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Enzymatic biocatalysis is a sustainable technology. Enzymes are versatile and highly efficient biocatalysts, and have been widely employed due to their biodegradable nature. However, because the three-dimensional structure of these enzymes is predominantly maintained by weaker non-covalent interactions, external conditions, such as temperature and pH variations, as well as the presence of chemical compounds, can modify or even neutralize their biological activity. The enablement of this category of processes is the result of the several advances in the areas of molecular biology and biotechnology achieved over the past two decades. In this scenario, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are highlighted as efficient supports for enzyme immobilization. They can be used to ‘house’ a specific enzyme, providing it with protection from environmental influences. This review discusses MOFs as structures; emphasizes their synthesis strategies, properties, and applications; explores the existing methods of using immobilization processes of various enzymes; and lists their possible chemical modifications and combinations with other compounds to formulate the ideal supports for a given application.

In this paper we study Lorentz-violation (LV) effects on the thermodynamics properties of a real scalar field theory due to the presence of a constant background tensor field. In particular, we analyse and compute explicitly the deviations of the internal energy, pressure, and entropy of the system at thermal equilibrium due to the LV contributions. For the free massless scalar field we obtain exact results, whereas for the massive case we perform approximated calculations. Finally, we consider the self interacting ϕ4 theory, and perform perturbative expansions in the coupling constant for obtaining relevant thermodynamics quantities.

We present the explicit construction of some multi-scalar field theories in ( 1 + 1 ) dimensions supporting BPS (Bogomol’nyi–Prasad–Sommerfield) kink solutions. The construction is based on the ideas of the so-called extension method. In particular, several new interesting two-scalar and three-scalar field theories are explicitly constructed from non-trivial couplings between well-known one-scalar field theories. The BPS solutions of the original one-field systems will be also BPS solutions of the multi-scalar system by construction, and therefore we will analyse their linear stability properties for the constructed models.

Abstract Pesticide residues that contaminate the environment circulate within the hydrological cycle can accumulate within the food chain and cause problems to both environmental and human health. Microbes, however, are well known for their metabolic versatility and the ability to degrade chemically stable substances, including recalcitrant xenobiotics. The current study focused on bio-prospecting within Amazonian rainforest soils to find novel strains fungi capable of efficiently degrading the agriculturally and environmentally ubiquitous herbicide, glyphosate. Of 50 fungal strains isolated (using culture media supplemented with glyphosate as the sole carbon-substrate), the majority were Penicillium strains (60%) and the others were Aspergillus and Trichoderma strains (26 and 8%, respectively). All 50 fungal isolates could use glyphosate as a phosphorous source. Eight of these isolates grew better on glyphosate-supplemented media than on regular Czapek Dox medium. LC-MS revealed that glyphosate degradation by Penicillium 4A21 resulted in sarcosine and aminomethylphosphonic acid. Resumo Resíduos de agrotóxicos que contaminam o meio ambiente circulam no ciclo hidrológico, podendo se acumular na cadeia alimentar e causar problemas tanto à saúde ambiental quanto humana. Por sua vez, microrganismos são bem conhecidos por sua versatilidade metabólica e capacidade de degradar substâncias quimicamente estáveis, incluindo xenobióticos recalcitrantes. O estudo atual se concentrou na bioprospecção nos solos da floresta amazônica para encontrar novas linhagens de fungos capazes de degradar com eficiência o herbicida onipresente na agricultura e no meio ambiente, o glifosato. Entre os 50 fungos isolados (usando meio de cultura suplementado com glifosato como única fonte de carbono), a maioria eram isolados do gênero Penicillium (60%) e os outros eram isolados de Aspergillus e Trichoderma (26 e 8%, respectivamente). Todos os 50 isolados de fungos foram capazes de usar glifosato como fonte de fósforo. Oito desses isolados cresceram melhor em meio suplementado com glifosato do que em meio Czapek Dox regular. LC-MS revelou que a degradação do glifosato por Penicillium 4A21 resultou nos metabólitos sarcosina e ácido aminometilfosfônico.

Abstract This study investigates the impact of moisture and wheat bran supplementation on the biological efficiency (BE) and nutritional profile of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm cultivated on peels of Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey. Utilizing a factorial design, variations in substrate composition were systematically analyzed to determine optimal conditions for mushroom yield. The methodology encompassed strain acquisition, spawn and substrate preparation, fruiting induction, biological efficiency calculation, and chemical composition analysis of both substrate and mushrooms. Results highlighted a significant variance in BE across different levels of moisture and bran supplementation, with the highest BE (45.6%) observed at 50% moisture and 5% bran supplementation. Statistical analysis revealed that both factors, individually and interactively, significantly influence BE. The chemical analysis of mushrooms showcased a nutritious profile, emphasizing the potential of this cultivation approach for producing high-value food sources. The findings contribute to the understanding of substrate optimization for mushroom cultivation, and provides information on sustainable agricultural practices and food security. Resumo Este estudo investiga o impacto da umidade e da suplementação com farelo de trigo na eficiência biológica (EB) e no perfil nutricional de Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm cultivado em casca de tucumã, como é conhecido o fruto do tucumãzeiro (Astrocaryum aculeatum G. Mey). Utilizando um planejamento fatorial, as variações na composição do substrato foram sistematicamente analisadas para determinar as condições ideais para a produção de cogumelos. A metodologia abrangeu aquisição de cepas, preparação de semente e substrato, indução de frutificação, cálculo de eficiência biológica e análise de composição química de substrato e cogumelos. Os resultados destacaram uma variação significativa no EB entre diferentes níveis de umidade e suplementação de farelo, com o EB mais alto (45,6%) observado com 50% de umidade e 5% de suplementação de farelo. A análise estatística revelou que ambos os fatores, individual e interativamente, influenciam significativamente o EB. A análise química dos cogumelos apresentou um perfil nutritivo, enfatizando o potencial desta abordagem de cultivo para a produção de fontes alimentares de alto valor. As descobertas contribuem para a compreensão da otimização de substratos para o cultivo de cogumelos, oferecendo insights sobre práticas agrícolas sustentáveis e segurança alimentar.

The present study characterizes the complete mitochondrial genome of Potamotrygon leopoldi, commonly referred to as the “white blotched stingray”, a member of the Potamotrygonidae family that are a group of stingrays that live exclusively in freshwater environments. Potamotrygon leopoldi, endemic to the Xingu River in the Amazon region, are exploited by commercial fisheries for food and commonly exploited by the ornamental industry, and this has a significant impact on the populations. Here, newly assembled PacBio long-read sequencing assesses the complete mitogenome of P. leopoldi and performs a comparative investigation into the evolutionary connections to other extant taxa of elasmobranchs. The mitogenome has 17,504 bp, containing 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA genes. The mitogenome comprises A: 32.32%, T: 24.41%, C: 12.84%, and G: 30.42%, with an AT content of 56.73%. The values of AT and GC skewness were 0.13 and −0.40, respectively. Our phylogenetic analyses with mitogenome sequences of 40 elasmobranch species support the monophyly for the Potamotrygonidae family and indicate a close relationship to the Dasyatidae family and a sister relationship with Potamotrygon orbignyi and Potamotrygon falkneri. We also detected various amino acid sites in positive selection exclusively in P. leopoldi. This extensive comparative mitogenomic investigation offers novel and significant insights into the evolutionary lineage of neotropical freshwater stingrays and their closely related taxa. It is an indispensable resource for facilitating ongoing and prospective investigations into the molecular evolution of elasmobranchs.

Abstract This review article explores the potential of fermentations in the Amazon region as catalysts for economic and social development. It highlights the rich cultural and gastronomic diversity of the Amazon, focusing on indigenous fermented products. Two main products, tucupi and caxiri, are discussed in detail, emphasizing their significance in local cuisine and culture. The review examines the challenges and opportunities for industrial applications of these products, as well as their potential for social technology initiatives, particularly in the context of family farming. The sustainable production of native fermented products in the Amazon is seen as a means to preserve biodiversity, empower local communities, and promote cultural heritage. The article concludes that both industrial and social technologies have complementary roles in promoting economic growth, cultural preservation, and the well-being of the Amazon region, making it a promising hub for innovative and sustainable fermented food products on a global scale. Resumo Este artigo de revisão explora o potencial das fermentações na região amazônica como catalisadoras para o desenvolvimento econômico e social. Destaca a rica diversidade cultural e gastronômica da Amazônia, com foco nos produtos fermentados indígenas. Dois produtos principais, o tucupi e o caxiri, são discutidos detalhadamente, enfatizando sua importância na culinária e na cultura local. A revisão examina os desafios e oportunidades para aplicações industriais destes produtos, bem como o seu potencial para iniciativas de tecnologia social, particularmente no contexto da agricultura familiar. A produção sustentável de produtos fermentados nativos na Amazônia é vista como um meio de preservar a biodiversidade, capacitar as comunidades locais e promover o patrimônio cultural. O artigo conclui que tanto as tecnologias industriais como as sociais têm papéis complementares na promoção do crescimento económico, na preservação cultural e no bem-estar da região Amazónica, tornando-a um centro promissor para produtos alimentares fermentados inovadores e sustentáveis à escala global.

The ant fauna of some Brazilian states, as Tocantins, has remained relatively understudied compared to other Brazilian states of similar size, as well as the species of leaf-cutting ants. The distribution data of leaf-cutting ants in Brazil is dispersed and the taxonomy is not updated, and a regional list is an important tool for a better understanding of this distribution. Here, Colombari et al present a survey of the species of leaf-cutting ants in the central region of the state of Tocantins, Brazil.

Abstract The emergence of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials poses a significant health threat. To address this issue, exploring the fungal diversity in freshwater environments in the Amazon Forest has potential in the search for new antimicrobials. This study aimed to investigate the production of antibacterial metabolites by aquatic fungi from Amazon lakes, specifically Lake Juá and Lake Maicá (Brazil-PA). The fungal isolates were obtained from wood fragments submerged in these lakes, and the ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus (MRSA), ATCC 43300, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and E. coli (ESBL) NCTC 13353. Additionally, toxicity of the extracts (EtOAc with antimicrobial activity) against human fibroblasts MRC-5 was investigated. The study identified 40 fungal strains with antimicrobial screening, and the ethyl acetate extracts of Fluviatispora C34, Helicascus C18, Monodictys C15, and Fusarium solani LM6281 exhibited antibacterial activity. F. solani LM6281 showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 µg/mL against S. aureus strains and MIC of 100 µg/mL against E. coli strains including ESBL. The cytotoxicity (IC50) of the extract (EtOAc) of F. solani LM6281 was 34.5 µg/mL. Preliminary studies of the TLC culture and RNM-H from the extract (EtOAc) of F. solani suggested the presence of substances from the class of terpenes, quinones, phenolics, and flavonoids. This study highlights the potential of submerged wood fungi in the Amazon region to produce antibacterial substances, thus identifying them as sources of novel bioactive compounds with potential use in the pharmaceutical industry and regional bioeconomy. Resumo O surgimento de resistência bacteriana a antimicrobianos representa uma ameaça significativa à saúde. Para abordar esta questão, explorar a diversidade fúngica em ambientes de água doce na Floresta Amazônica tem potencial na busca de novos antimicrobianos. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a produção de metabólitos antibacterianos por fungos aquáticos de lagos amazônicos, especificamente os lagos Juá e Maicá (Brasil-PA). Os isolados fúngicos foram obtidos de fragmentos de madeira submersos nesses lagos, e os extratos de acetato de etila foram avaliados quanto à atividade antibacteriana contra Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus (MRSA), ATCC 43300, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 e E. coli (ESBL) NCTC 13353. Além disso, a toxicidade dos extratos (EtOAc com atividade antimicrobiana) contra fibroblastos humanos MRC-5 foi investigada. O estudo identificou 40 cepas de fungos com triagem antimicrobiana, e os extratos de acetato de etila de Fluviatispora C34, Helicascus C18, Monodictys C15 e Fusarium solani LM6281 exibiram atividade antibacteriana. F. solani LM6281 apresentou a menor concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de 50 µg/mL contra cepas de S. aureus e CIM de 100 µg/mL contra cepas de E. coli incluindo ESBL. A citotoxicidade (IC50) do extrato (EtOAc) de F. solani LM6281 foi de 34,5 µg/mL. Estudos preliminares da cultura TLC e RNM-H do extrato (EtOAc) de F. solani sugeriram a presença de substâncias da classe dos terpenos, quinonas, fenólicos e flavonoides. Este estudo destaca o potencial de fungos de madeira submersos na região amazônica para produzir substâncias antibacterianas, identificando-os como fontes de novos compostos bioativos com potencial de uso na indústria farmacêutica e na bioeconomia regional.

Transmission radiographs acquired with conical beams have their attenuation maps deformed due to the variable thickness travelled by the radiation in the inspected object, a phenomenon which darkens the image outwards its center jeopardizing thus a proper equalization. In the field of welding radiography, this process is especially detrimental for the searched information are just those tied to heterogeneities of small magnitude, which can be overwhelmed by the prevailing background produced by the pipe wall. The pipe and the upper region of the weld bead cast useless and prejudicial shadows on the detector, which are merged with that of the bottom weld bead, reducing thus its contrast to the surrounding background and contaminating the aimed region. This work proposes a methodology to reduce the degradation imposed by these passive layers, cleaning up the radiograph to highlight the essential data. As this process requires the knowledge of the attenuation coefficient and thickness of the involved components, unique techniques are employed to accomplish these tasks. The soundness and effectiveness of the methodology has been verified with synthetic images, generated and processed by an ad hoc written Fortran 90 program. This outcome has been corroborated with an actually acquired X-ray radiograph of a welded iron pipe.