To expand the variety of density functionalized compounds evaluated against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we decided to prepare new acetylated and disubstituted 3-hydroxy bis-oxindoles and isoindigos coupling compounds using known protocols. The corresponding isatin derivatives were synthesized by ZrCl4/EtOH/reflux or HCl/AcOH/reflux coupling conditions using oxindole and functionalized isatins, furnishing new 3-hydroxy bis-oxindoles, which were dehydrated into new isoindigos. A total of 27 compounds bearing halogen, nitro and/or hydroxy groups on the isatin moiety at the 3-, 5- and 7-positions, were prepared, including 5 new 3-hydroxy bis-oxindoles and 3 new halogenated isoindigos prepared according to adapted procedures described in the literature. This library of nitrogen-isatin derivatives was evaluated against SARS-CoV-2 using a phenotypic screening assay. In this investigation, isatin derivatives 3d, 3e, 3h and 3i showed antiviral activity when tested at a single concentration. Compound 3e showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in the concentration-response assay; however, it showed cellular toxicity in Vero cells. The present study identified substituted isatins as a promising new starting point for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.

RESUMO Práticas inadequadas de manejo antes do abate podem comprometer o bem-estar animal e a qualidade da carne suína. Este estudo visou avaliar os efeitos do período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD), e período de pré-abate (TE) nos indicadores termofisiológicos animais e no pH da carne suína, utilizando uma abordagem multivariada. Este estudo foi realizado num matadouro localizado em Aquiraz, Ceará, Brasil. Um total de 60 suínos mestiços com 107 ± 5 kg de peso corporal foram distribuídos em três grupos experimentais: grupo A (TT = 180 min, TD ≤ 10 min, e TE = 24 horas), grupo B (TT = 60 min, TD ≤ 15 min, e TE = 18 horas), e grupo C (TT = 45 min, TD ≤ 5 min, e TE = 24 horas). A análise discriminante canônica foi implementada e as diferenças entre tratamentos são representadas graficamente. Os dois primeiros componentes foram responsáveis por 97% dos tratamentos. A análise discriminante mostrou que o grupo C apresentou diferenças multivariadas em relação aos outros, particularmente com temperatura retal elevada antes do abate (38,4 ± 0,23 °C) e frequência respiratória (131 ± 7,0 respirações min-1) e temperatura retal (39,7 ± 0,18 °C) à chegada ao matadouro. O período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD) e o stress térmico das instalações influenciaram variáveis fisiológicas, tais como a temperatura retal e a frequência respiratória. Além disso, as variáveis de estresse fisiológico também favoreceram cortes com pH básico, resultando em perda de qualidade.

ABSTRACT Inadequate pre-slaughter handling practices may compromise animal welfare and pork quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and pre-slaughtering period (WT) on animal thermophysiological indicators and pork pH using a multivariate approach. This study was conducted in a slaughterhouse located in Aquiraz, Ceará state, Brazil. A total of 60 mestizo pigs with 107 ± 5 kg body weight were distributed into three experimental groups: group A (TT = 180 min, UT ≤ 10 min, and WT = 24 hours), group B (TT = 60 min, UT ≤ 15 min, and WT = 18 hours), and group C (TT = 45 min, UT ≤ 5 min, and WT = 24 hours). Canonical discriminant analysis was implemented and the differences between treatments are represented graphically. The first two components accounted for 97% treatments. The discriminant analysis showed that group C presented multivariate differences in relation to others, particularly with high rectal temperature before slaughter (38.4 ± 0.23 °C) and respiratory rate (131 ± 7.0 breaths min-1) and rectal temperature (39.7 ± 0.18 °C) upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. Transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and thermal stress of the facilities influenced physiological variables, such as rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Furthermore, the physiological stress variables also favored cuts with basic pH, resulting in quality loss.

ABSTRACT A new species of Mahabalella B. Sutton & S. D. Patil was isolated from decaying leaves of an unidentified plant, during a survey in the Charles Darwin Ecological Refuge in Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brazil, in June 2018. The new species is morphologically distinguishable from the other Mahabalella species by the size of their conidia, conidiogenous cells and setae. In this study, the morphological descriptions, illustrations and cultural characteristics for Mahabalella pernambucana are provided, as well as a key to species of this genus. Total DNA from the isolate was extracted, and four genes were partially sequenced (nLSU, ITS cluster, TEF1 alpha, and beta tubulin). Based on the nLSU analysis, the phylogenetic position of the new species was determined within the Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota, as a sister genus to Neotracylla, in the Tracyllaceae family.

Abstract Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.

Abstract Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

Resumo O método de plantio de cana-de-açúcar de baixa densidade (LDSP) vem sendo implementado por alguns produtores de cana-de-açúcar no Brasil, visando economia de sementes e custos operacionais. O estudo foi realizado no município de Areia, Paraíba, Brasil. Utilizou-se cinco densidades de plantio, variando de 5 a 25 m-2 de gemas dispostas em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os dados foram medidos anualmente ao longo de três ciclos de cultivo (2017 a 2020). Menor densidade de plantio mostrou maior produtividade (101,03 t ha-1) devido à maior altura de planta (2,37 m) e ao maior número de hastes (NS) (11 hastes m-2), sugerindo que essas variáveis são devido à maior disponibilidade de luz, água e fotoassimilados. No entanto, houve redução drástica na produtividade da cana-de-açúcar para esta população menor na 2ª soca em 65,62%, estando correlacionado com o número de colmos por metro. Demonstramos a viabilidade agronômica do LDSP em uma população de 10 gemas m-2 em relação ao plantio convencional de cana-de-açúcar até a 2ª soca. Os dados são importantes para que estudos futuros apresentem considerações adicionais sobre outros fatores de produção, como os efeitos da colheita mecanizada e do manejo de nutrientes e água, avaliando a sustentabilidade desse sistema de plantio em larga escala.

Abstract Bovine pericardium (BP) has been used as a biomaterial for several decades in many medical applications particularly due to its mechanical properties and the high collagen content. In the acellular form it favors faster tissue repair, providing a three-dimensional support for cellular and vascular events observed during tissue repair and due, to a low elastin content, may favor its use as a breast implant cover, resulting in a low possibility of contracture of the biomaterial, preventing the appearance of irregularities during the reconstruction process. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate, histomorphologically, the behavior of acellularized bovine pericardium (ABP) as a mammary implant cover in rats. For this purpose, 16 animals were divided into two groups, with eight animals at each biological point: 7 and 15 days after surgery. Of the 16 animals, 32 specimens were obtained: 16 in the experimental group (EG) and 16 in the control group (CG). Throughout this study, none of the studied groups had postoperative complications. Results: The histomorphological results showed, in the two biological points, both in the EG and in the CG, chronic inflammatory infiltrate, leukocyte fibrin exudate, formation of granulation tissue and deposition of collagen fibers, more evident in the EG, regressive along the biological points. At 15 days, the implanted ABP showed initial biointegration with the fibrous capsule and surrounding tissues of the recipient bed. Conclusion: These results indicate that the due to the observed favorable tissue response ABP may be of potential use as a breast implant cover.

Resumo O pericárdio bovino (PB) tem sido utilizado como biomaterial há várias décadas em diversas aplicações médicas, principalmente devido às suas propriedades mecânicas e ao alto teor de colágeno. Na forma acelular, favorece a reparação tecidual mais rápida, dando um suporte tridimensional para eventos celulares e vasculares observados durante a reparação tecidual e devido ao baixo teor de elastina, pode favorecer seu uso como cobertura de implantes mamários, resultando em baixa possibilidade de contratura do biomaterial, evitando o aparecimento de irregularidades durante o processo de reconstrução. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, histomorfologicamente, o comportamento do pericárdio bovino acelularizado (PBA) como cobertura de implante mamário em ratos. Dezesseis animais foram divididos em dois grupos, com oito animais em cada ponto biológico: 7 e 15 dias após a cirurgia. Dos 16 animais, 32 espécimes foram obtidos: 16 no grupo experimental (GE) e 16 no grupo controle (GC). Ao longo deste estudo, nenhum dos grupos estudados apresentou complicações pós-operatórias. Os achados histomorfológicos mostraram, nos dois pontos biológicos, tanto no GE quanto no GC, infiltrado inflamatório crônico, exsudato fibrino leucocitário, formação de tecido de granulação e deposição de fibras colágenas, mais evidentes no GE, regressivas ao longo dos pontos biológicos. Aos 15 dias, o PBA implantado apresentou biointegração inicial com a cápsula fibrosa e tecidos circundantes do leito receptor. Esses resultados indicam que, devido à resposta favorável do tecido observado, o PBA pode ser de uso potencial como cobertura de implante mamário.

Abstract Logging and agricultural exploitation have led to the degradation of Araucaria Forest remnants and the alteration of its last preserved patches. This forest typology contains many endangered plant species, as is the case of the tree Oreopanax fulvus Marchal. To support conservation of this species and understand how different landscape matrices can influence its populations, we evaluated the demographic structure and spatial distribution of O. fulvus in two Araucaria Forest remnants in Paraná state. We delimited two plots (urban and rural population), each with 1 ha, subdivided them into 100 subplots (10 x 10 m), and recorded diameter at ground level (DGL), height, and coordinates of two post-germinative developmental stage of individuals. In each subplot, we measured slope, luminosity, and canopy height. We used Ripley’s K function analysis to describe distribution patterns of the species and the spatial relationship between mature and juvenile trees. We performed correlations between abundance and environmental and structural variables of the O. fulvus populations. Abundance varied between remnants, from 183 individuals/ha (12 mature and 171 juvenile) to 1306 individuals/ha (10 and 1296). The remnants varied in abundance and plant frequency. The species showed an investment in seedling banks. Most juvenile had DGL up to 3.0 cm and height up to 1.0 m and presented aggregated spatial distribution, while adults had random distribution. In the rural population juvenile abundance were correlated with canopy height (positively) and distance to mature trees (negatively). The slope was correlated for both sites, but oppositely, indicating that other factors might have interfered in the regeneration abundance. The urban remnant showed a high abundance of this endangered species, calling attention for potential studies in urban arborization, management and conservation of these remnants.

Resumo A exploração madeireira e agrícola levou à degradação dos fragmentos de Floresta com Araucária e à alteração de seus últimos fragmentos preservados. Esta tipologia florestal contém muitas espécies de plantas ameaçadas, como é o caso de Oreopanax fulvus Marchal. Para apoiar a conservação desta espécie e entender como diferentes matrizes da paisagem podem influenciar suas populações, avaliamos a estrutura demográfica e a distribuição espacial de O. fulvus em dois remanescentes de Floresta com Araucária no estado do Paraná. Delimitamos duas parcelas (população urbana e rural), cada uma com 1 ha, subdivididas em 100 subparcelas (10 x 10 m), registrando-se o diâmetro ao nível do solo (DGL), a altura e as coordenadas de dois estágios de desenvolvimento pós-germinativo de indivíduos. Em cada subparcela, medimos declividade, luminosidade e altura do dossel. Utilizamos função K de Ripley para descrever os padrões espaciais da espécie e a relação espacial entre árvores maduras e juvenis. Realizamos análise de correlação entre a abundância e as variáveis ambientais e estruturais das populações de O. fulvus. A abundância variou entre os remanescentes, de 183 indivíduos/ha (12 maduros e 171 juvenis) a 1306 indivíduos/ha (10 e 1296). Os remanescentes apresentaram variações na abundância e frequência de indivíduos. A espécie demonstrou investimento na formação de banco de plântulas. A maioria dos juvenis tinha DGL até 3,0 cm e altura até 1,0 m e apresentaram distribuição espacial agregada, enquanto os adultos tiveram distribuição aleatória. Na população rural a abundância de juvenis foi correlacionada com altura do dossel (positivamente) e com a distância de árvores maduras (negativamente). A declividade foi correlacionada em ambos os locais, mas de forma oposta, indicando que outros fatores podem ter interferido na abundância da regeneração. O remanescente urbano mostrou elevada abundância desta espécie ameaçada, demonstrando um potencial para estudos de arborização urbana, manejo e conservação destes remanescentes.

Resumo Os terpenóides, também chamados terpenos ou isoprenóides, são uma família de produtos naturais encontrados em todos os organismos vivos. Muitas plantas são produtoras destes metabolitos secundários, que constituem uma grande parte dos óleos essenciais. Uma das características mais importantes é que os compostos são voláteis, têm odor e podem ser utilizados numa variedade de aplicações em diferentes segmentos industriais ou na medicina tradicional. O Brasil tem uma flora rica e diversificada que pode ser utilizada como fonte de pesquisa para a obtenção de novas moléculas. Dentro desta flora, vale a pena mencionar a Caatinga como um bioma exclusivamente brasileiro que possui plantas adaptadas a uma série de condições climáticas e, portanto, um armazém de compostos a serem descritos. As infecções fúngicas são doenças cada vez mais comuns, devido a isso existe uma grande procura de novos agentes com baixa toxicidade e efeitos secundários. Os cientistas devem procurar novas moléculas que exibam atividade antifúngica para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos contra as infecções fúngicas. Esta revisão visa analisar dados científicos dos principais estudos publicados que descrevem o uso de terpenóides e as suas aplicações biológicas como antifúngicos. isoprenóides vivos secundários essenciais voláteis tradicional portanto descritos comuns antifúngicos

Abstract Terpenoids, also named terpenes or isoprenoids, are a family of natural products found in all living organisms. Many plants produce terpenoids as secondary metabolites, and these make up a large part of essential oils. One of most important characteristic is that the compounds are volatile, have odor and can be used in a variety of applications in different industrial segments and traditional medicine. Brazil has a rich and diverse flora that can be used as a source of research for obtaining new molecules. Within the Brazilian flora, it is worth mentioning the Caatinga as an exclusively Brazilian biome where plants adapt to a specific series of weather conditions and therefore become a great storehouse of the terpenoid compounds to be described herein. Fungal infections have become increasingly common, and a great demand for new agents with low toxicity and side effects has thus emerged. Scientists must search for new molecules exhibiting antifungal activity to develop new drugs. This review aims to analyze scientific data from the principal published studies describing the use of terpenes and their biological applications as antifungals. Terpenoids isoprenoids organisms metabolites oils volatile medicine herein common emerged drugs antifungals

Resumo A busca por alimentos saudáveis tem atraído a atenção da indústria para o desenvolvimento de produtos que utilizam ingredientes naturais, incluindo antioxidantes naturais. Os antioxidantes atuam como radicais livres ou sequestradores de oxigênio, inibindo a oxidação lipídica e afetando adversamente a qualidade sensorial e nutricional dos produtos cárneos. Vários antioxidantes sintéticos têm sido usados na indústria da carne; no entanto, estudos apontam riscos à saúde relacionados ao seu consumo. Tal fato impulsiona a pesquisa de antioxidantes naturais extraídos de grãos, oleaginosas, especiarias, frutas e vegetais, que podem ter um efeito de promoção da saúde. Este manuscrito avalia a eficácia de vários antioxidantes naturais na melhoria da qualidade e prazo de validade de produtos de carne de frango durante o processamento, armazenamento e distribuição. Os efeitos potenciais de antioxidantes naturais amplamente utilizados em produtos de frango também são discutidos. Pode-se concluir que esses antioxidantes naturais são possíveis substitutos dos sintéticos. No entanto, seu uso pode afetar as características do produto. oxigênio cárneos entanto consumo grãos oleaginosas especiarias vegetais processamento distribuição discutidos Podese Pode se produto

Abstract The search for healthy foods has attracted the industry’s attention to developing products that use natural ingredients, including natural antioxidants. Antioxidants act as free radicals or oxygen scavengers, inhibiting lipid oxidation and adversely affecting meat products' sensory and nutritional quality. Several synthetic antioxidants have been used in the meat industry; however, studies point to health risks related to their consumption. Such fact drives research into natural antioxidants extracted from grains, oilseeds, spices, fruits, and vegetables, which may have a health-promoting effect. This manuscript evaluates the effectiveness of several natural antioxidants in improving the quality and shelf life of chicken meat products during processing, storage, and distribution. The potential effects of natural antioxidants widely used in chicken products are also discussed. It can be concluded that these natural antioxidants are possible substitutes for synthetic ones. However, their use can affect the product's characteristics. industrys industry s ingredients scavengers however consumption grains oilseeds spices fruits vegetables healthpromoting promoting effect processing storage distribution discussed ones However product characteristics

Passion fruit woodiness disease, caused by the Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), is one of the leading phytosanitary challenges of passion fruit production. Passiflora cincinnata has been recognized for its potential in genetic improvement due to its highest resistance to CABMV and other phytopathogens. Metabolomic and histological alterations of P. cincinnata infected with CABMV were evaluated and searched for differential responses during the asymptomatic or symptomatic infection phases to correlate them with the mechanisms of metabolic defense. The metabolites of infected plants were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on the metabolomic profile, the times of infection were grouped into early or late infection phases. The metabolites related to CABMV infection were classified as alkaloids, saponins, phospholipids and acids. This study can assist agricultural institutions or farms in the early diagnosis and correct management of CABMV infection and contribute to the genetic improvement of the Passiflora genus against this disease.

The antifungal potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by actinobacterial strains Streptomyces sp. (ACTB-77) and Amycolatopsis sp. (ACTB-290) from the rhizosphere of Caatinga plants against Colletotrichum musae was investigated. VOCs produced by these microorganisms (axenic and co-culture) were investigated using headspace-solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Although no exclusive VOC peaks were observed in the co-culture with ACTB-77, the same experiment involving ACTB-290 yielded five new peaks, including two identified alcohols, suggested as bioreductive products of the corresponding ketones by the fungus. Statistical analysis revealed that co-culture ACTB-77/C. musae has a closer similarity to the fungus than to the actinobacteria, while the co culture ACTB-290/C. musae showed closer similarity to the actinobacteria. These confirmed the more pronounced antifungal activity of the ACTB-290 strain, as observed in the fungus growth inhibition experiments. The antifungal activity of ACTB-290 was associated to its sulfur-containing metabolites, while linalool was suggested as responsible for the ACTB-77 activity.

Abstract Background. A brain-machine interface (BMI) is a device or experimental setup that receives a brain signal, classifies it and then uses it as a computer command. There is not a consensus on which kind of learning methodology (deep learning, convolutional networks, AI, etc.) and/or type of algorithms in each methodology, are best to run BMI’s. Objective. The aim of this work was to build a low-cost, portable, easy-to-use and a reliable Motor Imagery Electro-encephalography (EEG-MI) based BMI; comparing different algorithms to find the one that best satisfies such conditions. Methods. In this study, motor imagery (MI) EEG signals, from both PhysioNet public data and our own laboratory data obtained using an Emotiv headset, were classified with four machine learning algorithms. These algorithms were: Common spatial patterns (CSP) combined with linear discriminant analysis (LDA), Deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN) and finally Riemannian minimum distance to mean (RMDM). Results. The mean accuracy for each method was 78%, 66%, 60% and 80% respectively. The best results were obtained for the baseline vs Motor Imagery (MI) comparison. With global-training public data, an accuracy between 86.4% and 99.9% was achieved. With global-training lab data, the accuracy was above 99% for the CSP and RMDM cases. For lab data, the classification/prediction computing time per event were 8.3 ms, 18.1 ms, 62 ms and 9.9 ms, respectively. In the discussion a comparison between the results presented here and state-of-the-art of methodologies and algorithms for BMI’s can be found. Conclusions. The CSP and RMDM algorithms resulted in fast (computing time) and effective (success rate) tools for their implementation as deep learning algorithms in BMIs.

Various beneficial biological activities have been reported for passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), grown in tropical and subtropical regions. However, no study has yet demonstrated its action against the Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-ZIKV of the ethanolic passion fruit seed extract (PFSE), from which, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis allowed to putatively annotate the occurrence of piceatannol, astringin, scirpusin A, scirpusin B, isookanin-7-O-glucoside and naringenin-7-O-glucoside, two quadranguloside derivatives, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. PFSE is well tolerated by cell lines (Vero E6 and HTR-8/SVneo) and tissue explants from the human placenta. With 1- and 24-h treatments, PFSE consistently reduced the viral load and NS1 protein expression of the two strains of ZIKV (MR766 and PE243) in placental explants and cell lines. Thus, PFSE has a promising potential for developing anti-ZIKV treatments, protecting the placenta against infection caused by ZIKV, along with relevant antioxidant potential, represented by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 390.5 Trolox eq per g dry extract and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) of 12.1 µg mL-1, and more than 90% protection from lipid peroxidation. Although further studies need to be conducted, PFSE treatment was safe and effective in trophoblast cells and placental explants, thus representing a promising class of all-accessible products based on the reuse of industrial by-products.

Resumo Estudos microbiológicos da sanidade de psitacídeos que serão reintroduzidos são importantes para avaliar se esses animais atuam como portadores de agentes patogênicos para outros animais e humanos. A espectrometria de massa por ionização/dessorção de matriz assistida por laser/tempo de vôo (MALDI-TOF MS) é um método mais rápido e preciso para identificar bactérias na comparação com métodos convencionais de microbiologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o estado de saúde de psitacídeos cativos, identificando bactérias Gram-negativas da microbiota fecal por MALDI -TOF MS. Os resultados indicaram alta frequência de bactérias Gram-negativas nas fezes (96,5%), principalmente da família Enterobacteriaceae (88,7%). As mais prevalentes foram Escherichia coli (39,0%), Proteus vulgaris (12,2%), Klebsiella spp. (12,1%) e Raoultella ornithinolytica (8,7%). Proteus hauseri, Citrobacter spp., Morganella morgannii, Providencia rettgeri, Enterobacter spp. e Escherichia hermannii foram isolados com menor frequência. Todos esses agentes são potencialmente patogênicos para os papagaios e podem causar infecções sistêmicas em outros animais e seres humanos. Esses achados reforçam que o MALDI- TOF MS é um método rápido e preciso de identificação do microrganismo e avaliação do estado de saúde dos psitacídeos, fornecendo dados relevantes para auxiliar na tomada de decisões sobre os protocolos sanitários em centros de triagem de animais selvagens e sobre a possibilidade de reintrodução futura.

Abstract Microbiological studies of the sanitary and health status of psittacine birds that will be reintroduced is important in evaluating whether these animals act as carriers of pathogenic agents to other animals and humans. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a faster and more accurate method to identify bacteria than conventional microbiology methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of psittacines housed in captivity, by assessment of Gram-negative bacteria from fecal microbiota through MALDI- TOF MS identification. The results indicate high frequency of Gram-negative bacteria in feces (96.5%), especially from the Enterobacteriaceae family (88.7%). The most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli (39.0%), Proteus vulgaris (12.2%), Klebsiella spp. (12.1%) and Raoultella ornithinolytica (8.7%). Proteus hauseri, Citrobacter spp., Morganella morgannii, Providencia rettgeri, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia hermannii were isolated with lower frequency. . All these agents are potentially pathogenic for parrots and can cause systemic infections in other animals and humans. These findings reinforce that MALDI- TOF MS proved to be a rapid and accurate method of identification of the microorganism and evaluation of the health status of psittacines, providing relevant data to assist decision-making regarding the sanitary protocols in wildlife centers, and possible future reintroduction of wild birds.