Effect of thiamethoxam (organophosphate) on the flies and beetle visitation and cadaveric decomposition process

ABSTRACT Entomofauna associated with decaying cadavers may be useful in criminal investigation, either through the development of immature insects of interest or through entomological succession in corpses. These factors may vary if the insects are exposed to toxic substances that can modify the insect's developmental cycle, as well as its own occurrence, which would imply significant changes in the results of any investigation. However, there are few studies on how contamination by toxic compounds can affect the action of insects on carcasses and their consequence for forensic expertise. Therefore, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that the normal visitation of flies and beetles is altered in insecticide-contaminated carcasses. The experiment was carried out in a sugarcane plantation, using pig carcasses contaminated with insecticide and the same number of carcasses without any type of contamination as a control. In all experiments, the contaminated carcasses reached the final phase of decomposition in a longer time than the uncontaminated carcasses of the control group. A total of 2.767 specimens were collected and identified, 2.103 individuals from the order Diptera and 664 from the order Coleoptera. There was a significant geometric regression adjustment during the decomposition phases only for the control group, different from the contaminated carcasses in which this pattern did not occur. Results show that contamination by insecticide alters decomposition time and phase, altering the action of flies and beetles, affecting the abundance, composition of species as well as their activities, which can alter the data used by experts in criminal experts.

Cytotoxicity and the bioconversion strategy of Aristolochia spp

Aristolochia plants are notable from an ethnopharmacological viewpoint, but the relevance of these species for medicinal purposes has been debated because of their inherent toxicity. The convergence of these contrasting realities can be readily achieved using bioconversion methods, which have been shown to be useful tools for numerous applications, including the detoxification of biomass. In this context, methanolic extracts of leaves from Aristolochia triangularis and Aristolochia gibertii, as well as the feces of Battus polydamas larvae fed with leaves from these plants, were prepared, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated on a human fibroblast cell line (GM07492). The leaf extracts were found to be cytotoxic, leading to reductions of 42.1 and 33.8% on cell viability, respectively, while the fecal extracts were considered inactive. In addition to evidencing the cytotoxicity of A. triangularis and A. gibertii, these findings demonstrated a potential bioconversion strategy for obtaining aristolochiaceous extracts with reduced toxicity using the larvae of a specialist phytophagous insect, thus renewing expectations in relation to the pharmacological importance of Aristolochia spp. The results were also ecologically relevant, as B. polydamas larvae were found to be able to detoxify compounds from host plants.(AU)

Fatty acids profile, atherogenic and thrombogenic health lipid indices in the meat of lambs that received canola grain / Perfil de ácidos graxos, índices de lipídios aterogênicos e trombogênicos em carne de cordeiros alimentados com grãos de canola

This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and qualitative characteristics of meat from lambs feed in feedlot with increasing levels of canola grain. Meat obtained from 27 lambs fed 0, 8 and 16% inclusion of canola grain were analyzed. There was a reduction in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA): lauric, heptadecanoic, and stearic; and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA): palmitoleic, oleic, and eicosatrienoic, with the increasing levels of canola grain. There was a linear reduction for the ω3 acid and the ω3: ω6 ratio, while the ω6: ω3 ratio increased. But the values observed for this ratio (ω6: ω3) were lower than 4, which is considered a satisfactory value. There was a slight increase (~2%) for the thrombogenicity index and atherogenicity index with the inclusion of canola grain. There was a reduction in the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio, with mean values of 2.09 for the diet with 0% inclusion, and 2.06 for 8 and 16% inclusion of canola. Although the inclusion of canola grain for lambs decreased the content of some UFA, reflecting alterations in the correlated nutritional properties, there is a reduction of SFA. The results for instrumental analysis, proximate composition, and sensory acceptance of the lamb meat were similar among the treatments.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição dos ácidos graxos e as características qualitativas da carne de cordeiros terminados com níveis crescentes de canola grão na dieta. Foram estudadas amostras de carne provenientes de 27 cordeiros, confinados por 45 dias e alimentados com 00, 08 e 16% de inclusão de canola grão. Houve efeito para os ácidos graxos saturados (AGS): laurico, heptadecanoico e esteárico; ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGMI): palmitoleico e oleico; e ácidos graxos polinsaturados (AGPI): eicosatrienoico. Estes ácidos reduziram à medida que os níveis da canola grão aumentaram. Para os AGMI, houve efeito com maior concentração no músculo dos cordeiros alimentados sem a canola grão (49,80%). Houve uma redução linear para o ácido ω3 e para a relação ω3:ω6, enquanto que a relação ω6:ω3 aumentou. A canola grão influenciou o índice de aterogenicidade, com média de 0,57 para o tratamento com 0% de inclusão e 0,58 para os tratamentos com 8% e 16% de inclusão. Observou-se aumento linear para o índice de trombogenicidade com a inclusão da canola grão, cujas médias foram, respectivamente, 0,16, 0,17 e 0,18 para os tratamentos 0%, 8% e 16% de inclusão. Houve redução para a relação hipocolesterolêmicos-hipercolesterolêmicos, com médias de 2,09 para a dieta com 0% de inclusão, e 2,06 para 8% e 16% de inclusão da canola em grão na dieta. A canola grão não influenciou a análise instrumental, composição centesimal e atributos sensoriais da carne.(AU)

Toxicological properties of an aqueous extract of Aristolochia triangularis leaves, using the brine shrimp lethality and Allium cepa bioassays / Propriedades toxicológicas de um extrato aquoso de folhas de Aristolochia triangularis utilizando os bioensaios de letalidade com Artemia salina e Allium cepa

ABSTRACT: The aqueous extract of Aristolochia triangularis leaves showed activity against Artemia salina larvae, with an LD50 of 370.6 µg/mL. In experiments with Allium cepa seeds, the extract caused a 51.26% reduction in the germination index, inhibited mean root growth, and was cytotoxic at concentrations of 668 and 2,000 µg/mL. Its antioxidant activity was additionally assessed in this research and the ferric reducing antioxidant power value was found to be 391.2 µM/g. Such health-beneficial property can be attributed partly to the total phenolic content, spectrophotometrically determined as 52.67 mg/g. The occurrence of cytotoxicity suggested caution when consuming teas from A. triangularis leaves for medicinal purposes, and equally reveals the need for further studies to investigate their adverse effects.

RESUMO: O extrato aquoso de folhas de Aristolochia triangularis mostrou atividade sobre larvas de Artemia salina, com um DL50 de 370,6 µg/mL. Em experimentos com sementes de Allium cepa, o extrato provocou uma redução de 51,26% no índice de germinação, inibiu o crescimento radicular médio e foi citotóxico nas concentrações de 668 e 2.000 µg/mL. Sua atividade antioxidante foi adicionalmente avaliada nesta pesquisa e o valor de poder redutor de íons férrico foi de 391,2 µM/g. Tal propriedade benéfica para a saúde pode ser parcialmente atribuída ao conteúdo de compostos fenólicos totais, espectrofotometricamente determinada como 52,67 mg/g. A ocorrência de citotoxicidade sugeriu cautela ao consumir chás de folhas de A. triangularis para propósitos medicinais, e igualmente revela a necessidade por estudos adicionais para investigar os efeitos adversos deles.

Variation of cuticular chemical compounds in three species of Mischocyttarus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) eusocial wasps

Abstract The social wasps have a remarkable system of organization in which chemical communication mediate different behavioral interactions. Among the compounds involved in this process, cuticular hydrocarbons are considered the main signals for nestmate recognition, caste differentiation, and fertility communication. The aims of this study were to describe the cuticular chemical compounds of the species Mischocyttarus consimilis, Mischocyttarus bertonii, and Mischocyttarus latior, and to test whether these chemical compounds could be used to evaluate differences and similarities between Mischocyttarus species, using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Workers from these three species presented a variety of hydrocarbons ranging from C17 to C37, and among the compounds identified, the most representative were branched alkanes, linear alkanes and alkenes. The results revealed quantitative and qualitative differences among the hydrocarbon profiles, as confirmed by discriminant analysis. This study supports the hypothesis that cuticular chemical profiles can be used as parameters to identify interspecific and intercolony differences in Mischocyttarus, highlighting the importance of these compounds for differentiation of species and populations.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of polluted surface water in the midwestern region of Brazil using animal and plant bioassays

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate DNA damage in animal and plant cells exposed to water from the Água Boa stream (Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil) by using bioassays, and to identify the chemical compounds in the water to determine the water quality in the area. Through the cytotoxicity bioassay with Allium cepa, using micronucleus test, and comet assay, using Astyanax altiparanae fish, the results indicated that biological samples were genetically altered. Micronuclei were observed in erythrocytes of A. altiparanae after exposure to water from locations close to industrial waste discharge. The highest DNA damage observed with the comet assay in fish occurred with the exposure to water from locations where the presence of metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni) was high, indicating the possibility of genotoxic effects of these compounds. Thus, these results reinforce the importance of conducting genotoxicity tests for developing management plans to improve water quality, and indicate the need for waste management before domestic and industrial effluents are released into the rivers and streams.

Avaliação das atividades antiproliferativa e antioxidante em frutos de Campomanesia pubescens / Evaluation of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in fruits of Campomanesia pubescens

A investigação química dos extratos bioativos dos frutos de Campomanesia pubescens (Myrtaceae)resultou no isolamento de duas chalconas. Os compostos isolados foram identificados pelas análises espectroscópicas (1H, 13C e 2D RMN) e, por comparação com os dados descritos na literatura. A capacidade antioxidante dos extratos e frações foi determinada utilizando-se os ensaios de capacidade de absorção de oxigênio radical (ORAC-FL) e de DPPH; e os teores de fenólicos solúveis foram medidos utilizando-seo reagente de Folin-Ciocalteau. Os efeitos antiproliferativos dos extratos e de isolados de chalconas 1 e2 foram determinados in vitro contra as seguintes células cancerosas humanas U251 (glioma), UACC-62 (melanoma), MCF-7 (mama), NC1-ADR/RES (ovário resistente), 786,0 (rim), NCI-H460 (pulmão),PC-3 (próstata), OVCAR-3 (ovário), HT-29 (cólon) e K562 (leucemia), e contra linhagem celular não cancerígena VERO. O extrato hexânico e os compostos isolados de chalconas 1 e 2 demonstraram efeito antiproliferativo potente contra linhagens de células cancerosas com valores de inibição de crescimento total (TGI) menores dos aqueles observados na linhagem celular controle. A atividade mais elevada das chalconas 1 e 2 foi detectada nas células MCF-7, PC-3 e HT-29.

Chemical investigation on the bioactive extracts from fruits of Campomanesia pubescens (Myrtaceae)resulted in the isolation of two chalcones. The isolated compounds were identified by means of spectroscopicanalysis (1H, 13C and 2D NMR), and by comparing with the data reported in the specific literature.Antioxidant capacity of extracts and fractions was determined using the oxygen radical absorbancecapacity (ORAC-FL) and DPPH assays; and the total soluble phenolic contents were measured by usingFolin-Ciocalteau reagent. The anti-proliferative effects of the extracts and of the chalcone isolates 1 and2 were determined in vitro against human cancer cells lineages U251 (glioma), UACC-62 (melanoma),MCF-7 (breast), NC1-ADR/RES (ovarian-resistant), 786.0 (kidney), NCI-H460 (lung), PC-3 (prostate),OVCAR-3 (ovarian), HT-29 (colon) and K562 (leukemia), and against non-cancerous cell line VERO.Hexanic extract and chalcone isolated compounds 1 and 2 showed potent antiproliferative effect againstcancer cell lineages with lower total growth inhibition (TGI) values than those found in control cell line.The highest activity of the chalcones 1 and 2 was observed against the MCF-7, PC-3 and HT-29 cell lines.

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activities of Serjania erecta Radlk. (Sapindaceae)

Serjania erecta Radlk.(Sapindaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil. We assayed the ethanolic extract of leaves and roots against seven microorganisms. The REMA (Resazurin Microtiter Assay) assay was used to measure the biological activity in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and our results showed moderate activity of the ethanolic extract. On the other hand S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. setubal, C. albicans, S. cerevisiae and E. coli revealed that the leaves and roots of S. erecta inhibited the growth of all microorganisms. The ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots showed low values of antioxidant activities. The ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots were analyzed by chromatographic and spectrometric methods. (-)-Epicatechin, kaempferol aglycone and five glycoside derivates were isolated: kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside from the roots and kaempferol, kaempferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, vitexin, isovitexin and (-)-epicatechin in the leaves. This is the first chemical study reported in the literature about this specie.

Serjania erecta Radlk. (Sapindaceae) é uma planta medicinal utilizada no Brasil. Analisamos o extrato etanólico de folhas e raízes para sete microorganismos. O REMA (Ensaio de Microtitulação Resazurina) foi utilizado para medir a atividade biológica in vitro contra o Mycobacterium tuberculosis e nossos resultados mostraram atividade moderada do extrato etanólico. Por outro lado, ensaios com S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. setubal, C. albicans, S. cerevisiae e E. coli revelaram que as folhas e raízes de S. erecta inibiram crescimento em todos os microorganismos. Os extratos etanólicos de folhas e raízes apresentaram valores baixos de atividade antioxidante. Os extratos etanólicos de folhas e raízes foram analisados por métodos cromatográficos e espectroscópicos. (-)-Epicatequina, canferol aglicona e cinco derivados glicosídicos foram isolados: canferol -3-O-α-L-ramnopiranosídeo, canferol-3-O-α-L-ramnopiranosil-(1→6)-β-D-glucopiranosídeo a partir das raízes e canferol, canferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-ramnopiranosídeo, vitexina, isovitexina e (-) epicatequina nas folhas. Este é o primeiro estudo químico na literatura sobre esta espécie.

Atividade antioxidante de Hibiscus sabdariffa L. em função do espaçamento entre plantas e da adubação orgânica / Antioxidant activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in function of spacing between plants and organic fertilization

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do espaçamento entre plantas na linha e da aplicação ou não de cama-de-frango em cobertura no solo, na atividade antioxidante, teor total de fenóis e flavonóides em extrato etanólico e extrato aquoso quente de folhas de rosela (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco espaçamentos entre plantas (0,30; 0,35; 0,40; 0,45 e 0,50m) e do uso ou não de cama-de-frango em cobertura do solo, na dose de 10t ha-1, arranjados como fatorial 5x2, no delineamento blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os teores de flavonóides e fenóis totais aumentaram no extrato etanólico (18 por cento e 11 por cento, respectivamente) e no extrato aquoso quente (16 por cento e 11 por cento, respectivamente) entre a aplicação ou não de cama-de-frango em cobertura no solo. A atividade antioxidante foi influenciada significativamente pelo método de obtenção dos extratos, sendo no extrato etanólico 263 por cento maior que o resultado obtido para o extrato aquoso quente.

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the effects of plant spacing within rows by means of applying or not applying chicken-manure to the soil cover in the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoids in ethanolic leaves extract and hot aqueous extract of roselle. The treatments consisted of five different spaces between plants (0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45 and 0.50m) and the use or non-use of chicken litter broadcasted on soil surface at 10 ton ha-1, in a 5x2 factorial arrangement in a randomized block design with four replications. The flavonoids levels and total phenolic increased on ethanolic leaves extract (18 percent and 11 percent, respectively) and hot aqueous extract (16 percent and 11 percent, respectively) between applying or not applying chicken-manure to the soil cover. Antioxidant activity was significantly influenced by the way of obtaining extracts, being the ethanolic extract 263 percent higher than the results obtained by the hot aqueous extract.

Alface e jateikaá em cultivo solteiro e consorciado: produção e atividade antioxidante / Lettuce and jateikaá in single culture and intercropped: production and antioxidant activity

Conduziu-se este estudo, com o objetivo de avaliar o crescimento e a produção de alface (Lactuca sativa L.) e jateikaá (Achyrocline alata (Kunth) DC.) em cultivo solteiro e em consórcio. Os tratamentos em estudo foram três e quatro fileiras de alface por canteiro, duas fileiras de jateikaá espaçadas de 35 cm e 50 cm, quatro fileiras de alface alternadas com duas fileiras de jateikaá (A25J50) e três fileiras de alface alternadas com duas fileiras de jateikaá (A35J35). Foi utilizado o delineamento blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as massas frescas e secas, diâmetro e altura das cabeças de alface, massas frescas e secas das inflorescências e das partes aéreas sem inflorescências de jateikaá. Realizou-se o teste antioxidante para amostras de inflorescências de jateikaá nos tratamentos estudados. O tipo de cultivo e os espaçamentos entre fileiras não influenciaram significativamente as características avaliadas para alface e para o jateikaá, com exceção das massas fresca e seca de inflorescências, cuja produção foi superior no espaçamento de 50 cm. A altura média obtida para as plantas de jateikaá foi de 1,12 m. A razão de área equivalente para o consórcio A25J50 foi de 1,87 e para o A35J35 foi de 2,10. No caso de recomendação agronômica, optar-se-ía pelo consórcio A35J35. Observou-se atividade antioxidante em todas as amostras analisadas, sendo que o padrão de inibição apresentou semelhança tanto para cultivo solteiro quanto para o consorciado, demonstrando que os constituintes químicos do jateikaá apresentaram um alto potencial antioxidante.

This study aimed to evaluate the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) e jateikaá (Achyrocline alata (Kunth) DC.) as a single culture and intercropped. The treatments in study were three and four rows of lettuce and two rows of jateikaá spaced 35 cm or 50 cm, four rows of lettuce alternated with two rows of jateikaá (A25J50) and three alternated rows of lettuce with two rows of jateikaá (A35J35). The experiment design was randomized blocks, with four replications. Fresh and dry masses, diameter and height of the lettuce heads and height, fresh and dry masses of inflorescence and aerial parts without inflorescence of jateikaá were evaluated. The antioxidant activity of jateikaá's inflorescence was studied. The culture type and spacing between rows did not influence the characteristics evaluated for lettuce and for jateikaá, with exception of the fresh and dry masses of inflorescences, with production was superior in the 50 cm spacing of plants with height average of 1.12 m for the jateikaá plants. The land equivalent ratio, for intercropping A25J50 was 1.88 and for the A35J35 was 2.05. Intercropping A35J35 might be recommended. Antioxidant activity was observed in all samples. The inhibition standard was similar for both single culture and intercropping, demonstrating that the chemical constituent of jateikaá had presented a high antioxidant potential.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (Guavira) / Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas (CG-EM) e avaliação da atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (guavira)

The essential oils from Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg leaves, collected in the reproductive (flowering and fruit-bearing) and vegetative stages, were characterized by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). A total of 95 compounds of the essential oils were identified. In the reproductive stage (flowering) the major constituents were monoterpenes (limonene, α-pinene and β-pinene) while during the vegetative stage the major constituents were the sesquiterpenes (bicyclogermacrene and globulol). The essential oil of the reproductive stage shows high antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, and all show moderate activity against Escherichia coli. The essential oils were also evaluated for their radical-scavenging activity by DPPH. The chemogeographical variations of the oil composition from the four distinct localities studied all contained α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene, however the samples from Jardim city contained neither limonene nor linalool.

Os óleos essenciais obtidos das folhas de Campomanesia adamantium foram caracterizados através da combinação de CG-EM e índice de retenção, sendo identificado um total de 95 compostos. Na floração as substâncias majoritárias foram monoterpenos (limoneno, α-pineno e β-pineno) e durante o estágio vegetativo as substâncias majoritárias foram sesquiterpenos (biciclogermacreno e globulol). Os óleos essenciais obtidos da floração e frutificação mostraram alta atividade contra Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Candida albicans e moderada contra Escherichia coli em todos os estágios. Foi avaliada a atividade antioxidante dos óleos essenciais usando o método do DPPH. O óleo essencial das 4 cidades mostrou a presença de α-pineno, β-pineno, limoneno, linalol, β-cariofileno, germacreno D e biciclogermacreno, mas a amostra da cidade de Jardim não apresentou limoneno e linalol.

Avaliação do perfil cromatográfico em espécies de Polygonum e amostras comercializadas como "erva-de-bicho" / Evaluation of the chromatographic profile of species of Polygonum and samples of the "erva-de-bicho"

As espécies Polygonum punctatum, Polygonum hydropiperoides, Polygonum ferrugineum, Polygonum acuminatum foram analisadas quanto ao perfil cromatográfico e comparadas com amostras comercializadas como "erva-de-bicho". As análises foram realizadas empregando cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Verificou-se que as amostras analisadas exibem perfil cromatográfico distinto. O perfil cromatográfico das amostras comercializadas como "erva-de-bicho" foram semelhantes aos obtidos para as amostra de Polygonum acuminatum ou Polygonum ferrugineum ou não apresentaram picos nos cromatogramas. Foram monitorados na determinação do perfil cromatográfico os comprimentos de onda de 254 nm e 362 nm.

The species Polygonum punctatum, Polygonum hydropiperoides, Polygonum ferrugineum, Polygonum acuminatum were analyzed and compared with commercialized samples of "erva-de-bicho". This analysis was performed using high performance liquid chromatography. It was verified that the analyzed samples show a distinct. The chromatographic profile of the samples commercialized as "erva-de-bicho" was similar to the Polygonum acuminatum or Polygonum ferrugineum profiles, or did not present peaks in the chromatograms. The chromatographic profiles were monitored in the 254 nm and 362 nm.