Abstract RNA extraction is usually required for molecular detection methods. On the other hand, this step implies time consumption and additional cost to laboratorial routine. This study evaluated the use of direct-RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection compared to the gold standard extraction method. An exploratory stage was performed using DMSO, glycerol, Tween 20 and Easy Extract® DNA-RNA addition in a pool of highly positive clinical samples (CT<25), which were subsequently tested by AllplexTM 2019-nCoV assay. Validation was performed with 54 SARS-CoV-2 positive and five negative clinical samples comparing three distinct conditions: (i) 1:1 water dilution, (ii) 1.5% DMSO dilution, or (iii) crude samples. Results of the exploratory stage showed Cycle Threshold (CT) values very close to those obtained by the reference extraction step in high viral load samples. However, when lower viral load samples were analyzed, a slight concordance was observed compared to the extraction step. In the validation stage, it was observed that water or 1.5% DMSO dilution presented 97.3% of concordance in samples with CT≤30, resulting in 97.4% of sensitivity and 0.83 Kappa coefficient. Sensitivity was reduced with samples CT>30 and with crude samples. The methodology showed reproducibility with differents operators. These results reinforce the good performance of direct RT-qPCR methods in active SARS-CoV-2 infection, allowed cost and time reduction of diagnosis.

Abstract The need for a pollinator is a problem for cucurbit producers, as productivity depends on the efficiency of natural or artificial pollination. Growth regulators are gaining more and more importance in inducing fruiting in cucurbits, and can be an alternative for producers to increase their productivity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of applying cytokinin (CPPU) and auxins (AIB and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) on inducing fruiting in butternut pumpkin. The application of 10 mg l-1 of IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) via the flower on the external part provides greater mass and length of the fruit, ensuring greater production of butternut pumpkin. The application of 3.0 mg l-1 of CPPU (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea) via the flower in the internal part results in a greater number of fruits. The physicochemical quality of butternut pumpkin fruits is not influenced by the application of auxins (AIB and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and cytokinin (CPPU).

Abstract The essential oils extracted from plants can demonstrate biological activity against a significant number of pathogens and/or antioxidant activity. The objective was to extract and identify the substances present in the essential oil of leaves, peel, and seeds of 'Bengal' lychee. Leaves and fruits of Litchi chinensis Sonn. were collected from an orchard located at the São Manuel Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences at the São Paulo State University (FCA/Unesp/Brazil). The extraction of the essential oil was performed by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The analysis of the essential oil was carried out using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer and a flame ionization detector. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the chemical composition and the yield of essential oil were performed in triplicate, and the data were subjected to multivariate analysis. The essential oil yield ranged from 0.03% to 0.19%, with the highest percentage observed in the lychee peel. Twenty-two compounds were identified in the leaf, eighteen in the peel, and twenty in the seed. γ-Himachalene was the most abundant in the essential oil of the leaf, peel, and seed, with 30.36%, 51.85%, and 39.95%, respectively. The essential oil of lychee contains compounds with potential for use in various industrial sectors.

Abstract Indole-thiosemicarbazones have different biological activities. The present study evaluated the preliminary interaction of these compounds with biomolecules, specifically human serum albumin (HSA) and DNA, using fluorescence techniques. The suppression results (Ksv) for HSA ranged from 3.5 x 104 to 4.6 x 105 L/mol, while for DNA, they ranged from 1.4 x 104 to 5.9 x 104 L/mol. The suppression was classified as weak to strong for HSA and moderate for DNA. The bimolecular suppression constant (Kq) showed values between 6.0 x 1012 and 8.2 x 1013 L/mol/s for HSA and from 1.4 x 1012 to 5.9 x 1012 L/mol/s for DNA, suggesting a static suppression mechanism. Compound PR09 stood out, presenting a binding constant (Ka) greater than 105 L/mol for HSA, indicating a strong interaction. Additionally, PR05, PR06, PR07, and PR09 demonstrated strong interactions with DNA. The values of the number of binding sites (n) indicated that PR01, PR02, and PR09 bind to multiple sites on HSA, while PR04, PR05, PR06, and PR09 interact with more than one site on DNA. All interactions were spontaneous, with ∆G negative. The distance between the compounds and tryptophan on HSA was less than 8 nm, suggesting high energy transfer efficiency. In molecular docking studies, PR05 showed the highest affinity for DNA (-11.15 kcal/mol), while PR09 had the highest affinity for HSA (-10.00 kcal/mol). PR07 exhibited the lowest binding energies for DNA (-8.21 kcal/mol) and for HSA (-7.38 kcal/mol). This study demonstrates that the evaluated compounds have potential as new drug candidates.

Abstract Global warming caused by climate change causes some problems in agricultural production. One of these problems is the increase in various pest populations. This increase poses a serious threat to agricultural products and significantly negatively affects productivity and quality. Insecticides are commonly used to combat pests. However, most of the time, farmers' lack of knowledge in recognizing pests and understanding their effects results in incorrect and excessive spray applications. While excessive use of insecticides harms human health and environmental pollution, it also increases production costs, causes changes in the genetic structures of pests, causing them to become more resistant, and makes agricultural control difficult. Therefore, early detection of pests and their damage to the plant is extremely important. This study aims to develop an accurate and efficient method to detect damage caused by the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, on tomato leaves. A dataset comprising healthy and damaged tomato leaves was created. Using a hybrid approach, features were extracted through Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with transfer learning and classified using traditional machine learning techniques. Among the methods evaluated, SVM-Linear achieved the highest accuracy with 97.83%, outperforming other classifiers such as Random Forest with 96.14%, Rotation Forest with 95.89%, and SVM-RBF with 90.70%. These results highlight the potential of combining deep learning-based feature extraction with conventional machine learning for early pest detection. This approach offers a practical solution to reduce the misuse of insecticides and improve pest management strategies, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Lutein, a potent carotenoid antioxidant, shows promise for anti-aging applications. However, its vulnerability to light, heat, and oxygen, coupled with poor water solubility, hinders skin penetration and bioavailability. Nanostructured systems offer a solution to enhance stability and permeation. Our objective was to develop, characterize, and assess the cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of polymeric nanocapsules containing lutein, using poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL). Nanocapsules were synthesized via preformed polymer interfacial deposition method and characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic mobility, and pH. Morphology was examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the crystalline structures while Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) provided information on the chemical bonds between the drug and polymer. Antioxidant activity was measured using FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays, while cytotoxicity was evaluated on 3T3 fibroblasts. Lutein encapsulation within PCL nanocapsules yielded spherical particles around 300 nm, with low polydispersity and zeta potential exceeding -30 mV. The pH ranged from 4.57 ± 0.03 to 5.42 ± 0.065. XRD suggested molecular dispersion of the lutein and the polymer. FTIR demonstrated the absence of chemical bonds between lutein and PCL. Ambient and 4 °C temperatures preserved nanosystems' characteristics for 30 days. Enhanced antioxidant activity was observed in encapsulated lutein, shown by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Results indicated that lutein nanoparticles exhibited good biocompatibility and no cytotoxicity at concentrations ranging from 61.87 μg/mL to 7.73 μg/mL. These findings emphasize the potential of lutein-loaded PCL nanocapsules for skin delivery, providing stability and antioxidant efficacy.

Abstract In recent years, the transition in the population's lifestyle, associated with healthier habits, has generated the need to consume more nutritious foods. Thus, functional foods gained space in scientific research and food industry, bringing formulations that incorporate substances such as probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, paraprobiotics and postbiotics, capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota, acting positively on people's health. Considering all the benefits associated with biotic compounds, their application in everyday foods promotes new perspectives for the food market and new challenges. The processing of products containing biotic substances must maintain their appropriate proportions without interfering with sensorial characteristics of the food throughout its production cycle, storage and arrival to the final consumer in a safe way and guaranteeing its functional properties.

Abstract Maintenance activities on electric power distribution networks are an essential tool in achieving a robust electricity supply system that meets society's needs. Regulation indicators require distribution companies to invest in maintenance and frequently maintain their networks. However, current maintenance activities are executed using fossil fuel-powered trucks equipped with aerial baskets and without route planning, resulting in high travel costs. The advent of new technologies, such as electric trucks, raises questions about their feasibility in replacing fossil fuel-powered trucks. In this study, we propose a routing methodology for an electric truck equipped with an aerial basket that performs maintenance activities in electric power distribution networks, aiming to reduce operational costs. The methodology utilized is an extension of the electric travelling salesman problem with time windows, considering partial charging and work schedules. Tests were conducted in the cities of Mairiporã and Atibaia, in the state of São Paulo, analyzing the electric truck travel limits based on battery autonomy and the need for intermediate recharges. The analysis compares electric trucks and regular trucks using an implemented methodology. The results show that the shortest possible route was achieved, all planned activities were completed, and the need for intermediate recharges was identified

Abstract This study evaluates the physiological changes in mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar in adult individuals cultivated in subtropical estuarine environments. To assess mortality at different salinities, 0 to 35 g L-1 concentrations were used. The same salinities were also employed to evaluate the metabolic rate and ammonia excretion. Furthermore, the oysters were exposed to different temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) to assess the metabolic rate and ammonia excretion. The mean mortality significantly decreased after a salinity of 4 g L-1. Another objective was to verify, based on the survival conditions found in the different salinities tested, 63% in salinities between 5 and 10 g L-1, 72% for salinity between 11 and 19 g L-1, and 81% for salinities between 20 and 30 g L-1, the economic viability of cultivating the mangrove oyster, practiced in the region, in 0.1 ha. The financial indicators of Gross Revenue and Operating Profit, as well as the profitability indicators of Gross Margin and Profitability Index, showed positive values in all three proposed survival conditions. Due to the particularities described here, in all tested conditions, at the selling price of a dozen oysters of US$ 4.00, there was economic viability with profitability always higher than the minimum attractiveness rate of 10.5%.

ABSTRACT Among the 22,000 known species of mushrooms, around 2,000 are edible and only 100 species are cultivated worldwide. Species occurring naturally in local habitats may be very promising for cultivation studies to introduce new edible species in the local mushroom market. The objective of this study was to evaluate the conditions of mycelial growth and biomass production of Brazilian wild isolates of edible mushrooms for future domestication and cultivation studies. The wild mushrooms were collected, obtained or recovered and identified the pure cultures, and evaluated the mycelial growth and biomass production in Potatoes Dextrose Agar medium of eight lentinoid and pleurotoid species at four to five different temperatures: 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C. Nine isolates of Lentinus berteroi, one of Lentinus concavus, five of Lentinus crinitus, three of Panus strigellus, one of Panus cf. tephroleucus, six of Pleurotus albidus, seven of Pleurotus djamor, and one of Pleurotus pulmonarius were identified and evaluated. The minimum colonization period (in days) on the Petri dish and the better temperature of both mycelial growth and biomass production for each species were as follows: three days and 35°C for L. berteroi, three days and 35-40°C for L. crinitus, four days and 35°C for L. concavus and P. strigellus, five days and 30-35°C for Panus cf. tephroleucus, six days and 25-30°C for Pl. albidus and Pl. djamor, and seven days and 30°C for Pl. pulmonarius. Thus, this study provides data on species selection and mycelial growth of wild isolates for further research on domestication and cultivation of edible mushrooms.

Abstract Glioma brain tumors have similar textural patterns to other tumors, making their detection and segmentation a challenging process. The approach of the Modified Tumor Detection System (MTDS) is presented in this study to identify and categorize brain images of gliomas from images of healthy brains. The Spatial Gabor Transform (SGT), feature calculations, and deep learning structure comprise the training work flow of the suggested MTDS technique. The features are computed from the glioma brain image dataset images and the normal brain image dataset images and these features are fed into the classification architecture. In this paper, the proposed IVGG architecture is derived from the existing Visual Geometry Group (VGG) architecture to improve the detection rate of the proposed system and to decrease the computational time complexity. The testing work flow of the proposed system is also consist of SGT, feature computation and the IVGG architecture to produce the classification result of the source brain images into either normal or glioma. Furthermore, the Morphological Segmentation technique has been used to find the tumor locations in this glioma image. Two separate brain imaging datasets have been used in this study to evaluate and validate the suggested MTDS's performance efficiency. BRATS Imaging 2020 (BI20) and Kaggle Brain Imaging (KBI) are the datasets. Analysis of the performance efficiency has been done in relation to the Jaccard index, recall, precision, and detection rate.

Abstract Z. kleinii is an endemic species in Brazil. No reports of popular use, regarding its chemical composition or biological activities were reported to date. The study aimed to investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil of Zanthoxylum kleinii leaves and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The essential oil was extracted from fresh leaves by hydrodistillation method, using a Clevenger apparatus, having a yield of 0.12% (v/m) volume of essential oil in relation to the amount of plant material. Quantitative analysis was performed by GC-MS and the results showed that the essential oil contains 30 compounds. The major compounds are monoterpene hydrocarbons, including β-phellandrene (37.80%), α-pinene (13.32%) and myrcene (10.05%). The essential oil showed no antibacterial activity against the strains tested (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis and S. aureus).