Resumo Algumas espécies lenhosas da caatinga possuem potencial para produzir forragem de qualidade a baixo custo. Suas folhas e ramas finas podem ser consumidas no campo ou fornecidas como feno, se forem coletadas na estação chuvosa, período de abundância, para suplementar a dieta dos animais no período seco do ano. Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L. P. Queiroz (catingueira) aparece com bom potencial para a produção de forragem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de forragem de catingueira em função da intensidade de poda de suas ramas em dois anos consecutivos, e o efeito desta no DAP e acúmulo de biomassa lenhosa, e na forragem herbácea produzida sob e fora da projeção da copa. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na Fazenda Lameirão, Santa Terezinha-PB, Brasil. As ramas foram coletadas de 20 catingueiras adultas, de acordo com 5 intensidades de poda: T1 = 0%, T2 = 25%, T3 = 50%, T4 = 75% e T5 = 100% de poda. A produção média de forragem variou entre os tratamentos de 2,19 a 7,07 kg. árvore-1 (MS) em 2016 e de 1,33 a 2,41 kg. árvore-1 (MS) em 2017. A produção de forragem herbácea foi maior sob (1,60 t. ha-1) (MS) do que fora (1,07 t. ha-1) (MS) da copa. O corte das ramas não afeta o acúmulo de biomassa lenhosa e nem a produção herbácea. A composição química das forragens é satisfatória à alimentação animal.

Abstract Some woody species of the caatinga have the potential to produce high quality forage at a low cost. Its leaves and thin branches can be foraged in the field or supplied as hay if they are collected in the rainy season, period of food abundance, to supplement the diet of the animals in the dry period of the year. Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L. P. has a high potential for forage production. The objective of this study was to evaluate forage production of P. pyramidalis according to the pruning intensity of its fine branches in two consecutive years, the effect of prunning on DAP and accumulation of woody biomass, and on the herbaceous forage produced under and outside the canopy projection. The study was carried out at Fazenda Lameirão, Santa Terezinha - Paraíba state, Brazil. Fine branches were collectect from 20 adult P. pyramidalis according to five pruning intensities: T1 = 0%, T2 = 25%, T3 = 50%, T4 = 75% and T5 = 100% of the fine branches. The average forage production ranged from 2.19 to 7.07 kg.tree-1 (DM) in 2016, and from 1.33 to 2.41 kg.tree-1 (DM) in 2017. The production of the herbaceous forage was higher under (1.60 t.ha-1) (DM) than out (1.07 t.ha-1) (DM) of tree canopy. Pruning of fine branches does not affect the accumulation of woody biomass nor the herbaceous biomass production. Forage from P. pyramidalis fine branches and herbs showed to be suitable to animal feeding.

The aim of this study was evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of crude extracts from Eugenia uniflora, Libidibia ferrea and Psidium guajava. The extracts were obtained by turbo-extraction using water (AQ) or acetone-water (AC-W) (7:3, v/v) as solvents and lyophilized to obtain the crude extracts (CE). The CE were characterized by UV-Vis, TLC and HPLC. The activity of CEs was investigated against clinical isolates of Candida spp. and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), MIC50 and MIC90 were determinated. The analysis by TLC showed that all CEs presented polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins). The CEs from E. uniflora showed higher amount of polyphenols (30.35 ± 2.15%, AC-W) and the HPLC analysis revealed the tannins in all extracts. The CEs of E. uniflora showed MIC range from 1.9 to 500.0 µg/mL, and lower values of MIC50 and MIC90 against non-albicans Candida isolates. Regarding L. ferrea and P. guajava, the results showing MIC from 3.9 to 1000.0 µg/mL (CE-AQ) against C. albicans. The results demonstrate antifungal performance from CE against various species of Candida spp., suggesting that the herbal species may be use as new potential antifungal agents. Additionally, the polyphenol content can play a pivotal role in the antifungal properties of CE.

RESUMO: A agricultura orgânica destaca-se pelo emprego de práticas que beneficiam o meio ambiente e aumentam a sustentabilidade na agricultura. No presente estudo, a couve-de-folha, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC., foi submetida a tratamentos de adubação química e orgânica à base de torta de mamona e esterco bovino para se verificar a influência dos fertilizantes na ocorrência de insetos pragas e inimigos naturais. Os insetos foram amostrados por meio de exame visual de plantas e armadilhas tipo alçapão. Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) e Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) foram os insetos fitófagos que ocorreram significativamente em maior número em couve sob adubação química que orgânica, enquanto Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) e aranhas (Arachnida: Araneae) foram abundantes em couve sob adubo orgânico. O estudo evidenciou que o uso de torta de mamona e esterco bovino como adubo de couve-de-folha pode reduzir o uso de inseticidas e fornecer alimentos de qualidade.

ABSTRACT: Organic agriculture is distinguished by practices that benefit the environment and support sustainable agriculture. In the present study, leafy kale, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC., was submitted to chemical and organic (castor bean cake and bovine manure) fertilization treatments aiming to verify the influence of these fertilizers on the occurrence of insect pests and natural enemies. The insects were sampled by visual examination of plants and pitfall traps. Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were the phytophagous insects that occurred more significantly in kale, under chemical rather than organic fertilization, whereas Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) were abundant in kale under organic fertilizer. The study showed that castor bean cake and bovine manure as leafy kale fertilizers can reduce the use of insecticides and provide quality food.

RESUMO Esse trabalho teve como objetivo obter hambúrguer vegetal a partir do resíduo da extração do suco de caju (fibra) e de feijão caupi, que são materiais abundantes na região Nordeste do Brasil. A fibra foi lavada e prensada em expeller por cinco vezes. O caupi foi macerado em água e após remoção da casca, moído para obtenção de pasta. Os hambúrgueres foram obtidos pela mistura da fibra, da pasta de caupi e de outros ingredientes usados em receitas tradicionais, moldados e congelados. Quatro testes sensoriais foram usados para definir: (1) necessidade de cozimento da pasta de caupi com os outros ingredientes; (2) a proporção fibra/pasta de caupi; (3) ingredientes para melhorar as características sensoriais; (4) aceitação do hambúrguer. A formulação obtida continha 29,3% de fibra de caju, 29,3% de pasta de caupi, 25,1% de tomate, 6,8% de cebola, 5,3% de pimentão, 1,3% de alho, 0,1% de pimenta do reino, 0,2% de salsinha desidratada, 1,2% de sal e 1,4% de óleo de milho. A aceitação sensorial foi 7,8 em escala hedônica de nove pontos. A composição centesimal foi 71,08% de umidade, 2,07% de cinzas, 4,86% de proteínas, 1,19% de lipídeos e 20,79% de carboidratos totais. A estabilidade foi avaliada durante armazenamento congelado (-18 ºC) por 180 dias. Nesse período, a acidez aumentou e o pH e o ácido ascórbico diminuíram. Com relação à cor, os valores de a* e b* aumentaram, indicando que os hambúrgueres ficaram mais laranjas/marrons. O hambúrguer foi considerado seguro microbiologicamente e estável por pelo menos seis meses.

ABSCTRACT This work aimed to obtain a vegetable burger from the cashew juice production residue (fiber) and cowpea that are two abundant materials in Northeast Brazil. Fiber was washed and pressed in an expeller for five times. Cowpea was soaked in water and, after skin removal, ground to obtain a paste. Hamburgers were made by mixing the cashew fiber, the cowpea paste, and the ingredients used in traditional burger recipes, then shaped and frozen. Four sensory tests were performed to define: (1) the need of cooking the cowpea paste with the other ingredients; (2) the fiber/paste proportion; (3) ingredients to enhance the sensory characteristics; (4) burger acceptance. The resultant formulation had 29.3% of cashew fiber, 29.3% of cowpea paste, 25.1% of tomato, 6.8% of onion, 5.3% of sweet pepper, 1.3% of garlic, 0.1% of black pepper, 0.2% of dehydrated parsley, 1.2% of salt and 1.4% of corn oil. The sensory acceptance was 7.8 in a 9-point hedonic scale. Proximate composition was 71.08% moisture, 2.07% ashes, 4.86% proteins, 1.19% lipids and 20.79% total carbohydrates. Stability was evaluated during frozen storage (-18 ºC) for 180 days. In this period, acidity increased and pH and ascorbic acid decreased. As to color, a* and b* values increased, indicating that the burgers became more orange/brown. The burger was considered microbiologically safe and shelf-stable for at least 6 months.

RESUMO A irrigação com águas salobra, frequente na região semiárida do nordeste brasileiro, potencializa o processo de salinização do solo nessas áreas. O cultivo hidropônico destaca-se como uma importante estratégia de convivência com o semiárido, uma vez que as culturas apresentam maior tolerância ao estresse salino nestas condições de cultivo, as quais minimizam os efeitos da salinização dos solos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da salinidade sobre o crescimento, produção e nutrição mineral de pimentão em cultivo hidropônico utilizando água salina em substrato de fibra de coco. O experimento foi conduzido em Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil (8°3'15'' S, 34°52'53'' W). Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com fatorial 5x2, com cinco repetições, consistindo em cinco níveis de salinidade da solução nutritiva (2,0; 3,5; 4,5; 5,5 e 6,5 dS m-1) e duas cultivares de pimentão (Bruno e Rúbia). O incremento dos níveis de salinidade da solução nutritiva diminuiu a produção de frutos das cultivares avaliadas, reduziu os teores de potássio, fósforo e enxofre e aumentou os teores de sódio e cloro no tecido foliar. O teor de Ca da cv. Bruno decresceu em função do aumento da salinidade, e a apresentou aumento na cv. Rúbia. A cv. Rúbia destacou-se pela maior produtividade e maior eficiência na seletividade iônica, sendo capaz de acumular mais potássio e cálcio, e manter menores teores de Na e Cl. A produtividade da cv. Rúbia (39,9 t ha-1) quando cultivada em solução com condutividade elétrica de até 3,5 dS m-1 , indica a viabilidade potencial de seu cultivo em condições hidropônicas.

ABSTRACT Irrigation with brackish water is common in the semiarid region of the Brazilian Northeast, potentiating the process of salinization of the soil in these areas. The hydroponic system stands out as an important strategy for crop management in semiarid regions, since crops show greater tolerance to the salt stress under hydroponic conditions, which minimize the effects of soil salinization. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of salt stress on the growth, fruit yield and mineral nutrition of sweet pepper in hydroponic system, using brackish water and coconut fiber substrate. The experiment was conducted in Recife, State of Pernambuco, Brazil (8°3'15''S, 34°52'53''W). A randomized block experimental design in a 5x2 factorial arrangement with five replications was used, consisting of five water salinity levels of the nutrient solution (2.0; 3.5; 4.5; 5.5 and 6.5 dS m-1) and two sweet pepper cultivars (Bruno and Rubia). The increasing salinity level of the nutrient solution decreased the fruit yield of the cultivars evaluated, reduced the potassium, phosphorus and sulfur, and increased the sodium and chlorine contents in the leaf tissues. The Ca contents of the cultivar Bruno decreased with increasing salinity, and increased in the cultivar Rubia. The cultivar Rubia stood out with the highest fruit yield and ionic selectivity, accumulating high amounts of potassium and calcium and maintaining low Na and Cl contents. The fruit yield of the cultivar Rubia (39.9 t ha-1) grown under solution with electrical conductivity of up to 3.5 dS m-1, denotes the potential viability of growing this cultivar under hydroponic conditions.

RESUMO. Os carabídeos (Coleoptera: Carabidae) são considerados predadores polífagos e importantes inimigos naturais de insetos pragas. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre os hábitos alimentares destes besouros. Neste trabalho, determinamos o tipo de conteúdo alimentar no trato digestivo de nove espécies de Carabidae associados a plantas herbáceas e diferentes estágios de crescimento de algodão colorido. O conteúdo alimentar foi avaliado no cultivar de algodão colorido BRS Verde Gossypium hirsutum L. latifolium Hutch. e nas adjacencias da área com algodoeiro, foi inserido canteiros com plantas daninhas e plantas herbáceas floriferas (PHF) Lobularia maritima (L.), Tagetes erecta L. e Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. A análise trato digestivo indicaram vários tipos de dietas e artrópodes relacionados com Abaris basistriata, Galerita brasiliensis, Scarites sp., Selenophorus alternans, Selenophorus discopunctatus e Tetracha brasiliensis. Os carabídeos estudados foram considerados predadores polífagos, alimentando-se de diferentes tipos de presas.

ABSTRACT. The carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are recognized as polyphagous predators and important natural enemies of insect pests. However, little is known about the feeding habits of these beetles. In this work, we determine the types of food content in the digestive tracts of nine species of Carabidae associated with herbaceous plants and different growth stages of coloured cotton. The food contents were evaluated for beetles associated with the coloured cotton cv. BRS verde, Gossypium hirsutum L. latifolium Hutch., adjacent to weed plants and the flowering herbaceous plants (FHPs) Lobularia maritima (L.), Tagetes erecta L., and Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. The digestive tract analysis indicated various types of diets and related arthropods for Abaris basistriata, Galerita brasiliensis, Scarites sp., Selenophorus alternans, Selenophorus discopunctatus and Tetracha brasiliensis. The carabids were considered to be polyphagous predators, feeding on different types of prey.

Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown (Verbenaceae) is a medicinal plant for which several biological activities are reported, such as sedative, anxiolytic, anti-ulcer, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory. It is characterized by the production of essential oils which have been used to classify the plant in different chemotypes. In the Northeast region of Brazil, the presence of three chemotypes are reported: myrcene-citral (chemotype I), limonene-citral (chemotype II) and carvone-limonene (chemotype III). In this work, headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was used on the analysis of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of three chemotypes of L. alba from the Northeast region of Brazil, and compared to the essential oils of the plants extracted by hydrodistillation. Volatile compounds from each chemotype were more effectively differentiated when extracted by HS-SPME than by hydrodistillation.

ABSTRACT Objective To ascertain whether modifiable physical performance–based measurements predicted 5.5-year mortality in a riparian elderly cohort in the Amazon rainforest region. Methods A longitudinal study evaluating the impact of functional determinants on 5.5-year mortality in a riparian elderly cohort from Maués City in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, was performed. The study was a follow-up of a previous observational investigation that evaluated various fitness tests in 630 Amazonian riparian elderly (291 males and 339 females) aged 72.3 ± 8.0 (60–99) years old. The cohort was selected for its adverse environmental conditions, which increased the risk of falls yet required maintenance of good physical condition for carrying out relatively rigorous daily activities, and restricted access to specialized health services. Official death records were obtained from the Maués Municipal Health Department. Results A total of 80 study participants (12.7%) died over the 5.5-year study period. Kaplan-Meier regression analysis showed significant association between Timed Up and Go (TUG) test scores ≥ 14 seconds and mortality risk, independent of sex, age, and other health variables. Conclusions The study results suggest that the TUG test can be used as an indicator for initiating therapeutic and preventive actions, including conducting exercises or physical activities adapted to the health and functional conditions of the elderly, by identifying elderly people with a higher relative risk of mortality.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar si los parámetros modificables del rendimiento físico permiten predecir la mortalidad a 5,5 años en una cohorte de ancianos de las zonas ribereñas de la selva tropical del Amazonas. Métodos En este estudio longitudinal se evaluó la influencia de los determinantes de la capacidad funcional sobre la mortalidad a 5,5 años en una cohorte de ancianos de la ciudad ribereña de Maués del estado de Amazonas (Brasil). El estudio consistió en un seguimiento de una investigación observacional anterior en la que se efectuaron diversas pruebas para determinar el estado físico de 630 ancianos de las zonas ribereñas del Amazonas (291 hombres y 339 mujeres) de 72,3 años de edad ± 8,0 (60-99) años. La cohorte fue seleccionada en función de las condiciones ambientales adversas, que aumentan el riesgo de caídas pero exigen un buen estado físico para llevar adelante las actividades relativamente rigurosas de la vida cotidiana, así como del acceso limitado a servicios de salud especializados. Los certificados de defunción oficiales se obtuvieron del Ministerio de Salud del Municipio de Maués. Resultados En el transcurso del estudio, que tuvo una duración de 5,5 años, fallecieron 80 participantes (12,7 %). El análisis de regresión de Kaplan-Meier reveló una relación significativa entre los valores de la prueba cronometrada de levantarse y caminar (TUG) ≥ 14 segundos y el riesgo de mortalidad, que fue independiente del sexo, la edad y demás variables de salud. Conclusiones Los resultados de este estudio indican que la prueba TUG puede emplearse como indicador de la necesidad de instituir medidas terapéuticas y preventivas, como ejercicios o actividades físicas adaptadas a la salud y el estado funcional de los ancianos, dado que permite detectar a aquellos que están expuestos a un riesgo relativo de muerte más alto.

The aims of this study were to produce films from phosphorylated starch/chitosan/PVA blends and evaluate their physicochemical properties. The film properties were dependent on the starch percentage in the blend. The infrared spectra of the blends showed the appearance of bands at 1716 and 1733 cm-1 (stretching C = O of PVA acetate residues) and 1556 cm-1 (amide II deformation of the chitosan) indicating the incorporation of these components into the blends. The films with high phosphorylated starch content showed low thermal and mechanical strength and high water absorption capacity while blends with higher content of chitosan and PVA showed good mechanical properties and low water vapor permeability. Films containing 40% and 20% starch showed excellent properties such as high water absorption capacity and biodegradability for use as bandages and agricultural films and also as a source of organic matter in soil.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic human pathogen that is capable of causing superficial and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. Extracts of Sapindus saponaria have been used as antimicrobial agents against various organisms. In the present study, we used a combination of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to identify the changes in protein abundance of C. albicans after exposure to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and sub-minimal inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) of the butanolic extract (BUTE) of S. saponaria and also to fluconazole. A total of six different proteins with greater than 1.5 fold induction or repression relative to the untreated control cells were identified among the three treatments. In general, proteins/enzymes involved with the glycolysis (GPM1, ENO1, FBA1), amino acid metabolism (ILV5, PDC11) and protein synthesis (ASC1) pathways were detected. In conclusion, our findings reveal antifungal-induced changes in protein abundance of C. albicans. By using the previously identified components of the BUTE of S. saponaria (e.g., saponins and sesquiterpene oligoglycosides), it will be possible to compare the behavior of compounds with unknown mechanisms of action, and this knowledge will help to focus the subsequent biochemical work aimed at defining the effects of these compounds.

La producción de caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.) está influenciada por varios factores abióticos desfavorables, como el estrés salino. La salinidad puede inducir el estrés oxidativo, que causa daño a las biomoléculas y a las estructuras celulares. Sin embargo, estos daños se puede evitar o minimizar por los sistemas de defensa enzimático y no enzimáticos de las plantas. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto de la prolina exógena en el contenido de Na+ e K+, y la actividad de la catalasa, ascorbato peroxidasa y peroxidasa en dos genotipos de caña de azúcar (RB931011 y RB872552) cultivados in vitro bajo estrés salino. Las plantas se cultivaron durante 20 días en presencia o ausencia de NaCl 100 mM y expuestos a prolina 20 mM durante un periodo de tiempo variable. Los datos fueron sometidos a ANOVA factorial (dos genotipos y cinco tratamientos), y las medias se compararon mediante la prueba de Tukey al 5 % de probabilidad. Bajo estrés salino, ambos genotipos mostraron reducción en la integridad de la membrana, disminución de las proteínas solubles totales y el mantenimiento o incremento en el contenido de prolina endógena. La prolina exógena reduce la acumulación de Na+ en proporción al período de exposición al aminoácido. En ambos genotipos, la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes se incrementó con la adición de NaCl. En conclusión, el genotipo RB931011 mostró mayor acumulación de prolina y un mayor aumento de la actividad de la catalasa, ascorbato peroxidasa y peroxidasa, lo que indica una mejor tolerancia al estrés salino en comparación con el genotipo RB872552.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) production is influenced by various abiotic stresses, including salt stress. Salinity can induce oxidative stress, which in turn damages biomolecules and cellular structures. However, such damage can be avoided or minimized by the enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense systems of plants. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of exogenous proline on Na+ and K+ content and on the activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase in two sugarcane genotypes (RB931011 and RB872552) grown in vitro under salt stress. The plants were grown for 20 days with or without 100 mM NaCl and exposed to 20 mM proline for varying period of time. The data were subjected to ANOVA factorial (two genotypes and five treatments), and the mean values were compared by Tukey test at a 5 % probability. Under salinity stress, both genotypes exhibited membrane integrity reduction, reduced total soluble protein content and unaltered or increased endogenous proline content. Exogenous proline reduced Na+ accumulation in a manner proportional to the exposition period at the amino acid. In both genotypes, antioxidant enzymes activity increased with the addition of NaCl. In conclusion, RB931011 genotype showed higher proline accumulation and increased in activity of the antioxidant enzymes, indicating better salt stress tolerance than in RB872552 genotype.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue inducir la embriogénesis somática directa en segmentos de hojas jóvenes en la variedad de caña de azúcar RB872552, e investigar la correlación de este evento morfogénico con el estrés oxidativo. Se utilizaron dos protocolos de inducción de embriogénesis somática, previamente descritos para caña de azúcar, con distintas suplementaciones en el medio de cultivo y en las condiciones de incubación. Para la conversión de embriones en plantas se utilizó el medio MS sin fitoreguladores. Se realizaron además análisis histológicas y de actividad enzimática antioxidante en tejidos embriogénicos y no embriogénicos. La formación de embriones somáticos ocurrió en 81 % de los explantes, con la combinación de los reguladores de crecimiento 2,4-D (ácido 2,4-diclorofenoxiacético) y BAP (6-bencilaminopurina) e incubación bajo un fotoperiodo de 16 h. Respecto a las enzimas antioxidantes, se observó un incremento en la actividad de peroxidasa y en el contenido de proteínas solubles en los tejidos embriogénicos, mientras que la polifenoloxidasa y la catalasa presentaron valores más bajos de actividad en estos tejidos, en comparación con los no embriogénicos. Se podría inferir que el estrés oxidativo juega un papel importante en la inducción de la embriogénesis somática en caña de azúcar.

The objective of this work was to induce direct somatic embryogenesis from segments of immature leaves of the RB872552 variety of sugarcane and to correlate this morphogenic event with oxidative stress. Two previously described protocols were utilized for the induction of somatic embryogenesis in sugarcane with different supplementations of the culture medium and different incubation conditions. For the conversion of embryos into plants was used MS medium without phytoregulators. Histological analyses and activity of antioxidant enzymes were also conducted for the embryogenic and non-embryogenic tissues. The formation of somatic embryos was obtained in 81 % of the explants with the combination of regulators 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid)and BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) when incubated under 16 h photoperiod. With regards to the antioxidant enzymes, there was increased activity of peroxidase and an increase in the soluble protein content in embryogenic tissues, whereas lower activities of polyphenol oxidase and catalase appeared in these tissues compared to nonembryogenic tissues. It could be inferred that oxidative stress plays an important role in the induction of somatic embryogenesis in sugarcane.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o potencial fitotóxico do extrato etanólico bruto e das frações semipurificadas de Dicranopteris flexuosa por meio de bioensaios de germinação e crescimento de Lactuca sativa L. (alface), Lycopersicon esculentum L. (tomate), Allium cepa L. (cebola) e Triticum aestivum L. (trigo) em laboratório e casa de vegetação e quantificar o teor total de fenóis e flavonóides dos extratos e frações. Nos bioensaios realizados em laboratório foram utilizadas quatro concentrações (0, 250, 500, 1000 mg L-1), com quatro repetições de 50 sementes. A análise dos resultados indica redução da velocidade e/ou inibição da germinação, estímulo do crescimento da raiz das eudicotiledôneas e inibição da raiz adventícia das monocotiledôneas estudadas. Nos bioensaios realizados em casa de vegetação foram utilizadas as mesmas concentrações dos bioensaios em laboratório, com oito repetições de cinco sementes por vaso. A análise dos resultados indica que o comprimento da raiz foi afetado pelo extrato etanólico bruto, ocorrendo estímulo em tomate e inibição em cebola e trigo. A produção de massa seca da parte aérea foi estimulada na menor concentração em alface e trigo. A fração acetato de etila foi a que apresentou os maiores teores de fenóis e flavonóides totais. Embora os resultados sejam preliminares, observa-se que o extrato etanólico e as frações semipurificadas de D. flexuosa também contêm substâncias que interferem no crescimento das plântulas de alface, tomate, cebola e trigo.

This work aimed to determine the phytotoxic potential of crude ethanol extract and semipurified fractions of Dicranopteris flexuosa on the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce), Lycopersicon esculentum L. (tomato), Allium cepa L. (onion) and Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays and determine total phenolic and flavonoid content. For the tests carried out in laboratory, four concentrations (0, 250, 500, 1000 mg.L-1) were applied to four replicates of 50 seeds each. Analysis of the results indicates a reduction in speed and/or inhibition of germination, stimulation of root growth in eudicots and root inhibition in the monocots studied. For the bioassays carried out in the greenhouse, the plant materials were applied at the same concentrations as those in the laboratory bioassays, with eight replicates of five seeds each. Analysis of the results indicates that root length was affected by the crude ethanol extract resulting in stimulation in tomato and inhibition in onion and wheat. Aerial dry mass was higher at the lower concentration in lettuce and wheat. The ethyl acetate fraction presented higher content of total phenols and flavonoids. Although the results are preliminary, they indicate that ethanol extract and semipurified fractions of D. flexuosa contain substances that modify seedling growth of lettuce, tomato, onion and wheat.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do consumo crônico de di e trieptanoínas sobre a esteatose hepática (EH) em ratos. METODOLOGIA: Ratos Wistar submetidos à dieta AIN-93 com 0%, 30% ou 50% de substituição do óleo por óleo rico em di e trieptanoína, grupos TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 e TAGC(7)50, respectivamente, por nove meses. O grupo-controle recebeu ração Labina®. Analisaram-se histologia e provas de função e lesão hepática, glicemia e perfil lipídico sérico. Realizaram-se análise de variância, teste F, teste de Dunnet e análises de regressão uni e multivariadas (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 e TAGC(7)50 desenvolveram EH; 80% de casos graves no TAGC(7)0 contra 40% no TAGC(7)50. Os pesos absoluto (PAF) e relativo do fígado (PRF) foram maiores em TAGC(7)0 e TAGC(7)30 e a glicemia foi maior em TAGC(7)30 e TAGC(7)50, que no grupo-controle. Colesterol total, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c e proteínas totais foram maiores no grupo-controle. O óleo experimental reduziu o PRF e determinou tendência de redução do peso corporal, PAF, percentual de lipídios hepáticos e graus de EH (GHE). As variáveis explicativas para GHE foram peso final, glicemia, albumina, HDL-c, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, VLDL-c e fosfatase alcalina. CONCLUSÕES: Sugere-se que di e trieptanoínas exerçam efeito hepatoprotetor contra a EH, em ratos, em uma feição dose-dependente.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of chronic consumption of di- and triheptanoin on hepatic steatosis (HS) in rats. METHODOLOGY: Wistar rats were submitted to a diet AIN-93 with 0, 30 or 50% of its oil substituted with an oil rich in di- and triheptanoin, groups TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 and TAGC(7)50 respectively, for nine months. The control group received Labina®. Liver histology, hepatic lesion and function proofs, glycemia and lipid profile, were performed. Variance analyses, F-test, Dunnet´s test and uni- and multivariate regression analyses were performed (p<0.05). RESULTS: TAGC(7)0, TAGC(7)30 and TAGC(7)50 developed HS; 80% of severe cases in TAGC(7)0, as against 40% in TAGC(7)50. The absolute (ALW) and relative (RLW) liver weights were higher in TAGC(7)0 and TAGC(7)30, and glycemia was greater in TAGC(7)30 and TAGC(7)50, than in the Control. Total cholesterol, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c and total proteins were higher in the Control. The experimental oil reduced RLW and showed a tendency in the reduction of body weight, ALW, percentage of hepatic lipids and the severity of HS. The explanatory variables in relation to HS were final weight, glycemia, albumin, HDL-c, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, VLDL-c and alkaline phosphatase. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that di- and triheptanoin have a hepatoprotector effect against HS, in rats, in a dose-dependant manner.

Extratos do pericarpo de frutos de Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapindaceae) foram testados para a atividade antifúngica sobre isolados clínicos de leveduras de Candida albicans e C. não-albicans obtidos de secreção vaginal de mulheres com Candidíase Vulvovaginal. Foram avaliados quatro isolados clínicos de C. albicans, um de cada uma das espécies C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis e uma cepa referência de C. albicans ATCC 90028. O extrato hidroalcoólico foi biomonitorado contra um isolado clínico de C. parapsilosis, apresentando forte atividade. O extrato butanólico e uma fração apresentaram forte atividade contra todos os isolados testados. Posterior análise desta fração via cromatografia em sílica gel (CHCl3:CH3OH, 1:1, v/v) resultou no isolamento de duas saponinas triterpênicas puras mono e diacetiladas, 3-O-(4-O-acetil-O-beta-D-xilopiranosil)-(1 -> 3)-alfa-L-ramnopiranosil-(1 -> 2)-alfa-L-arabinopiranosil-hederagenina (1) e 3-O-(3,4-di-O-acetil-beta-D-xilopiranosil)-(1 -> 3)-alfa-L-ramnopiranosil-(1 -> 2)-alfa-L-rabinopiranosil-hederagenina (2) respectivamente. A elucidação estrutural das substâncias foi baseada em dados espectrais (RMN de ¹H e de 13C, HSQC, HMBC, ESI/MS) e comparados com dados da literatura. As saponinas triterpênicas isoladas (1) e (2) apresentaram forte atividade contra C. parapsilosis.

Extracts from the dried pericarp of Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapindaceae) fruits were investigated for their antifungal activity against clinical isolates of yeasts Candida albicans and C. non-albicans from vaginal secretions of women with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Four clinical isolates of C. albicans, a single clinical isolated of each of the species C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and the strain of C. albicans ATCC 90028 were used. The hydroalcoholic extract was bioactivity-directed against a clinical isolate of C. parapsilosis, and showed strong activity. The n-BuOH extract and one fraction showed strong activity against all isolates tested. Further column-chromatography on silica gel separation of this fraction afforded two pure triterpene acetylated saponins: 3-O-(4-acetyl-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-(1->3)-alpha-Lrhamnopyranosyl-(1->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin (1) and 3-O-(3,4-di-acetyl-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-(1->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1->2)-alpha-L-arabynopyranosyl-hederagenin (2). The structures of the compounds were based on spectral data (¹H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC and MS), and on with literature. The saponins isolated showed strong activity against C. parapsilosis.