Influence of Distance, Environmental Factors, and Native Vegetation on Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Foraging in Arid Shrublands and Grasslands.

This study determined the influence of foraging distance, environmental factors, and native vegetation on honeybee (Apis mellifera) foraging in arid shrublands and grasslands in Northern Mexico. Apiary distance from inflorescence sites did not have a significant influence on the intensity of foraging. Apiary location and landscape were decisive factors in the response of honeybees to environmental factors. Air temperature, minimum temperature, wind velocity, and relative humidity explained foraging by 87, 80, 68, and 41% (R2), respectively, in shrubland sites in open landscapes but had no significant influence on foraging in the grassland sites in a valley surrounded by hills (1820-2020 amsl). Nights with a minimum temperature of <20 °C increased foraging activity during the day. Minimum temperature, which has the least correlative influence among climate elements, can be used to determine climate change's impact on bees. The quantity of available inflorescence explained the foraging intensity by 78% in shrublands and 84% in grasslands. Moreover, when honeybees depended mainly on native vegetation in grasslands, the quantity of inflorescence explained the intensity of foraging by 95%. High intensity of honeybee foraging was observed in allthorn (Koeberlinia spinosa) and wait-a-minute bush (Mimosa aculeaticarpa) in shrublands and honey mesquite (Neltuma glandulosa) and wait-a-minute bush (Mimosa aculeaticarpa) in grasslands. The findings and baseline data contributed by this study may be used to identify suitable environments for increasing apiary productivity and other agricultural and ecological benefits.

Hair loss and endocrine dermatosis on horses raised in a Mimosa pudica var. unijuga-invaded area.

A Mimosa pudica var. unijuga-associated toxicity affecting horses occurred in Araguari, Triângulo Mineiro, Southeast Brazil. Affected horses had gradual hair loss of the mane and tail and endocrine dermatosis after grazing for three months during the dry season on a paddock invaded by the plant. The main histological lesions include compact ortho-keratotic hyperkeratosis and numerous flame follicles. Toxicological analysis by HPLC-UV demonstrated 0.8 mg/g of mimosine in the leaves.

Antimicrobial Potential of Chitosan Films Incorporated with Alcoholic Extract from Mimosa tenuiflora Leaves.

Antimicrobial films were prepared with chitosan containing the methanolic extract of M. tenuiflora leaves (FECT20%, FECT30%, and FECT40%), and their antimicrobial activities were evaluated by agar diffusion. The films were characterized by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TG/DTG curves. TG/DTG curves showed thermal stability of chitosan-extract films up to 166 ºC. Micrographs of chitosan-extract films revealed an increase in porosity with the addition of extract. The FECT40% film showed inhibition zone diameters (IZ) against Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and B. cereus, ranging from 1.0 ± 0.02 to 0.72 ± 0.09 cm. Only FECT30% and FECT40% inhibited the P. aeruginosa with IZs of 0.68 ± 0.02 and 0.77 ± 0.06 cm, respectively. In turn, the extract showed inhibition against B. subtilis and B. cereus, with IZs values of 0.92 ± 0.2 cm and 0.72 ± 0.05 cm, respectively. Additionally, the crude extract presented antioxidant potential with inhibition percentages of 32.74% ± 0.90 for ABTS and 27.04% ± 1.36 for DPPH. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the crude extract, as well as the antimicrobial property of chitosan-extract films, suggests the potential of these biopolymers for the development of wound healing bandages and new food packaging alternatives.

TypeTaxonScript: sugarifying and enhancing data structures in biological systematics and biodiversity research.

Object-oriented programming (OOP) embodies a software development paradigm grounded in representing real-world entities as objects, facilitating a more efficient and structured modelling approach. In this article, we explore the synergy between OOP principles and the TypeScript (TS) programming language to create a JSON-formatted database designed for storing arrays of biological features. This fusion of technologies fosters a controlled and modular code script, streamlining the integration, manipulation, expansion, and analysis of biological data, all while enhancing syntax for improved human readability, such as through the use of dot notation. We advocate for biologists to embrace Git technology, akin to the practices of programmers and coders, for initiating versioned and collaborative projects. Leveraging the widely accessible and acclaimed IDE, Visual Studio Code, provides an additional advantage. Not only does it support running a Node.js environment, which is essential for running TS, but it also efficiently manages GitHub versioning. We provide a use case involving taxonomic data structure, focusing on angiosperm legume plants. This method is characterized by its simplicity, as the tools employed are both fully accessible and free of charge, and it is widely adopted by communities of professional programmers. Moreover, we are dedicated to facilitating practical implementation and comprehension through a comprehensive tutorial, a readily available pre-built database at GitHub, and a new package at npm.

Chemical profile and evaluation of the pharmacological activity of the dry extract and fraction of ethyl acetate obtained from the leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (Sansão-do-Campo) is a native species of the caatinga in northeastern Brazil that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity. It is popularly consumed as a medicinal plant and its pharmacological benefits are evidenced in the literature. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present work was carried out to promote the chemical profile and evaluate the pharmacological activity of the dry extract and the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the dry leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaves were collected in the municipality of Alfenas-MG and subjected to drying, followed by division in a knife mill. The preparation of the dry extract was carried out by the extraction method using simple percolation and the fraction was obtained by liquid-liquid partition. Part of the extractive solution was concentrated in a rotary evaporator followed by a drying process using the spray technique with the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide. The dry extract (33.33%) showed a higher yield in mass when compared to the yield of the ethyl acetate fraction (19.67%). The in vivo pharmacological evaluation was conducted with a total of 82 male Wistar rats that underwent cecal ligation and perforation surgery to induce the inflammatory process. One week after surgery, these animals were treated for 7 days with the dry extract and the ethyl acetate fraction and submitted to behavioral tests (open field and forced swimming). RESULTS: The chemical results were obtained through analysis by HPLC-PDA coupled to a mass spectrometer, enabling the verification of the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, aglycones, and glycosides, in addition to tannins. This corroborates with data present in the literature for the genus Mimosa sp. Some compounds had their structure determined, where they were identified as catechin (m/z 288.97), cassiaocidentalin A (m/z 560.75), and procyanidin B2 [(epi)catechin-(epi)catechin; m/z 576.83)]. It was found that the animals that were submitted to the treatment did not present statistically significant results, demonstrating that the pharmacological action evaluated in the test was not highlighted in this type of experiment. The groups that underwent treatment had an aggravated locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results found with the chemical study contributed to the knowledge of the plant species studied. On the other hand, further studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the pharmacological evaluation of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia.

Effects of Increasing Levels of Total Tannins on Intake, Digestibility, and Balance of Nitrogen, Water, and Energy in Hair Lambs.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of increasing tannin levels from Mimosa tenuiflora hay on the intake, digestibility, and balance of nitrogen (N), water, and energy in hair lambs. Thirty-two Santa Ines lambs, at an average age of 150 days and body weight of 26.75 ± 2.29 kg, were randomly assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of four diets: a control diet, tannin-free, and three diets with increasing levels of total tannin, 26.2, 52.4, and 78.6 g tannin/kg dry matter (DM). Including the total tannins in the lambs' diet led to a quadratic increase in the intake of nutrients, N-retention (g/day), water intake, water absorption and retention, energy intake, and energy excretion in feces and gases. However, the digestibility of crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fibers, and total carbohydrates decreased. It was observed that there is a correlation between the variable nutrient digestibility and N-ingested and the N-absorbed, N-urinary, and N-retained. However, the N-excreted in feces did not correlate with any of the variables studied. It is recommended to include 33 g/kg DM of total natural tannins from Mimosa tenuiflora hay in the diet of hair lambs, as it improves intake, energy balance, dietary N, and body water composition while reducing the excretion of N-urinary and gas emissions to the environment.

Effects of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier during sodium dextran sulfate-induced colitis in Wistar rats / Efectos de la preformulación de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia sobre la barrera intestinal durante la colitis inducida por sulfato de dextrano sódico en ratas Wistar

INTRODUCTION: Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and immunobiological are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, some patients do not present an adequate response or lose effective response during the treatment. A recent study found a potential anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of M. caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier using dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaf extracts were prepared in 70% ethanol and dried with a Buchi B19 Mini-spray dryer using 20% Aerosil® solution. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: basal control, untreated colitis, pre-formulation control (125 mg/kg/day), and colitis treated with pre-formulation (125 mg/kg/day). Clinical activity index was recorded daily and all rats were euthanized on the ninth day. Colon fragments were fixed and processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses. Stool samples were collected and processed for analysis of the short-chain fatty acid. RESULTS: Treatment with the pre-formulation decreased the clinical activity (bloody diarrhea), inflammatory infiltrate, and the ulcers. Pre-formulation did not repair the epithelial barrier and there were no significant differences in the goblet cells index. There was a significant difference in butyrate levels in the rats treated with the pre-formulation. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-formulation minimized the clinical symptoms of colitis and intestinal inflammation, but did not minimize damage to the intestinal barrier.

Introducción: Los antiinflamatorios, inmunosupresores e inmunobiológicos se utilizan comúnmente para tratar la enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes no presentan una respuesta adecuada o pierden respuesta efectiva durante el tratamiento. En un estudio reciente, se encontró un potencial efecto antiinflamatorio del extracto hidroalcohólico de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia en la colitis inducida por el ácido trinitrobenceno sulfónico utilizando ratas Wistar. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la preformulación de M. caesalpiniifolia sobre la barrera intestinal durante la colitis inducida por sulfato de dextrano sódico. Materiales y métodos: Los extractos de hojas se prepararon con una solución que contenía 70 % de etanol y se secaron con un secador por aspersión Mini B19 de Buchi usando una solución con 20 % de Aerosil®. Treinta y dos ratas Wistar macho se aleatorizaron en cuatro grupos: control basal, colitis sin tratar, control con preformulación (125 mg/kg/día) y colitis tratada con preformulación (125 mg/kg/día). El índice de actividad clínica se registró diariamente y todas las ratas se sacrificaron el noveno día. Los fragmentos de colon se fijaron y se procesaron para análisis histológicos y ultraestructurales. Se recolectaron muestras de heces y se procesaron para el análisis de ácidos grasos de cadena corta. Resultados: El tratamiento con la preformulación disminuyó la actividad clínica (diarrea sanguinolenta), el infiltrado inflamatorio y las úlceras. La preformulación no reparó la barrera epitelial y no hubo diferencias significativas en el índice de células caliciformes. Se obtuvo una diferencia significativa en los niveles de butirato en las ratas tratadas con la preformulación. Conclusiones: La preformulación minimizó los síntomas clínicos de colitis e inflamación intestinal pero no minimizó el daño a la barrera intestinal.

Effects of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier during sodium dextran sulfate-induced colitis in Wistar rats / Efectos de la preformulación de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia sobre la barrera intestinal durante la colitis inducida por sulfato de dextrano sódico en ratas Wistar

Introduction. Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and immunobiological are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, some patients do not present an adequate response or lose effective response during the treatment. A recent study found a potential anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats. Objective. To evaluate the effects of M. caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier using dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. Materials and methods. Leaf extracts were prepared in 70% ethanol and dried with a Buchi B19 Mini-spray dryer using 20% Aerosil® solution. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: basal control, untreated colitis, pre-formulation control (125 mg/kg/day), and colitis treated with pre-formulation (125 mg/kg/day). Clinical activity index was recorded daily and all rats were euthanized on the ninth day. Colon fragments were fixed and processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses. Stool samples were collected and processed for analysis of the short-chain fatty acid. Results. Treatment with the pre-formulation decreased the clinical activity (bloody diarrhea), inflammatory infiltrate, and the ulcers. Pre-formulation did not repair the epithelial barrier and there were no significant differences in the goblet cells index. There was a significant difference in butyrate levels in the rats treated with the pre-formulation. Conclusions. The pre-formulation minimized the clinical symptoms of colitis and intestinal inflammation, but did not minimize damage to the intestinal barrier.

Introducción. Los antiinflamatorios, inmunosupresores e inmunobiológicos se utilizan comúnmente para tratar la enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes no presentan una respuesta adecuada o pierden respuesta efectiva durante el tratamiento. En un estudio reciente, se encontró un potencial efecto antiinflamatorio del extracto hidroalcohólico de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia en la colitis inducida por el ácido trinitrobenceno sulfónico utilizando ratas Wistar. Objetivo. Evaluar los efectos de la preformulación de M. caesalpiniifolia sobre la barrera intestinal durante la colitis inducida por sulfato de dextrano sódico. Materiales y métodos. Los extractos de hojas se prepararon con una solución que contenía 70 % de etanol y se secaron con un secador por aspersión Mini B19 de Buchi usando una solución con 20 % de Aerosil®. Treinta y dos ratas Wistar macho se aleatorizaron en cuatro grupos: control basal, colitis sin tratar, control con preformulación (125 mg/kg/ día) y colitis tratada con preformulación (125 mg/kg/día). El índice de actividad clínica se registró diariamente y todas las ratas se sacrificaron el noveno día. Los fragmentos de colon se fijaron y se procesaron para análisis histológicos y ultraestructurales. Se recolectaron muestras de heces y se procesaron para el análisis de ácidos grasos de cadena corta. Resultados. El tratamiento con la preformulación disminuyó la actividad clínica (diarrea sanguinolenta), el infiltrado inflamatorio y las úlceras. La preformulación no reparó la barrera epitelial y no hubo diferencias significativas en el índice de células caliciformes. Se obtuvo una diferencia significativa en los niveles de butirato en las ratas tratadas con la preformulación. Conclusiones: La preformulación minimizó los síntomas clínicos de colitis e inflamación intestinal pero no minimizó el daño a la barrera intestinal.

Can phytogenic additives replace monensin sodium in beef cattle feeding?

Monensin sodium is one of the most common ionophores used in livestock feeding; however, ionophores are condemned by organized consumer groups. Bioactive compounds from plants found in the seasonally dry tropical forest have similar mechanisms of action as ionophores. The aim was to investigate the effects of replacing monensin sodium with phytogenic additives on the nutritional efficiency of beef cattle. Five 14-month-old Nellore bulls (average body weight 452.68 ± 42.60 kg) were used in the study. The experiment was designed as a 5 × 5 Latin Square (five treatments and five 22-day experimental periods). Within each period, 15 days were used for adaptation of animals to experimental conditions and 7 days for data collection. Bulls were fed a control diet (without additives), monensin (a diet containing monensin sodium 40% as a synthetic additive), and three diets containing phytogenic additives prepared from Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth) Brenan, Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poiret, or Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Nutritional efficiency was assessed through feed intake, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, and hematological parameters. Monensin and phytogenic additives did not influence (P > 0.05) feeding behavior or hematological parameters, but the nutrient intake was highest for bulls supplemented phytogenic additives (P < 0.05). Monensin supplementation did not influence (P > 0.05) feed intake. The phytogenic additives and monensin sodium increased (P < 0.05) the nutrient digestibility. Therefore, the phytogenic additives from P. juliflora, A. macrocarpa, and M. tenuiflora can be recommended to enhance the nutritional efficiency of confined Nellore cattle.

Effects of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier during sodium dextran sulfate-induced colitis in Wistar rats / Efectos de la preformulación de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia sobre la barrera intestinal durante la colitis inducida por sulfato de dextrano sódico en ratas Wistar

Introduction. Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and immunobiological are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, some patients do not present an adequate response or lose effective response during the treatment. A recent study found a potential anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats.Objective. To evaluate the effects of M. caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier using dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model.Materials and methods. Leaf extracts were prepared in 70% ethanol and dried with a Buchi B19 Mini-spray dryer using 20% Aerosil® solution. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: basal control, untreated colitis, pre-formulation control (125 mg/kg/day), and colitis treated with pre-formulation (125 mg/kg/day). Clinical activity index was recorded daily and all rats were euthanized on the ninth day. Colon fragments were fixed and processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses.Stool samples were collected and processed for analysis of the short-chain fatty acid.Results. Treatment with the pre-formulation decreased the clinical activity (bloody diarrhea), inflammatory infiltrate, and the ulcers. Pre-formulation did not repair the epithelial barrier and there were no significant differences in the goblet cells index. There was a significant difference in butyrate levels in the rats treated with the pre-formulation.Conclusions. The pre-formulation minimized the clinical symptoms of colitis and intestinal inflammation, but did not minimize damage to the intestinal barrier.

Stomatal micromorphology in a complex of Mimosa section Mimosa (Fabaceae).

The genus Mimosa Linnaeus (Leguminosae) comprises more than 530 species, being one of the most diversified genera in the family. A vast morphologic variability has been described at all infrageneric levels. Considering stomata description, a very low proportion of species have been studied in the genus, and the description was limited to stomata types, but not to variation in the disposition of subsidiary cells. Here we analyze type, length, and distribution of stomatic complexes in 19 taxa of Mimosa subseries Dolentes and subseries Brevipedes, a high variability taxonomic complex, as well as their density on both foliar faces and epidermic pavement cell morphology. We found four different stomatal types, 2 distribution types, and 3 epidermic pavement cell shapes. Some of these features are taxonomically relevant at infraspecific levels, since it adds important information for the separation of the taxa, but also questions supraspecific taxonomic groups of previous proposals of the genus. We also hypothesized about the origin of the variation of some stomata features in relation to ecological and ploidy-level variability in this complex.

One Step Away From Extinction: A Population Genomic Analysis of A Narrow Endemic, Tropical Plant Species.

Intraspecific genetic variation plays a fundamental role in maintaining the evolutionary potential of wild populations. Hence, the assessment of genetic diversity patterns becomes essential to guide biodiversity conservation policies, particularly for threatened species. To inform management strategies for conservation of Mimosa catharinensis - a narrow endemic, critically endangered plant species - we identified 1,497 unlinked SNP markers derived from a reduced representation sequencing method (i.e., double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing, or ddRADseq). This set of molecular markers was employed to assess intrapopulation genetic parameters and the demographic history of one extremely small population of M. catharinensis (N=33) located in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Contrary to what is expected for narrow endemic and threatened species with small population sizes, we observed a moderate level of genetic diversity for M. catharinensis [uH E(0%missing data)=0.205, 95% CI (0.160, 0.250); uH E(30%missing data)=0.233, 95% CI (0.174, 0.292)]. Interestingly, M. catharinensis, which is a lianescent shrub with no indication of seed production for at least two decades, presented high levels of outcrossing [t (0%missing data)=0.883, SE±0.0483; t (30%missing data)=0.909, SE±0.011] and an apparent absence of inbreeding [F (0%missing data)=-0.145, 95% CI (-0.189, -0.101); F (30%missing data)=-0.105, 95% CI (-0.199, -0.011)]. However, the reconstruction of demographic history of M. catharinensis indicated that the population should be suffered a recent bottleneck. Our population genomic study tackles a central issue in evolution and conservation biology and we expect that it will be useful to help safeguard the remaining genetic diversity reported for this unique genetic resource.

Mimosa tenuiflora's antimicrobial activity on bacteria and fungi from medical importance: an integrative review.

The misuse of antimicrobials has led to the appearance of several multi-resistant pathogens and, as a result, it has been necessary to search for new compounds that are effective against these microorganisms. Faced with this scenario, one of the forms that has been arousing the interest of scholars is the obtaining of antimicrobial compounds from medicinal plants, since, through them, effective compounds are usually obtained against pathogens and with low toxicity to humans and animals. In Brazilian Caatinga, there are several medicinal plants with antimicrobial properties, and one of them is Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir., also known as Jurema Preta, popularly used to treat comorbidities that affect mainly the skin. In view of this, to investigate its antimicrobial potential, a bibliographical survey of experimental articles, published in the last 10 years, which analyzed the antimicrobial activity of M. tenuiflora in bacteria and fungi of importance, was made. Thus, it was possible to observe that the extracts obtained from M. tenuiflora showed in vitro antimicrobial activity. In addition, the compounds flavonoids and tannins are likely to be the main responsible for Mimosa tenuiflora's antimicrobial activity. Thus, M. tenuiflora presents a high study potential in microbial growth control.

Pyroligneous acid from Mimosa tenuiflora and Eucalyptus urograndis as an antimicrobial in dairy goats.

AIMS: To evaluate the applicability of the Mimosa tenuiflora and Eucalyptus urograndis pyroligneous acids (PAs) as alternative antiseptics in dairy goats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro using bacteria, as well as in vivo using goats, and the influence of PAs on the physicochemical parameters of fresh milk were examined. The cytotoxicity of PAs was evaluated in terms of morphology, cell viability and metabolic activity of goat tegumentary cells. The PA of M. tenuiflora had results similar to those of 2% iodine. For the in vitro tests, strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used with the well technique, demonstrating inhibition halos greater than 9 mm. In the in vivo test, 15 animals were used per phase of the experiment, and the plate counting technique showed that there was antiseptic action of both extracts, with emphasis on the M. tenuiflora PA. Physicochemical analysis of the milk showed that neither PAs interfered with its physical-chemical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The PA of M. tenuiflora presented potential as an alternative antiseptic in dairy goats. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrates the use of PA as an antimicrobial agent in animals.

Aliphatic organic acids as promising authenticity markers of bracatinga honeydew honey.

This study aimed to differentiate bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Bentham) honeydew honey (BHH) from blossom honeys and BHH intentionally adulterated, all of them from three harvests, associating data of aliphatic organic acids (AOA) determined by capillary electrophoresis and chemometric analyses. The profile and concentration of AOA in pure BHH were similar between harvests, but distinct from blossom honeys. Succinic, glycolic, glutaric, malic, acetic, gluconic, and lactic acids were responsible for the differentiation between these two types of honey since they were the dominant variables (r > 0.80) in the principal component analysis. Based on this, the classification and regression trees method was used to develop a classification model considering these AOA. The proposed method needed only six of these AOA and adequately classified all blossom honeys and almost all pure and adulterated BHH. Therefore, the proposed model proved to be promising and reliable for verifying authenticity and fraud detection in BHH.

Biomimetic Applications of Mimosa pudica L. in the Theoretical Development of a Pneumatic Actuator

Abstract For years, plants have tried to adapt to the environmental changes caused by time, improving and developing their biological structures. Many of these structural and functional properties of plants have great potential for the development of concepts in the field of biomimetics. Recent previous studies have shown that the movement of Mimosa pudica L. is caused by the variation of turgor pressure within the cells of organs motor, that is, the influx and efflux of water by osmosis, generating reversible changes in the shape of the plant. Thus, this article sought, through research and literature references, to carry out a survey of studies related to the seismonastic movements of the plant and its applications in the design of technological innovations. In addition, it presents the development of a pneumatic actuator based on the abstraction of the morphology of the primary pulvinus of the plant and the concept of bioinspired design of the theoretical model based on the technology of soft robots. As a result, the bioinspired actuator model of the plant movement is described. In addition, with a simulation, it was possible to observe that the flexible modules are capable of generating the proposed movement and allow movement of the actuator. With the study, it was possible to understand that the movement of the plant appears as an embryo for the projection of technologies, and that the proposed study appears as the basis for research with pneumatic actuators.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from wild legume nodules and nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris L. trap plants in central and southern Mexico.

Central southern Mexico contains highly diverse legumes. In this study, nodule-associated bacteria (NAB) were isolated from wild legume nodules and from nodules on Phaseolus vulgaris plants used as a plant-trap in soils from the same areas as the wild legumes. The bacteria were identified through the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, tested for plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities and the production of antimicrobial compounds, and analyzed for potential nodulation by amplifying the nodC gene. Several genera with PGP activity were isolated from legume nodules, including Achromobacter, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Brevibacterium, Burkholderia, Cupriavidus, Dyella, Ensifer, Enterobacter, Herbaspirillum, Kosakonia, Labrys, Microbacterium, Moraxella, Paraburkholderia, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Stenotrophomonas; and Aeromonas, Marinococcus Pseudarthrobacter and Pseudoxanthomonas were found in plant legume nodules for the first time. Pseudomonas was the most common bacteria, and Mimosa pudica was colonized by the largest number of genera (6 different genera). A Burkholderia strain from the Burkholderia cepacia complex and a firmicutes strain harbor the nodC gene, identifying them as potential novel nodulating bacteria and showing that most of the strains isolated in this study were NAB. The most frequent PGP activity identified among the strains isolated from wild legumes was IAA synthesis. Two bacteria, Stenotrophomonas sp. and Rhizobium sp., synthesized more than 250 µg/ml, which is more than the level of synthesis reported in this study for Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 (59.77 µg/ml). Nitrogen fixation and antimicrobial compound production were not common, but the production of siderophores was frequently found among all the strains. This study shows that diverse NAB with PGP activity are very common in the legume nodules from central southern Mexico.

Therapeutical properties of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia in rat liver intoxicated with cadmium.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic properties of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia in liver of rats exposed to cadmium under morphological, oxidative, inflammatory, and mutagenic parameters. A total of 40 Wistar rats (90 days, ~ 250 g) were distributed into eight groups (n = 5) as follows: (i) control; (ii) cadmium: cadmium chloride injection at 1.2 mg/kg; (iii) Mimosa extract: treatment with Mimosa extract at 250 mg/kg; (iv) Mimosa fraction: treatment with Mimosa acetate fraction at 62.5 mg/kg; (v) cadmium and Mimosa extract 62.5: submitted to cadmium chloride at 1.2 mg/kg injection and treatment with Mimosa extract at 62.5 mg/kg; (vi) cadmium and Mimosa extract 125: subjected to cadmium chloride at 1.2 mg/kg injection and treatment with Mimosa extract at 125 mg/kg; (vii) cadmium and Mimosa 250 extract: submitted to cadmium chloride 1.2 mg/kg injection and treatment with Mimosa extract at 250 mg/kg; (viii) cadmium treated with fraction of Mimosa acetate: submitted to cadmium chloride 1.2 mg/kg injection and treatment with acetate fraction of Mimosa extract at 62.5 mg/kg. In the animals intoxicated with cadmium and treated with fraction [62.5], increased expression of SOD-Mn reduced frequency of binucleated hepatocytes, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis, besides the antimutagenic and antioxidant action. The extract [62.5] was cytoprotective, antimutagenic, and reduced karyolysis. The extract [125] was cytoprotective, antioxidant, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and reduced frequency of binucleated hepatocytes, while extract [250] was cytotoxic and mutagenic. In summary, the extract of Mimosa exerts some therapeutic properties in hepatic tissue after Cd intoxication, but only when it is administrated at intermediate doses. Probably, a high content of polyphenols in the EHM [250] and Fr-EtOAc groups exert pro-oxidant activities in the liver particularly when associated with Cd.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Leaf Extract of Mimosa albida (Mimosoideae): Characterization and Antioxidant Activity.

The search for sensitive and rapid analytical techniques for the determination of natural antioxidants is an area in constant growth due, among other aspects, to the complexity of plant matrices. In this study, silver nanoparticles prepared with the aqueous extract of Mimosa albida leaves were used to assess their polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques. As a result, nanoparticles of 6.5 ± 3.1 nm were obtained. The total phenolic content in the extract was 1320.4 ± 17.6 mg of gallic acid equivalents GAE. 100 g-1 and in the nanoparticles 257.3 ± 5.1 mg GAE. 100 g-1. From the phenolic profile analyzed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with a diode-array detector (DAD), the presence of apigenin and luteolin in the plant extract is postulated. The antioxidant capacity measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity ORAC-fluorescein assay was 86917 ± 6287 and 7563 ± 967 µmol ET g-1 in the extract and nanoparticles respectively. Electrochemical analysis by cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirmed the effective reduction capacity of the Mimosa albida leaves extract to reduce Ag ions to AgNPs and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) suggested the presence of two main reducing agents in the extract. From this study, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of Mimosa albida contains reducing agents capable of synthesizing silver nanoparticles, which can be used in the phytochemical industry.

Antimicrobial potential of Jurema preta and umburana, native species of the Caatinga biome, on Staphylococcus isolated from small ruminants with mastitis / Potencial antimicrobiano de jurema preta e umburana, espécies nativas do bioma caatinga, frente a isolados de Staphylococcus provenientes de casos de mastite em pequenos ruminantes

Mastitis is responsible for both damage to animal health and economic losses to the industry. To identify effective treatments for this disease, products extracted from a variety of plants with antimicrobial potential have gained attention. The present study aimed to assess the in vitro antibacterial potential ofthe ethanolic extract of two plant species from the Caatinga biome against bacteria isolated from small ruminants with subclinical mastitis. The leaves of Mimosa tenuiflora and Commiphora leptophloeos were dried and processed to obtain crude ethanolic extracts and their phenolic composition was evaluated. In total, 33 Staphylococcus spp. isolates from the bacterial collection of the Laboratory of Food Quality Control of IF SERTÃO-PE were used for evaluation of biofilm production. Furthermore, an antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted using the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) method against the two ethanolic extracts. The toxic potential was measured through a toxicity test with Artemia salina. The quantification of the phenolic compounds revealed that the ethanolic extracts of M. tenuiflora and C. leptophloeos possessed higher amounts of myricetin (43.2 and 294.9 mg in 10 g, respectively) in relation to the other compounds. A 39.4% positivity rate was observed in the nuc gene investigation. The biofilm production analysis revealed that 96.9% of the isolates produced biofilm, evidencing the evolution the microorganisms regarding the development of resistance mechanisms. The MBC results showed an inhibition range between 195.30 and 3125.00 µg mL-¹ and between 781.20 and 6250.00 µg mL-¹ for the extracts of M. tenuiflora and C. leptophloeos, respectively. The M. tenuiflora extract showed the highest activity, suppressing 100% of the bacterial isolates (n=26), whereas the extract of C. leptophloeos showed an inhibition percentage of 69.23%. The crude ethanolic extract (EEB) [...].

A mastite é responsável por danos à saúde animal e prejuízos financeiros ao produtor. Na busca por alternativas eficazes no controle da mastite, destacam-se os produtos naturais extraídos de diversas plantas que possuem ação antibacteriana. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano in vitro do extrato etanólico de duas espécies do bioma caatinga frente a bactérias isoladas de casos de mastite subclínica em pequenos ruminantes. As folhas de jurema preta e umburana de cambão foram secas e processadas para obtenção dos extratos etanólicos bruto para o estudo da composição fenólica. Foram utilizados 33 isolados de Staphylococcus spp. provenientes da bacterioteca do Laboratório de Controle de Qualidade de Alimentos do IF SERTÃO-PE. Com os isolados de Staphylococcus spp. realizou-se a análise de quantificação da produção de biofilme. Além disso, empregou-se o teste de sensibilidade antimicrobiana, utilizando-se a técnica da concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) frente aos dois extratos etanólicos. Para conhecer o potencial tóxico, utilizou-se o teste de toxicidade com Artemia salina. A análise de quantificação dos compostos fenólicos demonstrou que os extratos etanólicos de jurema preta e umburana de cambão apresentaram a miricetina em quantidades bastante elevadas, 43,2 e 294,9 mg em 10 g respectivamente, em relação aos demais compostos detectados. Na pesquisa do gene nuc, observou-se uma positividade de 39,4%.A análise da produção de biofilme revelou que 96,9% dos isolados apresentaram a capacidade de produção do biofilme, evidenciando a evolução destes micro-organismos quanto ao desenvolvimento de mecanismos de resistência. Os resultados referentes à concentração bactericida mínima indicaram uma faixa de inibição entre 195,30 [...].