ABSTRACT Natural products and their derivatives have been sources of search and research for new drugs for the treatment of neglected diseases. Naphthoquinones, a special group of quinones, are products of natural metabolites with a wide spectrum of biological activities and represent a group of interesting molecules for new therapeutic propositions. Among these compounds, lapachol stands out as a molecule from the heartwood of Tabebuia sp. whose structural changes resulted in compounds considered promising, such as epoxy-a-lapachone (ELAP). The biological activity of ELAP has been demonstrated, so far, for parasitic protozoa such as Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium spp., species causing diseases needing new drug development and adequate health policy. This work gathers in vitro and in vivo studies on these parasites, as well as the toxicity profile, and the probable mechanisms of action elucidated until then. The potential of ELAP-based technology alternatives for a further drug is discussed here.

Resumen El presente artículo está enfocado hacia los dispositivos electrónicos FPGA que pueden ser usados dentro de la industria; para este caso se usó un microprocesador GAL22V10 como controlador de un proceso industrial de llenado de tanques, programado en código VHDL desarrollado en la herramienta de software llamada Cypress Warp Galaxy, el cual generó un archivo (JED) que se utilizó en el software simulador electrónico Proteus, el cual proporcionó una virtualización de los sistemas integrados. Luego del cual, se parametrizó las entradas y salidas del sistema de control, las cuales vienen siendo controladas por el microprocesador GAL22V10, donde se desarrolló el algoritmo del proceso industrial que se va a controlar, tomando en consideración las características técnicas de la hoja de datos del microprocesador para la respectiva configuración en el simulador Proteus. Los resultados obtenidos entre la vinculación del algoritmo en código VHDL en el microprocesador GAL22V10 simulado en Proteus se realizó de forma satisfactoria, cumpliendo con las condiciones del proceso industrial basado en circuitos integrados virtualizados.

Abstract This article is focused on FPGA electronic devices that can be used within the industry, for this case a GAL22V10 microprocessor was used as a controller of an industrial process of filling tanks, programmed in VHDL code developed in the software tool called Cypress Warp Galaxy, which generated a file (JED) that was used in the electronic simulator software Proteus, which provided a virtualization of integrated systems. After which, the inputs and outputs of the control system were parameterized, which are being controlled by the GAL22V10 microprocessor, where the algorithm of the industrial process to be controlled was developed, taking into consideration the technical characteristics of the microprocessor data sheet for the respective configuration in the Proteus simulator. The results obtained between the linking of the algorithm in VHDL code in the GAL22V10 microprocessor simulated in Proteus were satisfactorily fulfilling the conditions of the industrial process based on virtualized integrated circuits.

Abstract: We examine for the first time the major stock markets of eight Latin American countries for indication of psychological barriers at round numbers. We test for uniformity in the trailing digits of the indices and use regression and GARCH analysis to assess the differential impact of being above or below a possible barrier. The Chilean stock market seems to be significantly different from its counterparts as it is the only one that showed virtually no signs of psychological barriers. There is mild to strong evidence of barriers in the remaining markets. These findings challenge the notion that most Latin American markets are unpredictable and lend credit to the claim that technical analysis strategies can be useful in some of these markets.

Resumen: Examinamos por primera vez los principales mercados bursátiles de ocho países latinoamericanos para indicación de barreras psicológicas en los números redondos. Probamos la uniformidad en los dígitos finales de los índices y usamos regresións y análisis GARCH para evaluar el impacto diferencial de estar por encima o debajo de una posible barrera. El mercado de valores chileno parece ser significativamente diferente de sus contrapartes, ya que es el único que prácticamente no mostró señales de barreras psicológicas. Hay evidencia leve a fuerte de barreras en los restantes mercados. Estos hallazgos desafían la noción de que la mayoría Los mercados latinoamericanos son impredecibles y otorgan crédito al reclamo que las estrategias de análisis técnico pueden ser útiles en algunos de estos mercados.

ABSTRACT Cysteine proteinases are well-known virulence factors of Leishmania spp. with demonstrated actions in both experimental mouse infection and human infection. However, studies on these enzymes in canine leishmaniasis are scarce. Here, we show, for the first time, the reactivity of sera from dogs living in an endemic area to a recombinant protein from the COOH-terminal region of cysteine B protease. In this work, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed using a 14 kDa rcyspep protein obtained through a pET28-a expression system in Escherichia coli. First, 96-well plates were coated with rcyspep (500 ng/well) and incubated with sera from dogs (1:100). Subsequently, IgG antibody detection was performed using rabbit anti-dog IgG antibodies conjugated with peroxidase. Sera from dogs (n = 114), including suspect (n = 30) and positive (n = 50) dogs from a leishmaniasis-endemic area and dogs from a nonendemic area, (n = 34), negative for leishmaniasis, were assessed. The results showed that sera from the suspect (42%) and positive (68%) groups responded differently to the antigen titers tested above the cut-off (Optical Density = 0.166). This finding suggests that the immune response detected against cyspep may be related to clinical disorders present in these animals. Collectively, the data gathered here suggest that cyspep can sensitize the immune systems of dogs from a leishmaniasis-endemic area to elicit a humoral response, an immunological parameter indicating the contribution of this protein in host-parasite interaction.

BACKGROUND In Acre state, Brazil, the dissemination of cutaneous leishmaniasis has increased in recent years, with limited knowledge of the potential Leishmania spp. vectors involved. OBJECTIVES Here, data concerning the sandfly fauna of Brasiléia municipality, Leishmania DNA-detection rates and the identification of blood meal sources of insects captured in 2013-2015 are presented. METHODS Parasite detection in female sandflies was performed individually by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Leishmania kDNA/sandfly cacophony-gene), with the identification of Leishmania spp. by hsp70-PCR and sequencing. The identification of blood gut-content from fed females was performed by cyt b-PCR and sequencing. FINDINGS A total of 4,473 sandflies were captured. A subgroup of 864 non-blood-fed females evaluated for the presence of Leishmania DNA showed 2.9% positivity for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and L. (V.) guyanensis. The identification of blood meal sources was performed in 96 blood-fed females, allowing the identification of 13 vertebrate species. In nine/96 fed females, DNA from L. (V.) shawi, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis and Endotrypanum sp. was detected. MAIN CONCLUSIONS In Brumptomyia sp. and Evandromyia termitophila, the first report of Leishmania DNA-detection is provided in Acre; Nyssomyia shawi is implicated as potential vector of L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (V.) guyanensis for the first time in Brazil.

BACKGROUND Lutzomyia longipalpis-derived cell line (Lulo) has been suggested as a model for studies of interaction between sandflies and Leishmania. OBJECTIVES Here, we present data of proteomic and gene expression analyses of Lulo cell related to interactions with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. METHODS Lulo cell protein extracts were analysed through a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry and resulting spots were further investigated in silico to identify proteins using Mascot search and, afterwards, resulting sequences were applied for analysis with VectorBase. RESULTS Sixty-four spots were identified showing similarities to other proteins registered in the databases and could be classified according to their biological function, such as ion-binding proteins (23%), proteases (14%), cytoskeletal proteins (11%) and interactive membrane proteins (9.5%). Effects of interaction with L. (V.) braziliensis with the expression of three genes (enolase, tubulin and vacuolar transport protein) were observed after an eight-hour timeframe and compared to culture without parasites, and demonstrated the impact of parasite interaction with the expression of the following genes: LLOJ000219 (1.69-fold), LLOJ000326 (1.43-fold) and LLOJ006663 (2.41-fold). CONCLUSIONS This set of results adds relevant information regarding the usefulness of the Lulo cell line for studies with Leishmania parasites that indicate variations of protein expression.

RESUMO: Introdução: Avaliou-se o efeito ajustado das características das empresas de saneamento na provisão da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público nos municípios brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo ecológico transversal com base no Censo Demográfico 2010, Pesquisa Nacional de Saneamento Básico 2008 e Atlas de Desenvolvimento Humano 2010. As variáveis independentes foram as características das empresas e dos municípios e o desfecho foi a falta de provisão da fluoretação. Estimou-se a razão de prevalência por meio de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: Incluíram-se 5.565 municípios brasileiros. Na análise ajustada, o desfecho foi independente e positivamente associado com municípios das macrorregiões Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste e Sudeste, que tinham taxas de cobertura de serviços de água e esgoto abaixo do valor mediano, menos de 10 mil habitantes e índice médio e baixo/muito baixo de desenvolvimento humano. Quanto ao efeito independente das características das empresas, tiveram maior probabilidade de não ofertar fluoretação todas as empresas classificadas como de administração indireta do poder público, ou sociedade de economia mista, ou economia mista de caráter público; as municipais e intermunicipais (razão de prevalência - RP = 1,21; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,19 - 1,23); e a prefeitura, quando única executora (RP = 1,22; IC95% 1,20 - 1,25). Conclusão: A falta de provisão da fluoretação da água foi maior quando o serviço era prestado preponderantemente por administrações municipais e empresas privadas, associadas ou não a entidades públicas, independentemente das características dos municípios.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The adjusted effect of the characteristics of sanitation companies on the provision of fluoridation into public water supply in Brazilian municipalities was evaluated. Methods: Cross-sectional and ecological study based on the 2010 Demographic Census, 2008 National Survey on Basic Sanitation (PNSB), and 2010 Atlas of Human Development. The independent variables were the characteristics of utilities and municipalities, and the outcome was the lack of provision of fluoridation. Prevalence ratio was estimated with Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: 5,565 Brazilian municipalities were included. In the adjusted analysis, the outcome was independently and positively associated to municipalities in the North, Northeast, Central-West and Southeast macro-regions, with coverage rates for water and sewage services below the median value, with less than 10,000 inhabitants, medium and low/very low in human development. Regarding the independent effect of the utilities’ characteristics, they were more likely not to provide fluoridation, all the companies that were not classified as indirect administration of the government or mixed-capital company or mixed-capital company of public character; municipal and intermunicipal (PR=1.21; 95%CI 1.19-1.23); and when the municipal government is the only provider (PR=1.22; 95%CI 1.20-1.25). Conclusion: The lack of provision of water fluoridation was greater when the service was mainly provided by municipal administrations and private companies associated or not to public entities, regardless of the characteristics of the municipalities.

RESUMO: Introdução: Avaliou-se o efeito ajustado das características das empresas de saneamento na provisão da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público nos municípios brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo ecológico transversal com base no Censo Demográfico 2010, Pesquisa Nacional de Saneamento Básico 2008 e Atlas de Desenvolvimento Humano 2010. As variáveis independentes foram as características das empresas e dos municípios e o desfecho foi a falta de provisão da fluoretação. Estimou-se a razão de prevalência por meio de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: Incluíram-se 5.565 municípios brasileiros. Na análise ajustada, o desfecho foi independente e positivamente associado com municípios das macrorregiões Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste e Sudeste, que tinham taxas de cobertura de serviços de água e esgoto abaixo do valor mediano, menos de 10 mil habitantes e índice médio e baixo/muito baixo de desenvolvimento humano. Quanto ao efeito independente das características das empresas, tiveram maior probabilidade de não ofertar fluoretação todas as empresas classificadas como de administração indireta do poder público, ou sociedade de economia mista, ou economia mista de caráter público; as municipais e intermunicipais (razão de prevalência - RP = 1,21; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,19 - 1,23); e a prefeitura, quando única executora (RP = 1,22; IC95% 1,20 - 1,25). Conclusão: A falta de provisão da fluoretação da água foi maior quando o serviço era prestado preponderantemente por administrações municipais e empresas privadas, associadas ou não a entidades públicas, independentemente das características dos municípios.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The adjusted effect of the characteristics of sanitation companies on the provision of fluoridation into public water supply in Brazilian municipalities was evaluated. Methods: Cross-sectional and ecological study based on the 2010 Demographic Census, 2008 National Survey on Basic Sanitation (PNSB), and 2010 Atlas of Human Development. The independent variables were the characteristics of utilities and municipalities, and the outcome was the lack of provision of fluoridation. Prevalence ratio was estimated with Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: 5,565 Brazilian municipalities were included. In the adjusted analysis, the outcome was independently and positively associated to municipalities in the North, Northeast, Central-West and Southeast macro-regions, with coverage rates for water and sewage services below the median value, with less than 10,000 inhabitants, medium and low/very low in human development. Regarding the independent effect of the utilities’ characteristics, they were more likely not to provide fluoridation, all the companies that were not classified as indirect administration of the government or mixed-capital company or mixed-capital company of public character; municipal and intermunicipal (PR=1.21; 95%CI 1.19-1.23); and when the municipal government is the only provider (PR=1.22; 95%CI 1.20-1.25). Conclusion: The lack of provision of water fluoridation was greater when the service was mainly provided by municipal administrations and private companies associated or not to public entities, regardless of the characteristics of the municipalities.

Resumo Trata-se de examinar a questão das perspectivas e possibilidades de vida que a educação pode oferecer aos jovens de hoje, que vivem num mundo fragmentado em que as desilusões e as decepções podem se tornar, a todo momento, a tônica da existência. O caminho para uma reintegração ética e política passa pela formação da consciência crítica que venha a contestar o presente e a resistir a um futuro determinado pela alienação. A filosofia tem como levar a um enfrentamento dos riscos sociais e históricos, de modo a que os indivíduos não submerjam na decomposição existencial, ética e política que nos ameaça.

Abstract We examine the prospects and possibilities of the life that education can offer to today’s young people, who live in a fragmented world where disappointments and unrealized hopes can at any moment become the key issue of existence. The path toward their ethical and political reintegration involves the development of a critical awareness that may challenge the present and resist a future determined by alienation. Philosophy provides the means to confront societal and historical risks, preventing individuals from submerging in the existential, ethical and political decomposition that threatens us.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever as características das empresas de saneamento e dos municípios brasileiros segundo a situação da fluoretação da água dos sistemas de abastecimento. Métodos: estudo ecológico, com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saneamento Básico 2008, Censo Demográfico 2010 e Atlas de Desenvolvimento Humano 2010. Resultados: dos 5.565 municípios brasileiros, 60% contavam com serviço de fluoretação; a provisão da fluoretação variou segundo características dos prestadores do serviço e do município; quanto maior a cobertura de abastecimento de água e de esgoto e maior o nível de desenvolvimento humano, maior a provisão da fluoretação (p<0,001); essa provisão foi maior nos municípios onde as empresas executoras eram do tipo de sociedade de economia mista (75%), e menor sob a esfera administrativa privada (27%) e a prefeitura a única executora (40%). Conclusão: verificou-se importante relação de dependência entre as características das empresas e a provisão da fluoretação da água nos municípios brasileiros.

Abstract Objective: to describe the characteristics of Brazilian sanitation utilities and municipalities according to the water supply system fluoridation situation. Methods: this was an ecological study using data from the National Survey of Basic Sanitation 2008, the Demographic Census 2010 and the Atlas of Human Development 2010. Results: of the 5,565 Brazilian municipalities, 60% had a fluoridation service; there was variation in fluoridation provision depending on the characteristics of the service providers and the municipality; the greater the coverage of water supply and sewerage and the higher the level of human development, the greater the provision of fluoridation (p<0.001); fluoridation provision was higher in municipalities where the sanitation utilities were mixed-capital companies (75%) and lower when the companies were private (27%) and also when the service was provided only by the municipal government (40%). Conclusion: there was an important dependence relationship between the characteristics of the companies and the provision of water fluoridation in Brazilian municipalities.

Resumen Objetivo: describir características de las empresas sanitarias y los municipios brasileños según la situación de fluoración del agua de los sistemas de abastecimiento. Métodos: se realizó un estudio ecológico, con datos de la Investigación Nacional de Saneamiento Básico 2008, Censo Demográfico 2010 y Atlas de Desarrollo Humano 2010. Resultados: entre 5.565 municipios, 60% tenían servicio de fluoración; se encontró variación en la provisión, según los prestadores del servicio y los municipios; cuanto mayor la cobertura de abastecimiento de agua, de alcantarillado y nivel de desarrollo humano, mayor la provisión de fluoración (p<0,001); la provisión fue mayor en los municipios donde las empresas ejecutoras eran de sociedad de economía mixta (75%) y menor donde la esfera administrativa era del tipo privado (27%) y la alcaldía era la única ejecutora (40%). Conclusión: se verificó una importante relación de dependencia entre las características de las empresas y la provisión del servicio en los municipios brasileños.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever as características das empresas de saneamento e dos municípios brasileiros segundo a situação da fluoretação da água dos sistemas de abastecimento. Métodos: estudo ecológico, com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saneamento Básico 2008, Censo Demográfico 2010 e Atlas de Desenvolvimento Humano 2010. Resultados: dos 5.565 municípios brasileiros, 60% contavam com serviço de fluoretação; a provisão da fluoretação variou segundo características dos prestadores do serviço e do município; quanto maior a cobertura de abastecimento de água e de esgoto e maior o nível de desenvolvimento humano, maior a provisão da fluoretação (p<0,001); essa provisão foi maior nos municípios onde as empresas executoras eram do tipo de sociedade de economia mista (75%), e menor sob a esfera administrativa privada (27%) e a prefeitura a única executora (40%). Conclusão: verificou-se importante relação de dependência entre as características das empresas e a provisão da fluoretação da água nos municípios brasileiros.

Abstract Objective: to describe the characteristics of Brazilian sanitation utilities and municipalities according to the water supply system fluoridation situation. Methods: this was an ecological study using data from the National Survey of Basic Sanitation 2008, the Demographic Census 2010 and the Atlas of Human Development 2010. Results: of the 5,565 Brazilian municipalities, 60% had a fluoridation service; there was variation in fluoridation provision depending on the characteristics of the service providers and the municipality; the greater the coverage of water supply and sewerage and the higher the level of human development, the greater the provision of fluoridation (p<0.001); fluoridation provision was higher in municipalities where the sanitation utilities were mixed-capital companies (75%) and lower when the companies were private (27%) and also when the service was provided only by the municipal government (40%). Conclusion: there was an important dependence relationship between the characteristics of the companies and the provision of water fluoridation in Brazilian municipalities.

Resumen Objetivo: describir características de las empresas sanitarias y los municipios brasileños según la situación de fluoración del agua de los sistemas de abastecimiento. Métodos: se realizó un estudio ecológico, con datos de la Investigación Nacional de Saneamiento Básico 2008, Censo Demográfico 2010 y Atlas de Desarrollo Humano 2010. Resultados: entre 5.565 municipios, 60% tenían servicio de fluoración; se encontró variación en la provisión, según los prestadores del servicio y los municipios; cuanto mayor la cobertura de abastecimiento de agua, de alcantarillado y nivel de desarrollo humano, mayor la provisión de fluoración (p<0,001); la provisión fue mayor en los municipios donde las empresas ejecutoras eran de sociedad de economía mixta (75%) y menor donde la esfera administrativa era del tipo privado (27%) y la alcaldía era la única ejecutora (40%). Conclusión: se verificó una importante relación de dependencia entre las características de las empresas y la provisión del servicio en los municipios brasileños.

O crestamento bacteriano comum, causado por Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap), é a principal bacteriose do feijoeiro no Brasil, sendo transmitida principalmente por sementes. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo aperfeiçoar uma técnica, por meio de diferentes métodos de preparação do extrato, para a detecção de Xap, bem como sua detecção simultânea com Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) nos extratos de sementes de feijão,via PCR. A partir de amostras de sementes de feijão inoculadas artificialmente com Xap e lotes comerciais, foram avaliados: extrato bruto obtido diretamente das sementes, extrato concentrado por filtração em membrana de 0,22µM de diâmetro, extrato concentrado por centrifugação e extrato plaqueado em meio semi-seletivo XCP1 com e sem antibióticos (BIO-PCR). Avaliou-se a presença simultânea de Xap e Cff em 10 lotes comerciais de sementes de feijão através da reação multiplex, utilizandos-se os primers X4c, X4e, CffFOR2 e CffREV4. A partir do extrato bruto, do extrato concentrado por centrifugação e por filtragem em membrana Millipore® não foi possível a detecção de Xap nas sementes de feijão artificialmente contaminadas nem nos 47 lotes comerciais de sementes/ grãos de feijão. A técnica de BIO-PCR permitiu a detecção de Xap a partir de extratos de sementes de feijão artificialmente contaminadas e em 18 dos 47 lotes comerciais. A técnica de detecção simultânea de Xap e Cff no mesmo gel é viável, por amplificar fragmentos de DNA típicos de cada fitobactéria. O uso do meio de cultura XCP1 sem adição de antibióticos permitiu detectar Xap com período de incubação menor em um dia em comparação à detecção utilizando-se o meio de cultura com antibióticos

Common bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap), is the major bacteriosis affecting bean plants in Brazil and is mainly transmitted by seeds. This study aimed to improve a technique, using different methods of extract preparation, for the detection of Xap alone and simultaneously with Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) in bean seed extracts, via PCR. Samples of bean seeds artificially inoculated with Xap and commercial batches were used to evaluate: crude extract obtained directly from the seeds, extract concentrated by filtration in 0.22ìM-diameter membrane, extract concentrated by centrifugation and extract plated on semiselective XCP1 medium with and without antibiotics (BIO-PCR). The simultaneous presence of Xap and Cff in 10 commercial batches of bean seeds was assessed through multiplex reaction, using the primers X4c, X4e, and CffFOR2 CffREV4. By using crude extract, extract concentrated by centrifugation and by filtration in millipore® membrane, detection of Xap in bean seeds artificially contaminated or in 47 commercial batches of bean seeds/grains was not possible. BIO-PCR technique allowed the detection of Xap in extracts from artificially contaminated bean seeds and in 18 of the 47 commercials batches. The technique of simultaneous detection of Xap and Cff on the same gel is feasible, for amplifying DNA fragments typical of each phytobacterium. The use of XCP1 culture medium without adding antibiotics allowed the detection of Xap with shorter incubation period in one day, compared to detection using the culture medium with antibiotics.

Técnicas analíticas empregadas na extração de clorofila em plantas são destrutivas e fundamentam-se no uso de solventes orgânicos. Este estudo propõe a quantificação não destrutiva da concentração de pigmentos fotossintéticos em folhas de algodoeiro utilizando os medidores portáteis de clorofila SPAD-502 e CLOROFILOG 1030. Com as folhas coletadas foram elaborados 200 discos foliares com área de 113 mm². A determinação do índice de esverdeamento em cada disco foi realizada por meio da média de cinco leituras com ambos clorofilômetros portáteis e imediatamente após a determinação, adicionaram-se 5 mL de Dimetil sulfóxido (DMSO). Os discos foram mantidos em banho-maria a temperatura de 70ºC por um período de 30 min. Após o resfriamento do extrato líquido, uma alíquota de 3,0 mL foi utilizada para leitura utilizando espectrofotometria a 470, 646 e 663 nm. A partir dos resultados analíticos obtidos foram ajustados modelos matemáticos utilizando-se o índice das leituras efetuadas por ambos os equipamentos para estimar os teores de clorofila a, clorofila b, clorofila total e carotenóides. Considerando os resultados obtidos conclui-se que ambos medidores portáteis de clorofila poderão ser utilizados para estimar a concentração dos pigmentos fotossintéticos em folhas de algodoeiro, economizando tempo, espaço e recursos comumente demandados nessas análises.

Analytical techniques used to extract chlorophyll from plant leaves are destructive and based on the use of organic solvents. This study proposes a non-destructive quantification of the photosynthetic pigment concentration in cotton leaves using two portable chlorophyll meters, the SPAD-502 and the CLOROFILOG 1030. After obtaining 200 leaf discs, each with an area of 113 mm², the greening rate in each disc was determined by the average of five readings from both meters. Immediately after measurement, 5 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was added, and the samples were kept in a water bath at 70ºC for 30 min. After cooling, 3 mL of the liquid extract was used for analyses by spectrophotometry at 470, 646 and 663 nm. Mathematical models were adjusted from analytical results using the reading index obtained from both devices to predict the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids. Based on these results, it was concluded that both portable chlorophyll meters are an effective way to estimate the concentration of photosynthetic pigments in cotton leaves, thus saving time, space and the resources that are often required for these analyses.

Esse estudo descreve o isolamento de S. schenckii em ambiente hospitalar e domiciliar, no Brasil. Foram colhidas amostras de superfície de local de atendimento veterinário e ambiente domiciliar. S. schenckii foi isolado em 1,5% das amostras do ambiente hospitalar. Entretanto, esse fungo foi isolado em todas as amostras do ambiente domiciliar. O isolamento do S. schenckii demonstra a importância dessas superfícies atuarem como fontes de infecção para animais e humanos. Portanto, funcionários e proprietários de animais de estimação estariam expostos a esse agente e a contaminação, através das superfícies, poderia ocorrer pela inoculação traumática do fungo ou pelo contato direto com lesões pré-existentes.

This study describes the isolation of S. schenckii in hospital and home environments in Brazil. Samples were collected from surfaces of a veterinary service place and at home. S. schenckii was detected in 1.5% of the samples from the hospital environment. However, this fungus was isolated from all sampled areas in home environments. The isolation of S. schenckii deonstrates that these surfaces could act as infection sources to anials and huans. Therefore, employees and pet owners could be exposed to this agent, and the contamination, through surfaces, could occur through the traumatic inoculation of the fungus or by direct contact with pre-existing lesions.

Copo-de-leite é uma espécie apreciada para uso em arranjos florais. Apesar da sua importância comercial, há pouca informação sobre a conservação pós-colheita de copo-de-leite. Dessa forma, neste estudo, objetivou-se determinar a melhor concentração de sacarose para pulsing e condições de armazenamento a frio para estender a durabilidade pós-colheita de copo-de-leite. Hastes florais foram submetidas a pré-tratamento (pulsing), usando 2, 4, 8, 12 e 16% de sacarose na solução, por 1 hora, mais um tratamento de armazenamento direto em câmara fria, sem pré-tratamento. Armazenamento a seco ou em solução com produto comercial Flower® foram também testados. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições e três inflorescências por parcela. O comprimento e largura da espata foram medidos diariamente, sendo a partir desses, analisado o processo de abertura e senescência floral. Foi observado que o pulsing com sacarose foi eficiente para estender o processo de abertura e durabilidade de inflorescências de copo-de-leite. O armazenamento a seco por curto período (inferior a 6 dias) pode também ser utilizado, mas um pré-tratamento (pulsing) com 12% de sacarose por 1 hora ou manutenção em água pelo mesmo período é necessário. Para armazenamento em solução, é recomendado o pulsing com 5% ou 7,5% de sacarose.

Calla lily is an appreciated specie used for flower arrangements. In spite of its commercial importance, there is little information on calla lily postharvest conservation. Thus, this study aimed to determine the best sucrose concentration for pulsing and cold storage conditions to extend calla lily postharvest durability. Flower stalks were submitted to a pulsing pre-treatment using 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16% sucrose in the solution, for one hour, plus a treatment with direct storage in cold chamber (4ºC), without a prior-treatment. Dry storage or storage in solution with the commercial product Flower® was also tested. A completely randomized design was used with four replicates and three inflorescences per plot. Spathe length and width were daily measured from which the opening and wilting processes were analyzed. It was observed that pulsing with sucrose was efficient in extending calla lily inflorescences opening process and durability. Dry storage for short periods (less than six days) can also be used, but a prior-treatment with 12% sucrose pulsing for one hour or with a water supply for the same period was required. For storage in solution, a pulsing with 5% or 7.5% sucrose was recommended.