ABSTRACT The cultivation of fruit trees is influenced by abiotic factors such as nutritional management. However, fertilizers are used in large amounts in vineyards, resulting in excess nutrients that can cause stress and reduce fruit quality. Calcium (Ca) is one of the most used nutrients in vineyards due to its effects on fruit quality. However, excess of Ca interferes with the distribution of Ca compounds in fruits, being a form of abiotic stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the nutritional balance of table grape orchards on calcium nutrition and fruit quality. Nineteen table grape orchards were selected in the Submédio São Francisco Valley in 2019 and 2020 crops. The nutritional diagnosis was performed using the integrated diagnosis and recommendation system (DRIS) and the average nutritional balance index (NBIm) was calculated. The concentration of Ca-pectate, Ca-total, berry firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio and dry matter were determined in the fruits. The nutritional diagnosis identified excess Ca in the orchards. The correlation between Ca-pectate and the average NBIm was negative, indicating that the Ca-pectate concentration is higher in vines that are more nutritionally unbalanced. However, the Ca-total in the fruit was not correlated with Ca-pectate. Ca-total and Ca-pectate were not correlated with berry firmness. Calcium nutrition is complex and highlights the importance of associating the assessment of nutritional balance with Ca in fruit quality to optimize the nutritional management of the grapevine.

RESUMO O cultivo de fruteiras é influenciado por fatores abióticos como o manejo nutricional. Contudo, os fertilizantes são usados em grandes quantidades em vinhedos, resultando no excesso de nutrientes que podem causar estresse e reduzir a qualidade dos frutos. O Ca é um dos nutrientes mais utilizados nos vinhedos devido aos seus efeitos na qualidade dos frutos. Entretanto, o excesso de Ca interfere na distribuição das suas frações nos frutos, sendo uma forma de estresse abiótico. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência do balanço nutricional da uva de mesa na nutrição cálcica e qualidade dos frutos. Foram selecionados 19 pomares de uvas de mesa no Vale do Submédio São Francisco nas safras de 2019 e 2020. Foi realizado o diagnóstico nutricional utilizando o sistema integrado de diagnose e recomendação (DRIS) e calculado o índice do balanço nutricional médio (IBNm) médio. O teor de Ca-pectato, Ca-total, firmeza da baga, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, razão sólidos solúveis/acidez titulável e matéria seca foram determinados nos frutos. O diagnóstico nutricional identificou excesso de Ca. A correlação entre Ca-pectato e o IBNm médio foi negativa, indicando que o teor de Ca-pectato é maior em videiras mais desbalanceadas nutricionalmente. Contudo, o Ca-total no fruto não teve correlação com Ca-pectato. O Ca-total e o Ca-pectato não se correlacionaram com a firmeza da baga. A nutrição cálcica é complexa e evidencia a importância de associar a avaliação do balanço nutricional com o Ca na qualidade dos frutos para otimizar o manejo nutricional da videira.

ABSTRACT The São Francisco Valley region of Brazil is a leading exporter of mango fruits. Previous nutritional diagnosis can identify stresses, provide adjustments for nutritional limitations, and promote more efficient fertilization and nutrient management. This study aimed to compare the nutritional diagnosis of mango trees in the post-harvest and pre-flowering phases and to correlate them with productivity. Norms and indices of the Integrated System of Diagnosis and Recommendation (DRIS), as well as the Nutritional Balance Index and the Potential of Response to Fertilization were generated for each phenological phase of the mango trees. Optimal concentrations and ranges of nutrients were established, classified as deficient, balanced, or excessive, and subsequently compared to each other and to values recommended in the literature. The indices were correlated with the productivity of the orchards in each phenological phase of the mango trees. When comparing the DRIS norms of post-harvest and pre-flowering phenological phases, 55% of the averages differed. The sufficiency ranges of the post-harvest and pre-flowering phases were generally different from those referenced in the literature. Nutritional diagnoses for P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, and Cl altered between phenological phases. The nutritional diagnosis performed in the post-harvest phase showed that nutritional imbalance affected productivity.

RESUMO A região do Vale do São Francisco no Brasil destaca-se na exportação de frutos de manga. O diagnóstico nutricional prévio pode identificar estresses, antecipar a correção de limitações nutricionais e promover um manejo nutricional da fertilização mais eficiente. O estudo objetivou comparar o diagnóstico nutricional em mangueiras nas fases de pós-colheita e pré-florescimento e correlacionar com a produtividade. Normas e índices do Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomendação foram geradas para cada fase fenológica das mangueiras, bem como o Índice de Balanço Nutricional e o Potencial de Resposta a Adubação. Os teores e faixas ótimas de nutrientes foram estabelecidos e classificados em deficientes, equilibrados ou excessivos. Esses teores e faixas ótimas de nutrientes foram comparados entre si e com valores recomendados na literatura. Os índices foram correlacionados com a produtividade dos pomares em cada fase fenológica das mangueiras. Ao comparar as normas DRIS das fases fenológicas pós-colheita e pré-floração, 55% das médias diferiram. As faixas de suficiência das fases pós-colheita e pré-floração, em geral, foram diferentes das referenciadas na literatura. Os diagnósticos nutricionais para os nutrientes P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn e Cl diferiram entre as fases fenológicas. O diagnóstico nutricional realizado na fase de pós-colheita mostrou que o desequilíbrio nutricional afetou a produtividade.

ABSTRACT Root biomass plays a vital role in nutrient cycling for the maintenance and functioning of different ecosystems. In this context, this study aimed to determine the stocks of elements in root biomass under different covers in the Cerrado of Tocantins, Brazil. The research was conducted in different vegetal coverings: agriculture, pasture, Eucalyptus sp., and native Cerrado forest. Root biomass was collected in six trenches, 70 x 70 cm, and a depth of 50 cm through sieving. Macro and microelement stocks were determined in root biomass. Macros and microelements showed higher average values for the native forest. With the change in vegetation cover, N, P, and S were higher in agriculture, with stocks of 1.82 Mg ha-1, 1.83 Mg ha-1, and 9.6 Mg ha-1. In a planted forest of Eucalyptus sp., macroelements K, Ca, and Mg were higher, with stock values of 16.06 Mg ha-1, 25.91 Mg ha-1, and 5.02 Mg ha-1, and microelements, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn with values of 0.05 Mg ha-1, 0.04 Mg ha-1, 5 Mg ha-1, 0.7 Mg ha-1, and 0.08 Mg ha-1 in root biomass, respectively. Thus, the planted forest of Eucalyptus sp. promoted greater stocks and cycling of elements, with greater stability of the organic material.

RESUMO As biomassas radiculares desempenham um papel importante na ciclagem de nutrientes, para manutenção e funcionamento dos diferentes ecossistemas. Diante desse contexto, o trabalho teve como objetivo determinar os estoques de elementos em biomassa radiculares sob diferentes coberturas no Cerrado em Tocantins, Brasil. A pesquisa foi conduzida em diferentes coberturas vegetais: agricultura, pastagem, Eucalyptus sp. e floresta nativa de cerrado. As biomassas radiculares foram coletadas em seis trincheiras com dimensões 70 x 70 cm, e profundidade de 50 cm através do peneiramento. Os estoques dos macros e microelementos foram determinados em biomassas radiculares. Os macros e microelementos apresentaram valores médios maiores para floresta nativa. Com a mudança de cobertura vegetal N, P, S, foram maiores em agricultura, com estoques de 1,82 Mg ha-1, 1,83 Mg ha-1 e 9,6 Mg ha-1. Em floresta plantada de Eucalyptus sp., os macroelementos K, Ca e Mg foram maiores tendo valores de estoques respectivamente de 16,06 Mg ha-1, 25,91 Mg ha-1 e 5,02 Mg ha-1 e microelementos B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn com valores de 0,05 Mg ha-1, 0,04 Mg ha-1, 5 Mg ha-1, 0,7 Mg ha-1 e 0,08 Mg ha-1 em biomassas radiculares. Deste modo a floresta plantada de Eucalyptus sp. promoveu maiores estoques e ciclagem de elementos, com maior estabilidade do material orgânico.

The 1,4-naphthoquinones are an important group of compounds intensively studied because of their wide range of biological activities. Four 2-chloro-3-(substituted-phenylamino)-1,4 naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized, and the vibrational modes of these molecules were assigned using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. In addition, X-ray studies were performed for one of these derivatives. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also developed for these compounds and presented. In summary, the results obtained from these studies can assess chemical changes in the structures of functionalized quinones and the discovery of candidate biologically active compounds.

Abstract Banana preserve is produced by mixing the puree of the fruit with sucrose and organic acids. However, concerns about body esthetics or health reasons have encouraged the search for low-calorie products. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2), carrageenan gum, and low methoxyl pectin (LM-pectin) on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of sugar-free banana preserves. By using a central composite rotational design (CCRD) of 2³ + 6 axial points + 4 central points, we obtained 18 formulations that were further tested. Lower CaCl2 concentrations (0.54% to 0.61%) resulted in preserves with lower pH and more vivid color. The increased concentration of LM-pectin (1.40% to 1.64%) resulted in formulations with a yellowish-red hue and with lower moisture, thus, reducing the flavor and purchase intention of the product. Higher concentrations of carrageenan gum (1.04% to 1.15%) decreased the perception of banana preserve aroma. Therefore, concentrations of CaCl2 ranging from 0.54% to 0.61%, carrageenan gum ranging from 0.74% to 0.89% and LM-pectin ranging from 1.40% to 1.64% resulted in sugar-free banana preserves with ideal sweetness and consistency and were, therefore, more acceptable.

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate bread with the use of pulp and flours of pequi, in partial replacement of water and wheat flour, to develop a bakery product with good technological, nutritional and sensorial qualities. The pequi husk and pulp flours were obtained by means of a thermal pre-treatment, oven drying and standardization of the dry material. Whereas, the bread formulation was defined through the baker’s formulation. Besides, the dehydration process caused significant changes (p<0.05) in the L* value and chromaticity (C*), mainly of the flours (husk and pequi pulp), such changes are due to non-enzymatic oxidative processes and pigment degradation, especially carotenoids. The effect of the substitution of ingredients (wheat flour and water) by husk and pulp flours and pequi pulp contributed to the increase in lipid, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract and energy value content. However, the substitution promoted changes in the attributes of color and textural properties, such as increased hardness, chewiness and cohesiveness. Nevertheless, all formulations showed good sensory acceptance and thus, pequi sweet breads can be implemented in school meals for contributing and meeting the nutritional recommendations established by the School Feeding Brazilian Program (PNAE).

Abstract Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, is a severe and widely distributed parasitic disease, affecting about 200 million people worldwide. The disease is recognized by elevated mortality rates, especially among those living in areas of poor sanitation. Currently, the chemotherapeutic treatment is solely based on using the praziquantel drug. Therefore, there is a need for the discovery of new medicines for the treatment of this parasitosis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the schistosomicidal activity of ethanolic crude extracts from the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC.) Masttos and characterize its metabolic profile by UPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis. Evaluation of plant extract on S. mansoni was carried out in adult worms in vitro, in which the mortality rate was quantified, and the damages in the tegument of the worms were monitored. All extracts induced changes in the viability of adult males of S. mansoni, causing the death of the parasites, which was directly dependent of the concentration.

Resumo Schistosomíase, causada pelo Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, é uma doença parasitária severa e amplamente distribuída, afetando cerca de 200 milhões de pessoas pelo mundo. A doença é reconhecida pelo alto índice de mortalidade, especialmente dentre as populações que vivem em ambientes de pouca vigilância sanitária. Geralmente, o tratamento é apenas baseado no uso da droga praziquantel. Entretanto, há uma necessidade da descoberta de novos medicamentos para o tratamento dessa parasitose. Por isso, o presente trabalho visa avaliar a atividade schistosomicida dos extratos etanólicos cru dos galhos, folhas, flores e frutos de Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC.) Masttos e caracterizar seu perfil metabólico por análise de UPLC-ESI-QTOF. Avaliações dos extratos vegetais em S. mansoni foram conduzidos em vermes adultos in vitro, pelos quais a taxa de mortalidade foi quantificada, e danos no tegumento dos vermes foram monitorados. Todos os extratos induziram mudanças na viabilidade de vermes adultos de S. mansoni, causando a morte desses parasitas, o que foi diretamente dependente da concentração.

RESUMO As doenças foliares da soja afetam o índice de área foliar (IAF) e a estrutura principal para a fotossíntese e a produtividade. O objetivo deste estudo foi propor uma nova metodologia para determinar o início das aplicações de fungicidas, com base no IAF, na taxa de aplicação e na inclusão de um fungicida multissítio, para controlar a ferrugem asiática da soja (FAS). O estudo foi implementado no delineamento de blocos casualizados e em dois locais, com quatro repetições em um esquema fatorial triplo mais um tratamento adicional (4 × 2 × 2 + 1), sendo 4 IAF da soja (0,9, 1,8, 3,6 e 6,1) indicadas para iniciar as aplicações de fungicida; dois volumes de pulverização (70 e 120 L ha-1); com ou sem fungicida multissítio (mancozeb), e tratamento sem fungicidas. A deposição de calda sobre as plantas não diferiu entre os manejos estudados para o IAF de 1,8 e 3,6. Os tratamentos incluindo fungicida multissítio em IAF de soja entre 3,6 e 6,1, em ambos os volumes, apresentaram resultados de controle superior. Os maiores rendimentos foram observados quando a aplicação de fungicida começou em 3,6 de IAF para os dois volumes. A melhor relação entre controle de doenças e produtividade ocorreu quando as aplicações começaram em 3,6 de IAF com 70 L ha-1 e fungicida multissítio.

ABSTRACT Soybean foliar diseases negatively affect leaf area index (LAI) and compromise the main structure for photosynthesis and grain yield. The objective of this study was to propose a new methodology to determine the commencement of fungicide application based on the soybean LAI, spray volumes, and the inclusion of a multisite fungicide to control Asian soybean rust (ASR). The study was implemented in a randomized block design at two locations, with four replicates in a factorial scheme plus one additional treatment (4 × 2 × 2 + 1) - four soybean LAI (0.9, 1.8, 3.6, and 6.1) indicating the initiation stages of fungicide applications, two spray volumes (70 and 120 L ha-1), with or without multisite fungicide (mancozeb), and a control treatment without fungicide. The spray deposition on plants did not differ between the treatments for 1.8 and 3.6 LAI. Treatments including the multisite fungicide for LAI between 3.6 and 6.1 for both spray volumes presented superior ASR control results. The highest soybean yields were observed when fungicide application started at 3.6 LAI for both spray volumes. The best correlation between disease control and grain yield occurred when the applications started at 3.6 LAI with 70 L ha-1 spray volume and the multisite fungicide.

Abstract Objective: To explore the relationship of undernutrition and the short duration of breastfeeding with child development of children 0–66 months of age residing in Ceará, Brazil. Methods: The authors of the present study utilized population-based data from children enrolled in the Study on Maternal and Child Health in Ceará, Brazi (PESMIC). Children’s development was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire third version, validated in Brazil. Undernutrition was accessed through anthropometric measures obtained by trained staff. Breastfeeding information was obtained through the mothers' report and confirmed in the child's governmental booklet. The authors used logistic regressions adjusted for sample clusters used in PESMIC design in a theoretical model for known determinants of child development following the World Health Organization nurturing framework. Results: A total of 3,566 children were enrolled in the sixth PESMIC study and had their development assessed. The authors found that 8.2%, 3.0%, 2.1%, and 3.6% of children were stunted, underweight, or wasted, at the time of the interview, respectively. All studied factors were associated with a higher prevalence of child development impairment in at least one of the assessed domains. Underweight was the factor with the strongest effect, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4,14 (2,26–7,58), p < 0.001. Breastfeeding for up to two months compared to more than six months (AOR2,08 (1,38–3,12)) was also associated. Conclusions: The authors found that undernutrition and short duration of breastfeeding are associated with development outcomes among Brazilian children. As a result, integrated nutritional programs may improve child development outcomes.

Resumo O interesse por espécies vegetais com ação antiviral tem crescido exponencialmente e algumas tem sido relatadas como possuídoras de propriedades anti-HIV. Essa pesquisa tem como objetivo realizar o fracionamento fitoquímico biodirecionado pela atividade antirretroviral das cascas do caule da espécie Lafoensia pacari. Trata-se de um estudo experimental in vitro e a metodologia envolve preparo do material vegetal, obtenção do extrato etanólico, fracionamento, purificação, identificação e quantificação das frações, extração ácido-base, ressonância magnética nuclear, teste de inibição da TR do HIV-1 e estudos de docking molecular. A partir do fracionamento biodirecionado pela atividade antirretroviral verificou-se uma maior atividade nas subfrações acetanólica. Com destaque para a subfração acetanólica neutros com 60,98% de inibição de TR e o ácido elágico com 88,61% de inibição de TR e ausência de citotoxicidade. Verificou-se com o teste de citotoxicidade em linhagem de macrófagos que a fração clorofórmica foi mais tóxica que a fração acetanólica. A análise do espectro J-resolvido na região aromática apresentou um simpleto em 7.48 e 6.93 ppm que foram identificados como ácido elágico e ácido gálico respectivamente. A enzima 5TIQ obteve melhor parâmetro de afinidade com o ligante ácido elágico que foi confirmado pelos espectros HSQC-1H-13C. O ácido gálico mostrou-se também favorável a formar interação com a enzima 5TIQ, sendo confirmado através do espectro HSQC-1H-13C. Através da avaliação do PreADMET verificou-se que o ácido elágico é uma molécula promissora pela sua atividade de inibição da TR e parâmetros farmacocinéticos e de toxicidade.

Abstract Interest in antiviral plant species has grown exponentially and some have been reported to have anti-HIV properties. This research aims to perform the bio-guided phytochemical fractionation by antiretroviral activity of Lafoensia pacari stem barks. This in vitro experimental study involved the preparation of plant material, obtention of ethanolic extract, fractionation, purification, identification and quantification of fractions, acid-base extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, HIV-1 RT inhibition test and molecular docking studies. From the bio-guided fractionation by the antiretroviral activity there was a higher activity in the acetanolic subfractions, highlighting the acetate subfraction – neutrals with 60.98% of RT inhibition and ellagic acid with 88.61% of RT inhibition and absence of cytotoxicity. The macrophage lineage cytotoxicity assay showed that the chloroform fraction was more toxic than the acetate fraction. The analysis of the J-resolved spectrum in the aromatic region showed a singlet at 7.48 and 6.93 ppm which was identified as ellagic acid and gallic acid, respectively. The 5TIQ enzyme obtained better affinity parameter with the ellagic acid ligand, which was confirmed by the HSQC-1H-13C spectra. Gallic acid was also favorable to form interaction with the 5TIQ enzyme, being confirmed through the HSQC-1H-13C spectrum. From the PreADMET evaluation it was found that ellagic acid is a promising molecule for its RT inhibition activity and pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters.

Ambuic acid (AA) is a highly-modified cyclohexenone and known as a promising inhibitor of quorum sensing in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and is thus a candidate as an antivirulence drug. This molecule is mainly produced by the species of Pestalotiopsis and, since its discovery twenty years ago, only a restricted amount of AA-derivatives have been described. Despite being a promising subject, methods for the analysis of modified AA-analogues via mass spectrometry remain unexplored. In order to adress this question, the marine fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. 4A11 associated with the ascidian Didemnum perlucidum was grown in a solid rice medium and its crude extract was chemically studied. From this extract, AA and 10-hydroxy ambuic acid (10-HAA) were isolated and identified using NMR spectroscopy with the aim of obtaining model compounds for the MS analysis. These served as reference compounds (seeds) to guide the dereplication of other AA-analogues via LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking. Based on the manual interpretation of the fragmentation pathways of the seeds and related compounds observed in the networks, six AA-derivatives were dereplicated in the extract. Furthermore, three analogues with unprecedented chemical formulas were proposed as putative unprecedented AA-derivatives. The fragmentation annotation proposed represents a fast and feasible method for characterizing AA-derivatives.

ABSTRACT Mobile application development advances, particularly for smartphones and tablets, have allowed farmers to make decisions more assertively in their agrobusiness management. This article addresses the development and evaluation of an app aimed at people who deal with the pesticide application technology in coffee farming, more specifically, adjustment and calibration of sprayers. This mobile app provides the main data necessary for a correct calibration of air-blast sprayers to apply pesticides in coffee planting. Its functionalities include calculation of the application rate for each situation (L ha-1) based on data obtained in the field, such as canopy volume. The app, called SprayCafé, was developed for the Android platform using the Java programming language in the integrated development environment Android Studio. After the development, the application was evaluated, based on a questionnaire answered by 139 users, who ranked the following requirements: ease of use, loading time, adequacy of screen resolution, data relevance, sequence of information, and applicability, among others. The system proved to be simple and robust; it was thus assessed as adequate to the field and to be of great value for coffee planting, especially because it allows safer and more adequate pesticide application. The graphical user interface is interactive and easy to use.

Resumo Embora atualmente exista um conjunto de estudos sobre aspectos ecológicos de algumas espécies de répteis e de anfíbios que ocorrem nas planícies costeiras arenosas brasileiras (incluindo os chamados habitats de “restinga” e de “campo nativo”), há relativamente poucas informações sobre a composição de espécies geralmente associada a esses ambientes. Durante 31 anos (1988-2019) de estudos herpetológicos realizados em restingas por nossa equipe de pesquisa do Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados (Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) nós estudamos comunidades de répteis e de anfíbios e realizamos diferentes estudos com métodos semelhantes em 70 localidades de dez diferentes Estados ao longo da costa brasileira. Nossas pesquisas resultaram em registros de 87 espécies de répteis (cinco tartarugas, dois crocodilianos, seis anfisbênios, 36 lagartos e 39 serpentes) de 24 famílias, e 77 espécies de anfíbios anuros de nove famílias. Estudamos vários tópicos de história natural sobre anuros e répteis, que resultaram na publicação de alguns estudos ecológicos específicos, especialmente em relação a algumas espécies, abrangendo ecologia populacional e de comunidades, forrageamento e dieta, horário de atividade de espécies, termorregulação, reprodução, uso do microhabitat e parasitismo por ecto e endoparasitas. Nossos resultados ao longo dessas três décadas também contribuíram para a descrição de quatro novas espécies de lagartos (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis e G. itabaianensis). Nossos estudos constituem uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da ecologia de répteis e de anfíbios anuros nesses ecossistemas, bem como para a conservação dos ecossistemas de restinga. A lista de espécies apresentada neste estudo, com base em nossos registros de herpetofauna das planícies costeiras arenosas, fornece para muitas localidades ao longo da costa brasileira o conhecimento necessário sobre a ocorrência de espécies, incluindo a presença de espécies endêmicas e/ ou ameaçadas de extinção, que podem ser úteis para muitas ações de conservação.

Abstract Although currently there is already a set of studies regarding ecological aspects of some particular reptile and amphibian species living in Brazilian sandy coastal plains (including the so-called “restinga” and “campo nativo” habitats), there is comparatively few information on the species composition usually associated to these environments. During 31 years (1988-2019) of herpetological studies carried out in sandy coastal plains environments by our research team of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Ecology (Department of Ecology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil) we have surveyed reptile and amphibian communities and performed different studies with similar methods in 70 sites from 10 different states along the Brazilian coast. Our surveys resulted in records of 87 species of reptile (five turtles, two crocodylians, six amphisbaenians, 36 lizards and 39 snakes) from 24 families, and 77 species of anuran amphibians from nine families. We have studied multiple natural history topics for anurans and reptiles which resulted in the publication of some specific ecological studies, especially regarding some species, encompassing population and community ecology, foraging and feeding habits, species activity, thermoregulation, reproduction, use of microhabitats, and parasitism by ecto and endoparasites. Our results along these three decades have also contributed for the description of four new lizard species (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis and G. itabaianensis). Our studies constitute an important contribution to the knowledge of the ecology of anuran amphibians and reptiles in these ecosystems, as well as to the conservation of sandy coastal plains environment. The checklist presented in this study, based on our records of sandy coastal plains herpetofauna, provides for many localities along the Brazilian coast, the needed knowledge on species occurrence, including the presence of endemic and/or endangered species, which can be of value for many conservation actions.

Abstract In this work, natural and thermally modified Chocolate B clays were used for batch adsorption of Pb2+ and Zn2+ from an aqueous solution. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and cation exchange capacity. The tests were performed in a finite bath following a 22 factorial design, with the variables: pH and initial concentrations of metal. Results revealed that the thermal treatment caused alterations on the Chocolate B clay structure and decreased the specific surface area. Affinities between Pb2+ or Zn2+ and Chocolate B clay were found with adsorption capacities up to 3.36 and 3.72 mg.g-1, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities were 6.79 mg.g-1 for Pb2+ and 3.35 mg.g-1 for Zn2+ using thermally activated clay. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were used for the adsorption equilibrium analysis, and the Langmuir model provided the best fit for sorption isotherms. The adsorption kinetics was evaluated by two models: pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model represented well the mechanism of interaction involved during Pb2+ adsorption into the pores of the clay. However, the two models represented well the mechanism of interaction of Zn2+ adsorption into the pores of the clay.