Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences

ISSUE 62

AABC - volume 95 Suppl. 1 2023

The first supplementary issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) has just been published. A total of 60 articles were made available, covering the following areas: Microbiology (Mcbio - 8), Health Sciences (HeSci - 8), Engineering Sciences (EnSci - 8), Biomedical Sciences (BmSci - 7), Ecosystems (Ecosy - 7), Chemical Sciences (ChSci - 6), Animal Science (AnSci - 6), Geosciences (Geosci - 4), Social Sciences (SocSci - 2), Crop Science (CrSci - 1), Soil Science (SoiSci - 1), Cellular and Molecular Biology (CeMoBio - 1), and Paleontology (Paleo - 1). In addition to the editorial, which addresses the complex issue of publication fees, there are also two letters.

The papers in Health Sciences published in the AABC 95-Suppl.1 issue vary from the exposure of healthcare workers to COVID-19 to the potential influence of cupuaçu extract on kidneys. There is also a study on the public health issue posed by venomous arthropods in Brazil.

Among the contributions in Chemical Sciences is a study that aims to detect the spike protein of COVID-19 by nanoparticles. A publication that addresses the pesticidal activity on a popular herb that has a worldwide distribution and a review on natural products with pharmacological properties present in orchids can also be considered highlights of the present issue.

Regarding Biomedical Sciences, the AABC 95-Suppl.1 shows a paper on how one traditional medicine developed in China is used for the treatment of depression, oncoproteins in cervical cancer, and the effect of the essential oil from a plant on cardiovascular function.

The AABC 95-Suppl.1 also shows a variety of papers in Microbiology, including biofilm production in residual milk, a study of the disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus, and the cost-effectiveness of an enzyme produced by a microalga in the production of corn steep liquor.

As always, I would like to point out that since 2000 all papers published by the AABC can be downloaded free of charge at the SciELO platform. Also, please take note that previous editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website. I would like to kindly ask you to send this (and other) newsletter to your colleagues and students – they certainly will find a paper of interest for their research.

Alexander W. A. Kellner
Editor-in-Chief

CHEMICAL SCIENCES

1- The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can be detected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using antibody desorption from iron magnetic nanoparticles

JULIUS JOSÉ T.J. PAUL, SAMARA L.C. MAROUN, WYLLERSON EVARISTO GOMES, LETÍCIA O. DO CARMO, RENATA KELLY MENDES & AUGUSTO ETCHEGARAY

An electrochemical device to detect SARS-CoV-2 was devised based on antibody/antigen interactions. Specific antibodies against the spike protein of the new coronavirus were physically adsorbed to an electrode connected to an electrochemical cell. Resistance at the electrode’s surface was measured following the event of specific recognition. Electronic signals were consistent with the specific removal of adsorbed antibodies from the surface since the resistance was decreasing proportionally with the increase in antigen concentration. Considering that antibodies were confirmed to lixiviate from the electrode in a linear fashion, it was proposed that the analytical device may be useful as a biosensor.     

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2- Chemical composition, pesticidal activities and in-silico investigation of Hedychium spicatum Sm. chloroform extract

AVNEESH RAWAT, OM PRAKASH, KIRTI NAGARKOTI, RAVENDRA KUMAR, ASHOK K. VERMA, SATYA KUMAR, RAVI M. SRIVASTAVA, MAMTA LATWAL & GANESH PANDEY

Hedychium spicatum is one of the most popular Zingiberaceous herbs distributed almost in every part of the world. It is used in the traditional system of medicine for curing the ailments. This plant contains many bioactive compounds like diterpenes. The pesticidal activity on extracts of this plant can be the lead for the development of eco friendly pesticidal formulations to control the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita for which few synthetic compounds are so far reported. The study in present paper entitled, “Chemical composition, pesticidal activities and in-silico investigation of Hedychium spicatum Sm. chloroform extract” will be helpful for the wide range of researchers and audience who work for sustainable development of biopesticides.

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3- Theoretical study of Gibbs free energy and NMR chemical shifts, of the effect of methyl substituents on the isomers of (E)-1-(α,Ꞵ-Dimethylbenzyliden)-2,2-diphenylhydrazine

JUAN CARLOS RAMÍREZ-GARCÍA, RICARDO VÁZQUEZ-RAMÍREZ, MARÍA EUGENIA PATIÑO, CARLA AGUIRRE-CABRERA, VLADIMIR CARRANZA & CARMEN MÁRIA GONZÁLEZ ÁLVAREZ

A theoretical analysis of the Gibbs free energy and 1H, 13C NMR chemical shifts of the effect of introducing methyl groups into diphenyl rings to produce different isomers of (E)-1-(α,Ꞵ-dimethylbenzylidene)-2,2-diphenylhydrazine is presented. It was found that the position of the methyl group affects the values of NMR chemical shifts and the thermodynamic properties of formation and reaction ΔG and ΔH, these properties vary with the same trend, for the studied isomers. Gibbs free energy calculations show that the theoretical isomer (E)-1-(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)-2,2-diphenylhydrazine is the most stable, the only isomer obtained experimentally.

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4- Solvent-free sonication of blackberries for the anthocyanin enrichment of juices obtained by pressing

DÉBORA P. DE MORAES, DANIELE F. FERREIRA, CARLA ANDRESSA A. FARIAS, PRISCILA NEHRING, MILENE T. BARCIA, ALEXANDRE JOSÉ CICHOSKI & JULIANO S. BARIN

Blackberry is a small berry fruit known to have compounds such as anthocyanins responsible for the beneficial properties related to ingesting these fruits. Conventionally, fruit juices are obtained through mechanical pressing, which maintains the functional and sensory properties of the fruit, but it is not exhaustive. An ultrasound pretreatment was used to increase anthocyanins content in blackberry juice by up to 56%. No solvents were added, and only the in situ water of the fruit was enough to provide the ultrasound effect. The whole fruit can be sonicated fast and straightforward, allowing a simple reproduction of the experiment.

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5- Bioactive natural products from orchids native to the - A review

ARMANDO MATEUS POMINI, SANDRA APARECIDA SAHYUN, SILVANA MARIA DE OLIVEIRA & RICARDO TADEU DE FARIA

The purpose of this review is to provide information on the traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological studies performed with species of orchids native to the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. The treatment of inflammation is the most traditional use for plants of this family, specially in Central America, while anti-inflammatory and anticancer assays are oftenly reported in pharmacological investigations. From the chemical point of view, they are sources of phenanthrenoids and stilbenes, rare secondary metabolites not commonly found in other families of plants, as well as cycloartane triterpenes, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and flavonoids.

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6- Characterization of Blighia sapida seed extracts

ZOIE AIMEY, KAYCION MOWATT, SONAL GUPTE, DANE WARREN, ANDREA GOLDSON-BARNABY, NOVELETTE SADLER-MCKNIGHT & RAYMOND REID

The ackee Blighia sapida is a niche crop earning millions of dollars in exports each year due to the production of canned ackee in brine. During processing the seeds of the fruit are discarded. In this research we evaluate the phytochemical components present in the seeds. The data shows that the seeds of the ackee fruit has phenolic compounds which contributes to its free radical scavenging properties. The seed is also a source of lipids. Further investigation is required to further characterize the compounds present within the seeds of the fruit.

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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

7- Investigation of associations of European, African, Amerindian genomic ancestries and MC4R, FTO, FAIM2, BDNF loci with obesity-related traits in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ALLAN SCHARF, FLÁVIA F. BEZERRA, VERÔNICA M. ZEMBRZUSKI, ANA CAROLINA P. DA FONSECA, LEONOR GUSMÃO & EDUARDO FAERSTEIN

A complex web of causation is involved in adiposity, including environmental, social and genetic factors. The aim was to investigate associations between genetics such as ancestry and single nucleotide polymorphisms, and obesity-related traits in a sampled Brazilian population. Analyses included 46 genetic ancestry markers and four single nucleotide polymorphisms previously described as associated with obesity. The obesity-related traits were anthropometric parameters such as body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body composition measurements namely body fat percentage, android fat mass and gynoid fat mass. The results showed that one rs4074134 (BDNF) genotype was directly associated with gynoid fat mass.

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8- Traditional Chinese Medicine Strategy for Treating Major Depressive Disorder Based on a Famous Formulation-Baweixiaoyaosan

YONGWEI LIU, YAN LI & JING XIE

In this study, we used a systematic pharmacological approach to explain the mechanism of action of Ba Wei Xiao Yao San in the treatment protocol of depression, specifically through active ingredient screening, target prediction, enrichment analysis, and the theory of Chinese herbal medicine combination, for the treatment of a complex class of disorders, depression. This study not only explored the mechanism of Chinese herbal medicine for depression from a multi-scale perspective, but also provided some basis for the further application of Ba Wei Xiao Yao San.

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9- 4-amino-2-phenyl-6-(p-fluorophenyl)-5-carbonitrile-pyrimidine-bis-substituted-loaded liposomes as promising system for cancer treatment

JANICE V. OLIVEIRA, GLEYBSON C. ALMEIDA, MARIANE C.B.L. NOGUEIRA, FRANCISCO C.A. AGUIAR JÚNIOR, AUDENES O. MELO, THIAGO D.S. SILVA, NOEMIA P.S. SANTOS, NEREIDE S.S. MAGALHÃES, SEBASTIÃO J. MELO & EMERSON P.S. FALCÃO

This work describes the in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic action of 4-amino-pyrimidine encapsulated in liposomes. Antineoplastic activity was investigated using sarcoma 180 tumor in Swiss albino mice. The in vitro results indicated a considerable reduction in cell viability after treatment with encapsulated pyrimidine (75.91%). The in vivo assays using the compounds in encapsulated and free forms achieved tumor inhibition rates of 66.47 ± 26.8%, 50.46 ± 16.24% and 14.47 ± 9.22%, respectively. This study demonstrated that liposome formulations containing 4-amino-pyrimidine is a promising alternative for overcoming limitations related to the toxicity of current cancer treatment, ensuring greater therapeutic efficacy.

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10- Concatenation of molecular docking and dynamics simulation of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 oncoprotein targeted ligands: In quest of cervical cancer’s treatment

ARIEF HIDAYATULLAH, WIRA E. PUTRA, SUSTIPRIJATNO, MUHAIMIN RIFA’I, DIANA WIDIASTUTI, MUHAMMAD F. HEIKAL & GALUH W. PERMATASARI

HPV-16 E7, one of the most well-known oncoproteins in cervical cancer, interacts with pRB, pRB-related p107 and p130, CKI like p21, and histone deacetylase to promote cell cycle progression, proliferation, and immortalization. Asarinin and thiazolo target it by molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Both compounds may inhibit E7-mediated pRb and p21 degradation, which promotes cell cycle progression, immortalization, and proliferation. Valproic acid directly inhibits CKII-mediated phosphorylation, which destabilizes p130 and pRb in E7. Dynamic simulations indicate stable interactions for all compounds. E7 protein is unstable, however stability studies prefer natural chemicals, especially thiazolo, over valproic acid.

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11- MiR-181c-5p ameliorates learning and memory in sleep-deprived mice via HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway

YUJIE HU, CHONG HU, JIERONG YIN, JIALING ZHONG, YUAN DENG & GUOSHUAI YANG

Sleep deprivation (SD) can lead to cognitive impairment caused by neuroinflammation. MiR-181c-5p/HMGB1 axis plays a part in anti-inflammation effects. Here we investigated the role of miR-181c-5p in learning and memory impairment induced by SD. We overexpressed miR-181c-5p in the mice hippocampus by injecting lentivirus vector-miR-181c-5p particles. We found that mice in the SD + miR-181c-5p group showed ameliorated learning and memory compared with the SD + vector group. Moreover, HMGB1, TLR4 and p-NF-κB expression levels in the hippocampus of overexpressed miR-181c-5p mice were reduced. In total, miR-181c-5p ameliorated learning and memory in SD mice via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

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12- Effect of essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet on cardiovascular and autonomic function in rats with isoproterenol induced acute myocardial infarction

THAIS M. HOLANDA, DANILO G. ROCHA, JOÃO ALISON M. SILVEIRA, PAULA PRISCILA C. COSTA, PEDRO HENRIQUE F. MAIA, CATHERINE INGRAM, MARIA ELISABETE A. DE MORAES, FRANCISCO V. FECHINE & MANOEL O. DE MORAES FILHO

Alpinia zerumbet is a plant which the essential oil has demonstrated, several pharmacological effects, including blood pressure decrease, and heart rate reduction. This study verified the heart and blood vessels function of rats with induced heart attack and treated with of essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAz).Treatment with EOAz was not able to reverse the heart and blood vessels damage caused by the heart attack. However, there was a reduction in cardiac neurological signaling, suggesting that in this aspect, EOAz has a possible role in reducing the abnormal neurological impulses sent to the heart after a heart attack.

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13- Zinc deficiency disrupts pain signaling promoting nociceptive but not inflammatory pain in mice

CLEVERTON KLEITON FREITAS DE LIMA, THÁYNA SISNANDE, RAFAELA V. DA SILVA, VANESSA D.C.S. DA SILVA, JULIO J. DO AMARAL, SORAYA M. OCHS, BRUNA L.R. DOS SANTOS, ANA LUISA P. DE MIRANDA & LUÍS MAURÍCIO T.R. LIMA

Zinc is an essential mineral micronutrient with functional and structural roles in the organism, and zinc deficiency induces degeneration of the endocrine pancreas and insulin resistance in mouse. Sparse evidence in the literature pointed to a connection between micronutrient deficiency and neuropathic pain. Authors showed that dietary zinc restriction was independently sufficient to promote mechanical, cold and heat allodynia, and a differential evolution of the pain phases in non-transgenic, while decreasing the inflammatory pain process. These results evidence that zinc deficiency is sufficient to independently promote nociceptive pain.

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HEALTH SCIENCES

14- Healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 patients present an inflammatory status and Th2/Th17/Th22 immune profile: findings from before vaccine application in Brazil

RODRIGO CESAR A. DE AQUINO, BÁRBARA RAFAELA S. BARROS, GUILHERME ANTONIO S. SILVA, GEORON F. DE SOUSA, EDSON B. DE SOUZA, DYEGO R.C. SILVA, ARIONE V. DO NASCIMENTO, IGOR W.A. DE SÁ, ELKER L.S. DE LIMA, BÁRBARA O. SILVA, LUÍSA P.O. DE LIMA, AMANDA M. VIEIRA, ADAUTO G. BARBOSA NETO, BIANCA F. SÃO MARCOS, ANNA JÉSSICA D. SILVA, TALITA HELENA ARAÚJO DE OLIVEIRA, BRUNO M. CARVALHO, MARIA TEREZA C. MUNIZ, ANTONIO CARLOS DE FREITAS, EVÔNIO B. CAMPELO JÚNIOR & CRISTIANE M.L. DE MELO

Daily a lot of workers are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and other viruses. In addition, due to the asymptomatic evolution of COVID-19, the majority of those people do not suspect that be infected and that can spread the virus to their patients. Recurrent laboratory and immunological investigations should be adopted in healthcare services to help workers as prevention therapy in those individuals. Due to the results observed in this study, future investigations should be performed to evaluate whether high exposure to the viral antigen results in lung tissue inflammation or chronic activation of the immune system in this target group.

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15- Effects of a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet administered after weaning and the reversal of that diet in adult rats

THAÍS S. QUEIROZ, EDGAR W. ALLEBRANDT NETO, MAÍSA P. SANTOS, FRANCYELE S. CORREIA, DIEGO A. MAGALHÃES, SAMYRA L. BUZELLE, MAYARA P. PEREIRA, SUELÉM A. FRANÇA & NAIR H. KAWASHITA

This paper was to evaluate the effects of low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC; 6% protein, 74% carbohydrate) diet and reversion (R) to a balanced diet introduced after weaning in aduts rats. The LPHC group showed an increase in serum fasting triglycerides (TAG) and adiponectin. Our findings indicate adiponectin resistance, since that adiponectin receptor 1 content is lower in EDL muscle, with decreased in the lipoprotein lipase activity, resulting in a higher level of serum TAG. The reversal of the LPHC diet did not normalize these parameters.

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16- Cupuaçu extract protects the kidneys of diabetic rats by modulating Nrf2/NF-κB p65 and iNOS

DANIELA B.B. RODRIGUES, GIOVANA R. PUNARO, DEYSE Y. LIMA, ADELSON M. RODRIGUES, SAMUEL PUGLIERO & ELISA M.S. HIGA

Its suggested that extract of cupuaçu (EC) could improve the antioxidant system in diabetes. Animals were distributed in 4 groups: control (CTL) and diabetic (DM) received water; CTLEC and DMEC received 1 mL/day of EC (1 g/mL), for 8 weeks. EC reduced glycemia and increased levels of antioxidants, with reduction of inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, for this reason, EC could be utilized as a complementary therapy to ameliorate the antioxidant profile and to delay the progression of diabetes in renal tissue by inflammatory pathway inhibition.

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17- Antioxidants and cardioprotective effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Canavalia rosea leaves in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

MARAÍSA B.J. FEITOSA, SILVAN S. ARAÚJO, THÁSSIO RICARDO R. MESQUITA, CAROLINA R. GIODA, LUCAS A. DE SÁ, GRACE KELLY M. ALMEIDA, RODRIGO MIGUEL-DOS-SANTOS, ANDRIELE M. BARBOSA, CARLA MARIA L. DE VASCONCELOS, ENILTON A. CAMARGO, ANDRÉ LUÍS B.S. BARREIROS, CHARLES S. ESTEVAM, ÉDER RICARDO DE MORAES, RICARDO G. AMARAL & SANDRA LAUTON-SANTOS

Studies using plant-derived flavonoids and their potential antioxidant effect have gained prominence in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion, as they prevent damage caused by tissue reoxygenation. Thus, this work investigated whether the ethyl acetate fraction from the leaves of Canavalia rosea could promote protection to the cardiac tissue of rats subjected to this procedure. Our findings demonstrated that EAcF restored LVDP, decreased ASI, increased GPx activity, decreasing MDA and CK levels. Furthermore, EAcF abrogates the I/R-promoted increase in caspase 3 protein expression. It is suggested that EAcF could be used to reduce the damage caused by cardiac reperfusion, by decreasing cell death.

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18- Epidemiology of arthropods envenomation in Brazil: a public health issue

PEDRO HENRIQUE C. CASTRO, ANA LUIZA B. PAIVA, GUSTAVO VINÍCIUS M. PEIXOTO, BÁRBARA BRUNA R. OLIVEIRA-MENDES, PAULA CALAÇA & ALESSANDRA MATAVEL

Brazil is a huge country with diverse climates, reliefs, and habitats for venomous arthropods. This article updates statistical data of human envenoming by spiders, scorpions, and insects medically relevant, between 2010 and 2021. A crescent number of envenomation and deaths are recorded annually, mainly caused by scorpion bites. Most stings trigger mild symptoms and affect men of working age. The distribution is distinct among the regions and decreases during the colder months. The growing number of cases of envenomation is a serious public health concern and highlights the importance of studying arthropod venom and improving the therapies.

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19- Acupuncture and laserpuncture as a therapeutic approach for nociception and inflammation: An experimental study in mice

IARA A. COELHO, MURILO LUIZ CERUTTI, GISELE ARRUDA, SCHEILA I. KRAUS, JHENIFER K. LORBIÉSKI, REGINA CÉLIA DE SOUZA, MÁRIO PANSINI & CAROLINE VALENTE

Inflammation and pain are consequences of injuries or disease that affect a large number of people. Acupuncture and laser therapy are practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine and have a great impact on quality of life. In this study, we evaluated the ability of acupuncture and laser therapy to decrease pain and inflammation in mice, using acupoints LI11, ST36, GB34 and BL60. Acupuncture and laser therapy had an antinociceptive effect, decreased edema and temperature in thermographic analysis. Acupuncture and laserpuncture proved to be effective therapies for the treatment of inflammatory and painful processes.

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20- Antiulcer mechanisms of the hydroalcoholic extract from Aztec marigolds’ medicinal and edible flowers (Tagetes erecta L.)

MARIANE MEURER, FABIULA FELISBINO, FABIANA B. MÜLLER, LINCON B. SOMENSI, BENHUR J. CURY, DANIELE T. JERÔNIMO, LARISSA VENZON, TAUANI C.S. FRANÇA, MARIHÁ MARIOTT, ANA C. SANTOS, RUAN KAIO S. NUNES, THAISE BOEING, ALEXANDRE BELLA-CRUZ, PRISCILA DE SOUZA, WALTER A. ROMAN-JUNIOR, KARUPPUSAMY ARUNACHALAM, RUBERLEI G. OLIVEIRA & LUISA M. SILVA

The acute ulcers induced by acidified ethanol or indomethacin were reproduced in mice pretreated with DETe (3 - 300 mg/kg). DETe (300 mg/kg, p.o) reduced the ethanol- or indomethacin-induced ulcer. The pre-treatment with L-NAME, NEM or yohimbine abolished the gastroprotective effect of DETe. However, DETe did not reduce gastric acid secretion in rats and did not affect H. pylori. This study expands knowledge about the antiulcerogenic potential of DETe, but not antisecretory or anti-H. pylori properties.

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21- Tracheal regeneration with acellular human amniotic membrane and 15-deoxy-∆12,14prostaglandinj2 nanoparticles in a rabbit model

ANNA FLAVIA R.S. MIGGIOLARO, ALINE L. TAKEJIMA, JULIO CESAR FRANCISCO, LÚCIA DE NORONHA, MILKA L. TAKEJIMA, KATIA FOLTZ, ALOYSIO ENCK, LUANA TANNOUS, ROSSANA B. SIMEONI, PRISCILA E.F. STRICKER, KATHERINE A.T. CARVALHO & LUIZ CESAR GUARITA-SOUZA

The treatment of tracheal pathologies remains challenging.Nanotechnology allows adding substances to decellularized human amniotic membrane (DHAM), such as 15-Deoxy-∆12,14ProstaglandinJ2 nanoparticles (15D-PGJ2-NC).This study performed a tracheotomy in rabbits randomized into three groups.The tissue repair process was evaluated when treated with DHAM associated or not with 15D-PGJ2-NC.The average of the area in the control group was 54.76% smaller than DHAM group and 41.98% smaller than DHAM + 15D-PGJ2-NC group (p=0.004 for both).The DHAM + 15D-PGJ2-NC group had significantly more immature cartilage (p=0.015).DHAM impregnated with 15D-PGJ2-NC could provide support for the healing of the tracheal defect and may prevent reduction of its lumen.

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

22- Study of Melipona quadrifasciata brain under operant learning using proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis

LIUDY G. HERNÁNDEZ, CARLOS HENRIQUE S. GARCIA, JAQUES M.F. DE SOUZA, GABRIEL C.N. DA CRUZ, LUCIANA KAREN CALÁBRIA, ANTONIO MAURICIO MORENO, FOUED S. ESPINDOLA, DEISY G. DE SOUZA & MARCELO V. DE SOUSA

The operant conditioning is a form of associative learning shared by Melipona quadrifasciata, a species stingless bee, and several behavioral studies have been carried out on this mechanism. The brain proteomes of M. quadrifasciata trained using operant conditioning found one protein specifically related to this type of associative learning and was detected with differential abundance in the brains of trained bees. This protein was identified as arginine kinase, an important enzyme of the energy releasing process in the visual system of the bee, but it may carry out additional and unexpected functions in the bee brain for learning process.

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MICROBIOLOGY

23- Investigation of antibacterial and antifungal activity of Saussurea costus root extracts

GASHA S. AHMED & UMUT S.Ş. COSKUN

In this study, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oil and different extracts from Saussurea costus root were tested against a range of pathogens. Results demonstrated that the essential oil and methanolic extract exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity, followed by the hexane-chloroform extract, with the aqueous extract being least effective. The tested extracts showed moderate to good antimicrobial activity, particularly against gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. These findings suggest Saussurea costus root could be a promising natural source of antimicrobial agents.

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24- Antibacterial metabolites from the beetle-associated fungus Penicillium chrysogenum

TIAN-XIAO LI, HAI-YANG SU, JIAN-CHUN YU, HUI HAO, XUE-WEI JIA, FENG-CHENG SHI & CHUN-PING XU

Since the discovery of penicillin, fungal secondary metabolites have become one of the hot spots for antibacterial drug development. Insect-associated fungi are valuable and special microbial resources, and they can provide nutrition and antibiotics for the host. These knowledge guide us to research the antibacterial secondary metabolites of the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum, which is living in the gut of the beetle Aspongopus chinensis. Five metabolites were isolated, and three of them showed antibacterial activities. The promising one was identified as emodin, which exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus even when growing on cooked pork.

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25- Evaluation of the motility and capacity of biofilm production by Pseudomonas fluorescens strains in residual milk 

KARINE L. CRUZ, FABIANA Q. MAYER, DAIANA L. MORALES & AMANDA S. DA MOTTA

Pseudomonas fluorescens is known to have the ability to adhere and produce biofilm. The formation of biofilms is enhanced by cellular motility, particularly when mediated by flagella. We assessed two strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens PL5.4 and PL7.1, sampled from buffalo milk. Twitching and swarming motility assays and the biofilm production was evaluated. Only the PL5.4 strain scored positive for the swarming assay and both strains presented as strong biofilm producers at 7 °C on a stainless steel structure. Biofilm-forming bacteria, when adapted to low temperatures, become a constant source of contamination, damaging the production, quality, safety and shelf-life of products.

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26- CRYPTOCOCCOSIS: A bibliographic narrative review on antifungal resistance

MARIA ISMÊNIA T. KAKIZAKI & MARCIA DE S.C. MELHEM

Cryptococcosis is an infectious disease caused by fungi of the genus Cryptococcus and can affect humans and several animals. It is often associated with pigeon excreta, but it can be found in various environmental sources. It may infect mainly immunosuppressed patients. Taking all these factors into account, there is an important public health concern towards this infection. Cryptococcosis is considered a neglected disease because it is not necessary to be notified, making studies and monitoring harder for diagnosis and to identify occurrence of increasingly resistance to antifungals.

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27- Cost-effective fibrinolytic enzyme production by microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta using medium supplemented with corn steep liquor

TÚLIO A.F. DA SILVA, PÁBLO E. DA C. E SILVA, THIAGO P. NASCIMENTO, ROMERO M.P.B. COSTA, ATTILIO CONVERTI, ANA LÚCIA F. PORTO & RAQUEL P. BEZERRA

Enzymes capable of degrading blood clots were produced by the microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta under mixotrophic conditions, using corn steep liquor (CSL). The enzyme was purified using precipitation and chromatography, and its biochemical characteristics were determined. The highest concentration of fibrinolytic enzymes was found when 0.5% CLS was used, and homogenization was the best method for extraction. Its optimal pH and temperature were 8.0 and 50°C, respectively. Compared to other fibrinolytic enzymes, it exhibited high activity, which could be enhanced by iron. This enzyme can be easily preserved and remains active at high temperatures.

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28- Obtaining polyphenolic extracts from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum) to evaluate the bactericide and antioxidant activity

JESÚS ALBERTO CORONADO-REYES, JAVIER TINOCO-SALAZAR, LIZETH MARÍA GUISA-MORALES, CONSULEO DE JESÚS CORTÉS-PENAGOS & JUAN CARLOS GONZÁLEZ-HERNÁNDEZ

Polyphenols have been extensively studied for their bactericide and antioxidant activity for the development of biotechnological products from various sources, either by plant extractions or through synthesis by different microorganisms; however, most of these techniques turn out to be expensive, slow, or that involve significant amounts of matter that can be destined for human consumption, that is why the following work has the purpose of taking advantage of the secondary metabolites synthesized by the shell of the pomegranate fruit since this vegetable part is discarded and is not put to use.

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29- Antileishmanial effects of Crotalaria spectabilis Roth aqueous extracts on Leishmania amazonensis

JULIANA S. PACHECO, ÉRIKA MARIA G.F. TEIXEIRA, RAMON G. PASCHOAL, EDUARDO CAIO TORRES-SANTOS, SALVATORE GIOVANNI DE SIMONE & RAQUEL ELISA SILVA-LÓPEZ

This study relates the protease inhibitor (PI) effect of polar extracts from Crotalaria spectabilis, and their anti-Leishmania activities. Crotalaria extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity on macrophages and they killed L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes. A leaf extract obtained using phosphate buffer (CS-P) was elected to study PIs and secondary metabolites. The 10-12 kDa protein was identified as a serine PI homologous with papaya latex serine PI. Glycosylated flavonoids, such as quercetins, vitexin and tricin were the major secondary metabolites. This is the first report of C. spectabilis antileishmanial activity and the identification of PI and glycosylated flavonoids from leaf.

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30- Detoxification of aflatoxin M1 in different milk types using probiotics

KUBRA SANALDI & AHMET Y. COBAN

Aflatoxin M1, a type of mycotoxin, is found in milk and dairy products. Milk and dairy products take an important place in the daily diet of infants and children. Aflatoxin M1 has recently come to the fore as one of the important problems threatening human health. The binding ability of Aflatoxin M1 is ranked from highest to lowest in sheep milk, cow milk, and goat milk. The data obtained from this study is important because it is the first study to show that if sheep and goat milk is enriched with probiotics, it can reduce AFM1 exposure.

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ECOSYSTEMS

31- Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 parasites in the Colubridae snakes Clelia clelia (Daudin, 1803) and Drymarchon corais (Boie, 1827) from the Eastern Amazonia

AMANDA MARIA PICELLI, MARIA REGINA L. SILVA, JAMILLE KARINA C. CORREA, GLEICIERLE R. PAIVA, FABIANE R. PAULA, EMIL JOSÉ HERNÁNDEZ-RUZ, ELCIOMAR A. OLIVEIRA & LÚCIO ANDRÉ VIANA

Snakes can be infected by a wide range of blood parasites, but there are few taxonomic studies involving this parasite group in these hosts. In this sense, using genetic and morphological data, we investigated the presence of Hepatozoon in Clelia clelia and Drymarchon corais from Amazon region. As results we found, Hepatozoon odwyerae sp. nov., a novel species, infecting D. corais and Hepatozoon trigeminum in C. Clelia, a host new record. Our research was the first to collect genetic information on Hepatozoon for both snake species and reinforced that the diversity of hemoparasites in snakes is poorly understood.

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32- Now there are fifteen! A new species of Amithao Thomson, 1878 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) from Veracruz, Mexico

HÉCTOR J. GASCA-ÁLVAREZ & CUAUHTEMOC DELOYA

Amithao miradorensis Gasca-Álvarez and Deloya, is described as a new species from southern Mexico. Diversity and distribution of Mexican Amithao species are discussed. With the description of the new species, Amithao currently comprises 15 Neotropical species distributed from central Mexico to northern South America, with two species distributed in the Antilles. Costa Rica and Mexico have the largest number of species. Of the 15 species that now are in the genus, six occur in Mexico. The ratio of Mexican species to total species for this genus corresponds closely to the ratio seen for the diversity of Cetoniinae in the Americas.

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33- New Amydrostylus Lamas, Falaschi & Evenhuis (Diptera, Mythicomyiidae, Psiloderoidinae) from the Brazilian semiarid region, with discussion on the unusual male terminalia of the genus

LUANNA L. MENDES, NEAL L. EVENHUIS, FRANCISCO LIMEIRA-DE-OLIVEIRA & CARLOS J.E. LAMAS

Studying samples of flies collected in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco (Brazil), the authors, after a detailed anatomic study, compared these specimens with others of the single known species of the genus Amydrostylus (Amydrostylus triadicophallus, known from MS, Brazil), which belong to the pollinator family Mythicomyiidae (Order Diptera). This study revealed that the specimens from Pernambuco belong to a different species, still unknown to science. We described and illustrated it, in order others researchers may now recognize it, and named it as Amydrostylus martinsi in honor of Dr. Herbert Martins who collected the specimens and donated them to MZUSP.

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34- Changes in growth and reproductive phenology of Allagoptera arenaria (Arecaceae) under climate change scenarios

LILIANE B. ZANI, IAN D. DUARTE, ANTELMO RALPH FALQUETO, FRANCISCO IGNACIO PUGNAIRE & LUIS FERNANDO T. DE MENEZES

Studies have shown that climate change has interfered with the phenology of many plant species and this could compromise the dynamism of many ecosystems. We evaluated how these environmental changes may interfere with the restinga ecosystem, using experiments with open top chambers (OTCs) and rain gutters in the field to mimic what is expected with a 2ºC temperature increase and 25% precipitation. We investigated how these alterations interfere in the phenological behavior of A. arenaria, a palm from the restingas of southeastern Brazil. In fact, the increase in temperature may shorten the reproductive period and cause asynchrony in flowering and fruiting.

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35- Diversity of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbiota revealed by metabarcoding in Neotropical floodplain lakes

CÍNTIA P. TARGUETA, ADRIANA M. ANTUNES, KARINE B. MACHADO, JORDANA G. FERNANDES, MARIANA P. DE C. TELLES, LUDGERO C. GALLI VIEIRA, RAMIRO LOGARES, JOÃO C. NABOUT & THANNYA N. SOARES

DNA environmental methods have increased the power of microbiota characterization by comparing barcoding genes as 16S (for prokaryotes) and 18S (for eukaryotes) rRNA. The aim of our work was to identify microbiota community in lakes of the Araguaia River, in the Central region of Brazil. The most representative eukaryotes belong to Ciliophora, Chlorophyta and Charophyta while for prokaryotes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacterioidetes. Besides that, no spatial concordance was detected when comparing the similarity between the communities. By using genetic data to understand the biodiversity of Araguaia, we can enhance our knowledge of the microbiota in this important tropical freshwater resource.

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36- The iconic cactus of the Caatinga dry forest, Cereus jamacaru (Cactaceae) has high sphingophily specialization and pollinator dependence

SINZINANDO ALBUQUERQUE-LIMA, ARTHUR DOMINGOS-MELO, PAULO MILET-PINHEIRO, DANIELA MARIA DO AMARAL FERRAZ NAVARRO, NIGEL P. TAYLOR, DANIELA CRISTINA ZAPPI & ISABEL CRISTINA MACHADO

This study investigates the reproductive biology of the Cereus jamacaru cactus, which has high symbolic value in northeastern Brazil, and the little-known role of its pollinators. The researchers analysed flower morphometry, nectar characteristics, flower colour and scent, described pollinator behaviour and conducted controlled pollination experiments. The study revealed that the cactus is self-incompatible with nocturnal anthesis and relies on hawkmoths, particularly Cocytius antaeus, as its main pollinator. The dependence on a single pollinator species suggests that the loss of this moth could have a significant negative impact on the reproductive success of the cactus.

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37- Environmental characterization of home range of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) released in northeastern Brazil

SEBASTIÃO S. DOS SANTOS, IARA S. MEDEIROS, ISIS C. DE ALMEIDA, VANESSA A. REBELO, ALLAN O.B. CARVALHO, RAFAEL MENEZES, MIRIAM MARMONTEL & JOÃO CARLOS G. BORGES

This study characterized the home range areas of six rehabilitated manatees released in northeastern Brazil. The activities were conducted in the states of Paraíba, Sergipe, and Bahia. Type of environment, substrate, depth, aquatic vegetation, physicochemical variables of the water, presence of solid waste, human settlements, and watercraft were considered. The results showed a manatee preference for sheltered areas. Resources were available in larger quantities in the dry season, and a reduction in the availability of food items was fund over the years. Released manatees exhibited a preference for sites shallower than two meters, with food resources and fresh water availability.

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GEOSCIENCES

38- Erosion of four Brazilian coastal deltas: how dam construction is changing the natural pattern of coastal sedimentary systems

EMILIANO C. OLIVEIRA, RAUL D. BARBOZA, BEATRIZ G.G. SILVA & MAURICIO C. DIAZ FILHO

In this article, we show how human interference in the course of rivers that build deltas can interfere with their formation and the coastlines where they meet. In Brazil, the 4 most important rivers that build deltas are being heavily impacted by human activity, in particular by the construction of dams, and as a consequence, the coast in these places no longer evolves naturally.

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39- Rebuttal of Leite and Do Carmo 2021 ‘Description of the stratotype section and proposal of hypostratotype section of the Lower Cretaceous Quiricó formation, São Francisco Basin, Brazil’

JOÃO CARLOS COIMBRA

This reply discusses the age of the Quiricó Formation based on ostracods and some mawsoniid fish remains. In two recent publications, some authors made mistakes in the identification of ostracod species and misinterpreted the geological distribution of the coelacanth Mawsonia Woodward. These works have negative consequences for the understanding of taxonomy, paleobiogeography and biostratigraphy of well-known fossil indexes of Cretaceous stages in Brazilian basins, including some oil basins. The present discussion highlights that for a biostratigraphy and correlation to be acceptable and operational, robust morphological and taxonomic studies are essential.

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40- Response to Coimbra (2023) ‘Rebuttal of Leite and Do Carmo, 2021’

AMANDA M. LEITE & DERMEVAL A. DO CARMO

This article is a response to the comments raised by Dr. Coimbra (2023) published in this journal, regarding the ostracod taxonomy used by Leite and Do Carmo (2021) as support for the age determination of the Lower Cretaceous Quiricó Formation. After the discussion raised by Coimbra (2020), the four species of Cypridea Bosquet, 1852 recovered from the Quiricó Formation were carefully revised with focus on their taxonomy and publications on the subject, and now are classified as: Cypridea hystrix Krömmelbein, 1962; Cypridea sp.; Cypridea aff. Cypridea infima Krömmelbein and Weber, 1971; Cypridea aff. Cypridea jequiensis Krömmelbein and Weber, 1971.Krömmelbein and Weber, 1971.

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41- Relationship Between Extreme Rainfall Occurrences and Galactic Cosmic Rays over Natal/RN, Brazil: A Case Study

RONABSON C. FERNANDES, HENDERSON S. WANDERLEY, ANDRÉ LUIZ DE CARVALHO & EVERTON FRIGO

The increase in rainfall extreme events that are associated with the risk of flooding, landslides and even death, which may lead to significant and negative socioeconomic and environmental impacts on urban populations. The paper to analyze relationship the increase in Galactic Cosmic Rays flux, Sea Surface Temperature and rainfall extreme events occurred in Natal/RN.

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PALEONTOLOGY

42- A new species of Comahuesuchus Bonaparte, 1991 (Crocodyliformes: Notosuchia) from the Upper Cretaceous of Neuquén, Lake Barreales, Patagonia, Argentina

ALEXANDER W.A. KELLNER, RODRIGO G. FIGUEIREDO & JORGE O. CALVO

Notosuchian crocodyliforms were major components of the South American Cretaceous biota, paleontological fieldwork in this continent recovered several well-preserved fossils of these animals. They are largely recognized for terrestrial life and specialized feeding habits, presenting bizarre taxa such as Comahuesuchus. A new species, Comahuesuchus bonapartei n. sp. (MUCPv 597; cast MN), is described from geological strata of Sierra Barrosa Formation (Upper Turonian) and Portezuelo Formation (Lower Coniacian) of Lake Barreales, Patagonia, Argentina. The new fossil comprises a right dentary bone that shares important and unique anatomical features with specimens of Comahuesuchus brachybuccalis, Phylogenetic analyses support a sister-relationship between both species.

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

43- Biological behavior of Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) after refrigeration: Logistics for use in Biotherapy

DANIELE L. DALLAVECCHIA, RENATO G. DA SILVA FILHO, ALEXANDRE S. SILVA & VALÉRIA M. AGUIAR

Maggot therapy is used for cleaning and debridement of chronic and infected wounds that often do not respond to other forms of treatment. The larvae are able to degrade necrotic tissue and stimulate the formation of healthy tissue, accelerating healing. Thus, the conservation of viable larvae is of paramount importance and involves the use of specific storage techniques such as refrigeration, with temperature control to guarantee the quality of the larvae used. By ensuring the viability of the larvae, it is possible to ensure the effectiveness of the patient's treatment for a quick and efficient recovery.

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44- The evolution of the concept of sensory ecology and the influence of behavioral ecology

RODRIGO H. WILLEMART

Scientific knowledge changes as more information are gathered and as data interpretation and context change. I studied the influence of context, particularly the rising of behavioral ecology, in definitions of sensory ecology. I found that definitions in a book launched at the heydays of behavioral ecology often contained behavioral ecology´s keywords, but that the actual concepts behind these keywords were not really used throughout the book. This suggests an attempt to fit in the mainstream behavioral science of these days. In the following decades, from 1978 to 2013, however, definitions and the conceptual framework of sensory ecology have changed.

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45- When size and shape matter: morphometric characterization of two sympatric dragonflies of the genus Perithemis Hagen 1861 (Odonata: Libellulidae)

STEPHANIE TARRÍS-SAMANIEGO, JAVIER MUZÓN & MÓNICA S. IGLESIAS

The taxonomy of Perithemis Hagen, 1861 has been based on uncertain characters. Perithemis mooma, Kirby, 1889 and Perithemis icteroptera (Selys in Sagra, 1857) live in sympatry from southern Brazil to central Argentina. Here we evaluated the efficiency of traditional (TM) and geometric morphometrics (GM) to discriminate between them using wing size and shape and vulvar lamina contour, and analyzed the presence of sexual dimorphism. GM allowed species delimitation using wing shape variables. Wing and vulvar lamina shapes could differentiate between the two species and may be useful in clarifying taxonomic boundaries within Perithemis. Both species exhibited female-biased sexual size dimorphism.  

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46- Development of broiler chickens fed with different percentages of cassava meal

LEANDRO RICARDO R. DE LUCENA, MARCO AURÉLIO C. DE HOLANDA & MÔNICA C.R. DE HOLANDA

Maximum feed efficiency and cost reduction in poultry are critical points to be considered in commercial farms. The increasing selection for high carcass and parts yields the industry with increasingly specific birds, obtaining better use in specific cuts, reducing leftovers and flaps, implying a better quality of carcass and chicken meat. The cost of feeding the animals can be approximately 70% of the total amount spent on production and is affected by the price of grains and ingredients, such as soybeans, causing the production sector to use alternative food sources with lower cost.

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47- Effects of habitat perturbation on lizard assemblages in the center-west of the Arid Chaco region, Argentina

RODRIGO GÓMEZ ALÉS, JUAN CARLOS ACOSTA, GRACIELA BLANCO & ANA PAULA GALDEANO

The linking of scientific research with outreach activities is fundamental for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functions. Several human disturbances contribute to the decrease of vertebrate species' richness and abundance, altering the processes of an ecosystem. We provide data on changes in the number of lizard species and individuals of each species, in sites with different degrees of anthropic disturbance, in the center-west of the Arid Chaco region in Argentina. It is necessary to work together with locals regarding the importance of carrying out correct land management in order to preserve reptile species and the multiple ecosystem services they provide.

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48- Predictions and test of multiple climate-species richness hypotheses to explain the spatial distribution of tenebrionid beetles in mountain environments

RODOLFO CARRARA, DIEGO P. VÁZQUEZ, ANA M. SCOLLO & GUSTAVO E. FLORES

Most studies evaluating hypotheses that relate climatic variables with species richness have rarely assessed the underlying causal mechanisms responsible for them. In this study, we used path analysis to provide estimates of the magnitude and significance of hypothesized causal connections between sets of variables and to compare competing hypotheses. Using spatial variation on darkling beetles richness across mountain environments as study object, we show that the possibility to recognize the underlying mechanism that operate behind different climate-species richness relationships offer a better understanding of the ways in which climate structures species richness."

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CROP SCIENCE

49- Old but still good: genetic diversity of ancient pecan genotypes from southern Brazil

LUANA O. OLIVEIRA, DANIELE D. SANTOS, DALVAN C. BEISE, TALES POLETTO, IGOR POLETTO, MARLOVE F.B. MUNIZ, JOANA N.O. ZEIST & VALDIR M. STEFENON

Pecan nut is a crop fruit from the USA and Mexico currently cultivated in several countries around the world. Supported by the increasing consumption and market prices, the interest in the cultivation of this fruit crop is strongly growing. We evaluated the genetic diversity of ancient pecan trees maintained in Brazilian orchards since their introduction in the country more than 70 years ago. High levels of genetic diversity were estimated, showing that these plants have an important genetic background for the establishment of a germplasm collection for the development of breeding programs for this fruit crop in Brazil.

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SOIL SCIENCE

50- Soils, Geoenvironments and Ecosystem Services of a Protected Area in Western Brazilian Amazonia

BRUNO A.F. DE MENDONÇA, ELPÍDIO INÁCIO FERNANDES-FILHO, EUFRAN F. DO AMARAL & CARLOS ERNESTO G.R. SCHAEFER

We studied and mapped the basic geo-environmental units of the main sector of the Serra do Divisor National Park (SDNP), evaluating soil carbon stocks as a key ecosystem service provided by the Protected Area. This region presents similar environments to the sub-Andean region, notably the Ceja Forest at the top surface of the Serra do Divisor. The SDNP encompasses important ecosystems and services linked with high geo-biodiversity, and high soil carbon stocks, representing a new frontier for scientific research in the only area of transitional sub-andean forested landscape in Brazil.

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ENGINEERING SCIENCES

51- Comparative study between 1-way and 2-way coupled fluid-structure interaction in numerical simulation of aortic arch aneurysms

MÁRIO LUIS F. DA SILVA, SAULO DE FREITAS GONÇALVES, JONATHAS HANIEL, THABATA C. LUCAS & RUDOLF HUEBNER

The present study provided a comparison between 1-way and 2-way coupled fluid-structure (FSI) interaction under physiological conditions of an aneurysm located in the aortic arch. The hemodynamic effects of flow and mechanical behavior of the arterial wall were investigated, which can support growth analysis, potential thrombus deposition, the potential for rupture, and decision-making in the medical practice regarding intervention in aneurysms. The correct modeling of FSI contributes to the knowledge of the dynamics of the arterial wall that is important for the planning and execution of cardiovascular interventions in the aortic arch.

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52- Air velocity spatial variability in open Compost-Bedded Pack Barn system with positive pressure ventilation

CARLOS EDUARDO A. OLIVEIRA, ILDA DE FÁTIMA F. TINÔCO, FLÁVIO A. DAMASCENO, VICTOR C. DE OLIVEIRA, PEDRO HENRIQUE M. RODRIGUES, GABRIEL A.S. FERRAZ, FERNANDA C. DE SOUSA, RAFAELLA R. ANDRADE, JOÃO ANTÔNIO C. DO NASCIMENTO & LEONARDO F. DA SILVA

Ventilation systems are particularly important in the dairy cattle production in Compost-Bedded Pack Barns (CBP) facilities, as they are responsible for bedding drying, removing gases, and favoring thermal exchanges. In Brazil, most CBP facilities are open, combining natural and mechanical ventilation (positive pressure), but without air flow uniformity. Therefore, conducting field studies to assess ventilation efficiency, as done in this study, contributes to the knowledge advancement in this area, and makes it possible to verify whether the ventilation systems used are adequate and/or if there is a need for design adjustments and management.

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53- Development of prebiotic yogurt with addition of green-banana biomass (Musa spp.)

RAFAEL S. COSTA, RODRIGO F. OLIVEIRA, FÁBIO C. HENRY, WESLLEY A.O. MELLO & CAROLINA R. GASPAR

This study evaluated the technological viability of yogurt with the addition of green-banana biomass (BBV) as a potential prebiotic ingredient and texture agent. Four yogurt formulations were prepared: control; 3% BBV; 5% BBV; and 10% BBV. In the color analysis, in all treatments with added BBV, darkening was observed after 21 days. In the texture analysis, the yogurt in the Control treatment had the highest firmness at 21 days. Yogurt with 5% added BBV showed the best results for increasing the viability of lactic bacteria. Yogurt with added BBV is a promising alternative in the elaboration of functional dairy products.

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54- Optimization of the conditions of alkaline extraction of tomato peels and characterization of tomato peel extracts obtained under atmospheric and oxygen free conditions

ERİNÇ KOÇAK, OZLEM K. ESMER & ASLI SAHINER

This paper highlights the effect of extraction conditions on the extraction yield of tomato peels as the industrial wastes and performs the optimization of the alkaline extraction from tomato peels. It also covers the structural, thermal and chemical properties of the tomato peel extracts obtained under both atmospheric and oxygen free conditions. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of tomato peels discarded as food wastes during the production of tomato paste by alkaline treatment at elevated temperature. Thereby, it emphasizes the influence of using alkaline solution on the functional properties of tomato peels.

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55- Statistical analysis of blast-induced vibration near an open pit mine

PAULO FILIPE T. LOPES, JOSÉ AURÉLIO M. DA LUZ, TIAGO M. PEREIR & LEANDRO GERALDO C. SILVEIRA

Rock blasting is an important operation in hard rock mining and should be designed to combine the best fragmentation and minimal cost, considering industrial hygiene, surrounding communities and environmental restrictions. A drawback of blasting operations is ground vibrations, which gradually attenuate with distance from the blasting point. This research has focused on the blast-induced vibrations using multivariate statistical analysis of data collected by seismographs in the vicinity of an open pit mine. A combination of cluster, discriminant and principal component analysis allowed categorizing such complex datasets, keeping their potential to support the development of applications, in order to mitigate impacts. 

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56- Building pathologies caused by failure of Fundão Tailing Dam: A principal component analysis aproach

LADIR ANTONIO DA SILVA JUNIOR & TATIANA B. DOS SANTOS

This article presents a study of the impacts caused by Fundão dam failure in buildings from Gesteira district, Barra Longa city, Brazil. The analyzed dataset was built using technical reports from surveys carried out in 152 buildings. Principal component analysis was capable of explain the interdependence of data variable and allowed conditions of understand the consequences and evidenced pathologies. Heavy vehicle traffic caused more damage (57% of buildings) to the studied buildings than the contact with the tailing mud (43% of buildings).

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57- Entropic analysis of human body’s longevity as a function of physical activity level

INARA M. NOGUEIRA, ESLY F. COSTA JR & ANDRÉA O.S. COSTA

The vastly simplified literature applying the laws of thermodynamics for predicting human life span seem to suggest a reduction in duration of life with increased activity level, which is the opposite of medical recommendations, that means that exercises increase longevity. The main objectives of this paper are to check the previous results and improve the model by formulating a simplified phenomenological relation between life span, specific entropy generation of the body and physical activity. This paper suggests that the principle of cumulative entropy generation limit should be relaxed in the function of lifestyle. 

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58- Advantages of treating sponge-gourd waste by mechanical refining on the properties of fiber-based poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactide biocomposites

THIAGO R. CORREIA, RENAN HENRIQUES G. ALMEIDA, GUSTAVO N. CAMPOS, CAIO C. SANTOS, MARCOS VINICIUS COLAÇO, MARCO ANTONIO G. FIGUEIREDO, ANA MARIA F. SOUSA & ANA LÚCIA N. SILVA

This study aims to contribute to the development of sustainable materials composed of biopolymers and fibers derived from agro-industrial waste. To valorize the fiber, scraps of sponge-gourds were refined mechanically to alter the fiber's morphology. Biocomposites based on PBAT/PLA were produced with both treated and untreated fibers and their properties compared. The results revealed that mechanical treatment improved sponge-gourd fiber dispersion in the biopolymer matrix. The amounts of the sponge-gourd that produced the highest value of elastic modulus at 25°C were 10% and 5% for the treated and untreated fibers, respectively, which represents improvements of 24% and 20% over neat-PBAT/PLA.

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SOCIAL SCIENCES

59- Self-perceived competences by future chemistry teachers in Brazil

MARIA DAS GRAÇAS CLEOPHAS, MURILO S. MARQUES & MARCIA CRISTINA BARBOS

In this research, we have elaborated an instrument that was called "Self-Perceived Competences of Teachers in Initial Chemistry Training" (SPCTICT), which covered all regions of Brazil, raising the Self-Perceived Competences by future chemistry teachers in relation to the participants’ gender. Our findings reveal interesting relationships between gender and three respondents’ self-perceptions: (a) self-perception of technical competence (knowledge); (b) self-perception of competence linked to certain aspects of knowledge/specific skills (know-how); and (c) self-perception of generic competence (knowing how to act or how to behave). The results obtained from this study pointed to the existence of statistically significant differences between men and women when it comes to self-perception of their competence with regard to knowledge construction and transmission in chemistry.

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60- Ledi-Geraru strikes again: Morphological affinities of the LD 350- 1 mandible with early Homo

WALTER NEVES, MARIA H. SENGER, GABRIEL ROCHA, LINCOLN SUESDEK & MARK HUBBE

The Ledi-Geraru fossil is important in understanding the origins of the genus Homo, a topic that is surrounded by controversies. Such controversies are caused by the dubious classification criteria that separate our genus from the australopithecines. The scarcity of fossils from the timeframe of 3.0 and 2.5 Ma, the supposed time of appearance of Homo, makes the discussion even worse. Despite its poorly preservation, this specimen is one of the only fossils available from this period. In this study, we aim to understand if it is part of our genus, or if it still is an australopith.

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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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