First Description of supernumerary Chromosomes in Ictaluruspunctatus Rafinesque 1818 Reveals Active Ribosomal Genes in the B Complement.

The North American channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque 1818 is cultivated in the United States, Asia and Brazilian fish farms, and also utilized as a model species in aquaculture and genetic studies. In this work, cytogenetic analysis of . punctatus from Brazilian aquaculture revealed for the first time the presence of extra elements (supernumerary or B chromosomes) in this species. These elements were characterized as dot-like micro B chromosomes and were found in three individuals (varying from 0 to 1) and in one individual with higher incidence per cell (varying from 0 to 5; mean number of Bs per cell = 2.01). More specific cytogenetic techniques in this individual revealed 58 A chromosomes (standard complement) containing heterochromatic bands in the centromeric regions, a single Ag-NOR in a subtelocentric pair (also positive for 18S rDNA using the FISH technique) and multiple 5S rDNA clusters in three different subtelocentric chromosomes. Four B chromosomes were entirely Ag-NOR positive (also fully heterochromatic) and three presented 18S rDNA clusters by FISH. The occurrence of Ag-NOR and 18S ribosomal genes in both A and B chromosome complements may indicate an intraspecific origin for these extra chromosomes. Additionally, the terminal location of 18S ribosomal clusters in the Ag-NOR-bearing chromosomes and the presence of active NOR in the B chromosomes suggested that breakage events may be related to a possible recent origin of these extra elements. We suggest this data may be useful as cytogenetic information for future elucidation of the composition, origin and evolution of extra chromosomes in fishes.

Fermented Soy Products and Their Potential Health Benefits: A Review.

In the growing search for therapeutic strategies, there is an interest in foods containing natural antioxidants and other bioactive compounds capable of preventing or reversing pathogenic processes associated with metabolic disease. Fermentation has been used as a potent way of improving the properties of soybean and their components. Microbial metabolism is responsible for producing the ß-glucosidase enzyme that converts glycosidic isoflavones into aglycones with higher biological activity in fermented soy products, in addition to several end-metabolites associated with human health development, including peptides, phenolic acids, fatty acids, vitamins, flavonoids, minerals, and organic acids. Thus, several products have emerged from soybean fermentation by fungi, bacteria, or a combination of both. This review covers the key biological characteristics of soy and fermented soy products, including natto, miso, tofu, douchi, sufu, cheonggukjang, doenjang, kanjang, meju, tempeh, thua-nao, kinema, hawaijar, and tungrymbai. The inclusion of these foods in the diet has been associated with the reduction of chronic diseases, with potential anticancer, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anticholesterol, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. These biological activities and the recently studied potential of fermented soybean molecules against SARS-CoV-2 are discussed. Finally, a patent landscape is presented to provide the state-of-the-art of the transfer of knowledge from the scientific sphere to the industrial application.

Enhancing the Recovery of Bioactive Compounds of Soybean Fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus Using Supercritical CO2: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Oxidative Proprieties of the Resulting Extract.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of supercritical CO2 combined with cosolvent for the recovery of bioactive compounds of soybean fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus NRRL 2710. Soxhlet extractions using seven different organic solvents (n-hexane, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water) were initially performed for comparative purposes. The extracts obtained were characterized by physicochemical, antioxidant, total phenolic, and oxidative proprieties. For the Soxhlet extractions, the highest and lowest yields obtained were 45.24% and 15.56%, using methanol and hexane, respectively. The extraction using supercritical CO2 combined with ethanol as a static modifier (scCO2 + EtOH) presented, at a high pressure (25 MPa) and temperature (80 °C), a phenolic compound content of 1391.9 µg GAE g-1 and scavenging of 0.17 g, reaching a 42.87% yield. The extracts obtained by sCO2 + EtOH were characterized by high contents of essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid) and bioactive compounds (gallic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, daidzein, and genistein). These extracts also showed a great potential for inhibiting hyaluronidase enzymes (i.e., anti-inflammatory activity). Thermogravimetric analyses of the samples showed similar profiles, with oil degradation values in the range from 145 to 540 °C, indicating progressive oil decomposition with a mass loss ranging from 93 to 98.7%. In summary, this study demonstrated the flexibility of scCO2 + EtOH as a green technology that can be used to obtain high-value-added products from fermented soybean.

Use of Molecular Genetic Methods to Reduce the Risk of Incorrect Identification of Fish Strains in Brazilian Aquaculture.

The identification of fish species using traditional methods is generally based only on morphological characteristics and these methods are currently under review. This kind of identification of hybrid fishes solely based on their morphologies may be unreliable, especially when the samples include juveniles and post-F1 lineage fishes. Therefore, in the present study, we used molecular markers to accurately identify the fish species of economic interest that are used as materials in the projects developed in research institutions. We evaluated six lots of fishes sampled from different research centers, containing a total of 84 specimens acquired from private fish farms that were considered to be the representatives of pure species. Genetic analyses of all the specimens revealed that, globally, 22 samples (26.2%) were interspecific hybrids, while 20 (90.9%) samples were surprisingly characterized as post-F1 hybrids. This result confirms that hybrids are sold in markets without adequate labeling and also indicates the lack of proper control of the commercialization and management of stocks and products in fish farms. In addition, we determined that molecular diagnosis was an extremely effective and necessary method to test the reliability of biological materials currently used in scientific research.

Genome-wide analysis clarifies the population genetic structure of wild gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

Gilthead sea bream is an important target for both recreational and commercial fishing in Europe, where it is also one of the most important cultured fish. Its distribution ranges from the Mediterranean to the African and European coasts of the North-East Atlantic. Until now, the population genetic structure of this species in the wild has largely been studied using microsatellite DNA markers, with minimal genetic differentiation being detected. In this geographically widespread study, 958 wild gilthead sea bream from 23 locations within the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean were genotyped at 1159 genome-wide SNP markers by RAD sequencing. Outlier analyses identified 18 loci potentially under selection. Neutral marker analyses identified weak subdivision into three genetic clusters: Atlantic, West, and East Mediterranean. The latter group could be further subdivided into an Ionian/Adriatic and an Aegean group using the outlier markers alone. Seascape analysis suggested that this differentiation was mainly due to difference in salinity, this being also supported by preliminary genomic functional analysis. These results are of fundamental importance for the development of proper management of this species in the wild and are a first step toward the study of the potential genetic impact of the sea bream aquaculture industry.

DNA barcode reveals the illegal trade of rays commercialized in fishmongers in Brazil.

Sequences of the mitochondrial gene COI (DNA Barcode) were used to identify species of rays and skates commercialized in fishmongers in Brazil. The comparisons of the obtained sequences with previously published data available in NCBI and BOLD showed that the fish products corresponded to four species, Hypanus dipterurus, Potamotrygon motoro, Paratrygon ajereba and Gymnura altavela, the last of which is classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List and therefore should not be marketed in accordance with the MMA ordinance 445/2015.

Chemical composition and health properties of coffee and coffee by-products.

Coffee can be an ally in the fight against diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, hepatic injury, cirrhosis, depression, suicidal behavior, and neurological and cardiovascular disorders. The properties of coffee also favor gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota establishment. Coffee bioactive components include phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acids, cafestol and kahweol), alkaloids (caffeine and trigonelin), diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) and other secondary metabolites. The image of coffee as a super functional food has helped to increase coffee consumption across the globe. This chapter addresses the main health promotion mechanisms associated with coffee consumption. Related topics on coffee production chain, world consumption and reuse of coffee by-products in the production of high-value-adding molecules with potential applications in the food industry are addressed and discussed.

DNA Barcode reveals mislabelling in the identification of marine fish swimming bladders for commercialization.

Sequences of the mitochondrial gene COI (DNA Barcode) wereused to identify marine fish swimming bladders commercialized in Brazil. The comparisons of the obtained sequences of the samples registered as catfish for the commerce with previously published data available in NCBI and BOLD showed that the fish products commercialized corresponded to two Perciform species, Pogonias cromis and Micropogonias furnieri. These results besides contradicting the formal identification of the species included in the fisheries control revealed an illegal trade of one of these species, M. furnieri that is threatened and consequently have its capture prohibited.

Parallel evolution and adaptation to environmental factors in a marine flatfish: Implications for fisheries and aquaculture management of the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

Unraveling adaptive genetic variation represents, in addition to the estimate of population demographic parameters, a cornerstone for the management of aquatic natural living resources, which, in turn, represent the raw material for breeding programs. The turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a marine flatfish of high commercial value living on the European continental shelf. While wild populations are declining, aquaculture is flourishing in southern Europe. We evaluated the genetic structure of turbot throughout its natural distribution range (672 individuals; 20 populations) by analyzing allele frequency data from 755 single nucleotide polymorphism discovered and genotyped by double-digest RAD sequencing. The species was structured into four main regions: Baltic Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Adriatic Sea, and Black Sea, with subtle differentiation apparent at the distribution margins of the Atlantic region. Genetic diversity and effective population size estimates were highest in the Atlantic populations, the area of greatest occurrence, while turbot from other regions showed lower levels, reflecting geographical isolation and reduced abundance. Divergent selection was detected within and between the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea regions, and also when comparing these two regions with the Black Sea. Evidence of parallel evolution was detected between the two low salinity regions, the Baltic and Black seas. Correlation between genetic and environmental variation indicated that temperature and salinity were probably the main environmental drivers of selection. Mining around the four genomic regions consistently inferred to be under selection identified candidate genes related to osmoregulation, growth, and resistance to diseases. The new insights are useful for the management of turbot fisheries and aquaculture by providing the baseline for evaluating the consequences of turbot releases from restocking and farming.

Cytogenetic characterization of F1, F2 and backcross hybrids of the Neotropical catfish species Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (Pimelodidae, Siluriformes).

The cytogenetic characteristics of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum and their F1, F2 and backcross hybrids were assessed by using chromosome banding techniques. The diploid number of 56 chromosomes was constant in all species and lineages, with a karyotypic formula containing 20 metacentric, 12 submetacentric, 12 subtelocentric and 12 acrocentric chromosomes. Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were identified in two subtelocentric chromosomes in the parents and hybrids, with partial nucleolar dominance in F1 and F2 specimens. Heterochromatic blocks were detected in the terminal and centromeric regions of some chromosomes in all individuals. For parental and hybrid lineages, 18S ribosomal clusters corresponding to NORs and 5S ribosomal genes were identified in distinct pairs of chromosomes. The striking conservation in the chromosomal macrostructure of the parental species may account for the fertility of their F1 hybrids. Similarly, the lack of marked alterations in the chromosomal structure of the F1 hybrids could account for the maintenance of these features in post-F1 lineages.