial effect than application of either EO alone against three pathogenic bacteria. Test results revealed that EOs either alone or in combination against human pathogens may used in the development of antibacterial agents.after clinical trials are carried out.

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21- Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Migonemyia migonei and Cortelezzii complex (Diptera: Phlebotominae) from Chaco, Argentina

JUAN R. ROSA, SOFÍA L. MOYA, ENRIQUE A. SZELAG, MARÍA G. QUINTANA & OSCAR D. SALOMÓN

Leishmaniasis is an anthropozoonosis in Argentina and the role of Phlebotominae sandflies as vectors in the transmission chain is one of the links to be demonstrated due to the species-specific interaction of vectors and parasites. The detection of Leishmania braziliensis DNA in Migonemyia migonei and Cortelezzii complex of Evandromyia provides evidence for the incrimination as vectors in a scenario of sylvatic transmission in the north of the country in temporal and spatial coincidence with human cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis consistent with the epidemiological pattern of other regions of Argentina.

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22- Characterization of a bacteriocin produced by a clinical isolate of Shigella flexneri 2

MÓNICA F. TORREZ LAMBERTI, FABIÁN E. LOPEZ, MARÍA DE LAS MERCEDES PESCARETTI & MÓNICA A. DELGADO

This study was conducted to determine the emergence of new antibiotic producer Shigella strains. The ability of 388 Shigella clinical isolates to produce antimicrobial peptides was determined. We observed that 9.02% of Shigella isolates produced these agents able to inhibit the E. coli AB133 strain growth. The CI172 strain was selected as producer of an antimicrobial peptide called ShpCI172, here characterized. ShpCI172 is the first antibiotic belonging to the microcin family produced by Shigella flexneri 2. These finding represents an important contribution in the biotechnology field for its potential in the development of new antibiotics and/or food preservatives agents.

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ECOSYSTEMS

  
       
 

23- Proposal for the zoning of the industrial Brachyplatystoma vaillantii fisheries of the North Coast of Brazil and the influence of climatic factors on the fluctuations in the abundance of the species

PAMELLA O. DA COSTA, IVAN F. JÚNIOR, EDUARDO T. PAES, FÁBIO C.P. PINHEIRO, JÉSSICA A. DA SILVA, DEUSILENE C. DOS SANTOS & ISRAEL H.A. CINTRA

This article presents a proposal for the zoning of the industrial fisheries of the “piramutaba” (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii) on the north coast of Brazil, which we hope will provide a valuable tool for the development of a regional management policy, given that this species is currently overfished in northern Brazil. This species is an important and commercially valuable resource in the northern region of Brazil, although the excessive harvesting of young shoals has lead to the increasing depletion of stocks. Given this, it is increasingly necessary to implement new management measures urgently, in order to minimize further impacts.

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24- Ghost nets: A poorly known threat to Brazilian freshwater biodiversity

VALTER M. AZEVEDO-SANTOS, ROBERT M. HUGHES & FERNANDO M. PELICICE

Ghost nets (a type of fishing gear that is lost or abandoned) constitute a serious threat to aquatic biodiversity because they entangle animals as long as they persist in the environment. In the manuscript titled “Ghost nets: A poorly known threat to Brazilian freshwater biodiversity”, we compiled 34 independent reports showing ghost nets in different aquatic environments in Brazil. Those records showed entanglement and deaths of fishes, reptiles, and birds. In this work, we also provide recommendations to better understand and mitigate this problem in Brazilian freshwater ecosystems.

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25- A New Species of Hershkovitzia (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) from Maranhão, Brazil

GABRIELA HRYCYNA, CIRO L.C. DOS SANTOS, JOSÉ M.M. REBÊLO & GUSTAVO GRACIOLLI

The Nycteribiidae, composed of hematophagous species exclusively ectoparasites of bats. The small genus Hershkovitzia Guimarães & D'Andretta, 1956 belongs to this family. Until this publication, the genus has been knowing only for the Amazonia Forest, in the Neotropical region. The new species was collected from the bat Thyroptera devivoi Gregorin, Gonçalves, Lim & Engstrom, 2006 (Chiroptera: Thyropteridae) from Barreirinhas in Maranhão State, Brazil where represents a transition region of Amazonia forest and Cerrado biome (tropical savannah). In this manuscript, we proposed schematic drawings of the abdomen, legs and head. We also proposed an identification key to species of Hershkovitzia.

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26- Environmental and phylogenetic aspects affect in different ways the acoustic niche of a frog community in southeastern Brazil

MARIA CAROLINA R. MANZANO & RICARDO J. SAWAYA

Frogs depend on different resources for female attraction, reproduction, and perpetuation of species. Some resources are related to the calling site, calling period and parameters of advertisement calls. In our work, we observed that species richness was negatively related to temperature, and daily activity was positively related to air humidity. Species seem to vocalize at the same time due to the environmental conditions. There is no pattern in the use of calling sites, probably due to the habitat heterogeneity, and closely related species have similar advertisement calls. In this way, 11 different species form a frog community in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

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27- Oncophoraceae (Bryophyta): a palynological treatment of species occurring in the Americas

MARCELLA A. DE PASSARELLA & ANDREA P. LUIZI-PONZO

Mosses are avascular plants that present the gametophyte as dominant in the life cycle; the Oncophoraceae are a family of mosses that occur on rocks and soil. The recognition of this family is still discussed among authors, therefore, the search for new information to improve its characterization is important. This work used palynological data to contribute to the taxonomic interpretation of Oncophoraceae, and a Cluster Analysis was also performed to assess the morphology of the spores. We show that the spores improve the characterization of the studied species and confirm the circumscription of two genera of the family.

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28- Sea anemones (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria) in high sedimentation environments influenced by the Magdalena River (Colombian Caribbean)

JEFERSON DURÁN-FUENTES, ADRIANA GRACIA & RICARDO GONZÁLEZ-MUÑOZ

Fifteen species of sea anemones have been recorded so far in the Colombian Caribbean, comprising approximately 28% of the total number of known species in the Caribbean Sea. Most species recorded are associated with coral reef communities. No records of sea anemones are known from areas with high sedimentation conditions as is characteristic along the coastline of the Atlántico Department, in Colombia. An updated list of sea anemones in the Colombian Caribbean, now comprising 34 taxa (i.e. 21 species and 13 identified at supra-specific levels), is provided.

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29- Divergent dynamics of microbial components in two temperate shallow lakes with contrasting steady states in the Southern Hemisphere

PAULINA FERMANI, LEONARDO LAGOMARSINO, ANA TORREMORRELL, ROBERTO ESCARAY, JOSÉ BUSTINGORRY, MARÍA LLAMES, GONZALO PÉREZ, HORACIO ZAGARESE & GABRIELA MATALONI

We studied two shallow lakes with contrasting steady states of Pampa plain in order to evaluate if seasonal changes in climatic conditions are associated with alteration in microorganisms abundances. We found that while communities from the clear lake responded to a combination to extrinsic and intrinsic factors, the hypertrophic lake showed a turbid state less prone to be affected by climatic effects. We hypothesized that clear lakes would perform better as sentinels of climate change in the Pampa wetland.

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30- New species of Filaria (Nematoda: Filariidae) in the Lesser Grison Galictis cuja (Molina) (Carnivora: Mustelidae) from northern Patagonia, Argentina and comments about the South American species of the genus

ESTEFANÍA BAGNATO, ROMINA L. D´AGOSTINO, DANIEL E. UDRIZAR SAUTHIER & MARÍA C. DIGIANI

Filaria lorenzo n. sp. is described in the Lesser Grison Galictis cuja from northern Patagonia, Argentina. It differs from eight species of Filaria from the Old World, two from USA, one from Brazil and one from Argentina by characters such as shape of the sclerotized preesophageal ring, male cloacal papillae, female tail ornamentation, and eggs shape. This is the first report of a filarioid nematode for an Argentinean mustelid, and the first report for Patagonia. We also refute herein the synonymy between F. conepati and F. carvalhoi since we corroborated morphological differences between both species through indirect examination of types.

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31- Influences of environmental variables on the weight-length relationship of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri: Do variations occur along time?

ANA PAULA M. DI BENEDITTO, LAÍS P. FERNANDES & INÁCIO A. PESTANA

This study analyzes the influences of water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and organic matter on the growth of the Atlantic seabob shrimp in northern Rio de Janeiro State, southeast Brazil, during nine years (2005 to 2013). The shrimp’s growth varies in a predictable temporal scale, but none of the environmental variables explained this variation. Changes in the shrimp’s growth are probably drive by intrinsic mechanisms, allowing individuals to share both habitat and available resources, and maintaining local fisheries.

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32- When the tail shakes the snake: phylogenetic affinities and morphology of Atractus badius (Serpentes: Dipsadidae), reveals some current pitfalls on the snake’s genomic age

PAULO PASSOS, PAULO R. MELO-SAMPAIO, LUCIANA O. RAMOS, FELIPE G. GRAZZIOTIN, ANTOINE FOUQUET & OMAR TORRES-CARVAJAL

Atractus badius has a long and controversial nomenclatural history due to both its antiquity and the brevity of its original description. We found additional specimens of Atractus badius and report new localities and data on meristic, morphometric, coloration, scales micro-ornamentation, cranial osteology and genital morphology. We determine the phylogenetic position of Atractus badius as nested in a Guiana Shield clade. In addition, we highlight the importance of accurate voucher identification before promoting taxonomic changes or implementing nomenclatural acts derived from new phylogenetic hypotheses, and notably propose the synonymy of the recently described Atractus pyroni with Atractus roulei.

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33- Metazoan parasites of white mullet Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836 (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) and new records of occurrence in the western Atlantic, Brazil

JULIA M. FALKENBERG, VITÓRIA M.M. DE LIMA, GUSTAVO H.C. VIEIRA & ANA CAROLINA F. LACERDA

The white mullet (Mugil curema) is a fish species with wide distribution, being especially abundant in the Brazilian coast. In this study, we compile the existing information on parasites of this host, as well as including new records from specimens captured in Brazil. We listed 81 taxa previously recorded for the M. curema, and included 16 new records of parasites. Despite the number of existing parasitological studies on this host, new records of occurrence were made, indicating that the knowledge about the parasites associated with this fish species is still under construction, especially because of its wide geographic distribution.

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34- A new species of Auriculostoma (Digenea: Allocreadiidae) in South America: life cycle and phylogenetic relationships

FLORENCIA LIQUIN, CARMEN GILARDONI, FLORENCIA CREMONTE, JOSÉ SARAVIA, HÉCTOR A. CRISTÓBAL & DORA DAVIES

We describe a species of digenean trematodes, Auriculostoma ocloya, a parasite of the intestine of freshwater fish Heptapterus quenqo and Corydoras micracanthus from northwest Argentina, and its life cycle which involves a small sphaeriid bivalve, Pisidium ocloya, and the amphipod Hyalella sp. This is the first time that the life cycle of an Auriculostoma species has been elucidated, with morphological details of larval and adult stages, for which optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and analysis of ITS2 and 28S rRNA fragments were used. This information helps to resolve evolutionary questions related to these Neotropical organisms.

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35- Can our current knowledge and practice allow ecological restoration in the Cerrado?

NATÁLIA F. MEDEIROS, GERALDO WILSON FERNANDES, ANANZA MARA RABELLO, THAÍSE O. BAHIA & RICARDO R.C. SOLAR

In this review we ask if sufficient ecological knowledge exist to aid restoration practices for the Cerrado, a Brazilian savannic biome, threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. We found that defining reference target ecosystems and selection plant species for restoration have been neglected. We argue that explicitly defining the reference ecosystem and to use its characteristics as guidance for ecological restoration is urgent. Furthermore, studies lacked standardized and systematic evaluation of restoration outcomes. Two phytophysiognomies were the main focus: cerrado sensu stricto and riparian forest. Therefore, our current ecological knowledge is insufficient to safeguard large-scale ecological restoration of the Cerrado.

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36- New species and records of tardigrades from a biological repository collection from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia

OSCAR LISI, ANISBETH DAZA, ROSANA LONDOÑO & SIGMER QUIROGA

Tardigrades are microscopic animals living in freshwater, marine and limno-terrestrial environments throughout the world. Before this contribution, 27 species were known for The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range in northern Colombia with high biodiversity. From this region, 51 specimens deposited in the tardigrade collection of the “Centro de Colecciones Científicas de la Universidad del Magdalena” were analysed. Nine species were found, all new records for the studied region, including Mixibius gibbosus sp. nov., which was described. Additionally, three species are new records for the whole Colombia, and one is reported for the first time out of Ecuador.

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37- Nutritional and technological potential of Umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) processing by-product flour

VIVIANE L. XAVIER, GEORGE S. FEITOZA, JULYANNE MARIA L. BARBOSA, KATARYNNA S. DE ARAÚJO, MÁRCIA VANUSA DA SILVA, MARIA TEREZA S. CORREIA, MARTHYNA P. DE SOUZA & MARIA DAS GRAÇAS CARNEIRO-DA-CUNHA

The aim of this study was to determine nutritional and mineral composition, fatty acids profile, anti-nutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and technological properties of flour from residues generated by umbu fruit processing. The results monstrated that the flour present a good source of insoluble fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and flavonoids.  Palmitic and stearic saturated  and oleic and linoleic unsaturated fatty acids were also identified as well as high antioxidant activity, absorption of water, oil, emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability. These results indicate promising prospects to full use of umbu as a functional ingredient.

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38- Diatom and Invertebrate Assemblages in High Altitude Saline Wetlands of the Argentinian Puna and their Relation to Environmental Factors

MARÍA FLORENCIA COLLA, AGUSTINA INÉS LENCINA & MARÍA EUGENIA FARÍAS

The Argentine Puna region – a large plateau located at a mean altitude of 4,000 masl – is characterized by the presence of strong winds and high solar UV radiation. Wetlands in this region are often related to salt flats and have alkaline waters with high salinity and low oxygen levels. Only well adapted organisms, called “extremophiles”, can survive and develop in these conditions. We analyzed the ecological parameters of aquatic algae and invertebrates living in four saline wetlands to determine biological and abiotic variables that could influence the biota distribution in these extreme environments.

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39- Bryophytes in Amazon savannas: richness and composition in disjunct areas in the Eastern Amazon

LUCIANA P.C. MACEDO, ANA CLAUDIA C. TAVARES-MARTIN & ANNA LUIZA ILKIU-BORGES

The present study focused on Amazonian savannas, a poorly known landscape, especially concerning bryophytes. Recent studies on Amazonian open vegetation have driven the attention of specialists, revealing an underestimated flora. This is a large-scale comparison of bryophyte richness, composition, and floristic similarity between five disjunct areas of Amazonian savannas. The richness was low, as expected, predominating generalist and sun specialists. However, the five areas are strikingly different in composition. On the floristics, we discovered one new species for the state of Pará, five new records for the state of Amapá, and one new record for the North region.

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40- Sandfly Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) of São José Farm, Carmo District, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

JOÃO RICARDO CARREIRA-ALVES, MAURICIO L. VILELA & JACENIR R. DOS SANTOS-MALLET

The study of ecological aspects of sandflies is important for the environment, public health in general in neglected areas. The research of sandfly fauna in the municipality of Carmo, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will allow measures to control vectors and prevent leishmaniasis, which will contribute to the development of rural areas in this municipality.

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41- Richness and similarity of Passalidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from biological collections in the Brazilian Amazon

ESMERALDINA DA G. BONFIM-KUBATAMAIA, CLAUDIO R.V. DA FONSECA, MARCUS BEVILAQUA & FERNANDO O.G. FIGUEIREDO

This study aims to investigate the fauna of Passalidae deposited in the zoological collections in the States of the Brazilian Amazon. 14,652 Passalidae specimens are deposited in scientific collections, distributed in two subfamilies, 7 genera and 82 species. The species that had the highest number of deposited individuals were: Passalus interstitialis, Passalus interruptus, Veturius transversus and Paxillus leachi. Passalinae was the richest subfamily species, followed by Proculinae. Passalus was the richest genus followed by Veturius. The state of Amazonas was the richest followed by Pará. The scientific collections provided quantitative and important data that allowed to determine a large fraction of the Amazon bess beetle fauna.

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42- Behavioral traits and sexual recognition: multiple signaling in the reproductive behavior of Cyclocephala distincta (Melolonthidae, Cyclocephalini)

RAFAELLA L. NÓBREGA, ARTUR C.D. MAIA, CARLA HELENA M. DE LIMA, KAROLINA ELLEN S. FELIX, THAMYRYS B. DE SOUZA & WENDEL JOSÉ T. PONTES

Male and female Cyclocephala distincta are massively attracted to floral fragrances emitted by the inflorescences of certain palms, used as mating sites. It is nonetheless unknown how sex recognition functions in this species. We hypothesize that males recognize females by their movement during courtship. About half of tested males could correctly choose females over another male in their first attempt. The remainder required additional experience to locate a mate. When faced with a living or an inert female, males preferred the former. Inert females were chosen over males, and often that choice was followed by copulation attempts.

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43- Different land use types influence Red-browed Amazon (Amazona rhodocorytha) ccurrence in Southeastern Brazil

LOURI KLEMANN-JUNIOR, SILVIA E. SHIMAKURA, PAULO J. RIBEIRO JUNIOR, PEDRO SCHERER-NETO & FERNANDO C. PASSOS

Our manuscript addresses an important issue of current interest both in ecology and conservation of the threatened Red-browed Amazon. We specifically determine the relationship between land use types and the occurrence of the Red-browed Amazon, identifying the land use types related to species’ occurrence. We found that some land use types that are structurally different from the original environments positively affected the occurrence of Red-browed Amazon. This finding suggests a plasticity of the species in habitat use that may be contributing to the maintenance of Red-browed Amazon populations in disturbed habitats.

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44- Reference values and drivers of diversity for South Brazilian grassland plant communities

LUCIANA S. MENEZES, CLEUSA V. ELY, DIÓBER B. LUCAS, GRAZIELA H. MINERVINISILVA, EDUARDO VÉLEZ-MARTIN, HEINRICH HASENACK, RAFAEL TREVISAN, ILSI IOB BOLDRINI, VALÉRIO D. PILLAR & GERHARD E. OVER-BECK

The South Brazilian grasslands (Campos Sulinos) form the dominant vegetation in southern Brazil. They are species-rich ecosystems that occur under distinct geomorphological and climatic conditions. In this paper we use field data to investigate patterns of species distribution in the South Brazilian grasslands, as well as environmental and spatial drivers associated with these patterns. Additionally, we use our data to propose that values of species richness and diversity observed here can be used as references to evaluate conservation actions or to guide ecological restoration. Our study underlines the need to conduct biodiversity assessments.

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

  
       
 

45- First report of a Copitarsia species (Lepidoptera. Noctuidae) damaging soybean crops, with identification key to most common pest species

GERMÁN SAN BLAS, MARÍA C. TULLI & DORA M. CARMONA

The genus Copitarsia Hampson (Lepidoptera. Noctuidae) includes species distributed from Mexico to southern South America, many considered agricultural pests of at least 48 crop plants. In South America, Copitarsia incommoda (Walker) is one of the most economic important species of the genus. In this work, we record for the first time for the genus Copitarsia, and specifically for C. incommoda, larvae feeding on soybean leaves and beans and, for Argentina, in lucerne. We provide a larval identification key for most common noctuoids soybean pests of South American, including C. incommoda. This will be helpful for identify this species in soybean.

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46- Weight at conception and gestational gains in the efficiency of beef cows and progeny performance

RICARDO Z. VAZ, JOSÉ FERNANDO P. LOBATO, JOÃO RESTLE, PABLO T. COSTA, LIDIANE ELOY & JOÃO LUIZ B. COSTA

The research deals with a situation common to beef cattle production systems seeking greater production efficiency and and more adapted animals, providing answers on which types animals within production systems should receive better management condictions and, consequently, better results and productivity indicators. The main theme is the subject of research around the world, by laboratories specialized in fetal programming, seeking results for nutritional correction during cows pregnancy and seeking to show its effects on development and performance of animals always in search and improvement of the selection of animals better adapted to the different types and productive systems.

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47- Biomechanical and microbiological analysis of embalmed cats – acute effect of conservation

ANDRÉA B.P.S. QUEIROZ, ALESSANDRA RODRIGUES, MARITA V. CARDOZO, NATÁLIA T.B. COSTA, LAURA G. SOARES, ALISSON D.S. FECHIS & FABRÍCIO S. OLIVEIRA

Animals corpses in teaching and research institutions could be sources of infection for students and teachers when applied for dissection and surgical practice. This research evaluated cat corpses conservation using a new anatomic technique without formaldehyde and a seven-day vacuum package. Skin and jejunum were collected on day 0 (fresh samples/control), and traction analysis was performed for seven consecutive days. On the last day, the liquid in the plastic bags was microbiologically analyzed. Biomechanics was not significantly affected, and the microbiological count was low during conservation, demonstrating the possible effectiveness of this anatomical technique for surgery training.

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48- Structure of the ichthyoplankton community in a Neotropical floodplain lake affected by environmental degradation

LUCAS S. DE OLIVEIRA, RUINERIS A. CAJADO, LUAN R.B. DOS SANTOS & DIEGO M. ZACARDI

We present the structure of the fish eggs and larvae community in a lake in the Amazon region. In recent years, this lake has undergone several anthropic processes, putting the biodiversity present in this habitat at risk. A total 195 eggs and 1,785 fish larvae of different reproductive strategies and ecological and economic importance were captured. Fish eggs and larvae density and species diversity varied over time. Regarding the spatial distribution, only the larval density varied significantly. We conclude that Lake Juá is a resilient environment and of great relevance in the maintenance and renewal of regional fish stocks.

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49- Early growth, backfat thickness and body condition has major effect on early heifer pregnancy in Nellore cattle

LUDMILLA C. BRUNES, FERNANDO S. BALDI, MARCOS F. OLIVEIRA E COSTA, GRACIELA QUINTANS, GEORGETT BANCHERO, RAYSILDO B. LÔBO & CLAUDIO U. MAGNABOSCO

The knowledge of interrelationship between sexual maturity and other profitability traits makes possible to identify the most effective traits to identify heifers with sexual precocity potential, which will bring to the production system highest economic return. Birth weight, fat thickness, bone structure, muscularity, depth, tail insertion and rump can be used for this identification and to direct the management reproductive decisions in beef cattle systems. These traits could affect the development of reproductive tissues, the body condition, and hormonal production, leading to conception and maintenance of pregnancy, culminating in the increase of sexual precocity and anticipate the first calving.

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50- Addition of L-Glutamine + Glutamic Acid and L-Arginine to the diet of weaned piglets

DAVID R.P. DA SILVA, LEONARDO A.F. PASCOAL, APARECIDA DA C. OLIVEIRA, TEREZINHA D.D. MARTINS, JOSÉ H.V. DA SILVA, FLÁVIO G. FERNANDES & JONATHAN M. DOS S. ALMEIDA

Recent findings have indicated additional functions for some amino acids in the gastrointestinal tract, improving the digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as enhancing the immune system of weaned piglets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glutamine + glutamic acid and arginine separately and in combination on the productive performance, incidence of diarrhea, intestinal morphometry and anti-PCNA+ cell count in the duodenum of weaned piglets. The results suggest benefits of the use of these amino acids on intestinal parameters and that arginine supplementation promotes improved post-weaning performance in piglets.

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51- Potential Use of High Pressure Homogenized Hazelnut Beverage for a Functional Yoghurt-Like Product

OSMAN GUL, ILYAS ATALAR, MUSTAFA MORTAS, FURKAN TURKER SARICAOGLU, AYSEGUL BESIR, LATIFE BETUL GUL & FEHMI YAZICI

Hazelnut beverage is a plant-based beverage produced from hazelnut cake as a by-product obtained after cold press extraction. It has high nutritional value and draws attention due to its health benefits. In this study, hazelnut beverage was incorporated into functional yoghurt production. The addition of hazelnut beverage contributed to improving structureal properties of yoghurt and increasing functional properties. Yoghurt with hazelnut beverage had lower acidity values throughout storage, which is of great significance to expand shelf life. Using the ratio of 3/1 (hazelnut beverage / cow milk, v/v) was found the best ratio in terms of sensory properties.

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52- Biogeographic regionalization of the Neotropical region: New map and shapefile

JUAN J. MORRONE, TANIA ESCALANTE, GERARDO RODRÍGUEZ-TAPIA, AYLÍN CARMONA, MARCELO ARANA & JORGE D. MERCADO-GÓMEZ

We provide a new map of the 57 biogeographic provinces of the Neotropical region. These provinces are assigned to the Antillean, Brazilian and Chacoan subregions, and to the Mexican and South American transition zones. The map and corresponding vector file of the biogeographical regionalization will be useful for researchers working on different areas, e.g., systematics, ecology, biogeography, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity conservation.

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53- Ractopamine supplementation in the diet of pintado amazônico during the final growth phase

THIAGO X. MARTINS, RUY ALBERTO C. CORRÊA FILHO, CHARLES KIEFER, PHILLIPE THIAGO L. BARBOSA, LUANA B. PIRES, ANDRÉ LUIZ NUNES, LUCAS C. DE ALMEIDA, GIOVANNA R. STRINGHETTA & JAYME A. POVH

The objective of this study was to evaluate performance traits, carcass yield, meat quality, and hematological parameters of pintado amazônico (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus) fish fed diets containing ractopamine (20 mg kg–1) for 0, 15, 30, and 45 days. Ractopamine supplementation at the level of 20 mg kg–1 in the diet of pintado amazônico for 15, 30, or 45 days does not alter their production performance, carcass yield, or hematological parameters, but changes the qualitative traits of their filet.

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54- Calcium anacardate as source of anacardic acid in laying Japanese quail diet

REBECA C. DOS SANTOS, EDNARDO R. FREITAS, RAFAEL C. NEPOMUCENO, RAFFAELLA C. LIMA, NAYANNA C. MONTEIRO, CLEANE P. DA SILVA, GERMANO A.J. DO NASCIMENTO & PEDRO H. WATANABE

The anacardic acid is a phenolic compound found prominent in cashew nut shell liquid, has aroused the interest of researchers about its possible application, due to its antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. In our research, we tested calcium anacardate as a source of anacardic acid in the diet of laying Japanese quails compared to diets with and without growth promoter and found that the inclusion of up to 1% calcium anacardate does not compromise the productive performance of birds and egg quality.

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55- Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goats fed increasing levels of crude glycerin

RAYANE N. GOMES, TALITA A. DE PAULA, FRANCISCO F.R. DE CARVALHO, MARCELO A. FERREIRA, LIGIA M.G. BARRETO, MARIA LUCIANA M.W. NEVES, ANA B. DE OLIVEIRA, GIORGIO O. MENDES, EDUARDO H.A. CORDEIRO & ANTONIA S.C. VÉRAS

Meeting the demands of animal protein in tropical regions is a challenge for ruminant breeders. Due to grain production costs, the activity may become economically unfeasible. Therefore, low-cost fed alternatives for animals are essential to maintain animal production, product quality and allow man to remain in the field. Thus, the use of glycerol, a residue from the production of biodiesel, can be an option to reduce costs and efficiency in the production of ruminants, especially in a region with an excessive cost of ingredients commonly used in the animal diet.

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56- Use of the FLOTAC technique as a new coproparasitological diagnostic method in aquatic mammals and comparison with traditional methods

JOÃO CARLOS G. BORGES, VICTOR F.S. LIMA, EDSON M. DA SILVA, DANIELLE DOS SANTOS LIMA, MIRIAM MARMONTEL, VITOR L. CARVALHO, MARIA APARECIDA DA G. FAUSTINO, GIUSEPPE CRINGOLLI, LAURA RINALDI & LEUCIO C. ALVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the FLOTAC technique and compare it with three traditional methods used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in aquatic mammals. For this, 129 fecal samples from 12 species were collected. Each sample was submitted to laboratory processing using the Willis, Hoffman techniques, Faust method and FLOTAC. The highest frequency of positive samples occurred using FLOTAC (46.51%), compared to other techniques. The FLOTAC technique proved to be the most appropriate technique and due to its efficacy, is strongly recommended for coproparasitological evaluations in aquatic mammals.

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57- Cytogenetics of four foam-nesting frog species of the Physalaemus gracilis group (Anura, Leptodactylidae)

JUAN M. FERRO, ALBERTO TAFFAREL, CRISTIAN TOMATIS, CLAUDIO BORTEIRO, FRANCISCO KOLENC, KALEB P. GATTO, LUCIANA B. LOURENÇO & DIEGO BALDO

We studied the chromosomes of four species of the Physalaemus gracilis group: P. carrizorum, P. gracilis, P. lisei, and a still undescribed species from Uruguay (P. sp. aff. gracilis). In this study, we analyzed the chromosome characters Ag-NORs, C-banding patterns, and the location of the repetitive DNA sequence PcP190. We found conserved karyotypes, although C-banding is useful for distinguishing P. gracilis from its sibling species P. sp. aff. gracilis. Our results significantly increase the knowledge about Physalaemus cytogenetics and encourage further studies on PcP190 in other Leiuperinae’s frogs to better understand its taxonomic distribution and its evolutionary dynamics.

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CROP SCIENCE

  
       
 

58- Inoculation with plant-growth promoting bacteria improves seed germination and initial development of Brachiaria decumbens

JOÃO T.C. OLIVEIRA, ARTHUR P.A. PEREIRA, ADIJAILTON J. DE SOUZA, JÚLIA KUKLINSKY-SOBRAL, FERNANDO J. FREIRE, MÉRCIA V.F. DOS SANTOS & MARIO DE A. LIRA

Seed inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria can be a viable alternative to increase the germination rate and accelerate seedling growth. Although inoculants with a single bacterial strain provide positive results, the co-inoculation can promote a better performance of the bacterial inoculant due to the different survival mechanisms presented by the strains. However, this practice remains poorly understood, mainly in pasture areas. In this manuscript, the inoculation and co-inoculation of plant growth promoting bacteria in seeds of Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk provided an increase in the vigor of germinated seeds, germination speed index and the promotion of seedling growth at 21 days. Thus, we provided evidence that co-inoculation promotes an increase in seed performance in grass pasture in controlled conditions.

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SOIL SCIENCE

  
       
 

59- Ecosystem functions in different physiognomies of Cerrado through the Rapid Ecosystem Function Assessment (REFA)

ADEMIR S.F. ARAUJO, SANDRA M.B. ROCHA, JADSON E.L. ANTUNES, FABIO F. ARAUJO & LUCAS W. MENDES

This study assessed the potential of soil from native Cerrado in performing important ecological functions to the environment, such as primary and secondary production, and decomposition. The results confirmed that the physiognomies of native Cerrado, mainly Cerradão, present potential to perform the ecological functions, being important to implement policies of preservation in this Brazilian biome.

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FORESTRY SCIENCE

  
       
 

60- Evaluation of Antitermite Properties of Wood Extracts from Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Leguminosae) against Subterranean Termites

SOHAIL AHMED, MUZAMMAL H. TABASSUM & BABAR HASSAN

Heartwood extractives have been demonstrated to impart biodeterioration resistance to naturally durable wood species. Besides using toxic synthetic chemicals, transferring heartwood extracts of durable wood species to non-durable wood can be an alternative method to preserve non-durable wood species. In the current study, we tested the effectiveness of heartwood extracts of Pongamia pinnata as termiticide against Coptotermes heimi. Results show that P. pinnata heartwood extracts are toxic, repellent, and have antifeedant properties against the subterranean termite. Non-durable wood impregnation with ethyl acetate heartwood extractive provided better protection to wood compared to other extract types.

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61- Colorimetry as a tool for description of some wood species marketed as “tauari” in Brazilian Amazon

JOIELAN X. DOS SANTOS, HELENA CRISTINA VIEIRA, DEIVISON V. SOUZA, GRACIELA INÊS B. DE MUÑIZ, PATRÍCIA SOFFIATTI & SILVANA NISGOSKI

Considering the difficulty of discriminating the species of the “tauari” group. This research aimed to encourage the use of non-destructive techniques, such as Colorimetry and Visible Spectroscopy, to leave the experimental field and actually be used in a practical and effective way by environmental agencies in technical and environmental inspection procedures. Based on the results, it was possible to conclude that the colorimetric technique can be used as an auxiliary tool in wood identification. However, the simultaneous use of colorimetry with the anatomical description of wood is suggested, given the complexity of the species-level separation in “tauari” group.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

  
       
 

62- Experiments and Application of Reclamation of High-Mineralized Mine Wastewater for Confecting Grouting Slurry

TAO LI, YU LIU, YING GAO & JUNWEI YANG

Some high-mineralized mine water is rich in natural minerals, and the conventional water treatment methods to reduce the salinity are expensive. Through experimental research, the water quality of this kind of high-mineralized mine water becomes more favorable to make engineering slurry in the concentration process. The mechanical properties of cement and clay slurry made of concentrated mine water are better. This technology has been successfully applied to some mining areas, and the discharged high-mineralized mine water has been reduced.

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63- Influence of Heat Exchanger Design on the Thermal Performance of a Domestic Wine Cooler Driven by a Magnetic Refrigeration System

GUILHERME F. PEIXER, SERGIO L. DUTRA, RICARDO S. CALOMENO, NATÁLIA M. DE SÁ, GUSTTAV B. LANG, JAIME A. LOZANO & JADER R. BARBOSA JR

Magnetic refrigeration is an alternative cooling technology based on the magnetocaloric effect, defined as the thermal response of some materials to changes in the applied magnetic field. This study focuses on a particular stage of the design of a compact magnetic wine cooler, namely the analysis and selection of heat exchangers to perform the thermal transfer between the refrigerator and the hot and cold environments. The paper combines experiments using a magnetic refrigerator emulator, a retrofitted cabinet, six fin-tube heat exchanger samples, and numerical analysis to determine the influence of heat exchanger parameters on the system thermal performance.

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

  
       
 

64- Cemetery Relocations in Hidroituango: An Interdisciplinary Study

TIMISAY M. VARGAS, CECILIA L. URIBE, SANTIAGO V. BEDOYA, MARY LUZ Q. ZAPATA & SANTIAGO A. CARDONA-GALLO

Initial estimates with the information supplied by local communities, predicted 210 bodies in the cemeteries at Orobajo, Barbacoas, and La Fortuna. The project combined edaphological soil science techniques with anthropological techniques from bioanthropology and archaeology, 166.2% of the expected number of bodies were found, exhumed and recovered for their relocation to new sites. The work of anthropologists and edaphologists complements forensic and bioanthropological research conducted at irregular cemeteries in relation to the types of deposits and the forms of burials among others. A total of 349 bodies were exhumed from three cemeteries on the terraces of the Cauca River.

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65- The Neglected Role of Education in Brazilian Research Regarding Nuclear Theme versus Scientific and Technological Knowledge, Perception and Risk Communication

RAFFAELA M. AYLLÓN, ALEX A. CASTRO, FERNANDA C. ROMERO, LUIZ O. CERQUEIRA LEITE & LUCIANA A. FARIAS

The nuclear theme provokes interest and curiosity of public, but it is often loaded with negative perception. Changing such perception depends also on education. There are few papers that effectively discuss the role of education in risk communication on the Nuclear Area, particularly in Brazil. The objective of the present work is to reflect on this problem by analyzing the results obtained from case study on the implementation of the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (BMR), in the city of Iperó, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

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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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