ABSTRACT The risk of amputations in patients with diabetes is 10 to 20 times more frequent compared to non-diabetics. The biotechnological team developed by ROKIT Healthcare, Inc., of South Korean origin: Dr. INVIVO, is a biotechnology team that offers an effective therapy for the treatment of diabetic foot, with a hyper-personalized organ regeneration platform that, through artificial intelligence, scan the injury in order to manufacture a patch that contains autologous stem cells, extracellular matrix and specific tissue materials, to later apply it to the wound, and with this, achieve complete healing and regeneration. The purpose of this report aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment in diabetic foot ulcers and present the results of 3 clinical cases with extensive injuries after lower limb amputations, treated at the District Hospital of Ñemby, Paraguay, using this technology.

RESUMEN El riesgo de amputaciones en pacientes con diabetes es 10 a 20 veces más frecuente en comparación con no diabéticos. El equipo biotecnológico desarrollado por ROKIT Healthcare, Inc., de procedencia surcoreana: Dr. INVIVO, es un equipo de biotecnología que ofrece una terapia eficaz para el tratamiento del pie diabético, con una plataforma de regeneración de órganos hiperpersonalizados que mediante la inteligencia artificial, escanea la lesión para así, fabricar un parche que contiene células madres autólogas, matriz extracelular y materiales específicos de tejido, para posteriormente aplicarla a la herida, y con esto, lograr la cicatrización y regeneración completa. El propósito del presente reporte apunta a demostrar la efectividad del tratamiento en úlceras en pie diabético y exponer los resultados de 3 casos clínicos con extensas lesiones posteriores a amputaciones de miembros inferiores, atendidos en el Hospital Distrital de Ñemby, Paraguay, utilizando esta tecnología.

ABSTRACT The Center of Molecular Immunology is an exponent of Cuban biotechnology institution dedicated to basic research, development, production and commercialization of biopharmaceuticals, with the aim of diagnosing and treating cancer and diseases related to the immune system. In this work, a bibliographic synthesis of research that was carried out in this center in the period from 2012 to 2018, was performed, with the purpose of analyzing the application of some Data Mining techniques in the evaluation of fermentation and purification stages of the process for obtaining biopharmaceuticals in three production facilities. The phases of Data Mining were characterized and the practical implication of the results was presented. Principal Components Analysis was applied as a descriptive model using THE UNSCRAMBLER software, and Artificial Neural Networks were applied as a predictive model using the MATLAB neural networks toolbox. The use of these models made it possible to extract useful information for decision making, thereby explaining the behavior of the parameters that influence the quality of the final product, as well as estimating important variables such as the concentration of the protein of interest in the fermentation supernatant and the performance of the purification stage, depending on the process variables that have the greatest influence on its behavior.

RESUMEN El Centro de Inmunología Molecular es una institución exponente de la biotecnología cubana dedicado a la investigación básica, desarrollo, producción y comercialización de biofármacos, con el objetivo de diagnosticar y tratar el cáncer, así como enfermedades relacionadas con el sistema inmune. En este trabajo se realizó una síntesis bibliográfica de investigaciones que se llevaron a cabo en este centro, en el periodo comprendido del 2012 al 2018, con el propósito de analizar la aplicación de algunas técnicas de Minería de Datos en la evaluación de las etapas de fermentación y purificación del proceso de obtención de biofármacos en tres instalaciones productivas. Se caracterizaron las fases de la Minería de Datos y se presentó la implicación práctica de los resultados. Se aplicó como modelo descriptivo el Análisis de Componentes Principales mediante el software THE UNSCRAMBLER, y como modelo predictivo las Redes Neuronales Artificiales con el empleo de la caja de herramientas de redes neuronales del MATLAB. La utilización de estos modelos permitió extraer información útil para la toma de decisiones, se logró con ello explicar el comportamiento de los parámetros que influyen en la calidad del producto final, así como estimar variables de importancia como la concentración de la proteína de interés en el sobrenadante de la fermentación y el rendimiento de la etapa de purificación, en función de las variables del proceso que mayor influencia tienen en su comportamiento.

Abstract Evolution has originated high levels of biodiversity that provide essential actual benefits to humans and future called option values. These resources are extracted and used to meet basic needs, such as traditional medicine, which is the result of human experience and its contact with nature over time. Traditional knowledge used as a guide for bioprospecting and ethnomedicinal research is the first step to protecting it and making it visible. The need to apply phylogenetic approaches and their importance for the development of ethnobotany in Mexico is discussed, as well as their implications for the discovery, use and conservation of medicinal resources for human well-being. This approaches, elucidating the evolutionary history of species, can improve bioprospecting practices since they point out related species which could produce useful chemical compounds, which is relevant to biotechnology and emphasizes the importance of preserving biocultural heritage.

Resumen La evolución ha producido una gran biodiversidad que proporciona al ser humano bienes esenciales actuales y opciones de valor de facturas. Estos recursos son extraídos y empleados para satisfacer necesidades básicas, como la medicina tradicional, resultado de la experiencia y el contacto humano con la naturaleza a través del tiempo. Los saberes tradicionales han sido aprovechados como guía para la bioprospección y los estudios etnobotánicos son el primer paso para visibilizarlos y protegerlos. Se plantea la necesidad de aplicar aproximaciones filogenéticas y su importancia para el desarrollo de la etnobotánica en México, así como su impacto en el descubrimiento, aprovechamiento y conservación de recursos medicinales para el bienestar humano. Estas aproximaciones, que revelan la historia evolutiva de las especies, pueden fortalecer la bioprospección, ya que señalan especies emparentadas que pudieran llegar a producir sustancias químicas útiles, lo que resulta relevante para la biotecnología y resalta la importancia de la conservación del patrimonio biocultural.

Abstract In this article we aim to review various case studies through which we can locate the main strategies that are central to fashion design proposals in terms of dyeing and printing treatment and which, in a relatively short period of time, have the mission of achieving a radical transformation of the fashion industry. In the first instance, we have tried to identify a series of innovations that are already a reality, to a greater or lesser degree of development and achievement, but which will lead to a substantial change towards more efficient design. For this approach, we have grouped them largely according to one of the following typologies, or a combination of them, and which could be organised on the basis of the following strategies: the use of dyes from food waste, the increase in the use of raw fabrics or especially the reuse of fibres and/or fabrics by upcycling process, the expansion of the supply of natural dyes, and the development of biotechnology applied to the creation of colours.

Resumen En este artículo pretendemos una revisión de diversos casos de estudio a través de los que se pueden localizar las principales estrategias que están siendo centrales en las propuestas de diseño de moda, en cuanto al tratamiento de tintado y estampación y que en un plazo relativamente breve tienen como misión lograr una transformación radical de la industria de la moda. Hemos procurado identificar en primera instancia una serie de innovaciones que son ya una realidad, en mayor o menor grado de desarrollo y consecución, pero que protagonizarán un cambio sustancial hacia un diseño de mayor eficiencia, y a las que, para esta aproximación, hemos agrupado en gran parte en cuanto a alguna de las posibles tipologías, o por la combinación de las mismas, y que se podrían organizar en base a las siguientes estrategias: la utilización de colorantes procedentes de desperdicios alimentarios, el incremento del uso de tejido en crudo o especialmente la reutilización de fibras y/o tejidos recuperados, la expansión la oferta de tintes naturales, y el desarrollo de la biotecnología aplicada a la creación de colores.

Resumo Neste artigo pretendemos fazer uma revisão de vários estudos de caso através dos quais se podem localizar as principais estratégias que estão a ser centrais nas propostas de design de moda, em termos de tratamento de tingimento e estamparia e que num espaço de tempo relativamente curto a missão do brief é alcançar um transformação radical da indústria da moda. Procuramos identificar em primeira instância uma série de inovações que já são uma realidade, em maior ou menor grau de desenvolvimento e realização, mas que conduzirão a uma mudança substancial em direção a um design mais eficiente, e ao qual, para esta abordagem, agrupamos isso em grande parte em termos de qualquer uma das tipologias possíveis, ou por sua combinação, e que poderia ser organizado com base nas seguintes estratégias: o uso de corantes de resíduos alimentares, o aumento do uso de tecido bruto ou especialmente o reaproveitamento de fibras e / ou tecidos recuperados, ampliação da oferta de corantes naturais e desenvolvimento da biotecnologia aplicada à criação de cores.

Resumo Na biotecnologia moderna, o uso de enzimas para obter compostos novos ou modificados com propriedades antibacterianas, antifúngicas e anticancerígenas é crucial. Lactases de cogumelos são biocatalisadores promissores para síntese e modificação de diferentes compostos, por serem enzimas baratas e disponíveis para a preparação de componentes de reação, e vem recebendo a devida atenção recentemente. A purificação da lacase foi realizada a partir do basidiomiceto Lentinus strigosus em vários estágios: Etapa 1 - na cromatografia de troca iônica em TEAE Servacell 23 (400 ml), foram observados dois picos de atividade da lacase distintamente separados, com eluição do transportador a 0,21 e 0,27 M de NaCl. Para reduzir a perda de enzimas, todas as frações com atividade de lacase foram coletadas, concentradas e dessalinizadas em uma célula de ultrafiltração (Amicon, Estados Unidos) com membrana UM-10; Etapa 2 - a preparação resultante com atividade de lacase foi aplicada a uma coluna Q-Sepharose (60 ml). Durante a eluição, foram obtidos dois picos bem separados com atividade de lacase: lacase I (NaCl 0,12 M) e lacase II (NaCl 0,2 M); Etapa 3 - no decurso da purificação adicional de ambas as enzimas, realizada no Recurso Q de transportador de troca aniônica (6 ml), um gradiente quebrado foi usado: 0-10%, 10-20% e 20-100% com NaCl 1M; Etapa 4 - tanto a lacase I como a lacase II, obtidas após o Recurso Q, foram dessalinizadas e concentradas para 1 ml cada e aplicadas a uma coluna de filtração em gel Superdex 75. Como resultado, duas lacases foram obtidas de forma homogênea.

Abstract In advanced biotechnology, the utilization of enzymes to achieve new or modified compounds with antibacterial, fungicidal, and anti-cancer specifications is crucial. Mushroom lactases are a hopeful biocatalyst for the synthesis and modification of different compounds. They are an accessible and inexpensive enzyme for the preparation of reaction objects and have recently received attention. Laccase purification was performed from basidiomycete Lentinus strigosus (LS) in several stages: Stage 1. On ion-exchange chromatography on TEAE Servacell 23 (400 ml), two distinctly separated laccase activity peaks were observed, eluted from the carrier at 0.21 and 0.27 M NaCl. In order to reduce the loss of enzymes, all fractions with laccase activity were collected, concentrated, and desalted using an ultrafiltration cell (Amicon, United States) with a UM-10 membrane. Stage 2. The resulting preparation with laccase activity was applied to a Q-Sepharose column (60 ml). Two well-separated peaks with laccase activity were obtained during the elution: laccase I (0.12 M NaCl) and laccase II (0.2 M NaCl). Stage 3. In the course of further purification of both enzymes, carried out on anion-exchange carrier Resource Q (6 ml), a broken gradient was used: 0 - 10%, 10 - 20%, and 20 - 100% with 1M NaCl. Stage 4. Both laccase I and laccase II, obtained after Resource Q, were desalted, concentrated to 1 ml each, and applied to a Superdex 75 gel filtration column. As a result, two laccases were obtained in a homogeneous form.

Resumo Esta revisão sistemática integra os dados disponíveis na literatura sobre as atividades biológicas dos extratos de fungos endofíticos isolados de Annona muricata e seus metabólitos secundários. A busca foi realizada em quatro bases de dados eletrônicas e a qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada por meio de instrumento de avaliação adaptado. A pesquisa inicial no banco de dados gerou 436 resultados; dez estudos foram selecionados para inclusão. A folha foi a parte mais estudada da planta (em nove estudos); Periconia sp. foi o fungo mais testado (n = 4); a atividade biológica mais avaliada foi anticâncer (n = 6), seguida de antiviral (n = 3). As atividades antibacteriana, antifúngica e antioxidante também foram testadas. Terpenóides ou compostos híbridos de terpenóides foram os metabólitos químicos mais abundantes. Compostos fenólicos, ésteres, alcalóides, ácidos graxos saturados e insaturados, compostos aromáticos e peptídeos também foram relatados. Os estudos selecionados destacaram a potencialidade biotecnológica dos extratos de fungos endofíticos de A. muricata. Por conseguinte, esta planta pode ser considerada uma fonte promissora de compostos biológicos com efeitos antioxidantes e ativos contra diversos micro-organismos e células cancerígenas. Mais pesquisas são necessárias envolvendo diferentes tecidos vegetais, outros microorganismos, como SARS-CoV-2, e diferentes células cancerosas.

Abstract This systematic review integrates the data available in the literature regarding the biological activities of the extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from Annona muricata and their secondary metabolites. The search was performed using four electronic databases, and studies' quality was evaluated using an adapted assessment tool. The initial database search yielded 436 results; ten studies were selected for inclusion. The leaf was the most studied part of the plant (in nine studies); Periconia sp. was the most tested fungus (n = 4); the most evaluated biological activity was anticancer (n = 6), followed by antiviral (n = 3). Antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities were also tested. Terpenoids or terpenoid hybrid compounds were the most abundant chemical metabolites. Phenolic compounds, esters, alkaloids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, aromatic compounds, and peptides were also reported. The selected studies highlighted the biotechnological potentiality of the endophytic fungi extracts from A. muricata. Consequently, it can be considered a promising source of biological compounds with antioxidant effects and active against different microorganisms and cancer cells. Further research is needed involving different plant tissues, other microorganisms, such as SARS-CoV-2, and different cancer cells.

ABSTRACT The present study analyzed the vertical stratification of hawkmoths in an area of the Dense Ombrophylous Forest in the Amazon. The moths were captured through light traps with ultraviolet lamps F15 T12 LN installed in three strata (canopy, midstory, and understory) from 6 pm to 7 am, during the first quarter to new moon period, on three consecutive nights per month during May 2019 to February 2020, in the Tapajós National Forest located in the state of Pará, Brazil (02°51’23.3”S, 54°57’31.0”W). This study analyzed 33 species (S) and 775 specimens (N) of Sphingidae. The sphingofauna had a high concentration, mainly in the upper strata, with greater emphasis on richness (S = 28), abundance (N = 687), and Berger Parker dominance (BP = 0.72) found in the forest canopy. The canopy’s dominance stood out because the species Erinnyis ello (Linnaeus, 1758) was more abundant in this stratum (N = 492). PERMANOVA analysis indicated significant differences in all strata. Therefore, our study provided important information about the vertical distribution of moths, showing that their richness, abundance, and species composition are distinct between strata.

Resumen La ultrasonografía transrectal es una tecnología utilizada en el manejo reproductivo de los bovinos como medio del diagnóstico de gestación y de seguimiento del ciclo estral. Asimismo, tiene aplicación en el manejo, diagnóstico y tratamiento tanto de procesos reproductivos como en programas de biotecnología reproductiva. El objetivo del trabajo fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre los procesos reproductivos en vacas y el uso de la ultrasonografía. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica incluyendo publicaciones del 2022 y años previos. Se consideraron criterios que sustentan el desarrollo alcanzado en el uso de ultrasonido, basados en el análisis lógico de la bibliografía consultada. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron ultrasonografía, ecografía, bovinos, reproducción bovina, palpación transrectal, ciclo estral, dinámica folicular, función ovárica, Doppler, funcionalidad del cuerpo lúteo, diagnóstico precoz de la preñez, muerte embrionaria. La ultrasonografía transrectal ha aumentado nuestro conocimiento y comprensión de la fisiología de la reproducción del bovino. Los avances tecnológicos han permitido que su empleo en el manejo reproductivo del ganado bovino se incremente. La ultrasonografía es un avance revolucionario en la investigación que ha influenciado la eficiencia en el manejo reproductivo de la vaca.

Abstract Transrectal ultrasonography is a technology used in cattle reproductive management as a means of gestation diagnosis and estrous cycle monitoring. Likewise, it has application in the management, diagnosis and treatment of both reproductive processes and in reproductive biotechnology programs. The objective of the work was to carry out a bibliographic review on the reproductive processes in cows and the ultrasonography use. A bibliographic review was carried out including publications from 2022 and previous years. Criteria that support the development achieved in the use of ultrasound were considered, based on the logical analysis of the consulted bibliography. The keywords used were ultrasonography, ultrasound, cattle, bovine reproduction, transrectal palpation, estrous cycle, follicular dynamics, ovarian function, Doppler, corpus luteum functionality, early pregnancy diagnosis, embryonic death. Transrectal ultrasonography has increased our knowledge and understanding of bovine reproductive physiology. Technological advances have allowed its use in the reproductive management of cattle to increase. Ultrasonography is a revolutionary advance in research that has influenced the efficiency of cow reproductive management.

Resumen Introducción. Los patrones cinemáticos del semen se condicionan por variación individual y/o un efecto ambiental determinado por el manejo posterior a la obtención de la muestra. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de dos diluyentes comerciales, la edad y estado sexual de los toros sobre la movilidad y cinética espermática del semen fresco bovino. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en las fincas ganaderas ''La Vega'', San Carlos, y ''La Balsa'', San Ramón, Costa Rica, entre marzo y agosto de 2021. Se utilizó el semen proveniente de trece toros Brahman, extraído por electroeyaculación. Se utilizaron 45 eyaculados en total, con un mínimo de dos y un máximo de cinco por animal. El semen se diluyó con dos diluyentes comerciales, Optixcell® y Bioxcell®, a una temperatura de 37 °C. Las muestras se analizaron mediante el Sistema Computarizado de Análisis Seminal (Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis, CASA)-Mot ISAS®v1 y una cámara de recuento espermática reutilizable Spermtrack® de 20 μm de profundidad. Resultados. Se observaron diferencias (p<0,05) respecto de la movilidad y cinemática de los espermatozoides, así como en los parámetros de cinética espemática, según el diluyente utilizado. Con el uso de Bioxcell® hubo mayor movilidad progresiva (64,03±2,01 %) en comparación con el Optixcell®. Los eyaculados diluidos con Bioxcell® presentaron un patrón cinemático más lineal y progresivo que los diluidos con Optixcell®, en los que hubo valores menores de velocidad promedio (VAP=106,67±0,24 µm s-1) e índice de rectitud (STR=79,35±0,10). La edad no mostró diferencias para la movilidad total, sin embargo, la movilidad progresiva fue mayor en animales de >48 meses (62,27±1,87 %). Se observó un efecto del estado sexual, durante la monta se presentó mayor linealidad, velocidad y oscilación espermática comparado al descanso sexual. Conclusión. La edad, el estado sexual y el diluyente utilizado para la preservación del semen condicionaron la calidad espermática de los eyaculados bovinos.

Abstract Introduction. The kinematic patterns of semen are influenced by individual variation and/or environmental effects, determined by the handling after sample collection. Objective. To evaluate the effect of two commercial extenders, bull age, and sexual status on the motility and kinetics parameters of fresh bovine semen. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the livestock farms ''La Vega,'' San Carlos, and ''La Balsa'', San Ramón, Costa Rica, between March and August 2021. Donated semen from thirteen Brahman bulls was used, extracted through electroejaculation. A total of 45 ejaculates were collected, with a minimum of two and a maximum of five per animal. The semen was diluted with two commercial extenders, Optixcell® and Bioxcell®, at a temperature of 37° C. The samples were analyzed using the Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA)-Mot ISAS®v1 system and a reusable Spermtrack® counting chamber (20 μm). Results. Differences (p<0.05) were observed in sperm motility and kinematics, as well as sperm kinetic parameters, depending to the extender used. Bioxcell® showed higher progressive motility (64.03±2.01 %) compared to Optixcell®. Ejaculates diluted with Bioxcell® exhibited a more linear and progressive kinematic pattern than those diluted with Optixcell®, which had lower average velocity (VAP=106.67±0.24 µm s-1) and straightness index (STR=79.35±0.10). Age did not show differences in total motility, but progressive motility was higher in animals >48 months (62.27±1.87 %). An effect of sexual status was observed with higher linearity, velocity, and sperm oscillation during mating compared to sexual rest. Conclusion. Age, sexual status, and the extender used for semen preservation influenced the sperm quality of bovine ejaculates.

Abstract Introduction. The present work was carried out to evaluate segments of Cordia trichotoma in the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Agrarian Sciences Faculty of the National University of Asunción, Paraguay. Objective. To evaluate the survival of nodal segments of Cordia trichotoma (peterevy) cultivated in vitro. Materials and methods. 80 nodal segments were planted in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and MS+CA 2 ml.l-1 culture medium, distributed in experimental units consisting of 5 nodal segments per experimental unit, exposed to 4 treatments with 4 replicates each. A completely randomized experimental design was used and in order to determine the survival of the segments microbial contamination and phenolic oxidation were evaluated. Statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA with a 5% significance level and the Chi-square test for fidelity analysis. Results. A microbial contamination of up to 20% of nodal segments was recorded, while phenolic oxidation remained in a range of 40 to 45%, as the greatest limitation. Conclusion. 30 days after sowing, the survival of nodal segments was between 35 to 55%, it was verified that segments with shoots and indifferent sprouting segments were free of microbial contamination and phenolic oxidation, although no significant differences were found.

Resumen Introducción. El presente trabajo se llevó a cabo para evaluar segmentos de Cordia trichotoma en el Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay. Objetivo. Evaluar la sobrevivencia de segmentos nodales de Cordia trichotoma (peterevy) cultivados in vitro. Materiales y métodos. Fueron sembrados 80 segmentos nodales en medio Murashige y Skoog (MS) y medio de cultivo MS+CA 2 ml.l-1, distribuidos en unidades experimentales constituidas por 5 segmentos nodales por unidad experimental, expuestos a 4 tratamientos con 4 repeticiones cada uno. El diseño experimental utilizado fue completamente al azar y las variables evaluadas fueron la contaminación microbiana y oxidación fenólica para determinar la sobrevivencia de los segmentos. El análisis estadístico consistió en ANAVA con un nivel de significancia del 5% y la prueba de Chi cuadrado para el análisis de fidelidad. Resultados. Se registró una contaminación microbiana de hasta 20% de segmentos nodales, en tanto que la oxidación fenólica se mantuvo en un rango de 40 a 45%, como la mayor limitante. Conclusión. 30 días posteriores a la siembra, la sobrevivencia de los segmentos nodales fue entre 35 a 55%, se verificó que los segmentos con brotes y los segmentos indiferentes de brotación estaban libres de contaminación microbiana y oxidación fenólica, aunque no registraron diferencias estadísticas significativas.

Resumen: El experimento se realizó en el Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción, con el objetivo de evaluar dos tratamientos de desinfección de explantes para la micropropagación del banano (Musa spp.) variedad Nanicao. Se utilizaron 80 hijuelos de 30 - 40 cm de los cuales se extrajeron los ápices meristemáticos que fueron sembrados en medios MS (Murashige y Skoog 1962) con el agregado de 1 g.l-1 de carbón activado como antioxidante. Los tratamientos consistieron en dos concentraciones de NaClO (5 y 10 %) durante cinco minutos. El diseño experimental utilizado fue completamente al azar. Las variables evaluadas fueron: porcentaje de supervivencia, grado de oxidación y porcentaje de contaminación de plántulas. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos al análisis de varianza al 5 % de probabilidad de error. No se registraron diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos de desinfección aplicados relacionados a la sobrevivencia de explantes de banano cultivados in vitro, aunque existieron diferencias significativas con respecto al grado de oxidación y contaminación microbiana. Se logró una regeneración de 12,5% de los segmentos nodales de banano sembrados. En conclusión, al incrementar la concentración de hipoclorito de sodio, el porcentaje de explantes contaminados con hongos y bacterias fue menor, sin embargo, esto se tradujo en un incremento del grado de oxidación de explantes de Musa spp variedad Nanicao.

Abstract: The experiment was carried out in the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias of the Universidad Nacional de Asunción, with the objective of evaluating two explant disinfection treatments for the micropropagation of banana (Musa spp.) variety Nanicao. Eighty shoots of 30 - 40 cm were used, from which the meristematic apices were extracted and planted in MS media (Murashige and Skoog 1962) with the addition of 1 g.l-1 of activated carbon as an antioxidant. The treatments consisted of two concentrations of NaClO (5 and 10%) for five minutes. The experimental design used was completely randomized. The variables evaluated were: percentage of survival, degree of oxidation and percentage of contamination of seedlings. The data obtained were subjected to variance analysis at 5% probability of error. No significant differences were recorded between the applied disinfection treatments related to the survival of banana explants cultivated in vitro, although there were significant differences with respect to the degree of oxidation and microbial contamination. A regeneration of 12.5% of the planted banana nodal segments was achieved. In conclusion, by increasing the concentration of sodium hypochlorite, the percentage of explants contaminated with fungi and bacteria was lower, however, this translated into an increase in the degree of oxidation of Musa spp variety Nanicao.

ABSTRACT Global advances in reproductive biotechnology have allowed for the transfer of embryos from donor females with high genetic merit to recipients using the cryopreservation technique, which preserves an embryo of excellent quality and viability, thereby achieving a feasible pregnancy rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and viability of Holstein embryos that have been cryopreserved for more than 40 years under glycerol freezing. The embryos were transferred to the recipient heifers using a non-surgical method. Two 17-month-old Holstein heifers (360 kg live weights) which were clinically healthy and reproductively active were used as the recipients. Two bovine embryos of Grade 1 quality were thawed and evaluated for their morphology. Of the two embryo transfers, one pregnancy was achieved, resulting in the birth of a calf. Therefore, embryos frozen in liquid nitrogen and glycerol as a cryopreservative for more than 40 years maintained their quality and viability to produce a live calf.

RESUMO Os avanços globais em biotecnologia reprodutiva permitiram a transferência de embriões de fêmeas doadoras com alto mérito genético para receptoras, usando-se a técnica de criopreservação, que preserva um embrião de excelente qualidade e viabilidade, alcançando, assim, uma taxa de gravidez viável. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade e a viabilidade de embriões Holstein, criopreservados por mais de 40 anos, sob congelamento de glicerol. Os embriões foram transferidos para as novilhas receptoras, usando-se um método não cirúrgico. Duas novilhas Holstein de 17 meses de idade (360kg de peso vivo), que eram clinicamente saudáveis e reprodutivamente ativas, foram utilizadas como receptoras. Dois embriões bovinos de qualidade Grau 1 foram descongelados e avaliados quanto à sua morfologia. Das duas transferências embrionárias, uma gravidez foi obtida, resultando no nascimento de um bezerro. Portanto, os embriões congelados em nitrogênio líquido e glicerol como criopreservante por mais de 40 anos mantiveram sua qualidade e viabilidade para produzir um bezerro vivo.

Resumen Introducción. La reproducción asistida de animales tiene su origen en la domesticación de las especies ganaderas útiles al ser humano. Los consiguientes procesos de selección artificial permitieron desarrollar técnicas biotecnológicas que contribuyeron a la mejora de las capacidades de producción animal. Objetivo. Contextualizar el análisis seminal en la agricultura de precisión en el siglo XXI. Desarrollo. La visualización de espermatozoides en el microscopio puede considerarse como el primer paso en el advenimiento de la biotecnología de la reproducción y la base para el desarrollo de las técnicas de reproducción asistida. Con el perfeccionamiento de los métodos de microscopía, se logró caracterizar los gametos masculinos, lo que significó un avance significativo en la tecnología de inseminación artificial. El punto de inflexión marcado por el desarrollo de técnicas de conservación espermática, implicó un cambio sustantivo en el desarrollo de estas tecnologías en las especies ganaderas, ya sea con semen crio preservado o refrigerado. Estos métodos son de alto valor en el caso de especies amenazadas, dado que se pueden crear bancos de germoplasma con propósitos de conservación genética y rescate de especies en riesgo de extinción. El análisis seminal se ha desarrollado de forma paralela con las técnicas de reproducción asistida, al punto que hoy se considera como una técnica relevante en la biotecnología de la reproducción animal, que se ha perfeccionado mediante el avance de la ciencia y la tecnología, la física óptica y la computación. Conclusión. El análisis seminal ha tenido un cambio de paradigma al desechar técnicas obsoletas de evaluación subjetiva de la calidad seminal y adoptar métodos objetivos de evaluación del semen, mediante el análisis de grandes volúmenes de datos y variables de movilidad, cinéticas, morfométricas, morfológicas y fragmentación del ADN, que permiten caracterizar mejor los eyaculados de los reproductores en centros de inseminación artificial.

Abstract Introduction. Assisted reproduction of animals traces its origins in the domestication of livestock species useful to humans. The consequent artificial selection processes allowed the development of biotechnological techniques that contributed to the improvement of animal production capacities. Objective. To contextualize the seminal analysis in precision farming in the 21st century. Development. The visualization of spermatozoa under the microscope can be considered as the first step in the advent of reproductive biotechnology and the basis for the development of assisted reproductive techniques. With the improvement of microscopy methods, it was possible to characterize male gametes, which meant a significant advance in artificial insemination technology. The turning point marked by the development of sperm conservation techniques implied a substantive change in the development of these technologies in livestock species, either with cryopreserved or refrigerated semen. These methods are of high value in the case of threatened species since germplasm banks can be created for genetic conservation and rescue of species at risk of extinction. Semen analysis has been developed alongside with assisted reproduction techniques and today it is considered a relevant technique in animal reproduction biotechnology, which has been perfected through the advancement of science and technology, optical physics, and computing. Conclusion. Seminal analysis has undergone a paradigm shift by rejecting obsolete techniques of subjective evaluation of semen quality and adopting objective methods of semen evaluation, through the analysis of large volumes of data and motility, kinematics, morphometrics, morphological, and DNA fragmentation variables, which allow a better characterization of the ejaculates of breeders in artificial insemination centers.

ABSTRACT Pacas (Cuniculus paca) are highly hunted animals because of the flavor of their meat, and commercial breeding is recommended. However, this species has a relatively low reproductive rate. This study aimed to collect semen from pacas through electroejaculation and obtain the sperm parameters of this species for the first time. Seven male pacas were used, submitted to an anesthetic protocol before stimulation by an electroejaculator appropriate for the species. The stimulus protocol was performed in three series: series I, 10 stimuli with 1 and 2 V; series II, 10 stimuli with 3 and 4 V; and series III, 10 stimuli with 5 V and interval between series of 2 s. The collected material was evaluated for color, volume, motility, vigor, and concentration. The sperm parameters collected showed a mean volume of 0.43±0.33 mL, concentration of 45.5±42.44×106 sperm/mL, motility of 33.33±32.14%, and mean vigor of 2.6±1.15. In this study, the anesthetic protocol did not seem to favor semen collection by electroejaculation in the pacas. The electrical stimulation protocol was able to stimulate all animals in the study; however, there were few samples with sperm cells and a low rate of motility and vigor in most ejaculates.

RESUMO Pacas (Cuniculus paca) são animais altamente caçados devido ao sabor de sua carne, sendo a criação comercial delas, recomendada. Entretanto, é uma espécie com baixa taxa reprodutiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi efetuar coleta de sêmen em pacas por meio da eletroejaculação e da obtenção, pela primeira vez, dos parâmetros espermáticos dessa espécie. Foram utilizadas sete pacas machos, as quais, antes dos estímulos por eletroejaculador apropriado para a espécie, foram submetidas a protocolo anestésico. O protocolo de estímulo foi realizado em três séries: série I, 10 estímulos com 1 e 2V; série II, 10 estímulos com 3 e 4V; série III, 10 estímulos com 5V, e intervalo entre as séries de dois segundos. O material coletado foi avaliado quanto à cor, ao volume, à motilidade, ao vigor e à concentração. Os parâmetros espermáticos coletados demonstraram volume médio de 0,43±0,33mL, concentração de 45,5±42,44x106 espermatozoides/mL, motilidade de 33,33±32,14% e vigor médio de 2,6±1,15. Neste estudo, o protocolo anestésico parece não ter favorecido a coleta de sêmen por eletroejaculação em pacas. Entretanto, o protocolo de estímulos elétricos foi capaz de estimular todos os animais do estudo. Assim, chegou-se ao resultado de poucas amostras com a presença de células espermáticas, bem como baixo índice de motilidade e vigor na maioria dos ejaculados.

Pectis brevipedunculata is native species and widely available in dry and semi-arid ecosystems showing high biotechnological potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the circadian and seasonal chemical variation of the essential oil (EO) of P. brevipedunculata, as well as its acaricide effect on Rhipicephalus microplus larvae. Aerial parts were collected and submitted to the hydrodistillation process, and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the assays with R. microplus, the larval immersion test was performed. The main constituents were citral (75% of the EO), followed by α-pinene and limonene. In the seasonality analysis, the highest yields were in the months of April (2.08%) and August (2.05%), while in the study of circadian rhythm, the percentage was 2.0% at 6 p.m. in the rainy season, and 1.2%, dry season at 6 p.m. Concerning acaricidal activity (50% lethal concentration (LC50)), the April (1.17 mg mL-1), March (1.28 mg mL-1), June (1.37 mg mL-1), and October (1.27 mg mL-1) oils obtained were the most active and assays performed with circadian rhythm revealed in the rain season (April) at 6 p.m. and dry season (September) at 12 a.m. LC50 values of 1.75 and 1.75 mg mL-1, respectively. Additionally, this EO is selective to non-target organisms, i.e., ladybeetles and lacewing.