The aim of the current study was the valorization of hesperidin, the dominant flavonoid in citrus processing waste, by microwave-assisted synthesis of hesperidin-Mg complex, improving its antioxidant activity and insecticidal potential. Here we show, for the first time, that microwave-assisted synthesis of [Mg(hesp)2(phen)]OAc (1) (hesp: hesperidin, phen: phenanthroline) improve the reaction rate and yield. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments proved to be powerful tools for the identification of three isomers in metal complexes. Moreover, we explore the insecticidal potential of 1 and [Mg(phen)2(Isov)]OAc (2) (Isov : isovanillic acid) complexes against three insects. Complex 1 killed 80% of adults whitefly at 0.14 μmol L-1, and 2 76% at 0.36 μmol L-1. There was a total mortality of Spodoptera frugiperda with 2 at 0.39 μmol L-1, and 83% with 1 at 0.14 μmol L-1. Both have similar activity, and represent a novel group of insecticide for Bemisia tabaci and S. frugiperda; nevertheless, the benefits of both as Myzus persicae repellent require further evaluation.

Abstract Biological invasion is a major threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem services. We examined the functional traits similarity between a set of native and non-native invasive tree species from the Southern Brazilian subtropical mixed forest, part of an important global hotspot for biodiversity conservation. We hypothesized that invasive species occupy marginal niche spaces. We ordered the species using the Principal Component Analysis based on their wood density, leaf area, and specific leaf area. These are all important traits that summarize essential ecological strategies associated with resource acquisition and conservation. Functional overlaps between non-native and native species were analyzed through kernel density estimation of continuous traits data. While native and non-native invasive species were distributed along the same functional gradients, the position of non-native species in the functional space is species and traits specific. We concluded that within Brazilian subtropical mixed forests, the functional dissimilarity as a key factor in invasion success could not be generalized for all species and traits.

The acute effect of crude extract, n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of Musa x paradisiaca L., Musaceae, leaves on glycemia, serum insulin secretion and glycogen content in an in vivo approach was evaluated. In addition, the in vitro effect on disaccharidases activity and albumin glycation was studied. The crude extract and fractions, n-butanol and aqueous residual, reduced glycemia and increased liver glycogen content in hyperglycemic rats, inhibited maltase activity and the formation of advanced glycation end-products in vitro. Also, a significant increase in insulin secretion and muscle glycogen content in hyperglycemic rats was observed with oral administration of the n-butanol fraction. Phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of rutin in crude extract and fractions of M. x paradisiaca leaves as the major compound. These beneficial effects on the regulation of glucose homeostasis observed for M. x paradisiaca leaves and the presence of rutin as the major compound indicate potential anti-diabetic properties, since previous studies have been reported that rutin can modulate glucose homeostasis.

A fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos é estruturada por fatores físicos e químicos que determinam os microhábitats, incluindo a disponibilidade de alimento, a existência de refúgios contra predadores e tempestades, o sucesso reprodutivo e outros parâmetros biológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a distribuição espaço-temporal da comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos na bacia do rio Macaé, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. De acordo com o Habitat Assessment Field Data Sheet - High Gradient Streams (Barbour et al., 1999), os cinco locais coletados são considerados como referência para propósito de biomonitoramento. Apesar das diferenças em parâmetros hidrográficos (largura, profundidade e vazão médias), os parâmetros físico-químicos e a composição dos grupos de alimentação funcional foram similares entre os locais, com exceção da área mais preservada, onde a porcentagem de organismos cortadores foi maior. De acordo com a Análise de Correspondência, há uma clara distinção entre áreas de remanso e de correnteza. De fato, o substrato folhiço de correnteza apresentou a fauna mais rica e abundante, enquanto o substrato folhiço de fundo apresentou o maior número de táxons exclusivos. A Análise de Agrupamento considerando os dados dos locais de coleta indicou que a variação temporal foi o fator mais importante na estruturação das comunidades nos hábitats estudados.

Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages are structured according to physical and chemical parameters that define microhabitats, including food supply, shelter to escape predators, and other biological parameters that influence reproductive success. The aim of this study is to investigate spatial and temporal distribution of macroinvertebrate assemblages at the Macaé river basin, in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil. According to the "Habitat Assessment Field Data Sheet - High Gradient Streams" (Barbour et al., 1999), the five sampling sites are considered as a reference condition. Despite the differences in hydrological parameters (mean width, depth and discharge) among sites, the physicochemical parameters and functional feeding groups' general structure were similar, except for the less impacted area, which showed more shredders. According to the Detrended Correspondence Analysis based on substrates, there is a clear distinction between pool and riffle assemblages. In fact, the riffle litter substrate had higher taxa in terms of richness and abundance, but the pool litter substrate had the greatest number of exclusive taxa. A Cluster Analysis based on sampling sites data showed that temporal variation was the main factor in structuring macroinvertebrate assemblages in the studied habitats.

A diversidade e a preferência de insetos aquáticos por habitats foram estudadas no gradiente longitudinal da bacia do Rio Macaé no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram selecionados trechos de rio correspondentes a 1ª, 2ª, 4ª, 5ª e 6ª ordens. Foram amostrados três períodos, abril, julho e outubro, representando o final da estação chuvosa, a estação seca e o começo da outra estação chuvosa, respectivamente. Um total de 46.431 espécimes de insetos aquáticos foram obtidos. Em cada mês, quatro amostras foram coletadas utilizando um amostrador do tipo Surber para cada substrato: areia, folhas depositadas em áreas de remanso, folhas em áreas de corredeiras e pedras. O padrão geral observado quanto às medidas de diversidade, considerando o número de gêneros ou famílias, indicou que todas as ordens de insetos aquáticos apresentaram seus maiores valores no trecho de 2ª ordem, exceto para Ephemeroptera, que foi registrado em 4ª ordem. No entanto, quando considerou-se uma menor resolução taxonômica (morfo-espécies), o pico de diversidade ocorreu em 4ª ordem. A maior riqueza e abundância ocorreram durante o período de seca. Quanto à preferência por habitat, os folhiços de fundo e de correnteza, em particular, foram os que apresentaram os maiores valores de riqueza.

Diversity and habitat preference of macroinvertebrates were studied in Macaé River basin, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, along its longitudinal gradient. We selected stream reaches corresponding to 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th orders. A Surber sampler was used to collect four macroinvertebrates samples of each substrate (sand, litter in pool areas, stones, and litter in riffle areas) during the three sampling periods, defined based on the rain regime: April (end of the rainy season), July (dry season), and October (beginning of the rainy season). We identified 46,431 specimens corresponding to 117 taxa. Analysis of diversity numbers (both for family or genus level) indicated that all insect taxonomic orders had higher numbers on 2nd order stream reach, except for Ephemeroptera, on 4th order. However when considering morph-species taxonomic level, the higher diversity number occurred on 4th order stream. The highest richness and diversity numbers were found at the dry season. Considering habitat preference, both litter in pool areas and litter in riffle areas had the highest faunal richness.

A distribuição e a abundância de insetos aquáticos foram estudadas no gradiente longitudinal na bacia do rio Macaé, um rio costeiro da Mata Atlântica no Sudeste do Brasil. As estações amostrais foram selecionadas em trechos de 1ª, 2ª, 4ª, 5ª e 6ª ordens de rios. As amostragens foram realizadas em abril, julho e outubtro de 1995, representando o final da estação chuvosa, o período de seca e o começo de outra estação chuvosa, respectivamente. A cada mês, três amostras foram coletadas utilizando um amostrador do tipo Surber, para cada um dos seguintes substratos: areia, folhiço depositado em áreas de poções, folhiço em áreas de corredeiras e pedras. Foram coligidos um total de 46.431 espécimes de insetos aquáticos pertecentes a dez ordens. Os dados foram analisados por metodologias multivariadas de Análise de Correspondência (Aco) e Análise de Agrupamento (UPGMA), utilizando o índice de similaridade de Morisita, para os três meses. Ambos os testes mostraram uma significativa quebra no padrão de organização da fauna, os quais podem ser divididos em duas seções: trecho superior, da 1ª à 4ª ordem, e seção inferior, que inclui as 5ª e 6ª ordens. Os mesmos resultados foram obtidos com as matrizes de presença e ausência, utilizando o índice de similaridade de Jaccard, mostrando que as mudanças não eram apenas devido a diferenças quantitativas. O teste de Mantel, utilizado para comparar a composição da fauna temporalmente, não indicou diferenças entre os três meses amostrais. Além disso, a Análise de Correspondência Canônica (ACC) foi aplicada a fim de verificar como 14 variáveis físico-químicas poderiam explicar a variação da comunidade. As variáveis mais significativas foram condutividade, CPOM e pH, para o trecho superior (1ª à 4ª ordem), e alcalinidade, FPOM e HCO3 para o inferior (5ª e 6ª ordens).

The distribution and abundance of aquatic insects were studied in the longitudinal gradient of the watershed of Macaé River, a coastal Atlantic Forest river in South-eastern Brazil. Sampling stations were selected in the first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth orders and sampled in April, July, and October 1995. This represented the end of the rainy season, the dry season, and the beginning of another rainy season, respectively. In each month four samples were collected using a Surber sampler from each of the following substrates: sand, litter deposited in pool areas, litter in riffle areas, and stones. A total of 46,431 specimens of aquatic insects belonging to ten orders were obtained. The data were analyzed by the multivariate methodologies of Correspondence Analysis (CA) and Cluster Analysis (UPGMA) using the similarity index of Morisita, for all three months. Both showed a significant faunal disrupture in the river, which can be divided in two sections: the upper one, from first to fourth orders, and the lower section, including fifth and sixth orders. The same results were obtained with presence-absence matrices, using Jaccard similarity index, showing that the changes are not only due to quantitative differences. A Mantel test was used to compare the assemblage composition temporally and no difference was detected between the three months. Moreover, a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was applied to the data to check which of the 14 physical and chemical variables significantly explained macroinvertebrate community variation. The most significant variables were conductivity, CPOM, and pH for the upper stations (1st, 2nd and 4th orders), and alkalinity, FPOM, and HCO3 for the lower stations (5th and 6th orders).