A simple culture medium for phenotypic characterization and long-term storage of medically relevant fusarioid fungi.

Fusarioid fungi, particularly Neocosmospora solani and Fusarium oxysporum, are emerging as significant human pathogens, causing infections ranging from localized mycoses to life-threatening systemic diseases. Accurate identification and preservation of these fungi in clinical laboratories remain challenging because of their diverse morphologies and specific growth requirements. This study evaluated a novel milk-honey and malt agar (MHM) against conventional media for cultivating and preserving 60 clinical fusarioid isolates, including Neocosmospora spp. (n = 47), Bisifusarium spp. (n = 5), and Fusarium spp. (n = 8). Compared with Sabouraud dextrose 2 % agar (SDA) and malt extract agar (ME2), MHM significantly increased conidia production (p < 0.0001, mean = 3.4 × 103, standard deviation (SD) = ±1.3 × 103), with results similar to those of carnation leaf agar (CLA). MHM facilitated superior preservation of fusarioid viability for up to one year at room temperature on slant cultures and over two years on swabs in Amies gel with charcoal, outperforming current methods such as Castellani (water) or cryopreservation. Morphological characterization of fusarioid fungi grown on MHM revealed distinct growth patterns and conidial structures for Neocosmospora, Bisifusarium, and Fusarium species, aiding in identifying these genera. The superior performance of MHM in stimulating conidiation, maintaining viability, and preserving morphology underscore its potential as a reference medium for medically relevant fusarioid fungi, with broad implications for clinical mycology laboratories and resource-limited settings.

Systematic review of literature to evaluate global distribution of species of the Sporothrix genus stored in culture collections.

Introduction: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix sp. Phenotypic and genotypic differences have been associated with their geographic distribution, virulence, or clinical manifestation of sporotrichosis. In the past decade, the interest in identifying species of the Sporothrix sp. has been increasing, due to its epidemiological importance and, in consequence, is important to know how to preserve them for future studies, in culture collection. Aims: The purposes of this study were to analyze the global distribution of environmental isolates and/or causal agents of sporotrichosis identified by polyphasic taxonomy, with mandatory use of molecular identification, and to evaluate the percentages and distribution of isolates stored in culture collections. Methods: A systematic review of articles on animal and human sporotrichosis and/or environmental isolation of the fungus, from 2007 to 2023, was done. Results: Our results demonstrated that, S. globosa, S. schenckii, and S. brasiliensis were the most identified species. With respect to the deposit and maintenance of species, we observed that only 17% of the strains of Sporothrix sp. isolated in the world are preserved in a culture collection. Conclusions: This systematic review confirmed a difficulty in obtaining the frequency of Sporothrix species stored in culture collection and insufficient data on the molecular identification mainly of animal sporotrichosis and isolation of Sporothrix sp. in environmental samples.

Methodological Proposal for the Adequate Use of the Osteotechnics Technique / Propuesta Metodológica para el uso Adecuado de la Técnica Osteotécnica

SUMMARY: Osteotechnics is one of the different anatomical preservation techniques and can be defined as the technique designed to prepare, clean, obtain and preserve bone structures that can be used in the teaching, museographic or research field. The osteotechnical technique procedure consists of the following phases: debulk and disjoint, maceration, cooking, cleaning, degreasing, bleaching, and labeling to obtain bone material. Seven phases will be explained in detail, as well as the materials, instruments, quantities of the substances used, and the time required to obtain human bone material. We consider that this article can serve as a guide, given that all the experimentation was carried out with human biological material. This methodological proposal could be consolidated and established based on the experience acquired during the creation of the contemporary skeletal collection of the department of innovation in human biological material (DIMBIH). Therefore, the purpose of our proposal is to provide tools that facilitate the work of those who carry out this work and fundamentally to avoid irreversible or irreparable damage to the osteological material, since it is of great value and difficult to acquire for disciplines as anatomy, veterinary, physical and forensic anthropology, medicine, dentistry and biology.

La osteotecnia es una de las técnicas diferentes de conservación anatómica y puede definirse como la técnica destinada a preparar, limpiar, obtener y conservar estructuras óseas que pueden ser utilizadas en el ámbito docente, museográfico o de investigación. El procedimiento de la técnica osteotécnica consta de las siguientes fases: descarnado y desarticulado, maceración, cocción, limpieza, desengrase, blanqueo y marcaje para la obtención de material óseo. Se explicarán en detalle siete fases, así como los materiales, instrumentos, cantidades de las sustancias utilizadas y el tiempo necesario para obtener material óseo humano. Consideramos que este artículo puede servir de guía, dado que toda la experimentación se realizó con material biológico humano. Esta propuesta metodológica pudo consolidarse y establecerse a partir de la experiencia adquirida durante la creación de la colección esquelética contemporánea del Departamento de Innovación en Material Biológico Humano (DIMBIH). Por lo tanto, el propósito de nuestra propuesta es brindar herramientas que faciliten el trabajo de quienes realizan este trabajo y fundamentalmente evitar daños irreversibles o irreparables en el material osteológico, ya que es de gran valor y difícil adquisición para las disciplinas como la anatomía, veterinaria, antropología física y forense, medicina, odontología y biología.

Co-encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum and bioactive compounds extracted from red beet stem (Beta vulgaris L.) by spray dryer.

Probiotic bacteria and bioactive compounds obtained from plant origin stand out as ingredients with the potential to increase the healthiness of functional foods, as there is currently a recurrent search for them. Probiotics and bioactive compounds are sensitive to intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the processing and packaging of the finished product. In this sense, the present study aims to evaluate the co-encapsulation by spray dryer (inlet air temperature 120 °C, air flow 40 L / min, pressure of 0.6 MPa and 1.5 mm nozzle diameter) of probiotic bacteria (L.plantarum) and compounds extracted from red beet stems (betalains) in order to verify the interaction between both and achieve better viability and resistance of the encapsulated material. When studying the co-encapsulation of L.plantarum and betalains extracted from beet stems, an unexpected influence was observed with a decrease in probiotic viability in the highest concentration of extract (100 %), on the other hand, the concentration of 50 % was the best enabled and maintained the survival of L.plantarum in conditions of 25 °C (63.06 %), 8 °C (88.80 %) and -18 °C (89.28 %). The viability of the betalains and the probiotic was better preserved in storage at 8 and -18 °C, where the encapsulated stability for 120 days was successfully achieved. Thus, the polyfunctional formulation developed in this study proved to be promising, as it expands the possibilities of application and development of new foods.

Diversity and conservation of fishes from karstic areas of the Jandaíra Formation in the Brazilian semiarid

Few studies have focused on non-troglomorphic fishes occurring in Brazilian caves, especially those in the Caatinga region. The present study is the first survey of fishes from karstic areas of the Jandaíra Formation in Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern Brazil. This region is characterized by a high concentration of caves and a rich subterranean biodiversity, especially of troglobitic invertebrates, but remains considered a gap on the knowledge of the subterranean ichthyofauna in Brazil. Four field expeditions were carried out covering two dry and two rainy seasons, in 2018 and 2019, in 23 localities in small river basins along the western part of the Jandaíra Formation. A total of 829 fish specimens, none of them troglomorphic, was captured and identified as belonging to 25 species of 12 families and five orders. Amongst them, four species are endemic of the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion, and two non-native species were recorded. Habitats were classified into three categories: superficial, associated to cave, and cave. Although no troglomorphic fish species was found in this study, we recorded 64.1% of the Apodi-Mossoró river ichthyofauna occurring in caves or associated to caves, corroborating the hypothesis that part of the ichthyofauna exploits these environments as a refuge during the dry season. In addition, we suggest conservation policies for the maintenance of subterranean and aquatic semiarid ecosystems in the Jandaira formation, which is currently under threat due to anthropogenic activities, such as mining and deforestation.(AU)

Coastal wetlands of the north of Peru: preservation progress

Wetlands provide several ecological, biological, and environmental benefits, including their role in the hydrological cycle, especially in coastal areas. Coastal wetlands are affected by anthropogenic threats, as these are in constant synergy with local populations and agricultural expansion, which is one of the main factors causing their depletion. In addition, the ravages of climate change accentuate their vulnerability, which may lead to their irreparable loss. In this regard, the objective of this workwas to identify the coastal wetlands of northern Peru and in order to verify the progress made in their conservation. For this purpose, a search was performed in wetlands atlas and similar studies, and a check was made to see if those wetlands had recordsof flora and fauna studies. Finally, information was sought on protection measures in the area. Consequently, 22 coastal wetlands were registered, and among them, three are internationally recognized as Ramsar sites: Mangroves of Tumbes, Mangrove of San Pedro de Vice, and the Virrilá Estuary, where commendable conservation efforts are underway. However, it was found that more than 77% of the coastal wetlands in northern Peru do not have preservation actions or scientific evidence describing their biodiversity.(AU)

Collagen matrices are preserved following decellularization of a bovine bone scaffold.

The decellularization of bovine bone has emerged as a strategy for the repair, replacement, and regeneration of bone defects. To evaluate the effects of a new protocol of bone decellularization and its impact on the structure and collagen scaffold. Cancellous bone from bovine femur was dissected in fragments and decellularized based on protocol of multiple steps. The residual protein levels, histological, morphometric, and scanning electronic microscopy analyses were carried out to evaluate the effects of decellularization and the impact on the structure and collagen scaffold. A cytotoxicity assay was performed. Residual protein analysis showed an important removal of bone marrow components and cell debris from the bone. Sections revealed that collagen fibers presented integrity and absence of cells in the decellularized bone. Sirius Red-stained sections of collagen fiber collagen matrix were maintained after decellularization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the main bone structure, despite being irregular, was maintained in both groups, with no significant visual differences between the surface characteristics according to the groups. Decellularized bovine bone demonstrated a degree of toxicity of 3, indicating moderate reactivity. The present data demonstrate that the main bone structure was maintained. Additionally, the chemical and physical treatments were able to remove cellular debris, and extracellular matrix architecture and collagen were preserved. However, the tissue showed moderate toxicity.

Importance of the study of reproduction in small animals and preservation of species / Importancia del estudio de la reproducción en animales pequeños y la preservación de especies / Importância do estudo da reprodução em pequenos animais e preservação das espécies

Although reproduction in small animals is relatively current, its objectives are very varied. Initially they were used as a study model in physiology and various pathologies. In the same way, many small animals are produced as food and finally, in the last 20 years, the importance of pets and the intensification in the selection of canine and feline breeds, has caused an important impulse in the development of new scientific information. Although currently technical resources have advanced substantially, there are still many basic and important issues that have not yet been elucidated by formal science. Global threats facing wild species include the consequences of climate change, population growth, urbanization, air and water pollution, and the release of chemicals into the environment, causing, on average, 25% of animals are in danger of extinction. Wild animal populations are small and dispersed in their habitat with little or no opportunity for genetic exchange, which has generated in recent years many programs to preserve wild species and design appropriate strategies that lead to sustainable populations. Fortunately, recent and inspiring advances in the science of wildlife reproduction have been reported that will set directions for future research and will surely lead to further successes in conservation biology.(AU)

La cría de fauna "ex situ": un aporte a la Conservación / Fauna breeding "ex situ": a contribution to conservation

Desde el inicio de la Humanidad el hombre se vinculó con los animales, como lo testimonian las pinturas de Altamira y tantas otras representaciones del arte rupestre paleolítico. También hoy sabemos, por un conjunto de indicios, que la extinción de algunas especies de la megafauna en el inicio del Holoceno han sido provocadas por actividades humanas.(AU)

Swine viscera preservation in hypersaturated salt solution after alcohol fixation as a preparation method for educational purposes.

The use of live animals for educational purposes is an old practice that is still employed in teaching and research institutions. However, there are several objections to this practice, whether for ethical or humanitarian reasons. Surgical techniques teaching using anatomical pieces and/or preserved cadavers promotes greater learning efficiency, provides exercise repetition and increases the confidence and satisfaction of the students when compared to the use of live animals. The current work aimed to analyse the feasibility of using fresh swine urinary bladder and small intestines (jejunum), obtained from slaughterhouses, fixed in 99.8% ethyl alcohol (EA) and preserved in sodium chloride hypersaturated solution (SCHS) at 30%, for 7, 14 and 21 days, as an alternative method for surgical skills training (SST). Swine viscera, fixed in EA and preserved in SCHS, presented a realistic appearance, absence of odour and maintained the viable morphological characteristics during the performance of the operative techniques. Preservation solutions had low cost, were easy to acquire and did not offers risks to human health. Therefore, urinary bladders and small intestines fixed in 99.8% EA for 30 days and maintained in 30% SCHS at different periods were demonstrated as a good viable option as a preservation method for surgical skills training.

Osteology of an exceptionally well-preserved tapejarid skeleton from Brazil: Revealing the anatomy of a curious pterodactyloid clade.

A remarkably well-preserved, almost complete and articulated new specimen (GP/2E 9266) of Tupandactylus navigans is here described for the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil. The new specimen comprises an almost complete skeleton, preserving both the skull and post-cranium, associated with remarkable preservation of soft tissues, which makes it the most complete tapejarid known thus far. CT-Scanning was performed to allow the assessment of bones still covered by sediment. The specimen can be assigned to Tupa. navigans due to its vertical supra-premaxillary bony process and short and rounded parietal crest. It also bears the largest dentary crest among tapejarine pterosaurs and a notarium, which is absent in other representatives of the clade. The new specimen is here regarded as an adult individual. This is the first time that postcranial remains of Tupa. navigans are described, being also an unprecedented record of an articulated tapejarid skeleton from the Araripe Basin.

Alternative tehcniques for Xanthomonas arboricola pv pruni preservation at room temperature.

The efficiency of alternative preservation techniques for Xanthomonas arboricola pv pruni was studied. The preservation methods in sunflower seeds, glass beads and sterile soil were suitable for maintaining viability and productive capacity of xanthan pruni.

Aspectos legais e destinação durante o resgate de animais silvestres nativos no Brasil / Legal aspects and destination during the rescue of native wild animals in Brazil

O resgate de animais silvestres está diretamente relacionado à preservação da fauna silvestre do País. Os animais resgatados pela Polícia Militar Ambiental são encaminhados aos Centros de Triagem e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (Cetras), conforme estabelecido pela Resolução Conama nº 489/ 2018, para identificação, avaliação e, em algumas vezes, serem reabilitados antes de ser determinado o seu destino. Tratando-se de animais acidentados, há duas principais origens: animais atropelados, principalmente em rodovias, e animais provenientes de acidentes em centros urbanos. O tráfico de animais silvestres também causa um impacto importante na fauna brasileira, principalmente em espécies vulneráveis e/ou em extinção. É de extrema importância a ação dos centros de conservação de espécies, com vistas à redução dos altos índices de animais incluídos na lista de espécies ameaçadas de extinção.

Rescuing wild animals is directly related to the preservation of the country’s wildlife. The animals rescued by the Environmental Military Police are sent to the Wild Animal Screening and Rehabilitation Centers (Cetras), as established by Conama Resolution n. 489/2018, for identification, evaluation and sometimes being rehabilitated before determining their destination. In the case of injured animals, there are two main origins: animals run over, mainly on highways, and animals from accidents in the urban centers. Trafficking of wild animals also causes an important impact on the Brazilian fauna, especially on rare and/or endangered species. The action of species conservation centers is extremely important in order to reduce the high levels of animals on the endangered threat list.

Efeito do tratamento preservante e da exposição a campo na resistência mecânica da madeira de Eucalyptus grandise Eucalyptus cloeziana / Effect of preservative treatment and field exposure on the mechanical resistance of Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus cloeziana wood

A madeira, em razão de sua constituição química, apresenta suscetibilidade a agentes biodeterioradores, especialmente quando exposta a condições adversas, como em contato com o solo. Desta forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do tratamento preservante com Arseniato de Cobre Cromatado (CCA) e do tempo de exposição a campo na resistência mecânica das madeiras de Eucalyptus grandise Eucalyptus cloeziana. Para isso foram utilizadas árvores com 16 anos de idade, de ambas das espécies, que foram desdobradas em tábuas e submetidas à secagem ao ar livre para, posteriormente, efetuar-se o tratamento preservante em autoclave com CCA. A partir das tábuastratadas confeccionaram-se corpos de prova nas dimensões de 2,0 x 2,0 x 30,0 cm, que foram instalados em campos de apodrecimento em duas áreas distintas, campo aberto e floresta, no município de Santa Maria/RS. Periodicamente foram coletados corpos de prova para avaliar sua degradaçãoao longo do tempo de exposição, os quais foram submetidos ao teste mecânico de flexão estática. Com base nos resultados obtidos observou-se que o tratamento preservante apresentou efeito benéfico, mantendo a resistência mecânica da madeira por um período de tempo maior. O efeito foi mais pronunciado para a madeira de E. cloeziana, que naturalmente já apresentava maior resistência mecânica que a madeira de E. grandis. Assim, conclui-se que o tratamento é eficiente na redução dadeterioração da madeira a campo.(AU)

The wood, due to its chemical constitution, is susceptible to biodeteriorating agents, especially whenexposed to adverse conditions, such as in contact with the soil. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of preservative treatment with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and the period of exposure to the field on the mechanical resistance of Eucalyptus grandisand Eucalyptus cloezianawood. For this, trees with 16 years of age, of both species, were used, which were processed in boards and subjected to outdoor drying, to subsequently carry out the preservative treatment in an autoclave with CCA.From the treated boards, samples of 2.0 x 2.0 x 30.0 cm were made, which were installed in rotting fields in two different areas, open field and forest, in the city of Santa Maria/RS. Periodically, samples were collected to evaluate their degradation overof exposure period, whichwere subjected to mechanical static bendingtesting. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that the preservative treatment had a beneficialeffect, maintaining the mechanical resistance of the wood for a longer period oftime. The effect was morepronounced for E. cloezianawood, which naturally already had greater mechanical resistance than E. grandiswood. Thus, it is concluded that the treatment is efficient in reducing the deterioration of wood in the field.(AU)

Evaluation of an alternative technique for preserving crustaceans in dry conditions with joint mobility: a proposal for didactic purposes

Although crustaceans are traditionally preserved in liquids (formaldehyde and/or ethyl alcohol), those substances tend to alter their morphological aspects. Glycerin, used in human anatomy, is considered a good substitute for formaldehyde, as it preserves animals in states similar to in vivo conditions. There are no records in the literature, however, concerning the use of glycerin for conserving invertebrates. The objective of this work was to elaborate and evaluate alternative techniques for conserving the crustacean Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763). Six fixatives (1, 3, 4 and 5% formaldehyde, 70% alcohol, and dietrich solution) and two controls (positive and negative) were tested, as well as the effects of freezing before fixation on the integrity of U. cordatus specimens. Our results were evaluated with respect to nine variables. The treatments that demonstrated the best aesthetic results were 4% formaldehyde and 70% ethyl alcohol. The freezing of the animals resulted in brittle organs in all treatments tested. The technique discussed here is extremely promising for the conservation of animals for educational purposes, as it produces preserved specimens that are aesthetically similar to their in vivo conditions.(AU)

Aspectos legais e destinação durante o resgate de animais silvestres nativos no Brasil / Legal aspects and destination during the rescue of native wild animals in Brazil

O resgate de animais silvestres está diretamente relacionado à preservação da fauna silvestre do País. Os animais resgatados pela Polícia Militar Ambiental são encaminhados aos Centros de Triagem e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres (Cetras), conforme estabelecido pela Resolução Conama nº 489/ 2018, para identificação, avaliação e, em algumas vezes, serem reabilitados antes de ser determinado o seu destino. Tratando-se de animais acidentados, há duas principais origens: animais atropelados, principalmente em rodovias, e animais provenientes de acidentes em centros urbanos. O tráfico de animais silvestres também causa um impacto importante na fauna brasileira, principalmente em espécies vulneráveis e/ou em extinção. É de extrema importância a ação dos centros de conservação de espécies, com vistas à redução dos altos índices de animais incluídos na lista de espécies ameaçadas de extinção.(AU)

Rescuing wild animals is directly related to the preservation of the countrys wildlife. The animals rescued by the Environmental Military Police are sent to the Wild Animal Screening and Rehabilitation Centers (Cetras), as established by Conama Resolution n. 489/2018, for identification, evaluation and sometimes being rehabilitated before determining their destination. In the case of injured animals, there are two main origins: animals run over, mainly on highways, and animals from accidents in the urban centers. Trafficking of wild animals also causes an important impact on the Brazilian fauna, especially on rare and/or endangered species. The action of species conservation centers is extremely important in order to reduce the high levels of animals on the endangered threat list.(AU)

Efeito do tratamento preservante e da exposição a campo na resistência mecânica da madeira de Eucalyptus grandise Eucalyptus cloeziana / Effect of preservative treatment and field exposure on the mechanical resistance of Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus cloeziana wood

A madeira, em razão de sua constituição química, apresenta suscetibilidade a agentes biodeterioradores, especialmente quando exposta a condições adversas, como em contato com o solo. Desta forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do tratamento preservante com Arseniato de Cobre Cromatado (CCA) e do tempo de exposição a campo na resistência mecânica das madeiras de Eucalyptus grandise Eucalyptus cloeziana. Para isso foram utilizadas árvores com 16 anos de idade, de ambas das espécies, que foram desdobradas em tábuas e submetidas à secagem ao ar livre para, posteriormente, efetuar-se o tratamento preservante em autoclave com CCA. A partir das tábuastratadas confeccionaram-se corpos de prova nas dimensões de 2,0 x 2,0 x 30,0 cm, que foram instalados em campos de apodrecimento em duas áreas distintas, campo aberto e floresta, no município de Santa Maria/RS. Periodicamente foram coletados corpos de prova para avaliar sua degradaçãoao longo do tempo de exposição, os quais foram submetidos ao teste mecânico de flexão estática. Com base nos resultados obtidos observou-se que o tratamento preservante apresentou efeito benéfico, mantendo a resistência mecânica da madeira por um período de tempo maior. O efeito foi mais pronunciado para a madeira de E. cloeziana, que naturalmente já apresentava maior resistência mecânica que a madeira de E. grandis. Assim, conclui-se que o tratamento é eficiente na redução dadeterioração da madeira a campo.

The wood, due to its chemical constitution, is susceptible to biodeteriorating agents, especially whenexposed to adverse conditions, such as in contact with the soil. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of preservative treatment with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and the period of exposure to the field on the mechanical resistance of Eucalyptus grandisand Eucalyptus cloezianawood. For this, trees with 16 years of age, of both species, were used, which were processed in boards and subjected to outdoor drying, to subsequently carry out the preservative treatment in an autoclave with CCA.From the treated boards, samples of 2.0 x 2.0 x 30.0 cm were made, which were installed in rotting fields in two different areas, open field and forest, in the city of Santa Maria/RS. Periodically, samples were collected to evaluate their degradation overof exposure period, whichwere subjected to mechanical static bendingtesting. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that the preservative treatment had a beneficialeffect, maintaining the mechanical resistance of the wood for a longer period oftime. The effect was morepronounced for E. cloezianawood, which naturally already had greater mechanical resistance than E. grandiswood. Thus, it is concluded that the treatment is efficient in reducing the deterioration of wood in the field.

Evaluation of an alternative technique for preserving crustaceans in dry conditions with joint mobility: a proposal for didactic purposes

Although crustaceans are traditionally preserved in liquids (formaldehyde and/or ethyl alcohol), those substances tend to alter their morphological aspects. Glycerin, used in human anatomy, is considered a good substitute for formaldehyde, as it preserves animals in states similar to in vivo conditions. There are no records in the literature, however, concerning the use of glycerin for conserving invertebrates. The objective of this work was to elaborate and evaluate alternative techniques for conserving the crustacean Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763). Six fixatives (1, 3, 4 and 5% formaldehyde, 70% alcohol, and dietrich solution) and two controls (positive and negative) were tested, as well as the effects of freezing before fixation on the integrity of U. cordatus specimens. Our results were evaluated with respect to nine variables. The treatments that demonstrated the best aesthetic results were 4% formaldehyde and 70% ethyl alcohol. The freezing of the animals resulted in brittle organs in all treatments tested. The technique discussed here is extremely promising for the conservation of animals for educational purposes, as it produces preserved specimens that are aesthetically similar to their in vivo conditions.

Evaluation of coatings for application in raffia big bags in conditioned storage of soybean cultivars in seed processing units.

Different regions have different environmental conditions, which may be unfavorable for the preservation of the quality of stored soybean seeds over time. Thus, it is necessary to adopt specific technologies to control the storage environment conditions. Big raffia bags are widely used for the storage of soybean seeds, however these consist of a porous, permeable material that allows the exchange of gases between the packaging and the storage environment. In an effort to find a solution to this problem, in this study we evaluated low cost big bag coating alternatives, in order to minimize the effects of temperature and intergranular humidity on stored seeds. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of soybean cultivars subjected to different temperature and storage duration conditions and stored in raffia bags with or without internal coating. We used a completely randomized, three-factor (10 × 6 × 5) experimental design. We assessed 10 soybean cultivars, six storage environments, and five evaluation periods. Our results showed that seeds of the M-SOY 8866, M7110 IPRO, CD 2737 RR, and BMX DESAFIO 8473 RSF soybean cultivars preserved their physiological quality better in different storage environments. The storage duration had a cumulative effect on the negative factors that favor the deterioration of the quality of the stored seeds. The storage temperature was the main factor that affected the physiological quality of the stored seeds. The use of coated packaging was beneficial in preserving the physiological quality of stored soybean seeds; however, its effect was greater at ambient temperature than in a cold environment. The best storage environment for the preservation of the quality of the seeds was characterized by 10°C temperature conditions and the use of coated packaging, while the worst storage environment was characterized by ambient temperature conditions without the use of coated packaging. Thus, it was concluded that the use of coatings in raffia big bags can be an alternative for maintaining the quality of seeds of different soybean cultivars during storage in seed processing units.

Instant Controlled Pressure Drop as Blanching and Texturing Pre-Treatment to Preserve the Antioxidant Compounds of Red Dried Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.).

Red beetroot is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, betaxanthins, betacyanins, among others. According to selected processing methods, the bioaccessibility of these compounds could be either enhanced or decreased. This study evaluated the effect of four different drying conditions: (1) Traditional Drying (TD), (2) Swell Drying (SD), (3) DIC Blanching + Traditional Drying (BTD), and (4) DIC Blanching + Swell Drying (BSD) on the antioxidant content and the antioxidant activity of red beetroots. Obtained results showed that in all the cases, by comparing to Traditional Drying (TD), the coupling of a DIC Blanching pre-treatment to a Swell Drying treatment (BSD) maintained or enhanced the preservation of the Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC), the Total Flavonoids Compounds (TFC), the Betanin Concentration (BC), the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and the Free Radical Scavenging Activity by DPPH (IC50) of red beetroots. Various studies have shown that thanks to the expanded and porous structure triggered by the Swell Drying process, it has been possible to achieve better antioxidants extraction and better whole quality. Hence, by coupling DIC as a blanching-steaming pre-treatment, it was possible to preserve better the antioxidant content and the antioxidant activity of red dried beetroots.