ABSTRACT: This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of total anthocyanins from two stages of ripening purple tomatoes (low and high) and to compare the optimized extraction with the conventional one. In the optimization of UAE, the studied variables were time (5 to 75 min), temperature (30 to 70 °C), and solid: liquid ratio (1:5 to 1:15 m/v). The optimal condition of the UAE process, for low-ripened purple tomatoes, occurs at a time of 75 min, temperature of 40 °C, and solid: liquid ratio of 1:15 m/v, predicting the content of 12.487 mg/100g. For high-ripened purple tomatoes, the optimal condition occurs at a time of 40 min, temperature of 50 °C, and solid: liquid ratio of 1:15 m/v, predicting the content of 8.802 mg/100 g. On validation of these optimized conditions, less than a 3% difference was reported between the predicted and experimental values (12.267 mg/100 g for low-ripened, and 8.894 mg/100 g for high-ripened purple tomatoes). When comparing the optimized UAE with the conventional extraction, it was observed that UAE increased (P < 0.05) the extraction of total anthocyanins content by 73% for low-ripened and by 54% for high-ripened purple tomatoes. Thus, the study indicated that the UAE is an efficient technology for recovering bioactive compounds from purple tomatoes.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo otimizar a extração assistida por ultrassom (EAU) de antocianinas totais de dois estágios de maturação de tomates roxos (baixo e alto) e comparar a extração otimizada com a convencional. Na otimização da EAU, as variáveis estudadas foram tempo (5 a 75 min), temperatura (30 a 70 °C) e razão sólido:líquido (1:5 a 1:15 m/v). A condição otimizada da EAU, para tomates roxos em baixa maturação, ocorreu no tempo de 75 min, temperatura de 40 °C e razão sólido:líquido de 1:15 m/v, prevendo o teor de 12,487 mg/100 g. Para tomates roxos em alta maturação, a condição ideal ocorreu no tempo de 40 min, temperatura de 50 °C e razão sólido:líquido de 1:15 m/v, prevendo o teor de 8,802 mg/100 g. Na validação das condições otimizadas, foi encontrada uma diferença inferior a 3% entre os valores previstos e experimentais (12,267 mg/100g para baixa-maturação e 8,894 mg/100 g para alta-maturação). Ao comparar a EAU otimizada com a convencional, observou-se que a EAU aumentou (P < 0,05) a extração de antocianinas totais em 73% para tomates em baixa-maturação e 54% para tomates roxos em alta-maturação. Assim, o estudo indica que os EAU é uma tecnologia eficiente para a recuperação de antocianinas de tomates roxos.

RESUMO No Brasil, o cultivo do mamão é difundido, principalmente nos estados da Bahia e Espírito Santo, onde se concentra a maior parte dos plantios comerciais. Devido à importância econômica e social do mamão, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar variáveis explicativas entre os genótipos de mamoeiro, cultivados sob altas temperaturas e condições de estresse hídrico, para definir quais contêm características agronômicas mais desejáveis para serem utilizadas em programas de melhoramento genético de plantas. Para isso, a análise de componentes principais foi aplicada para selecionar genótipos desejáveis para as cultivares Golden e Tainung Nº 1, com base em dois grupos de variáveis: grupo 1 - altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da folha, largura da folha e número de folhas; e grupo 2 - massa seca da folha, massa seca da raiz, massa seca do caule, massa seca de 10 discos, massa fresca de 10 discos, massa fresca, massa fresca do caule e massa fresca da raiz. A cultivar Tainung Nº 1 do grupo Formosa apresentou vantagens em relação à cultivar Golden, quando submetida a condições de estresse hídrico e térmico para as características de avaliação sendo mais indicada para ser utilizada em programas de melhoramento genético.

ABSTRACT Papaya cultivation is widespread in Brazil, particularly in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, where most commercial plantations are concentrated. Owing to the economic and social importance of papaya, the present study aimed to determine the explanatory variables between the genotypes of two cultivars: Golden (from the Soil group) and Tainung Nº 1 hybrid (from the Formosa group), cultivated under high temperatures and hydric stress. The genotypes containing more desirable agronomic characteristics were identified for use in plant genetic improvement programs. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to select the desirable genotypes for Golden and Tainung Nº 1 cultivars based on specific variables analyzed for two groups of variables; for group 1, the plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf number were analyzed, whereas for group 2, the leaf and root dry mass, stem dry mass and fresh mass of 10 discs, fresh mass, and stem and root fresh mass were analyzed. When exposed to hydric and thermal stress, the Tainung Nº 1 cultivar outperformed the Golden cultivar for the evaluation characteristics selected for use in genetic improvement programs.

RESUMO A classificação da carcaça consiste em agrupar animais com características de carcaça semelhantes. Quando os grupos são definidos a priori, como o caso dos escores de conformação e acabamento, o interesse é identificar a contribuição de cada variável utilizada na separação dos grupos. Diante disso, utilizou-se a análise discriminante para discriminar animais da raça Santa Inês em função dos escores de conformação e acabamento (escore 2 = razoável, escore 3 = boa) e, identificar as variáveis que mais contribuem na diferenciação. Os escores de conformação e acabamento variam numa escala de 1 a 5. Nesse estudo, foram usados escores 2 e 3 considerando que os animais avaliados variaram entre essas duas respectivas escalas. O banco de dados foi composto por 122 informações de ovinos não castrados da raça Santa Inês, submetidos ao regime de confinamento, dos quais foram registradas 24 variáveis relacionadas à carcaça dos animais. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Mardia, para verificar a normalidade multivariada, seguido do teste não-paramétrico k-vizinho mais próximo (K-NN). Um subconjunto particular de variáveis foi selecionado pelo procedimento stepwise e a Distância de Mahalanobis (D2) para avaliar a separação dos grupos (p-valor ˂ 0,05). As variáveis com maior poder discriminatório para os escores de conformação de carcaça foram peso de carcaça fria (PCF), comprimento externo da carcaça (CEC) e pescoço (PES), para acabamento de carcaça foram peso vivo ao abate (PVA), CEC e perímetro torácico (PT). A análise discriminante multivariada mostrou-se eficiente para alocar os animais em seus grupos de origem.

ABSTRACT Carcass classification consists of grouping animals with similar carcass characteristics. When the groups are defined a priori, as in the case of conformation and finishing scores, the interest is to identify the contribution of each variable used in separating the groups. Therefore, discriminant analysis was used to discriminate Santa Inês animals according to the conformation and carcass finishing scores (score 2 = regular, score 3 = good) and to identify the variables that most contribute to the differentiation. The conformation and carcass finishing scores vary from 1 to 5. This study used scores 2 and 3, considering that the evaluated animals ranged between these two respective scales. The database consisted of information from 122 uncastrated Santa Inês sheep submitted to the confinement regime, of which 24 variables related to the carcass of the animals were recorded. Data were submitted to the Mardia test to verify multivariate normality, followed by the nonparametric k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) test. The stepwise procedure selected a particular subset of variables, and the Mahalanobis Distance (D2) was used to assess the separation of groups (p-value ˂ 0.05). The variables with the highest discriminatory power for the carcass conformation scores were cold carcass weight (CCW), external carcass length (ECL), and neck (NEC), for carcass finishing were live weight at slaughter (LWS), ECL, and thoracic perimeter (TP). The multivariate discriminant analysis proved efficient in allocating the animals in their groups of origin.

ABSTRACT Genipa americana L. is a forest species of high socioeconomic potential. However, predatory extractivism actions threaten its existence, making it necessary to adopt conservationist practices. G. americana seeds show sensitivity to desiccation and cooling, making it unfeasible for conservation by conventional methods. Thus, cryopreservation is an promising alternative for the long-term conservation of species that produce unorthodox seeds, such as the genipap. In this sense, the objective was to cryopreservation of seeds of G. americana and to evaluate the effects of desiccation and freezing on germination and establishment of seedlings. Initially, seeds were dehydrated in silica gel 0, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 h, and then were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (LN) (-196 °C) during 24 h. After thawing, the viability and germination were analyzed. Dehydrated and non-cryopreserved seeds were also analyzed. The silica gel desiccation caused a reduction in viability and germination of the seeds of G. americana. The initial seed water content was so high (47%) that storage in LN (+LN) without prior dehydration treatment resulted in seed mortality. It was verified that, the dehydration in silica gel for the minimum time 20 h (corresponding to 14% water content) provides greater freezing tolerance, allowing the successful cryopreservation. Silica gel dehydration followed by immersion in LN was shown to be highly efficient for cryopreservation of seeds of G. americana, besides germinatio after thawing, high survival rates (100%) were obtained, with growth and normal establishment of the seedlings after acclimatization.

Resumo As bactérias responsáveis por causar infecções são comuns em ambientes hospitalares, água, solo e produtos alimentícios. O risco de infecção é intensificado pela ausência de saneamento público, má qualidade de vida e escassez de alimentos. Esses fatores externos promovem a disseminação de patógenos por contaminação direta ou formação de biofilme. Neste trabalho, identificamos isolados bacterianos obtidos de unidades de terapia intensiva na região sul do Tocantins, Brasil. Comparamos técnicas de espectrometria de massa de tempo de voo com ionização por dessorção a laser assistida por matriz (MALDI-TOF MS) e análise molecular de ácido ribonucleico ribossômico 16S (rRNA); também realizamos caracterização fenotípica. Cinquenta e seis isolados caracterizados por testes morfotintoriais foram classificados como gram-positivos (80,3%; n = 45) e gram-negativos (19,6%; n = 11) e foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos; notavelmente, identificamos o gene de resistência blaOXA-23 no isolado de ILH10. A identificação microbiana usando MALDI-TOF MS resultou na identificação de Sphingomonas paucimobilis e Bacillus circulans. O sequenciamento do 16S rRNA revelou quatro isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Bacillus e Acinetobacter. A similaridade foi superior a 99% para Acinetobacter schindleri no BLAST, agrupado no clado superior a 90%. Várias cepas isoladas de ICU foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos. Essas técnicas permitiram a identificação de diversos microrganismos de importância em saúde pública, possibilitando melhorias no controle de infecções humanas e comprovando a qualidade dos insumos, alimentos e água.

Abstract Bacteria responsible for causing infections are common in hospital environments, water, soil, and food products. The infection risk is intensified by the absence of public sanitation, poor quality of life, and food scarcity. These external factors promote the dissemination of pathogens by direct contamination or biofilm formation. In this work, we identified bacterial isolates obtained from intensive care units in the southern region of Tocantins, Brazil. We compared matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) techniques and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) molecular analysis; we also performed phenotypic characterization. Fifty-six isolates characterized using morphotinctorial tests were classified as gram-positive (80.4%; n = 45) and gram-negative (19.6%; n = 11) and were resistant to several antibiotic classes; notably, we identified the blaOXA-23 resistance gene in the ILH10 isolate. Microbial identification using MALDI-TOF MS resulted in the identification of Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Bacillus circulans. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed four isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Acinetobacter. The similarity was superior to 99% for Acinetobacter schindleri in the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), grouped in the clade superior to 90%. Several strains isolated from intensive care units (ICU) were resistant to various antibiotic classes. These techniques allowed for the identification of several microorganisms of importance in public health, enabling improvements in human infection control and proving the quality of inputs, food, and water.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate inactivated CoronaVac prime vaccination, antibody decay, booster dose, and safety in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV) patients. Methods: Fifty-three AAV patients and 106 Controls (CG) received CoronaVac on days: D0 (first dose), D28(second dose), and D210 (booster dose, 32 AAV: 32 CG). The primary outcome was immunogenicity after the second vaccine dose (day 69) assessed by Seroconversion Rates (SC) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies (NAb). Secondary outcomes were safety, immunogenicity (D28/D240), 6-months antibody decay (D210) and the booster dose response (D240). Results: At D69 SC (65.1% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.0001), GMT (21.3 UA/mL vs. 67.7 UA/mL, p < 0.001) and NAb- positivity (53.7% vs. 80.6%, p = 0.001) were moderate but lower in naïve-AAV patients than CG. Patients without SC used more often IS (93.3% vs. 53.3%, p = 0.015), mycophenolate mofetil (20% vs. 0%, p = 0.037) and prednisone (60.0% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.057) than seroconverted. NAb negativity in AAV patients was associated with prednisone treatment (57.9% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.015) and IS (84.2% vs. 55.0%, p = 0.046). Logistic regression analysis models showed that only prednisone was associated with lower seroconversion (OR = 0.2, 0,95% CI 0.05–0.86, p = 0.030) and with lower NAb positivity (OR = 0.2, 0,95% CI 0.05–0.88, p = 0.034). After six months (D69–D210) a decrease in IgG positivity occurred in 32 AAV patients (15.7%, p = 0.074) and 32 CG (18.7%, p = 0.041). For the NAb positivity, the 6-month decrease was not significant (p = 0.114) whereas a major reduction occurred for CG (p < 0.001). A booster dose (D240) resulted in an increment in IgG-positivity (21.9%, p = 0.023) and NAb-positivity (34.4%, p = 0.006) in AAV patients. No moderate/severe adverse events attributable to the vaccine were observed. Conclusion: This study provides novel data on the excellent safety and moderate immunogenicity of CoronaVac in AAV patients. A six-month mild antibody waning was observed with a good response to the booster dose, although levels remained lower than CG (CoronavRheum-NCT04754698).

Abstract In this work, a thermal plasma-based ablation test system was used to evaluate the ablative performance of the EPDM composite. The system produces a high enthalpy plasma jet generated by a plasma (DC) torch, operating at atmospheric pressure using compressed air as working gas, enabling the variation of the thermal flux concerned with the studied EPDM composites. The samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to investigate the morphology, mass-loss rate, the reaction layer (char formation), and chemical changes of the samples for each thermal flux. For a complete evaluation, the thermal fluxes were varied in 0.30, 0.45, 0.60, 0.75, and 0.90 MW/m2 and for each thermal flux, disk-shape samples remained exposed to the plasma jet for 10s. During the plasma jet exposure time, the temperatures of the surface and the back of the samples were collected to verify the formed char layer's insulator capacity and the samples' thermal diffusivity for each experimental condition. The mass loss is continuous under the thermal fluxes of 0.30 and 0.45 MW/m2, stabilizing at 60% until 0.75 MW/m2. The formed char layer begins to lose its protective capacity, evidenced by the size decrease (from 800 µm to 700 µm), due to the ablation process of the reaction layer from the thermal flux of 0.90 MW/m2.

ABSTRACT: In order to study alternative ways of control of Dermatobia hominis fly larvae, three processes were tested: T1, cypermethrin 5% + chlorpyrifos 7% + citronellal 0.5% (Pour on); T2, trichlorfon powder dissolved at 2% in burnt oil passed on the nodules; T3, manual larva extraction. The study was conducted at Instituto de Zootecnia in Nova Odessa, São Paulo State, Brazil. In a dairy herd of 176 animals, 29 with at least one larvae were found, distributed in the three treatments. Each treatment’s efficacy percentage was based on the number of live botflies present after 14 days. The animals were observed on days +4, +7, +14 and +21, and new botflies and abscesses were annotated. All treatments presented high effectiveness (above 98%). New botflies were already seen in the first week after applying the three treatments, and on day 21, two abscesses in each chemical treatment were observed. Larva extraction was 100% effective, with no originating abscesses, and should be encouraged in small and medium-sized properties and those with resistant botflies to chemical products.

RESUMO: Com a finalidade de estudar formas alternativas de controle de larvas da mosca Dermatobia hominis, foram testados: T1, cipermetrina 5% + clorpirifós 7% + citronelal 0,5% (Pour on); T2, triclorfon em pó, dissolvido a 2% em óleo queimado, passado sobre o nódulo; T3, extração manual das larvas. O estudo foi realizado no Instituto de Zootecnia, localizado em Nova Odessa, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Em um rebanho leiteiro com 176 animais, encontramos 29 com, pelo menos, uma larva que foram distribuídos nos três tratamentos. O percentual de eficácia foi baseado no número de bernes vivos após 14 dias da aplicação dos tratamentos. Os animais foram observados nos dias +4, +7, +14 e +21 e foram anotados novos bernes e abcessos. Todos os tratamentos apresentaram alta eficácia (acima de 98%). Logo na primeira semana, foram observados novos bernes em todos os tratamentos, e no 21º dia observamos dois abcessos em cada tratamento químico. A extração da larva foi 100% eficaz, não originando abscessos, devendo ser incentivada nas pequenas e médias propriedades, e naquelas com bernes resistentes a produtos químicos.

RESUMO Congea tomentosa é uma trepadeira indicada para cobertura de mandris, grades e cercas. A determinação da área foliar é útil para entender a relação planta-ambiente e facilitar estudos agronômicos sobre transpiração, necessidade de água, interceptação de luz e atividade fotossintética. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter uma equação alométrica para estimar a área foliar de C. tomentosa através da medição das dimensões foliares. As análises foram realizadas em 200 folhas de diferentes formas e tamanhos de 10 plantas adultas escolhidas aleatoriamente cultivadas em condições de campo. O comprimento da folha, a largura da folha, o produto do comprimento pela largura e a área foliar foram determinados. Modelos de regressão linear, linear sem intercepto, quadrático, cúbico, potência e exponencial foram utilizados para estimar a área foliar. O coeficiente de determinação, índice de concordância de Willmott, critério de informação de Akaike, raiz do quadrado médio do erro e índice BIAS foram usados para determinar o melhor modelo. A área foliar de C. tomentosa pode ser satisfatoriamente estimada por meio de um método não destrutivo que utiliza medidas de dimensões foliares. A equação ŷ = 0,63 × LW (Folha: L = comprimento, W = largura) estima a área foliar de C. tomentosa de forma prática e rápida, com 99,15% de precisão. A estimativa da área foliar de C. tomentosa utilizando modelos estatísticos é menos dispendiosa e de fácil acesso aos pesquisadores e produtores desta planta.

ABSTRACT Congea tomentosa is a climbing plant suitable for covering arbors, railings, and fences. Leaf area determination is useful in understanding the plant-environment relationship and facilitating agronomic studies on transpiration, water requirement, light interception, and photosynthetic activity. The objective of this study was to obtain an allometric equation to estimate the leaf area of C. tomentosa by measuring the leaf dimensions. Analyses were performed on 200 leaves of different shapes and sizes from 10 randomly chosen adult plants grown under field conditions. The leaf length, leaf width, product length and width, and leaf area were determined. Linear, linear without intercept, quadratic, cubic, power, and exponential regression models were used to estimate the leaf area. The coefficient of determination, Willmott’s concordance index, Akaike information criterion, root mean square error and BIAS index were used to determine the best model. The leaf area of C. tomentosa can be satisfactorily estimated using a non-destructive method that uses measurements of leaf dimensions. The equation ŷ = 0.63 × LW (Leaf: L = length, W = width) estimates the leaf area of C. tomentosa in a practical and fast way, with 99.15% of precision. Estimation of the leaf area of C. tomentosa using statistical models is less expensive and easily accessible to researchers and producers of this plant.

The wide application of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture as inoculants to combat pests and diseases and/or to improve soil fertility and the nutrients availability for plants has been considered as an effective and more sustainable alternative than chemical fertilizers and agricultural defensives. However, it is necessary to examine all processing steps of these bio-based products under a more integrated view including the type of microorganisms and the whole production process in order to reduce dependence on synthetic chemical inputs. Here, recent developments on the production and formulation technologies of microbial inoculants and the main types of inoculants currently applied in agriculture are addressed. The different types of microbial formulations are compared with emphasis on the encapsulation technology. Moreover, the application of biofertilizers in seed coating and a new approach to apply biocomposites as fertilizers are discussed, presenting the main challenges and future perspectives to promote more sustainable agriculture practices.

RESUMO A salinidade da água de irrigação e do solo é um dos grandes desafios da agricultura, pois prejudica os processos fisiológicos e o crescimento das plantas. A aplicação exógena de compostos antioxidantes, como o ácido salicílico, pode reduzir os danos causados pelo estresse salino nas plantas. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ação atenuante do ácido salicílico sobre o estresse salino em Ocimum basilicum cv. Cinnamon. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados com cinco níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (0,5; 1,3; 3,25; 5,2 e 6,0 dS m-1) e cinco concentrações de ácido salicílico (0; 0,29; 1,0; 1,71 e 2,0 mM), com cinco repetições e duas plantas por parcela. O crescimento, as trocas gasosas, os índices de clorofila e a fluorescência da clorofila foram avaliados 30 dias após a aplicação do estresse salino. O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação diminui a altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, condutância estomática, eficiência instantânea do uso da água e fluorescência inicial do manjericão cv. Cinnamon. A aplicação de ácido salicílico atenua os efeitos nocivos da salinidade da água de irrigação nas trocas gasosas, clorofila total e fluorescência inicial e máxima de plantas de manjericão.

ABSTRACT The salinity of irrigation water and soil create considerable challenges in agriculture, as they harm the physiological processes and growth of plants. The exogenous application of antioxidant compounds, such as salicylic acid, can reduce the damage caused by salt stress. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the attenuation of salt stress induced by salicylic acid in Ocimum basilicum “Cinnamon”. The experiment was performed in randomized blocks with five irrigation water salinity levels (0.5, 1.3, 3.25, 5.2 and 6.0 dS m-1) and five salicylic acid concentrations (0, 0.29, 1.0, 1.71 and 2.0 mM), with five repetitions and two plants per plot. Growth, gas exchange, and chlorophyll indices and fluorescence were evaluated 30 days after the salt treatment was applied. An increase in the salinity of irrigation water decreased the plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, stomatal conductance, instantaneous water use efficiency, and initial fluorescence of basil “Cinnamon”. Salicylic acid was revealed to attenuate the harmful effects of irrigation water salinity on gas exchange, total chlorophyll, and initial and maximum fluorescence of basil plants.

Objective: To systematically review the literature focusing on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women with previous or current eating disorders (EDs) and on the consequences of maternal EDs for the offspring. Methods: The study was performed following the systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, SciELO, and Cochrane databases were searched for non-interventional studies published in English or Portuguese from January 1980 to December 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Methods guide for effectiveness and comparative effectiveness reviews (American Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality). Results: The search yielded 441 records, and 30 articles were included. The psychiatric outcome associated with EDs in women was mainly perinatal depression. The most prevalent obstetric outcomes observed in women with EDs were vomiting, hyperemesis, bleeding, and anemia. Most studies found maternal anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa to be associated with low birth weight and slow fetal growth. Women with binge EDs delivered children with increased birth weight. Of the 30 studies included, methodological quality was good in seven, fair in eight, and poor in 15 studies. Conclusion: A considerable body of evidence was reviewed to assess obstetric and perinatal outcomes in EDs. Acute and lifetime EDs, especially if severe, correlated with poor perinatal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes. Obstetricians and general practitioners should be vigilant and screen for EDs during pregnancy.