The flavonoid rutin presents several pharmacological effects, despite this, its application in the pharmaceutical industry can be significantly limited by its low bioavailability. The development of lipophilic derivatives by esterification of hydroxyl groups with fatty acid chains may be an effective strategy to change their physicochemical properties. This work aims to use high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) to isolate rutin esters produced by esterification reactions catalyzed by the immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435®). The lipase-catalyzed synthesis of rutin esters (R3-R18:2) in 2-methyl-2-butanol exhibited conversions that ranged from 16 to 40% and highest conversion for short chain fatty acids (R4-R12). After initial partitioning tests of the reaction mixture in different solvent proportions followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis, the biphasic solvent systems consisting in HEMWat (hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water) in different proportions were chosen to separate rutin esters. These esters were separated for the first time to the reaction mixture via HSCCC. This technique proved to be more advantageous than the traditionally one since it allowed quick isolation and high purity (≥ 90%) of the products. It also permitted a substrate recovery for reuse in other enzymatic reactions. Furthermore, the results add valuable information, specially concerning the structures elucidation of different rutin esters not previously described.

RESUMO A compactação do solo e a degradação das pastagens muitas vezes são provenientes da pressão exercida pelo casco dos animais. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se verificar possíveis modificações no solo e mudanças na cobertura vegetal da pastagem devido ao pisoteio animal. Assim, um estudo foi realizado em uma fazenda na região do Agreste de Pernambuco, Brasil. Em uma área de 40 × 40 m manejada sob pastejo contínuo, com uma taxa de lotação de 12 UA ha-1; as amostras de solo foram coletadas antes e após o período de pastejo, com 36 pontos distribuídos regularmente. Em cada ponto, determinou-se a densidade, porosidade total, umidade e resistência à penetração do solo na profundidade de 0-0,10 m, bem como a condutividade hidráulica e a matéria orgânica na superfície do solo. Antes e após o pastejo, imagens do satélite Sentinel-2A também foram obtidas para observar o padrão de resposta da vegetação da pastagem ao longo do tempo por meio do Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada (NDVI) e Cobertura Vegetal de Pastagem (CVP). Os atributos físico-hídricos do solo foram submetidos a análise fatorial. Os mapas de NDVI e CVP foram avaliados quanto à variabilidade espacial. Após o período de pastejo, houve alteração nos atributos do solo em estudo devido ao pisoteio dos animais. O sensoriamento remoto (NDVI e CVP) destacou padrões de variação, como a redução da pastagem e possíveis áreas de preferencias dos animais.

ABSTRACT Soil compaction and pasture degradation are often due to the pressure exerted by the animals’ hooves. In this sense, this study aimed to verify possible changes in the soil and changes in the pasture vegetation coverage due to animal trampling. Thus, a study was carried out on a farm in the ‘Agreste’ region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Soil samples were collected before and after the grazing period, with 36 points regularly distributed in an area of 40 × 40 m managed under continuous grazing, with a stocking rate of 12 AU ha-1. At each point, density, total porosity, humidity, and penetration resistance of the soil at a depth of 0-0.10 m, as well as hydraulic conductivity and organic matter in the soil surface, were determined. Before and after grazing, images from the Sentinel-2A satellite were also obtained to observe the response pattern of pasture vegetation over time using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Pasture Vegetation Coverage (PVC). The physical-hydric attributes of the soil were subjected to factor analysis. NDVI and PVC maps were evaluated for spatial variability. After the grazing period, there was a change in the attributes of the soil under study due to the animal trampling. Remote sensing (NDVI and PVC) highlighted patterns of variation, such as the reduction of pasture and possible areas of preference for the animals.

RESUMO A análise da variabilidade espacial dos elementos meteorológicos e identificação precisa de possíveis causas de estresse térmico no alojamento das aves, auxiliam os produtores no processo de tomada de decisão. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o ambiente interno de aviários no vazio sanitário e na fase de produção, para caracterização da variabilidade térmica espacial e identificação de pontos críticos de controle. O estudo foi realizado no Vale Aluvial do Rio Mimoso, município de Pesqueira, PE, Brasil. Os dados de temperatura do ar, velocidade do vento e iluminância foram registrados no mês de novembro (primavera), em 155 pontos dentro de cada instalação avícola (10 x 90 m), espaçados por malha de 3,0 x 2,5 m e submetidos a análise estatística descritiva e geoestatística. Ocorreu forte dependência espacial para as variáveis temperatura do ar, velocidade do vento e iluminância. Os alcances obtidos para a temperatura do ar nas instalações foram de 48,22 a 114,52 m, enquanto que para a velocidade do vento e a iluminância foram menores que 10 m, revelando assim, a necessidade de maior homogeneidade das variáveis estudadas e atendimento da exigência térmica das aves.

ABSTRACT Spatial variability analysis of meteorological elements and precise identification of possible causes of thermal stress in poultry housing help producers in the decision making process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal environment of poultry houses in the downtime (sanitary void) and in the production phase, to characterize spatial thermal variability and to identify critical control points. The study was carried out in the Alluvial Valley of the Mimoso River, municipality of Pesqueira, PE, Brazil. The data of air temperature, wind speed and illuminance were recorded in November (spring season), at 155 points within each poultry facility (10 x 90 m), spaced in a 3.0 x 2.5 m grid and subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and geostatistics. There was a strong spatial dependence for the variables air temperature, wind speed and illuminance. The ranges obtained for the air temperature in the facilities were from 48.22 to 114.52 m, while for the wind speed and illuminance were less than 10 m, thus revealing the need for greater homogeneity of the studied variables and meeting of the thermal requirement of the poultry.

ABSTRACT The pertinent literature discloses a family of optical profile measuring techniques highlighting the moiré methods. The Moiré technique is based on the interference of two superimposed optical grids which produce fringe patterns which can be processed to analyze the DYNAMIC MEASUREMENT IN MATERIALS mechanical behavior. The goal of this research is to experimentally determine the mechanical displacement of a slim cantilever beam by means of Moiré technique with Phase Shift. Photomechanical experimental arrangement included a digital camera, a multimedia projector and a PC. The occurrence of oscillations has been adequately analyzed. The results showed data from which useful information can withdraw, being of great importance to support agricultural machinery projects and development.

In this paper, two simple ways of evaluating carbon steel sheet corrosion in a hydrochloric acid solution were presented as an experimental proposal for corrosion teaching. The first method is based on direct measurements of mass before and after corrosion tests. The second approach follows the principle of visual colorimetry by which soluble corrosion products are transformed into red complexes allowing monitoring of the products’ concentration according to increases in solution color intensity. Both methods proved able to determine the corrosion rate.

This study describes the composition and structure of the benthic community associated with bryophytes in a first-order stream, located in a biological reserve of the Atlantic Forest, during two seasons. During three months of the dry season of 2007 and three months of the rainy season of 2008, samples of bryophytes attached to stones were collected randomly, along a 100 m stream reach. The structure of the community was analyzed through the mean density of individuals, Shannon's diversity index, Pielou's evenness, family richness, dominance index, and the percentage of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (% EPT). Chironomidae larvae were dominant in the two periods of study, followed by Ceratopogonidae in the rainy season, and Naididae in the dry season. The orders EPT contributed 14 families. The results showed that bryophytes constitute suitable habitat which is able to shelter an abundant and diversified benthic fauna in a small extension of the stream. This habitat provides refuge during spates, and thus minimizes downstream transport of the macroinvertebrate fauna.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e citocinas séricas em 55 neonatos que desenvolveram sepse precoce. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos os parâmetros clínicos dos neonatos relacionados com sepse precoce. No dia do diagnóstico de sepse e 48 horas após, foram realizados o leucograma diferencial e a dosagem de proteína C reativa e glicemia. As citocinas IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6 e TNF-α foram determinadas no sangue do cordão, no dia do diagnóstico de sepse, 48 e 96 horas após o início do tratamento. RESULTADOS: O tempo de internação dos neonatos foi inversamente proporcional ao peso no nascimento. Os parâmetros clínicos foram variados, especialmente a temperatura corpórea. Alterações de glicemia foram frequentes, principalmente a hipoglicemia. A alteração de hemograma mais prevalente foi a leucopenia, devido principalmente à neutropenia. Os níveis de proteína C reativa se mostraram correlacionados com o índice neutrofílico. Observamos uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de TNF-α e IL-10 entre o curso da sepse precoce e os níveis observados no cordão umbilical. CONCLUSÕES: As alterações clínicas e laboratoriais entre os neonatos com sepse são variadas. Neonatos que apresentam elevações no padrão de citocinas no momento do parto permanecem com seus níveis elevados durante o processo infeccioso.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and laboratory parameters and serum cytokine levels in 55 neonates who developed early-onset sepsis. METHODS: Clinical parameters associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis were assessed. White blood cell differential and serum C-reactive protein and glucose levels were measured upon diagnosis of sepsis and 48 hours later. IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were measured in cord blood samples obtained on the day of diagnosis and from samples collected 48 and 96 hours after treatment onset. RESULTS: Among newborns with early-onset sepsis, the length of hospital stay was inversely correlated with birth weight. Clinical parameters varied widely, especially body temperature. Blood glucose changes - particularly hypoglycemia - were common. Leukopenia, usually due to neutropenia, was the most prevalent change in blood cell count. C-reactive protein levels correlated with the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio. Serum TNF-α and IL-10 levels measured early in the course of sepsis were positively correlated with those detected in cord blood. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and laboratory parameters varied widely among neonates with sepsis in this sample. In neonates who presented with increased cytokine levels at birth, this abnormality persisted throughout the infectious process.

A seroepidemiological survey for toxocariasis, among 180 schoolchildren of the public schools of Sorocaba City, state of São Paulo, Brazil, was carried out from August 2000 to July 2001. ELISA test was performed using excretory and secretory antigens for the detection of IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies. Information regarding the children was obtained from the parents or legal guardians. The results showed that the mean age was 5.4 ± 1.4 years, the infection coefficient (IC) was 38.3 and the infection risk was higher among the children living in the city outskirts (IC = 47.4) where the socioeconomic conditions were worse than in the central region of the city (IC = 11.1). There was an association between higher frequency of seroreactivity in the ELISA test and the condition of living in a house with a yard and/or unpaved street. The same was observed in relation to a history of enteroparasitism. There was also an association between a seronegative ELISA test and previous treatment of pet dogs and/or cats with vermifuge. Based on these results, the authors propose that public health programs should include anthelmintic for dogs and cats during the antirabies vaccination campaigns, in order to diminish environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs and consequently human infection.

Um ensaio clínico, duplo-cego, ao acaso, e controlado com placebo para aferir a eficácia da doxiciclina (200 mg, dose única) em prevenir leptospirose após exposição de alto risco com água potencialmente contaminada foi realizado em São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Casos confirmados foram definidos como aqueles que apresentavam anticorpos IgM anti-Leptospira e sintomas; casos assintomáticos eram aqueles que apresentavam somente anticorpo IgM, casos suspeitos apresentavam sintomas, porém sem anticorpo IgM. 40 indivíduos tomaram doxaciclina e 42 tomaram placebo. No grupo tratado houve 2 casos confirmados, 11 assintomáticos e 6 casos suspeitos. No grupo placebo houve 5 casos confirmados, 6 assintomáticos e 5 casos suspeitos. Apesar de haver uma associação protetora da doxaciclina nos casos confirmados (RR = 2,3) e soroconversão (RR = 2,0), a associação não foi estatisticamente significante devido ao pequeno número de indivíduos envolvidos no estudo. Foi observado que a taxa de ataque de casos confirmados, casos assintomáticos e casos suspeitos de leptospirose foi 8,5%, 22%, e 13%, nessa população.

A clinical trial pilot study, double-blinded, randomized, and controlled with a placebo to assess the effectiveness of oral doxycycline (200 mg, single dose) in preventing leptospirosis after high exposure to potentially contamined water was performed in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Confirmed cases were defined as those with leptospira IgM antibody and symptoms; asymptomatic cases were those presenting with IgM antibodies but no symptoms; and suspected cases were individuals with symptoms but no IgM antibody. Forty subjects were given doxycycline and 42 were given placebo. In the drug-treated group there were 2 confirmed cases, 11 asymptomatic cases, and 6 suspected cases. In the placebo group there were 5 confirmed, 6 symptomatic, and 5 suspected cases. Even though we found a protective association of doxycycline for confirmed leptospirosis cases (RR = 2.3) and seroconversion only (RR = 2.0), the association was not statistically significant because of the small number of individuals enrolled in this pilot study. We observed that the 22% of the volunteers already had IgM antibodies to leptospirosis at the first sampling. Finally, the attack rate to confirmed, asymptomatic, and suspected cases of Leptospirosis was 8.5%, 22%, and 13%, respectively, in this population.

A Leptospirose é uma das causas de meningite, embora sua importância seja pouco conhecida. O presente estudo contribui para este conhecimento ao demonstrar anticorpos específicos da classe IgM anti-Leptospira pelo método imunoenzimático (ELISA), em 14,6% das amostras de líqüido cefalorraquianos (LCR) de 171 pacientes com meningite considerada de etiología indeterminada. As freqüências de positividade foram parecidas nos casos com predomínio no LCR de leucócitos polimorfonucleares ou linfomononucleares. A distribuição por idade mostrou predomínio na faixa etária entre 5 e 15 anos (72%) e por sexo o predomínio do masculino (68%). Os autores discutem a contribuição desse método na elucidação etiológica das meningites.

Leptospirosis is one of the causes of meningitis, although its importance is not well known. In the present study we contributed to this knowledge by demonstrating specific IgM class anti-leptospira antibodies by the immunoenzymatic method ELISA in 14.6% of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 171 patients with meningitis considered to be of indeterminate etiology. The frequencies of positivity were similar in cases with predominance of polymorphonuclear or lymphomononuclear leucocytes in the CSF. Age distribution showed a predominance of the 5 to 15 year age range (72%), and sex distribution showed a predominance of males (68%). The authors discuss the contribution of this method to the etiologic elucidation of meningitis.

Os autores estudaram um caso humano de febre amarela silvestre, sob os aspectos clínico, laboratorial e epidemiológico. O paciente apresentava febre (39ºC), calafrios, sudorese, cefaléia, dor lombar, mialgia, dor abdominal em epigástrio, náuseas, vômitos, diarréia e prostração. Relatava permanência em área onde foram constatados casos de febre amarela silvestre e não havia histórico de vacinação anterior. Frente às suspeitas que levaram à investigação do vírus da febre amarela, foram colhidas várias amostras de sangue no curso da doença. As amostras do 5º, 7º e 10º dias foram submetidas a provas de isolamento e quantificação do vírus, o que possibilitou o estudo da viremia. Empregando-se os testes de MAC-ELISA (detecção de IgM), Fixação de Complemento (FC), Inibição de Hemaglutinação (IH) e teste de Neutralização (N), foi observada a resposta imune para anticorpos específicos nas amostras do 7º ao 26º dias. Os resultados mostraram que no 5º e 7º dias havia persistência da fase virêmica, com títulos elevados. Ao término desta fase, com o aparecimento de anticorpos específicos, foi observado um agravamento do quadro clínico, com sangramento de mucosas. Os autores alertam para a possibilidade de ocorrerem epidemias urbanas em áreas com alta infestação de Aedes aegypti.

The authors report the clinical, laboratorial and epidemiological aspects of a human case of jungle yellow fever. The patient suffered from fever, chills, sweating, headaches, backaches, myalgia, epigastric pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and prostration. He was unvaccinated and had been working in areas where cases of jungle yellow fever had been confirmed. Investigations concerning the yellow fever virus were performed. Blood samples were collected on several days in the course of the illness. Three of these samples (those obtained on days 5,7 and 10) were inoculated into suckling mice in attempt to isolate virus and to titrate the viremia level. Serological surveys were carried out by using the IgM Antibodies Capture Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (MAC-ELISA), Complement Fixation (CF), Hemagglulinalion Inhibition (HI) and Neutralization (N) tests. The yellow fever virus, recovered from the two first samples and the virus titration, showed high level of viremia. After that, specific antibodies appeared in all samples. The interval between the end of the viremia and the appearance of the antibodies was associated with the worsening of clinical symptoms, including bleeding of the mucous membrane. One must be aware of the risk of having a urban epidemics in areas where Aedes aegypti is found in high infestation indexes.