ABSTRACT Managing electrical conductivity levels is one of the fundamentals required to obtain greater production and better quality of vegetables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution on the kohlrabi crop cultivated in semi-hydroponic system. A randomized block design was used with five treatments associated with the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution (1.31, 1.71, 2.37, 2.98, and 3.75 dS m-1) and four replications. The plants were harvested 78 days after transplanting and evaluated for growth, production, and postharvest quality. Nutrient solution with electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.31 dS m-1 promotes greater production of purple kohlrabi. The increase in EC reduced linearly most of the analyzed variables (leaf area, fresh mass of leaves, bulb and shoot, dry mass of leaves and total, bulb volume and firmness), with more significant losses for the bulb fresh mass (50.54%) and bulb volume (57.37%) variables. The use of nutrient solution with EC between 2.3 and 2.9 dS m-1 increased the vitamin C content and the titratable acidity.

RESUMO O manejo dos níveis de condutividade elétrica é um dos fundamentos necessários para se obter maior produção e melhor qualidade de hortaliças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva na cultura da couve-rábano cultivada em sistema semi-hidropônico. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos associados à condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva (1,31; 1,71; 2,37; 2,98 e 3,75 dS m-1) e quatro repetições. As plantas foram colhidas 78 dias após o transplante e avaliadas quanto ao crescimento, produção e qualidade pós-colheita. Solução nutritiva com condutividade elétrica (CE) de 1,31 dS m-1 proporciona maior produção de couve-rábano roxa. O aumento da CE reduziu linearmente a maioria das variáveis analisadas (área foliar, massa fresca de folhas, bulbos e parte aérea, massa seca de folhas e totais, volume e firmeza de bulbos), com perdas mais expressivas para as variáveis massa fresca de bulbos (50,54%) e volume de bulbos (57,37%). A utilização de solução nutritiva com CE entre 2,3 e 2,9 dS m-1 aumentou o teor de vitamina C e a acidez titulável.

ABSTRACT The use of biostimulants in second-crop maize (Zea mays) can promote higher physiological activity in plants, resulting in higher grain yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phytohormones and nicotinamide on growth and yield traits of second-crop maize. The statistical design used was a randomized block design arranged in a factorial scheme with two doses of phytohormones (0 and 500 mL ha-1) × five concentrations of nicotinamide (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg L-1) with four replications. The use of biostimulants favored all variables evaluated for the maize crop. The isolated use of phytohormones and nicotinamide promoted grain yields of 6089.6 and 6242.5 kg ha-1, respectively, representing gains of 6.0 and 11.6%, respectively, compared with the control. The application of 800 mg L-1 nicotinamide resulted in the highest maize grain yield. The use of phytohormones and nicotinamide, isolated or associated, was favorable for the growth characteristics and grain yield of second-crop maize. A synergistic effect was noted between phytohormones and nicotinamide on the first ear insertion height and number of rows per ear.

RESUMO O uso de bioestimulantes no milho segunda safra (Zea mays) pode promover maior atividade fisiológica das plantas, resultando em maior produtividade de grãos. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as características de crescimento e produtividade do milho segunda safra sob aplicação de fitormônios e nicotinamida. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi em blocos casualizados dispostos em esquema fatorial com 2 doses de fitohormônios (0 e 500 mL ha-1) × 5 concentrações de nicotinamida (0, 200, 400, 600 e 800 mg L-1) com quatro repetições. O uso dos dois bioestimulantes favoreceu todas as variáveis avaliadas para a cultura do milho. O uso isolado de fitormônios e nicotinamida promoveu produtividades de grãos de 6.089,6 e 6.242,5 kg ha-1, representando respectivamente, ganhos de 6,0 e 11,6%, em relação à testemunha. A aplicação de 800 mg L-1 de nicotinamida proporcionou maior produtividade de grãos de milho. O uso de fitohormônios e nicotinamida, isolados ou associados, foram favoráveis às características de crescimento e produtividade do milho segunda safra. Houve efeito sinérgico de fitormônios e nicotinamida para altura de inserção da primeira espiga e o número de fileiras por espiga.

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for growth and yield of sweet potatoes; in sandy soils, sweet potato yield and quality may be limited by application of low P doses, mainly in degraded areas. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of P doses on yield and quality of sweet potato root tubers grown in tropical sandy soils with different initial P availabilities: 23.2 mg dm-3 (high P - crop rotation) and 3.7 mg dm-3 (low P - post degraded pasture). Two experiments were carried out in a randomized block design, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of P doses (0, 22, 44, 88, and 176 kg ha-1) applied to the planting bed. Tuber yield, number and mean weight of tubers, P concentration in leaves and tubers, exported P, as well as the percentage of starch, reducing sugars, total sugars, and sucrose in the tubers were evaluated. P concentration in the soil was evaluated at the end of the experiment. In the area with high P availability (> 20 mg dm-3 - resin), increasing P doses did not increase root tuber yield and decreased root starch concentrations. In the area with low P availability (< 3.7 mg dm-3 - resin), root tuber yield and starch concentration peaked when applying 68 and 33 kg ha-1 of P, respectively. In areas after degraded pasture, with low initial soil P concentration, P fertilization for sweet potato crops should be carried out with a P dose of 68 kg ha-1. In areas with crop rotation and adequate soil P concentration, P fertilization should be carried out to replace the amount of P exported by the harvested root tubers to avoid decreases in soil fertility.

RESUMO O fósforo (P) é um nutriente essencial para o crescimento e produtividade da batata-doce, e em solos arenosos, a produtividade e a qualidade da batata-doce podem ser limitadas pela baixa dose de P aplicada, principalmente em áreas degradadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de doses de fósforo na produtividade e qualidade das raízes tuberosas de batata-doce cultivadas em solos arenosos tropicais com diferentes disponibilidades iniciais de P; 23,2 mg dm-3 (P alto - rotação de culturas) e 3,7 mg dm-3 (P baixo - pós pastagem degradada). Dois experimentos foram conduzidos em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de doses de P (0, 22, 44, 88 e 176 kg ha-1) aplicadas no sulco de plantio. Foram avaliadas a produtividade, número e peso médio de tubérculos, teor de P nas folhas e nos tubérculos, exportação de P, além da porcentagem de amido, açúcar redutor, açúcar total e sacarose nos tubérculos. No final do estudo foi avaliado o teor de P no solo. Em área com alta disponibilidade de P (> 20 mg dm-3 - resina), o aumento das doses de P não aumenta a produtividade de tubérculos e diminui as concentrações de amido nas raízes. Em área com baixa disponibilidade de P (< 3,7 mg dm-3 - resina), a produtividade de tubérculos e a concentração de amido atingiram o máximo ao aplicar 68 e 33 kg ha-1 de P, respectivamente. Cultivo de batata-doce em área após pastagem degradada com baixo teor inicial de P no solo, a adubação fosfatada deve ser realizada na dose de 68 kg ha-1 de P. Em área com rotação de culturas e teor adequado de P no solo, a adubação fosfatada deve ser realizada para repor a quantidade de P exportada pelas raízes tuberosas colhidas para evitar a perda da fertilidade do solo.

RESUMO O uso de bioestimulantes em mudas de café pode promover ganhos em seu crescimento e na sua qualidade. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar as características de crescimento e qualidade de mudas de café arábica sob o efeito da aplicação dos bioestimulantes nicotinamida e Azospirillum brasilense. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 × 2, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos resultaram da utilização de cinco doses de nicotinamida (0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 mg L-1 de água) combinadas com a ausência e presença de Azospirillum brasilense aplicadas em mudas de Coffea arabica da cultivar Catuaí Vermelho 144. Foram avaliadas a altura de planta, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, área foliar, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz, razão entre altura e diâmetro do caule, razão entre massa seca da parte aérea e massa seca da raiz, razão entre altura e massa seca da parte aérea e índice de qualidade Dickson. A utilização conjunta ou isolado do A. brasilense e da nicotinamida, até a dose de 33.5 mg L-1, aumentou características biométricas e acúmulo de massa seca. No entanto, a utilização de doses de nicotinamida entre 30 e 61,8 mg L-1 aumentou da qualidade de mudas de Coffea arabica. Foi verificado efeito sinérgico do uso de A. brasilense e nicotinamida para crescimento e qualidade de mudas.

ABSTRACT The use of biostimulants in coffee seedlings can promote gains in their growth and quality. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the growth and quality characteristics of Coffea arabica seedlings under the effect of the nicotinamide and Azospirillum brasilense application. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments resulted from the use of five doses of nicotinamide (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg L-1 of water) combined with the absence and presence of Azospirillum brasilense applied to Coffea arabica seedlings from Catuaí Vermelho 144 cultivar. Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, plant height:stem diameter ratio, shoot:root dry mass ratio, plant height:shoot dry mass ratio, and Dickson quality index were evaluated. The combined or isolated use of A. brasilense and nicotinamide, up to a dose of 33.5 mg L-1, increased the biometric characteristics and dry mass accumulation. However, using nicotinamide doses between 30 and 61.8 g L-1 increased the quality of Coffea arabica seedlings. The synergistic effect of the use of A. brasilense and nicotinamide was verified for the growth and quality of Coffea arabica seedlings.

Resumo O tilirosídeo é um flavonóide glicosídico presente em muitas espécies de plantas, incluindo Helicteres velutina K. Schum (Malvaceae sensu lato), conhecida no Brasil como “pitó”. Esta molécula mostrou ter muitas atividades biológicas, porém nenhum estudo foi realizado para investigar a toxicidade dessa substância. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a possível toxicidade celular in silico, in vitro e ex-vivo do kaempferol-3-O-β-D- (6 ”-Ep-coumaroil) glucopiranosídeo (tilirosídeo), por meio de análises de estrutura química, toxicidade avaliação e propriedades bioativas preditivas, utilizando amostras humanas para testes in vitro e ex-vivo. A análise in silico sugere que o tilirosídeo exibe bom índice de absorção para penetrar nas membranas biológicas. Além disso, apresentou considerável potencial de proteção celular contra os radicais livres e com atividades anticarcinogênica, antioxidante, antineoplásica, antiinflamatória, anti-hemorrágica e antitrombótica. A avaliação dos efeitos hemolíticos e genotóxicos do tilirosídeo mostrou baixas taxas de hemólise nas hemácias e ausência de toxicidade em células da mucosa oral. Os dados obtidos indicam que esta molécula pode possuir uma abordagem terapêutica promissora como uma possível nova droga com potencial biotecnológico.

Abstract Tiliroside is a glycosidic flavonoid present in many plants species including Helicteres velutina K. Schum (Malvaceae sensu lato), commonly known in Brazil as “pitó”. This molecule has been shown to have many biological activities, however no study has been carried out to investigate the toxicity of this substance. The present work aimed to evaluate the possible cellular toxicity in silico, in vitro and ex-vivo of the kaempferol-3-O-β-D-(6”-E-p-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside (tiliroside), through chemical structure analysis, toxicity assessment and predictive bioactive properties, using human samples for in vitro and ex-vivo tests. The in silico analysis suggests that tiliroside exhibited great absorption index when penetrating biological membranes. In addition, it also displayed considerable potential for cellular protection against free radicals, and anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic and antithrombotic activities. The assessment of the hemolytic and genotoxic effects of tiliroside showed low hemolysis rates in red blood cells and absence of cellular toxicity in the oral mucosa cells. The data obtained indicate that this molecule could be a promising therapeutic approach as a possible new drug with biotechnological potential.

Abstract Purpose: This research aims to structure a hierarchical model that integrates the industry 4.0 (I4.0) concepts and standardizes concepts based on the literature. Originality/value: Kamble et al. (2018) point out the lack of architecture to represent I4.0 concepts. This paper brings an approach to the relationship between these concepts of I4.0. It expands the studies by Ghobakhloo (2018) and Liao et al. (2017) and homogenizes terms present in the literature. Design/methodology/approach: From a systematic review of the literature in the Scopus and ScienceDirect databases, from 2011 to 2019, 91 articles were reviewed, of which 58 articles were analyzed. Findings: From the literature, the terms related to I4.0 were grouped into three categories: technologies, principles, and dimensions. Technology clusters represent tools used to promote changes and transformations in the processes, here called principles. These changes and transformations create new industry standards, enabling process integration for problem-solving, and contributing to implementing intelligent management. The relationship between these categories results in a hierarchical model for I4.0 concepts. This hierarchical model can be used to identify opportunities for future research, demonstrating associations between categories that have not yet been explored. It opens possibilities for organizations to enter the fourth industrial revolution. The results help practitioners and researchers to understand this new process in detail and facilitate the construction of a valid and operational intelligent manufacturing platform.

Resumo Objetivo: Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo estruturar um modelo hierárquico que integre os conceitos da indústria 4.0 (I4.0) e padronizar conceitos com base na literatura. Originalidade/valor: Kamble et al. (2018) apontam para a falta de uma arquitetura para representar os conceitos I4.0. Este artigo traz uma abordagem para a relação entre esses conceitos de I4.0. Ele expande os es- tudos de Ghobakhloo (2018) e Liao et al. (2017) e homogeneíza termos presentes na literatura. Design/metodologia/abordagem: A partir de uma revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados Scopus e ScienceDirect, de 2011 a 2019, foram revisados 91 artigos, dos quais 58 foram analisados. Resultados: A partir da literatura, os termos relacionados com I4.0 foram agrupados em três categorias: tecnologias, princípios e dimensões. Os clusters de tecnologia representam ferramentas utilizadas para promover mudanças e transformações nos processos, aqui chamados de princípios. Essas mudanças e transformações criam novos padrões da indústria, permitindo a integração de processos para a solução de problemas, contribuindo para a implementação do gerenciamento inteligente. A relação entre essas categorias resulta em um modelo hierárquico.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Resumo Pseudomonas aeruginosa é uma bactéria Gram-negativa não fermentadora de lactose, responsável por causar inúmeras infecções nosocomiais. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o potencial anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa da molécula 2-Cloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrofenil)acetamida (A8). O potencial antibacteriano do A8 foi avaliado a partir da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) e Associação pelo método de checkboard. Os valores de CIM e CBM foram de 512 µg/mL para todas as cepas de P. aeruginosa avaliadas, demonstrando atividade predominantemente bactericida. Além disso, quando o A8 foi associado ao fármaco ceftriaxona, evidenciou-se aditividade e indiferença farmacológica. Nesse sentido, a amida sintética se mostrou interessante, pois demonstra potencial para se tornar um possível candidato a fármaco antimicrobiano.

Abstract The presence of fungi in healthcare settings, including hemodialysis units, represents a significant risk for immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of fungi in the air and water of a hemodialysis unit located in a tertiary public hospital in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Over a period of three consecutive months, monthly air samples were collected and analyzed using the spontaneous sedimentation technique on Petri dishes containing Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Simultaneously, water samples (100 mL) were collected from four specific water distribution points and subjected plating on SDA. Fungi were phenotypically identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. In total, 498 colony-forming units (CFUs) of fungi were isolated, with 86 CFUs originating from the air and 412 CFUs from the water. Regarding the water samples, a higher concentration of fungal CFUs was observed in the potable water from the supply network (229 CFUs). Unexpectedly, 23 CFUs were identified in the reverse osmosis samples and 11 CFUs in the storage tank, which are post-treatment points where the presence of microorganisms is not desired. The fungus Cladosporium spp. was the most prevalent in both air and water samples, followed by Penicillium spp. in the air and Rhodotorula spp. in the water. These findings underscore the need to implement effective control and monitoring measures for fungi in the hemodialysis unit to ensure patient safety.

Resumo A presença de fungos em ambientes de saúde, incluindo unidades de hemodiálise, representa um risco significativo para pacientes imunocomprometidos. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de fungos presentes no ar e na água de uma unidade de hemodiálise localizada em um hospital público terciário na cidade de Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil. Ao longo de três meses consecutivos, amostras mensais de ar foram coletadas e analisadas por meio da técnica de sedimentação espontânea em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose (ASD). Paralelamente, amostras de água (100 mL) foram coletadas em quatro pontos específicos de distribuição de água e submetidas ao plaqueamento por esgotamento em meio ASD. Os fungos foram identificados fenotipicamente por meio de associação de suas características macroscópicas e microscópicas. No total, foram isoladas 498 unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) de fungos, sendo 86 UFC provenientes do ar e 412 UFC da água. Em relação à água, observou-se uma maior concentração de UFC de fungos na água potável proveniente da rede de abastecimento (229 UFC). Inesperadamente, foram identificados 23 UFC nas amostras da osmose reversa e 11 UFC no reservatório de armazenamento, pontos de pós-tratamento nos quais a presença de microrganismos não é desejada. O fungo Cladosporium spp. foi o mais prevalente tanto no ar quanto na água, seguido por Penicillium spp. no ar e Rhodotorula spp. na água. Esses achados enfatizam a necessidade de implementar medidas eficazes de controle e monitoramento de fungos na unidade de hemodiálise, visando garantir a segurança dos pacientes.

Quinones and organochalcogens are classes of compounds with great biological applicability, such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-Alzheimer, and antidepressant activities, among others. Thus, the combination of these two classes of compounds is important to obtain new hits with biological activities that are additive or synergistic. Several methodologies for the preparation of this class of hybrid compound have been widely described. Many of the prepared hybrid molecules have shown increased biological activities and, in some cases, to act as two distinct pharmacophores. In this review, methods for the preparation of selenium-quinones, tellurium-quinones and their biological applications are highlighted.

Resumo Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Lamiaceae) é amplamente distribuída no mundo e com uma série de indicações terapêuticas populares. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a caracterização fitoquímica de dois extratos da folha de P. barbatus e seu potencial antimicrobiano, antineoplásico e imunomodulador. Após coleta, herborização e obtenção do extrato aquoso (PBA) e acetona: água 7: 3 (orgânico) (PBO) de P. barbatus, a caracterização fitoquímica foi realizada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). A atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) contra oito cepas bacterianas usando o teste de microdiluição e o fungo Trichophyton rubrum por ensaio de difusão em disco e teste de microdiluição. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada por métodos MTT e azul de tripan em células normais mononucleares do sangue periférico (CMSP) em concentrações variadas entre 0,1 a 100 µg.mL-1 e nas linhagens celulares neoplásicas Toledo, K562, DU-145 e PANC-1 em 1, 10 e 100 µg.mL-1 . A atividade imunomoduladora foi avaliada por ELISA sanduíche de citocinas pró-inflamatórias em sobrenadante de culturas de esplenócitos de camundongos BALB/c. Ambos os extratos apresentaram flavonoides, derivados cinâmicos, esteróides e ácido elágico. O PBO mostrou atividade bacteriostática contra Acinetobacter baumannii (CIM = 250 µg.mL-1) e atividade fungistática do PBA contra Trichophyton rubrum (CIM = 800 µg.mL-1). Os extratos não apresentaram toxicidade para CMSP e células neoplásicas (IC50 > 100 µg.mL-1). Além disso, o PBO a 100 µg.mL-1 inibiu significativamente as citocinas IFN-γ e IL-17A (p = 0,03). Plectranthus barbatus é um candidato potencial para uso terapêutico devido à sua baixa toxicidade em células humanas saudáveis e exibe atividade de interesse médico como bacteriostática, fungistática e imunomoduladora.

Abstract Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Lamiaceae) is widely distributed in the world and has a range of popular therapeutic indications. This work aimed to evaluate the phytochemical characterization of two leaf extracts of P. barbatus, and their antimicrobial, antineoplastic and immunomodulatory potential. After collection, herborization and obtainment of the P. barbatus aqueous extract (PBA) and acetone:water 7:3 P. barbatus organic extract (PBO), the phytochemical characterization was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antimicrobial activity was performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against eight bacterial strains using the microdilution test and the fungus Trichophyton rubrum by disc diffusion assay and microdilution test. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT and trypan blue methods in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at concentrations ranged between 0.1 to 100 µg.mL-1 and in neoplastic cell lines Toledo, K562, DU-145 and PANC-1 at 1, 10 and 100 µg.mL-1 . Immunomodulatory activity, was evaluated by sandwich ELISA of proinflammatory cytokines at BALB/c mice splenocytes cultures supernatant. Both extracts presented flavonoids, cinnamic derivatives, steroids and ellagic acid. PBO showed bacteriostatic activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC = 250 µg.mL-1) clinical isolate and PBA fungistatic activity against Trichophyton rubrum (MIC = 800 µg.mL-1). The extracts did not exhibit toxicity to PBMCs and neoplastic cells (IC50 > 100 µg.mL-1). Additionally, PBO at 100 µg.mL-1 significantly inhibited IFN-γ and IL-17A cytokines (p = 0.03). Plectranthus barbatus is a potential candidate for therapeutic use due to its low toxicity in healthy human cells and exhibits biological activities of medical interest as bacteriostatic, fungistatic and immunomodulatory.

Shrimp residues generated by the seafood industrial processing are generally discarded in the environment without any further treatment, leading to a loss of nutritional value such as proteins, lipids, chitin, carotenoids, and minerals. This practice can lead to environmental problems due to the decomposition of these substances in the air. The objective of this study was to extract astaxanthin-rich materials from shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) industrial residue (WO) and smaller-scale residue meal (MO) in processing shrimp with soybean oil to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid content, and antioxidant potential. WO and MO were found to contain 27.48 and 33.34 µg g -1 of astaxanthin, respectively. The physicochemical properties of pigmented oils are established by legislation. The MO material showed significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to the soybean oil (control), especially when based on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) test, which showed antioxidant activity of 0.484 and 0.264 µmol eq Trolox g -1 for the MO and soybean oil (control), respectively, possibly accompanying their respective astaxanthin contents in the MO sample. The pigmented oils from both the shrimp residues showed significant potential for being used in the food industry due to their affordability and their high antioxidant activity.

The present study investigated the use of choline chloride:glycerol deep eutectic solvent as an adjuvant for tuning the ethanol extraction of astaxanthin from Litopenaeus vannamei processing residues. The adjuvant concentration did not show a clear trend on the total carotenoid, however, the addition of adjuvant proved to be advantageous in the ultrasound-assisted experiments. In order to establish a balance between total carotenoid and productivity, an operational condition with ultrasound, 5% (m/v) choline chloride:glycerol and 10 min of incubation was selected, which provided 737.69 µg g-1 total carotenoids and 32.71 µg g-1 astaxanthin. When compared to the astaxanthin standard, the shrimp residue extract obtained greater antioxidant activity in free radical scavenging tests. In addition, the shrimp residue extract dramatically reduced the dosage of norfloxacin (up to 87.5%) and gentamicin (up to 75.0%) antibiotics in tests to inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria.

Four new piperine derivatives, PC1-PC4, were synthesized, and their structures were fully characterized by infrared (IR) and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. Quantum chemical calculations were performed using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP-D3/6-31G(d,p) and 6-311+G(2d,p) basis sets. Electronic properties, such as the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and some global chemical reactivity descriptors, were evaluated to study the reactivity and stability of the compounds. 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts were calculated by using the gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) method and compared with experimental values. In addition, the compounds were evaluated in an antifungal study against Candida, Trichophyton and Microsporum strains, and only PC4 showed 70% inhibition in ten tested strains, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1.23-2.46 μmol mL-1 and a minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) ranging from 9.84-19.68 μmol mL-1, and presented a fungistatic effect.

Ten imides derived from safrole, 4a-4j, were synthesized and their structures were fully characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis. Among the ten imides studied, eight are new. The compounds were evaluated in an in silico study and showed strong to moderate antifungal activity against various strains of Candida and Cryptococcus. In particular, compounds 4b, 4c and 4h exhibited strong antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) between 0.17-0.73 µmol mL-1. The compound 4j exhibited antifungal activity with MIC 1.28 µmol mL-1 for all strains tested. In silico studies of the parameters of Lipinski’s rule of five indicated that these compounds are potential new drug candidates. The predict oral bioavailability can be evaluated through these parameters. In addition, a computational study helped assigning the stereochemistry of compound 4j, where the synthesized mixture is composed by two stereoisomers, 4j(1) (SRR) and 4j(2) (RSS).

New diesters derived from phthaloylglycine (7a-7i) were synthesized and their structures characterized by infrared, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The compounds were evaluated in an in silico study, which demonstrated positive features indicating a possible drug candidate. The diesters showed antifungal activity ranging from moderate to strong against strains of Candida. Compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, 7e and 7i had a moderate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1024 µg mL−1 against all fungal strains, while 7h showed a very good MIC of 256 µg mL−1 against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei and 64 µg mL−1 against Candida tropicalis. However, only 7h and 7i were able to inhibit bacterial growth of strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with an MIC of 1024 µg mL−1.