ABSTRACT Applications of tebuthiuron can increase the risks of environmental contamination and hinder the cultivation of sensitive species in succession. The objective of this work was to assess the residual activity and sorption of the herbicide tebuthiuron in soils with different physical and chemical attributes. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The experiment for determining residual activity was conducted in a 2 × 7 factorial arrangement consisted of two herbicide doses (0.6 and 1.2 kg a.i. [active ingredient] ha-1) and seven sowing times (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days after herbicide application) in sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils. The experiment for evaluating sorption was conducted in a sandy loam soil and two clay loam soils with applications of increasing tebuthiuron doses (0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80 kg a.i. ha-1). Regarding residual activity, the herbicide’s effect of the decreased over time, with no toxicity detected 360 days after application (DAA), regardless of the soils and doses used. Sandy loam soils had lower sorption, resulting in lower shoot dry weight and plant height and in higher phytotoxicity 21 days after emergence. Residual activity was detected 360 DAA in the studied soils. Tebuthiuron sorption was higher in soils with higher organic carbon and clay contents.

RESUMO A aplicação de tebuthiuron pode aumentar os riscos de contaminação ambiental e impossibilitar o cultivo sucessivo de espécies sensíveis. Neste sentido objetivou-se a atividade residual e sorção do herbicida tebuthiuron em solos com diferentes atributos físico-químicos. Os experimentos foram realizados em Iturama, MG, Brasil, em 2021, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. O experimento para determinação da atividade residual foi montado em fatorial 2 × 7, com os seguintes fatores: duas doses (0,6 e 1,2 kg i.a. [ingrediente ativo] ha-1) e 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 e 360 dias após a aplicação em solos franco-arenosos e franco-argilosos arenosos. No experimento de avaliação da sorção foram utilizados dois solos franco-arenosos e dois franco-argilosos, que receberam doses crescentes de tebuthiuron (0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70 and 0.80 kg a.i. ha-1). Por meio da matéria seca foi possível obter a relação de sorção. Com o passar do tempo, no estudo de atividade residual, foi observada diminuição do efeito do herbicida, não sendo detectada isenção de intoxicação após 360 dias da aplicação tanto nos solos quanto nas doses. Solos franco-arenosos apresentaram menor sorção, obtendo menor massa seca da parte aérea, altura e maior fitotoxicidade, aos 21 dias após a emergência. A atividade residual ainda foi detectada após 360 dias da aplicação nos solos estudados. A sorção de tebuthiuron foi maior em solos com maior teor de carbono orgânico e argila do solo.

ABSTRACT Zinc is an essential micronutrient for plant metabolism and has been studied in several crops of economic interest. However, there is no evidence of its use in coconut crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of foliar zinc fertilization with doses of zinc on dwarf green coconut seedlings based on their nutritional status, growth attributes, and gas exchange. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, and the treatments consisted of different zinc doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g per plant) with five replicates. Seedlings were positively influenced by zinc dose, mainly in terms of growth variables and gas exchange. Zinc fertilization reduced iron and manganese content and increased zinc concentrations in the leaf tissue. Zinc fertilization promoted an increase in leaf area, height, shoot dry mass, and total dry mass. Furthermore, zinc fertilization improved photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, instantaneous water use efficiency, and intrinsic water use efficiency. The improvement in these growth indices and gas exchange, in most variables, was up to an estimated dose of approximately 16 g of zinc per plant and decreased with increasing doses.

RESUMO O zinco é um micronutriente de importância essencial para o metabolismo vegetal, é estudado para diversas culturas de interesse econômico, porém sem evidências de estudo para a cultura do coqueiro. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a influência da fertilização com doses de zinco via foliar em mudas de coqueiro anão verde, por meio do estado nutricional, atributos de crescimento e trocas gasosas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, e os tratamentos foram constituídos por doses de zinco (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 e 25 g por planta), com cinco repetições. As mudas foram influenciadas positivamente pelas doses de zinco principalmente nas variáveis de crescimento e nas trocas gasosas. No estado nutricional afetou de maneira decrescente o ferro e o manganês e aumentou o zinco no tecido foliar. O zinco proporcionou incrementos na área foliar, altura de plantas, massa seca da parte aérea e massa seca total. Além disso, melhorou a fotossíntese, transpiração, condutância estomática, concentração interna de CO2, eficiência instantânea do uso da água e eficiência intrínseca do uso da água. A melhora nesses índices de crescimento e trocas gasosas, na maioria das variáveis, foi até a dose estimada de aproximadamente 16 g de zinco por planta e diminuiu com o aumento das doses.

Abstract Due to structural similarities and the possibility of connection between the two Aptian paleolakes in the Jatobá Basin and the Tucano Norte Sub-basin in North-eastern Brazil, the influence of the architecture of the crystalline basement under these lacustrine sedimentary rocks was analysed using gravimetric data near the faulted edges of the basins where the paleolakes are located. The Negra (Jatobá Basin) and Tonã (Tucano Norte Sub-basin) Hills are mainly sedimentary deposits of Aptian age and are linked to the post-rift I tectonic sequence. Aiming at the study of reservoirs analogous to pre-salt reservoirs, the gravimetric data were processed and interpreted to define the structural framework of the basin regions around these hills. Depth maps and density models were generated that could be analysed from various 3D perspectives, and the behaviour of the crystalline basement below these sedimentary sequences was investigated. In addition to the identification of horsts and semi-grabens that influenced the current relief pattern, the modelling showed that the Aptian paleolake sedimentary rocks of the Negra Hill are in the Ibimirim Low, which is approximately 2,900 m deep, while in the Tonã Hill, the sedimentary rocks are in the Salgado do Melão Low, which is approximately 5,100 m deep.

Abstract An ultrasound pretreatment was used to increase anthocyanins content in blackberry juice. Whole fruits were inserted into a glass vessel without contact with any solvent, sonicated in an ultrasonic bath, and then pressed with a manual juicer. The experimental design showed that 7 min at 65% of ultrasound amplitude increased the anthocyanin content in juices from 31 to 56% for BRS Xingu, Guarani, and Xavante cultivars. Two major anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were found in higher concentrations for sonicated fruits. Therefore, ultrasonic pretreatment of whole fruits increased the anthocyanins in blackberry juices using a simple, fast, and green approach.

Abstract Uncaria tomentosa is a plant native to the Amazon that has immunomodulatory and antitumor properties due to the alkaloids found in the plant, being able to modify the immune response by potentiating or suspending the action of cytokines secreted by macrophages that induce the immune response, either by the classical route (M1) or through the alternative route (M2). Macrophages activated by M1 convert L-arginine into L-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO), whereas macrophages activated by the M2 pathway use the enzymatic activity of arginase to convert the same substrate into L-ornithine and urea. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunostimulating activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract from the bark of the U. tomentosa stem in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Concentrations of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05 mg/mL of U. tomentosa extract associated with LPS, INF-γ and IL-4 inducers were tested by determining NO production and arginase enzyme activity. Nitric oxide production was enhanced by the extract when associated with LPS and LPS + INF-γ inducers. In the activity of the arginase enzyme, the extract decreased the stimulation of IL-4 on the enzyme, mainly at 0.2 mg/mL concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that the crude hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of U. tomentosa in RAW 264.7 cells, at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, showed considerable pro-inflammatory activity.

Resumo A Uncaria tomentosa é uma planta nativa da Amazônia que possui propriedades imunomoduladoras e antitumorais devido aos alcaloides encontrados no vegetal, sendo capaz de modificar a resposta imune ao potencializar ou suspender a ação de citocinas secretadas por macrófagos que induzem a resposta imune, seja pela via clássica (M1) ou pela via alternativa (M2). Macrófagos ativados pela M1 converte L-arginina em L-citrulina e óxido nítrico (NO), já os macrófagos ativados pela via M2 utilizam a atividade enzimática da arginase para converter o mesmo substrato em L-ornitina e ureia. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade imunoestimuladora do extrato hidroalcoólico bruto da casca do caule da U. tomentosa em macrófagos RAW 264.7. Foram testadas as concentrações 0.2, 0.1 e 0.05 mg/mL do extrato de U. tomentosa associadas aos indutores LPS, INF-γ e IL-4, por meio da determinação da produção de NO e atividade da enzima arginase. A produção de óxido nítrico foi potencializada pelo extrato quando associado aos indutores LPS e LPS + INF-γ. Na atividade da enzima arginase, o extrato diminuiu a estimulação da IL-4 sobre a enzima, principalmente na concentração 0.2 mg/mL. Portanto, conclui-se que o extrato hidroalcoólico bruto da casca do caule de U. tomentosa em células RAW 264.7, na concentração 0.2 mg/mL, demostrou atividade pró-inflamatória considerável.

Abstract The cowpea bean [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], a legume of great socioeconomic importance, it was previously cultivated exclusively for subsistence and commercial purposes, especially in the North and Northeast regions. This crop has a low production cost and high nutritional value, in addition to a high potential for productivity growth and expansion to other regions. The objective of this work was to evaluate parameters of growth and production in cowpea culture, as a function of potassium fertilization in soil of the cerrado of Amapá. The parameters of growth and production of the cowpea culture were evaluated, as a function of potassium fertilization in the soil of the cerrado of Amapá. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications, in a 5x2 factorial scheme, totaling 40 experimental units, which were composed of plastic pots containing 7 dm3 of soil collected from the arable layer (0-20 cm ) of a typical Hyperdystrophic Yellow Argisol, with a sandy clay loam texture, in a cerrado area in the municipality of Porto Grande-AP. The factors consisted of the control treatment (without K), four doses of K (45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1) in the form of potassium chloride, and two cowpea cultivars (Pretinho and BRS Tumucumaque). The cultivar BRS Tumucumaque shows better growth and production of cowpea plants. Doses of 90 kg ha-1 provided greater height (98.75 cm) and stem diameter (10.0 mm). As for production, the dose of 135 kg ha-1 caused greater grain weight gain (5.25 g) and dry mass of pods (13.92 g), and the doses of 90 and 180 kg ha-1 induced greater number and length of pods (3.16 pods) respectively. These results show better responsiveness of the BRS Tumucumaque cultivar at doses of 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1 in the type of soil where the study was conducted.

Resumo O feijão-caupi [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], leguminosa de grande importância socioeconômica, era anteriormente cultivado exclusivamente para fins de subsistência e comerciais, principalmente nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Essa cultura apresenta baixo custo de produção e alto valor nutritivo, além de alto potencial de crescimento de produtividade e expansão para outras regiões. Apesar da importância fisiológica do potássio para o crescimento das plantas e o plantio da cultura ocorrer predominantemente em solos arenosos e argilosos, há poucos estudos relacionando seu cultivo à adubação potássica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros de crescimento e produção na cultura do feijão-caupi, em função da adubação potássica em solo do cerrado do Amapá. Foram avaliadas a altura das plantas, o diâmetro do caule, a massa seca da parte aérea (folha e caule) e da raiz e a produção (massa seca de grãos e vagens, comprimento de vagens e número de vagens) na cultura do feijão-caupi em função da adubação potássica no solo do Cerrado. do Amapá. O experimento foi controlado em casa de vegetação, utilizando delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 5x2, totalizando 40 unidades experimentais, as quais foram compostas por vasos plásticos contendo 7 dm3 de solo coletado da camada arável (0-20 cm) de um típico Argissolo Amarelo Hiperdistrófico, com textura franco-argilosa arenosa. Os fatores foram constituintes do tratamento controle (sem K), quatro doses de K (45, 90, 135 e 180 kg ha-1) na forma de potássio potássico e duas cultivares de feijão-caupi (Pretinho e BRS Tumucumaque). A cultivar BRS Tumucumaque apresentou melhor crescimento e produção. A dose de 90 kg ha-1 proporcionou maior altura (98,75 cm) e diâmetro do caule (10,0 mm). Quanto à produção, a dose de 135 kg ha-1 proporcionou maior ganho de peso de grãos (5,25 g) e massa seca de vagens (13,92 g), e doses de 90 e 180 kg ha-1 induziram maior número e comprimento de vaginas (3,16 vaginas), respectivamente. Esses resultados mostram melhor responsividade da cultivar BRS Tumucumaque nas doses de 90, 135 e 180 kg ha-1 no tipo de solo onde o estudo foi realizado.

Abstract The Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area of the Brazilian state of Maranhão encompasses a biologically rich region that includes the basins of four principal rivers, the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu, which form a complex of wetlands. The present study provides a comprehensive inventory of the fish fauna of the rivers that drain the Baixada Maranhense based on the identification of voucher specimens that were deposited in a scientific collection. Expeditions were conducted between 2014 and 2020. The inventory identified a total of 100 fish species representing 79 genera, 34 families, and 11 orders, which are found in both freshwater and estuarine environments. Six (Potamotrygon orbignyi, Leporinus piau, Moenkhausia loweae, Serrasalmus spilopleura, Pachypops fourcroi and Peckoltia greedoi) of the 100 taxa identified here are considered to be new records for one or more of the basins surveyed during this study, based on the existing data, while four – Colossoma macropomum, Megaleporinus macrocephalus, Cichla sp. and Cichla kelberi – are not native. The most speciose orders were the Siluriformes and Characiformes, while the most diverse families were the Loricariidae, Characidae, Auchenipteridae, Cichlidae, and Serrasalmidae. These data are consistent with the findings of most of the previous studies of freshwater ecosystems in the Neotropical region, in particular those of the rivers of Maranhão. The results of the present study represent an important advance in the understanding of the diversity of the fish fauna of the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu rivers, which are still poorly studied, and have likely had their diversity underestimated up to now.

Resumo A Área de Proteção Ambiental da Baixada Maranhense do estado brasileiro do Maranhão abrange uma região biologicamente rica que engloba as bacias de quatro rios principais, Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré e Turiaçu, formando um complexo de áreas inundáveis. O presente estudo fornece um inventário abrangente da ictiofauna de rios que drenam a Baixada Maranhense a partir da identificação de espécimes com material testemunho depositados em coleção científica. As expedições foram realizadas entre 2014 e 2020. O inventário identificou um total de 100 espécies de peixes representando 79 gêneros, 34 famílias e 11 ordens que são encontradas em ambientes de água doce e estuarinos. Dos 100 táxons identificados, seis (Potamotrygon orbignyi, Leporinus piau, Moenkhausia loweae, Serrasalmus spilopleura, Pachypops fourcroi e Peckoltia greedoi) são considerados novo registros para uma ou mais das drenagens aqui levantadas, em comparação com os dados existentes, enquanto quatro: Colossoma macropomum, Megaleporinus macrocephalus, Cichla sp. e Cichla kelberi não são nativos. As ordens mais especiosas foram Siluriformes e Characiformes, enquanto as famílias mais diversas foram Loricariidae, Characidae, Auchenipteridae, Cichlidae e Serrasalmidae. Esses dados corroboram a maioria dos outros estudos de ecossistemas de água doce da região Neotropical, em particular o dos rios do Maranhão. Os resultados do presente estudo representam um avanço importante no conhecimento da diversidade da fauna de peixes dos rios Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré e Turiaçu, que ainda são pouco estudados e provavelmente com uma diversidade subestimada.

Abstract Fusarium oxysporum is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt in tomato plants. The most common form of control of this disease is through seed chemical treatment. However, the present work presents an alternative method, through the fumigation technique with essential oils. The pathogen F. oxysporum was inoculated on organic cherry tomato seeds through contact with sporulated Petri® plates. Thereafter, seeds were placed in stainless steel crucibles containing a 1.0 x 1.0 cm filter paper adhered to the lid and kept for 24 hours. This paper received 20 µL of each essential oil: tea tree, chia, citronella, lavender, anise basil, clove basil, and deionized water as control. This process was called “seed fumigation by essential oil”. After this process, a germination test was carried out in germ boxes with Germitest® paper to verify the variables Germination Speed Index (GSI), Germination (G%), and Mean time to germination (MGT). Mycelial growth was verified in Petri® plates containing PDA medium. The plates containing mycelial growth were observed through scanning electron microscopy to verify possible morphological damage in the hyphae of the pathogen. Tea tree essential oil was the one that allowed the greatest suppression of the phytopathogen. Therefore, new tests were carried out with this specific oil. In germ boxes, tests of germination (G%), Abnormal seedlings count (ASC), and percentage of seedlings with mycelial growth were carried out. In addition, plant elicitation tests were performed in tomato seedlings through the analysis of chitinase, glucanase, and total proteins. All tests were carried out in completely randomized designs with four replications. All data were submitted to the Lilliefors normality test, followed by the analysis of variance, and Tukey’s HSD (5% significance) for mean comparison. It was found that tea tree essential oil inhibited the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum without affecting the germination of cherry tomato seeds. Subsequent tests with this oil also demonstrated that there is a reduction in mycelia present in the seeds and a reduction in abnormal seedlings compared to the control. There was no significant difference between the variables tested for plant elicitation.

Resumo Fusarium oxysporum é o agente causal da murcha de Fusarium em tomateiro, a forma mais comum de controle da doença é através do tratamento químico das sementes, porém o presente trabalho apresenta uma alternativa, através da técnica de expurgo com óleos essenciais. O patógeno, Fusarium oxysporum, foi inoculado em sementes de tomate cereja orgânicas, através do contato com placas de Petri® esporuladas. Em seguida, estas sementes dotadas do inóculo da doença, foram alocadas em cadinhos de inox contendo um papel filtro de 1 cm x 1cm, aderido à tampa contento 20 uL de cada óleo: óleo essencial de melaleuca, chia, citronela, lavanda, alfavaca anis, alfavaca cravo e água deionizada como testemunha. Esse processo em que as sementes foram alocadas em cadinhos contendo óleo essencial na tampa por um período de 24 horas, foi chamado de expurgo das sementes pelo óleo essencial. Após este processo, foi realizado o teste de germinação em caixas Gerbox com papel Germitest®, verificando as variáveis IVG, %G, TMG; e crescimento micelial em placas de Petri® contendo meio BDA. As placas de crescimento micelial foram observadas em microscópio eletrônico de varredura, a fim de verificar possíveis danos morfológicos nas hifas do patógeno. Após tais ensaios, constatou-se que o óleo essencial de melaleuca foi o que obteve maior supressão do fitopatógeno; e dessa forma novos ensaios laboratoriais foram realizados apenas com este óleo. Em caixas Gerbox realizou-se o teste de germinação (%), contagem de sementes anormais e porcentagem de sementes com micélio, além de testes de indução de resistência em plântulas de tomate, realizado por meio da análise de quitinase, glucanase e proteínas totais. O delineamento adotado em todos os ensaios foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade de Lilliefors, e à análise de variância, com as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (significância de 5%). Constatou-se que o óleo de melaleuca inibiu o crescimento micelial de F. oxysporum, sem prejudicar a germinação das sementes de tomate cereja. Os testes subsequentes com este óleo, também demonstram que há a redução de micélio nas sementes e redução de plântulas anormais em comparação com a testemunha. Não ocorreu diferença significativa entre as variáveis testadas para indução de resistência.

Abstract Background The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the nervous system. NPY acts as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, inflammation, and adipogenesis, through the NPY 2 receptor (NPY2R). Changes in the NPY signaling pathway have been linked to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the association between variants in the NPY and NPY2R genes, as well as the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Approximately 221 ACS patients and 278 healthy controls were selected for this study. Four variants in NPY and two variants in NPY2R genes were genotyped using Taqman allelic discrimination and sequencing. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to verify the genotype frequencies. The logistic regression analyses were used for the evaluation of the studied variables. Haplotype analysis was used to evaluate the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the variants (p<0.05). Results An association of NPY c.20T>C variant was found with the ACS group when compared to the healthy group. In the analysis between variants and risk factors in the ACS group, NPY c.84G>A was associated with hypertension. The analysis between TIMI risk showed a significance for NPY c.20T>C between the low and intermediate/high TIMI risk groups. In the haplotype analysis, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was found between the variants NPY c.150G>A and NPY c.-485T>C. Conclusion The NPY c.20T>C variant appears to contribute to the development of ACS. The NPY2R c.-1116A>G variant may contribute to the early development of ACS and the NPY c.84G>A variant appears to contribute to the development of hypertension. In addition, the NPY c.20T>C is associated with a protective effect in ACS severity.

RESUMO A acerola e o jambolão são frutos com diversos compostos bioativos de origem fenólica e a composição de um produto elaborado com essas duas matérias-primas se afigura como um alimento com elevado potencial antioxidante e nutracêutico. Diante disso, este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a secagem em camada de espuma da polpa mista de jambolão e acerola. Foram elaboradas formulações com a polpa mista, contendo 1,0% de albumina com 0,5% de goma xantana (F1), 0,5% de carboximetilcelulose - CMC (F2) e 0,5% de goma guar (F3), desidratadas a 50, 60, 70 e 80 °C, com espessura da camada de espuma de 0,5 cm. A elevação da temperatura de secagem diminuiu o teor de água e tempo de desidratação das amostras. Os menores tempos de secagem foram obtidos na formulação F3; todos os modelos de secagem resultaram em bons ajustes, com destaque para Midilli. A maior difusividade efetiva foi obtida na formulação F3; a energia de ativação foi maior na combinação da F1. As amostras com albumina-guar (F3) apresentaram maiores entalpia e entropia e as com albumina-xantana (F1) as maiores energias livres de Gibbs. A secagem em camada de espuma é uma forma eficiente de conservação da polpa mista de jambolão e acerola.

ABSTRACT Acerola and jambolan are fruits with several bioactive compounds of phenolic origin and a product made with these two raw materials appears to be a food with high antioxidant and nutraceutical potential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the foam mat drying of the mixed pulp of jambolan and acerola. Mixed pulp formulations, containing 1.0% albumin with 0.5% xanthan gum (F1), 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (F2) and 0.5% guar gum (F3), were dehydrated at 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C, with foam mat thickness of 0.5 cm. The elevation of the drying temperature decreased the water content and dehydration time of the samples. Formulation F3 obtained the shortest drying times; all drying models resulted in good adjustments, especially Midilli. Formulation F3 obtained greater effective diffusivity; the activation energy was higher in the F1 combination. The samples with albumin-guar (F3) showed greater enthalpy and entropy and samples with albumin-xanthan gum (F1) showed the highest Gibbs free energy. Foam mat drying is an efficient way of preserving the jambolan and acerola mixed pulp.

Abstract Jackfruit is an exotic fruit present in the Northeast region of Brazil, presenting a great economic potential for the region because of the internal and external commercialization of its fruit. Its seed is rich in carbohydrates, protein, minerals and vitamins, and is an alternative source of starch and for food. Germination is an easily accessible, inexpensive technology for the production of sprouts, improving the bioavailability of nutrients in the seed for consumption, such as proteins and bioactive compounds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical, physical and physicochemical parameters of fresh and germinated jackfruit seeds. The germination of jackfruit seeds increased the contents of water, proteins, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and total sugars, in addition to reducing the content of starch, lipids, tannins and the parameters of color, luminosity, red (+ a*) and yellow (+b*) intensities. In relation to the physical properties of the seed, there was an increase in the real specific mass and in the unit mass. For apparent specific mass there was a reduction. Seed germination provided an increase in the levels of magnesium, iron and sodium, consequently reducing potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese.

Resumo A jaca é um fruto exótico presente na região Nordeste do Brasil, apresentando um grande potencial econômico para região em face da comercialização interna e externa do seu fruto. Sua semente é rica em carboidratos, proteína, minerais e vitaminas, constituindo fonte alternativa de amido para alimentação. A germinação é uma tecnologia barata de fácil acesso para produção de brotos, melhorando a biodisponibilidade de nutrientes na semente para o consumo, a exemplo das proteínas e compostos bioativos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros químicos, físicos e físico-químicos das sementes de jaca in natura e germinadas. A germinação das sementes de jaca proporcionou o aumento nos teores de água, proteínas, ácido ascórbico, compostos fenólicos e açúcares totais, além de reduzir os conteúdo de amido, lipídios, taninos e os parâmetros de cor, a luminosidade, intensidade de vermelho (+a*) e de amarelo (+b*). Em relação às propriedades físicas da semente, ocorreu acréscimo na massa específica real e na massa unitária. Para massa específica aparente houve redução. A germinação das sementes proporcionou aumento nos teores de magnésio, ferro e sódio, consequentemente ocorrendo redução de potássio, fósforo, cálcio, zinco, cobre e manganês.

Abstract Open-water diving in a polar environment is a psychophysiological challenge to the human organism. We evaluated the effect of short-term diving (i.e., 10 min) in Antarctic waters on autonomic cardiac control, thyroid hormone concentration, body temperatures, mood, and neuropsychological responses (working memory and sleepiness). Data collection was carried out at baseline, before, and after diving in four individuals divided into the supporting (n=2) and diving (n=2) groups. In the latter group, autonomic cardiac control (by measuring heart rate variability) was also assessed during diving. Diving decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (effect size = 1.6) and thyroxine (effect size = 2.1) concentrations; these responses were not observed for the supporting group. Diving also reduced both the parasympathetic (effect size = 2.6) and sympathetic activities to the heart (ES > 3.0). Besides, diving reduced auricular (effect size > 3.0), skin [i.e., hand (effect size = 1.2) and face (effect size = 1.5)] temperatures compared to pre-dive and reduced sleepiness state (effect size = 1.3) compared to basal, without changing performance in the working memory test. In conclusion, short-term diving in icy waters affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, modulates autonomic cardiac control, and reduces body temperature, which seems to decrease sleepiness.

Abstract Samanea tubulosa Benth. it has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory processes. The present study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect and mechanism of action of the fractions obtained from the Samanea tubulosa pods in mice. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in formalin, capsaicin and glutamate tests and the. The possible mechanisms of action involved in the antinociceptive effect of the hexane and ethyl acetate fraction in the opioid system, also the the K + ATP channels and the L-arigine pathways of nitric oxide were evaluated. The chemical characterization analysis revealed in the hexane fraction the presence of triterpenes such as lupenone and lupeol. In the glutamate test, the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions showed antinociceptive activity at the dose of 12.5 and 25 mg kg-1. The antinociception produced by the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions was significantly reversed by naloxone, indicating that the fractions act through the opioid pathway. Antinociceptive response of the ethyl acetate fraction was blocked by glibenclamide, indicating that this fraction acts via the K + ATP channels activation. It is concluded that the fractions under study exert antinociceptive activity possibly related to the opioid route and through K+ ATP channels activation.

Resumo Megaleporinus macrocephalus é uma espécie de peixe anostomatídeo nativa da bacia do rio Paraguai, no bioma Pantanal do oeste do Brasil. No entanto, essa espécie já foi registrada em várias outras drenagens, incluindo as dos rios Alto Paraná, Uruguai, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri e Paraíba do Sul. Este estudo apresenta dois novos registros da ocorrência de M. macrocephalus, nas bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no estado do Maranhão, no nordeste brasileiro. O piaussu é um peixe de grande porte, de interesse comercial, amplamente criado em pisciculturas, e sua ocorrência nos rios Itapecuru e Mearim é provavelmente o resultado de indivíduos que escapam dos tanques quando transbordam durante a estação chuvosa. Análises morfológicas e sequências do gene da subunidade I do citocromo oxidase (COI) confirmaram a identificação taxonômica dos espécimes como M. macrocephalus. As sequências de COI foram 99,66% semelhantes às de M. macrocephalus depositadas no banco de dados BOLDSystems. Esses registros estendem a conhecida distribuição de M. macrocephalus às bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no nordeste brasileiro, destacando um novo caso de introdução de espécies exóticas de peixes nas bacias hidrográficas brasileiras.

Abstract The “piaussu”, Megaleporinus macrocephalus is an anostomatid fish species native to the basin of the Paraguay River, in the Pantanal biome of western Brazil. However, this species has now been recorded in a number of other drainages, including those of the upper Paraná, Uruguay, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri, and Paraíba do Sulrivers. This study presents two new records of the occurrence of M. macrocephalus, in the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the state of Maranhão, in the Brazilian Northeast. The piaussu is a large-bodied fish of commercial interest that is widely raised on fish farms, and its occurrence in the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers is likely the result of individuals escaping from fish tanks when they overflow during the rainy season. Morphological analyses and sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene confirmed the taxonomic identification of the specimens as M. macrocephalus. The COI sequences were 99.66% similar to those of M. macrocephalus deposited in the BOLDSystems database. These records extend the known distribution of M. macrocephalus to the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the Brazilian Northeast, highlighting a new case of introduction of exotic fish species into Brazilian river basins.