Abstract Background Endogenous phospholipases A2 (PLA2) play a fundamental role in inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, apoptosis and cellular senescence. Neurotoxins with PLA2 activity are found in snake venoms from the Elapidae and Viperidae families. The mechanism of action of these neurotoxins have been studied using hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal cultures showing [Ca2+]i increase, mitochondrial depolarization and cell death. Astrocytes are rarely used as a model, despite being modulators at the synapses and responsible for homeostasis and defense in the central nervous system. Preserving the cell division ability, they can be utilized to study the cell proliferation process. In the present work cultured astrocytes and glioblastoma cells were employed to characterize the action of β-micrustoxin (previously named Mlx-9), a PLA2 isolated from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom. The β-micrustoxin structure was determined and the cell proliferation, cell cycle phases and the regulatory proteins p53, p21 and p27 were investigated. Methods β-micrustoxin was characterized biochemically by a proteomic approach. Astrocytes were obtained by dissociation of pineal glands from Wistar rats; glioblastoma tumor cells were purchased from ATCC and Sigma and cultured in DMEM medium. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay; cell proliferation and cell cycle phases were analyzed by flow cytometry; p53, p21 and p27 proteins were studied by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results Proteomic analysis revealed fragments on β-micrustoxin that aligned with a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus previously identified as transcript ID DN112835_C3_g9_i1/m.9019. β-micrustoxin impaired the viability of astrocytes and glioblastoma tumor cells. There was a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in G2/M phase and activation of p53, p21 and p27 proteins in astrocytes. Conclusion These findings indicate that β-micrustoxin from Micrurus lemniscatus venom could inhibit cell proliferation through p53, p21 and p27 activation thus imposing cell cycle arrest at the checkpoint G2/M.

The nautical term ύποπλέω is a hapax legomenon used twice in Acts 27 in the context of Paul's captivity voyage to Rome. This article begins by examining how the word has been translated in verses 4 and 7 in relation to other sailing terms in the chapter. The varying translations, particularly of verse 4, are dependent on the interpretation of the journey's route. Next the depiction of the journey in some Bible atlases is discussed. The atlases typically show two different routes around Cyprus, again dependent on how ύποπλέω is interpreted. The voyages of Herod and Lucian in the north-eastern Mediterranean are also examined for interpretative clues. Mediterranean geography, nautical archaeology, and seafaring praxis will also contribute to a suggested translation and interpretation of the word's uses in this pericope in Acts.

The in situ δ-phase formation for a series of yttrium-doped Bi2O3 materials was studied by Raman spectroscopy and high resolution X-ray diffraction under variable temperature conditions. Contrary to previous reports, for dopant concentrations less than 25%, the cubic ô-phase was not fully stabilized at room temperature - tetragonal phase content was evident in both Raman spectra and powder diffractograms. Arrhenius plots also showed evidence of a phase transformation by the distinct large step change in conductivity in the temperature region where the tetragonal-cubic phase transformation was noted. Both the thermal expansion and ionic conductivity of the cubic phase decreased with increasing dopant content.

This work evaluated the extraction efficiency of silica from diatomaceous earth (DE) by conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) under basic and acidic (HCl) conditions utilizing response surface methodology (RSM). A common statistical model was used to get the best percentage yield and percentage purity using RSM. Experimental parameters such as stirring time, NaOH concentration (for CSE), sonication time, NaOH/HCl concentration, cycle and amplitude (for UAE methods) were optimized using central composite design (CCD). The analytical responses, that is, percentage yield and percentage purity, were analyzed using ANOVA and regression analysis. The linear coefficient of determination, R², was high and precise. The overall yield and purity were highest for the UAE method under acid condition (pH 1-2, approximately), making it the most effective silica extraction method from DE. For this method, the optimal conditions for extracting Si from DE were 2 h of sonication, 220 mL of 2.82 M HCl as a leaching/extracting medium, 0.524 cycles and 72.6 % of amplitude. Under these conditions, 82 % of silica was yielded with a purity of about 95 %. The experimental results indicate that high-quality silica can be produced from DE in high yield so that DE can be an alternative silica source.

Studies were conducted to determine if crystalline zeolites could be obtained from the filtrates of coal fly ash (CFA)/NaOH slurries through sonication. The CFA/NaOH slurries were obtained by aging CFA in 3 M NaOH for 24 h at 50 °C using a solid/ liquid (S/L) ratio of 15 g/120 mL. FT-IR studies indicated that the 'Lo' regime ultrasonicated zeolite had higher intensities than that of the 'Hi' frequency ultrasonicated zeolite. The bands associated with the 'Lo' regime ultrasonicated zeolite were observed at 1066 cm-1,1400 cm-1 and 3600 cm-1, which were identified as Si-O asymmetric stretch, Al-O asymmetric stretch, O-Hbend and O-H asymmetric stretch, respectively. Based on PXRD studies, the zeolitic phases were most intense for the 90 min ultrasonicated zeolite. Powder X-ray diffraction studies showed that the phases initially in CFA, such as quartz and aluminosilicate, were converted into gismodine zeolite Na-P1. Morphological changes were seen as ultrasonication period was increased. At short ultrasonication times, irregularly shaped fused-like grain structures were observed, while at longer times separate grain-like structures became more apparent. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies on the 90 min ultrasonicated zeolite indicated the presence of Na, O, Si and Al, which were important building-blocks for the zeolites.

This paper presents a chemical characterization of fine particulate matter (PM25) in air masses passing through Thohoyandou and further determines their sources. PM25 samples were collected and quantified using the gravimetric method. X-ray fluorescence, smoke stain reflectometer, optical transmissometer and scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy were used to determine the chemical and morphological composition of the particulate matter. The source apportionment was done using principal component analysis while the HYSPLIT model was used to depict the long-range transport clusters. The mean of concentrations of PM25, soot, black carbon and UVPM were 10.9 ug/m³, 0.69x10-5 m-1, 1.22 μg/m³ and 1.40 μg/m³, respectively. A total of 24 elements were detected in the PM25 with Pd, Sn, Sb, Mg, Al, and Si being the dominant elements. SEM-EDS have shown the presence of irregular, flat and spherical particles which is associated with crustal material and industrial emissions. Source apportionment analysis revealed six major sources of PM25 in Thohoyandou namely, crustal materials, industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, urban emissions, fossil fuel combustion and fugitive-Pd. Air parcels that pass through Thohoyandou were clustered into four groupings. The major pathways were from the SW Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and inland trajectories. Clusters from the ocean are associated with low concentration, while inland clusters are associated with high concentration of PM25. The PM25 levels occasionally exceeded the daily WHO guideline (25 μg/m³) in Thohoyandou and the sources of PM25 extend beyond the borders. This study recommends that further studies need to be carried out to assess the health impacts of PM25 in Thohoyandou.

Abstract The capture and fixation of atmospheric CO2 is one of the environmental services provided by native forests. Tree biomass is an indicator of carbon stocks and can be estimated using allometric models that must be accurate, unbiased and local. The objectives of this study were to determine the individual aerial biomass of Vachellia caven and its distribution by structural component; estimate the diametric class-based biomass expansion factors (BEF) and obtain allometric models for the estimation of the aerial biomass of the El Espinal, a native forests of Entre Ríos, Argentina. The dasometric variables of 30 individuals of different diametric classes were measured and both the total and componential (trunk, branches of more than 5 cm in diameter, and branches of less than 5 cm + leaves + flowers + fruits) biomass determined using the destructive method. To select the best biomass estimating models, goodness of fit indicators were used: the adjusted coefficient of determination (r.), mean squared predicting error, the PRESS statisticgraph, the Akaike and Bayesian’s Information Criteria and the Furnival index. The best-fit models were based on diameter at breast height (BHD), crown area (ca) and total height. The best model was: Ln(Bt) = -1,69 + 1,74 * Ln(dbh) + 0,41 * Ln(ca). The BEF values varied between 3.1 and 5.8, and were significantly higher in individuals with larger diameters. The models developed in this work present high accuracy (r2 adj. ≥ 0.92) and can be applied in the native forest area of the province of Entre Ríos (Argentina) in V. caven individuals with diameters between 5 cm and 25 cm.

Resumen La captura y fijación de CO2 atmosférico es uno de los servicios ambientales que proveen los bosques nativos. La biomasa arbórea constituye un indicador de las existencias de carbono y puede ser estimada mediante modelos alométricos, que deben ser precisos, insesgados y locales. Los objetivos fueron cuantificar la biomasa individual de Vachellia caven y su distribución por componente estructural; estimar los factores de expansión de la biomasa (FEB) por clase diamétrica; y obtener modelos alométricos para la estimación de la biomasa aérea en bosques nativos del Espinal (Entre Ríos). En 30 individuos de distintas clases diamétricas se midieron variables dasométricas y se determinó la biomasa aérea total y por componente (fuste, ramas mayores de 5 cm de diámetro y ramas menores de 5 cm + hojas + flores + frutos) mediante el método destructivo. Para la selección de los mejores modelos de estimación de biomasa se utilizaron indicadores de bondad de ajuste: coeficiente de determinación ajustado, error cuadrático medio de predicción, estadígrafo PRESS, Criterios de Información de Akaike y Bayesiano e Índice Furnival. Los modelos de mejor ajuste se basaron en el diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP), área de copa (ac) y altura total. El mejor modelo fue: Ln(Bt) = -1,69 + 1,74 * Ln(DAP) + 0,41 * Ln(ac). Los valores de FEB variaron entre 3,1 y 5,8 y fueron significativamente más altos en individuos de mayor diámetro. Los modelos obtenidos presentan alta precisión (R2 aj. ≥ 0,92), pudiendo ser aplicados en individuos de V. caven en el área de bosques nativos del Espinal, que presenten diámetros basales comprendidos entre 5 cm y 25 cm.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different proportions of soybean and linseed oil to replace fish oil in diets for female lambari (Astyanax altiparanae). A completely randomized design with seven treatments and five replicates was used. The treatments consisted of a diet containing fish oil and six diets containing different proportions of soybean oil (S) and linseed oil (L), 10S/0L, 8S/2L, 6S/4L, 4S/6L, 2S/8L and 0S/10L. The fish that received the highest proportion of linseed oil (0S/10L) had the lowest crude lipid in their carcasses. The highest linolenic acid (18:3n3) concentrations were detected in the carcasses of fish fed diets with high proportions of linseed oil (4S/6L, 2S/8L, and 0S/10L). The highest n6/n3 ratios corresponded to the carcasses of fish fed diets containing the lowest proportions of linseed oil (10S/0L and 8S/2L). The highest levels of 20:5n3 (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), 22:6n3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and ZEPA+DHA occurred in fish fed diets containing fish oil. Among the fish that received diets with vegetable oils, the ZEPA+DHA was higher in the fish of the treatments 4S/6L, 2S/8L and 0S/10L. Diets supplemented with a 4S/6L proportion provide adequate deposition of the n3 fatty acids series in the lambari carcass.

Abandoned gold mine sites are generally characterised by severe environmental problems and physical hazards. Because of socio-economic problems confronting communities around abandoned mine sites, historic and abandoned gold mines have become hot-spots for artisanal and small-scale miners. These mining activities at times thwart the efforts of rehabilitation at these sites. This article details how artisanal mining operations have frustrated rehabilitation efforts of abandoned mine shafts in the Sutherland goldfield. The field investigation of abandoned shafts and analysis of the nature of artisanal mining operations in the Sutherland goldfield revealed that artisanal mining involving digging around collars of sealed shafts is a major threat to the stability of the shafts and their sealing structures. In addition, artisanal mining operations have increased the safety risks of the abandoned shafts in the area. This has also been worsened by the fact that a large number of people, especially women and children, are exposed to the hazards of the abandoned mine sites. This article emphasises an urgent need for the development of holistic and cohesive strategies for dealing with the problems of abandoned gold mine shafts wherever they exist in the country as opposed to simply closing them up.

ABSTRACT Objective: Initial diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is frequently associated with advanced stages and a poor prognosis. Thus, the need for earlier diagnoses and detection in relatives at risk for the disease has led to increased use of RET genetic screening. Subjects and methods: We performed RET screening in 247 subjects who were referred to the Brazilian Research Consortium for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (BRASMEN) Center in the State of Ceará. Direct genetic sequencing was used to analyze exons 8, 10, 11, and 13-16 in MTC index cases and specific exons in at risk relatives. Afterward, clinical follow-up was offered to all the patients with MTC and their affected relatives. Results: RET screening was performed in 60 MTC index patients and 187 at-risk family members. At the initial clinical assessment of the index patients, 54 (90%) were diagnosed with apparently sporadic disease and 6 (10%) diagnosed with hereditary disease. After RET screening, we found that 31 (52%) index patients had sporadic disease, and 29 (48%) had hereditary disease. Regarding at-risk relatives, 73/187 were mutation carriers. Mutations in RET codon 804 and the rare p.M918V mutation were the most prevalent. Conclusions: Performing RET screening in Ceará allowed us to identify a different mutation profile in this region compared with other areas. RET screening also enabled the diagnosis of a significant number of hereditary MTC patients who were initially classified as sporadic disease patients and benefited their relatives, who were unaware of the risks and the consequences of bearing a RET mutation.

A araruta é considerada uma hortaliça não convencional que vem despertando interesse da indústria alimentícia em virtude de seu amido, com características diferenciadas e elevado valor comercial. Contudo, são escassas as informações quanto ao manejo, dificultando sua competição comercial com outras espécies de finalidade semelhante, sendo necessários mais estudos com a cultura. Diante disso, objetivou-se definir práticas adequadas de manejo da cultura visando produtividade de rizomas, rendimento de fécula e amido de araruta. Os fatores avaliados foram diferentes níveis de manejo de água, sistema de plantio e de densidades de plantas. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados no ensaio de campo e inteiramente casualizados para as análises laboratoriais. Mediante os tratamentos, a produtividade da cultura variou de 0,68 (mudas; sem irrigação; 31250 plantas ha-1) a 60,09 t ha-1(mudas; irrigado; 31250 plantas ha-1), enquanto que a produção de amido foi de 50 a 6.350 kg ha-1. A maior produtividade de rizomas foi obtida em plantas produzidas por mudas juntamente com a maior densidade de plantas, e a maior produção de fécula e amido de araruta foi extraída de rizomas oriundos de plantas produzidas por mudas, sem uso de irrigação e densidade de 50.000 plantas ha-1.

The arrowroot is considered a non-conventional vegetable which has aroused interest in the food industry because of its starch content with differentiated characteristics and high commercial value. However, agronomic management information is scarce, making it difficult to compete with other species of similar purpose, and more studies are needed regarding the crop. The aim of this study was to define adequate agronomic practices in crop aiming the productivity the rhizome, yield the starch of arrowroot. The factors evaluated were the different levels of irrigation, the planting and the plant densities. The randomized block design was used in the field trial while the totally randomized block design was used in the laboratory tests. Through the treatments, crop yield ranged from 0.68 (seedlings; without irrigation; 31250 plants ha-1) to 60.09 t ha-1 (seedlings; irrigated; 31250 plants ha-1), while starch production ranged from 50 to 6350 kg ha-1. The highest yield of rhizomes was obtained in plants produced by seedlings along with the highest density of plants, and the highest production of arrowroot starch was extracted from rhizomes from plants produced by seedlings without irrigation and a density of 50000 plants ha-1.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional compounds of interest present in vegetables known as non-conventional, in Brazil. The following evaluations were carried out: antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, calories, carbohydrates, humidity, lipids, proteins, fiber, acidity and quantification of minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B). The species studied were Amaranthus hybridus L., Amaranthus viridis L., Basella alba L., Eryngium campestre L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Lactuca canadensis L., Rumex acetosa L., Stachys byzantina K. Koch, Tropaeolum majus L. and Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Representative samples of plant structures of interest were harvested from each species suitable for human consumption such as leaves, flowers and flower buds. The results were submitted to multivariate analysis - principal components analysis (PCA). All the species present nutritional compounds of interest in different levels among the evaluated structures.

A azedinha (Rumex acetosa L.) é um exemplo de espécie alimentícia subutilizada, caracterizada no Brasil como hortaliça não convencional. Existem poucas informações disponíveis no que se refere às técnicas indicadas para o seu cultivo e para a sua produção agrícola. Diante isso, objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento da cultura da azedinha em diferentes níveis de adubação, avaliar o comportamento da cultura quando conduzida em diferentes densidades de plantio, bem como realizar a caracterização dos estádios fenológicos dessa espécie. O delineamento estatístico adotado foi de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas. O índice produtivo variou significativamente quando a cultura foi submetida aos diferentes níveis de espaçamentos e adubações, sendo que o melhor resultado produtivo obtido foi de 75 Mg ha-1, mediante condução em espaçamento mais adensado, de 30 cm entre plantas e 35 cm entre linhas, associada à adubação de 150, 60 e de 100 kg ha-1 de NPK respectivamente. O ciclo da cultura, do plantio à colheita, foi estabelecido em 100 dias após o plantio.

The sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.) is an example of underutilized human food specie, characterized as unconventional vegetable in Brazil. There is little information on the suitable technical for the agricultural production. The objective was to evaluate the crop behavior at different levels of fertilization, evaluate the behavior of the crop when conducted at different planting densities, as well as to characterize the phenological stages of this specie. The statistical design adopted was randomized blocks, with split plots. The production rate of sorrel varied significantly when culture were subjected to different levels of spacing and fertilization, and the best productive results obtained from the crops 75 Mg ha-1. The crop was most productive when conducted in less dense spacing, corresponding to 30 cm between plants per 35 cm between rows, when in combination to fertilization of 150 kg ha-1 of N, 60 kg ha-1 of K2O and 100 kg ha-1 of P2O5. The cycle of crop, from planting to harvest, was established in 100 days after planting.

RESUMO Introdução: A pesquisa de autoanticorpos em células HEp-2 representa uma relevante ferramenta no auxílio diagnóstico de doenças autoimunes, especialmente as reumáticas. Em virtude dos avanços metodológicos, a técnica aumentou gradativamente a sensibilidade, bem como a necessidade de padronização. Objetivo: Avaliar a implantação das recomendações dos consensos brasileiros de pesquisa de autoanticorpos em células HEp-2. Métodos: Preenchimento de formulário em plataforma virtual direcionada aos laboratórios clínicos que realizam a metodologia. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sobre a adoção das diretrizes dos consensos brasileiros, detalhando os aspectos técnicos, o controle de qualidade, a leitura de lâminas e a emissão de laudos. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 53 laboratórios responsáveis por mais de 300 mil testes de fator antinuclear (FAN)/mês; mais da metade (58,5%) informou adotar integralmente as recomendações dos consensos. A maioria (83,1%) utiliza a diluição 1:80 para triagem, e 75,5% dos laboratórios, programas de educação e controle de qualidade. Apenas 39,6% utilizam mais de uma marca de kit para a realização do teste, e 32,1% não relataram observar todas as fases do ciclo celular na leitura da lâmina. O estudo detectou ainda discreta heterogeneidade entre participantes na identificação de padrões. Conclusão: Os resultados evidenciam a adoção das recomendações dos consensos de forma absoluta pela maioria dos laboratórios participantes, bem como a necessidade de aperfeiçoamento em alguns aspectos relevantes para a qualidade do ensaio.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The detection of autoantibodies in HEp-2 cells represents a relevant tool for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatic autoimmune diseases. As a result of the methodological advances, the technique gradually increased the sensitivity, as well as the need for standardization. Objective: To evaluate the implementation of the Brazilian Consensus recommendations for autoantibody determination in HEp-2 cells. Methods: A structured form in a virtual platform was filled in by experts in clinical laboratories that carry out the methodology across the country. The questionnaire addressed the adoption of the Brazilian Consensus guidelines, detailing the technical aspects, quality control, the strategy for reading slides and the release of reports. Results: The study included 53 laboratories responsible for more than 300,000 antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests/month; more than half (58.5%) reported fully adopting the recommendations of the Brazilian Consensus. The majority (83.1%) used the 1:80 for screening dilution, and 75.5% of laboratories, perform education and quality control programs. Only 39.6% reported using more than one kit brand to perform the test, and 32.1% did not report observing all phases of the cell cycle during slide reading. The study also detected some heterogeneity among participants in the identification of patterns. Conclusion: The results confirm the adoption of the Brazilian Consensus recommendations by most of participating laboratories, although with variable extent. There is need for improvement in some aspects, especially those related to the quality control.

RESUMO Para o desenvolvimento adequado da planta e obtenção de produtividade satisfatória é essencial a reposição de água e nutrientes na quantidade ideal e no momento oportuno. Ante o exposto objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar os efeitos de níveis de potencial de água no solo e doses de lithothamnium sobre o crescimento e a produção de frutos de pimentão cultivado em sistema de produção orgânico. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso em arranjo fatorial 5 x 4 com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam à aplicação de cinco doses de lithothamnium (0; 0,5; 1; 2 e 4 g dm-3) e quatro potenciais de água no solo (-6, -24, -42 e -60 kPa). A aplicação de doses crescentes de lithothamnium e irrigações manejadas com base em valores crescentes de potenciais de água produziram aumento linear nas características de crescimento e produção do pimentão. A máxima eficiência econômica do fertilizante lithothamnium foi obtida com a aplicação da dose de 0,54 g dm-3 correspondendo à produção de frutos de 491,26 g planta-1. Irrigações mais frequentes favorecem o aumento do crescimento e da produtividade do pimentão cultivado sob sistema orgânico.

ABSTRACT For proper plant growth and achievement of satisfactory yield, it is essential to replenish water and nutrients, in the right amount and time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil water potential and lithothamnium doses on the growth and yield of bell pepper fruits in an organic production system. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments were five lithothamnium doses (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g dm-3) and four soil water potentials (-6, -24, -42 and -60 kPa). Increasing lithothamnium doses and irrigations based on increasing soil water potentials produced linear increase in plant growth and fruit production. The maximum economic efficiency of the lithothamnium fertilizer was obtained with the application of 0.54 g dm-3, corresponding to the fruit yield of 491.26 g plant-1. More frequent irrigations favor the increase in growth and yield of bell pepper in organic system.