ABSTRACT: The current production of major crops, such as Glycine max L., has become increasingly adept on the use of bio-inputs, such as application of plant growth-promoting inocula. However, the evaluation of the potential of bacterial isolates from soils with different time histories of agricultural use are still scarce, and methods for isolation and testing of multifunctional microorganisms need to be continuously innovated and improved. Thus, we used G. max bait plants to attract rhizobacteria from soils obtained from three areas with different time histories of soybean cultivation. We evaluated the influence of the management and characteristics of soils on the phosphate-solubilizing bacterial population. We then tested the multifunctional potential of the isolated rhizobacteria for calcium phosphate (CaHPO4) and iron phosphate (FePO4) solubilization, considering their potential as microbial inoculants in the future. The use of bait plants enabled the isolation of 139 phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria, including four strains with multifunctional potential. The largest number of solubilizing bacteria was obtained from the interaction of bait plants with soil from an area with a history of soybean cultivation for thirty consecutive years. The high concentration of P, Fe, and K found in the soil were associated with this occurrence. In the in vitro tests, the pH values of the culture media had a moderate negative relationship with the amounts of P made available by the isolates, indicating that other processes besides the availability of organic acids, may underlie the solubilizing action of the isolates. The rhizobacteria SAF9 (Brevibacillus sp.), SAF11 (Brevibacillus sp.), BRC11 (Pseudomonas fluorescens), and SAC36 (Bacillus velezensis) stood out as multifunctional and are indicated within a perspective of obtaining bioinoculants to promote plant growth directly, indirectly, or synergistically, contributing to increase the range of bio-inputs for soybean cultivation and more sustainable agricultural practices.

RESUMO: A produção atual de grandes culturas, como Glycine max L. tem se mostrado cada vez mais adepta da utilização de bioinsumos, como a aplicação de inóculos promotores do crescimento vegetal. No entanto, avaliações do potencial de isolados bacterianos de solos com diferentes históricos de tempo de uso agrícola ainda são escassos e os métodos para isolamento e testagem de micro-organismos multifuncionais precisam ser continuamente inovados e melhorados. Assim, usamos plantas iscas de G. max para atrair rizobactérias de solos obtidos de três áreas com diferentes históricos de cultivo de soja. Avaliamos a influência do manejo e das características dos solos sobre a população de bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato. Em seguida, testamos o potencial multifuncional das rizobactérias isoladas para solubilização de fosfato de cálcio (CaHPO4) e fosfato de ferro (FePO4), considerando seu potencial como inoculantes microbianos no futuro. O uso de plantas iscas permitiu o isolamento de 139 rizobactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato, incluindo quatro cepas com potencial multifuncional. O maior número de bactérias solubilizadoras foi obtido a partir da interação das plantas-isca com o solo de uma área com histórico de cultivo de soja por trinta anos consecutivos. Características como a alta concentração de P, Fe e K neste solo, estiveram associadas a esta ocorrência. Nos testes in vitro, os valores de pH dos meios de cultivo se correlacionaram negativamente, mas de forma moderada com as quantidades de P disponibilizados pelos isolados, indicando que outros processos, além da disponibilização de ácidos orgânicos podem estar subjacentes à ação solubilizadora dos isolados. As rizobactérias SAF9 (Brevibacillus sp.), SAF11 (Brevibacillus sp.), BRC11 (Pseudomonas fluorescens) e SAC36 (Bacillus velezensis) se destacaram como multifuncionais e são indicadas dentro de uma perspectiva de obtenção de bioinoculantes para promoção do crescimento vegetal de forma direta, indireta ou sinérgica, contribuindo para aumentar a gama de bioinsumos destinados à cultura da soja e para práticas agrícolas mais sustentáveis.

Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC, known as “pedra ume-caá” or “pitanguinha do cerrado”, is popularly used to treat infectious diseases like inflammation, and diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for the seasonal quantification of gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA), and to co-validate the method for quantification from the ethanol extract and fractions of the E. punicifolia leaves. Chromatographic separations were performed with a mobile phase gradient of acetonitrile/methanol/water acidified with 0.2% formic acid, a flow of 0.8 mL min 1, detection at 254 nm, and a C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). Method validation parameters were determined following Brazilian legislation. The HPLC-DAD analytical method developed for the quantification of GA and EA was validated and demonstrated to be selective, linear, precise, accurate, robust, and without matrix effect. Accordingly, it is helpful for the analysis of these tannins in crude ethanol extracts and fractions from E. punicifoila leaves. Thus, our results may be of great help for quality control assessment and standardization of raw materials containing Eugenia punicifolia.

Abstract This study aimed to determine whether the addition of a microencapsulated herbal blend (MHB) based on thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde in dairy sheep feed would improve production efficiency, milk quality, and animal health. Thirty lactating Lacaune ewes were divided into three groups: Control (T0), 150 mg blend/kg of feed (T150), and 250 mg blend/kg of feed (T250). Milk was measured before the beginning of the experiment (d 0), at the end of the adaptation period (d 15), and during the experiment (d 20). In milk samples, was measured the composition, somatic cell count (SCC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipoperoxidation (LPO), and total antioxidant capacity. The MHB improved the milk production (only T150 vs. T0 sheep on d 20), productive efficiency and feed efficiency, and reduced the milk SCC (only T250 vs. T0 sheep, on d 20), ROS and tended to reduce the milk levels of LPO (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20). Also, MHB reduced the blood levels of neutrophils and ROS (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20) and increased total protein and globulin levels. Thus, a microencapsulated blend of thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde improved the productive performance and milk quality of sheep.

In the present work, dried aerial parts of Baccharis ligustrina (Asteraceae) were subjected to microwave assisted extraction (MAE) using aqueous solution of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (BMImBr) and the obtained extract was successively partitioned using hexane and EtOAc. Using reduced amounts of extracts and efficient chromatographic steps, four acyl C6C3 derivatives (n-hexacosyl ferulate, n-hexacosyl, n-octacosyl, and n-triacontyl p-coumarates) were obtained from hexane phase whereas two C6C3 acids (ferulic and p-coumaric) were obtained from EtOAc phase. Isolated phenylpropanoids were evaluated against amastigote forms of parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. As result, it was observed that p-coumaric and ferulic acids were inactives whereas alkyl derivatives displayed EC50 values of 6.5 µmol L-1 (n-octacosyl p-coumarate), 9.3 µmol L-1 (n-triacontyl p-coumarate), 15.7 µmol L-1 (n-hexacosyl p-coumarate), and 32.2 µmol L-1 (n-hexacosyl ferulate). All tested compounds displayed reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50 > 200 mmol L-1).

Abstract Aim: This study verified the combined effects of game result and match location on centrality measures based on the interactions of Brazilian handball players. Methods: The sample consisted of 3435 interactions performed by 15 players during 7 official Brazilian Regional Championship matches. Social network analysis was applied to investigate the following network properties: degree of centrality, closeness centrality, degree of prestige, proximity prestige, and network density. Results: Results revealed that playing at home increases closeness centrality (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01), and network density (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). When the handball team lost the game, an increment in the network density in relation to the draw and win scenario was observed (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). It was observed that closeness centrality and network density increased when the team had lost and played at home, while when the team was playing away from home and losing, closeness centrality decreased (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, contextual variables impact the way that handball players interact during a match.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to obtain, through the tree pruning pyrolysis, coal to be used in the removal of pollutants present in gray waters. The coal obtained during the process was used in a gray water filtration column and dye adsorption test. In this investigation it was proposed the treatment of gray water by the following series steps: (a) coagulation/ flocculation, (b) decantation, (c) sand filtration and (d) coal filtration column. The maximum coal yield was 60.10% obtained at 360 ºC and heating rate of 30 ºC/min. The gray water polishing using the coal obtained from the tree pruning pyrolysis process was efficient in the removal of the studied analytical parameters. For turbidity, COD, total solids and residual chlorine parameters, the removal values were 99, 98, 71 and 100 %, respectively. The charcoal from the filtration column was responsible for removing organ matter of gray water.

Abstract Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry offers valuable information for prediction models of soil fertility attributes spatial variation, although this approach is yet scarce in tropical regions. This study aims to predict and build spatial variability maps of soil pH, remaining phosphorus (P-Rem), soil organic matter (SOM) and sum of bases (SB) using pXRF results through stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and Random Forest (RF) in a highly variable tropical area. Composite samples from soil A horizon were collected at 90 points throughout the campus of the Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil, for pH, P-Rem, SOM, SB and pXRF analyses. RF predictions showed the highest accuracies, especially for P-Rem and SB (R² values of 0.66 and 0.55, respectively). Attributes that showed higher R² in punctual predictions also exhibited higher R² in spatial predictions. Data obtained from pXRF in tandem with RF can be used to assist prediction models for soil fertility attributes, consequently enabling the digital mapping of such attributes and helping to improve the knowledge about the spatial variability of such attributes in soils of tropical climate. This technique can therefore assist in the identification and orientation of adequate management practices in tropical agricultural practices.

The essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus, citronella, has been extensively studied. However, the chemical and biological properties of the ethanolic extract (EE) of C. nardus have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of the EE of C. nardus and its active fraction (FrD). Moreover, the cytotoxic and antifungal properties of these extracts against Candida species with different resistance profiles to conventional drugs were evaluated. The compounds identified in EE were mono-C- and di-C-glycosyl flavones and phenylpropanoid glycosides. Phenylpropanoid glycosides were identified in FrD. EE showed antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 62. 5 to 500 µg mL-1. FrD was more effective against C. glabrata, as evidenced by the lowest MIC value (15. 6 µg mL-1). EE inhibited yeast growth similar to amphotericin-B, as demonstrated by similar time-kill curves. EE inhibited C. albicans hyphae formation and mature biofilm of C. albicans, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. The results of the chemical and biological analyses of EE and its fractions provided novel information and may contribute to control of infections caused by Candida species.

RESUMEN Datos sobre biología y distribución para algunas especies de murciélagos in Suramérica son escasos, principalmente para grupos no filostómidos. Proporcionamos nuevos registros de dos especies raras de murciélagos insectívoros para el sureste de Brasil, Histiotus montanus y Molossops neglectus. En adición, reportamos la variación de colores faciales y nuevos registros de ectoparásitos en Histiotus montanus. Para M. neglectus se aplicó un Análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP) para probar variación morfométrica con base en dimensiones craneales y de antebrazo, demostrando que las muestras del sur de la distribución tuvieron menores medidas que las del norte.

ABSTRACT Distributional and biological data for some bat species in South America are scarce, mainly in non-phyl-lostomid bats. Herein we provide new records of two rare species of aerial insectivore bats for southeastern Brazil, Histiotus montanus and Molossops neglectus. In addition, we report facial morphological variation in color and new records of ectoparasites for H. montanus. For M. neglectus we performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to check for morphometric variation based on forearm and skull dimensions, the southerly distributed specimens showing slightly smaller measurements than the northern ones.

A novel method for the synthesis of nonsymmetrical 3,3’-(aryl/alkyl-methylene)bis-2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones was developed by using the Mannich adduct of naphthoquinone and the reaction with another moiety of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. This novel method produces for the first time nonsymmetrical 3,3’-(aryl/alkyl-methylene)bis-2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones. In a preliminary study, these compounds (15c, 15f and 15h) were evaluated regarding their effect over the viability of PC3 metastatic prostate cancer cell using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays at 100 µM. Three of these compounds presented relevant cytotoxic effects at 72 h posttreatment.

ABSTRACT Adjuvants are tools to maximize pesticide spray quality. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction effects between adjuvants and the fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr on the physicochemical characteristics, droplet evaporation time, and spray droplet size. The experiment was carried out using a 2×6 factorial scheme, in which the first factor was the absence or presence of the fungicide mixture (water or water + fungicide) and the second factor was the presence of different adjuvants (water and five adjuvants). The parameters evaluated were surface tension, pH, viscosity, electrical conductivity, droplet evaporation time, volume median diameter, percentage of droplets smaller than 100 μm, and relative amplitude of the droplet spectrum. The silicone and propionic acid + soy lecithin adjuvants reduced the pH of the spray solution, and the sodium lauryl ether sulfate, propionic acid + soy lecithin, and orange essential oil adjuvants reduced droplet evaporation when mixed with the fungicide. All tested adjuvants improved spray quality related to the characteristics of the droplet spectrum, reducing the percentage of droplets smaller than 100 μm, and allowing more uniform droplet size. The fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr affected droplet evaporation time.

RESUMO: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar os aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais e patológicos de búfalos e bovinos infectados experimentalmente com estirpe AmRio 2 de Anaplasma marginale. Para isso, foram utilizados quatro bubalinos Murrah e quatro bovinos mestiços, sendo dois animais de cada espécie, esplenectomizados. Estirpe AmRio 2 de A. marginale foi inoculada em todos os animais. Foram realizados exames clínicos, hematócrito, hemograma, esfregaço sanguíneo com avaliação de riquetsemia, necropsia e histopatologia, além de, Semi-Nested-PCR (snPCR) para o gene alvo msp5 e snPCR para o gene alvo msp1α para identificação de A. marginale nas amostras de sangue dos ruminantes. A partir das amostras positivas na snPCR msp1α, foram selecionadas amostras para análise das sequências de aminoácidos deste gene. Dois bovinos esplenectomizados apresentaram apatia, mucosas pálidas, icterícia, hipertermia e anemia severa. O restante dos animais não apresentou sintomatologia clínica. A riquetsemia em todos os animais foi menor que 1%. A média do hematócrito dos bovinos esplenectomizados esteve abaixo de 20% em dois momentos após infecção. Ao hemograma, as principais alterações observadas foram nos bovinos esplenectomizados e caracterizaram-se por redução de hemácias, hemoglobina, hematócrito e plaquetas (p<0,05). Todos os animais apresentaram elevação de leucócitos por aumento de linfócitos, porém, sem diferença significativa. O período pré-patente médio foi de dois dias em todos os animais. O período de incubação médio nos bovinos que adoeceram foi de 25,5 dias e estes morreram em média 63 dias após inoculação da estirpe. Os achados de necropsia caracterizaram-se por carcaça pálida, ascite, aumento de volume do fígado, vesícula biliar distendida e bile espessa. À histopatologia, verificou-se infiltração de macrófagos e linfócitos em diversos órgãos, dilatação dos sinusoides hepáticos e necrose do intestino grosso. A snPCR para o gene msp5, revelou 100% dos animais positivos em pelo menos um momento de avaliação. E na snPCR para o gene alvo msp1α também verificou-se infecção em todos os animais em pelo menos uma amostra avaliada. Entretanto, o sequenciamento revelou apenas cinco animais, incluindo os bovinos que morreram, com similaridade das sequências de aminoácidos com estirpe AmRio 2 de A. marginale. Conclui-se que os bovinos esplenectomizados morreram em virtude de anaplasmose provocada pela estirpe inoculada e os bubalinos foram mais resistentes em comparação aos bovinos. Finalmente, os búfalos podem ser uma alternativa à criação de bovinos em áreas com alta ocorrência de casos clínicos de anaplasmose.

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical, laboratory and pathological aspects of buffalo and bovine experimentally infected with AmRio 2 strain of Anaplasma marginale. Four Murrah buffaloes and four crossbred cattle were used in the experiment, which two animals of each species were splenectomized. Strain AmRio 2 of A. marginale was inoculated in all experimental animals. Clinical exams, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), blood counts, blood smears, rickettsemia, necropsy and histopathology were performed in all cases. Semi-Nested-PCR (snPCR) for the msp5 and snPCR for the msp1α target gene for identification of A. marginale in blood samples from animals was done. From positive samples for msp1α snPCR, samples were analyzed for the amino acid sequences of this gene. Two splenectomized cattle presented apathy, pale mucous membranes, jaundice, hyperthermia, and severe anemia. The remaining experimental animals did not show clinical signs. The rickettsemia in all animals was less than 1%. The mean PCV of the splenectomized cattle was below 20% at two-time points after infection. On the blood count, the main changes were observed in splenectomized calves and were characterized by a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, PCV and platelets (p <0.05). All animals presented leukocyte elevation by increased lymphocytes, however, with no significant difference. The average prepatent period was two days in all the animals. The average incubation period in cattle that became ill was 25.5 days, and death occurred, on average, 63 days after inoculation of the strain. The necropsy findings were characterized by pale carcass, ascites, enlarged liver, distended gallbladder, and thick bile. Histopathological findings included infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes in various organs, hepatic sinusoidal dilatation, and necrosis of the large intestine. In snPCR for the msp5 gene, 100% of the animals were positive in at least one evaluation. And in the snPCR for the infection of the msp1α target gene was also found in all animals in at least one sample evaluated. However, sequencing revealed only five animals, including the bovine which died, with a similarity of the amino acid sequences with AmRio 2 strain of A. marginale. It is concluded that the splenectomized cattle died due to anaplasmosis caused by the inoculated strain and the buffalo were more resistant compared to cattle. Buffaloes can be an alternative to cattle rearing in areas with a high occurrence of clinical cases of anaplasmosis.

ABSTRACT In this work, we developed and validated a HPLC-PDA method for the quantification of hibalactone in Hydrocotyle umbellata L., Araliaceae, subterraneous parts extracts and optimized its ultrasound-assisted extraction. Chromatographic separations were carried out with an isocratic mobile phase of acetonitrile/methanol/water (10:65:25), a flow of 0.8 ml min−1, detection at 290 nm and C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). The method validation parameters were determined according to Brazilian legislation. The optimization of the hibalactone ultrasound-assisted extraction was performed using Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology. The HPLC method for hibalactone quantification proved to be selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust, being useful for the analysis of hibalactone in H. umbellata subterraneous parts extracts. The optimal ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions were obtained with solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:5 g ml−1, ethanolic strength of 70% (v/v) and temperature of 65 °C. The results can provide support of the quality control and standardization of raw materials from H. umbellata.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes protocolos de acabamento e polimento na rugosidade da superfície, brilho, resistência à flexão biaxial e morfologia de cerâmica prensada. Trinta discos de cerâmica (12x1 mm) foram produzidos e divididos em cinco grupos (n=6): CT- controle (glaze); DA- ponta diamantada de granulação fina; DG: DA + nova camada de glaze; DP: DA + disco de feltro com pasta de diamante de granulo fino; DK: DA + polimento sequencial com instrumentos abrasivos de silício, escova de cabra e roda de algodão. Os espécimes foram analisados quanto à rugosidade da superfície (Ra) sob profilometria e microscopia de força atômica (AFM). O brilho foi medido com espectrofotometria e a micromorfologia com microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM). A resistência à flexão foi avaliada pelo teste de resistência à flexão biaxial. Os dados foram analisados usando ANOVA um fator e teste post hoc de Tukey (a=0,05). DK mostrou mais baixos valores de rugosidade da superfície e DA apresentou o maior na análise do perfilômetro. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no AFM para os grupos CT, DG e DK, que apresentaram a menor rugosidade de superfície; DA e DP apresentaram os maiores valores Ra. O DA, DP e CT mostraram valores de brilho superficial mais baixos, e a reflectância foi significativamente diferente da observada para os grupos DK e DG. A análise de SEM revelou a superfície mais homogênea para o grupo DK, seguido de grupos DG e CT; Os grupos DA e DP exibiram graus variáveis de irregularidades da superfície. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos quanto à resistência à flexão biaxial. O protocolo de polimento utilizado no grupo DK pode ser uma boa alternativa para o acabamento em consultório das superfícies de cerâmicas prensadas após ajustes.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of different finishing-polishing protocols on surface roughness, gloss, morphology and biaxial flexural strength of pressable fluorapatite glass ceramic. Thirty ceramic discs (12x1 mm) were produced and divided into five groups (n=6): CT: control (glaze); DA: fine grit diamond bur; DG: DA + new glaze layer; DP: DA + felt disk with fine grit diamond paste; DK: DA+ sequential polishing with silicon abrasive instruments, goat hair brush and cotton wheel. The specimens were analyzed for surface roughness (Ra) under profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Gloss was measured with spectrophotometry and micromorphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flexural strength was assessed by biaxial flexural strength test. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (a=0.05). DK showed the lowest surface roughness values and DA presented the highest in the perfilometer analysis. No significant differences were observed in the AFM for the CT, DG and DK groups, which presented the lower surface roughness; DA and DP had the higher Ra values. The DA, DP and CT showed the lowest surface gloss values, and the reflectance was significantly different from those observed for DK and DG groups. SEM analysis revealed the smoothest surface for DK group, followed by DG and CT groups; DA and DP groups exhibited variable degrees of surface irregularities. No significant differences were observed among groups for the biaxial flexural strength. The polishing protocol used in DK group can be a good alternative for chairside finishing of adjusted pressable fluorapatite glass ceramic surfaces.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a taxa de arraçoamento, sobre a influência dos substratos artificiais na qualidade da água e índices zootécnicos do camarão Litopenaeus vannamei. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, com densidade de 30 camarões/m2, e peso médio de 2,8 g, o experimento teve duração de 49 dias, durante este período os substratos artificiais não influenciaram na qualidade da água. O aumento da taxa de arraçoamento influenciou no oxigênio dissolvido dos tratamentos. O peso médio final, comprimento médio final, biomassa final, produtividade e fator de conversão alimentar apresentaram diferenças significativas (p>0,05). O melhor fator de conversão alimentar foi proporcionado pelo tratamento com taxa de arraçoamento de 2%. O tratamento com arraçoamento de 4% da biomassa apresentou os melhores índices zootécnicos, com exceção do fator de conversão alimentar. Os resultados mostram que para o percentual de 25% de área de substratos artificiais existe um ótimo percentual de arraçoamento que está entre 5,13% e 5,54% da biomassa dos camarões resultando na maximização da produção.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the the influence of feeding rate and different artificial substrates on both the water quality and growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five treatments and four replicates, with a density of 30 shrimp m-2 and mean weight of 2.8 g. The experiment lasted 49 days, and during this period, artificial substrates did not influence the water quality. The increase in the feeding rate influenced the dissolved oxygen of treatments. The final average weight, average final length, final biomass, productivity, and feed conversion rate showed significant differences (p > 0.05). The best food conversion factor was provided by the treatment with a feeding rate of 2%. The treatment with a feeding rate of 4% of biomass showed the best growth performance, except for the feed conversion rate. Results showed that for the percentage of 25% of the area of artificial substrates, there is an optimum feeding rate of between 5.13% and 5.54% of shrimp biomass, resulting in maximum production.