Abstract Objectives: To determine the cut-off point of the cochlear radiation dose as a risk factor for hearing loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma treated with radiosurgery. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed without language or publication year restrictions in the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS/VHL and Cochrane Library databases. Studies that met the following criteria were included: 1) population: adults of both sexes who underwent radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma treatment; 2) exposure: cochlear radiation; 3) outcome: hearing loss; 4) type of study: cohort. Two independent reviewers conducted the entire review process. The registration number in PROSPERO was CRD42020206128. Results: From the 333 articles identified in the searches, seven were included after applying the eligibility criteria. There was no standardization as to how to measure exposure or outcome in the included studies, and most studies did not present sufficient data to enable meta-analysis. Conclusion: It was not possible to determine a cut-off point for high cochlear dose that could be considered a risk factor for hearing loss.

Abstract Experimental models that consider host-pathogen interactions are relevant for improving knowledge about oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to assess the epithelial immune responses, Candida penetration of cell monolayers, and virulence during mixed species culture infections. Single species cultures of Candida albicans and mixed cultures (C. albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sanguinis) were used to infect monolayers of HaCaT and FaDu ATCC HTB-43 cells for 12 h. After infection, IL-18 and IL-34 gene expression was measured to assess epithelial cell immune responses, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured as an indicator of cell damage. Microscopy determined C. albicans morphology and penetration of fungal cells through the keratinocyte monolayer. Monolayers devoid of infection served as controls. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA one-way test followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (α = 0.05). The results found that IL-18 and IL-34 gene expression and LDH activity were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated for both cell lines exposed to mixed species cultures compared with C. albicans alone. Candida albicans yeast and hyphae were evident in C. albicans only infections. In contrast, monolayers infected by C. albicans, S. mutans, and S. sanguinis exhibited higher microbial invasion with several hyphal aggregates detected. The presence of streptococci in C. albicans infection enhances the virulence and pathogenicity of the fungus with associated increased immune responses and tissue damage. Extrapolation of these findings to oral infection would indicate the added potential benefit of managing bacterial components of biofilms during treatment.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta epithelial imune, a colonização da Candida albicans em monocamadas celulares e sua virulência em resposta a infecções de culturas de biofilme multiespécie. Culturas de biofilme monoespécie de C. albicans e culturas mistas (C. albicans, Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus sanguinis) foram utilizadas para infectar monocamadas de células HaCaT e FaDu por 12 h. Após a infecção, a expressão dos genes IL-18 e IL-34 foi medida para avaliar as respostas imunes das células epiteliais. A atividade da lactato desidrogenase (LDH) foi medida como um indicador de dano celular. A microscopia determinou a morfologia de C. albicans e a penetração das células fúngicas através da monocamada de queratinócitos. Monocamadas em que não houve infecção serviram como controles. Os dados foram analisados por um teste ANOVA one-way seguido pelo teste post-hoc de Tukey (α = 0,05). Os resultados demonstraram que a expressão gênica de IL-18 e IL-34 e a atividade de LDH foram (p < 0,05) reguladas positivamente para ambas as linhagens de células expostas a culturas de espécies mistas em comparação com C. albicans isoladamente. Leveduras de C.albicans e hifas foram evidentes em infecções apenas por C. albicans. Entretanto, monocamadas infectadas por C. albicans, S. mutans e S. sanguinis exibiram maior invasão microbiana com vários agregados de hifas detectados. Dessa maneira, a presença de estreptococos na infecção por C. albicans aumentou a virulência e a patogenicidade do fungo com respostas imunes aumentadas associadas a danos nos tecidos. A extrapolação desses achados para a infecção oral indicaria o potencial benéfico do controle dos componentes bacterianos em biofilmes durante a terapia da candidíase

Mari-mari (Cassia leiandra Benth.) is an Amazonian native fruit that is highly appreciated in the northern region of Brazil, but there are few studies regarding its chemical composition and/or biological properties. A phytochemical study was conducted on the extracts of the pulp, peel and seeds; and their antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial potential were also determined. Methanol and acetone extracts from different fruit parts were subjected to total phenolic, 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and FeIII reducing capacity (FRAP) assays. From the peel extracts, the engeletin and astilbin could also be isolated and characterized based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. A quantification using ultra-fast liquid chromatography of acetone dry crude extracts (DCE) of the peel showed that engeletin was the main compound (532.77 mg g-1 DCE). Astilbin content was also determined (131.53 mg g-1 DCE). The antibacterial and antiproliferative activities were evaluated and the methanol extract of the peel showed higher growth inhibition activity against all tested bacteria. Engeletin showed a relevant antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Acetone and methanol peel extracts exhibited a relevant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7), with no toxicity to the normal cell line (NIH/3T3).

ABSTRACT The genus Desmanthus presents wide ecogeographical distribution and complex taxonomy. Desmanthus pernambucanus (L.) Thellung, popularly known in Brazil as Jureminha, is a leguminous species native to the Northeast region of Brazil, which stands out by its high protein content, resistance to droughts, and by presenting no toxicity to animals. The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity of 15 progenies from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO; Australia), through germplasm exchange for enrichment of the Desmanthus genebank of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, in Nossa Senhora das Dores, SE, Brazil. Fifteen ISSR markers were used, from which 8 were selected. The progenies identified as 242, 245, 246, 255, and 268 were the most genetically distant, and the most recommended to be introduced to the genebank.

RESUMO O gênero Desmanthus apresenta ampla distribuição ecogeográfica e complexa taxonomia. O Desmanthus pernambucanus (L.) Thellung, popularmente conhecido como Jureminha, é uma leguminosa nativa do Nordeste brasileiro, que se destaca pelo elevado teor de proteína, resistência à seca e por não apresentar toxicidade aos animais. O trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a diversidade genética de 15 progênies oriundas do CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Austrália), através de intercâmbio de germoplasma, para o enriquecimento do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de Desmanthus da Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros (BAG), em Nossa Senhora das Dores, SE, Brasil. Foram utilizados 15 marcadores ISSR, dos quais oito foram selecionados. As progênies identificadas como 242, 245, 246, 255 e 268 foram as mais distantes geneticamente, e as mais indicadas para serem introduzidas no BAG.

Abstract Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.

Abstract Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] is a crop fruit native to the USA and Mexico currently cultivated in several countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, China, South Africa, and Australia. Supported by the increasing consumption and market prices, the interest in the cultivation of this fruit crop is strongly growing around the world. In this study, AFLP and S-SAP markers were employed to characterize the genetic diversity of ancient accessions of pecan from southern Brazil. The evaluated plants were selected and preserved by the farmers and are remnants of the first introduction of seedlings from the U.S.A into southern Brazil aiming at developing research towards establishing commercial orchards. High levels of genetic diversity were estimated, suggesting that these plants have an important genetic background for the establishment of a germplasm collection with a wide genetic basis, for the development of breeding programs for this fruit crop. Cluster analysis of the genetic datasets revealed some correlation between the nuts’ morphometric traits and genetic markers. Such correlation should be further exploited. These ancient genotypes must be evaluated for other agronomic traits of interest and included in core collections of pecans. Carya Wangenh. Wangenh (Wangenh. K Koch countries Uruguay Argentina Chile Peru China Africa Australia prices world study SSAP S SAP U A orchards estimated basis nuts exploited pecans (Wangenh

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate a food frequency questionnaire used to assess food consumption among adults in a Brazilian cohort. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted on 100 adults. Food intake was assessed by the food frequency questionnaire and by two 24-hour recalls. Validation was performed for nutrients (n=19) and food groups (n=21). Results: Moderate deattenuated Pearson’s correlation coefficients (>0.4) were observed for the consumption of dairy products, breads and crackers, rice, pasta and tubers, leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fats, sweetened drinks, sandwiches and savory snacks, and nuts, and for the following nutrients (deattenuated and adjusted for energy intake): fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, B2, and C. Based on almost all food groups and nutrients assessed, ≥70% of the individuals were classified into the same or adjacent quartile for both methods, except for red and pork meat, snacks, nuts, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin B3. The food groups and nutrients with fair kappa agreement (>0.2) were: dairy products, other vegetables, sweetened drinks, breakfast cereals, energy, carbohydrate, iron, and vitamin A. Conclusion: The food frequency questionnaire has proven useful for estimating the intake of some nutrients and food groups of the subjects evaluated. Only the intake of red and pork meat, snacks, nuts, vitamin B3, phosphorus and potassium were estimated with less accuracy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar um questionário de frequência alimentar para avaliar o consumo alimentar de adultos em uma coorte brasileira. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 100 adultos. A ingestão alimentar foi avaliada pelo questionário de frequência alimentar e por dois recordatórios de 24 horas. A validação foi realizada para nutrientes (n=19) e grupos de alimentos (n=21). Resultados: Coeficientes de correlação de Pearson deatenuados moderados (>0,4) foram observados para o consumo de laticínios, pães e biscoitos, arroz, macarrão e tubérculos, vegetais folhosos, outros vegetais, gorduras, bebidas adoçadas, sanduíches e salgadinhos, e nozes, e para os seguintes nutrientes (deatenuados e ajustados para ingestão de energia): fibra, cálcio e vitaminas A, B2 e C. Com base em quase todos os grupos de alimentos e nutrientes avaliados, ≥70% dos indivíduos foram classificados no mesmo quartil ou quartil adjacente para ambos os métodos, exceto para carnes vermelhas e suínas, salgadinhos, nozes, fósforo, potássio e vitamina B3. Os grupos de alimentos e nutrientes com concordância kappa justa (>0,2) foram: laticínios, outras verduras, bebidas açucaradas, cereais matinais, energia, carboidratos, ferro e vitamina A. Conclusão: O questionário de frequência alimentar mostrou-se útil para estimar a ingestão de alguns nutrientes e grupos de alimentos dos sujeitos avaliados. Apenas o consumo de carnes vermelhas e suínas, salgadinhos, nozes, vitamina B3, fósforo e potássio foi estimado com menor precisão.

L-Arginine and chronic exercise reduce oxidative stress. However, it is unclear how they affect cardiomyocytes during cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. The aim of this research was to investigate the possible effects of L-arginine supplementation and aerobic training on systemic oxidative stress and their consequences on cardiomyocytes during cardiometabolic disease onset caused by excess fructose. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control (C), fructose (F, 10% fructose in water), fructose training (FT; moderate running, 50-70% of the maximal velocity), and fructose arginine (FA; 880 mg/kg/day). Fructose was given for two weeks and fructose plus treatments for the subsequent eight weeks. Body composition, blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, nitrite, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, left ventricle histological changes, microRNA-126, -195, and -146, eNOS, p-eNOS, and TNF-α expressions were analyzed. Higher abdominal fat mass, triacylglycerol level, and insulin level were observed in the F group, and both treatments reversed these alterations. Myocardial vascularization was impaired in fructose-fed groups, except in FT. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in all fructose-fed groups. TNF-α levels were higher in fructose-fed groups than in the C group, and p-eNOS levels were higher in the FA than in the C and F groups. Lipid peroxidation was higher in the F group than in the FT and C groups. During CVD onset, moderate aerobic exercise reduced lipid peroxidation, and both training and L-arginine prevented metabolic changes caused by excessive fructose. Myocardial vascularization was impaired by fructose, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy appeared to be influenced by pro-inflammatory and oxidative environments.

Abstract The indiscriminate use of allopathic drugs has selected resistant bacterial and fungal populations which represents a severe public health problem worldwide. On the other hand, plants are in a prominent position due to the capability to synthesize structurally complex bioactive metabolites that can be an alternative to resistant microorganisms’ control. In this work, we evaluated the chemical composition and the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of the fractionated extract of C. savannarum in ethyl acetate. The extract of C. savannarum was divided into 12 fractions that were submitted to phytochemical screening, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH), and hemolytic activity of sheep erythrocytes assays. During the investigation, all extract fractions presented alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds in qualitative analyses, while in the quantitative evaluation, we observed the presence of both phenols and flavonoids in these fractions. Among the fraction, the highest phenolic content was observed in the Cs23-24 fraction (2.480 mg EAG/g), while the Cs31-34 fractions presented the highest amount of flavonoid (182.25 μg EQ/100 mg). Nine of the 12 fractions of the moss species’ extract showed antimicrobial action Against Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis; Gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and also antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida glabata. The cytotoxic assay demonstrated that the tested fractions did not induce hemolysis at concentrations 10 and 100(µG/ML). In the antioxidant evaluation, the Cs55-69 fractions were the ones that presented the highest scavenging activity (57, 0%) followed by the Cs45-54 fraction (42.7%). Overall, the evaluation of the biological potential of the fractionated extracts of Campylopus savannarum showed promising data, in the search for natural antimicrobial compounds.

Resumo O uso indiscriminado de drogas alopáticas tem selecionado populações bacterianas e fúngicas resistentes, o que representa um grave problema de saúde pública mundial. Por outro lado, as plantas ocupam posição de destaque devido à capacidade de sintetizar metabólitos bioativos estruturalmente complexos que podem ser uma alternativa ao controle de microrganismos resistentes. Neste trabalho, avaliamos a composição química e o potencial antimicrobiano, antioxidante e citotóxico do extrato fracionado de C. savannarum em acetato de etila. O extrato de C. savannarum foi dividido em 12 frações que foram submetidas aos ensaios de triagem fitoquímica, concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), redução de 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazina (DPPH) e atividade hemolítica de eritrócitos de ovinos. Durante a investigação, todas as frações do extrato apresentaram alcalóides, triterpenóides, esteróides e compostos fenólicos nas análises qualitativas, enquanto na avaliação quantitativa, observou-se a presença de fenóis e flavonoides nessas frações. Dentre as frações, o maior teor de fenólicos foi observado na fração Cs23-24 (2,480 mg EAG/g), enquanto as frações Cs31-34 apresentaram a maior quantidade de flavonoides (182,25 μg EQ/100 mg). Nove das 12 frações do extrato da espécie de musgo apresentaram ação antimicrobiana contra bactérias Gram-positivas: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis; Bactérias Gram-negativas: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; e também atividade antifúngica contra Candida albicans e Candida glabata. O ensaio citotóxico demonstrou que as frações testadas não induziram hemólise nas concentrações 10 e 100(µG/ML). Na avaliação antioxidante, as frações Cs55-69 foram as que apresentaram maior atividade seqüestradora (57,0%) seguida da fração Cs45-54 (42,7%). No geral, a avaliação do potencial biológico dos extratos fracionados de Campylopus savannarum mostrou dados promissores, na busca de compostos antimicrobianos naturais.

The antifungal potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by actinobacterial strains Streptomyces sp. (ACTB-77) and Amycolatopsis sp. (ACTB-290) from the rhizosphere of Caatinga plants against Colletotrichum musae was investigated. VOCs produced by these microorganisms (axenic and co-culture) were investigated using headspace-solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Although no exclusive VOC peaks were observed in the co-culture with ACTB-77, the same experiment involving ACTB-290 yielded five new peaks, including two identified alcohols, suggested as bioreductive products of the corresponding ketones by the fungus. Statistical analysis revealed that co-culture ACTB-77/C. musae has a closer similarity to the fungus than to the actinobacteria, while the co culture ACTB-290/C. musae showed closer similarity to the actinobacteria. These confirmed the more pronounced antifungal activity of the ACTB-290 strain, as observed in the fungus growth inhibition experiments. The antifungal activity of ACTB-290 was associated to its sulfur-containing metabolites, while linalool was suggested as responsible for the ACTB-77 activity.

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi green fruits essential oil (EO) was evaluated regarding its phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and toxicity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was applied to identify its constituents, thereafter the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations, and its antibiofilm activity were evaluated. The EO cytotoxicity was assessed in tumor and non-tumor human cells, and in vivo toxicity was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model. The major constituents of S. terebinthifolia EO were alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene. The EO had a weak activity against all strains of Candida albicans (MIC 1000μg/mL) and had no activity against non-albicans strains, bacteria, and C. albicans biofilm. Cytostatic activity against all tumor cell lines was shown. Additionally, cell viability remained at EO concentrations up to 62.5 μg/mL. At 16 mg/mL, 50% hemolysis was observed, and it had low toxicity in vivo. Overall, the S. terebinthifolia EO was characterized by low antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, with no evidence of toxicity to human tumor and non-tumor cells.

Abstract Several factors contribute to the resistance of some pathogenic microorganisms and this fact requires the search for new therapeutic alternatives. The genus Cyperus (family Cyperaceae) groups species that present chemical compounds of pharmacological interest, mainly with antimicrobial action. Thus, the present work was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial activities, antioxidants and the phytochemical profile of Cyperus articulatus L. and Cyperus iria L. Hydroalcoholic extracts (1:1, v:v) of the aerial and underground parts of these species were used to analyze the total phenol content and to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity against the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The ethyl acetate and chloroform phases resulting from liquid-liquid partitioning of C. articulatus and C. iria extracts were evaluated in antimicrobial assays and subject to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) analysis. The chromatograms obtained by HPLC-DAD allowed us to identify four compounds: chlorogenic acid, catechin, quercetin, and quercitrin. The hydroalcoholic extracts of C. articulatus and C. iria showed a weak antioxidant activity with IC50 of 395.57 and 321.33 μg/mL (aerial parts), and 1,114.01 and 436.82 μg/mL (underground parts), respectively. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the chloroform phase of C. iria showed the best result at the concentration of only 31.2 µg/mL against the pathogens Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. The ethyl acetate phases of the aerial parts of C. articulatus and C. iria did not show antimicrobial activity.

Resumo Neste estudo levantamos e analisamos 300 projetos relacionados à biodiversidade marinha financiados pela FAPESP entre 1972 a 2021, dos quais 46 foram realizados no Programa BIOTA. De um projeto único na década de 1970, o número foi aumentando gradativamente até 2009, quando o BIOTA promoveu uma chamada sobre biodiversidade marinha, o que impulsionou o número de projetos financiados nos anos seguintes. A abrangência geográfica dos projetos se expandiu ao longo dos anos e, a partir de estudos baseados no litoral do Estado de São Paulo, o foco gradualmente se deslocou para áreas mais amplas da costa brasileira, depois para outras áreas do Atlântico, e acabou se tornando global. A maioria dos projetos se concentrou em organismos costeiros, bentônicos, em substrato consolidado. Em termos de táxons, seis grupos responderam por cerca de 60% dos projetos (Crustacea, Actinopterygii, Mollusca, Chondrichthyes, Cnidaria e Rhodophyta), mas observa-se um aumento no número de grupos estudados ao longo das décadas. Os 300 projetos referem-se a um conjunto de 82 temas diferentes, dos quais os cinco principais são taxonomia, filogenia, comunidade, “ômicas” e poluição. As análises mostram um esforço de longa data em pesquisas de biodiversidade marinha, com abordagens atualizadas em relação ao escopo e métodos. A pesquisa em áreas estratégicas é discutida, incluindo os estudos sobre a microbiota marinha e em águas profundas. As mudanças climáticas e a crescente pressão da atividade humana sobre o oceano, incluindo poluição, acidificação e espécies invasoras, estão entre os principais desafios para o futuro. Projetos de produção e uso de dados de pesquisa básica de forma integrada e transdisciplinar oferecem múltiplas perspectivas de compreensão das mudanças no funcionamento dos ecossistemas e, consequentemente, são essenciais para subsidiar políticas públicas de conservação e uso sustentável da biodiversidade marinha em diferentes escalas. A Década do Oceano da UNESCO (a partir de 2021) é uma janela de oportunidade para fortalecer a pesquisa marinha, promover a colaboração nacional e internacional, construir redes envolvendo os setores público e privado, mas principalmente para chamar a atenção da sociedade para a importância de conhecer os ambientes marinhos e utilizar os recursos oceânicos de forma sustentável. O avanço da “alfabetização” oceânica é um dos principais legados para as gerações futuras promovidos por programas integrados de pesquisa como o BIOTA-FAPESP.

Abstract In this study we survey and analyze 300 projects related to marine biodiversity funded by FAPESP from 1972 to 2021, of which 46 were nested in the BIOTA Program. From a unique project in the 1970’s, the number gradually increased until 2009, when BIOTA promoted a call on marine biodiversity, which led to a boost in the number of funded projects in the subsequent years. The geographical range of the projects expanded over the years and, from studies based on the coast of São Paulo State, the focus gradually shifted to broader areas of the Brazilian coast, then to other areas of the Atlantic, and eventually became global. The majority of projects focused on coastal benthic organisms living on hard-bottom. In terms of taxa, six groups accounted for about 60% of the projects (viz. Crustacea, Actinopterygii, Mollusca, Chondrichthyes, Cnidaria, and Rhodophyta), but it is observed an increase in the number of groups studied over the decades. The 300 projects refer to a set of 82 different topics, of which the top five are taxonomy, phylogeny, community, “omics”, and pollution. The analyses show a long-standing effort in marine biodiversity surveys, with ongoing updated approaches regarding scope and methods. Research on strategic areas is discussed, including deep-sea and marine microbiota. Climate change and the increasing pressure of human activity on the ocean, including pollution, acidification and invasive species, are among the main challenges for the future. Projects producing and using basic research data in an integrative and transdisciplinary way offer multiple perspectives in understanding changes in ecosystem functioning and, consequently, are essential to support public policies for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity at different scales. UNESCO’s Decade of Ocean (starting 2021) is a window of opportunity to strengthen marine research, to promote national and international collaboration, to build up networks involving the public and private sector, but particularly to draw society’s attention to the importance of knowing marine environments and using ocean resources in a sustainable way. The advancement of ocean literacy is one of the main legacies for future generations promoted by integrated research programs such as BIOTA-FAPESP.

Abstract Background Populations of yam dry rot nematodes Scutellonema bradys, Pratylenchus coffeae and P. brachyurus can be sustained on weed hosts. Objective Evaluate the reaction of 10 weeds frequently found in Alagoas to P. coffeae under greenhouse conditions. Methods Two experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design, with 11 treatments, constituted of 10 weed species and the control (Dioscorea cayenensis) with eight replications. Plants were inoculated with 2,000 nematode specimens, nematode populations were evaluated in roots and soil 60 days after inoculation and the reproduction factor (RF) defined as RF = final population/initial population was calculated. Results Euphorbia hyssopifolia showed RF=0 and was considered as non-host, whereas Chenopodium album, Amaranthus sp., Panicum maximum, Eleusine indica, Senna occidentalis, Emilia coccinea and Richardia brasiliensis, showed RF<1, being rated as poor hosts. Ricinus communis and Macroptilium lathyroides showed RF>1 only in the second trial and were classified as good hosts. Conclusion Ricinus communis and M. lathyroides are potential sources of nematode inoculum for dry rot disease development.