Abstract in English:

Abstract This work aimed to evaluate the extraction conditions of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from Pfaffia glomerata leaves (PGLs) and characterize the extract obtained in the best conditions. Aqueous extraction was performed in a Shaker, varying the levels of rotation (100, 150, 200 rpm), temperature (30, 45, 60° C) and mass to volume (w v-1) ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30 g ml-1). The variables w v-1 ratio and temperature, and their combination, showed a positive effect (p<0.05) in TPC extraction. The time of extraction increased TPC extraction until 30 min, thereafter, the values decreased. The extraction performed at 60o C, 1:30 g ml-1, 125 rpm and 30 min allowed to reach the maximum TPC content (11.94 mg g-1). This extract contains β-ecdysone (4.64 g 100g-1), a chemical marker of P. glomerata, and, phenolic compounds, as gallic acid (28.51 mg 100g-1) and catechin (24.82 mg 100g-1). PGLs extract exhibits antioxidant activity by the in vitro methods evaluated (iron reduction powder and radical scavenging ability). Antibacterial activity was also detected, being found the minimum inhibitory concentration of 20 mg mL-1 for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore, PGL extract had a potential application as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial in food or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Studies based on medicinal plants have stood out as a complementary treatment intervention to type 2 Diabetes mellitus and its complications. Among the Brazilian medicinal plants, we highlight Cordiera sessilis (Vell.) Kuntze, in turn, has been studied in several chemical and biological studies due to its ethnopharmacological indications. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiglycation, and digestive enzyme inhibition effects of the fractions obtained from the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of C. sessilis. The results indicated that the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol were the most promising fractions and therefore their phytochemical constitution was suggested by mass spectrometry. Several bioactive compounds belonging to the six classes were found, with a predominance of compounds from the flavonoid class, whose presence justifies the observed results. Thus, this study presented new results on the biological activities of this plant, contributing to the understanding of the action and effectiveness of its use in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The objective of this study was to chemically and sensorially evaluate dryprocessed coffees with an initial quality of 82 and 84 points on the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) scale, packaged in impermeable and permeable materials, and stored at room temperature and in a refrigerated environment for 9 months. The sensory and chemical quality of the stored beans was evaluated at the beginning of storage, as well as after six and nine months. The results show that specialty natural coffees with a higher initial sensory score experience attenuation of sweetness, acidity, body, and aftertaste over 9 months of storage, with stability in the overall score and sensory descriptors, particularly when stored in high-barrier packaging. Chemically, the changes observed during storage differ depending on the initial sensory quality of the specialty natural coffees, with greater preservation of volatile compounds and fatty acids when high-barrier packaging is used, regardless of storage temperature. It is concluded that, in addition to packaging and storage conditions, the initial attributes of natural coffee are a determining factor for quality after 9 months of storage. Chemical changes during storage vary according to the initial sensory quality of specialty natural coffees.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet, home to several rare and endemic species. The Phyllanthaceae family harbors great richness of endemic species in this area, including some recently described in the Northeastern Atlantic Forest. However, this biome faces serious threats due to human activity, habitat loss and species extinction. This study analyzed the distribution, richness and endemism of Phyllanthaceae species in the Northeastern Atlantic Forest, investigated the relationship between species richness and climatic characteristics, and delimited the centers of endemism and the main threats and pressures. Data from Reflora, Specieslink, herbaria from the Brazilian Northeast and specialized literature were used. Generalized linear models analyzed the relationship between species richness and climate variables. Forty-two species were identified in the study area, 13 of which are endemic. The south of Bahia state stood out for its greater species richness, with 23 species described, including 11 endemic ones. Three centers of endemism were identified: two in southern Bahia and one in Pernambuco state. Most endemic species face threats, with few protected areas. Deforestation, agriculture and urban expansion represent the main pressures on these species in the region.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Elevated search for information could increase rumors and misinformation, which significantly impacted the daily lives and mental health of individuals. We tested the association between the frequency and methods of communication used and psychological symptoms. Cross-sectional study that included individuals with COVID-19 and individuals without the disease. Participants completed a questionnaire about the frequency with which were informed about COVID-19. The severity of depressive and anxious symptoms, and stress levels were assessed. The sample included 350 individuals (66% female, mean age 38.09 ± 14.18 years), and 32.6% had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Most of the sample was informed about COVID-19 almost always or always and the most common method used to search for information was the internet, followed by open TV, social media, WhatsApp, cable TV, radio, and newspaper. Individuals who sought information on social media had greater severity of depressive symptoms when compared to subjects who did not seek information on the media. Individuals who sought information via WhatsApp had lower anxiety symptoms and stress levels when compared to individuals who did not seek information via WhatsApp. The search for information had a negative impact on depressive symptoms and a decrease in anxiety symptoms.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The male of Campsurus barreirinhas sp. nov. is described and illustrated, representing the first records of Campsurus from Maranhão State, Northeast Brazil region. It is nearly related to C. litaninensis, both showing a unique genitalia, with the sternum IX extremely projected medially, pedestals bases distinctly separated in the middle, and pedestal rotated. The new species differentiates from C. litaninensis because the projection of IX sternum is rounded distally and the penes are stouter. This new species was collected along with Campsurus essequibo and Campsurus lucidus, representing the first records of these species in the Northeast Brazilian region.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) inhibition in vitro is an effective method for monitoring pesticide contamination, particularly organophosphates, offering advantages over in vivo approaches. Environmental factors like temperature, age, and stress can alter enzyme activity in vivo, making controlled in vitro studies necessary. This research focused on the brain AChE of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), a key species in global aquaculture, to detect organophosphate contamination. The study examined pesticides such as chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion, malathion, and temephos. Optimal pH (8.0) and temperature (55°C) conditions were determined for AChE activity. The enzyme also showed sensitivity to several heavy metals, including Co²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Zn²⁺, with mercury causing 100% inhibition. AChE exhibited high substrate affinity, with a Vmax of 0.651 ± 0.26 mU/mg and a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 399 mU/mg. Pesticide inhibition varied, with chlorpyrifos and temephos showing the highest efficacy at lower concentrations. IC20, IC50, and Ki values ranked pesticide potency as follows: malathion, fenitrothion, temephos, and chlorpyrifos. These results support the use of Nile tilapia AChE as a reliable environmental biomarker for detecting pesticides, offering valuable insights for environmental monitoring and filling gaps in the existing literature.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The introduction of exotic plants can pose ecological threats as they may become invasive. We investigated leaf traits potentially linked to competitive advantage and invasiveness in Azadirachta indica, a widely used exotic tree in northeastern Brazil’s urban forestry, compared to native species Ouratea fieldingiana and Myrcia multiflora. We tested the limiting similarity hypothesis, evaluating how leaf characteristics influence the ecological responses of these species and A. indica’s potential invasiveness. A. indica exhibited larger leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf area ratio (LAR) compared to native species, but lower specific petiole length (SPL) and specific internode length (SIL). Additionally, A. indica displayed greater phenotypic variation in these traits. The larger leaf area, SLA, and LAR suggest a strategy in A. indica favoring rapid carbon gain through increased growth. The higher phenotypic variation observed may facilitate adaptation to new habitats, potentially enhancing its competitive ability and invasiveness. These findings highlight distinct functional strategies between exotic and native species, raising concerns regarding the potential invasiveness of A. indica in northeastern Brazil’s natural ecosystems.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Xenocynus crypticus is a metatherian from the Itaboraí Basin (early Eocene) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While this taxon was initially described based on a single upper molar and three isolated lower molars, the occlusal relations between these teeth have never been previously analyzed. In this study, the upper and lower molars assigned to this taxon, along with specimen AMNH 49805, were included in a scatterplot and two principal component analyses (PCA), assessing several morphometric parameters that were diagnostic of this taxon. We inferred the occlusal relationships between the assigned molars to assess their morpho-occlusal compatibility. Our analyses have demonstrated that the Xenocynus crypticus molars are morphometrically distinct from other sympatric taxa of similar size, with m1s having proportionally shorter talonids. Furthermore, the upper and lower molars of X. crypticus are occlusally compatible, exhibiting similar inferred proportions in the length and width of the talonid. These findings support the taxonomic validity of X. crypticus and an association of the lower molars with this species. Additionally, our results indicate that PCAs can reliably assess morphometric similarity between isolated upper and lower molars in metatherians, offering valuable insights for taxonomic studies on fragmentary dental-based taxa.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The experiment was conducted to evaluate the composition of the hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (Hylocereus guatemalensis) and its effects on the diet of male blue Betta splendens in terms of skin color, concerning the content of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and antioxidant activity. The fish were supplemented with hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (HEPB) at the doses of 0.24, 0.45, and 0.90 mg kg−1 of feed for 21 days. The inclusion of 0.24 and 0.45 mg kg−1 of the HEPB promoted the best weight gain. and did not change the coloration of blue beta fish (P>0.05). The digestive activity showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity only in fish fed 0.45 mg kg−1 HEPB. The inclusion of 0.45 and 0.90 mg kg−1 from the HEPB promoted a decrease in hepatic ALT activity. An increase in CAT activity was observed in the skin of fish fed diets with added HEPB. In conclusion, the addition of hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark in the diet of Betta splendens is beneficial for the weight gain parameter and has a hepatoprotective effect but does not affect skin coloration.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The detection and re-identification of vehicles in dynamic environments, such as highways monitored by a swarm of drones, presents significant challenges, particularly due to the variability of images captured from different angles and under various conditions. This scenario necessitates the development of suitable methods that integrate appropriate computational techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNN) to address the diversity of drone captures and improve accuracy in detection and re-identification. In this paper, a solution for vehicle detection and Re-ID is proposed, combining CNN techniques VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, InceptionV3 and EfficientNetV2L. YOLOv4 was selected for detection, while the DeepSORT algorithm was chosen for tracking. The proposed solution considers the generalization capabilities of these techniques with varied images from different drones in different positions. Two datasets were employed: the first is a public dataset from Mendeley used for method evaluation, while the second consists of images and data collected by a swarm of drones. In the first experiment, the best performing network was ResNet50, with an average accuracy of 55%. In the second experiment, the highest accuracy CNN was VGG19, with 91% accuracy. Overall, the techniques were able to distinguish vehicles of different models and adapted to the data captured by drones.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Graphene oxide is a revolutionary material that enhances properties in electronics, automotive, civil construction, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Even added in low levels (0.1 – 5.0%), properly dispersed in polymer composites, it results in significant differences in mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electrical properties. Often, a suitable dispersant facilitate homogenization and provides stability in the fabrication process. However, there are few studies in the literature that assess graphene oxide dispersion. This paper presents methodologies for determining the graphene oxide content and its dispersion in naphthenic plasticizer in the presence of surfactant. A multivariate method, based on partial least squares regression and Raman spectroscopy, was used to determine the particle size and graphene oxide content in the graphene oxide /plasticizer system, with linearity (R2 > 0.99) and analytical error (> 0.29%). A laser diffraction methodology was developed for the dispersibility study. The results contribute to the state of the art of researching industrial aerospace solutions for polymeric systems containing graphene oxide.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Fact-checking agencies were pivotal in countering misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the predominant thematic orientations within Brazilian fact-checking agencies during the pandemic’s initial year. Brazil’s case is relevant because it has a high traffic of false information and was the second country most affected by the pandemic. From Latam Chequea Coronavirus’s database, 838 assertions checked of fact-checking were analysed by automated content analysis, allowing the identification of the thematic incidence through descending hierarchical classification and factorial correspondence analysis. The emerged themes encompassed vaccine, virus origin, social isolation, economic relief, disease mortality, and treatment. Fact-checking agencies assigned varying levels of importance to specific themes, which may reinforce the idea of possible non-neutrality fact-checking journalism. Most categories displayed an irregular publication pattern, indicating they were not part of continuous communicative processes. This research addresses methodological, temporal, and sampling gaps by employing automated analysis, covering the pandemic’s initial year, and utilising a substantial dataset from the global South. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on fact-checking agencies’ roles and limitations.