The Influence of Age, Sex and Season on Andean Condor Ranging Behavior during the Immature Stage.

Immature individuals move from their natal area to the area where they settle and reproduce, and this may take several years. This process is essential for long-lived species such as vultures and condors, which spend long periods as immature and move extensively. We studied the movement behavior of 26 GPS-tagged immature Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from northwestern Patagonia throughout the immature stage, analyzing whether these patterns differed according to age, sex and season. We found that season and age influenced home range size and flight distances, the warm season being when immature condors move most; movement patterns were greater in sub-adults than in juveniles. The age effect was associated with the sex of individuals, with males increasing their home range more than females. Our results provide the first description of how immature Andean condor movement patterns are affected by internal and external factors. This information could be key to understanding condor responses to environmental change and threats at different stages during their immature phase. Until now, condor conservation efforts have not considered the areas used by dispersing individuals. Our results increase our understanding of ranging behavior during the immature stage of this threatened bird, enabling us to improve the conservation policies and management strategies designed to protect them.

Potentiating the Benefits of Melatonin through Chemical Functionalization: Possible Impact on Multifactorial Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Although melatonin is an astonishing molecule, it is possible that chemistry will help in the discovery of new compounds derived from it that may exceed our expectations regarding antioxidant protection and perhaps even neuroprotection. This review briefly summarizes the significant amount of data gathered to date regarding the multiple health benefits of melatonin and related compounds. This review also highlights some of the most recent directions in the discovery of multifunctional pharmaceuticals intended to act as one-molecule multiple-target drugs with potential use in multifactorial diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we discuss the beneficial activities of melatonin derivatives reported to date, in addition to computational strategies to rationally design new derivatives by functionalization of the melatonin molecular framework. It is hoped that this review will promote more investigations on the subject from both experimental and theoretical perspectives.

Consumo incidental de plástico y otros materiales antropogénicos por parte de Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) en un vertedero de basura de Ecuador / Incidental consumption of plastic and other anthropogenic materials by Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) in a garbage dump in Ecuador

Resumen En este estudio se analiza y discute la ingesta de plástico y otros materiales antropogénicos por parte de Coragyps atratus en un vertedero de residuos suburbano de Calceta, Provincia de Manabí, Ecuador. De un total de 112 egagrópilas analizadas, el 100% contenía materiales antropogénicos siendo los más conspicuos, diferentes tipos de plásticos y microplásticos, además de metales, vidrio, suelo y otros. Se discute y contrasta con la bibliografía la importancia relativa de los materiales antropogénicos encontrados, así como su potencial impacto en la especie y para el ser humano.

Abstract This study analyzes and discusses the ingestion of plastic and other anthropogenic materials by Coragyps atratus in a suburban waste dump in Calceta, Manabí Province, Ecuador. Of a total of 112 pellets analyzed, 100% contained anthropogenic materials, the most conspicuous being different types of plastics and microplastics, as well as metals, glass, soil, and others. The relative importance of the anthropogenic materials found is discussed and analyzed, same as their potential impact on the species and humanity.

The Role of the Reactive Species Involved in the Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE Microplastics Using C,N-TiO2 Powders.

Microplastics (MPs) are distributed in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems throughout the planet. They are known to adsorb hazardous substances and can transfer them across the trophic web. To eliminate MPs pollution in an environmentally friendly process, we propose using a photocatalytic process that can easily be implemented in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). As photocatalysis involves the formation of reactive species such as holes (h+), electrons (e-), hydroxyl (OH●), and superoxide ion (O2●-) radicals, it is imperative to determine the role of those species in the degradation process to design an effective photocatalytic system. However, for MPs, this information is limited in the literature. Therefore, we present such reactive species' role in the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs using C,N-TiO2. Tert-butanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Tiron, and Cu(NO3)2 were confirmed as adequate OH●, h+, O2●- and e- scavengers. These results revealed for the first time that the formation of free OH● through the pathways involving the photogenerated e- plays an essential role in the MPs' degradation. Furthermore, the degradation behaviors observed when h+ and O2●- were removed from the reaction system suggest that these species can also perform the initiating step of degradation.

Latitudinal patterns in the diet of Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Chile: Contrasting environments influencing feeding behavior.

Human-dominated environments alter the availability and quality of resources for many species, especially for scavengers that have large home ranges and plastic foraging behaviors that enable them to exploit novel resources. Along the western slope of the Andes, the modification of natural landscapes have resulted in significant declines in native prey, the introduction of non-native species, and an increase in the availability of anthropogenic resources. These factors have likely influenced the resources available to Andean condors (Vultur gryphus), however, data are lacking as to how condor's diet vary along their large latitudinal range. We evaluated differences in Andean condor diet along a ~2500 km latitudinal gradient in Chile from the heavily modified Central zone (32-34°S) to the more pristine Austral zone (44-56°S). We assessed diet composition through the identification of prey remains in condor pellets, and carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of condor feathers and their primary prey identified from pellet analysis. Our results identified medium- and large-bodied domesticated mammals (ungulates) and introduced exotic species (lagomorphs) as common prey across the study area. Condors from the Central zone had the largest isotopic niche width, probably related to consumption of anthropogenic resources with distinctly high carbon isotope values indicative of C4-based foods likely acquired from landfills or corn-fed livestock. Isotopic niches for condors from the Southern and Austral zones almost completely overlapped. Andean condor diet is strongly influenced by local conditions determining differential access to prey sources. The high dependence of Andean condors on livestock across a large geographical area, and landfills in more (sub)urban areas, may help stabilize their populations via anthropogenic resources subsidies. Long-term dependence on such resources, however, may have health costs including contaminant exposure and greater mortality risk. These data will help identify potential threats related to resource availability and use, and better inform management and conservation decisions.

Comparison between UVA- and zero-valent iron-activated persulfate processes for degrading propylparaben.

Conventional wastewater treatments are not efficient in removing parabens, which may thus end up in surface waters, posing a threat to aquatic biota and human health. As an alternative treatment, persulfate (PS)-driven advanced oxidation technologies have gained growing attention for removing these pollutants. In this study, the degradation of propylparaben (PrP) by UVA- and zero-valent iron (ZVI)-activated persulfate was investigated. The effects of initial PS concentration ([PS]0) and irradiance or ZVI concentration were explored using the Doehlert experimental design. For the UVA-activated system, the specific PrP degradation rate (k) and percent removal were consistently higher for increasing [PS]0 and irradiance, varying in the ranges 0.0053-0.0192 min-1 and 37.9-77.3%, respectively. In contrast, extremely fast PrP degradation was achieved through the ZVI/PS process (0.3304 < k < 0.9212 min-1), with removal percentages above 97.5%; in this case, paraben degradation was hindered for a ZVI dosage beyond 40 mg L-1. Regarding toxicity, ECOSAR predictions suggest that the degradation products elucidated by LC-MS/MS are less toxic than PrP toward fish, daphnid, and green algae. In addition, both processes showed to be strongly dependent on the water matrix, being ZVI/PS more impacted for a MBR effluent, although its performance was much better than that exhibited by the UVA-driven process (t1/2 of 65.4 and 276.1 min, respectively).

Manipulation of oxidative stress responses as a strategy to generate stress-tolerant crops. From damage to signaling to tolerance.

Plants exposed to hostile environmental conditions such as drought or extreme temperatures usually undergo oxidative stress, which has long been assumed to significantly contribute to the damage suffered by the organism. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduced under stress conditions were proposed to destroy membrane lipids and to inactivate proteins and photosystems, ultimately leading to cell death. Accordingly, considerable effort has been devoted, over the years, to improve stress tolerance by strengthening antioxidant and dissipative mechanisms. Although the notion that ROS cause indiscriminate damage in vivo has been progressively replaced by the alternate concept that they act as signaling molecules directing critical plant developmental and environmental responses including cell death, the induction of genes encoding antioxidant activities is commonplace under many environmental stresses, suggesting that their manipulation still offers promise. The features and consequences of ROS effects depend on the balance between various interacting pathways including ROS synthesis and scavenging, energy dissipation, conjugative reactions, and eventually reductive repair. They represent many possibilities for genetic manipulation. We report, herein, a comprehensive survey of transgenic plants in which components of the ROS-associated pathways were overexpressed, and of the stress phenotypes displayed by the corresponding transformants. Genetic engineering of different stages of ROS metabolism such as synthesis, scavenging, and reductive repair revealed a strong correlation between down-regulation of ROS levels and increased stress tolerance in plants grown under controlled conditions. Field assays are scarce, and are eagerly required to assess the possible application of this strategy to agriculture.

Synthesis, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of N-Functionalized Organotellurides.

The use of antioxidants is the most effective means to protect the organism against cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. In this context, organotellurides have been described as promising antioxidant agents for decades. Herein, a series of N-functionalized organotellurium compounds has been tested as antioxidant and presented remarkable activities by three different in vitro chemical assays. They were able to reduce DPPH radical with IC50 values ranging from 5.08 to 19.20 µg mL-1, and some of them also reduced ABTS+ radical and TPTZ-Fe3+ complex in ABTS+ and FRAP assays, respectively. Initial structure-activity relationship discloses that the nature of N-substituent strongly influenced both activity and cytotoxicity of the studied compounds. Furthermore, radical scavenging activities of N-functionalized organotellurides have been compared with those of their selenilated congeners, demonstrating that the presence of tellurium atom has an essential role in antioxidant activity.

New ß-orcinol depsides from Hypotrachyna caraccensis, a lichen from the páramo ecosystem and their free radical scavenging activity.

The new hypotrachynin A (1) and B (2) along with the known (+)-(9b-R)-usnic (3) and methylstictic acids (4) were isolated for the first time from Hypotrachyna caraccensis. Additionally, their potency and reactivity as DPPH• scavengers was determined by a kinetic study calculating their EC50 and second-order rate constants (k2). Considering 1-4 could be dermatological agents, their n-octanol-water partition coefficients and standard molar Gibbs free energies of transfer were calculated as estimation of their lipophilicity and skin penetration. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 were less potent than 2 (EC50 = 3.3014; 1.7540; 2.6652 vs 0.7376) as DPPH• scavengers, in turn 4, was the most reactive with a comparable k2 to the antioxidant BHT (k2 = (232 ± 24) × 10-2 vs (564 ± 12) × 10-2 M-1 s-1, respectively). Since 2 and 4 had an optimal lipophilicity and permeability for skin penetration, they might be developed as topical ingredients to prevent oxidative damage.

Actividad antioxidante del complejo de inclusión del extracto de semilla de Bixa orellana en ß-ciclodextrina obtenido por CO2 supercrítico / Antioxidant activity of the inclusion complex of Bixa orellana seeds extract in ß-cyclodextrin obtained by supercritical CO2

Antecedentes: los extractos de Bixa orellana son utilizados como colorante de alimentos, y presentan una actividad antioxidante de importancia farmacéutica. Su uso puede limitarse por su inestabilidad, donde el proceso de inclusión en ß-ciclodextrina (ß-CD) por fluido supercrítico con CO2 (FSC-CO2) es una alternativa para mediar esta desventaja. Objetivos: comparar diferentes condiciones de temperatura y presión de extracción por FSC-CO2, para determinar cuál de estas permite obtener un extracto de Bixa orellana con mayor actividad antioxidante, y evaluar el efecto de la inclusión en ß-CD, en dicha capacidad antioxidante. Métodos: se obtuvieron extractos por FSC-CO2 variando condiciones de presión y temperatura: (I) 3583 psi, 35°C, (II) 1413 psi, 35°C, (III) 2184 psi, 45°C, (IV) 5076 psi, 45°C, y (V) 2300 psi, 40°C. Se evaluó la actividad antioxidante de los extractos obtenidos mediante el método DPPH, determinando su IC50. Se realizó el complejo de inclusión en ß-CD del extracto que presentó la mayor actividad antioxidante, por el método FSC-CO2, y fue caracterizado por IR, DSC y RMN. Mediante análisis comparativo de los espectros de la ß-CD, extracto libre y el complejo extracto/ß-CD, se verificó el acomplejamiento, y se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del complejo de inclusión. Resultados: el extracto con mayor actividad antioxidante se obtuvo bajo la condición de extracción IV, con un IC50 de 23,55 µg/ mL, seguido del extracto II (28,76 µg/mL), del extracto III (37,23 µg/mL), del extracto V (81,09 µg/mL) y del extracto I (193,82 µg/mL), los cuales presentaron diferencias significativas (P<0,01). Los espectros obtenidos por IR, DSC y RMN presentaron desplazamientos propios del proceso de encapsulamiento. El valor IC50 del complejo extracto/ß-CD fue de 104,84 µg/mL, siendo significativamente mayor al valor obtenido para el extracto puro (23,55 µg/mL). Conclusión: el extracto de Bixa orellana con una actividad antioxidante mayor se obtuvo por fluido supercrítico a 5076 psi de presión y 45°C de temperatura. Las variaciones de los espectros IR, DSC y RMN demuestran la inclusión del extracto en la ß-CD, y los valores de IC50 indican el efecto protector de la ß-CD ante la reacción con el radical DPPH.

Background: Bixa orellana extracts are used to food coloring and it is important in pharmaceutical industry as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The application may be limited because it is unstable, but the process of inclusion in ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) by supercritical fluid CO2 (FSC-CO2) is an alternative to mediate this disadvantage. Objectives: we compared different conditions of temperature and pressure of FSC-CO2 extraction, to obtain a Bixa orellana extract with excellent antioxidant activity, and we evaluated the effect of inclusion in ß-CD in the antioxidant capacity. Methods: extracts were obtained by FSC-CO2 with different conditions of pressure and temperature: (I) 3583 psi, 35°C, (II) 1413 psi, 35°C, (III) 2184 psi, 45°C, (IV) 5076 psi, 45°C, and (V) 2300 psi, 40°C. The antioxidant activity by DPPH assay was determined and the IC50 was evaluated. We performed the inclusion complex in ß-CD with the highest antioxidant activity extract. The extract/ß-CD complex was characterized by IR, DSC and NMR. This complexation was verified by comparative analysis of the spectra of the ß-CD, free extract and ß-CD/extract complex. The antioxidant capacity of this inclusion complex was evaluated. Results: the extract with highest antioxidant activity was obtained under the extraction condition IV, with an IC50 of 23.55 µg/mL, followed extract II (28.76 µg/mL), extract III (37.23 µg/mL), extract V (81.09 µg/mL) and extract I (193.82 µg/mL). Analysis showed significant differences (P<0.01) between these extracts. The spectra obtained by IR, DSC and NMR evidence the encapsulation process. The IC50 value of the extract/ß-CD complex (104.84 µg/mL) was significantly higher than the value obtained for the pure extract (23.55 µg/mL). Conclusions: the highest antioxidant activity of Bixa orellana extracts was obtained by supercritical fluid pressure at 5076 psi and temperature of 45°C. Variations in IR, DSC and NMR spectra showed the inclusion of the ß-CD/extract, and the IC50 values indicated the protective effect of ß-CD to the reaction with DPPH radical.

Hábitos alimenticios de poblaciones periféricas de Zaedyus pichiy y Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae) en la Patagonia chilena / Food habits in peripheral populations of Zaedyus pichiy and Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae) in the Chilean Patagonia

En Chile los armadillos Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) y Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) tienen poblaciones periféricas restringidas a planicies de altura y estepa patagónica en la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera de los Andes, donde además han sido escasamente estudiadas. En este trabajo entregamos información sobre los hábitos alimenticios de ambas especies de armadillos, obtenida mediante el análisis de heces colectadas en dos áreas de la región de Aysén, Patagonia chilena. En 38 heces de Z. pichiy identificamos dos taxones de plantas, seis de invertebrados y cuatro de vertebrados, mientras que en 72 heces C. villosus identificamos tres, nueve y cuatro taxones de las mismas categorías. En ambas especies de armadillos los invertebrados fueron la categoría más diversa y con mayor frecuencia de ocurrencia, siendo Coleoptera, Orthoptera y Hemiptera los grupos mejor representados en términos de abundancia. Entre los vertebrados se observó mayor frecuencia de restos del camélido Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776) y el lagomorfo Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778). El análisis de rarefacción muestra que la riqueza de taxones fue mayor en C. villosus que en Z. pichiy, y el índice de Pianka indica que no existió un solapamiento trófico significativo entre especies de armadillos. Nuestras observaciones indican que poblaciones periféricas de ambas especies de armadillos muestran dietas omnívoras oportunistas, con un mayor consumo de invertebrados y plantas; además, sugieren que C. villosus se desarrolla en un rango ambiental más amplio, con una dieta más diversa y mayor presencia de esta especie en ambas áreas de estudio.(AU)

In Chile the armadillos Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) and Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) have peripheral populations restricted to steppes and plains near western slopes of the Andes, being also inadequately studied. We present information on feeding habits of both species by analysis of feces obtained in two study areas of Aysén district, Chilean Patagonia. In 38 feces of Z. pichiy we identified two plant taxa, six invertebrate and four vertebrate; in 72 feces of C. villosus we identified three plant taxa, nine invertebrate and four vertebrate. In both armadillos species the invertebrates were the category more frequent and diverse. Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Hemiptera were the most abundant insects, and remains of ungulate Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776) and lagomorph Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778) were the most frequent vertebrates. The rarefaction analysis indicates higher taxa richness in C. villosus than in Z pichiy and Pianka index indicates there is no significant trophic overlap between these two species of armadillos. Our results indicate omnivores/opportunistic foods habits in peripheral populations of both species, with higher consumption of invertebrates and plants; also they suggest that C. villosus lives in a broader environmental range, with a more diverse food habits and higher abundance in both study areas.(AU)

Hábitos alimenticios de poblaciones periféricas de Zaedyus pichiy y Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae) en la Patagonia chilena / Food habits in peripheral populations of Zaedyus pichiy and Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae) in the Chilean Patagonia

En Chile los armadillos Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) y Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) tienen poblaciones periféricas restringidas a planicies de altura y estepa patagónica en la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera de los Andes, donde además han sido escasamente estudiadas. En este trabajo entregamos información sobre los hábitos alimenticios de ambas especies de armadillos, obtenida mediante el análisis de heces colectadas en dos áreas de la región de Aysén, Patagonia chilena. En 38 heces de Z. pichiy identificamos dos taxones de plantas, seis de invertebrados y cuatro de vertebrados, mientras que en 72 heces C. villosus identificamos tres, nueve y cuatro taxones de las mismas categorías. En ambas especies de armadillos los invertebrados fueron la categoría más diversa y con mayor frecuencia de ocurrencia, siendo Coleoptera, Orthoptera y Hemiptera los grupos mejor representados en términos de abundancia. Entre los vertebrados se observó mayor frecuencia de restos del camélido Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776) y el lagomorfo Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778). El análisis de rarefacción muestra que la riqueza de taxones fue mayor en C. villosus que en Z. pichiy, y el índice de Pianka indica que no existió un solapamiento trófico significativo entre especies de armadillos. Nuestras observaciones indican que poblaciones periféricas de ambas especies de armadillos muestran dietas omnívoras oportunistas, con un mayor consumo de invertebrados y plantas; además, sugieren que C. villosus se desarrolla en un rango ambiental más amplio, con una dieta más diversa y mayor presencia de esta especie en ambas áreas de estudio.

In Chile the armadillos Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) and Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) have peripheral populations restricted to steppes and plains near western slopes of the Andes, being also inadequately studied. We present information on feeding habits of both species by analysis of feces obtained in two study areas of Aysén district, Chilean Patagonia. In 38 feces of Z. pichiy we identified two plant taxa, six invertebrate and four vertebrate; in 72 feces of C. villosus we identified three plant taxa, nine invertebrate and four vertebrate. In both armadillos species the invertebrates were the category more frequent and diverse. Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Hemiptera were the most abundant insects, and remains of ungulate Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776) and lagomorph Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778) were the most frequent vertebrates. The rarefaction analysis indicates higher taxa richness in C. villosus than in Z pichiy and Pianka index indicates there is no significant trophic overlap between these two species of armadillos. Our results indicate omnivores/opportunistic foods habits in peripheral populations of both species, with higher consumption of invertebrates and plants; also they suggest that C. villosus lives in a broader environmental range, with a more diverse food habits and higher abundance in both study areas.

Hábitos alimenticios de poblaciones periféricas de Zaedyus pichiy y Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae) en la Patagonia chilena

RESUMEN En Chile los armadillos Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) y Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) tienen poblaciones periféricas restringidas a planicies de altura y estepa patagónica en la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera de los Andes, donde además han sido escasamente estudiadas. En este trabajo entregamos información sobre los hábitos alimenticios de ambas especies de armadillos, obtenida mediante el análisis de heces colectadas en dos áreas de la región de Aysén, Patagonia chilena. En 38 heces de Z. pichiy identificamos dos taxones de plantas, seis de invertebrados y cuatro de vertebrados, mientras que en 72 heces C. villosus identificamos tres, nueve y cuatro taxones de las mismas categorías. En ambas especies de armadillos los invertebrados fueron la categoría más diversa y con mayor frecuencia de ocurrencia, siendo Coleoptera, Orthoptera y Hemiptera los grupos mejor representados en términos de abundancia. Entre los vertebrados se observó mayor frecuencia de restos del camélido Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776) y el lagomorfo Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778). El análisis de rarefacción muestra que la riqueza de taxones fue mayor en C. villosus que en Z. pichiy, y el índice de Pianka indica que no existió un solapamiento trófico significativo entre especies de armadillos. Nuestras observaciones indican que poblaciones periféricas de ambas especies de armadillos muestran dietas omnívoras oportunistas, con un mayor consumo de invertebrados y plantas; además, sugieren que C. villosus se desarrolla en un rango ambiental más amplio, con una dieta más diversa y mayor presencia de esta especie en ambas áreas de estudio.

ABSTRACT In Chile the armadillos Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804) and Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) have peripheral populations restricted to steppes and plains near western slopes of the Andes, being also inadequately studied. We present information on feeding habits of both species by analysis of feces obtained in two study areas of Aysén district, Chilean Patagonia. In 38 feces of Z. pichiy we identified two plant taxa, six invertebrate and four vertebrate; in 72 feces of C. villosus we identified three plant taxa, nine invertebrate and four vertebrate. In both armadillos species the invertebrates were the category more frequent and diverse. Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Hemiptera were the most abundant insects, and remains of ungulate Lama guanicoe (Müller, 1776) and lagomorph Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778) were the most frequent vertebrates. The rarefaction analysis indicates higher taxa richness in C. villosus than in Z pichiy and Pianka index indicates there is no significant trophic overlap between these two species of armadillos. Our results indicate omnivores/opportunistic foods habits in peripheral populations of both species, with higher consumption of invertebrates and plants; also they suggest that C. villosus lives in a broader environmental range, with a more diverse food habits and higher abundance in both study areas.

Improved shelf life of dried Beauveria bassiana blastospores using convective drying and active packaging processes.

The yeast form (blastospore) of the dimorphic insect-pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana can be rapidly produced using liquid fermentation methods but is generally unable to survive rapid dehydration processes or storage under non-refrigerated conditions. In this study, we evaluated the influence of two convective drying methods, various modified atmosphere packaging systems, and storage temperatures on the desiccation tolerance, storage stability, and virulence of blastospores of B. bassiana ESALQ 1432. All blastospore formulations were dried to <5 % water content equivalent to aw < 0.3. The viability of B. bassiana blastospores after air drying and spray drying was greater than 80 %. Vacuum-packaged blastospores remained viable longer when stored at 4 °C compared with 28 °C with virtually no loss in viability over 9 months regardless the drying method. When both oxygen and moisture scavengers were added to sealed packages of dried blastospore formulations stored at 28 °C, viability was significantly prolonged for both air- and spray-dried blastospores. The addition of ascorbic acid during spray drying did not improve desiccation tolerance but enhanced cell stability (∼twofold higher half-life) when stored at 28 °C. After storage for 4 months at 28 °C, air-dried blastospores produced a lower LC80 and resulted in higher mortality to whitefly nymphs (Bemisia tabaci) when compared with spray-dried blastospores. These studies identified key storage conditions (low aw and oxygen availability) that improved blastospore storage stability at 28 °C and will facilitate the commercial development of blastospores-based bioinsecticides.

Water deficit stress-induced changes in carbon and nitrogen partitioning in Chenopodium quinoa Willd.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Water deficit stress followed by re-watering during grain filling resulted in the induction of the ornithine pathway and in changes in Quinoa grain quality. The genetic diversity of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Quinoa) is accompanied by an outstanding environmental adaptability and high nutritional properties of the grains. However, little is known about the biochemical and physiological mechanisms associated with the abiotic stress tolerance of Quinoa. Here, we characterized carbon and nitrogen metabolic changes in Quinoa leaves and grains in response to water deficit stress analyzing their impact on the grain quality of two lowland ecotypes (Faro and BO78). Differences in the stress recovery response were found between genotypes including changes in the activity of nitrogen assimilation-associated enzymes that resulted in differences in grain quality. Both genotypes showed a common strategy to overcome water stress including the stress-induced synthesis of reactive oxygen species scavengers and osmolytes. Particularly, water deficit stress induced the stimulation of the ornithine and raffinose pathways. Our results would suggest that the regulation of C- and N partitioning in Quinoa during grain filling could be used for the improvement of the grain quality without altering grain yields.

Synthesis and radical scavenger properties of novel spirochromenes derived from steroid sapogenins.

Tandem aldol condensation between steroid sapogenins and hydroxylated benzaldehydes afforded steroidal spirochromenes. Compounds that bear a phenolic hydroxyl group at position C-6', obtained by a reaction with 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, showed approximately 80% of maximal radical scavenging activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay at 288 nM. In contrast, the starting steroid sapogenins and the spirochromenes without a phenolic group in the side chain proved to be inactive.

In vitro antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging evaluation of active metabolite constituents of Newbouldia laevis ethanolic leaf extract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of bioactive metabolites present in Newbouldia laevis leaf extract. RESULTS: Chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods were used in the study and modified where necessary in the study. Bioactivity of the extract was determined at 10 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, 200 µg/ml and 400 µg/ml concentrations expressed in % inhibition. The yield of the ethanolic leaf extract of N.laevis was 30.3 g (9.93%). Evaluation of bioactive metabolic constituents gave high levels of ascorbic acid (515.53 ± 12 IU/100 g [25.7 mg/100 g]), vitamin E (26.46 ± 1.08 IU/100 g), saponins (6.2 ± 0.10), alkaloids (2.20 ± 0.03), cardiac glycosides(1.48 ± 0.22), amino acids and steroids (8.01 ± 0.04) measured in mg/100 g dry weight; moderate levels of vitamin A (188.28 ± 6.19 IU/100 g), tannins (0.09 ± 0.30), terpenoids (3.42 ± 0.67); low level of flavonoids (1.01 ± 0.34 mg/100 g) and absence of cyanogenic glycosides, carboxylic acids and aldehydes/ketones. The extracts percentage inhibition of DPPH, hydroxyl radical (OH.), superoxide anion (O2 .-), iron chelating, nitric oxide radical (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO-), singlet oxygen (1O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and FRAP showed a concentration-dependent antioxidant activity with no significant difference with the controls. Though, IC50 of the extract showed significant difference only in singlet oxygen (1O2) and iron chelating activity when compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The extract is a potential source of antioxidants/free radical scavengers having important metabolites which maybe linked to its ethno-medicinal use.

Environmental drivers of variability in the movement ecology of turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in North and South America.

Variation is key to the adaptability of species and their ability to survive changes to the Earth's climate and habitats. Plasticity in movement strategies allows a species to better track spatial dynamics of habitat quality. We describe the mechanisms that shape the movement of a long-distance migrant bird (turkey vulture, Cathartes aura) across two continents using satellite tracking coupled with remote-sensing science. Using nearly 10 years of data from 24 satellite-tracked vultures in four distinct populations, we describe an enormous amount of variation in their movement patterns. We related vulture movement to environmental conditions and found important correlations explaining how far they need to move to find food (indexed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and how fast they can move based on the prevalence of thermals and temperature. We conclude that the extensive variability in the movement ecology of turkey vultures, facilitated by their energetically efficient thermal soaring, suggests that this species is likely to do well across periods of modest climate change. The large scale and sample sizes needed for such analysis in a widespread migrant emphasizes the need for integrated and collaborative efforts to obtain tracking data and for policies, tools and open datasets to encourage such collaborations and data sharing.

Arylnitroalkenes as scavengers of macrophage-generated oxidants.

Oxygen and nitrogen derived molecules mediated oxidation and nitration have been involved in several pathological conditions. Conversely, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide are important signalization intermediates, whose concentrations are tightly regulated by specialized enzyme repertoires and should remain undisturbed by the addition of exogenous antioxidant molecules, as already demonstrated by intervention studies with antioxidant vitamins. Our goal was to develop specific antioxidants able to scavenge peroxynitrite anion, as well the radicals derived from the homolytic decomposition of its conjugated acid, nitrogen dioxide and hydroxyl radical. Fourteen substituted nitroalkenes, seven 4-substituted 1-(2-nitro-1Z-ethenyl)benzene, and seven 4-substituted (2-nitro-1Z-propenyl)benzene, with different stereochemical and electronic characteristics were synthesized and tested. Compounds with the electron donor group N,N-dimethylamino showed the highest reaction rates against peroxynitrite, and also reacted with its homolytic decomposition products, OH and NO2. While 1,1-dimethylamino-4-(2-nitro-1Z-ethenyl)benzene came up as a lead for future developments without the risk of interfering with signalization pathways, since it was highly specific for peroxynitrite and peroxynitrite derived radicals, its methylated analogous 1,1-dimethylamino-4-(2-nitro-1Z-propenyl)benzene was less specific and also reacted with NO and O2(-), the biological precursor of H2O2.

Biological evaluation of morin and its new oxovanadium(IV) complex as antioxidant and specific anti-cancer agents.

It is known that flavonoids possess, among others, antioxidant and antitumoral properties that depend on their molecular structure. The central objective if this study was to investigate the potential antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of the flavonol morin and its new oxovanadium(IV) complex (VOmor) that was synthesized in order to modify the morin chemical structure. Two osteoblast (UMR106 and MC3T3E1), two breast tumor (T47D and SKBR3) and breast epithelial cell lines in culture were used for the antitumoral determinations. Additionally, a comparative study of their antioxidant capacities using different radicals (DPPH, ABTS(+), OH, O2(-), ROO) was performed. Selected mechanisms of action were studied using the breast cancer cell lines. Results obtained show that morin and its complex behaved as good antioxidant agents for some of the radicals and that the complexation improved the behavior with respect to OH and O2(-) radicals being morin more effective as ROO scavenger. A considerable variation in sensitivity was observed in the breast cancer cells but non-specificity was found for the treatment of osteosarcoma. Moreover, the compounds did not affect the normal proliferation of the breast epithelial mammal cells. The mechanistic studies demonstrated that the complex did not generate reactive oxygen species in the cells (confirming the in vitro studies) and did not produce any damage of DNA. The plasmatic membrane was observed to be damaged only in the SKBR3 cell line. In contrast, the perturbation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the activation of caspase 3/7 for the breast tumor cells revealed an apoptotic cell death process. All these results collectively suggested that VOmor complex could serve as promising pharmacologically active substance against breast cancer treatment.