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

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 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.

Resumo Em ambientes aquáticos, a construção de barragens é considerada uma das principais ameaças para as espécies de peixes, atuando como filtro ambiental para determinados traços funcionais. Assim, embora exista certa previsibilidade na composição dos traços funcionais em reservatórios, é hipotetizado que os filtros ambientais impostos pelos processos evolutivos, ligados as características das bacias, são determinantes para a composição funcional dos traços nos reservatórios. Para isso realizamos uma PCoA utilizando a matriz de composição de traços funcionais dos reservatórios. Utilizamos a PERMANOVA para testar a diferença da composição funcional entre as bacias. Realizamos o mesmo processo para a matriz de composição de espécies para comparar os padrões. Foi possível observar que a bacia hidrográfica é um fator determinante para a estruturação funcional da assembleia de peixe em reservatórios. Quando comparadas, a estrutura funcional e taxonômica, ambas seguem o mesmo padrão, embora funcionalmente os ambientes tendem a ser mais semelhantes. Esses resultados reforçam a ideia de que reservatórios atuam como filtros para determinados traços funcionais (e.g., relacionados à reprodução, alimentação e uso de habitat), embora exista uma grande influência dos processos evolutivos ligados a característica da bacia e da origem da província ictiofaunística.

Abstract In aquatic environments, dams are considered one of the main threats to fish species, acting as an environmental filter for certain functional traits. Although there is some predictability in the composition of the functional traits in reservoirs, it is hypothesized that the environmental filters imposed by evolutionary processes, linked to the characteristics of the basins, are determinant for the functional composition of the traits in reservoirs. For this we performed a PCoA using the functional traits composition matrix of the reservoirs. We used PERMANOVA to test the difference in functional composition between basins. We performed the same process for the species composition matrix to compare the patterns. In this study, there were taxonomic and functional differences among reservoirs inserted in different basins. It was observed that the basin is a determining factor for the functional structure of fish assemblage in reservoirs. When compared, functional and taxonomic structures follow the same pattern, although functionally the reservoir tends to be more similar. These results reinforce the idea that reservoirs act as filters for functional traits (e.g., related with reproduction, feeding and habitat use), although there is a great influence of evolutionary processes related to the basin’s characteristics and origin of the ichthyofaunistic province.

Resumo Foram avaliadas a composição da dieta de duas espécies de Characideos (Knodus heteresthes e Moenkhausia lepidura) nos rios Teles Pires e Juruena, amostrados em setembro e outubro de 2016. Analisamos 226 estômagos de K. heteresthes e 425 de M. lepidura, sendo utilizados os métodos volumétrico e frequência de ocorrência, aplicando-se o índice de importância alimentar. Para a similaridade das dietas entre as espécies calculamos a sobreposição de nicho com índice de Pianka. Ambas as espécies no rio Juruena têm preferência alimentar por artrópodes (IAi > 0,95), no rio Teles Pires a dieta concentra-se em três fontes para ambas espécies: artrópodes (IAi > 0,52), vegetais (IAi > 0,33) e peixes (IAi > 0,12). A dieta é dissimilar quando comparados os ambientes (ANOSIM, R ≥ 0,57; p < 0,001), com alta sobreposição de nicho trófico (α > 0,97), independente do ambiente amostrado. No rio Teles Pires, ambas as espécies foram classificadas como onívoras com tendência insetívora e no rio Juruena ocorre o comportamento insetívoro.

Abstract The composition of the diet of two species of characids (Knodus heteresthes and Moenkhausia lepidura) was evaluated in the Teles Pires and Juruena Rivers, sampled in September and October 2016. We analyzed 226 stomachs of K. heteresthes and 425 of M. lepidura. The analysis of the stomach contents was based on volumetric and frequency of occurrence methods, applying the food importance index. For the similarity of the diets between the species we calculated the niche overlap with Pianka’s index. Both species in the Juruena River have a dietary preference for arthropods (IAi > 0.95). In the Teles Pires River the diet is concentrated in three sources for both species: arthropods (IAi > 0.52), vegetables (IAi > 0.33) and fish (IAi > 0.12). The diet was dissimilar when compared to environments (ANOSIM, R ≥ 0.57, p < 0.001) with high trophic niche overlap (α > 0.97), regardless of the sampled environment. In the Teles Pires River, both species were classified as omnivorous with an insectivorous tendency and in the Juruena River the insectivorous behaviour occurs.

Abstract Oslerus (Oslerus) brachyurus sp. nov. was collected from the mucosa of the inner surface of the trachea and bronchi of Chrysocyon brachyurus from the Atlantic forest area, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species is described based on morphological and metric analyses. Oslerus (Oslerus) brachyurus sp. nov. differs morphologically from the only species of the subgenus O. (Oslerus), O. (O.) osleri, for not possessing a cuticular collar or a protusible rostrum in anterior region, for having only one well developed excretory gland, not present circumoral lips and papillae, by having 3 pairs of vestigial rays of the bursa as small protuberances, by females being larger than the females of O. (O.) osleri, by the oesophagus of males and females of the O. (O.) brachyurus sp. nov. have larger ratio oesophagus length/total body length ratio than O. (O.) osleri, and the males of O. (O.) brachyurus sp. nov. have spicules larger and gubernaculum smaller than O. (O.) osleri. The new species described herein is the second species of the subgenus O. (Oslerus) and the first recorded and carefully analysed morphologically parasitizing C. brachyurus from Brazil.

Resumen Oslerus (Oslerus) brachyurus sp. nov. se recuperó de la mucosa de la superficie interna de la tráquea y los bronquios de Chrysocyon brachyurus del bosque Atlántico, en el estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. La especie nueva se describe con base en análisis morfológicos y métricos. Oslerus (Oslerus) brachyurus sp. nov. difiere morfológicamente de las única especie del subgénero O. (Oslerus), O. (O.) osleri por no tener un collar cuticular o un rostrum protusible en la región anterior, por tener solo una glándula excretora bien desarrollada, por no tener labios y papilas circumorales, por tener 3 pares de rayos vestigiales de la bolsa como pequeñas protuberancias, las hembras son más grandes que las O. (O.) osleri, por el esófago de machos y hembras de O. (O.) brachyurus sp. nov. que tienen una mayor proporción longitud del esófago/longitud corporal total de O. (O.) osleri, y los machos de O. (O.) brachyurus sp. nov. tienen espículas más grandes y el gubernaculum más pequeño que O. (O.) osleri. La nueva especie descrita en este documento es la segunda especie del subgénero O. (Oslerus) y la primera registrada y morfológicamente analizada cuidadosamente parasitando a C. brachyurus de Brasil.

Abstract Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compose the two major noncommunicable chronic inflammatory diseases. Physical activity has been shown as a promising complementary approach to control the systemic inflammation. However, it is still unclear whether this modulation is gender-dependent. The objective of this study was evaluate the gender-related influence of physical activity on the inflammatory response and biochemical profile of individuals with SAH and T2DM. An international physical activity questionnaire was applied to 376 individuals diagnosed with SAH and T2DM in order to access their exercises routine and was evaluated the influence of physical activity in biochemical, anthropometrical, and immunological markers involved in these disorders in men and women. Even though active individuals have exhibited lower serum levels of IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A, the ratios between IL-10 and all inflammatory cytokines were higher in men than in women. Physically active individuals also demonstrated increased HDL/LDL and HDL/VLDL ratios. Moreover, multiple correlations revealed that in active women both IL-10 and TNF-α serum levels positively correlate with fasting glucose levels, and were negatively associated with HDL levels. Our findings suggest that gender-related differences dictate a distinct crosstalk between inflammatory and biochemical markers in physically active individuals.

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative study between the properties of conventional asphalt and commercial polymer-modified asphalt. The influence on the mechanical properties of dense-graded asphalt mixtures made with these binders is studied. Asphalts are compared from conventional indices and dynamic properties obtained with a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The phase angle (δ) and dynamic modulus master curves |G*|, fatigue susceptibility with the LAS (Linear Amplitude Sweep) test and permanent deformation with the MSCR (Multiple Stress Creep Recovery) test are determined. The asphalt mixtures are dosed and compacted according to the Superpave method. The properties under study are moisture-induced damage and static creep. The results show positive effects of the polymer addition both on the analyzed properties of the asphalts and on the mixture, mainly in terms of elastic recovery and reduction of permanent deformation.

Resumen: El trabajo presenta un estudio comparativo entre las propiedades de un asfalto convencional y un asfalto comercial modificado por polímeros. Se estudia la influencia en las propiedades mecánicas de mezclas asfálticas densas confeccionadas con estos aglutinantes. Los asfaltos son comparados a partir de índices convencionales y propiedades dinámicas obtenidas con un reómetro dinámico de cortante (DSR). Son determinadas las curvas maestras de módulo dinámico |G*| y del ángulo de fase (δ), la susceptibilidad a la fatiga con el ensayo LAS (Linear Amplitude Sweep) y las deformaciones permanente con el ensayo MSCR (Multi Stage Creep Recovery). Las mezclas asfálticas son dosificadas y compactadas según la metodología SuperPave. Las propiedades estudiadas son: daño por humedad inducida y fluencia estática. Los resultados muestran efectos positivos de la adición del polímero tanto en las propiedades analizadas de los asfaltos como en la mezcla, fundamentalmente en la recuperación elástica y la reducción de deformaciones permanentes.

This is the first report by the COVID19 Observatory - Group: Contagion Networks analyzing mortality data from the city of São Paulo. In this report, we integrated mortality data for the city of São Paulo between 04/02/2020 and 04/28/2020, with information on the flow of victims between hospitals and cemeteries/crematoriums. We included in our analyzes both confirmed and suspected deaths from COVID-19. The main objectives of this report were: (1) to describe the structure of the flow of victims between locations and (2) to suggest changes in the current flow based on geographical distances in order to avoid a potential overload of the mortuary system. We suggest that the city of São Paulo should plan for a potential overload of the mortuary system (that is, the number of burials), based on the presented results. Thus, our results reinforce the need to adopt specific planning for the management of the extraordinary number of victims of this pandemic. Our predictions are based on the structural analysis of the COVID-19 victim flow network, which shows several hotspots with high vulnerability to system overload. These hotspots concentrate with either the greatest number of deaths (hospital) or of burials (cemetery or crematorium), and therefore have high potential to become overwhelmed by receiving many bodies due to the increase in victims of the pandemic. We recommend special attention to be given to localities on the east side of São Paulo, which has both the most vulnerable hospitals in the city, and also houses cemeteries and crematoriums that have a central role in the network and / or are vulnerable. Based on our optimization analysis, we suggest logistical changes in the current flow of bodies from hospitals to cemeteries/crematoriums so as not to overload the funeral system and minimize transportation costs. In this sense, our results are potentially useful for improving the operational planning of the Municipality of São Paulo, ratifying or rectifying actions underway at the municipal level.

Este é o primeiro relatório do Observatório COVID19 - Grupo: Redes de Contágio analisando os dados de óbitos da cidade de São Paulo. Neste relatório, integramos os dados de óbitos da cidade de São Paulo entre os dias 02/04/2020 e 28/04/2020 com informações sobre o fluxo de vítimas entre os hospitais e os cemitérios e crematórios da cidade de São Paulo. Incluímos em nossas análises óbitos confirmados e óbitos suspeitos de COVID-19. Os principais objetivos deste relatório são: (1) descrever a estrutura do fluxo de vítimas entre localidades e (2) sugerir mudanças no fluxo com base em distâncias geográficas de maneira a evitar uma potencial sobrecarga do sistema funerário.&nbsp;Sugere-se à prefeitura da cidade de São Paulo que seja realizado um planejamento para uma potencial sobrecarga do sistema funerário (isto é, número de sepultamentos) da cidade de São Paulo com base nos resultados apresentados. Desta forma, nossos resultados reforçam a necessidade de ser adotado planejamento específico para a gestão dos casos extraordinários visualizados no contexto da pandemia. Esta previsão está baseada na análise estrutural da rede de fluxos de vítimas da COVID-19, que indica a concentração de vários locais com alta vulnerabilidade à sobrecarga do sistema. Tais locais concentram a maior quantidade de óbitos (hospitais) ou a maior concentração de sepultamentos (cemitérios ou crematórios) e tem portanto alto potencial de tornarem-se sobrecarregados por receberem muitos corpos devido ao aumento de vítimas da pandemia. Recomenda-se especial atenção à localidades da zona leste de São Paulo, que apresenta os hospitais mais vulneráveis da cidade e abriga cemitérios e crematórios que possuem papel central na rede e/ou encontram-se vulneráveis. Com base em nossa análise de otimização, sugerimos mudanças logísticas no atual fluxo de corpos de hospitais para cemitérios/crematórios de modo a não sobrecarregar o sistema funerário e minimizar os custos de transporte. Neste sentido, nossos resultados são potencialmente úteis ao aperfeiçoamento do planejamento operacional da Prefeitura Municipal de São Paulo, ratificando ou retificando ações em curso no âmbito municipal.

Phytochemical investigation of Endopleura uchi led to the isolation of a gallic acid derivate, known as bergenin (2) and friedelin (1), a pentacyclic triterpene. The present work also reports the bergenin quantification in different Endopleura uchi bark, twig and leaves extracts. Our findings showed the highest bergenin concentration in bark methanol extracts (4.75%) and the lowest concentration in twig aqueous extracts (1.89%). Phenolics quantification by Folin-Ciocalteu, revealed phenolic compounds level values from 16.69 to 43.02 mg GAE g-1 dry extract. The ferric reducing antioxidant activity ranged from 230.43 to 567.89 mmol Fe+2 g-1 dry extract. DPPH IC50 free radicals showed to range from 12.04 to 24.20 μg mL-1. Leaves’ chloroform fraction exhibited the highest nitric oxide inhibiting activity bearing IC50= 3.2 μg mL-1. Results show this species to hold significant bergenin concentrations as well as phenolic and anti-inflammatory compounds in all extracts suggesting it bear therapeutic potential.

Abstract The Chapada das Mesas National Park is a federal reserve located in the State of Maranhão, in an ecotonal region of the Brazilian Northeast Cerrado. Aiming to assess the influence of biogeographic patterns and support restoration actions for regions where information is scarce, we analyzed the floristic composition of savanna and forest Cerrado physiognomies, the floristic relationships with other Brazilian Cerrado areas and investigated the floristic relationships between the Cerrado and the Amazon, and the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes. A total of 242 species in 181 genera and 64 families are recorded in our study. Fabaceae was the most representative family. We report 50 new records of species for Maranhão, four new records for the Cerrado biome and one vulnerable species. The separation of the gallery forest from cerradão and typical cerrado by ordination shows the influence of water availability and soil characteristics on floristic composition. In Cerrado ecotonal regions, such as Mato Grosso and Maranhão, the presence of species shared with the Amazon is expressive. In addition to the Amazon, physiognomies had greater floristic connection with the Caatinga flora. Our data demonstrates that the marginal areas of the Brazilian Cerrado may present high species diversity.