Nanosystems with potential application as carriers for skin depigmenting actives.

Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder characterized by excessive production of melanin in the skin and includes dyschromias such as post-inflammatory hyperchromias, lentigens, melasma and chloasma. Topical products containing depigmenting agents offer a less aggressive treatment option for hyperpigmentation compared to methods like chemical peels and laser sessions. However, some of these agents can cause side effects such as redness and skin irritation. Encapsulating these actives in nanosystems shows promise in mitigating these effects and improving product safety and efficacy. In addition, nanocarriers have the ability to penetrate the skin, potentially allowing for targeted delivery of actives to the affected areas. The most commonly investigated nanosystems are nanoemulsions, vesicular nanosystems and nanoparticles, in which different materials can be used to generate different compositions in order to improve the properties of these nanocarriers. Nanocarriers have already been widely explored, but it is necessary to understand the evolution of these technologies when applied to the treatment of skin hyperchromias. Therefore, this literature review aims to present the state of the art over the last 15 years on the use of nanosystems as a potential strategy for encapsulating depigmenting actives for potential application in cosmetic products for skin hyperchromia. By providing a comprehensive overview of the latest research findings and technological advances, this article can contribute to improving the care and quality of life of people affected by this skin condition.

Effects of delay sequence in a delay discounting task.

Delay discounting refers to the decrease in subjective value of a reward as the delay until its receipt increases. In the present study we assessed the effects of the sequence of delay blocks (increasing or decreasing) on discounting and the data systematicity using a titrating procedure with human participants. All participants completed the delay discounting task in both an increasing and decreasing sequence of delays. Delays ranged from one day to ten years. We found steeper discounting when the delays were presented in an increasing sequence compared with when they were presented in a decreasing sequence. We also found steeper discounting when participants completed the increasing sequence condition first. Our results agree with other findings reported in the literature and suggest that delay discounting may be affected by prior and subsequent experience.

Chromatography of Solanum habrochaites extracts with the first record of the docosanoate, hexadecanoate and octadecanoate ethyls in this plant and in Solanaceae.

The increasing need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides has driven the analysis of extracts from Solanum habrochaites, a wild tomato, through fractionated column chromatography. Potential bioactive compounds for pest management, a clean and promising biotechnological solution, have been reported from this plant. The objective is to provide detailed gas chromatography data, including peaks, structural formulas, and retention indices for the extracts of S. habrochaites aerial parts. Column chromatographic analysis was conducted with five fractions (F1, F2, F5, F3, and F4) of S. habrochaites extracts. Long-chain hydrocarbons such as hexadecanoic acid and docosano were identified in the F1 fraction; fatty acid esters, including hexadecanoate and octadecenoate ethyls in the F2 and methyl ketones, with tridecan-2-one as the major component in the F5, while no identifiable compounds were disclosed in the F3 and F4 fractions. The column chromatography provided valuable insights into compounds in the F1, F2, and F5 fractions of S. habrochaites extracts, highlighting fatty acid esters, long-chain hydrocarbons, and methyl ketones. The bioactive compounds, from extracts of this plant, including the first record of the docosanoate, hexadecanoate and octadecanoate ethyls in S. habrochaites and Solanaceae, reinforces their promising biological application in different areas of science.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, phosphorus and organic residues in Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub. seedlings.

Studies have underscored a growingdemand for innovative practices in the cultivation of seedlings from forest species, with a notable emphasis on the utilization of organic waste, inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and phosphate fertilization. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of organic residues, inoculation with AMF, and phosphorus on the growth and quality of Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub. seedlings. Two independent experiments were conducted. In Experiment I, treatments included inoculation with various AMF species: control (without inoculation), Clareoideoglomus etunicatum, Rhizophagus heterosporum, Rhizophagus clarum, and MIX (a combination of the three AMF species), all in conjunction with varying doses of phosphorus (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 mg kg-1 soil). In Experiment II, treatments comprised a control group (without AMF) and inoculation with Glomus clarum, Gigaspora margarita, Gigaspora albida, Clareoideoglomus etunicatum, and MIX (a combination of the four AMF species), each associated with four substrates: S1) soil + coarse sand - SCS, S2) SCS + poultry manure, S3) SCS + cattle manure, and S4) SCS + sheep manure. Peltophorum dubium seedlings exhibited heightened growth with the inoculation of R. heterosporum, R. clarum, and MIX. Positive responses were observed in seedlings when exposed to organic residues, particularly sheep manure, resulting in increased biomass production and enhanced Dickson quality index. The AMF inoculation, specifically with R. heterosporum, R. clarum, and MIX, provided optimal growth conditions for P. dubium seedlings. Remarkably, the utilization of organic residues, notably substrates with chicken manure and cattle manure, exerted substantial positive effects on both growth and quality of P. dubium seedlings.

Mechanical, Thermal, and Physicochemical Properties of Filaments of Poly (Lactic Acid), Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Their Blend for Additive Manufacturing.

Polymeric blends are employed in the production of filaments for additive manufacturing to balance mechanical and processability properties. The mechanical and thermal properties of polymeric filaments made of poly (lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and its blend (PLA-PHA) are investigated herein and correlated to their measured structural and physicochemical properties. PLA exhibits the highest stiffness and tensile strength, but lower toughness. The mechanical properties of the PLA-PHA blend were similar to those of PLA, but with a significantly higher toughness. Despite the lower mechanical properties of neat PHA, incorporating a small amount (12 wt.%) of PHA into PLA significantly enhances toughness (approximately 50%) compared to pure PLA. The synergistic effect is attributed to the spherulitic morphology of blended PHA in PLA, promoting interactions between the amorphous regions of both polymers. Thermal stability is notably improved in the PLA-PHA blend, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. The blend also exhibits lower cold crystallization and glass transition temperatures as compared to PLA, which is beneficial for additive manufacturing. Following additive manufacturing, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic showed that the three filaments present an increase in C-C and C=O bonds associated with the loss of C-O bonds. The thermal process induces a slight increase in crystallinity in PHA due to chain reorganization. The study provides insights into the thermal and structural changes occurring during the melting process of additive manufacturing.

Whole-plant and leaf determinants of growth rates in progenies of Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae).

Genipa americana (Rubiaceae) is a fruit tree with broad phytogeographic domain and suitable for different silvicultural systems in the tropics. The knowledge associated with the relative growth rate of species such as G. americana, provides important guidelines for the effective establishment and survival of seedlings after planting in the field. In this study we investigated differences in growth, biomass allocation and photosynthesis of seedlings originating from different mother plants of G. americana in southern Bahia, Brazil. For this, we evaluated fifteen variables associated with carbon balance at the whole plant and leaf scales of twelve G. americana progenies. All seedlings grew over a period of 198 days under similar microclimatic conditions with approximately 65% full sun. Our results showed significant differences in the relative growth rates (RGR), with the highest and lowest mean values being 29.0 and 38.0 mg g-1 day-1, respectively. Differences in RGR between G. americana progenies were highly related to differences in biomass allocation at both whole plant and leaf scales. From a practical point of view, we demonstrate that the selection of mother plants to produce seedlings with higher growth rates, and consequently greater establishment capacity in field plantings, can be made from evaluations of growth and biomass allocation variables at the whole plant scale.

Effect of calcination on minimally processed recycled zirconia powder derived from milling waste.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of calcination process on the properties of minimally processed recycled 3Y-TZP, and to compare it with its commercial counterpart. METHODS: Non-milled 3Y-TZP waste was collected, fragmented and ball-milled to a granulometric < 5 µm. Half of the recycled powder was calcined at 900 °C. Recycled 3Y-TZP disks were uniaxially pressed and sintered to create two recycled groups: 1) Calcined and 2) Non-calcined to be compared with a commercial CAD/CAM milled 3Y-TZP. The microstructure of experimental groups was assessed through density (n = 6), scanning electron microscopy (n = 3) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (n = 3); and the crystalline content was evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) (n = 3). Optical and mechanical properties were investigated through reflectance tests (n = 10), and Vickers hardness, fracture toughness (n = 5), and biaxial flexural strength tests (n = 16), respectively. Fractographic analysis was performed to identify fracture origin and crack propagation. Statistical analyses were performed through ANOVA followed by Tukey´s test, and by Weibull statistics. RESULTS: Particle size distribution of recycled powder revealed an average diameter of ∼1.60 µm. The relative density of all experimental groups was > 98.15 % and XRD analysis exhibited a predominance of tetragonal-phase in both recycled groups, which were similar to the crystallographic pattern of the control group. Cross-section micrographs presented flaws on the non-calcined group, and a more homogeneous microstructure for the calcined and commercial groups. Commercial samples showed lower contrast-ratio and higher translucency-parameter than the recycled groups, where non-calcined presented higher translucency-parameter and lower contrast-ratio than its calcined counterpart. The commercial group presented higher fracture toughness and characteristic strength than the recycled groups. Moreover, the calcined group exhibited higher hardness, characteristic strength, and probability of survival at higher loads than the non-calcined group. Fractographic analysis depicted the presence of microstructural flaws in the non-calcined group, which may have acted as stress-raisers and led to failures at lower flexural strengths values. SIGNIFICANCE: The calcination process improved the microstructure, optical, and mechanical properties of the recycled 3Y-TZP.

Assessing nitrate groundwater hotspots in Europe reveals an inadequate designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.

Monitoring networks show that the European Union Nitrates Directive (ND) has had mixed success in reducing nitrate concentrations in groundwater. By combining machine learning and monitored nitrate concentrations (1992-2019), we estimate the total area of nitrate hotspots in Europe to be 401,000 km2, with 47% occurring outside of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). We also found contrasting increasing or decreasing trends, varying per country and time periods. We estimate that only 5% of the 122,000 km2 of hotspots in 2019 will meet nitrate quality standards by 2040 and that these may be offset by the appearance of new hotspots. Our results reveal that the effectiveness of the ND is limited by both time-lags between the implementation of good practices and pollution reduction and an inadequate designation of NVZs. Substantial improvements in the designation and regulation of NVZs are necessary, as well as in the quality of monitoring stations in terms of spatial density and information available concerning sampling depth, if the objectives of EU legislation to protect groundwater are to be achieved.

Sorghum hybrids grown in hydroponics contrast for phosphorus use efficiency / Híbridos de sorgo crescidos em hidroponia contrastam para eficiência de uso de fósforo

Phosphorus (P) use efficiency is crucial for sorghum production. P acquisition efficiency is the most important component of P use efficiency. The early-stage evaluation of plant development is a useful tool for identifying P-efficient genotypes. This study aimed to identify sorghum hybrids that are efficient in P use efficiency and assess the genetic diversity among hybrids based on traits related to P acquisition efficiency. Thus, 38 sorghum hybrids and two inbred lines (checks) were evaluated under low and high P in a paper pouch system with nutrient solution. Biomass and root traits related to P efficiency were measured. There was no interaction between genotypes and P levels concerning all evaluated traits. The biomass and root traits, except root diameter, presented smaller means under low P than high P. Efficient and inefficient hybrids under each P level were identified. The genetic diversity assessment grouped these genotypes in different clusters. The hybrids AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540, and DKB 590 were superior under low-P and high-P. Hybrids SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 presented the lowest means than all other hybrids, under both conditions. The evaluated hybrids showed phenotypic diversity for traits related to P acquisition, such as root length and root surface area, which can be useful for establishing selection strategies for sorghum breeding programs and increasing P use efficiency.

A eficiência do uso do fósforo (P) é fundamental para a produção de sorgo. A avaliação no estágio inicial do desenvolvimento da planta é uma ferramenta útil para a identificação de genótipos eficientes de P. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar híbridos de sorgo que sejam eficientes ao uso de P e avaliar a diversidade genética entre os híbridos com base em características relacionadas à eficiência de aquisição de P. Assim, 38 híbridos de sorgo e duas linhagens (testemunhas) foram avaliados sob baixo e alto P em sistema de pastas de papel com solução nutritiva. Características de biomassa e de raiz relacionadas à eficiência de P foram mensuradas. Não houve interação entre genótipos e níveis de P em todas as características avaliadas. As características de biomassa e raiz, exceto o diâmetro da raiz, apresentaram médias menores sob baixo P em comparação com alto P. Híbridos eficientes e ineficientes sob cada nível de P foram identificados e agrupados quanto à diversidade genética. Os híbridos AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540 e DKB 590 foram superiores sob baixo-P e alto-P. Os híbridos SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 apresentaram as menores médias que todos os outros híbridos, em ambas condições. Os híbridos avaliados apresentaram diversidade fenotípica para características relacionadas à aquisição de P, como comprimento e área superficial da raiz, o que pode ser útil para estabelecer estratégias de seleção para programas de melhoramento de sorgo e aumentar a eficiência de uso do P.

Sorghum hybrids grown in hydroponics contrast for phosphorus use efficiency

Abstract Phosphorus (P) use efficiency is crucial for sorghum production. P acquisition efficiency is the most important component of P use efficiency. The early-stage evaluation of plant development is a useful tool for identifying P-efficient genotypes. This study aimed to identify sorghum hybrids that are efficient in P use efficiency and assess the genetic diversity among hybrids based on traits related to P acquisition efficiency. Thus, 38 sorghum hybrids and two inbred lines (checks) were evaluated under low and high P in a paper pouch system with nutrient solution. Biomass and root traits related to P efficiency were measured. There was no interaction between genotypes and P levels concerning all evaluated traits. The biomass and root traits, except root diameter, presented smaller means under low P than high P. Efficient and inefficient hybrids under each P level were identified. The genetic diversity assessment grouped these genotypes in different clusters. The hybrids AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540, and DKB 590 were superior under low-P and high-P. Hybrids SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 presented the lowest means than all other hybrids, under both conditions. The evaluated hybrids showed phenotypic diversity for traits related to P acquisition, such as root length and root surface area, which can be useful for establishing selection strategies for sorghum breeding programs and increasing P use efficiency.

Resumo A eficiência do uso do fósforo (P) é fundamental para a produção de sorgo. A avaliação no estágio inicial do desenvolvimento da planta é uma ferramenta útil para a identificação de genótipos eficientes de P. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar híbridos de sorgo que sejam eficientes ao uso de P e avaliar a diversidade genética entre os híbridos com base em características relacionadas à eficiência de aquisição de P. Assim, 38 híbridos de sorgo e duas linhagens (testemunhas) foram avaliados sob baixo e alto P em sistema de pastas de papel com solução nutritiva. Características de biomassa e de raiz relacionadas à eficiência de P foram mensuradas. Não houve interação entre genótipos e níveis de P em todas as características avaliadas. As características de biomassa e raiz, exceto o diâmetro da raiz, apresentaram médias menores sob baixo P em comparação com alto P. Híbridos eficientes e ineficientes sob cada nível de P foram identificados e agrupados quanto à diversidade genética. Os híbridos AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540 e DKB 590 foram superiores sob baixo-P e alto-P. Os híbridos SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 apresentaram as menores médias que todos os outros híbridos, em ambas condições. Os híbridos avaliados apresentaram diversidade fenotípica para características relacionadas à aquisição de P, como comprimento e área superficial da raiz, o que pode ser útil para estabelecer estratégias de seleção para programas de melhoramento de sorgo e aumentar a eficiência de uso do P.

Do Dipteryx alata Vogel seedlings recover the quality and the photosynthetic and antioxidant responses in the post-flooding? / Mudas de Dipteryx alata Vogel recuperam a qualidade e as respostas fotossintéticas e antioxidantes no pós-alagamento?

Abstract Dipteryx alata Vogel is a tree species widely found in Cerrado, settling preferentially in well drained soils. Studies related to ecophysiology of D. alata may contribute to the decision making about using seedlings of this species in projects aimed at the recovery of degraded areas where seasonal flooding happens. This study aimed to assess the effects of flooding on photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism and quality of D. alata seedlings cultivated or not under flooding during four assessment periods (0, 20, 40, and 60 days), followed by 100 days after the end of each assessment period (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, and 60+100 days), allowing verifying the potential for post-flooding recovery. Flooded plants showed lower photosynthetic efficiency than non-flooded plants, regardless of the periods of exposure. However, this efficiency was recovered in the post-flooding, with values similar to that of the non-flooded seedlings. Moreover, the damage to FV/FM was evidenced by an increase in the period of exposure to flooding, but recovery was also observed at this stage of the photosynthetic metabolism. Seedling quality decreased under flooding, not varying between periods of exposure, but remained lower although the increase observed in the post-flooding period, with no recovery after flooding. The occurrence of hypertrophied lenticels associated with physiological changes and an efficient antioxidant enzyme system might have contributed to the survival and recovery of these seedlings. Thus, this species is sensitive to flooding stress but capable of adjusting and recovering metabolic characteristics at 100 days after the suspension of the water stress, but with no recovery in seedling quality. Thus, we suggested plasticity under the cultivation condition and determined that the time of 100 days is not enough for the complete resumption of growth.

Resumo Dipteryx alata Vogel é uma arbórea de ampla ocorrência no Cerrado, se estabelecendo preferencialmente em solos bem drenados. Estudos referentes à ecofisiologia de D. alata em podem contribuir para a tomada de decisão sobre o uso de mudas dessa espécie em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas sujeitas a alagamento temporário. Objetivamos com essa pesquisa avaliar os efeitos do alagamento no metabolismo fotossintético e antioxidante, além da qualidade de mudas dessa espécie, cultivadas ou não sob alagamento durante quatro períodos de avaliação (0, 20, 40 e 60 dias) seguidos de 100 dias após o término de cada período (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, 60+100 dias), possibilitando verificar o potencial de recuperação pós-alagamento. Observamos que as plantas alagadas apresentaram menor eficiência fotossintética e danos em FV/FM entretanto houve recuperação dessas características no pós alagamento. A qualidade das mudas reduziu sob alagamento não variando entre os períodos de exposição e embora tenha aumentado no pós-alagamento manteve-se menor não se recuperando. A ocorrência de lenticelas hipertrofiadas associadas a alterações fisiológicas e um eficiente sistema enzimático antioxidante devem ter contribuído para a sobrevivência e recuperação metabólica dessas mudas. Diante disso, sugerimos que a espécie é sensível ao estresse por alagamento, mas capaz de se ajustar e recuperar as características metabólicas 100 dias após a suspensão deste estresse hídrico, no entanto a qualidade da mudas não apresentou recuperação, assim, sugerimos plasticidade diante da condição de cultivo e ressaltamos que o tempo de 100 dias não é suficiente para a completa retomada do crescimento.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC leaf extracts / Atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante e prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos das folhas de Eugenia involucrata DC

The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p <0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p <0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.

Do Dipteryx alata Vogel seedlings recover the quality and the photosynthetic and antioxidant responses in the post-flooding? / Mudas de Dipteryx alata Vogel recuperam a qualidade e as respostas fotossintéticas e antioxidantes no pós-alagamento?

Dipteryx alata Vogel is a tree species widely found in Cerrado, settling preferentially in well drained soils. Studies related to ecophysiology of D. alata may contribute to the decision making about using seedlings of this species in projects aimed at the recovery of degraded areas where seasonal flooding happens. This study aimed to assess the effects of flooding on photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism and quality of D. alata seedlings cultivated or not under flooding during four assessment periods (0, 20, 40, and 60 days), followed by 100 days after the end of each assessment period (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, and 60+100 days), allowing verifying the potential for post-flooding recovery. Flooded plants showed lower photosynthetic efficiency than non-flooded plants, regardless of the periods of exposure. However, this efficiency was recovered in the post-flooding, with values similar to that of the non-flooded seedlings. Moreover, the damage to FV/FM was evidenced by an increase in the period of exposure to flooding, but recovery was also observed at this stage of the photosynthetic metabolism. Seedling quality decreased under flooding, not varying between periods of exposure, but remained lower although the increase observed in the post-flooding period, with no recovery after flooding. The occurrence of hypertrophied lenticels associated with physiological changes and an efficient antioxidant enzyme system might have contributed to the survival and recovery of these seedlings. Thus, this species is sensitive to flooding stress but capable of adjusting and recovering metabolic characteristics at 100 days after the suspension of the water stress, but with no recovery in seedling quality. Thus, we suggested plasticity under the cultivation condition and determined that the time of 100 days is not enough for the complete resumption of growth.

Dipteryx alata Vogel é uma arbórea de ampla ocorrência no Cerrado, se estabelecendo preferencialmente em solos bem drenados. Estudos referentes à ecofisiologia de D. alata em podem contribuir para a tomada de decisão sobre o uso de mudas dessa espécie em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas sujeitas a alagamento temporário. Objetivamos com essa pesquisa avaliar os efeitos do alagamento no metabolismo fotossintético e antioxidante, além da qualidade de mudas dessa espécie, cultivadas ou não sob alagamento durante quatro períodos de avaliação (0, 20, 40 e 60 dias) seguidos de 100 dias após o término de cada período (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, 60+100 dias), possibilitando verificar o potencial de recuperação pós-alagamento. Observamos que as plantas alagadas apresentaram menor eficiência fotossintética e danos em FV/FM entretanto houve recuperação dessas características no pós alagamento. A qualidade das mudas reduziu sob alagamento não variando entre os períodos de exposição e embora tenha aumentado no pós-alagamento manteve-se menor não se recuperando. A ocorrência de lenticelas hipertrofiadas associadas a alterações fisiológicas e um eficiente sistema enzimático antioxidante devem ter contribuído para a sobrevivência e recuperação metabólica dessas mudas. Diante disso, sugerimos que a espécie é sensível ao estresse por alagamento, mas capaz de se ajustar e recuperar as características metabólicas 100 dias após a suspensão deste estresse hídrico, no entanto a qualidade da mudas não apresentou recuperação, assim, sugerimos plasticidade diante da condição de cultivo e ressaltamos que o tempo de 100 dias não é suficiente para a completa retomada do crescimento.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC. leaf extracts

Abstract The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p 0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

Resumo A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p 0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.

Do Dipteryx alata Vogel seedlings recover the quality and the photosynthetic and antioxidant responses in the post-flooding?

Abstract Dipteryx alata Vogel is a tree species widely found in Cerrado, settling preferentially in well drained soils. Studies related to ecophysiology of D. alata may contribute to the decision making about using seedlings of this species in projects aimed at the recovery of degraded areas where seasonal flooding happens. This study aimed to assess the effects of flooding on photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism and quality of D. alata seedlings cultivated or not under flooding during four assessment periods (0, 20, 40, and 60 days), followed by 100 days after the end of each assessment period (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, and 60+100 days), allowing verifying the potential for post-flooding recovery. Flooded plants showed lower photosynthetic efficiency than non-flooded plants, regardless of the periods of exposure. However, this efficiency was recovered in the post-flooding, with values similar to that of the non-flooded seedlings. Moreover, the damage to FV/FM was evidenced by an increase in the period of exposure to flooding, but recovery was also observed at this stage of the photosynthetic metabolism. Seedling quality decreased under flooding, not varying between periods of exposure, but remained lower although the increase observed in the post-flooding period, with no recovery after flooding. The occurrence of hypertrophied lenticels associated with physiological changes and an efficient antioxidant enzyme system might have contributed to the survival and recovery of these seedlings. Thus, this species is sensitive to flooding stress but capable of adjusting and recovering metabolic characteristics at 100 days after the suspension of the water stress, but with no recovery in seedling quality. Thus, we suggested plasticity under the cultivation condition and determined that the time of 100 days is not enough for the complete resumption of growth.

Resumo Dipteryx alata Vogel é uma arbórea de ampla ocorrência no Cerrado, se estabelecendo preferencialmente em solos bem drenados. Estudos referentes à ecofisiologia de D. alata em podem contribuir para a tomada de decisão sobre o uso de mudas dessa espécie em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas sujeitas a alagamento temporário. Objetivamos com essa pesquisa avaliar os efeitos do alagamento no metabolismo fotossintético e antioxidante, além da qualidade de mudas dessa espécie, cultivadas ou não sob alagamento durante quatro períodos de avaliação (0, 20, 40 e 60 dias) seguidos de 100 dias após o término de cada período (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, 60+100 dias), possibilitando verificar o potencial de recuperação pós-alagamento. Observamos que as plantas alagadas apresentaram menor eficiência fotossintética e danos em FV/FM entretanto houve recuperação dessas características no pós alagamento. A qualidade das mudas reduziu sob alagamento não variando entre os períodos de exposição e embora tenha aumentado no pós-alagamento manteve-se menor não se recuperando. A ocorrência de lenticelas hipertrofiadas associadas a alterações fisiológicas e um eficiente sistema enzimático antioxidante devem ter contribuído para a sobrevivência e recuperação metabólica dessas mudas. Diante disso, sugerimos que a espécie é sensível ao estresse por alagamento, mas capaz de se ajustar e recuperar as características metabólicas 100 dias após a suspensão deste estresse hídrico, no entanto a qualidade da mudas não apresentou recuperação, assim, sugerimos plasticidade diante da condição de cultivo e ressaltamos que o tempo de 100 dias não é suficiente para a completa retomada do crescimento.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC. leaf extracts / Atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante e prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos das folhas de Eugenia involucrata DC

Abstract The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p <0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

Resumo A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p <0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Brain glucose hypometabolism and hippocampal inflammation in Goto-Kakizaki rats

Brain glucose hypometabolism and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic manifestations in neurological disorders. Neuroinflammation may also disrupt leptin signaling, an adipokine that centrally regulates appetite and energy balance by acting on the hypothalamus and exerting neuroprotection in the hippocampus. The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is a non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animal model used to investigate diabetes-associated molecular mechanisms without obesity jeopardizing effects. Wistar and GK rats received the maintenance adult rodent diet. Also, an additional control group of Wistar rats received a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFHS) provided by free consumption of condensed milk. All diets and water were provided ad libitum for eight weeks. Brain glucose uptake was evaluated by 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose under basal (saline administration) or stimulated (CL316,243, a selective β3-AR agonist) conditions. The animals were fasted for 10-12 h, anesthetized, and euthanized. The brain was quickly dissected, and the hippocampal area was sectioned and stored at -80°C in different tubes for protein and RNA analyses on the same animal. GK rats exhibited attenuated brain glucose uptake compared to Wistar animals and the HFHS group under basal conditions. Also, the hippocampus of GK rats displayed upregulated leptin receptor, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression and IL-1β and the subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB (p-p65) protein expression. No significant alterations were detected in the hippocampus of HFHS rats. Our data indicated that a genetic predisposition to T2DM has significant brain deteriorating features, including brain glucose hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, and leptin signaling disruption in the hippocampal area.