Hematology in ornamental discus fish Symphysodon discus from Amazonian, Brazil.

Symphysodon discus is known in the world of aquariums for its market value, beauty, and behavior. However, more substantial information about its physiology and biology must be available, which can hinder its development and maintenance in breeding systems. The study evaluated the blood biochemistry and erythrogram of 20 specimens of S. discus captured in the municipality of Barcelos, Amazonas, with an average weight of 89.80 ± 7.13 g and an average length of 13.48 ± 0.55 cm. The erythrogram evaluated variables such as hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Blood biochemistry was analyzed, including cholesterol levels, total proteins, triglycerides, glucose, urea, and chlorides. Intra-specific variations were observed between the surveyed individuals about the Hb, MCV, and MCH values. The values of triglycerides, cholesterol, and chlorides were elevated compared to other cichlids. This study may be useful to serve as a parameter to indicate the normal health conditions of this Amazonian cichlid. It can be applied in studies for ornamental fish farming and actions for managing and conserving the species.

Seed priming with Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis extract macroalgae in soybean.

Seed priming with biostimulant for soybean is a promising practice contributing positively to the physiological quality and vigor of seedlings, but there are little studies regarding protocols of bioinputs, such as Ascophyllum nodosum L. seaweed extract. We aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of A. nodosum macroalgae in seed priming and its impact on germination and seedling vigor of soybean. Seeds were subjected to priming with A. nodosum extract (ANE) at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mL kg seed-1 during 15 min. Priming with ANE did not influence the first count and seed germination. Soybean seedlings from priming with 5 mL kg-1 ANE showed higher growth and shoot and root dry biomass. We observed increase 18% for shoot dry matter with priming of 5 mL kg-1 ANE compared to untreated seeds. The responses were variable for the emergence speed index in function ANE and did not influence the photochemical processes in photosystem II. Seed priming with ANE contributed in higher chlorophyll index. ANE showed a biostimulant effect on soybean seedlings, providing better growth and biomass characteristics, being promising in seed priming, but further studies are suggested in order to increase information regarding its use protocol for soybean.

Morphology and molecular evidence of a new species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the edges of a protected area at Rio Itararé, upper Rio Paraná, southern Brazil.

A new species of Characidium is described from the headwaters of the Rio Itararé, upper Rio Paraná basin, at the boundaries of the Ponta Grossa Arch and the Devonian Escarpment Environmental Protection Area. The new species is supported by both morphological and molecular data, including species delimitation methods (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning, Barcode Index Number, Poisson Tree Process and its Bayesian implementation, and Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent). The species is genetically close to other species that also exhibit the presence of scales on the isthmus, including Characidium litorale, Characidium satoi, Characidium xanthopterum, and Characidium aff. zebra. The high genetic diversity among Characidium species underscores the necessity of employing a complementary perspective in studies of this group. The discovery of a new species in the headwaters of the Rio Itararé further reinforces the importance of this biogeographic region for the conservation of ichthyofauna.

A new 3D model of L929 fibroblasts microtissues uncovers the effects of Bothrops erythromelas venom and its antivenom.

In Brazil, around 80% of snakebites are caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops. A three-dimensional culture model was standardized and used to perform treatments with Bothrops erythromelas venom (BeV) and its antivenom (AV). The MRC-5 and L929 cell lines were cultured at increasing cell densities. Morphometric parameters were evaluated through images obtained from an inverted microscope: solidity, circularity, and Feret diameter. L929 microtissues (MT) showed better morphometric data, and thus they were used for further analysis. MT viability was assessed using the acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining method, which showed viable cells in the MT on days 5, 7, and 10 of cultivation. Histochemical and histological analyses were performed, including hematoxylin/eosin staining, which showed a good structure of the spheroids. Alcian blue staining revealed the presence of acid proteoglycans. Immunohistochemical analysis with ki-67 showed different patterns of cell proliferation. The MT were also subjected to pharmacological tests using the BeV, in the presence or absence of its AV. The results showed that the venom was not cytotoxic, but it caused morphological changes. The MT showed cell detachment, losing their structure. The antivenom was able to partially prevent the venom activities.

Influence of Luminosity on the Precision and Accuracy of Intraoral Scanning: A Comparative in vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study focused on verifying the influence of different ambient light conditions on the accuracy and precision of models obtained from digital scans. METHODOLOGY: To measure the tested illuminances: chair light/reflector; room light, and natural light at the time of scanning, a luxmeter was used. From the STL file, nine experimental groups were formed. RESULTS: Of the nine specific combinations between the three IOS and the three types of lighting, it was verified that for all of them, as well as the ICC, the accuracy was also excellent, in which the measured values were not significantly influenced by the IOS brand (p = 0.994) nor by the type of lighting (p = 0.996). For precision data, GLM indicated a statistically significant interaction between IOS and lighting type. Under LS, accuracy was significantly higher with 3Shape® than with CS 3600 CareStream®, which had significantly higher accuracy than Virtuo Vivo™ Straumann®. CONCLUSIONS: The models obtained with the three IOS evaluated exhibited excellent accuracy under the different illuminance tested and the 3Shape® under the three illuminance conditions was the device that presented the best precision, specifically when using LC and LS.

Associations of occupational physical activity and active transport with depressive symptoms in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the associations of occupational physical activity and active transport with depressive symptoms, stratified by income range, among Brazilian working adults. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study drew on data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. METHODS: We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms in working adults aged 18-65 years, with physical activities (occupational physical activity and active transport) self-reported through a specially developed questionnaire. Crude and adjusted logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS: Individuals at the highest level of occupational physical activity (odds ratio [OR] 1.35; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.19-1.53) and at the moderate level of active transport to work (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.24-2.22) returned increased odds of depressive symptoms as compared with those who were inactive in these domains. Stratified by income group, light active transport to work (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.34-0.95) in the lower income group (Range 1) was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms. On the other hand, individuals at the highest level of active transport to work returned higher odds of depressive symptoms in the low- and intermediate-income groups, Ranges 3 and 4 (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.22-3.00 and OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.71-4.95, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that occupational physical activity and active transport may be a risk factor for depressive symptoms. They also point to differences in this relationship by income range. Further studies are needed to pursue the analysis of how specific domains of physical activity contribute to depressive symptoms.

Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of essential and potentially toxic trace elements in potato cultivars: A comprehensive nutritional evaluation.

Among the most consumed foods in the world is potato, which occupies the first place as a non-grain commodity, demonstrating the importance of its assessment concerning the population's food safety. In this study, the nutrients Ca, Mg, K, P, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn and the potentially toxic trace elements Cd, Cr, and Pb were evaluated considering their total contents, bioaccessible and bioavailable fractions in different potato cultivars, in an unpublished approach in the literature. The in vitro standard gastrointestinal digestion method (INFOGEST) and a model of the intestinal epithelial barrier using the Caco-2 cell line were applied for investigate the presence of metals in potato. For the macroelements, the bioaccessibility (% w/w) varied in the ranges: K (57-72 %), P (59-76 %), Mg (83-103 %), and Ca (30-123 %), whereas for the microelements were: Cu (27-74 %) and Mn (4.22-12.02, 60-119 %). The potentially of trace toxic elements, Cd and Pb, were found in 75 % of the samples, however, all the concentration values were below the maximum levels allowed of 0.10 µg/g. Chromium was determined only in potato peels and has no maximum established level. The bioaccessible and bioavailable fractions of Cd, Cr, and Pb were below the limits of quantification of the spectrometric methods (LOQ - µg/L: 0.063 Cd, 0.65 Cr, and 0.44 Pb). The potato samples were considered safe for consumption regarding the presence of potentially toxic trace elements, with a remarkable nutritional contribution.

Is prolonged luteal phase a problem in lactating Holstein cows?

In this study, the main objective was to assess if long luteal phases could have causes other than pregnancy loss. We enrolled Holstein dairy cows ≥50 DIM from a commercial herd in Brazil from October 2016 to August 2017. All cows received an estradiol-based synchronization protocol, and, on the day of insemination (d 0), were randomly assigned either an AI or a placebo insemination (PBO) in a 3:1 ratio. An ultrasound was used to assess the presence of a corpus luteum (CL) on d 17, 24, and 31, which, combined to the information from patches for the detection of estrus, was used to determine the length of the luteal phase following AI or PBO. Pregnancy was assessed by ultrasound on d 31 and cows that were pregnant were excluded from the analyses. The length of the estrous cycles was categorized as short (<17 d), normal (17-23 d), long (24-30 d), and very long (≥31 d). We compared the proportion of cows in each category between the AI and PBO groups using a cumulative ordinal mixed model. We define prolonged luteal phase as estrous cycles ≥24 d and tested its association with potential risk factors (parity, season, DIM, uterine size and position score, milk production, BCS, and the presence of a CL at enrollment to the synchronization protocol) using mixed logistic regression models. Results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% Bayesian credible intervals (BCI). Data from 876 inseminations (AI: n = 616, PBO: n = 260) was collected. Overall, 12% of estrous cycles were short, 31% were normal, 19% were long, and 38% were very long. There was no difference in the odds of being in longer estrous cycle categories for the AI compared with the PBO group (OR = 0.92; 95% BCI = 0.76-1.10). Season and presence of a CL at enrollment were associated with prolonged luteal phase. In the AI group, there was a possible effect of early pregnancy losses on the lifespan of the CL, but not the PBO group, which led us to conclude that long and very long estrous cycles were not all caused by the embryonic loss. In fact, the high prevalence of cows with an extended CL lifespan in the present study suggests this could be an under- or miss-reported characteristic of high-producing lactating Holstein cows. This finding may have important repercussions in the understanding of the CL function physiology of lactating Holstein cows.

Acute toxicity of total ammonia to Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae at different salinity levels.

Nitrogen compounds, particularly ammonium, nitrite and nitrate, are a major problem in shrimp production systems. These compounds can accumulate in the aquatic environment and reach harmful or even lethal levels. Thus, monitoring the levels of nitrogenous compounds such as ammonia and studying their effects on the animals are essential. One tool used for this purpose is acute toxicity testing based on the evaluation of LC50 values. Furthermore, tools that can help improve the performance of aquatic organisms in culture are needed. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of salinity on the toxicity of total ammonia to postlarvae of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. For this purpose, acute toxicity testing (LC50-96h) was performed using 540 postlarvae with a mean weight of 0.13 g and a mean total length of 2.47 cm, divided into 54 experimental units of two liters each. A completely randomized design in a 3×6 factorial scheme was used, combining three salinities (0, 5, and 10 g.L-1) and six total ammonia concentrations (0, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 mg.L-1), with three replicates per combination. The LC50 values for M. rosenbergii postlarvae at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h and their respective confidence intervals (95%) were estimated using the trimmed Spearman-Karber method. The results showed that salinities of 5 or 10 g.L-1 did not reduce the acute toxicity of total ammonia.

The physiological quality of Vigna unguiculata L. seeds shows tolerance to salinity.

Salinity reduces feijão-caupi production, and the search for tolerant varieties becomes important within the agricultural context, as, in addition to being used in the field, they can be used in genetic improvement. The objective was to for a identify variety that is tolerant to salinity considering the physiological quality of seeds and seedling growth. A 2 × 4 factorial scheme was used, referring to the varieties Pingo-de-ouro and Coruja, and four electrical conductivities of water (0; 3.3; 6.6 and 9.9 dS m-1). The physiological quality of seeds and the growth of seedlings were analyzed, in addition to the cumulative germination. The Pingo-de-ouro variety showed no germination, length of the shoot and root, dry mass of the shoot and root compromised up to electrical conductivity of 6 dS m-1 in relation to 0.0 dS m-1. On the other hand, the Coruja variety showed reduced germination, increased shoot and root length. The creole variety Pingo-de-ouro proved to be tolerant to salinity.

Endoscope channel drying, storage, and conditions after reprocessing: How safe are they in clinical practice?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Adequate drying and proper storage of flexible endoscopes are essential for maintaining quality in their reprocessing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the drying stages, storage, and channel conditions of endoscopes through borescope inspection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The personnel responsible for endoscope reprocessing were interviewed. Storage conditions at 10 endoscopy facilities were inspected and an internal examination of the channels and ports of the stored equipment was carried out, utilizing a borescope. A total of 74 stored endoscope channels were evaluated. RESULTS: Only 10% of the facilities inspected utilized transport cases for storage and only 10% had rooms exclusively used for storage. Sixty percent of the facilities did not perform any shelf-life control. All the channels evaluated were scratched and fluids were present on 69% of them. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscope reprocessing can be improved through the implementation of drying and storage control and validation tools, as well as the use of borescopes and periodic clinical audits.

Yield and centesimal characterization of collagen extracted from the skin of peacock bass Cichla monoculus.

Fish processing provides waste of around 50.0% to 70.0% of the animal's initial weight, especially the skin. Thus, this residue contains the by-product that allows biopolymers to be obtained, highlighting collagen, which can be widely used in different areas. The present study aimed to evaluate the yield of collagen extracted from peacock bass Cichla monoculus skin and to characterize them physicochemically. Twenty-five peacock bass with an average weight of 646 ± 175 g were used. The skin samples were removed by manual filleting and weighed, with an average yield of 3.7%. Subsequently, such models were analyzed for chemical composition, showing 61.8% for moisture, 29.3% for crude protein, 1.5% for ash, 6.3% for total lipids, and 1.2% for non-nitrogenous extract (NNE). Acid-soluble collagen (ASC) presented an average yield of 8.2%, presenting in its analysis of centesimal composition 12.5% ​​of moisture, 82.6% of crude protein, 1.1% of ash, 2.6% of total lipids, and 1.2% NNE. The skin and collagen extracted from the tucunaré skin have technological potential for use in the preparation of products, adding value to these by-products from fish processing.

Understanding the effect of sex on energy requirements of hair sheep.

Differences and/or similarities in the influence of sex class for hair sheep requirements remain inconclusive. Knowledge of energy requirements allows well-formulated diets to be provided which is crucial for improving animal production. We aimed to determine the effect of sex class on the net energy requirements of growing hair sheep in a multi-study approach. We used a data set composed of individual measurements of 382 hair sheep (299 non-castrated and 83 castrated males) from 11 studies that used the methodology of comparative slaughter. Net energy requirements for maintenance (NEm) were obtained by the regression between heat production and metabolizable energy intake. The metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance (MEm) were calculated by the iterative method, and the efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for maintenance (km) was obtained by NEm divided by MEm. The net energy requirements for gain (NEg) were estimated from retained energy (RE) against empty BW gain (EBWG). The efficiency of energy use for weight gain (kg) was obtained from the relationship between RE and the energy metabolizable intake for gain, removing the intercept. There was an effect of sex on NEg and two equations were generated: NEg (MJ/day) = 1.040 (±0.04055) × EBW0.75 × EBWG0.8767(±0.03293) and NEg (MJ/day) = 1.040 (±0.04055) × EBW0.75 × EBWG0.8300(±0.03468) (R2 = 0.86; MSE = 0.0037; AIC = -468.0) for non-castrated and castrated males, respectively. Sex class did not affect kg (P > 0.05) and one kg was generated (0.29). Sex did not affect kprotein (P = 0.14) and kfat (P = 0.32), assuming an average deposition efficiency of 0.27 for protein and 0.78 for fat. The NEm and MEm did not differ (P > 0.05) between sex classes, with a value of 0.272 and 0.427 MJ/kg0.75 EBW per day, respectively. The km observed was 0.64. In conclusion, non-castrated and castrated male hair sheep have similar maintenance energy requirements although energy requirements for gain differed among them. The Committees overestimate the gain and maintenance requirements for hair sheep. Therefore, the equations generated in this study are recommended.

A new species of Urocleidoides Mizelle & Price 1964 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) parasite of Hemiodus orthonops Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903 (Hemiodontidae) from the upper Paraná River floodplain.

During the study of ectoparasites (Platyhelminthes) of fish in the floodplain of the Upper Paraná River - Brazil, a new species of Urocleidoides, present in the gill filaments of Hemiodus orthonops (Hemiodontidae), is described using morphological description and molecular data from the mitochondrial region of cytochrome c oxidase, subunit 1 (COI) and the partial region of the 28S rDNA gene. Urocleidoides luquei n. sp. differs from all its congeners by the presence of a filament that joins the accessory piece to the base of the male copulatory organ and resembles U. paradoxus and U. surianoae. Phylogenetic analyses using molecular data revealed that U. luquei n. sp. forms a paraphyletic group concerning the other Urocleidoides species. In this way, as well as contributing to the description of a new species, we seek to encourage and contribute to the increase in research using integrative taxonomy, thus making it possible to elucidate some unresolved questions about the genus Urocleidoides.

Anethole supplementation during in vitro maturation increases in vitro goat embryo production in a concentration-dependent manner.

During in vitro maturation (IVM) cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) are exposed to conditions that can trigger oxidative stress, thus, reducing oocyte maturation and viability. Aiming to mitigate these detrimental conditions, the effects of IVM medium supplementation with anethole have been tested. Anethole, also known as trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4 [1-propenyl]-benzene), is a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid with various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant effects. However, no study has examined anethole effect on goat COCs during IVM. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different anethole concentrations on oocyte maturation, oxidative stress, and in vitro development of caprine embryos after parthenogenetic activation. Goat COCs were selected and randomly distributed into the following treatments: TCM-199+ medium (control), or TCM-199+ medium supplemented with 30 µg/mL (AN30); 300 µg/mL (AN300) or 2000 µg/mL (AN2000) of anethole. After IVM, part of the COCs was chosen for oocyte viability and chromatin configuration, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential assessment. Another part of COCs was parthenogenetically activated, and presumptive zygotes were cultured for 7 days. Results demonstrated that anethole at 30 µg/mL increased oocyte maturation and cleavage rates when compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05), as well as oocyte viability and in vitro embryo production when compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, treatment with anethole at 2000 µg/mL decreased oocyte nuclear maturation and cleavage rates when compared to other treatments (P < 0.05) and embryo production if compared to control and AN30 treatments (P < 0.05). Moreover, anethole at 2000 µg/mL increased mitochondrial membrane potential when compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, anethole exerts a concentration-dependent effect during goat COCs IVM. For a more desirable outcome of oocyte viability and maturation, and in vitro embryo production, the use of anethole at 30 µg/mL is recommended.

Inactivation of isolated fungi on Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds through atmospheric plasma

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de plasma atmosférico na inativação de fungos na superfície de sementes de Erythrina velutina e em colônias fúngicas isoladas. Dois experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado: no primeiro, o plasma foi aplicado na superfície das sementes usando gás hélio e plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos, além do controle (sementes sem tratamento), constituindo sete tratamentos com cinco repetições cada; no segundo experimento, placas de Petri contendo o inóculo de diferentes fungos foram tratadas com plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos (Air-3, Air-6 e Air-9) e comparadas com fungos não tratados em placas de Petri sem tratamento (controle), totalizando quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Descobrimos que a aplicação de plasma atmosférico nas sementes de E. velutina por nove minutos teve efeito antimicrobiano sobre os fungos Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp. e Rhizopus sp. A formação de colônias fúngicas isoladas de sementes de E. velutina também foi inibida por três minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico, exceto para A. niger, cuja inibição ocorreu a partir de 6 minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico.

Inactivation of isolated fungi on Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds through atmospheric plasma / Inativação de fungos isolados em sementes de Erythrina velutina Willd. por meio do plasma atmosférico

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de plasma atmosférico na inativação de fungos na superfície de sementes de Erythrina velutina e em colônias fúngicas isoladas. Dois experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado: no primeiro, o plasma foi aplicado na superfície das sementes usando gás hélio e plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos, além do controle (sementes sem tratamento), constituindo sete tratamentos com cinco repetições cada; no segundo experimento, placas de Petri contendo o inóculo de diferentes fungos foram tratadas com plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos (Air-3, Air-6 e Air-9) e comparadas com fungos não tratados em placas de Petri sem tratamento (controle), totalizando quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Descobrimos que a aplicação de plasma atmosférico nas sementes de E. velutina por nove minutos teve efeito antimicrobiano sobre os fungos Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp. e Rhizopus sp. A formação de colônias fúngicas isoladas de sementes de E. velutina também foi inibida por três minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico, exceto para A. niger, cuja inibição ocorreu a partir de 6 minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico.

Fungitoxic effect and phytochemical characteristics of Brazilian Cerrado weeds against Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina fungi / Efeito fungitóxico e características fitoquímicas de plantas daninhas do Cerrado brasileiro frente aos fungos Rhizoctonia solani e Macrophomina phaseolina

The use of natural products obtained from plants, for example, invasive plants, offers a variety of allelochemicals with fungicidal potential. With this in perspective, the objective was to evaluate the fungicidal potential of ethanolic extracts of Cerrado plants on Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The ethanolic hydroalcoholic extract of the 12 plants identified as invaders in the Brazilian Cerrado was prepared (Anacardium humile Saint Hill; Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.; Cenchrus echinatus L; Commelina erecta L.; Erigeron bonariensis L.; Digitaria horizontalis Willd.; Digitaria insularis L.; Porophyllum ruderale Jacq. Cass; Richardia brasiliensis Gomes; Sida rhombifolia L.; Turnera ulmifolia L.; Smilax fluminensis Steud)) and phytochemical screening and determination of total phenols and flavonoids were performed. To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity, the hydroalcoholic solutions at concentrations of 800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2400 µL 100 mL-1 were separately incorporated into BDA agar and poured into Petri dishes, followed by the mycelium disk of the fungus. As a control, two solutions were prepared, one ethanolic solution added to the BDA medium (2400 µg 100 mL-1) and the other with BDA medium only. They were poured into Petri dishes, followed by a 0.5 cm diameter disk of mycelium of the fungus, incubated (23±2 ºC), with a 24-hour photoperiod. Among the constituents found in the plants, 75% are phenolic compounds, 58.3% are cardiotonic heterosides, 50% are steroids, 33.3% are flavonoids, 16.7% are anthraquinones, and 8.3% are alkaloids, saponins, and reducing sugars. Out of the 12 species, only the extracts of C. erecta and R. brasiliensis were active for M. phaseolina and R. solani. Thus, it is concluded that the ethanolic extract of C. erecta has the fungicidal potential to control diseases caused by fungi that are soil inhabitants. Of the other species, A. humille, B. dracuncufolia, D. insulares, C. erecta, D. insulares, P. ruderale, and R. brasiliensis have natural fungitoxic potential because they stand out in the content of polyphenols efficient in reducing the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina and R. solani.

O uso de produtos naturais obtidos de plantas, por exemplo, as plantas invasoras, oferece uma variedade de aleloquímicos com potencial fungicida. Tendo isso em vista, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial fungicida de extratos etanólicos de plantas do Cerrado sobre Rhizoctonia solani e Macrophomina phaseolina. Foi preparado o extrato hidroalcoólicos etanólico das 12 plantas apontadas como invasoras no Cerrado brasileiro (Anacardium humile Saint Hill; Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.; Cenchrus echinatus L; Commelina erecta L.; Erigeron bonariensis L.; Digitaria horizontalis Willd.; Digitaria insularis L.; Porophyllum ruderale Jacq. Cass; Richardia brasiliensis Gomes; Sida rhombifolia L.; Turnera ulmifolia L.; Smilax fluminensis Steud) e foi realizado o screening fitoquímico e a determinação de fenóis e flavonoides totais. Para avaliar a atividade antifúngica in vitro, as soluções hidroalcóolicas nas concentrações de 800, 1200, 1600, 2000 e 2400 µL 100 mL-1 foram incorporadas, separadamente, em ágar BDA, e vertidas em placa de Petri, seguido do disco de micélio do fungo. Como controle, foram preparadas duas soluções, uma solução etanólica adicionada ao meio BDA (2400 µg 100 mL-1), e outra somente com meio BDA, a testemunha. Foram vertidas em placas de Petri, seguido um disco de 0,5 cm de diâmetro de micélio do fungo, incubados (23±2 ºC), com fotoperíodo de 24 horas. Dentre os constituintes encontrados nas plantas, 75% estão os compostos fenólicos, 58,3% estão os heterosídeos cardiotônicos, 50% estão os esteroides, 33,3% estão os flavonoides, 16,7% estão as antraquinonas e 8,3% estão os alcaloides, saponinas e açúcares redutores. Das 12 espécies, apenas os extratos de C. erecta e R. brasiliensis foram ativos para M. phaseolina e R. solani. Desse modo, conclui-se que o extrato etanólico de C. erecta apresenta potencial fungicida para controle de doenças causadas por fungos habitantes do solo. Das demais espécies, a A. humille, B. dracuncufolia, D. insulares, C. erecta, D. insulares, P. ruderale e R. brasiliensis possuem potencial fungitóxicos naturais por destacarem nos teores de polifenóis eficientes na redução do crescimento micelial de M. phaseolina e R. solani.

Comparative study of the physiological and health quality of traditional and biofortified cowpea seeds.

Cowpea is one of the main crops in family agriculture, especially in the Northeastern region of Brazil, and it is expanding to other regions in Brazil. The use of seeds with low physiological and health quality is reflected in the plant development and consequently yield, making it important to study the seed physiological and health quality. The objective of the present study was to assess the physiology and health of traditional and biofortified cowpea seeds. The traditional cowpea varieties (Angelim, Mercado and Manteguinha) and the biofortified cowpea cultivars (BRS Aracê, BRS Xique-Xique and BRS Tumucumaque) were assessed for the following physiological parameters: water content (WC), first count (FC), germination test (G), germination speed index (GSI), seedling emergence in the greenhouse (E), emergence speed index (ESI), seedling aerial part and root length (APL and RL) and electric conductivity test (EC). The seed health quality was assessed by the Blotter Test. The water content present in the seeds of the traditional and biofortified varieties ranged from 10% to 14%. All the traditional and biofortified varieties showed high germination and emergence value in the greenhouse. The germination and emergence speed indexes indicated the BRS Aracê and BRS Xique-Xique cultivars as the most vigorous. In the health tests the highest indexes were the storage fungi Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp. and Penicillium sp., with the highest prevalence in the BRS Tumucumaque variety, which was probably related to the higher water content present in this variety.

Wildfire and smoke association with COVID-19 cases in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: In 2020, Brazil experienced two concurrent public health challenges related to respiratory disease: wildfires and increased mortality due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Smoke from these wildfires contributed to a variety of air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The present study aims to investigate the effects of environmental and socio-economic factors on COVID-19 hospitalisation in the Pantanal. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological retrospective study. METHODS: We applied a multilevel negative binomial model to relate monthly hospitalisation data with environmental variables. RESULTS: We showed that monthly PM2.5 concentration levels had the greatest influence on the increase in hospitalisations by COVID-19 in the elderly (23 % increase). The Gini index, a coefficient that reflects income inequalities, also had a positive association with COVID-19 hospitalisations (18 % increase). Higher temperatures and humidity were protective factors, showing a 15 % and 14 % decrease in hospitalisations, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that high PM2.5 exposure contributed to the increase in COVID-19 hospitalisations, as did the social inequalities of each municipality. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the importance of gathering evidence supported by multiple information sources to guide decision-making and identify populations needing better public health systems.