Abstract Bacillus cereus is a gram positive microorganism commonly involved in gastrointestinal infection but capable of causing severe infections and bacteremia. We describe here a case of bacteremia caused by B. cereus in a previously healthy young woman admitted to the intensive care unit following emergency surgery due to a penetrating abdominal stab wound and subsequent hepatic lesion. She developed fever during admission and cultures were taken. B. cereus was isolated in blood and hepatic fluid collection cultures. Treatment was adjusted according to the isolate, with good clinical results. It is important to highlight the pathogenic potential of this microorganism and not underestimate it as a contaminant when it is isolated from blood samples.

Resumen Bacillus cereus es un microorganismo gram positivo comúnmente involucrado en infecciones gastrointestinales, pero capaz de causar infecciones graves y bacteriemia. Presentamos un caso de bacteriemia por B. cereus en una mujer joven previamente sana que ingresa en la unidad de cuidados intensivos luego de una cirugía de emergencia, debido a una herida abdominal por arma blanca con lesión hepática. La paciente desarrolla fiebre durante la internación, por lo que se toman cultivos. Se aísla B. cereus en hemocultivos y material de colección hepática. Se ajusta el tratamiento según los hallazgos, con buena evolución clínica. Esta comunicación ilustra una fuente poco común de bacteriemia por B. cereus. Asimismo, destaca el potencial patogénico de este microorganismo, cuyo hallazgo en muestras de sangre no siempre debe conducir a su rápida desjerarquización como contaminante.

Abstract Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease develops when the stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and complications. Mild forms are non-erosive and erosive esophagitis, and severe forms are Barrett's esophagus and Esophageal adenocarcinoma. Matrix metalloproteinases are endopeptidases that can degrade components of the extracellular matrix, they play an important role in tumor invasion as well as in metastasis. Objective: To correlate the expression of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in esophageal biopsies from patients with mild and severe forms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Method: Cross-sectional study. The expression of MMP-9 was determined in biopsies of esophageal tissue of patients with mild and severe GRD. The included variables were age, sex, diagnosis, smoking and alcoholic habits, body mass index (BMI) and expression of MMP-9. Descriptive statistics was performed, Kappa for concordance in diagnosis as well as X2. Results: There were 50 patients, 32 (64%) men and 18 (36%) women, mean age 52.13 ± 14.75 years of age. 12 (24%) with smoking and 7 (14%) with alcoholism. Average BMI was 26.71 ± 4.07 kg/m2 (15 to 33); 40 (80%) with obesity. The inter observer concordance for histopathological diagnosis was 1.0 and 0.84 for esophagitis degrees. 27 (54%) patients had esophagitis, 16 (32%) Barrett's esophagus and 7 (14%) esophageal cancer. There was expression of MMP-9 in four patients with esophagitis, five with Barrett's esophagus and five with esophageal cancer. Statistical significance was found between the expression of MMP-9 and smoking (p = 0.011) and histopathological diagnosis (p = 0.052). Conclusions: The expression of MMP-9 is most common in severe forms compared to the mild forms of GRD.

Resumen Antecedentes: La enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) se desarrolla cuando el contenido estomacal ocasiona síntomas molestos o complicaciones. Las formas leves son esofagitis no erosiva y erosiva; las graves, esófago de Barrett y adenocarcinoma esofágico. Las metaloproteinasas de la matriz degradan componentes de la matriz extracelular, y tienen un papel importante en la invasión tumoral y la metástasis. Objetivo: Relacionar la expresión de la metaloproteinasa-9 (MMP-9) en biopsias esofágicas de pacientes con formas leves y graves de ERGE. Método: Estudio transversal. Se determinó la expresión de MMP-9 en biopsias esofágicas de pacientes con ERGE grave y leve. Las variables fueron edad, sexo, diagnóstico, tabaquismo, alcoholismo, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y expresión de MMP-9. Se realizó estadística descriptiva, concordancia para el diagnóstico y prueba de ji al cuadrado. Resultados: 50 pacientes, 32 (64%) hombres y 18 (36%) mujeres, con edad media de 52.13 ± 14.75 años. Doce (24%) fumadores y 7 (14%) con alcoholismo. El IMC promedio fue de 26.71 ± 4.07 kg/m2 (rango: 15-33); 40 (80%) eran obesos. La concordancia entre observadores para el diagnóstico histopatológico fue de 1.0, y de 0.84 para esofagitis. Veintisiete (54%) tuvieron esofagitis, 16 (32%) esófago de Barrett y 7 (14%) cáncer de esófago. Hubo expresión de MMP-9 en cuatro pacientes con esofagitis, cinco con esófago de Barrett y cinco con cáncer esofágico. Encontramos diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la expresión de MMP-9 y el tabaquismo (p = 0.011) y el diagnóstico histopatológico (p = 0.052). Conclusiones: La expresión de MMP-9 es más frecuente en las formas graves que en las leves de ERGE.

Abstract In Brazil, innumerable regions of native landcover have been removed and replaced by agricultural cultivation, especially of sugarcane. In this culture, the application of fertilizers containing metals has caused impacts on the water resources causing contamination of stream sediments and occasioning bioaccumulation of metals in aquatic invertebrates. In the year of 2006, an environmental diagnosis of metals in sediments of streams located near sugarcane cultivation areas and in streams located in preserved areas, was published. That study pointed to high concentrations of metals in stream sediments in agricultural areas. These streams have been monitored over the last 10 years conducting analyses of metals and monitoring possible changes in land use. In the present paper, a historical comparison of metals contamination in the sediments of the same streams is conducted, aiming to present a status of 10 years later, analyzing 5 metals (Zn, Cd, Mn, Cr and Fe) found in the sediments of 8 streams, five located in areas of sugarcane cultivation and three located in preserved areas. This study also shows that there is higher concentration of metals in the sediments of streams near sugarcane cultivation than in preserved areas. The temporal historical evaluation showed high concentrations of Cd in 2016 when compared to the year 2006 for streams near sugarcane cultivation.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to determine the content of macronutrients, dietary fiber, moisture and minerals in Salvia hispanica L.’s seeds. Moisture determination was carried out in a conventional oven until constant weight, proteins by the kjeldahl method, lipids by soxhlet, dietary fiber by the enzymatic gravimetric method and minerals by atomic absorption equipment, the anthrone colorimetric method was used for carbohydrates and the caloric value was determined by calculations. From the results, it can be informed that chia`s seeds have a significant content of dietary fiber 41.4 ± 1.20 g/100 g, lipids 22.3 + 0.283 g/100 g, protein 17.2 + 0.436 g/100 g and carbohydrates 8.46 ± 0.085 g/100 g. The minerals founded in greater concentration were potassium 617 ± 26.6 mg/100 g, calcium 532 ± 15.1 mg/100 g, magnesium 81.5 ± 2.25 mg/100 g, iron 10.8 ± 0.636 mg/100 g, in lower concentration sodium 8.97 ± 0.82 mg/100 g and zinc 4.03 ± 0.09 mg/100 g. Chia`s seeds stand out as a source of dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Its low level of sodium makes it suitable for diets with low sodium intake. The consuming of chia seeds could contribute to a varied and healthy diet.

RESUMEN El propósito de la presente investigación fue determinar el contenido de macronutrientes, fibra alimentaria, humedad y minerales en semillas de Salvia hispanica L. La determinación de humedad se realizó en estufa convencional hasta peso constante, proteínas por el método de kjeldahl, lípidos por soxhlet, fibra alimentaria con método enzimático gravimétrico, minerales por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, carbohidratos por el método colorimétrico de antrona y el valor calórico se determinó por cálculos. Con los resultados obtenidos se observó que las semillas de chía presentan un contenido importante de fibra alimentaria 41,4 ± 1,20 g/100 g, lípidos totales 22,3 + 0,283 g/100 g, proteínas 17,2 + 0,436 g/100 g y carbohidratos totales 8,46 ± 0,085 g/100 g. Los minerales encontrados en mayor concentración fueron potasio 617 ± 26,6 mg/100 g, calcio 532 ± 15,1 mg/100 g, magnesio 81,5 ± 2,25 mg/100 g, hierro 10,8 ± 0,636 mg/100 g y en menor concentración sodio 8,97 ± 0,82 mg/100 g y cinc 4,03 ± 0,09 mg/100 g. Las semillas de chía se destacan como fuente de fibra alimentaria, potasio, calcio, magnesio y hierro. Su bajo nivel de sodio lo hace recomendable para dietas con baja ingesta de sodio. Su consumo podría contribuir a una dieta variada y saludable.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the energy efficiency of a center pivot irrigation system operating in a terrain of variable topography. Values of Pumping Energy Efficiency (PEE), Supply Energy Efficiency (SEE), Global Energy Efficiency (GEE) and Specific Energy (Es in kWh m-3) computed at 18 different angular positions of the lateral line were used as energy efficiency indicators. An ultrasonic flow meter, digital pressure transducers and a power quality analyzer were used in order to evaluate hydraulic (total system flow-Q and total dynamic head-TDH) and electrical parameters (active electrical power - AEP) of the center pivot pumping unit that were required for evaluating the selected energy efficiency indictors. Topographic elevations of the water source, the pumping unit and of the center lateral line were also determined. For the center pivot lateral line, it was necessary to determine, at the 18 angular positions considered, the altitude of the track of each center pivot support tower. Results indicated that currently, even after more than 10000h of use, the center pivot system operates with satisfactory energy efficiency, as indicated by an average GEE value equal to 42.5%, that is classified as “good”. Statistical analysis indicated that the topographic disposition of the center pivot lateral line, as characterized by a uphill or downhill disposition, resulted on different PEE, SEE and GEE values, while the average Es value (0.42 kWh m-3) was not affected by the lateral line disposition.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of commercially used entomopathogens on Africanized Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Four bioassays were performed: 1) pulverized entomopathogens on A. mellifera; 2) entomopathogens sprayed on a smooth surface; 3) entomopathogens sprayed on soy leaves; and 4) entomopathogens mixed with candy paste (sugar syrup). Five treatments were prepared: sterile distilled water (control), distilled water sterilized with Tween® 80 (0.01%), and the commercial entomopathogens Metarhizium anisopliae E9 (1.0 × 109 conidia mL−1), Beauveria bassiana PL63 (1.0 × 108 conidia mL−1) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki HD-1 (3.0 × 108 spores mL−1). Each treatment consisted of five repetitions, with 20 workers per repetition, which were stored in a plastic box and, later, in a biological oxygen demand (B.O.D.) incubator (27 ± 2 ºC, RH of 60% ± 10%, 12-h photophase). The mortality of the workers was evaluated from 1 h to 240 h, and the data were analyzed using Bayesian inference. The workers killed by the ingestion of candy paste contaminated with the pathogens (products) were randomly separated and selected for the removal of the midgut. Each midgut was fixed in Bouin's solution and prepared for histology. B. bassiana was verified to reduce the survival of A. mellifera workers in all bioassays. Moreover, M. anisopliae reduced the survival of A. mellifera workers directly sprayed, on a smooth surface and mixed with candy. B. thuringiensis reduced A. mellifera survival on a smooth surface and mixed with candy paste. However, its effects were lower than that observed by B. bassiana. The treatments with the biological products did not induce morphometric alterations in the midgut of A. mellifera.

Resumo Existem poucos estudos sobre características germinativas de espécies de cactos nativos, sendo a temperatura e a luz, os fatores que mais interferem nesse processo. Assim, objetivou-se caracterizar os frutos e avaliar a influência da temperatura e luminosidade na germinação de sementes de Rhipsalis floccosa, Rhipsalis pilocarpa and Rhipsalis teres. Testou-se temperaturas constantes de 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35 °C e alternadas de 20-30 °C e 25-35 °C com fotoperíodo de 10 horas, e com a determinação da temperatura mais adequada, testou-se a germinação na ausência de luz. A porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação e o tempo médio de germinação foram avaliados. Para R. floccosa, a maior porcentagem de germinação foi obtida a 20 °C. Para R. pilocarpa e R. teres, as maiores porcentagens de germinação ocorreram a 15 °C e 20 °C. Verificou-se correlação entre as três espécies para a porcentagem de germinação, indicando comportamento semelhante entre essas. Na ausência de luz não ocorreu a germinação das sementes das espécies estudas. Em conclusão, a temperatura de 20 °C é a mais indicada para a germinação de sementes de R. floccosa. Para as espécies R. pilocarpa e R. teres, as temperaturas de 15 e 20 °C são as mais indicadas

Abstract The germination characteristics of the native cactus species are poorly known, being the temperature and the light the factors that the most interferes in that process. Thus, the objective of the present work was to characterize the fruits and evaluate the influence of the temperature and the light in the seed germination of Rhipsalis floccosa, Rhipsalis pilocarpa and Rhipsalis teres. The tested constant temperatures were 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C and the alternate of 20-30 °C and 25-35 °C in a photoperiod of 10 hours, and with determination of the most appropriate temperature, the germination was tested in light absence. The germination percentage, the index of germination speed and medium time of germination were evaluated. For R. floccosa, the highest germination percentage was at 20 °C. For R. pilocarpa and R. teres, the highest germination percentages occurred in 15 °C and 20 °C. There was correlation to germination percentage between the three species, indicating that they had similar germination behavior. Total absence of germination was verified for the three species in condition of light absence. In conclusion, the temperature of 20 °C is the most suitable for the seed germination of R. floccosa. For the species R. pilocarpa and R. teres, the temperatures of 15 and 20 °C are the most suitable.

Os pombos possuem uma rica diversidade de microrganismo, entre eles fungos sapróbios, como do gênero Cryptococcus, que podem atuar como agentes patogênicos para o homem e animais. Objetivou-se o isolamento, a caracterização bioquímica e a molecular de amostras de Cryptococcus spp. de excretas ambientas de pombos. Foram colhidas 100 amostras ambientais de pontos equidistantes e representativos da área da cidade de Araçatuba, São Paulo. As amostras foram rasteladas do solo de vias públicas, armazenadas em frasco coletor e encaminhadas para o Laboratório de Bacteriologia e Micologia da FMVA, onde foram processadas e cultivadas em duplicata, em placas de Petri contendo ágar Sabouraud dextrose a 4% e Niger. Em seguida, foram incubadas à temperatura ambiente e a 30ºC, respectivamente, por um período não inferior a 15 dias. Após a observação diária, as colônias sugestivas para levedura foram reisoladas em ágar Niger e submetidas a testes bioquímicos para posterior caracterização molecular pela técnica da PCR. Como resultado, a caracterização bioquímica e a molecular isolaram 32 colônias leveduriformes, sendo 8% dos cultivos positivos para Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans, 17% para Rhodotorula rubidae e 7% Candida albicans. Pelo exposto, concluiu-se que excretas ambientais de pombos constituem um microfoco para Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans e outras leveduras com potencial patogênico, representando um risco à saúde pública, sendo necessárias medidas preventivas, como a higienização com a correta remoção das excretas, a fim de minimizar os riscos de exposição ambiental.

ABSTRACT Pigeons have a rich diversity of microrganisms, including fungi saprobes such as the genus Cryptococcus that can act as a pathogen for humans and animals. The aim of this was their isolation, biochemical and molecular characterization of samples of Cryptococcus from ambientas avian excreta. One hundred environmental samples,representative of the area equidistant from Araçatuba, São Paulo points were collected. The samples were removed and stored in collection bottles, sent to the Laboratory of Bacteriology and Mycology of FMVA, where they were processed and cultivated in duplicate on Petri dishes containing Sabouraud dextrose 4% and Niger and incubated at room temperature 30° C, respectively, for a period of no less than 15 days. Colonies after daily observation which were suggestive for yeast growth were re-isolated in Niger agar and subjected to biochemical analisis for further molecular characterization by PCR tests. As results, the biochemical and molecular characterization of 32 yeast colonies revealed 8% of cultures positive for Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans, 17% Rhodotorula rubidae and 7% Candida albicans. It was concluded that environmental avian excreta are active sites for replication of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans and other yeasts with pathogenic potential. These constitute a public health risk, and preventive measures are necessary, such as cleaning and complete removal of excreta in order to minimize the risk of environmental exposure.

<title>RESUMO</title><p>Dentre os diversos fatores que influenciam as perdas de água por evaporação e arraste (PEA) destaca-se o vento. Sendo assim, os objetivos deste trabalho foram: i) determinar os valores de PEA decorrentes de onze avaliações de um sistema de irrigação do tipo pivô central; ii) gerar um modelo para estimativa de PEA a partir de variáveis explicativas; iii) avaliar modelos de predição disponíveis na literatura para estimar PEA a partir de ensaios de campo. Os ensaios foram realizados ao longo de um vão de 48 m, situado entre a quarta e quinta torre de um pivô central de 432,57 m de raio, equipado com sprays de placa oscilante modelo I-Wob. As PEA foram simuladas em função de cinco modelos empíricos propostos na literatura sendo ainda ajustado um modelo específico para a condição estudada. As avaliações de campo em diferentes condições meteorológicas demonstraram que os valores das PEA obtidos com modelos existentes na literatura apresentaram índices de adequabilidade insatisfatórios para as condições estudadas porém o modelo de PEA ajustado apresentou menores erros quando comparado aos modelos existentes, podendo ser utilizado para condições operacionais e climáticas semelhantes às observadas neste estudo.</p>

<title>ABSTRACT</title><p>Among several factors that exert influence on evaporation and wind drift losses (EWL), the wind has attracted researcher’s attention in scientific studies. In this context, the objectives of this study were: i) to determine EWL that occurred in eleven field tests with a center pivot system; ii) to develop a model to estimate EWL in function of predictor variables; iii) to evaluate prediction models available in literature for estimation of EWL from data acquired in the field trials. The tests were carried out along a 48-m span located between the fourth and fifth tower of a center pivot of 432.57 m in length, equipped with a model of rotating spray plate sprinklers known as I-Wob. Evaporation and wind drift losses were simulated using five empirical models. Additionally, a specific model was developed for the operational and meteorological conditions observed in this study. It was found that the empirical models presented unsatisfactory performance indices when they were tested for the operational and meteorological conditions observed in this study. The errors obtained from the adjusted model were lower than those observed when using the existing models. Thus, this model can be used for conditions similar to those experienced in this study.</p>

Novas linhas de evidências geológicas sugerem fortemente que o principal período de maturação de hidrocarbonetos na Formação Assistência teria ocorrido no Permotriássico, estimulado por um gradiente geotérmico elevado que também sustentou várias manifestações de atividade hidrotermal. Três fases principais de migração de fluidos e hidrocarbonetos também podem ser inferidas a partir de observações em multiescala: fluxo confinado no final do Permiano ao Triássico, dependente do acúmulo local de pressões de fluidos; fluxo heterogêneo no Cretáceo Inferior, desencadeado por um gradiente de temperatura rejuvenescido, assistido pelas condições de permeabilidade antes desenvolvidas; e um fluxo tardio, possivelmente impulsionado por gradientes de pressão locais, posteriormente ao esfriamento dos diques e soleiras de diabásio. A maturação precoce e a existência de vários estágios de migração de hidrocarbonetos apresentam implicações significativas na concepção de modelos exploratórios a serem aplicados na Bacia do Paraná.

New lines of geological evidence strongly suggest that the main period of hydrocarbon maturation within Assistência Formation should be Permian-Triassic, stimulated by a high geothermal gradient that also sustained various manifestations of hydrothermal activity. Three main stages of fluid/hydrocarbon migration can also be inferred on the basis of multiscale observations: confined flow in late Permian to Triassic times, depending on the local build-up of fluid pressures; heterogeneous flow in Lower Cretaceous, triggered by a rejuvenated temperature gradient assisted by the early developed permeability conditions; and a late flow possibly driven by local pressure gradients, after complete cooling of dolerite dykes/sills. The early maturation and multistage migration of hydrocarbons have significant consequences in the design of exploration models to be applied in Paraná Basin.