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Di Pietro V, Menezes C, de Britto Frediani MG, Pereira DJ, Fajgenblat M, Ferreira HM, Wenseleers T, Oliveira RC. The inheritance of alternative nest architectural traditions in stingless bees. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1996-2001.e3. [PMID: 38508185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The transmission of complex behavior and culture in humans has long been attributed to advanced forms of social learning,1,2 which play a crucial role in our technological advancement.3 While similar phenomena of behavioral traditions and cultural inheritance have been observed in animals,1,2,4,5,6 including in primates,7 whales,8 birds,9 and even insects,10 the underlying mechanisms enabling the persistence of such animal traditions, particularly in insects, are less well understood. This study introduces pioneering evidence of enduring architectural traditions in the stingless bee Scaptotrigona depilis, which are maintained without any evidence for social learning. We demonstrate that S. depilis exhibits two distinct nest architectures, comprising either helicoidal or flat, stacked horizontal combs, which are transmitted across generations through stigmergy11,12,13,14,15,16,17-an environmental feedback mechanism whereby the presence of the existing comb structures guides subsequent construction behaviors-thereby leading to a form of environmental inheritance.18,19,20 Cross-fostering experiments further show that genetic factors or prior experience does not drive the observed variation in nest architecture. Moreover, the experimental introduction of corkscrew dislocations within the combs prompted helicoidal building, confirming the use of stigmergic building rules. At a theoretical level, we establish that the long-term equilibrium of building in the helicoidal pattern fits with the expectations of a two-state Markov chain model. Overall, our findings provide compelling evidence for the persistence of behavioral traditions in an insect, based on a simple mechanism of environmental inheritance and stigmergic interactions, without requiring any sophisticated learning mechanism, thereby expanding our understanding of how traditions can be maintained in non-human species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Di Pietro
- Laboratory of Socioecology and Social Evolution, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Cristiano Menezes
- Embrapa Environment, Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, SP-340 Road, 13918-110 Jaguariúna, Brazil
| | | | - David José Pereira
- Embrapa Environment, Laboratory of Entomology and Phytopathology, SP-340 Road, 13918-110 Jaguariúna, Brazil
| | - Maxime Fajgenblat
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, Leuven 3000, Belgium; I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
| | - Helena Mendes Ferreira
- Laboratory of Socioecology and Social Evolution, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Wenseleers
- Laboratory of Socioecology and Social Evolution, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ricardo Caliari Oliveira
- Laboratory of Socioecology and Social Evolution, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Av. de l'Eix Central, edifici C, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
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2
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Barbosa DLA, Oliveira MLR, Assis Júnior SL, Rech AR, Soares MA, Almeida AC, Ferreira EA, Frazão LA. The exploitation of resources by Trigona spinipes bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae) in Eucalyptus cloeziana (Myrtaceae) trees in an integrated crop-livestock-forest system. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e277025. [PMID: 38422284 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.277025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D L A Barbosa
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - UFVJM, Ciência Florestal, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - M L R Oliveira
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - UFVJM, Ciência Florestal, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - S L Assis Júnior
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - UFVJM, Ciência Florestal, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - A R Rech
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - UFVJM, Ciência Florestal, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - M A Soares
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - UFVJM, Ciência Florestal, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - A C Almeida
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - UFVJM, Ciência Florestal, Diamantina, MG, Brasil
| | - E A Ferreira
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil
| | - L A Frazão
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil
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3
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Kegode TM, Mokaya HO, Chogo SI, Noiset P, Vereecken NJ, Tamiru A, Subramanian S, Kiatoko N. Differences in the biochemical content and radical scavenging activity of propolis from different parts of a Meliponula ferruginea hive. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230241. [PMID: 38094264 PMCID: PMC10716645 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Research on stingless bee products has increased in recent years, and of particular interest is propolis because of its biological activities such as antioxidant and antimicrobial. However, there is paucity of information regarding intra-hive variations in the biochemical composition and biofunctional properties of this propolis. In this study, we investigated the phytochemicals and radical scavenging activity (RSA) of Meliponula ferruginea propolis from 10 wooden hives (n = 49). The samples were collected from five different locations comprising the entrance, involucrum, pillars, pots and sealant. Principal component analysis showed that there is an intra-hive variation in phytochemical content and RSA. Phenolic content constituted the highest phytochemical content in all the locations. The sealant and entrance had the highest amounts of phytochemicals compared to the involucrum, pillars and pots. Further analysis of propolis extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed occurrence of different compounds such as monoterpenoids, hydrocarbons, triterpenoids and alkaloids. Hydrocarbons were common in all parts while monoterpenes and triterpenes were present in the entrance. The findings of our study indicates that there is an intra-hive variation in propolis of M. ferruginea and hence this information will provide further insight into better understanding of stingless bee propolis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Kegode
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hosea O. Mokaya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Solomon I. Chogo
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pierre Noiset
- Agroecology Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe CP 264/02, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas J. Vereecken
- Agroecology Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe CP 264/02, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amanuel Tamiru
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sevgan Subramanian
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nkoba Kiatoko
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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4
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Silva Macêdo N, de Sousa Silveira Z, da Silva Sousa ÂE, Menezes Dantas D, Bispo Monteiro AL, Silva Dos Santos H, Bezerra da Cunha FA. Floral Visitation, Phytochemical and Biological Activities of Bioproducts from Tetragonisca angustula (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini): A Review. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202301451. [PMID: 37985410 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811) is an indigenous neotropical stingless bee, popularly known as "Jataí", with a wide distribution in the Brazilian territory. T. angustula produces other derivatives such as propolis, geopropolis, fermented (saburá pollen), cerumen and resins, which are important in folk medicine. In this review, the objective was to gather research on the main plant species visited by T. angustula, as well as studies that verified the chemical composition and biological properties of T. angustula bioproducts. The bibliographic review was performed by searching the Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases for publications from 2003 to February 2023. We found 78 studies that analyzed the interactions between T. angustula and floral species, with species from the botanical families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Bignoniaceae, Solanaceae, Myrtaceae and Lamiaceae being the most reported as the main food sources for this species. The presence of compounds belonging to the class of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and alkaloids has been identified by studying the chemical composition of honey, propolis, geopropolis and fermented pollen (saburá) in 21 studies. The data collected in the literature emphasize that these T. angustula products have remarkable biological properties, especially their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nair Silva Macêdo
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry -, PPQB at the Regional University of Cariri - URCA, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Zildene de Sousa Silveira
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences -, PPGCB of the Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ângella Eduarda da Silva Sousa
- Semi-arid Bioprospecting Laboratory and Alternative Methods -, LABSEMA of the Regional University of Cariri - URCA, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Débora Menezes Dantas
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry -, PPQB at the Regional University of Cariri - URCA, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lins Bispo Monteiro
- Graduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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5
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Coutinho S, Matos V, Seixas N, Rodrigues H, Paula VB, Freitas L, Dias T, Santos FDAR, Dias LG, Estevinho LM. Melipona scutellaris Geopropolis: Chemical Composition and Bioactivity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2779. [PMID: 38004790 PMCID: PMC10673356 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Geopropolis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this study, the botanical origin, physicochemical profile, and biological activities of geopropolis from Melipona scutellaris harvested during rainy and dry seasons were investigated. Palynological analysis identified over 50 pollen types, with Schinus terebinthifolius and Cecropia being the predominant types. The analytical results were in line with those reported in the literature. Rainy-season geopropolis exhibited higher total phenol and flavonoid content (determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-25.13% and 3.92%, respectively) compared to the dry season (19.30% and 2.09%); the major peaks (naringin, gallic acid, and catechin) were similar among samples. Antioxidant capacity was assessed via DPPH, reducing power, and β-carotene/linoleic acid discoloration assays. Rainy-season samples displayed superior antioxidant activity across methods. Antimicrobial effects were determined using microdilution, while the impact on the cholinesterase enzyme was quantified using 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid accumulation. Anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic activities were assessed through hyaluronidase enzyme inhibition and by utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC-20113 cells. Both samples exhibited anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic properties. Moreover, a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed, with IC50 values of 0.35 µg/mL during the rainy season and 0.28 µg/mL during the dry season. Additionally, the geopropolis displayed antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of M. scutellaris geopropolis in the context of inflammatory, oxidative, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Coutinho
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal; (S.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Vanessa Matos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Avenida Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, Feira de Santana 44036-900, BA, Brazil (F.d.A.R.S.)
| | - Natália Seixas
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal (T.D.); (L.G.D.)
| | - Hellen Rodrigues
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal; (S.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Vanessa B. Paula
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal (T.D.); (L.G.D.)
| | - Lais Freitas
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal; (S.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Teresa Dias
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal (T.D.); (L.G.D.)
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Francisco de Assis Ribeiro Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Avenida Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, Feira de Santana 44036-900, BA, Brazil (F.d.A.R.S.)
| | - Luís G. Dias
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal (T.D.); (L.G.D.)
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Letícia M. Estevinho
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal (T.D.); (L.G.D.)
- Laboratório para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
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Chuttong B, Lim K, Praphawilai P, Danmek K, Maitip J, Vit P, Wu MC, Ghosh S, Jung C, Burgett M, Hongsibsong S. Exploring the Functional Properties of Propolis, Geopropolis, and Cerumen, with a Special Emphasis on Their Antimicrobial Effects. Foods 2023; 12:3909. [PMID: 37959028 PMCID: PMC10648409 DOI: 10.3390/foods12213909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee propolis has been touted as a natural antimicrobial agent with the potential to replace antibiotics. Numerous reports and reviews have highlighted the functionalities and applications of the natural compound. Despite much clamor for the downstream application of propolis, there remain many grounds to cover, especially in the upstream production, and factors affecting the quality of the propolis. Moreover, geopropolis and cerumen, akin to propolis, hold promise for diverse human applications, yet their benefits and intricate manufacturing processes remain subjects of intensive research. Specialized cement bees are pivotal in gathering and transporting plant resins from suitable sources to their nests. Contrary to common belief, these resins are directly applied within the hive, smoothed out by cement bees, and blended with beeswax and trace components to create raw propolis. Beekeepers subsequently harvest and perform the extraction of the raw propolis to form the final propolis extract that is sold on the market. As a result of the production process, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as botanical origins, bee species, and the extraction process, have a direct impact on the quality of the final propolis extract. Towards the end of this paper, a section is dedicated to highlighting the antimicrobial potency of propolis extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bajaree Chuttong
- Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Kaiyang Lim
- ES-TA Technology Pte Ltd., Singapore 368819, Singapore;
| | - Pichet Praphawilai
- Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.P.); (M.B.)
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Khanchai Danmek
- School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand;
| | - Jakkrawut Maitip
- Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Bankhai, Rayong 21120, Thailand;
| | - Patricia Vit
- Apitherapy and Bioactivity, Food Science Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Universidad de Los Andes, Merida 5001, Venezuela;
| | - Ming-Cheng Wu
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan;
| | - Sampat Ghosh
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chuleui Jung
- Department of Plant Medical, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea;
| | - Michael Burgett
- Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.P.); (M.B.)
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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Engel MS, Rasmussen C, Ayala R, de Oliveira FF. Stingless bee classification and biology (Hymenoptera, Apidae): a review, with an updated key to genera and subgenera. Zookeys 2023; 1172:239-312. [PMID: 37547181 PMCID: PMC10401200 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1172.104944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stingless bees (Meliponini) are a ubiquitous and diverse element of the pantropical melittofauna, and have significant cultural and economic importance. This review outlines their diversity, and provides identification keys based on external morphology, brief accounts for each of the recognized genera, and an updated checklist of all living and fossil species. In total there are currently 605 described extant species in 45 extant genera, and a further 18 extinct species in nine genera, seven of which are extinct. A new fossil genus, Adactylurina Engel, gen. nov., is also described for a species in Miocene amber from Ethiopia. In addition to the systematic review, the biology of stingless bees is summarized with an emphasis on aspects related to their nesting biology and architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Engel
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79
| | | | | | - Favízia F. de Oliveira
- Department of Agroecology, Section for Entomology and Plant Pathology, Forsøgsvej 1, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark
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8
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Rutkowski D, Weston M, Vannette RL. Bees just wanna have fungi: a review of bee associations with nonpathogenic fungi. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:fiad077. [PMID: 37422442 PMCID: PMC10370288 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee-fungus associations are common, and while most studies focus on entomopathogens, emerging evidence suggests that bees associate with a variety of symbiotic fungi that can influence bee behavior and health. Here, we review nonpathogenic fungal taxa associated with different bee species and bee-related habitats. We synthesize results of studies examining fungal effects on bee behavior, development, survival, and fitness. We find that fungal communities differ across habitats, with some groups restricted mostly to flowers (Metschnikowia), while others are present almost exclusively in stored provisions (Zygosaccharomyces). Starmerella yeasts are found in multiple habitats in association with many bee species. Bee species differ widely in the abundance and identity of fungi hosted. Functional studies suggest that yeasts affect bee foraging, development, and pathogen interactions, though few bee and fungal taxa have been examined in this context. Rarely, fungi are obligately beneficial symbionts of bees, whereas most are facultative bee associates with unknown or ecologically contextual effects. Fungicides can reduce fungal abundance and alter fungal communities associated with bees, potentially disrupting bee-fungi associations. We recommend that future study focus on fungi associated with non-honeybee species and examine multiple bee life stages to document fungal composition, abundance, and mechanistic effects on bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Rutkowski
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Makena Weston
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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9
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Davies KL, Pansarin ER, Stpiczyńska M. Labellar Structure of the Maxillaria splendens Alliance (Orchidaceae: Maxillariinae) Indicates Floral Polyphenols as a Reward for Stingless Bees. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:921. [PMID: 36840270 PMCID: PMC9964541 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have reported stingless Meliponini bees gathering hairs from the labella of Maxillaria spp., including M. ochroleuca, a member of the M. splendens alliance. Such hairs usually contain food materials and are thought to have nutritional value. The papillose labella of representatives of the Maxillaria splendens alliance, however, bear scattered, simple 1-5-celled uniseriate trichomes (hairs) that lack food materials. By contrast, here, as well as polyphenolic compounds, typical labellar papillae usually contain small quantities of starch, protein, and minute droplets of lipid, the last probably involved in the production of fragrance. Towards the labellum apex occur elevated groups of papillae that lack food materials, but contain volatile compounds, probably fragrance precursors. In the past, the terms 'trichomes' or 'hairs' and 'papillae' have been used interchangeably, causing some confusion. Since the trichomes, however, unlike the papillae, are easily detachable and can fragment, it is most likely they, not the papillae, that have previously been observed being collected by bees, but their poor food content indicates that they do not function as food-hairs. Even so, our field observations of M. ochroleuca reveal that stingless bees scrape polyphenol-rich labellar tissue and possibly use this material to produce a resinous, complex, heterogeneous substance commonly referred to as 'bee glue', used for nest construction and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L. Davies
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Emerson R. Pansarin
- Department of Biology, FFCLRP, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Małgorzata Stpiczyńska
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Botanic Garden, Al. Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract
Stingless bees form perennial colonies of honey-making insects. The >600 species of stingless bees, mainly Neotropical, live throughout tropical latitudes. Foragers influence floral biology, plant reproduction, microbe dispersal, and diverse ecosystem functions. As tropical forest residents since the upper Cretaceous, they have had a long evolutionary history without competition from honey bees. Most stingless bees are smaller than any Apis species and recruit nest mates to resources, while their defense strategies exclude stinging behavior but incorporate biting. Stingless bees have diversified ecologically; excel in nesting site selection and mutualisms with plants, arthropods, and microbes; and display opportunism, including co-opting plant defenses. As their biology becomes better known, applications to human endeavors are imposing selective pressures from exploitation and approaches to conservation that entail colony extraction from wildlands. Although some meliponines can adjust to new conditions, their populations shall require tropical diversity for survival and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Roubik
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panamá;
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11
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Goh LPW, Jawan R, Faik AAM, Gansau JA. A review of stingless bees' bioactivity in different parts of the world. J Med Life 2023; 16:16-21. [PMID: 36873121 PMCID: PMC9979177 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stingless bees, also known as meliponines, live in beehives. However, reports on the distribution of stingless bees are scattered, resulting in a lack of precision. Honey and propolis are the main components that can be harvested from their beehive, with a great commercial value of up to 610 million USD. Despite the enormous potential profits, discrepancies in their bioactivities have been observed worldwide, leading to a lack of confidence. Therefore, this review provided oversight on the potential of stingless bee products and highlighted the differences between stingless bees in Asia, Australia, Africa, and America. The bioactivity of stingless bee products is diverse and exhibits great potential as an antimicrobial agent or in various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and oral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucky Poh Wah Goh
- Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Roslina Jawan
- Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Ainol Azifa Mohd Faik
- Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Jualang Azlan Gansau
- Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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de Brito-Machado D, Ramos YJ, Defaveri ACAE, de Queiroz GA, Guimarães EF, de Lima Moreira D. Volatile Chemical Variation of Essential Oils and Their Correlation with Insects, Phenology, Ontogeny and Microclimate: Piper mollicomum Kunth, a Case of Study. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3535. [PMID: 36559647 PMCID: PMC9785739 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to monitor the volatile chemical composition from leaves and reproductive organs of Piper mollicomum Kunth (PM), in its reproduction period, as well as register inflorescence visitors, microclimate and phenological information. The essential oils (EOs) obtained from the different fresh organs by hydrodistillation were identified and quantified by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and by GC coupled to a Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID), respectively. The cercentage content of some volatiles present in reproductive organs, such as limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool and eupatoriochromene, increased during the maturation period of the inflorescences, and decreased during the fruiting period, suggesting a defense/attraction activities. Furtermore, a biosynthetic dichotomy between 1,8-cineole (leaves) and linalool (reproductive organs) was recorded. A high frequency of bee visits was registered weekly, and some correlations showed a positive relationship between this variable and terpenes. Microclimate has an impact on this species' phenological cycles and insect visiting behavior. All correlations between volatiles, insects, phenology and microclimate allowed us to present important data about the complex information network in PM. These results are extremely relevant for the understanding of the mechanisms of chemical-ecological plant-insect interactions in Piperaceae, a basal angiosperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel de Brito-Machado
- Instituto de Biologia, Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro 20550-013, Brazil
- Diretoria de Pesquisa do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
- Centro de Responsabilidade Socioambiental do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
| | - Ygor Jessé Ramos
- Diretoria de Pesquisa do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
- Centro de Responsabilidade Socioambiental do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
| | - Anna Carina Antunes e Defaveri
- Centro de Responsabilidade Socioambiental do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
| | - George Azevedo de Queiroz
- Diretoria de Pesquisa do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
| | - Elsie Franklin Guimarães
- Diretoria de Pesquisa do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
| | - Davyson de Lima Moreira
- Instituto de Biologia, Pós-Graduação em Biologia Vegetal, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro 20550-013, Brazil
- Diretoria de Pesquisa do Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22460-030, Brazil
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil
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Akram W, Sajjad A, Ghramh HA, Ali M, Khan KA. Nesting Biology and Ecology of a Resin Bee, Megachile cephalotes (Megachilidae: Hymenoptera). INSECTS 2022; 13:1058. [PMID: 36421961 PMCID: PMC9698045 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We report the nesting biology and ecology of Megachile cephalotes Smith, 1853 for the first time in Pakistan. Wooden and bamboo trap nests were deployed at three different locations in Bahawalpur district, Pakistan, from January 2020 to May 2021. A total of 242 nests of M. cephalotes were occupied in all three locations with the maximum abundance in the Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies. Megachile cephalotes remained active from March to September (the spring and summer seasons). In a nest, females made 7-8 brood cells each having a length of 1.2-2.3 cm. Plant resin was used to construct cells and mud or animal dung to plug the nest entrance. A vestibular cell was also made between the outermost brood cell and the nest entrance that ranged from 1.4 to 2.5 cm in length. No intercalary cells were observed in the nests. The males took 65.3 days to become adults, while the females took 74.78 days. The sex ratio was significantly biased toward females in all three locations. Grewia asiatica was the predominant pollen grain species found in the brood cells. Megachile cephalotes were observed collecting resin from Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, and Moringa oleifera. Three cleptoparasites of this species were also recorded: Euaspis carbonaria, Coelioxys sp., and Anthrax sp. This study set up a background to encourage new studies on artificial nesting and provides tools for proper biodiversity management and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Akram
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Asif Sajjad
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Hamed A. Ghramh
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Biology Department Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mudssar Ali
- Institute of Plant Protection, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan 60000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Ali Khan
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Applied College, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
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Popova M, Trusheva B, Chimshirova R, Antonova D, Gechovska K, Thanh LN, Lien NTP, Phuong DTL, Bankova V. Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Propolis from Tetragonula, Lepidotrigona, Lisotrigona and Homotrigona Stingless Bee Species in Vietnam. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227834. [PMID: 36431935 PMCID: PMC9696581 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to analyze and compare the chemical profile and antioxidant capacity of propolis from different bee species and different regions. The chemical profiles of propolis from six stingless bee species (Tetragonula iridipennis, T. laeviceps, Lepidotrigona terminata, L. ventralis, Lisotrigona carpenteri and Homotrigona apicalis) collected from a total of eight locations in Vietnam were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). More than 70 compounds were identified, amongst which phenolic lipids (cardanols, resorcinols and anacardic acids), aromatic acids, triterpenes and xanthones. Taxonomic markers for Mangifera indica (phenolic lipids and cycloartane triterpenes) were detected in propolis from bees of the genera Tetragonula and Lepidotrigona, although in different amounts, whereas propolis from H. apicalis was characterized by triterpenes of the amyrine type, typical of dipterocarp trees. A clear discrimination between both groups was observed by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Propolis from Tetragonula and Lepidotrigona spp. and from Lisotrigona carpenteri, which is rich in xanthones, possesses higher radical scavenging and ferric-reducing capacity than that from H. apicalis. Propolis produced by all six stingless bee species in Vietnam was analyzed for the first time. In addition, this is the first report on L. carpenteri propolis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Popova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Str., Bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence:
| | - Boryana Trusheva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Str., Bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ralitsa Chimshirova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Str., Bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Daniela Antonova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Str., Bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kamelia Gechovska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Str., Bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Le Nguyen Thanh
- Institute of Marine Biochemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Phuong Lien
- Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | | | - Vassya Bankova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Str., Bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Argentinian Propolis of Four Species of Stingless Bees. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227686. [PMID: 36431788 PMCID: PMC9697202 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemical composition of propolis of four species of stingless bees (SLBs) from Argentina was determined, and its antibacterial and anticancer activity was evaluated on selected types of microbes and cancer cell lines. Volatile secretions of all propolis samples are formed by 174 C2-C15 organic compounds, mainly mono- and sesquiterpenes and their derivatives. The chromatograms of ether extracts showed 287 peaks, of which 210 were identified. The most representative groups in the extracts of various propolis samples were diterpenoids (mainly resin acids), triterpenoids and phenolic compounds: long-chain alkenyl phenols, resorcinols and salicylates. The composition of both volatile and extractive compounds turned out to be species-specific; however, in both cases, the pairwise similarity of the propolis of Scaptotrigona postica and Tetragonisca fiebrigi versus that of Tetragona clavipes and Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata was observed, which indicated the similarity of the preferences of the respective species when choosing plant sources of resin. The composition of the studied extracts completely lacked flavonoids and phenolcarboxylic acids, which are usually associated with the biological activity and medicinal properties of propolis. However, tests on selected microbial species and cancer cell lines showed such activity. All propolis samples tested against Paenibacillus larvae, two species of Bacillus and E. coli showed biofilm inhibition unrelated to the inhibition of bacterial growth, leading to a decrease in their pathogenicity. Testing the anticancer activity of ether extracts using five types of cell cultures showed that all four types of propolis studied inhibit the growth of cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Propolis harvested by T. clavipes demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity on all tested cell lines.
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Zullkiflee N, Taha H, Usman A. Propolis: Its Role and Efficacy in Human Health and Diseases. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27186120. [PMID: 36144852 PMCID: PMC9504311 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With technological advancements in the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries, numerous research studies have focused on the propolis produced by stingless bees (Meliponini tribe) and Apis mellifera honeybees as alternative complementary medicines for the potential treatment of various acute and chronic diseases. Propolis can be found in tropical and subtropical forests throughout the world. The composition of phytochemical constituents in propolis varies depending on the bee species, geographical location, botanical source, and environmental conditions. Typically, propolis contains lipid, beeswax, essential oils, pollen, and organic components. The latter include flavonoids, phenolic compounds, polyphenols, terpenes, terpenoids, coumarins, steroids, amino acids, and aromatic acids. The biologically active constituents of propolis, which include countless organic compounds such as artepillin C, caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, apigenin, chrysin, galangin, kaempferol, luteolin, genistein, naringin, pinocembrin, coumaric acid, and quercetin, have a broad spectrum of biological and therapeutic properties such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstruct pulmonary disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract-related diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, as well as neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and immuno-inflammatory agents. Therefore, this review aims to provide a summary of recent studies on the role of propolis, its constituents, its biologically active compounds, and their efficacy in the medicinal and pharmaceutical treatment of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadzirah Zullkiflee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei
| | - Hussein Taha
- Environmental and Life Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei
| | - Anwar Usman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei
- Correspondence:
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Lipovka Y, Alday E, Hernandez J, Velazquez C. Molecular Mechanisms of Biologically Active Compounds from Propolis in Breast Cancer: State of the Art and Future Directions. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2021.2003380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Lipovka
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Efrain Alday
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Javier Hernandez
- Unidad de Servicios de Apoyo en Resolución Analítica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Carlos Velazquez
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
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