OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess miRNA-195 expression in the tumor tissues from a cohort of Brazilian female breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and evaluate its correlation with various clinicopathological markers. METHODS: Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the miRNA-195 expression in tumor tissues from a cohort of female breast cancer patients undergoing NAC. This expression was then correlated with the occurrence of several distinct breast cancer molecular subtypes and other clinicopathological variables. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were included in this study, 28 (50.9%) of whom were treated using NAC. Tumor miRNA-195 expression was suppressed in breast cancer patients, regardless of their exposure to systemic treatments, histological grade, size, nodal status, and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging. This was more pronounced in luminal and triple-negative patients, and patient’s response to NAC was correlated with an increase in miRNA-195 expression. CONCLUSION: miRNA-195 is downregulated in the tumor tissues of Brazilian breast cancer patients regardless of NAC exposure; this reinforces its role as a tumor suppressor and a potential biomarker for chemotherapy response.

Abstract The Saanen goat breed has been widely explored in breeding programmes; however, there are few reports about the breed’s genetic and molecular composition. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteomic profile of spermatozoa from Saanen breeding goats. Five breeding animals with proven fertility were selected, the spermatozoa were collected, and the protein was extracted. Subsequently, the proteins were separated and analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry; the proteins were then identified with the SwissProt database. A total of 31 proteins involved in reproduction were identified, including binding proteins on spermatozoa for fusion with the egg, acrosomal membrane proteins, metabolic enzymes, heat shock proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and spermatozoa motility proteins. The characterization of such proteins clarifies the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis and the modifications that ensure the success of fertilization.

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding or gestation in schistosomotic mothers can cause long-term alterations in the immune response of offspring. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (all classes), the production of cytokines by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells in adult offspring born and/or suckled by schistosomotic mothers. METHODS We harvested splenocytes from offspring born to (BIM), suckled by (SIM), or born to/suckled by (BSIM) schistosomotic mothers and animals from noninfected mothers (Control) at seven-weeks old and cultured them with/without Concanavalin A. HDAC expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and cytokines and membrane markers were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). FINDINGS Compared to Control, BIM mice showed increased expression of HDAC9 and frequency of CD4+IL-10+-cells. The SIM group had increased expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC10, Sirt2, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7. The BSIM group only had increased HDAC10 expression. The SIM and BSIM groups exhibited decreased frequencies of CD4+IL-4+-cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells, along with a higher frequency of CD14+IL-10+-cells and an increase in CD45R/B220+IL-10+-cells. The BSIM group also showed a high frequency of CD4+IL10+-cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding induced the expression of HDACs from various classes involved in reducing inflammatory responses. However, gestation enhanced the expression of a single HDAC and breastfeeding or gestation appears to favour multiple IL-10-dependent pathways, but not cells with a regulatory phenotype.

Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa foi extrair, obter o perfil peptídico e avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato peptídico bruto de duas amostras de queijo de Coalho artesanal produzidos no município de Venturosa, localizado no Agreste de Pernambuco – Brasil. Nas eletroforeses realizadas, foram evidenciadas de 12 a 15 bandas. Na análise por espectrometria de massa, foram identificados 24 fragmentos peptídeos. O extrato peptídico bruto apresentou atividade antimicrobiana diante dos microrganismos Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 6057, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 na concentração de 225 mg/mL. Os presentes resultados sugerem que em aproximadamente 5 g do queijo são encontrados peptídeos capazes de inibir o crescimento dos microrganismos patogênicos testados. Sendo assim, pode-se indicar o caráter funcional do queijo de Coalho.

Abstract The aim of this research was to extract the crude peptide extracts from two samples of artisanal “Coalho” cheese produced in the city of Venturosa in the drylands of the State of Pernambuco – Brazil, and evaluate their peptide profile and antimicrobial activity. Electrophoresis showed evidence of 12 to 15 bands and mass spectrometry identified 24 peptide fragments. Furthermore, the crude extract presented antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 6057, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 at a concentration of 225 mg/mL. The present results suggest that peptides capable of inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic microorganisms tested can be found in approximately 5g of the cheese. Thus “Coalho” cheese can be indicated for its functional character.

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Abstract Problem Providing health care for children with congenital heart diseases remains a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries. Approach In October 2011, the Government of Paraíba, Brazil, established a paediatric cardiology network in partnership with the nongovernmental organization Círculo do Coração. A cardiology team supervised all network activities, using the Internet to keep in contact with remote health facilities. The network developed protocols for screening heart defects. Echocardiograms were performed by physicians under direct online supervision of a cardiologist; alternatively, a video recording of the examination was subsequently reviewed by a cardiologist. Cardiovascular surgeons came to a paediatric hospital in the state capital once a week to perform heart surgeries. Local setting Until 2011, the State of Paraíba had no structured programme to care for children with heart disease. This often resulted in missed or late diagnosis, with adverse health consequences for the children. Relevant changes From 2012 to 2014, 73 751 babies were screened for heart defects and 857 abnormalities were identified. Detection of congenital heart diseases increased from 4.09 to 11.62 per 1000 live births ( P< 0.001). Over 6000 consultations and echocardiograms were supervised via the Internet. Time to diagnosis, transfers and hospital stays were greatly reduced. A total of 330 operations were carried out with 6.7% (22/330) mortality. Lessons learnt Access to an echocardiography machine with remote supervision by a cardiologist improves the detection of congenital heart disease by neonatologists; virtual outpatient clinics facilitate clinical management; the use of Internet technology with simple screening techniques allows resources to be allocated more efficiently.

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OBJETIVO: Comparar diferentes métodos de rastreamento para distúrbios da pressão arterial em crianças e adolescentes. MÉTODO: Foi usado um banco de dados com 17.083 prontuários de pacientes de uma clínica de cardiologia pediátrica. Após análise dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 5.650 foram selecionados. Esses foram divididos em duas faixas etárias: entre cinco e 13 anos e entre 13 e 18 anos De acordo com a aferição, a pressão arterial era classificada como normal, pré-hipertensiva ou hipertensiva de acordo com guidelines recentes e os métodos de rastreamento selecionados. Posteriormente, foram calculadas a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia de cada um de acordo com o gênero e faixa etária. RESULTADOS: As fórmulas de Somu e a tabela proposta por Ardissino apresentaram baixa sensibilidade na identificação de pré-hipertensão em todas as faixas etárias, enquanto a tabela proposta por Kaelber apresentou os melhores resultados. A razão entre pressão arterial e altura apresentou baixa especificidade na faixa etária menor, mas apresentou bom desempenho em adolescentes. CONCLUSÃO: As ferramentas de rastreamento para distúrbios da pressão arterial em crianças e adolescentes podem ser úteis para diminuir o subdiagnóstico que ocorre atualmente nessa condição. A tabela proposta por Kaelber apresentou os melhores resultados, entretanto a razão entre PA e altura apresenta vantagens específicas, como a não necessidade de tabelas.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different methods of screening for blood pressure disorders in children and adolescents. METHOD: A database with 17,083 medical records of patients from a pediatric cardiology clinic was used. After analyzing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5,650 were selected. These were divided into two age groups: between 5 and 13 years and between 13 and 18 years. The blood pressure measurement was classified as normal, pre-hypertensive, or hypertensive, consistent with recent guidelines and the selected screening methods. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were then calculated according to gender and age range. RESULTS: The formulas proposed by Somu and Ardissino's table showed low sensitivity in identifying pre-hypertension in all age groups, whereas the table proposed by Kaelber showed the best results. The ratio between blood pressure and height showed low specificity in the younger age group, but showed good performance in adolescents. CONCLUSION: Screening tools used for the assessment of blood pressure disorders in children and adolescents may be useful to decrease the current rate of underdiagnosis of this condition. The table proposed by Kaelber showed the best results; however, the ratio between BP and height demonstrated specific advantages, as it does not require tables.

This study aimed to identify antioxidant peptides from caprine casein hydrolysates by papain application using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, and a 2² full factorial design, with 4 axial points, in order to evaluate kinetic parameters (time and pH) effects on the degree of hydrolysis as well as the antioxidant activity of Moxotó goat milk casein peptides. Degree of hydrolysis was determined by total and soluble protein ratio in casein. Antioxidant activity was measured by ABTS method with 2, 2-cation-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). TROLOX was used as standard. Peptide pattern and sequence of antioxidant amino acids were obtained using MALDI-TOF/MS. The highest degree of hydrolysis (28.5%) and antioxidant activity (2329.6 mmol.L TROLOX. mg- 1 peptide) were observed in the permeate. NENLL, NPWDQVK and LLYQEPVLGPV peptides, detected in the permeate, were pointed as the responsible for antioxidant activity, suggesting their potential application as food supplement and pharmaceutical products.

Tipos e conteúdo de carboidratos foram avaliados por métodos químicos (ensaios espectrofotométricos) e físico-químicos (Cromatografia de Camada Delgada - CCD e Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência - CLAE), em algumas variedades de Opuntia fícus-indica. As amostras estudadas compreenderam quatro variedades de palma (gigante, copena F1, clone 20 e palma redonda). Os resultados demonstraram que as quatro variedades de palma contêm uma boa quantidade de açúcares neutros e ácidos nas estações do ano verão e inverno. Entretanto, amostras coletadas no verão apresentaram um alto conteúdo de carboidratos, especialmente glicose, frutose, galactose, xilose e arabinose. O cladódio terciário (cladódio mais antigo) apresentou quase o dobro do conteúdo de açúcar encontrado nos cladódios quaternários (cladódios mais jovens). Polissacarídeos pécticos foram sequencialmente extraídos com água a 60 ºC e solução de EDTA a 60 ºC, resultando em uma Pectina Solúvel em Água (PSA) e Pectina Solúvel em Quelante (PSQ), respectivamente. Ácidos galacturônicos foram detectados em frações PSA e PSQ. Entretanto a fração PSQ apresentou o mais alto conteúdo de açúcar ácido.

Types and content of carbohydrates were evaluated by chemical (spectrophotometric assay) and physicochemical (Thin Layer Chromatography - TLC and High Performance Liquid Chromatography - HPLC) methods in some Opuntia ficus-indica varieties according to age and season. The samples comprised four varieties of palm (giant, copena F1, clone 20, and round palm). The results demonstrated that the four varieties of palm contain a good quantity of neutral and acid sugars in both summer and winter seasons. However, samples collected in the summer presented a higher content of carbohydrates specially glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose. The tertiary cladode (old cladode) presented almost the double content of sugar found in the quaternary cladodes (young cladodes). Pectic polysaccharides were sequentially extracted with water at 60 ºC, and EDTA at 60 ºC solution resulting in Water-Soluble Pectin (WSP) and a Chelating-Soluble Pectin (CSP) respectively. Galacturonic acid was detected in the fractions WSP and CSP. However, the fraction CSP presented the highest content of sugar acid.

OBJETIVO: analisar, em mulheres com HPV em colo do útero, as características da infecção viral e os fatores de risco para lesão intraepitelial de alto grau e carcinoma cervical. MÉTODOS: realizou-se um estudo caso-controle com mulheres com HPV em colo do útero atendidas em serviço de Ginecologia de referência vinculado ao SUS, em Recife, Nordeste do Brasil. No grupo de casos (72 mulheres com lesão intraepitelial de alto grau ou carcinoma cervical) e de controles (176 mulheres com colpocitologia normal ou com alterações benignas), foram pesquisados seis genótipos virais (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 6 e 11) em material da ecto- e endocérvice com primers MY09/MY11. As variáveis independentes foram hierarquizadas em três níveis de determinação: distal (sociodemográficas), intermediário (comportamentais) e proximal (realização anterior de colpocitologia). A homogeneidade das proporções foi testada (χ2). Obtiveram-se ORs não ajustadas e, na modelagem final, realizou-se regressão logística hierarquizada com o ajuste do efeito de cada variável sobre o desfecho pelas variáveis do mesmo nível e de níveis anteriores de causalidade. RESULTADOS: em 76,6% das 248 mulheres participantes do estudo, o genótipo viral da infecção cervical foi identificado. Predominaram genótipos de alto risco oncogênico (83,4% nos casos e 67,1% nos controles), principalmente HPV 16 e 31. Foram identificados como fatores de risco (a) distais: residir em zona rural (OR=2,7; IC95%: 1,1-6,2), menos de três anos de estudo (OR=3,9; IC95%: 2,0-7,5) e renda familiar inferior a dois salários mínimos (OR=3,3; IC95%: 1,0-10,5); (b) intermediário: número de gestações igual ou superior a quatro (OR=2,0; IC95%: 1,0-3,7); (c) proximal: ausência de colpocitologia anterior (OR=9,7; IC95%: 2,4-38,2). CONCLUSÕES: em mulheres usuárias do SUS do Nordeste do Brasil predominam os genótipos virais 16 e 31 em infecções cervicais por HPV, sendo que fatores socioeconômicos, reprodutivos e relacionados à ausência de rastreamento citológico representam risco para lesão intraepitelial de alto grau e câncer cervical.

PURPOSE: to analyze the characteristics of viral infection and the risk factors for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical carcinoma in women with cervical HPV infection. METHODS: a case-control study was conducted on women with cervical HPV at a Gynecology reference service enrolled at the Public Health System, located in Recife, Northeastern Brazil. The groups of cases (72 women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or cervical cancer) and controls (176 women with normal Pap smear or benign alterations) were investigated for six viral genotypes (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 6, 11) in ecto- and endocervical material using MY09/MY11 primers. The independent variables were ranked in three levels of determination: distal (sociodemographic), intermediate (behavioral) and proximal (previous Pap smear). The homogeneity of proportions was tested (χ2), unadjusted Odds Ratios (OR) were obtained and hierarchical logistic regression was applied to the final model, with adjustment of the effect of each variable to the outcome based on the variables in the same and previous levels of causality. RESULTS: the viral genotype of cervical infection was identified in 76.6% of the 248 women participating in the study. High-risk HPV genotypes (83.4% of cases and 67.1% of controls) were predominant, especially HPV 16 and 31. The distal risk factors identified were: living in a rural area (OR=2.71, 95%CI: 1.18-6.23), less than three years of study (OR=3.97, 95%CI: 2.09-7.54) and family income below two minimum wages (OR=3.30, 95%CI: 1.04-10.51); intermediate: four or more pregnancies (OR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.06-3.76); and proximal: absence of a previous Pap smear (OR=9.74, 95%CI: 2.48-38.28). CONCLUSIONS: genotypes 16 and 31 of cervical HPV infection are predominant among women assisted by the Public Health System in Northeastern Brazil. Socioeconomic and reproductive factors, as well as the absence of cytological screening, represent risk factors for the progression of infection to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical cancer.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da temperatura, pH, relação enzima:substrato (E:S) e tempo de reação sobre a hidrólise enzimática da caseína do leite de cabra Moxotó, com uso de diferentes enzimas proteolíticas. A hidrólise enzimática da caseína caprina foi realizada com uso de tripsina, pepsina e papaína. Para cada enzima, foram utilizados dois níveis de cada variável, na avaliação de seus efeitos sobre a hidrólise da caseína, em um fatorial completo 2(4). Os produtos da hidrólise foram visualizados em eletroforese SDS-PAGE. O melhor valor do grau de hidrólise com a enzima papaína foi obtido em pH 6,5, E:S de 1:150 e 5 horas de hidrólise a 50ºC (28,17%); com a tripsina, em pH 8,5, E:S de 1:150 e 5 horas a 40ºC (29,55%); e com a pepsina, em pH 3,0, E:S de 1:100 e 5 horas a 40ºC (38,27%). A hidrólise da caseína caprina é influenciada positivamente pelo pH e tempo de hidrólise, com o uso da pepsina. Foram observadas interações significativas antagônicas entre pH e relação E:S, com o uso da tripsina; e entre pH, temperatura e tempo de hidrólise, com o uso da papaína. A pepsina apresenta elevada eficiência na hidrólise de αs1, β e κ-caseína, evidenciada por hidrolisados com massa molar abaixo de 14,4 kDa.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of temperature, pH, enzyme:substrate ratio (E:S), and reaction time on the enzymatic hydrolysis of Moxotó breed goat's milk casein, using different proteolytic enzymes. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the capric casein was performed using trypsin, pepsin and papain. For each enzyme, two levels of the variables were used to assess their effects on the hydrolysis of casein, using a full factorial design (2(4)). The hydrolysis products were visualized on SDS-PAGE. The best hydrolysis degree using papain were at pH 6.5, E:S of 1:150 and 5 hours of hydrolysis at 50°C (28.17%); for trypsin, at pH 8.5, E:S of 1:150 and 5 hours at 40°C (29.55%); and for pepsin, at pH 3.0, E:S of 1:100 and 5 hours at 40°C (38.27%). Capric casein hydrolysis is affected positively by pH and reaction time, using pepsin. Significant antagonistic interactions were observed between pH and E:S, with trypsine; and between pH, temperature and reaction time, with papain. Pepsin has high αs1, β e κ-casein hydrolysis efficiency, evidenced by the molar masses below 14.4 kDa of its products.

A água de consumo humano é o principal veículo de transmissão de patógenos capazes de causar infecções gastrointestinais, sendo vital o seu controle microbiológico. O presente trabalho teve a finalidade de avaliar a qualidade bacteriológica da água para o consumo humano, quanto à presença de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, em diferentes unidades de alimentação na cidade do Recife (PE), conforme os padrões de potabilidade estabelecidos pela Portaria nº 518 de 2004 do Ministério da Saúde/ANVISA. Foram coletadas quarenta amostras de água em unidades de alimentação, localizadas no entorno da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco e da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. Foram realizados os testes bacteriológicos para pesquisa de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, conforme o protocolo do APHA (1995). Das amostras analisadas, 62,5% apresentaram coliformes totais e 42,5%, coliformes termotolerantes. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, 62,5% das amostras não estão em conformidade com a legislação vigente.

The water for human consumption is the main vehicle for the transmission of pathogens that are capable of causing enteric parasitic diseases; therefore, its microbiological control is vital. This work had the purpose of evaluating the bacteriological quality of drinking water, in terms of the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms, in different Feeding Units in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, according to the potableness standards established by Ordinance No. 518 of 2004 of the Brazilian Ministry of Health/ANVISA. Forty water samples were collected in the Feeding Units located near the UFPE and UFRPE. The bacteriological tests for research on total and thermotolerant coliforms were carried out in accordance with the protocol of APHA (1995). Of the analyzed samples, 62.5% presented total coliforms and 42.5% thermotolerant coliforms. According to the results obtained, 62.5% of the samples are not in compliance with the law in force

A água de consumo humano é o principal veículo de transmissão de patógenos capazes de causar infecções gastrointestinais, sendo vital o seu controle microbiológico. O presente trabalho teve a finalidade de avaliar a qualidade bacteriológica da água para o consumo humano, quanto à presença de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, em diferentes unidades de alimentação na cidade do Recife (PE), conforme os padrões de potabilidade estabelecidos pela Portaria nº 518 de 2004 do Ministério da Saúde/ANVISA. Foram coletadas quarenta amostras de água em unidades de alimentação, localizadas no entorno da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco e da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. Foram realizados os testes bacteriológicos para pesquisa de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, conforme o protocolo do APHA (1995). Das amostras analisadas, 62,5% apresentaram coliformes totais e 42,5%, coliformes termotolerantes. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, 62,5% das amostras não estão em conformidade com a legislação vigente.

The water for human consumption is the main vehicle for the transmission of pathogens that are capable of causing enteric parasitic diseases; therefore, its microbiological control is vital. This work had the purpose of evaluating the bacteriological quality of drinking water, in terms of the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms, in different Feeding Units in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, according to the potableness standards established by Ordinance No. 518 of 2004 of the Brazilian Ministry of Health/ANVISA. Forty water samples were collected in the Feeding Units located near the UFPE and UFRPE. The bacteriological tests for research on total and thermotolerant coliforms were carried out in accordance with the protocol of APHA (1995). Of the analyzed samples, 62.5% presented total coliforms and 42.5% thermotolerant coliforms. According to the results obtained, 62.5% of the samples are not in compliance with the law in force

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o perfil de proteases em lesões cutâneas experimentais tratadas com a lectina isolada das sementes da Canavalia brasiliensis (ConBr) livre e conjugada com o seu açúcar específico. Lesões cirúrgicas foram produzidas assepticamente na região dorsal de camundongos (n=120), divididos de acordo com o tratamento empregado: Grupo NaCl (NaCl 150mM), Grupo manose (manose 100mM), Grupo ConBr (ConBr 100µg mL-1) e Grupo ConBr/manose (solução contendo ConBr 100µg mL-1 preparada em manose 100mM). Amostras da área lesada foram coletadas para determinação do perfil de proteases e atividade colagenolítica no 2°, no 7° e no 12° dia de pós-operatório. O perfil das proteínas realizado através de eletroforese SDS-PAGE demonstrou a presença de proteínas com massa molecular de 67kDa em todos os grupos. O Grupo ConBr/manose apresentou a maior atividade colagenolítica no 12° dia de pós-operatório. A lectina isolada das sementes da Canavalia brasiliensis influenciou a expressão de proteases com atividade colagenolítica podendo assim interferir no processo cicatricial das lesões cutâneas em camundongos.

The objective of the present study was determining the proteases profile of cutaneous healings treated with free and conjugated lectin of Canavalia brasiliensis (ConBr) and their specific sugar. An aseptic wound was produced in the thoracic area of the mice (n=120), divided according to the employed treatment: NaCl Group (150mM NaCl), manose Group (100mM manose), ConBr Group (100µg mL-1 ConBr) and ConBr/manose Group (solution containing 100µg mL-1 ConBr prepared in 100mM manose). Samples of the injured area were collected for determination of proteases profile and collagenolytic activity on 2nd, 7th e 12th days after the surgery. Electrophoresis SDS-PAGE demonstrated proteins with molecular mass of 67kDa in all groups. Group IV presented the highest collagenolytic activity on the 12th day post surgery. ConBr lectin influenced proteases expression with collagenolytic activity thus being able to intervene on skin wound healing in mice.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as proteínas do plasma seminal de caprinos da raça Alpina Americana criados na região Nordeste do Brasil que estão relacionadas ao índice pluviométrico e à qualidade do sêmen. O sêmen foi obtido pelo método de vagina artificial a partir de três reprodutores e foi avaliado quanto aos parâmetros macroscópicos e microscópicos. O perfil de proteínas do plasma seminal foi realizado por eletroforese bidimensional. Os parâmetros volume do sêmen, integridade do acrossoma e proteínas totais evidenciaram diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre os períodos de alto (1,7mL, 90,3% e 372µg mL-1, respectivamente) e baixo (1,2mL, 80,3% e 494µg mL-1, respectivamente) índice pluviométrico. Foram detectados, nos períodos de alto e baixo índice pluviométrico, 47 e 49 spots de proteínas com massa molecular relativa de 4 a 106kDa e de 15 a 97kDa e ponto isoelétrico de 3,00 a 8,96 e de 4,48 a 9,83, respectivamente. Apenas no período de alto índice pluviométrico foram observados os grupo de proteínas de 13kDa e 45kDa. Conclui-se que o sêmen de caprinos da raça Alpina Americana criados na região Nordeste do Brasil apresenta-se com melhor qualidade quando colhido no período de alto índice pluviométrico, o que pode ser atribuído à presença das proteínas de 13kDa e 45kDa.

The aim of this study was to identify proteins in seminal plasma of goats raised in the Northeast of Brazil related with precipitation index and semen quality. Semen was obtained from three bucks and evaluated to the microscopic and macroscopic parameters. The profile of seminal plasma proteins was performed by analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis. Volume, acrosome integrity and total proteins had significant difference (P<0.05) between the periods of high (1.7mL, 90.3% and 372g mL-1, respectively) and low (1.2mL, 80.3% and 494µg mL-1, respectively) precipitation index. It was detected during high and low precipitation index, 47 and 49 spots of proteins with molecular weight of 4 to 106kDa and 15 to 97kDa, and isoelectric point of 3.00 to 8.96, and 4.48 to 9.83, respectively. Only in the period of high precipitation index were observed groups of proteins with 13kDa and 45kDa. It can be concluded that semen of Alpine American goats raised in the Northeast of Brazil has best quality when obtained in the period of high precipitation index, which can be attributed to the presence of protein with 13kDa and 45kDa.

A enzima coagulante de leite obtida de látex de raiz de Jacaratia corumbensis O. kuntze foi caracterizada parcialmente e purificada, por precipitação fracionária com sulfato de amônio e cromatografia de troca de íon. Foram utilizadas cinco frações de sulfato de amônio (AS1 - 0-20%; AS2 - 20-40%; AS3 - 40-60%; AS4 - 60-80%; AS5 - 80-100%), a fração 40-60% (AS3) mostrou alta atividade coagulante com um fator de purificação de 1,2 vezes em relação ao extrato bruto. Esta fração foi aplicada em coluna Mono Q obtendo dois picos de proteína (p1 e p2), o p1 mostrou melhor atividade coagulante. O pH ótimo para o extrato bruto e parcialmente purificado foi 6,5 e 7,0, respectivamente. A atividade coagulante foi atingida a 55ºC para ambos os extratos, bruto e parcialmente purificado. A enzima foi inibida por ácido iodoacético que sugere que esta enzima é uma cisteína protease, com peso molecular de 33 kDa.

The partial characterization and purification of milk clotting enzyme obtained from the (root latex) of Jacaratia corumbensis O. kuntze was studied, by fractional precipitation with ammonium sulphate and ion exchange chromatography. The ammonium sulphate precipitate showed five fractions (AS1- 0-20%; AS2 - 20-40%; AS3 - 40-60%; AS4 - 60-80%; AS5 - 80-100%) and among the fractions obtained, the 40-60% fraction (AS3) showed the highest milk clotting activity with a purification factor of 1.2 fold in relation to the crude extract. This fraction when applied on Mono Q column yielded two protein peaks (p1 and p2), but p1 pool showed the best milk-clotting activity. The optimal pH for the crude and partially purified extract was 6.5 and 7.0, respectively. The maximum milk-clotting activity was at 55ºC for the both crude and partially purified extracts. The enzyme was inhibited by iodoacetic acid which suggested that this enzyme was a cysteine protease, with molecular weight of 33 kDa.